Flowers...and sales

These little flowers were the last from a big bouquet; wish I knew what they are.  The background is a greenish blue -- you may be able to tell if you tilt your screen a bit.  Oil on board. 6x6"  Can't figure a name - ideas?

$$$.  Making art can be so expensive. Just thought I'd give those of you who have taken up art recently a heads-up about the back-to-school sales that are going on through the end of Sept.   While I usually shop local art stores, I was curious about the on-line store sales.  I compared buying 5 items at two on-line stores.  The same 5 items were about $50 at Blick Art, about $114 on another site.  Riley's and other local stores are also having good sales.  Up to 60% off their normal prices. So if you need to stock up, now may be a good time.

Homework time..... value study.

OK - in the spirit of 'practice what you preach',  I did some homework before jumping right into my daily big project.  Yesterday I practiced values (we discussed value in class Sunday).

Value:  lightness and darkness.  Value adds energy and interest to your painting... and it helps prevent chaos. Making your paint darker or lighter is how you control value.

(Remember, this is NOT about color. )

Notice values here: light value the top of top box, the box becomes less bright on the left side.  A darker mid-value on the side of  bottom box.  The ends are the darkest value, esp. that right bottom corner.  There's a tiny highlight on the little front right top corner of the bottom box. Some of the table cloth is in shadow, some in light.  If these same-color boxes were painted in all one value (no change between light and dark) - the painting would not read with any interest or energy.  (not that cardboard boxes are THAT interesting :-) The eye would not travel around the painting.

Note:  You can get darker shades of the main color you are using by adding black to your original color or by adding ultramarine blue+Aliz. crim or cad red, ult. blue+orange to your original color, etc. 

Your turn! EZ Lesson:  

1. Set up a simple subject (e.g. piece of fruit or a box etc.),  shine it with an angled light so you have bright side, a dark shadow side, and some in-between tones.  

2. Paint using only black and white to paint your picture......mix all your tones..from your charcoal gray to your very light/white highlight.  

3. Look at the subject very careful.  Identify your darkest area and decide how dark is it.  Is it pitch black or some slightly lighter shade?  Where is the highlight?  Notice all the values next to one another.  Paint your darkest areas first with black or charcoal black, paint your highlight or brightest area with pure white.  Then mix a couple grays for the in-between shades.  Try a few!

I did use a bit of color here, but I wasn't thinking about color - just my shadows and brightness.

Some artists always make a blk/white/gray value study before starting a new color painting - whether abstract or realistic. Then they know and transfer the value results to their color piece.

Let me know how yours turns out. Good luck!

"Best Buddies"

"Best Buddies" Acrylic on paper. a 20 min study.

Hey, remember me? Bet you thought I'd quit blogging. Don't know how many of you are still receiving these...hopefully some of you are still "out there"?

Over the summer, I posted a few of the 2011 series I'm working on...the abstracted florals. But, to fess-up, I had a light painting schedule. Busy summer - with a couple little local trips, lots of special time with my two grandkids... Now it's fall and I'm jumping back in.

Warm-up activities: The little painting here was done Friday -- 20 minute exercise. An art pal and I have giving set up a schedule of exercises we'll each do every week. It's a great way to hone technique. Like practicing piano scales or tennis forehand. To paraphrase what every painter knows - you have to put in the hours; you have to paint hundreds of paintings to be really competent.

Today I taught a class at the local jc and it was a blast. Had about 15 students - who knew that Sunday was a great day to teach. Makes sense; people are not at work. Everyone in this class was so very enthusiastic about starting their painting journey. Some are delving into abstracts; others plein air, still life, figure... some start their first 'real' class tomorrow! I forgot to take a photo of the class - sorry about that.

Value Color Charts

(sample value grid. Far right column is black to white value chart. The yellow and red columns are value color charts. More below)

If I've said this before, it bears repeating: "Color gets the credit but value does all the heavy lifting.." (anon).

Value is light vs. dark. Every color can be made darker or lighter by adding black (shades) or white (tints). Changing value can be done to color right out of the tube or to mixed colors (e.g to red + blue.....purple).

By being aware of the mood you want to convey, you can use value to create successful energy (vs. chaos) or calm beauty (vs. dullness).

There are two reasons to creating value charts to pin up in your work space:

a) they will help you learn how to control value in our work.

b) you'll discover some amazing colors when mixing black and/or white with 'raw' colors (e.g. check out, in student sample photo, the cool green made from cadmium yellow and black)

For those ready to put in work for a big pay-off, here's how to:

make a Gray Value chart:

1) Draw a 1" wide column, divided it into nine equal segments, about 1" deep.

