repeat ...sorry about that

Click image to enlarge       Balboa Dingy            6x6  Oil 

Pardon the repeat of the little Balboa Dingy.  I'm trying to connect my blog with my Daily Paint Works gallery account.  If I did the techy part correctly, this image should pop into my gallery at midnight tonight.  I didn't want to use the big tulip I posted earlier because it's not finished.  So.... thought I'd just re-post this one to see if it works.  Fingers crossed.....

Almost...but not quite done....

32"x32"  acrylic            Monte Carlo Tulip              Click image to enlarge

So this is about 90% done.  I know I want to change something but not quite sure what, so I'll let it 'simmer' for a week or so...and it'll tell me what it needs.  It's a big painting, almost 3' each direction. Big paintings often need that time.  Working on them up close is very different than when you step back about 15-25 feet or more. I'll hang it, look at it each time I pass it.  I think it has to do with the background (in person, it's lighter than this photo); I'll probably smooth it out a bit more, warm up the blue a little and maybe go even lighter.    I did a small version a few weeks ago, thought I'd try it big....   Any suggestions?  

Simply...Pears

                         Pears Resting #1        acrylic 6x6"

Tried a couple new tricks today.  Well, really old techniques but with a slightly different twist.  My usual approach, unless making an abstract, is to mark in my subject with tan or burnt umber, then paint in most of the dark areas (shadows) moving to the lights and then adding some touches of highlight or color for interest.  I did that today too but, based on a tip from artist Peggy Kroll-Roberts, I first mixed up large quantities of the colors I wanted rather than mixing as I go.  And, secondly, I used a flat brush (vs. a bright which I normally use) and loaded it with lots of paint - making long thick strokes.  Also I let go of lots of the detail - so that it's not 'photo realistic'.  These lighter value paintings are called 'high key'.  I tend to enjoy working in light colors in general; though dark backgrounds create more drama.

Presenting.....Eleven New Painters!

"Get Ready to Paint" classmates - College of Marin

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor....  well you get the idea...

(click photos to enlarge)

Here are my students from today's class.  What great sports - willing to schlep all their supplies in rainy gray weather to try something new and get out of their comfort zone.  They look so serious but don't let that fool you - they seemed really happy to be pushing that paint around.

A couple have dabbled in art classes before but from what I heard most have not painted at all.  A few new friendships were forged....several decided they would go home and create big abstract paintings and then get together to 'show and tell'.... which is really a smart-and fun-way to look at one's work with a critical eye, get suggestions and pick up ideas from one another. Some are planning to try various classes to see where their journey takes them. 

Whatever they do....as long as they are loving it....what could be better?!

Something New...Something Blue....

                   Balboa Dingy  6x6", oil

This jaunty little boat is my first attempt painting with a palette knife...and what fun it was!  My painting buddy, Linda Yoder, was kind enough to share tips she'd picked-up in a workshop she recently attended. You sure can't get too fussy with a palette knife; if you want to loosen up your painting style, give it a try.  Each day we'd paint, talk painting, look at paintings; total immersion = heaven. Four days, three paintings.  The last day we went to a vast Diebenkorn exhibit at the Orange County Museum of Art - 88 paintings from his Ocean Beach series  (20 years worth)  BTW - if you want to see Linda's version of this painting, check out her blog - noted on the right, down a bit, in my links.

A jug of wine and thou...

         A Jug and Fruit  acrylic, 24x14"

Music, paint, a few brushes ...and off we go.  No subject set up, just put brush to canvas and see where it goes. That's how I approach my abstracted still life and landscape work. And that's how this was painted. Unlike when I get real real and go for the detailed, more traditional style.

Busy getting ready to spend a few days in Tustin with my painting buddy, Linda.  Our plan is to paint daily -mixing up skill-building exercises along with trying out new styles. Of course, we'll manage a bit of gallivanting but the beauty is that we'll be painting, talking painting and getting out to see some art.  Too fun.

So probably won't blog next week.  But will get something up before my next class at College of Marin, March 24.  If you are free, join us.