Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Pampered Tootsies


(Tilt screen until colors pop)


 A few days ago a painter, Carol Marine, posted this photo of her friend/model ..and invited others to use it if they liked.  So here's my shot at it.  There are some things I'd like to do a little differently but overall am happy with it.  Trying to learn how to make whites pop is NOT easy.  I'd better go look at a few Sargent paintings - he is amazing.   Just noticed..I forgot her pearls!  She's a classy bather, no?!


Monday, February 18, 2013

Pleasant Lane Wildlife


too fun...found this canvas, and the original photo of these little guys (standing on the hillside behind our house), while moving my studio a couple weeks ago.  I think it's about five years old. Had only the bodies on a solid pale gray background - no heads! Happily they went in easily.  Loved working on it -and rather than detailing all the wild grass and trees I squinted and painted an abstract of the hillside lights of darks.

After all my complaining about moving into my new studio space - thought I'd share a photo.  More to do - like hang some art!   Know where I can get any? (haha)

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day

oil 8x8      just hanging out   click to enlarge
Grandson Ethan - a couple summers past...sitting out on a little dock on a lake.

What a crazy, fun, full month.  Taught two terrific classes: College of Marin-14 newbies; Drake High-7.  (sorry you all - i forgot to take photos of our activities!) Lots of wonderful new painters who tapped into their creative juices and fueled mine.

I started a 30 day challenge last month. Posted eight but then got involved in moving my studio (huge project; took way longer than I planned) so didn't finish them all.  But did learn a lot...like how hard it is to paint a full scene/landscape on a small surface!  for me - it's easier painting a 36x36-72" painting than a big scene on a small canvas. go figure!