2) Paint the top segment black; the bottom one white and then use 50/50 for the middle segment.

3) Try to fill in the empty segments with gradually changing mixtures of gray.

The goal when making your steps is to avoid big 'jumps' from one segment to the next. i.e. visually each step should reflect the same degree of change as the step before it. Sound easy? HA! Keep at it until you feel you are really close to having the top to bottom move smoothly from one square to the next.

make a Color Value Chart:

1) Draw your column as noted in 1) above.

2) Paint your top segment almost black but with enough color to see it as a very dark version; paint the bottom segment almost white, with a hint of the color. For the middle square try and make a combination of the top and bottom color, approx. 50/50

3) Fill in the empty segments with gradually changing proportions so that all steps are complete, with no big 'jumps' from one segment to the next.

Let me know how you do!

Remind: July 9th

Reminder! Class this Saturday at Riley Street Art Supply. 2:00 - 5:30. It'll be loads of fun - for the true novice! This orientation will get you familiar with brushes, color mixing and other aspects about painting that you need to know- before you jump into that first landscape or figure class. Come join us - NOW. VERY LOW KEY! email me today.

(if you know anyone who's wanted to try painting but was hesitant, send this along to him/her).

Photo: Tam Adult Ed Class.

Spring Tulips

Spring Tulips - 24x26"

As you may remember, I've been posting a new series "Spring - 2011".

This diptych was painted in the same vein as the first few in the series (show in older blogs) but, rather than coming from my head, I drew inspiration from an old photo of tulips I love. In the photo about 1/3 of the white wall was in bright sunlight; the rest was darkened by shadow. I used that as a spring board in creating the composition.

My goal is to create a body of about 10-12 paintings. I better get going or it'll have to be a 2012 series!

This evening, I'll post twice - using a detail from this piece, to demonstrate dry-brush technique.

Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Two makes for too much fun!

I was lucky to have my painting pal Linda Yoder here Memorial Weekend. How indulgent it was to think, talk about and make art all weekend long. At one point we did 1 minute timed ink sketches of one another in various standing and sitting poses. Have you ever tried to draw someone in one minute? EXACTLY! several of our attempts brought tears to our eyes - of laughter that is.

On Monday we did some oil painting; hubby Phil snuck in to snap this of us. A good time and a couple good little pieces to boot.

You can check out Linda's blog - link in the right. column

There's painting...and then there's painting...

(Click image to enlarge)
Painting lots since my last post but not so much on canvas. Long overdue, I schlepped everything out of my studio to put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and even the floor. Now that I've put everything back in place, it's time to get back to working on the 2011 series.

Here's a quick photo of the new gray floor and clean white walls. I'm raring to go - it's like I've moved to a brand new place. Watch for new work soon. Mary

HIghs and Lows and everything in between.

Sharing a peek at this weekend's Open Studio reception. (thanks for the photos Patricia)

Left photo: my pal Gerry dropped in to check out the new work. She's been a trouper - regularly supporting my shows.

Right photo: A unexpected reunion with one of my very first buyers, Barbara, and her hubby came on through. What a delight it was to connect again.

Highs and lows during these events. Some visitors come and chat about art and life ; others glance but walk on to another studio -having thick skin is important.

Bottom line? I enjoy it all and look forward to the next adventure. Will keep you posted.

Yikes! Only two days before Open Studios

Abundance, 36x48. click to enlarge

This is my most recent painting; finished it this week. It's a big guy. 4 feet wide. Had great fun painting it. It came along right on the heels of the Spring pieces and was meant to fit that body of work but seems to have a quirky personality of its own. (the painting is lighter, brighter than this but I didn't have time to correct it)

Last minute craziness today. I'm about to head out to hang my paintings at the gallery that my two pals and I are sharing for 2011 Open Studios this weekend. It's sometimes hard putting your work out there for scrutiny but it's also a joy meeting so many people as they wander through various studios, asking questions, sharing their thoughts.

We spend two full days at the studio: 11 - 6 (well longer since we go early to get things ready; stay later to clean up. The address again is 1337 Fourth Street, San Rafael. Would love to see you!This is my most recent painting; finished it this week. It's a big guy. 4 feet wide. Had great fun painting it. It came along right on the heels of the Spring pieces and was meant to fit that body of work but seems to have a quirky personality of its own. (the painting is lighter, brighter than this but I didn't have time to correct it)

Spring II - part of the Open Studio exhibit

Spring II. 30 x 48 diptych acrylic on canvas, (click to enlarge)

The other day I posted Spring I; this diptych is part of the same series. I began these paintings during a long dreary rainy spell, needing to put some color into my day. Abstract yet recognizable these pieces are less about the subject than they are about the feeling the subject inspired in me.

