Phone Call = Happy New Year!

Untitled-I, 2009.

Maybe, in honor of NY Eve this should be titled "Fireworks" ....?

This was done last year . I don't paint a lot of abstracts but enjoyed watching this one unfold. I did a smaller one too but then got jumped into other projects. Hope to do a few more this year -maybe a series.

About that phone call in today's title: This week a woman called and said she is about to open a modern furniture and design store in town. The space has lots of high walls with great lighting - so she decided to find original work from local artists (paintings, sculptures) to pair with her furnishings. Too fun!

On Thursday Ms. Kunckle came by the studio and selected several paintings; we schlepped them over today. Soon after the New Year she'll host a Grand Opening reception. Should be a lot of fun. I'll post your invitation here :-)

Wishing you and yours a happy healthy 2011. Mary

Tryptic: China Red. Acrylic on paper

Part 2 of three-part of a Tryptic. Could not fit all on this line.

It's been way too long since I've posted but I have a good excuse. Our last week in Buenos Aires (my last posting)-I got Shingles and have had them ever since. SO not much art going on. But - as I recover, I'm trying to get back into my work a little at a time.

Good News: Received confirmation on 3 Get Ready to Paint classes I'll teach in the New Year:

Feb. 6. Riley Street Art in San Rafael.

Feb. 12. Tam High, Mill Valley.

Mar. 12. College of Marin Kentfield.

This is a fun class designed for folks who has wanted to but never painted. We'll use acrylics. So - tell your buddies. More info and registration on the web sites for the venues noted above.

Hola from Argentina

Hola my patient blog pals, It's been so long since my last post. We've been in Buenos Aires since mid-Oct..ole'

Hubby is working here and between getting settled, learning my way around this huge city (6th largest) and figuring out how to paint in our tiny flat.....aww heck - excuses, excuses. Have done a little painting but not tons.

You can see my make-shift atelier. Using the buffet in the dining room which has a glass top -- makes it esp. easy to work on. I lay out my paint in plastic take-out food trays. A glass of water, a little table easel and ready to go.

This painting is of a little restaurant in the hip barrio of Palermo which is divided into Palermo Soho (art and designers), Palermo Hollywood (movie/tv studios), Palermo Viego (oldest buildings, homes etc). This is one of a zillion places to eat. The cute Vespa is used for food delivery. In BA they even deliver helado (like gelato) to your house! Now THAT needs to be imported to US for sure.

BTW - Will be teaching three sessions of my "GET READY TO PAINT" for beginnings - after the first of the year - will post that info soon. Also have been working on a new class while down here.

To those of you who paint, esp. my new students, please use my email and drop me a note of what you are working on.

To all - Hope you are having a lovely fall. Ciao for now, Mary

A great class today! plus.... a book tip

value study - black, white and gray

Brand new painters + 1 classroom + tons of enthusiasm, paint, brushes and playful spirits = one fun Saturday afternoon! (phooey - I forgot to take a photo of our gang)

A new session of Get Ready to Paint - this time in Mill Valley at Tam High school. My 'kids' -- a wide range of ages and histories; the common denominator was each wants to learn to paint but is hesitant to jump into a full blown landscape/figure/still life class -- that ol' fear of failure that so many of us have to face down all the time.

We played with brushes, the color wheel, complements and harmonious color. We mixed paints, made value scales. And then, because this group was fast and full of energy, we had a bit of time to spare so they created a value study of a subject (like the one above) --painting in one color - training the eye to find the spot or two of darkest dark, the the lightest light and two or three mid-tones. If you can nail your values - it doesn't matter what color you paint in. To share an anonymous quote - "color gets the credit; value does the heavy lifting".

Recommendation: the small wonderful book Art & Fear, for any one who wants to learn any new skill but is afraid of failing: (painting, music, writing, sports, cooking, a new job!) Easy to read - lots of wonderful anecdotes. You can check it out here http://www.amazon.com/Art-Fear-Observations-Rewards-Artmaking/dp/0961454733

Dillion's First trip to the Beach. oil on canvas.

