FIRST 2013 CHALLENGE

I am going to begin 2013 with a challenge set by Leslie Saeta, as she stated on Facebook and her blog .... 30 paintings in 30 days.  January holds at least two trips for me, but I think I can still do it.  To add to Leslie's challenge I want to explore a limited palette.  I hope to gain knowledge and control with only three colors and white.  The choice is to use one palette for the 30 paintings or mix it up and use different palettes.  My decision is to use one palette for the entire month and explore it as much as possible.  Decision no. 2 is what colors should I use?  I did some research (which was overwhelming!) and there is an incredible number of limited color palettes.  I narrowed the number down by focusing on well known artists such as Anders Zorn, Kevin McPherson, Lori Putnam, and many more.  As I said it is overwhelming, but I had to choose just one and after thinking it over I decided it really didn't matter which palette I chose.  I just need to stick with it for the 30 day duration and I know I will learn from it. So .... drum roll, please ..... I chose the Lori Putnum limited palette.  Her paintings are stunning and with a simple click to her blog I can access useful information that will help me with this journey.

Lori's palette consists of Cad Yellow Medium, Pyrol Red, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White.  She uses and recommends Blue Ridge Oil Paints.  I determined to go all the way and ordered those colors from Blue Ridge.  

To begin my study I made a traditional color wheel and hope to do a Munsell color wheel, too.  I also took the primary colors and secondary colors and made an abbreviated color chart by adding white to 4 values.  And, again, I hope to get another color chart painted making neutrals.  I've done color charts before and I highly recommend them. 

 The 30 in 30 challenge officially begins January 2.  So check back and see what happens with my paintings and check out Leslie's blog and join the challenge!  It's going to be fun!!  

2013 is going to be a great year!

FACE No. 85

4x4 Oil on Panel
Click HERE for purchase information.

I returned from our holiday travel early this morning.  It feels good to be home again!  Our Christmas was wonderful and I hope yours was, too.

I painted this mug shot before Christmas and just now getting it posted.  His nose grabbed my attention and I was in the mood to paint a profile.  When I began this series I had no idea how many I would paint.  I still don't know when I will stop.  I find faces to be so interesting and there is such a variety in these mug shots.  I learn something new with each one.  

WOMAN FROM ETHIOPIA

6x6 Oil on Gessoed Panel
To purchase click HERE.

This was painted from another photo reference from Steve Evans.  His photographs are beautiful and he is so generous to allow his photographs to be used.

I've painted very little in the last few weeks and I have really missed it.  There will be little time until the first of the year so this will be the last post for awhile.  

To all my blogger buddies ....

PEACE

LOVE

JOY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

TIN CUPS

12x6 Oil on Panel

For a larger view click painting.
As a photo reference I used a photograph from Steve Evans.  I discovered this fantastic photographer through Taryn Day's blog and her wonderful paintings.  Please take a minute and discover these works of art from Steve and Taryn.

For more information on this

painting click HERE.

GREEN APPLE STILL LIFE

8x8 Oil on Panel

Click on painting to view larger.

How did December arrive so quickly?  Our tree is up and decorated and more decorations will be added this evening.  Some presents have been bought and are ready to be wrapped.  Still more to be purchased, cookies to be baked, cards to send.  Christmas is almost here!!  Busy and exciting!

For more information on this

painting click HERE.