The levels of energy, movement and color in the Spring series are quite a contrast with work I did last year which were very still and quiet. In those previous pieces, faintly sketched subjects sat gently against pale smooth backgrounds.

I've found that over the years in my studio, the cycles of the seasons, my moods, what is going on in my life is continually reflected in my work. I guess it's a therapy of a sort.

An Invitation for May 7 & 8

click images to enlarge.

Did you think I'd given up on my blog? It seems like forever since I posted but I have good excuse....at least I think so. We were away for a reunion with my father's family in Italy. It was amazing. So do forgive my lapse.

Since I returned I've been painting crazily to finish up some new pieces for....(drum roll).... OPEN STUDIOS ~ May 7 & 8. Three of us will share a studio space and there are 40 other artists throughout the building. Hope you can drop by to say hi. (1337 4th Street, San Rafael, CA. 11-6 both days).

The two images here: (1) SPRING one of my new pieces. 40x36", acrylic. (2) Your invitation from me and my painter pals (click to see their names and details of the show).

There will be snacks and music and lots of fun art, so if you can, come by. Drop me a note if you have any questions.

Don't be fooled...same class -new name

Birthday Tulips acrylic on canvas 20x2.

click on picture to enlarge

Please note - the "Beginning Painting with Acrylics" class that I'll teach at Riley Street Art Supply on April 2 is actually the same "Get Ready to Paint" class I've been teaching at College of Marin and Mt. Tam High Community Ed.

Riley's felt this new title fits better for the art store. I just want to make sure that my previous students don't think this is a new follow-up class. (I am working on one though - will let you know when we're ready to go "live" with it.)

Hot tip: - LAVA SOAP! No kidding. Keep this under your sink. It's the best for washing off oil and acrylic paint.

BTW: These flowers were painted in two days . You kno how tulips droop so fast...had to catch this little gift from hubby before I lost them all.

Good Sports all!

A Pair of Fujis... oil on canvas 6x6"
Today's class deserves a big THANK YOU for taking all the gliches in stride.... from the room change to not having access to the supply list until Friday late in the day. You were all so positive and upbeat - even Heidi after her auto accident!! Big round of applause to you all. The old room used for this class had tons of table and sitting space. Perhaps next time we'll be in there.

As always - teaching is a joy. So many people excited this new adventure.

I forgot my camera today so no shots of this cool group painting -phooey. Thought this an appropriate painting since we talked a ton about apples. '

Finally - students , go to earlier blog below and see the timed lemons we talked about. You can sign up to learn the newest class. If you have questions, comment below or email me m@maryvalente.com

Sneak preview

'sneak preview' ....

As you can tell in this close-up, I've taken a totally different approach to painting flowers than in the last post. That was a small 6 inch painting, in oil, done with small brushes and careful strokes. Realistic. This time I'm working a 48"x36" (4x3') canvas.

When approaching a large canvas it's best to stand back from the canvas, arm's reach. To get this loose look, I use a big filbert or brite brush, gripping it towards the end of the handle with my whole hand (not like holding a pen). Lots of sweeping and back and forth brushing -- rubbing edges of color into color (the side of my old brush is worn to a very different angle than its original shape from all that hard rubbing against the canvas). To create detail and interest, use the side of your brush and/or a Round

The cool thing about acrylic paint is that if you wait just a few minutes, one layers dries so you don't make 'mud' - you can get layers showing through layers. OR -you can paint wet over wet to mix your colors on the canvas - creating wonderful hues you would never get mixing on your palette. (That being said - I do mix colors on the palette but then work them into the canvas....they will change depending on if I'm painting over wet or dry areas.

Of course having some great music playing, warm light streaming in - makes this a grand old time. So grab yourself a big canvas (watch for sales: 2 for 1) some acrylic paint and get happy! Don't set up a still life, just have an idea - or a very loose sketch- of what you want to paint (totally abstract to an abstracted subject: flower, person, landscape. Don't try to make it real - make it full of odd color and proportion. PLAY!

Final painting should be up by end of week.