This is a painting I made about 6 months ago. It started out as a practice study - on an old canvas that was partially painted (thus the cut-away edges). I love painting it - the sun on his hat and color my favorite parts. I'll send it off to his mom (our niece); hope she likes it.

A dear friend and fellow painter are talking about really delving into figure painting. Very appealing. Not portraits but paintings with people in them - abstracted usually. Should be fun and a bit of a challenge.

OK - my BAD!

Hi all. Recently I posted a kids' photo (see previous blog) - as I delve into figure painting. Promised to share the final pic. Well, started the painting and then put it aside to finish another project and get ready for today's class. So - my bad - still haven't finished it. Hope to this week.. Stay tuned.

Today, had a really fun workshop at the College of Marin - 15 enthusiastic 'newby' painters showed up and were really adventurous! (I meet the neatest people teaching this class).

They drank in tons of new info I presented, about brushes, paints, products, supports. Then I put them through the paces. First exercise - experiment with different brushes (see attached - click to enlarge) to learn how they differ in performance. Other exercises included color mixing with primaries and secondaries, making cool blacks and colorful grays and, saving the best for last, we ended with a lesson on the importance of knowing how to make use of value/tone to make a good painting great.

I'll be teaching this class in Mill Valley in October - a one day workshop like today. If you know anyone who might be interested have them register through the Tam District Adult Education (or contact met).

Play with paint - it's good for the soul!

Elena & Lia. Easter.

While I've done some figure painting - abstracted or models - have not painted people I know. GULP! I'm going to go for it. Try to capture the little cousins, both 6; Elena (granddaughter) and her cousin Lia. They're just 6 weeks apart in age.

I'll let you see it when it's done. Wish me luck!

Color theory - an experiement

Red Jubilee. 6x6 oil on board.

Color is a strange animal. We now know it can affect moods, looks different depending on what you pair it with. Can be "warm" or" cool" color.

Remember Red Jubilee? Well here is it with a warm harmonious background (left) and a cooler, contrasting background. I'm curious which you find more appealing?

Painting -Before & After: color mixing

Cherry-licious! redo 6x6" - oil

Today I reworked two little paintings that I did a couple of weeks ago. This is the first I reworked (new is on bottom): changed color combination and added a more distinct back and fore ground.

Which do you like better? Is it the color combo that affects how you feel about them?

Sometimes I look around my studio and find pieces that don't quite make me happy. I use them as "practice' pieces --trying out new brush strokes, colors, composition etc.

Some artists really hate doing this; if a piece doesn't work they destroy it. But for me, working an 'old' painting I'm not satisfied with gives me a feeling of freedom. It's not like that precious white new canvas. If I think of it as recycling for practice sake - I'm free to experiment - get crazy. Sometimes I do this multiple times (experiment; not 'get crazy'!). The end result is always a surprise.

Richard Schilling - DIY Art

Today I'm just passing along a wonderful link - one sample of the DIY (Do It Yourself) art movement. DIY is about finding ways to create art that is accessible. It is an anti-big-business-corporate-art world groundswell. Examples range from public free temporary work like Schillings (attached) to instances where artists form their own collectives, find venues to share their art (visual, movement, literary). I think you'll enjoy these wonderful art works made in nature, from nature - by pros and novices alike. May it be a spring board for us all to think outside the box, Enjoy. if it doesn't open - cut and pst into your browser. http://www.tikkun.org/tikkundaily/richard-shilling/

Just returned from a week with the grandkids. While I had hoped to make a little painting or two my art this trip consisted of sandcastles, pine-cone collections and clothespin dolls :-) New work soon.

3 Painting Classes Coming up

Three session of "Get Ready to Paint" are now schedule for the next couple of months.

This is an orientation for the total novice - covering brushes, canvas prep, basic color mixing etc. We have a lot of fun. Some presentation, demos and hands-on activities.

If you know anyone that might be interested pls pass this along! Questions? email me.

August 8 - Riley Street Art Supply, San Rafael.

September 11 - College of Marin, Kentfield Campus

October 2 - Tam District Adult Ed - Tam High, Mill Valley.

