Little Gingko

Not far from our street I pass by this little gingko  It's radiant before the leaves fall. The day I took the photo the sun was just bouncing off the bright side.  Worked on the dramatic shadows and brightness of this scene.

In the next couple of days, I'll post the dates of my winter classes at College of Marin and Tam High. Workshops will run January through March.

Hope you all have enjoyed the  holidays - some time off from the normal routine.  Happy New Year!

Follow the Leader

          8x10                                                                           acrylic   

Had a fun day in my studio yesterday and today painting "Follow the Leader".  After almost two weeks not painting it felt so good to pick up those brushes.  These two girls were marching around in a San Anselmo park.  Lots of giggling going on. I was so wishing I could be in on their little secrets.

Secondly, an apology for any hassles you may have encountered from my last post.  Turns out that to vote you needed to allow access to your FB account (if you have one).  How rude is that?  I had no idea. So let's write off that crazy project!  I'm going to contact the De Young and let them know how inappropriately their promo people are handling this project.

A good Christmas gift?  To purchase, click here.

David Hockney on-line contest exhibit

Have you seen the David Hockney exhibit at the DeYoung ..and the dozens of friends' and self portraits? Well, my neighbor Laura alerted me to a cool Hockney on-line contest--asking for images of friends or self.  Sounded like a fun idea to me so I submitted a couple pieces.  Just learned they got accepted,

It's a trip to see my image as part of a David Hockney Exhibit poster....
https://apps.facebook.com/meltwaterpromo/670966/entry/766970

Here's the main page with many submissions. As I'm writing, they're on the third line. Might be lower by the time you get this. You'll notice one called "The Pout".  It's a detail shot of a bigger portrait of Elena.  Her full portrait may be added tomorrow.
https://apps.facebook.com/meltwaterpromo/670966/entries?filter=submit&sort=time

One of the more novel exhibits I've entered.

Christmas Treats

You're right - it's been a long time.  I'm doing some painting but mostly enjoying the holidays..beginning with the late Thanksgiving kick-off.  Each year, since my first grandchild was 18 months, we've had cookie day with him and his sister.  That little guy is not so little anymore - passed me up this year and begins high school next fall!  But he's still seems to enjoy our tradition - he's adventurous around the kitchen..making up new recipes as we go.  And younger sis puts us all to shame with her decorating patience and skill.   I figure this little ritual may fade as they get bigger, so I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

For this painting I used our mini biscotti and sugar cookies....then we ate them!  Sorry, the photos is fuzzy - painting is not.

Not sure when I'll post again this year.  Just in case, let me wish you peaceful and joyful time with your loved ones over the next few weeks.  Wait! Why just then?  Let it last all the way through 2014.

To Bid or Buy - click HERE

Coral and White

What is this woman looking at in Dana Point harbor?  I looked for awhile but never saw a thing out there. Back at home, when I looked at the photo it hit me that she may just be holding her hair back in the breeze.

Painted this on a panel by SourceTec.  New for me.  They're solid and easy to carry and store but the surface is quite rough - at least on this style. Will play around with them a bit more.  Maybe try another style too.

Lots of good art coming my way this week. Monday met up with a pal at the Celebration of Craftswomen that ran three days at Ft. Mason.  Gorgeous textiles - worsted wool and silk jackets, hats, scarves along with hand-made journals, huge variety of pottery and jewelry.  Then, this Thursday a neighborhood friend set up an outing to see the David Hockney exhibit at the De Young museum.  I heard there are over six rooms full of painting.  I've only seen a few of his iconic pieces; can't wait to see this huge variety of his work.   If you've seen the show, let me know what your favorites were--I'll check them out.  It'll help me focus! 

Garden Roses

acrylic 20x16 stretched canvas                 click image to enlarge

Had to paint these delicate roses fast.  They're the 'carpet' type....not really great for cutting; they drop their petals easily if bumped or moved but they were so pretty I had to try and bring them in and capture their delicate feel.

Maine Light

8x10" oil on panel                                    click to enlarge

Recently I've been working with white in all kinds of light: learning how to make it read warm and cool; making it more complex with multiple colors.  This weekend I painted Maine Light  at a workshop taught by Tim Horn at the Knowlton Gallery in Lodi.  In "Keeping it Fresh, Tim demonstrated how to use elements of plein air painting when working from photos.  It was great fun.. he's a friendly and patient teacher. And, the icing on the cake....the other 'kids' in the class were a kick. Lovely, funny, supportive.  The learning continues....