After the lemons came the little Pinkies

'Little Pinkies' oil on board. click to enlarge

Yesterday I mentioned doing a small still life after the warm-up lemons posted yesterday. This is it- lot of fun to paint. I especially enjoyed working out the shadows which are often a challenge for me.

I wish I knew the name of these sweet little flowers - do you? They were like fillers in a larger bouquet.

While working on this and the little lemons, I also have been developing a 30 x 46" abstract in oil. A journey - we'll see where it goes...

Warm-ups work (remember my challenge?)

Lemon Studies (click to enlarge).

Did you painters out there try the 15 minute challenge warm-ups? When I went into the studio Saturday, I brought down my kitchen timer, a little lemon and rushed out four 15 minute studies (top row); the next day I did three 10 minute studies (bottom row). You can see I "saw" the colors of the meyer better the second day - made them warmer, more orange.

You can bet I felt stiff for the first couple attempts.... then free and loose by the end. There are plenty of changes I would make with more time (let me know the changes you would make if you were working on them: lemon, background); it's hard not to fuss over each -- you need to stop when that timer rings. You can see that we're not aiming for 'perfect' here. But to be able to get that little meyer lemon down in 10 minutes feels good. Gets you ready to jump into something bigger with it's own challenges. From this I went on to paint a little still life of flowers (the remains of a bouquet). I'll post that tomorrow.

Keller Grand Opening & reception recap

SO! Have any of you painters/students tried the 15 minute challenge? I confess, I hadn't done it in awhile so yesterday, before I began work on my current piece, I did three 15-min. studies; used a lemon. It's gets you revved up, for sure. Tell me, via comments below or emails, when you try it; do you like it?

A couple of blogs below I told you about the Grand Opening Reception for der Keller: the new furniture/artisan store on Fourth Street. It was a great event - lots of amazing food and fun people.

That's me in front of 'Whisper I' - one of my larger pieces-pieces 60x40 -- Painting big is a challenge but I enjoy it a lot You have to have enough info that the eye of the viewer travels around the work rather than just to one place. Soon...... Mary

15-Minute Challenge for You!

A common exercise for painters is to do several quick studies each day to warm up. It's good on so many levels: helps you loosen up, builds skills, helps you really learn that one subject--well maybe not the first few times but after 100 you'll be able to paint an apple with your eyes closed.

For newer painters:

1. Pick a simple subject: an apple, orange, a cup, two cherries or grapes (not a big bunch). Set it up on a table. If you can put a spot light on it to create a dark and light side - even better but not required.

2. Divide a board or gessoed paper into 6 sections

3. Set your timer for 15 minute and paint. When the 15 minute time rings -STOP!!

4. Then paint 5 more - each with a 15 minute limit.

Don't fuss over it. Don't try to correct mistakes. You'll work them as you paint the next few. Just got for it. Have fun. Who cares if it isn't wonderful - it will be after you do this for your daily painting exercise. Next day paint the same subject or another.

For experienced painters:

Go to the Daily Painter website (below) and give their challenge a try. You have nothing to lose. No one will see you work - unless you want them to. If you like what you do - send it in to be posted on their site (read details at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Challenges)

Their challenge: each week there's a new image and you are challenged to paint it 9 times in 10 minutes! And if you like what you've done you can post it on their site.

Are you up for trying this?! Let us know how it goes.

Using the comments section below - let us all know what you think of the challenge! And then how you feel when you have tried it.

Tam Class-fun (and corrected date for March!

a terrific group at Tam High on Saturday. Here are a couple shots of my enthusiastic and hard-working students. All nine jumped in to try the exercises, experiment with paint and brushes, mix gorgeous colors. They are really ready to go!

(click to see photos large)

I'll teach "Get Ready to Paint" workshop again on March 12th (corrected date), College of Marin. Contact me if you need more info.

After class,scooted to the reception at der Keller (see last post). It was packed. Great artisan furniture.... and the appetizers were terrific! It's fun to see my big abstracts hanging around the room. Also had a few little valentines paintings matted and in red frames. There is work by several artists and some really cool custom made furniture etc. Stop by the store - she's open Wed-Sunday. See address below

You're Invited~Feb 12th!

Two invites for you, and your pals...

Grand Opening ~ Reception

Feb 12, 3:00 - 7:00

A local couple are introducing their new store/artisan showroom. The Kunkles have designed a unique space that is more like a gallery than a furniture store. They have paired modern sofas and unique chairs with local artisan-designed wood and iron tables, metal sculptures..and, OH, did I mention? Art by local painters , including work by 'yours truly ;-)

der Keller is at 1850 4th Street, San Rafael, next to the Wooden Duck (across from the old Yardbirds store). I teach a workshop that day until 3:00, but will be there part of the time. Stop by, say hi, see all the cool artisan work, sample the goodies...

