BACK TO BASICS #4

Another study of value and color.  These studies are so valuable.  I have to remind myself to relate values to everything in the painting and not just to the surrounding objects.  I hope that at some point all these techniques will become second nature for me.  One thing I do know is that it takes a LOT of practice!
Today's reminder:  SQUINT!!

FACE No. 66

4x4 on Ampersand Gessobord

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Of course, I can't stay away from mugshots!  I think I must be addicted!!

BACK TO BASICS #2 and #3

I have been without my computer for a couple of weeks.  Poor thing has gone to Computer Heaven.  I loved my Apple Notebook.  She was the most wonderful machine!  But now it is time to move on with a new Apple and I am in the process of learning more about my new computer.  In addition to trying to save my Notebook, I painted, studied and spent some wonderful time with family and friends.  It really turned out to be a nice blogging break.  In the coming days I will post what I have painted.

The above photo is #2 in my series Back to Basics and is another value study (which I am continuing) using the Value and Color Kit I bought from Peggi Kroll Roberts.  They continue to be fun to use.  I'm finding doing a small and simple exercise first thing is a good way to start my painting day.

This is #3 and my first value with color study.  I wanted a simple set up so I used one block and two fabrics just to add a little more interest.  I also used my new warm lightbulb.  The shadows are faint in this photograph and next time I will make them more pronounced.  As you know, warm light creates cool shadows and I find shadows as interesting as objects.  Values are difficult for me to see in color.  I know that the more I practice the more I will learn to see.  And Carol Marine's mantra is returning to me in full force!

SQUINT!  SQUINT!  SQUINT!

Thank you Peggi and Carol for these valuable lessons!

BACK TO BASICS #1

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I wanted to participate in this week's "Yellow Challenge" at DPW.  So in my first Back to Basics I used a limited palette consisting of Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Cad Yellow Light and Titanium White.  So many colors can be made from this, but of course they all have to be mixed and that takes some time.  It wasn't a problem for me because I wanted to simplify this exercise.  I think with experience one could make any color needed quickly.


Again, I worked some on values.  But, truth be told, I was in a hurry.  I have friends coming tomorrow for the week-end and there is much to do.  :-D


In addition to the yellow lemons I used the blocks from the Peggi Kroll Roberts system.  I'm going to get a lot of use from them in the coming months.

I bought a new light bulb for my still lifes.  Exciting, huh?  

It looks like something out of the future ..... which I guess we are the future.  It's heavy for a light bulb.  Because it doesn't have the usual describing terms, I really had no idea what I was purchasing.  The container did say it provides warm light.  I was anxious to try it out and I have to say that I really like it and when more time allows I am going to get quite a bit of use out of it.

FACE No. 65

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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I think this will be my last mug shot for a while, as I am going to be working on basics.  My intention is to reach 100, but there certainly is no hurry in doing this.  There is lots of study ahead of me and I am really excited about it.  Hope everyone had a wonderful week-end and Mother's Day!  Mine was fantastic!! :-D

VALUES, VALUES, VALUES

I ordered this value and color system from Peggi Kroll Roberts.  I've only had a chance to play with it a short time, but I love it!  My goal this summer is to study basics and I want to begin with values.  Peggi has a wonderful DVD that comes with this system and I also have several of her other DVDs.  Carol Marine is another artist that stresses values.  She has an ArtByte tutorial on values if you are interested.  Both of these artists are remarkable teachers as well as accomplished artists with amazing work under their belts.

This is my first attempt at using these wonderful blocks and sphere.  They are white, gray and black.  I painted these quickly and I am not happy with my drawing, but just wanted to set them up and play with the short time I had.  I am really looking forward to pulling out more blocks and colors and working with different compositions, light, edges, etc.  The possibilities are endless and I am very excited about it!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!!!

UNMADE BED

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This is my entry to the DPW Challenge.  This week's challenge is shadows and was submitted by Laurie Miller.  Thanks, Laurie, for a good challenge!

FACE No. 64

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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No. 64 was a joy to paint.  I got a little looser in my brush strokes which I like.  This is the direction in which I want to continue.  I am beginning to understand more about my path.  I've always admired those that have found their niche or style in their art work and are able to understand and articulate where they are and where they are going in a particular piece or in their journey in art.  As a relative beginner with no formal art education, I find that in my quest for information and self realization I tend to bounce around.  There is so much art that I love and from which I can gather information on color, edge, value, etc.  The workshops I have taken have been a tremendous help (a big thank you to all the instructors out there!!)  So, although this may change (it surely will!)  I hope to study more about brush strokes and how to express atmosphere and emotion.  Gosh!  I certainly have been rambling.  I hope this makes some sense.  If you have experienced some of what I am feeling and would like to share, I would love to hear about it.  Now I am going up to my little studio and continue to put those miles of canvas behind me with a renewed sense of direction.  My palette is ready to go, my David Shevlino DVD is on the table ready to watch during a break, and fingers are crossed.  

FACE No. 63

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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I am still having a great time painting mug shots.  I think I will make it to 100!
Please take a look at Helen Cooper's mug shot paintings!  She is doing some fantastic work!!
HAVE FUN THIS WEEK-END!

FACE No. 62

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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FIESTA CUP and SAUCER 2

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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