The value of doing the same painting more than one time

November 20, 2014


Here is a photo that I took while driving on Princess Anne Street.  (not a recommended way to take photos)  I've always liked this view.  I did a 6x8 study which I thought might work in a larger size so I painted one that started with a white canvas and the other trying a new technique for me of using black for the drawing layer instead of burnt sienna or transparent red oxide.   The reason for using black is that I have been studying the work of Ken Auster and bought a DVD by him that I am waiting to receive.  His reason for using black is that it mixes with the following layer and introduces more grays into his colors. 

There is a great description of how Ken Auster starts his paintings and a summary of one of his workshops by Brian Buckrell on his blog.  He has an outstanding blog.  He is very generous in sharing what he has learned from different workshops.  His paintings are very beautiful, too, strong and dynamic.

http://brianbuckrell.blogspot.com/2012/09/weekend-with-masters-ken-auster-workshop.html

 
 
 
 
 
6 x 8
photo of location9x12 - white canvas

8x10 - started with black on toned canvas

 I'm glad I tried three different ways of doing this painting.  I learned something from each one and can't wait to receive my DVD about painting street scenes from Ken Auster, another artist who uses loose brush work and abstract shapes.  I like that look. 

 

I have been working....

November 16, 2014

New things I have been working on lately....

Notecards

I'm not sure why I make these.  The only reasons I can think of are:

it is fun to try different color combination

I have so much acrylic paint and hot press paper

I like the way they look

As soon as I finish them, I will show a photo.  If anyone is interested in how to makes these please let me know and I will post a blog with the steps. 

WARNING:  They take a lot of time and a lot of steps


COSTCO BOWS

I have been waiting for Costco to bring these out for the holidays.  There are 50 bows for 7 or 8 dollars.  So far  I have painted only three.  I was going to paint each one, but have scaled back to one of each color.  I recommend this because it is a great way to paint reflections and good practice for drawing. 

(will be at Heather Boutique once they are dried and framed)

Business Part of Art

Marketing

  I have had to accept that there has to be the ingredient of marketing in art, not a class that I took in college or anywhere so learning from the internet, blogs and the generosity of other artists has been my path. 

30 Marketing Ideas in 30 Days by Leslie Saeta jump started me into learning about the subject.  I recently found this online class called ART Biz Blog and that was through the advice of another artist.  There is an assignment at the end of each short video.  I'll add the links in the next 6 blogs. 

The first video talked about having a discipline of creating art.  The point was that you have to have a product to market.  The assignment was put up a sign with your studio hours and make the commitment to spend time creating art in your studio.    (pretty good hours....)


Check out this blog for marketing ideas and short videos  http://www.artbizcoach.com/


Daily Paintworks Website - a great motivator to paint everyday and see your progress.

Painting Glass

Painting Glass
November 7, 2014


This is a good place to write everything I have learned about painting glass.   Joe Anna Arnett's workshop was very helpful with this.   I'll picture some of the paintings I've done that show glass.  I was looking at Carol Camichael's Blog that shows a good photo of glass. 

Here the link to her blog:  http://www.carolcarmichaelpaints.com/2014/10/for-friend.html

It really shows how she painted what is in the glass and the highlights.  Nice one!

1.  PAINT FROM LIFE.  The highlights show up best this way.  Much better than a photo would show the highlights.  Use a light shining on the object and be sure no other lights in the room make highlights that could cause confusion.

1.  Paint what is in the glass or behind the glass.  It takes some careful observation because sometimes things are distorted especially the background.

3.  The waterline has a highlight at the edge with a darker value next to it  (under the water line).   If you are painting flowers with leaves and stems they go into the flat surface of the water and with distortion look like they are coming out in a little different place.  The flat surface of the water reflects what is about it. 

4.  There is usually a highlight at the front edge (top and bottom) which comes out the other side of the glass.  Also, look for a highlight where the light hits the object usually towards the middle. 

5.  The color of the contents of the glass usually reflect strongly on the flat surface.  Carol Michael's painting shows that well. 

It' all about the highlights......    I haven't mastered it yet, but keep trying. 

Angus Wilson Studio: 'Additions and changes' or 'Is it ever really fi...

November 6, 2014



Wow, this is so true.  I have done this quite a few times.  For me it is taking an abstract painting and painting another painting on top of it. 



I love this artists use of color and shape.  His blog came to my attention through a newsletter that I subscribe to called Brush Buzz.  They have a lot of info about marketing, too.  Just google Brush Buzz. 



Angus Wilson Studio: 'Additions and changes' or 'Is it ever really fi...: Campanula and jug on long table 20X47.5       Acrylic on wood Is it ever really finished?... Well in this case I'd have to say ye...



Like this painting that started as an abstract painting.  It still is an abstract painting in a lot of ways.  I even called it Abstract Tulips.

sold

Show at Water Street Studio

November 4, 2014

 

My last blog was about getting ready for a show.  I had a newsletter ready to go out, but Lynette Reed of Water Street Studio made this poster which I like much better than my newsletter so I emailed this to those on my email list. 

 

Thank you, Lynette, for making this poster.  You are so good at this.

 

Hope to see you on Friday for the reception.  John hung everything yesterday.  There is even a picture of him on the Water Street Studio website.  Thank you to John for doing this.  He does this like only an engineer can.  (I am the one slouched in a chair drinking coffee and watching John do all the work.)

 

Link to Water Street Studio.  They represent many artists and have so many items that would make great Christmas gifts. 

 

Thank you to Elizabeth, Lynette and Susan for inviting me to have a show.