Monday, August 16, 2010

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!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

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?

Thursday, August 5, 2010

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.