A Sneak preview - and two Painter's Tips

Two peeks at a new piece started a few days ago. Worked on it most of today, except when I was having a friendly (I hope) FB debate with my ol' pal Charlie.

What fun this new project is. In my typical schizophrenic style, from last week to this, I went from using 6x6" to 36x48" canvas, oil to acrylic, realism to abstraction (shoot, I'll never be a famous "landscape" or "still-life" or "portrait" painter.... too confining. Will post the final soon.

Painter's (Green) Tip: You never have to throw away paint.

Tip 1: When you finish painting, cover you palette and acrylic paints, with waxed paper, pat down the edges to the palette and pop in the freezer for a day, a month - or longer (trust me on this...and don't ask me how one can forget /not notice a big pan full of paint....). Before you cover it, wipe off the thin, used areas of paint - keep the big blobs of clean or mixed paint.

Tip 2: Another way to use up all your leftover paint - prime any new canvases/board etc. you have laying around. Don't worry about it being all one color, smooth, thin, missing places Whatever you have left - wipe across your next to paint surface. Eventually you can cover completely with your next painting...or let little surprise color highlights pop through.

Cherry-licious... thanks to Fern!

"Cherry-licious" 6x6" oil on panel. Thanks to you you all for the fun titles for yesterday's painting: Compassion, Red Jubilee, Starting Life, Cherrilicious, the Huddle and Cherry Hug ---all terrific titles. Pulling out of a hat, the winner is...(ta-da) "Red Jubilee". Thanks Marilyn G.!

Since there were so many cute titles to choose from, I chose another one for today's painting -- Cherry-licious, from Fern N (I made a letter change - OK?) By the way, the back wall is grayish in the orig.; go figure!

So you're off the hook for this one. Watch for another "name that painting" image later this week. .

Painter's (Green) Tip: Make friends with those old scruffy crusty brushes and save them from the dump. You can get some great affects with frumpy brushes. They are wonderful for making uneven, squiggly lines and edges, 'carving' marks in thick paint, etc. When I'm stumped with a painting that seems to be overworked or going down a dead end, I grab one of my old brushes and redraw or just put some color on and enjoy the unpredictable. I used two rough one today to create an edge that I didn't want to look rigid.

What shall we title this?

"______" ? 6x6" oil/board.

Help me name this little orphan: click comment or send an email to me. Winners will get fame, fortune... well, maybe not - perhaps just notoriety. :-) I'll post a couple more later this week ....let's see how creative you can be.

The cherries were gorgeous. What is it that is so happy about cherries?

Soon I'll try a similar one with acrylic to see which ends up easier/more fun to paint. Or better yet - someone from my last class - give it a try. Let me know how it turns out.

China Red /2. This is the 2nd image of a small triptych piece.

About a week ago I committed to painting every day for the week; pretty much did. Little guys - 6x6", oils. Been waiting for them to dry so I can shoot photos. Some I like better than others. Will post a few during the week. Always hard to come up with a name - how many "tulips" can one have?

Stand by - you can help name them. This is not from last week but had the photo already.

PAINTERS TIP: Lava soap! Amazing for cleaning off oil or acrylic paint from your hand. And you thought it was only for auto shop!

Paint Solver: Be cleaner - be thrifty - be smart!

'Two Fujis' - oil on canvas. 5x5

Oil painters often use mineral spirits, turpentine or Turpenoid for cleaning brushes and sometimes as a medium. Sadly, many newbies throw out a lot of it each session - wasting both the product and money, not to mention having adding a lot of toxic product to our fragile planet.

Thought I'd pass on an efficient, cleaner was to handle your solvent:

1. Get yourself two old food jars with good screw-on lids: one for dirty solvent; one for clean solvent.

2. Into a clean jars, pour a little solvent and use it sparing while you paint. Between colors, wipe your brush well on an old thick rag/towel. Often you can then go to your next color without rinsing the brush in solvent. You usually can get away with rinsing only when going from a dark color to a much lighter color.