You're Invited...

..to the annual TINY show at Studio Gallery, in SF.  Gallery owners Jennifer and Rab selected these two pieces; two of my favorites--probably because the 'models' are so dear to me.

I'll be there late afternoon Sunday for about an hour.   The receptions are fun, often spilling out onto Polk - if you can, come by and say hi.

If you can't make the reception, the exhibit will run Nov and Dec. Details about the show, and a preview, can be seen here:  http://www.studiogallerysf.com/

Blast from the Past Calle Lillies

20x16" oil on canvas                              click to enlarge

When I moved my studio last winter, I found this painting tucked in the back of my canvas storage cabinet. It's one of one of my earliest still life pieces. The background is a prussian blue-black.  The most fun was painting the 'white' - use so many colors and yet it reads as white.

Blogger Blues :-(

Dear Friends, I'm SO sorry you are getting old blog images... arrrrhhhh   I recently signed up for Google+.  I like that my android photos automatically upload to my MAC - easy to just grab for posting.

Then I noticed a ton of OLD photos in Google+(1-3 years) so decided to delete them.  BIG MISTAKE. Had no idea they were connected to my blog. Suddenly images throughout my blog were gone. So, I tried to 'fix' it by editing and reposting the missing blog photos.  Now, as you notice,they are reappearing as new posts.  Again - my apologies.

 Please hang in there.  A new post in coming soon; working on another parade painting.

Birthday Tulips 1&2

acrylic on canvas                                                   20x20 plus large gold frame

acrylic on canvas                                   18x24 black frame  with gold accent 

I'm entering one of these in a juried show this week; haven't decided which yet.  They were from hubby for a birthday awhile back.  I painted fast and furious because each day they changed positions - felt like I was painting dancers.  Boy they were hard to photo.  Something about the contrast between the very black background and the bright flowers created lots of glare even when I shot them in a room with no direct sunlight.  Anyone have a trick for shooting these dark colors?

To purchase:  http://www.maryvalente.com/painting.php?pid=birthdaytulips

P.S..  Long ago I found this great entry an art forum -from a painter - Elwell.  Thought I'd pass it along:

Question "How can I hasten drying time on an oil painting?"

Answer:  "How thick a paint layer are we talking? If you've got any impasto then your best bet is to leave well enough alone. If we're talking relatively thin layers, however, there are some old illustrator's tricks. 

Yes, heat works, but you have to be careful. A drawing lamp positioned ~6-8" from the painting should dry it overnight, but only works on relatively small areas. I do know of one illustrator (Rene Milot) who uses those McDonald's fry lights. I've even heard of people putting paintings in the oven at very low heat. In all cases, you want to heat things up just slightly. You don't want a scorched painting (at best), or a burnt-down house!

Thin washes of paint can also be dried with a misting of Krylon Crystal Clear spray. Only do this outdoors or with LOTS of ventilation, as this stuff is pretty nasty. I wouldn't do this on any piece you were intending for the ages, as there is the possibility of yellowing and cracking down the line, but it does work in a pinch.

Finally, you can build a box around the painting out of cardboard or foam core so that it can be transported, photographed, etc. while still wet.

All of these can be avoided, of course, by using some sort of drying medium when you paint."

Elena

Remember the self-portrait I did in Sept. ..using lots of color to push the values, facial planes etc.? Well, I thought it would be fun to paint Elena like that though found myself toning it down a bit ...perhaps because of the mood of the photo; she was really absorbed in her book.

BTW - this painting was done in acrylic; the parade painting posted a couple days ago was with oil.  I really can't tell a difference looking at paintings.  Though, when painting, it feels very different.  Can you tell?

Oktoberfest Parade

 (Click on image to enlarge)
I started this painting last week. Thought I'd show the progression.  What a challenge this was.. the photo is full of men and women in gray and black costume...with this sweet girl leading her town's Bavarian band.  Her bright red jumper popped against their staid colors. Decided to paint the band vague-ish; she's my bloom to shine on.    
The parade of 8000 participants(!)..led to great beer & bratwurst tents, music and the "largest carnival in the world".

Two for Today....

This is my second post for today. I thought my first painting since arriving home would be from the photos I posted (below) but after lunch I noticed new pears on our tree so went out to pick a couple. Thought I'd taste them but they were so cute and little ...so I painted them first.  I'll move on to the trip paintings soon.  Does anyone know what type of pears these are?  I call them "winter pears" -they are small - about the size of a plum, if that.