Get Ready to Paint Workshop: February 12th - Tamalpais High - 10 - 3:00.

You can just show up. It's part of the Continuing Ed Program - you'll have to register at class. You can do it now on-line or at class. Read the details at http://www.marinlearn.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=1010

Click on Art - then Visual - then look for Get Ready to Paint class. Easy !

Not a football fan? Join us on Super Bowl Sunday...

Get Ready to Paint Class. FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30.

RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going. Email me at m@maryvalente.com

for info, questions, to register.

To 'follow' or 'subscribe'? Hmmmmm

"Tipsy after Sake" oil on board

Click to enlarge

Since I sent out the new blog I've had several emails asking the difference a Follower or Subscribing. Those who Follow tend to check favorite sites often (e.g. Facebook, Blogs, My Space etc.) Followers go onto various sites regularly to see what's up.

The Subscriber merely signs-up once, then gets an email when something new is posted on the blog. So - it's boils down to if you'd rather have your food delivered or you want to go shopping :-)

I love these - a gift from a Japanese student who lived with us for almost two years. And they are too cute. They are definitely fun when we are having Japanese food (delivered), enhanced with a little hot or cold Japanese rice wine.

Fuji Apples are My Favorite

"Two Fujis" oil on canvas. 6x6"

click to enlarge

Another small painting. This one seemed to paint itself ~ I just love that. It's so odd - sometimes it takes forever to get a piece the way you want it; then, once in awhile, the brush and paint just take over. So nice when that happens.

Marin Open Studios will be coming up in May. Need to get working on some bigger pieces for that weekend. More info to follow. Hope my ol' students are painting. Remember it's not necessary to complete a 'real' paintings - just practice mixing colors, drawing and painting with your brushes - makes shapes and 'subjects' to get comfortable with materials.

A Little Shy

"A Little Shy" oil on board 6x6.

Painted this little guy in a workshop - 2010. The vase is one of my favorites. It was in a basket at a pottery show - as 'less than perfect'. Like the runt of the litter I couldn't resist it. It's tiny - looks sweet with a couple little pansies in it.

Thought I'd the class schedule; last time I had folks say they wished they'd known about it - so let's make sure all do! :-)

FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30. RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

Tell your friends. I'll be teaching "Get Ready To Paint" This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going.

FEBRUARY 12, 10:00 -3:00 TAM HIGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Same class as above. Register at their site.

https://marinlearn.augusoft.net//index.cfmmethod=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=25539&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=29

Tell your pals! "Get Ready..." has been really well received. There are so many people who want to get in touch with their creative side; folks want to paint but are "shy" about jumping in - worry about feeling intimidated or making mistakes. Can't make any mistakes in this class! It's all about learning brushes, color mixing etc.

Two Things Today

Two Tangerines - oil on board. 6x6

These are point/shoot, so not great; oops I cut a bit of edge. Sorry about that.

Hey all, two things today:

Paintings. 6x6 paintings . Painters always are learning - not matter how long they've been at it. I think it's typical - you feel you need to 'perfect' your brush stroke, color sense, composition. Whether you paint abstract or traditional -you need to build the same skills.

These small pieces allow me to hone those skills. Most are on artisan board; a few on canvases. Usually traditional but sometimes I'll play with abstract. I'll post a few over a few weeks.

Classes. FEBRUARY 6, 11:30-3:30. RILEY'S ART STORE. San Rafael.

Tell your friends. I'll be teaching "Get Ready To Paint" This is for total beginners. An orientation to terms, paint, brushes, surface preparation etc. Presentation and hands-on ez activities. For anyone that would love to paint but is hesitant about getting going.

FEBRUARY 12, 10:00 -3:00 TAM HIGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Same class as above. Register at their site.

https://marinlearn.augusoft.net//index.cfmmethod=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=25539&int_category_id=1&int_sub_category_id=29

Tell your pals! "Get Ready..." has been really well received. There are so many people who want to get in touch with their creative side; folks want to paint but are "shy" about jumping in - worry about feeling intimidated or making mistakes. Can't make any mistakes in this class! It's all about learning brushes, color mixing etc.

NEW CLASS: Working on new class - should be ready in next month or so. New class should be ready in a couple weeks then I see if I can get it into the schools.

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.