3. At the end of your painting session, pour the dirty solvent into your second jar, put lid on tight.

4. Let the solution separate. After a few hours (or overnight) the dirty paint sludge will settle to the bottom.

5. Next painting session, carefully pour the clean solvent into your 'clean' jar - to use again.

This process can be done over and over. Your solvent will last for years. Or, better yet, avoid toxic solvets. Use Murphy's Oil, kitchen oil, painter's soap or other on-toxic product to clean your brushes. Now - go paint!

One step at a time....

(Chine Red II; acrylic on paper)

Some weeks I think about painting more than I do it - booo. This week I commit to painting every day (once I clean a path in the studio tomorrow!)

Saw an odd, haunting movie recently - "Seraphine" (Netflix) - about a woman's passion for making art in spite of her circumstances. Many things to soak up in this movie. One point that particularly struck me is that she just let her art flow - no formal lessons, no thought about a 'right vs wrong' way to paint. She had the urge to paint and she did it- she had no choice really. With little or no money she found ways to make 'paint'...no Winsor-Newton tubes to buy readily! Her originality is what made her art special. Pretty inspirational. Let me know if you have any other art movies to recommend...

Got a couple new class dates scheduled. I'll post them in a day or two.

"Cuties"

These little 'cutie' tangerines are sweet to eat and sweet to paint. I worked on value to show how the afternoon light pushed played on the subjects.

If any of my students see this, note the gradual transition on the pitcher - the middle values - between the light side and the back side - as also on the tangerines. Oil on panel, 5x5".

p.s. the original is really crisp - the fuzziness is my poor photography!

"Color gets the credit but value does the heavy lifting" (anon quote shared by Debby Kaspari)

Wow, this is so true! - whether you're talking about a b&w or color image.

Beginners often paint with little attention to value relationships (i.e. degrees of lightness and darkness (not to be confused with color changes). To give life and interest to your piece, to keep the viewers attention - the drawing/paintings should have at least 3, hopefully more, value changes.

In the first image there is very little value change. It's almost monotone. Except for the left side of the piece, most areas are middle gray with a few brighter light touches - barely.

In the second picture, note there are multiple values i.e. lights and darks: the darkest almost black areas (mid-section of stems), the brightest areas (reflection of light on water, next the buds) and then several different mid-gray values (left foreground vs. right foreground vs. right back area vs. water). Finally these value variations were translated into color.

It takes a bit to train the eye to notice value. Try to identify 'value' (lights and darks) when going about your day. If there is an apple sitting on the kitchen table and the morning light comes in through the window squint and look at the 'scene' and pick out:

- the very darkest dark (perhaps in the shadow wear the apple meets the table? or the shadow side of the stem?

- there may also be a dark shadow between the sunlit side of the apple and the back shadowy side....is it darker or lighter than the table shadow.

- Note how the table shadow is darker in some area than another.

- Where is the lightest brightest area?

- What is the 2nd lightest area?

- How does the sunny side of the table look compared to the shadowy side?

I'll share some other images of value in the next few days. Questions?

And the winner is......

..."West Marin".

This was a busy Spring -- hosting a solo exhibit, teaching classes and being part of Marin Open Studios. It's always interesting to see how different art appeals to different people .... but hands down this little image has been the most popular this season. They were bought for birthday, wedding or 'just for me' gifts.

After getting lots of positive feedback on the original I decided to have museum quality prints made. If you know anyone who is might enjoy this little abstracted West Marin landscape - more info here ..... http://www.maryvalente.com/painting.php?pid=westmarin&gid=4

It's almost that time again....

Time flies - so let's have some fun. June 19th I'll be teaching a Saturday workshop at College of Marin (Kentfield): "Get Ready to Paint" class - for beginners. It's been well received - helps the novice get the basics before walking into a full-fledged painting course. We'll be working in acrylics only.

If you know anyone who might be interested - have them go to this website - scroll down to 7th entry.

http://marincommunityed.org/summer2010/course/art.htm Call me if you have questions: 415 312-9575.

3 Degrees of Separation - last weekend

3 Degrees of Separation = 3 unique visions offered by Patricia Leeds, Patti Oji and yours truly.

(double click to see large image)

In its final week, this exhibit offers a wide spectrum of creative work: paintings (realism, abstraction), collage, masks and more.