Some "kodak moments"....

Finally back and getting over jet-lag.  Thought I'd post just a few photos - hope that you can use some for your own paintings. I welcome you to save to your desktop and then zoom in to find something that inspires you.

Most of these photos are from Sunday's Munch's Oktoberfest Parade. We planned to skip all things Oktoberfest but on Saturday met a man who has organized these parades for years. He talked us into going. SO GLAD we did.   Over 65 "villages''/cultures were represented mostly from Bavaria but also from a few neighboring countries - Switzerland, Italy, Austria.  The traditional costumes were terrifice. All ages joined in. And bands, acrobats as well.  We were so in the spirit after the parade we decided to head over to the beer tents and amusement park.  What a riot!  Had some great beer and lots of laughs.  

Now back to the studio  - time to get back to reality.   

These eggs are NOT dyed.  Amazing, no?

Just along the street in Munich. Everyone rides bikes. All ages.  They serious, wide bike lanes and you better not walk or step out into them!  They move like cars.  No one wears helmets which is a bit scary.

A city beer garden in the English Gardens park.

This is a woodworker's studio in Hallstatt Austria.  Very cool place.

Something for You ....to paint?

I've been pretty bad about posting, no?  One excuse is that we are on vacation...and the other is that I was getting ready to go on vacation...  OK poor excuses.  I'm sending you this photo because it's pretty cool - both the foreground locks..and the background 'ain't bad either'.  This is a snap from the Old Town bridge in Heidelberg.  A really charming place.  The locks: lovers lock their love forever and throw the key into the river.  I've heard this is done in France and other places - going 'viral'. Just began here.  Unfortunately there's not much to lock to on this old bridge. A few small iron hooks here and there.  -colorful. Maybe something you'd like to paint? Zoom in.  Next, spent a full day hiking 3 lakes in Seefeld Austria (alps - chalets - beir). Now in Salzburg.  Am sketching here and there.  Will post more photos for you to paint from as time goes along
Auf Wiedersehen

Who? ..me...

So serious.... what's that about?  I had a really fun time with this project even if it doesn't look like it.   My painter pal Linda was visiting this weekend -- we created a 'self-portrait' challenge Sunday.   I decided to play with color and values rather than go with traditional flesh tones.  My grandson's response: "It's good Nona...it looks like an alien. (then quickly...A good alien."!
Why so serious?...had a hand-mirror set up right next to the canvas board on the easel.  Eyes going back and forth - intent on finding the planes/values/soft and hard edges.  So focused on working things out - you forget to smile are yourself (plus you feel a bit silly smiling into a mirror all afternoon)  And yes..I did ignore many of those 'laugh' lines... :-)

Alabaster Tulip

Who knew?  When I painted this flower from a bouquet I had, I didn't know it was a tulip. Reminds me of curling ribbon. A friend said she thinks the name is Alabaster but can't find another like it, even on Google images...so don't quote me.
Auction item. Click here to learn more http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/157024

P.S.  Want to submit your work to an art show?  Piedmont Center for the Arts is hosting their first annual juried art exhibit.  Don't be shy!   Here's the Call for Artists link.  You may have to log-in to get the prospectus.  http://www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org/2013/08/25/call-for-artists-deadline-9213/http://www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org/2013/08/25/call-for-artists-deadline-9213/
And you can see more about the center here: http://www.piedmontcenterforthearts.org/

Monte Carlo Tulip

I had no idea that these were called Monte Carlo until I had to look up the name of the tulip I'd painted.

NOTICE: You know those classes I posted on my last post?  The catalog arrived this weekend and... they're not in it.  I immediately contacted College of Marin. A very apologetic and embarrassed woman uncovered that four of my five classes had dropped through the cracks!  aaaarrrrh.    So - January 2014.  Stay tuned.   The one class at Tam High is still set.

New Workshop Dates....

Fall classes are about to begin - even before Fall.  These one-day workshops will be held at College of Marin this term (one at Tam High).   Get Ready to Paint is designed for totally novice painters to get you on your way--a good prep class for other longer term classes; Artistically Yours is a class for adventure and experimenting - all levels welcome.

If you know someone who might be interested, please share this blog URL with them.
Click HERE for details about the workshops and other art info.
NOTE: Each class is one day only--specific lists are provided on the link attached.

From the Garden.....NOT!

What's left of a very sweet pluot; my new favorite fruit. And when I was done...so were these slices.
Thanks to those who participated in the raffle --I appreciate your support.