Drop in to the Underground Gallery -at Art Works Downtown - a very cool labyrinth of 40+ studios and galleries. As the name implies - our work is in a gallery is on the lower level.

The show runs through June 3. 10 - 6:00 daily, except Mondays.

Peonies - finally

(Double click to enlarge image).

At UC, one instructor said "Sometimes a canvas seems to be jinxed. After several attempts at your painting, you are ready to throw in the towel. You can even white it out and start anew but, alas, the bad mojo stay" For awhile that seemed to be the case with this crazy painting... but I was determined.

Every day the darn peonies changed shape dramatically. Luckily, I had taken a photo the first day so I had a reference of the original subject blooms.

And the canvas seemed to be fighting the brush. Not sure exactly why but one flower would develop easily--the brush flying through the 'feel' of a zillion fragile petals (e.g. lower right); then the next bloom would be a two day struggle - and end up like mush; I'd have to redo-redo-redo until it seemed right. And the background - it has evolved from a burnt gold to a gray-blue-t0...now this cream/tan. Perhaps part of the problem is that I'm not an impressionist - so while my plan was to work quickly, using values rather than details to give the impression of the flowers, my inner 'realism' voice kept trying to take over. So I guess you can all this a hybrid. To see the original fresh flowers just scroll down.

Impressionism anyone?

(click to enlarge). The De Young museum opens with the Impressionists exhibit this week. Can't wait to see it. While looking at some fresh peonies I bought at Trader Joe's (a splurge - their my favorites!) they called to me - so decided to try an impressionistic painting.

Working with acrylics, since they dry fast, and I felt these blooms would change dramatically in a couple of days. But - whoa- could they be more detailed? So many petals upon petals upon petals.. all almost the same color.

So, here's a glimpse of my first 'impressionist' efforts. I thought I'd share it now because sometimes I get to this point with a new technique - where I like it 'so far' but then before I know it - it goes downhill. (ahrrr)

But either way, I'll be brave and post the final - whether or not I'm satisfied with it. That's only fair ...and anyway it's about the process and learning...AND having fun!

A Rose by any other name....

Roses from Phil's mom's garden - may be the inspiration for my next few paintings. May go realistic - or impressionistic. Waddayathink?

Original vs Prints ....

In the late 90s and early this decade there was a ton of buyers for original art. The stock market was strong, the housing market wild - people were buying big homes and looking for art to fill their walls. Festivals and openings became hot social gathering with art lovers everywhere.

Then, with the 'dot-com' bust and the housing market slump, there just wasn't a lot of 'discretionary' money for the nice-to-have purchases....like ART. Festivals and exhibits are still well attended but visitors are more hesitant to purchase the paintings they love.

Giclee prints are a great compromise. These are not like prints off the home printer. They are high quality images; the color is pigment vs. dye based, i.e. the same pigment that is found in traditional oil paint. They can be printed on archival paper or canvas - just like the original!

I typically select 300 lb. 100% cotton rag paper. Coupling this pigment ink and archival paper, the color and quality of these prints makes it hard to tell the original from the copy. I create a limited edition of most which keeps the buyer's purchase valuable.

The picture here "Pitcher with Fruit", along with"West Marin", have been made into prints and are in my current inventory. If there is a picture on the website that you would like to have a print of, let me know. I can usually have one ready for framing within two weeks.

Any questions?

The morning after...

(double click to enlarge image)

Open Studios was a great, weekend long party! Said goodbye to several of my favorite paintings - happy they are finding good homes.

As I looked around the gallery, it occurred to me that visitors may wonder if I'm not a bit schizophrenic: a photorealistic white tulip, an loosey-goosey landscape - or, like "Just a Whisper" (left ), an impressionistic piece with abstract tendencies, all coming from one painter?

Eventually a couple folks did ask about the varied range of styles and I tried to explain it with music: one day I'll put on something quiet, soft and classical - a strong quarter or acoustic guitar; the next day I could be blasting Brazilian jazz. Viva la' difference I always say....

SO - if you ever have an idea for new subjects that I might want to tackle - send them along!

Thanks to ALL who helped make these Open Studios such a fun experience.

Day 1 - Open Studio (more tomorrow)

Today was a blast! My two painting pals (Patti and Patricia) and I shared the "Underground Gallery" -- part of a 40-studio labyrinth -an amazing space.

Lots of visitors - old friends came by, also met many new people...and made several sales which always feels good. Tomorrow, Mother's Day, we'll be at it again 11-6. Our work stays up through the end of May. Come-on by.

See yesterday's blog for OS details -

OK - another one ready for the show.

White Poppies- 40 x 30. Acrylic.

I need to learn how to photo. In real life, there's no shadow on the bottom of the piece. Very light and colorful white.

See below for time etc. of Open Studios. Come-on-by.

Reminder: May 8 & 9 OPEN STUDIOS Win $2500 worth of art

What's not to like? Open Studios May 8th and 9th. Plus a chance to win $2500 worth of art, food, music and lots of fun - OH MY!

Check out the raffle - http://www.marinarts.org/ then click on the raffle link. GOOD LUCK!

I'll have a few brand new pieces, work from my February show and a special bin of studio staples. Originals and prints. Come-on-down! 1337 4th Street, San Rafael. 11:00 - 6:00 both days.

Thought I'd try something new - here's a sample: "Whisper, II" . The photo is not great; I took it outside this afternoon - so some shadows and darker than the real painting. I need to get a professional image of it soon. But it gives you an idea.

Two May Events

(double click image to see visuals from 3 artists)
Join us! At the Underground Gallery in Art Works Downtown 1337 4th Street, San Rafael

I: Marin Open Studios May 8 & 9 11:00 - 6:00 (fun Mother's Day outing)

- Underground Gallery at Art Works Downtown (studios, galleries).

II: Second Friday Art Walk May 14 5:00 - 8:00

visit the labyrinth of art studios at AWD then tour various venues along 4th St,

including Donna Seager Gallery and Crome Architecture and other art hosting shops.

Both events include hosted receptions.

Eggsactly!

'tis the season - for coloring eggs, hiding eggs, finding eggs and.... painting eggs! I hope you are enjoying the brief but wonderful sunshine, spring flowers and all things fresh and beautiful.

Had a great albeit small, group class today at Drake High. What we lacked in size these "kids" made up in enthusiasm! GO NEWBIES! They also gave me some excellent feedback -- changes I will incorporate in future classes.

These little paintings: harmonious colored eggs - acrylic on gessoed archival french watercolor paper with deckled edges. 5x7" What to name them?!! Any suggestions?

Correction - ooops

I apologize, the Riley store sale is longer than 5 days. I got it confused with another "5 day only" notice I received this week. Check out the flyer I sent (below) for full run time. silly ol' me.

Just an FYI for the local yokes...

If you live in Marin or Sonoma, or even SF - I just got an email about a huge 5-day sale at Riley Street Art Supply (4th Street, San Rafael - and at their Santa Rosa store too). Very good prices on paints, canvases etc. Thought I'd pass info along. I won't do this often - but you can sign up directly with them to get these notices. Happy Painting! http://www.rileystreet.com/

Saturday workshop -

Wow time flies. Saturday (Apr 3) I'll teach another "Get Ready to Paint" - an orientation for novice painters!" session. It's been a popular class and I love meeting folks who are setting out on this new adventure. We'll meet at Sir Francis Drake High School, 10-2:00. There are still a couple places left. If you know anyone that might be interested learning about and trying out basic tools and materials needed for oil or acrylic painting - they can show up and register there - or contact Tam District Com. Ed. Join us!

"Painting Tidbits" ...

What are these !? you ask. After my classes, students write with questions. Got me thinking about sharing painting tidbits here from time to time – with a visual when practical.

To kick this off, a bit about brushes, those commonly used with acrylics and oils: rounds, brights, filberts, the palette knife... and one of my faves – the Big Stubby Round.