Auction - CLICK to bid:    http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/152432

The Story of the Raffle and the Readers-deadline 8/8

Blogging about art is, admittedly, a guilty pleasure. I get to yack about my painting journey, classes and tips with friends, students and even strangers.  It's especially fun when readers (you!) comment because the next best thing to making art is chatting about it - anytime, anywhere.

So here's the deal: Recommend to two friends (or more) that they might enjoy signing-up for my blog and you'll be entered in the raffle. Be sure to send them the link to my blog   Then, let me know you've sent your two emails out and your name goes in the hat. That's it-- easy schmeazy. Deadline: August 8th by noon.  

Does the story have a happy ending?  You bet.....two actually: one of you wins Fresh from the Garden and I get some new readers.  Now how can you beat that ;-)

Fresh from the Garden....2

Our garden is being quite generous this year. Lemon cucumbers for us and for all the neighbors. Again, done with oversize brushes and juicy paint.  In reality, this painting is a little cooler in color... I've lost my camera and had to use my old phone camera to snap this.

This little painting is up for auction.  Check it out http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/150724

a la Ken Auster..."Surfer"

When taking art classes at UC and the Art Academy we were encouraged to learn by copying the works of artists we admire. You can really figure out how to achieve new techniques--albeit with a lot of trial and error.  I painted this by copying Ken Auster's original; Ken's a Southern California artist whose work I greatly admire.  Some of the effects I loved about his piece... that I tried here:  the way the windmill is somewhat hidden by the slightly overcast morning light even as the sun is beginning to shine.  Also how the 'gray' walls are full of color...scratched into the surface and so much more.  It's not easy - you don't know the  type of brushes, paints, color mixing etc. that the original painter used, but it's amazing how you can get similar results even if your 'recipe' is slightly different.   It was great fun and I learned a ton.  Hope you enjoy it!

Red, White & Blue Bowls

Just back from Zion Ntl Park with my daughter, her hubby and our two grandkids. What a blast.  My first time there - what was I waiting for?!  Absolutely Gorgeous.  Lots of hiking, swimming, exploring.  I was worried about the desert in July but with all the waterfalls, rivers, ponds and cascades --no problem.  I was amazed to find most of the visitors were not U.S. folks but from Belgium, Germany, Britain (those not waiting for 'the' baby to be born) and Holland.

Tumbling Bowls is from the abstracted still life series I did awhile back (see last post).  You can tell I was in a whimsical mood when I painted these.  Really enjoyed working with the bright, happy color combos.  It's set in a walnut shadow-box frame.    (note - the background is whiter than shown on the screen; not sure what is causing the blueish cast)

This one will auctioned - so get in on the fun.   Minimum bid $100.
See here for details:     http://www.dailypaintworks.com/buy/auction/148946

Tumbling Bowls

As my pal Linda will attest, painting whimsically is lots of fun. But, even playful can be challenging because the basics still all have to work: composition, color combos, values, proportions.  Like my previous blog entry, these bowls push boundaries and edges. They are meant to playful in spirit and style; the flower is pure whimsy.

This is on stretched canvas in a beechwood shadowbox frame.  Click here to learn more.

Pitcher with Fruit

Surprised I was!  When I went to the Fair yesterday to pick up my piece, the volunteer told me it had sold. That brought a smile to my face.  I have the original in my collection. What sold was a framed and matted giclee print on archival watercolor paper.   Always great inspiration to make more :-)

For info about purchasing a limited edition giclee print of this painting just click here.

Sea Kayaker

We've enjoyed some great time with the grandkids this summer--the County Fair, Stinson Beach, just hanging out playing games-- though this may not last long as they are beating us too often.  Still, I've spent some time in the studio too. This is my most recent piece. I have to admit, while I really like kayaking in a lake or lagoon, no way will you see me out at sea.  But this guy is a pro... and a fun subject too.  (not sure what that little dot is in the way; something the camera added on its own.

I'm offering this via an auction that'll run for 7 days. Check it out using the link below.

CLICK TO BID 

Red Rider

Click to Bid
This ol' workhorse really appealed to me.  I took this photo out near Nicassio; forgot I had it. There is something wonderful about old red tractors, no?

Regarding the auction for Oklahoma - thanks to  winner Jack R..and to those who bid on this good cause (I can't thank you personally because the auction site doesn't show the bidders; only the winner)  So far - the artists have raised over $3400. I'm proud to have been a part of it.