The pictures here are 'details' from a large 40x60” painting in progress - selected to show different effects these clever brushes offer:. (double click image to see large view)

Top left: the red, bluish and white horizontal lines were done with a round brush - long handle; I stood back always from easel. Paint dried between each layer (there are many many layers of paint on this piece). For the white line, the brush was pretty dry with out-of-tube paint; for the bluish line - there was a bit more water with the paint so it flowed and made a smother line . fyi-Sometimes after the paint sets up a bit I take a damp towel over my finger and rub out some of the line so it isn't too uniform (from length and/or width).

Top left and just below: the ochre gold flat surfaces and the bumpy white marks were made with paint (no water) spread with palette knife over older layers of paint.

Picture on right: a bigger view that includes the first pic. combo of the round, the palette and a very large filbert.

Bottom pic: This is one corner of the big painting. All the negative space (white cloudy area) was built with layer over thin layer using 'big stubby brush' -i.e. washes of white and water. Sometimes a little thicker. You can see faint vein-like color lines showing through.

The process with this type of painting is very organic. When in doubt – pick up a new brush and wipe something out or add something new – It's a blast!

So let me know if materials and paintings tips are helpful. I welcome your input - just click on "comments' and tell me what other topics you may want to know about.... I've got a few lined up for the next couple of weeks.

Happy Painting!

Coming up Friday..

...Falkirk Cultural Center hosts their Annual Bay Area Exhibit juried by Donna Seager, owner of the Donna Seager Art Gallery.

Friday night is the opening reception (5:30 - 7:30). Lots of fun work on display from a variety of artists - like yours truly :-) Drop by if you have time. They'll even have some little treats to lure you in.

This is the 'sister' of the one in the show.

"Birthday Tulips:" - 20x20, oil.

1000th Painting!

Today a artist friend posted her 1000th Painting! Carol Marine, a painter in Texas, has been painting and posting her work for a long while.

In Art & Fear, there is a wonderful passage. A pottery class is divided into w parts. Half the students are charged with making as many pots as they can; the more pots- the better the grade. The other half is asked to make only one pot but it should be perfect. At the end of the term, it turns out the pots made by those who went for quantity - turned out the most exquisite pots of all! They learned from their trial, error and experimentation. So....

...Enjoy the process --and good things will come. You can see Carol's 6x6" 1000th gem at http://carolmarine.blogspot.com/

Happy Painting

Six new painters!

Six cool students! What a great bunch we had yesterday.

Our Riley's group included total art novices as well as some who have have worked in other mediums - watercolor, sketching, photography etc.--all curious about acrylic or oil painting. Time sped by - and felt jam-packed, at least to me.

If I'm lucky, the April 3rd Tam District class will be half as much fun! OK - back to painting....yahoo!

For what it's worth....

I've just learned about a fellow who makes frames at unbelievably low prices. He contacted me and other artists here in Marin & Sonoma. Haven't tried him out yet but I did watch his video - seems to really know his stuff. I often use shadow-box frames - they set work of nicely and then your buyer can replace the frame with a style that best fits their decor, if they so choose. Again, I've not yet tried him, but will. Thought I'd pass this along. Ted Gross

http://paintersframer.com/  

a tip about a canvas sale

Just read one of my emails and - FYI - Riley Street Art Supply is having a huge canvas sale starting Saturday. Thought I'd share the tip. M

The TIme has Come - Finally!

After being postponed from Jan, it's finally time for "Get Ready to Paint" - an orientation for totally novice painters. Tomorrow (3/20) is the big day. Can't wait to meet these new painters!

I'm always amazed that no matter how much I try to pack in - it is only the 'tip of the iceberg'. But after sharing some basics my goal is to make folks more comfy when they walk into their first actual painting session.

Tomorrow's class is at Riley Street Art Supply (info below). The one on April 3 is at Sir Francis Drake High on April 3rd through Tam District Community Ed. If you think of someone who would enjoy a 'peek at what painting' is about, let them know.

If you can't make the class - but are curious about painting, just get a few basic colors of acrylic paint - a couple brush, a tub of water - and GO FOR IT! All playing with paint is good - for skill building ...and for the soul!

5x5, oil on canvas