White Nasturtiums..who knew?

Click Here to Bid

My 'models' for this piece were quite surprised to see they were painted white rather than their real color - orange.  I thought I was being so creative to paint them white...artistic license and all that.  But then I learned that, sure enough, there are white nasturtiums. Who knew?  No wonder they were miffed.

Just received confirmation that I'll be teaching about six classes this Fall.  Stay tuned; I'll post them on my website and here.

Pinkies on the auction block

   
               Click to Bid 

As you know, I used an auction for the fundraiser piece posted last week. It's been pretty popular. A reader wrote and asked if I plan to use it for other work I post.  Not sure it's right for big paintings but for small pieces it might be a fun way to go, so I'll give it a try.  The Click link above takes you to the bidding site. (live June 6)

The big flowers from the bouquet didn't last long but these little gals are going on three weeks.  Tiny but mighty.  This piece comes in a floating frame - white beach wood.

Red Rower

Three stages to final (above):

        Sketch

blocking in values 

first pass at color

My second rower painting and so enjoying this little (soon to be) series.  Maybe I should join the woman's kayak group that meets each morning at Corte Madera Creek, just 10 minutes from here.   Naw-not likely. They meet way too early.

Thought I'd include the process here - the top painting is the final.... the next three images include: sketching in the composition; secondly - blocking in the shadows vs. lights; the third is my first pass with color values.  The top and final pictures included refining shapes, value and color issues.

Update on the Oklahoma art auction:  so far, seven bids on Tumbling Poppies.  Only two days left.  We'll have a winner soon - and more funds for the donation total. Thanks to all who have participated.

Art for Oklahoma..p.s.

Thanks for the heads up from one of my readers who pointed out the link in the post below didn't work.
I've made it so it will take you to the art auction to raise money for those who lost so much in the Oklahoma tornados.

Or to make it easy super easy: I'll just repost it here.    Good luck - you may win and do something very kind.  To bid on Tumbling Poppies, or another piece of art - Click Here.

Art for Oklahoma Victims

Tumbling Poppies

A group of artists from around the country are participating in a fundraiser to benefit those who lost so much during the recent Oklahoma tornado.

I'm offering Tumbling Poppies (6x6" acrylic, ready to hang) for auction - all proceeds, minus shipping, will go to the Red Cross for Oklahoma. 

To see my piece ...any many other donated paintings, click on the link below.  You can then bid on my painting...or any other.   Winners end up with a gift for themselves while helping out a tornado victim.  I do hope you'll consider being a part of this event.

Click here to bid!     Just scroll down to fine this - and other 'good cause' art work.

Dylan at Dillon Beach

This little guy is our niece's son...the photo taken from his first trip to the beach.  Evidently he was both attracted to and a little fearful of it all.  But in the photo it looked like he was embracing the adventure.

My plan was to do a quick study so I just used part of an old canvas. It went along quickly and seemed to be developing into the final... so decided to finish it then and there.  Ended up cutting the piece of canvas off the stretcher bars; final piece was about 5x7.  Our niece was tickled with the surprise and did a lovely job framing it.

Spring Diptych

Thought I'd share another side of my painting journey with you. Very different than my usual..no? Painted after being under the weather a couple winters back. It was gray and drizzly--had been for awhile.  So when I finally got back in the studio I found myself painting something joyful - needed some spring around me.

I began with the left canvas-not thinking diptych at that point  Using a long round, I began drawing and swirling loosely, making big gestures, flowing lines and abstract shapes.  The 'flowers' evolved on their own. It was like watching film develop. Worked in paint and pastel, juggling between wide and skinny brushes.

About two-thirds of the way it became obvious it would be a two-piece canvas (36x48).  The funny thing is the second half was pretty hard to paint.  Trying to get the rhythm and energy to match the first was a challenge (it's easier to work on both canvases at the same time when you want to make a diptych).
What a ride!

And the winner is......

Thanks to all who participated in the "Salute'" print giveaway.  Stay tuned for future art adventures.

And now...the WINNER is....(drum roll pls)...Cindy Campigli!
Will mail your print this week, Cindy.

Tulips Galore!

This is one I especially enjoyed painting because the flowers were "for no special reason" gift. And because it pretty much painted itself ---I didn't really plan the vase or abstract-y feel that developed....it all came about organically as I painted fast and furious two afternoons 'cuz tulips dance around so much.

For more info..or to buy this piece, Click Here.