Monday, November 21, 2011

JUST IN TIME!


Here is the finished painting.  I am pleased with the results but I am not sure that it is a great likeness.  I think the cropping works.  I haven't actually cut the paper but this is how it will look under the mat that I have.   J and E-M will have the final say and then I will have it framed for them.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

TRIBUTE TO AMBER

My youngest son always loved animals.  So when his beloved dog, Amber, died unexpectedly last week, he was devastated. Amber was a very sweet, even tempered dog.  My daughter in law often took her to hospitals and senior centers to cheer up those who were in need of some love and attention.   I decided to paint a tribute to Amber to give to my son and his wife.  I have taken a number of photos of her over the years but the only painting I ever did was of the 3 of them and Amber looked so bad I had to scrub her out and start over.  I am not very familiar with animal physiology as I am the human figure, so it makes things a little more difficult.  Photographing a painting and putting it on the computer to study is very helpful.  Although the tail looks like this in the photo, it doesn't look right to me in the painting.  I poured over photos of  Labs and Lab and Beagle mix dogs trying to find a similar pose with the tail in a different position.  It seems like laying down with her legs crossed in front is a gesture unique to Amber!  I didn't find one photo with that pose.   Right now I am thinking I will crop the image at the top and perhaps move the tail to the left side by the hind leg.  I also need to align the hind leg with the back quarters a little better.  A few more hours and the painting should be done.  Then I think I will do one of just her head.   

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

LATEST LIFE DRAWINGS

Here are some sketches I did from a life model last week.  I was trying out different materials.  I think my favorite continues to be the Pentel Brush Pen.  


Friday, November 11, 2011

OMG!!! TYVEK VIDEO FINALLY UPLOADED!!!!



I am so excited!  I finally was able to upload my first iPad2 video to YouTube.  I had to break it down into segments, so here is the first part.  For some reason it may not play on my blog but click on watch on YouTube and you can see it.


Here is the second part which shows the supplies you will need.

This segment shows my method of painting the envelope.  The last segment, Part 4, shows how to fold,  cut and tape the envelope to create a wallet!!


If you make your own, be sure and send me a photo so I can share it on my blog.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

BACK TO WORK!




I take what feels like thousands of photos when I travel and then they sit in my computer.  I am going to make a genuine effort to work with these images until my next trip.  Here are two I did today.  I am pleased that my sense of perspective is getting better.  Faces are easy for me but buildings and architecture is a difficult challenge.  Now to tackle the more complex architecture of the cities Bruges, Brussels and Amsterdam.  

I was excited to receive my advanced copy of STROKES OF GENIUS 3 by North Light Books.  The book is beautiful and full of amazing drawings to inspire us all.  I have one of the few color pieces and you can find it on page 34.  

Monday, November 7, 2011

SUMMER DESTINATION!


I received this wonderful postcard image from Jenna Erickson, Director of Programs for the Madeline Island School of the Arts.  I am very excited to be invited to teach a workshop at their unique location.  This is a fairly new art venue and it looks spectacular! This is will be a wonderful summer retreat.  If you are looking for a special place to relax and learn this summer, check it out.  I hope to meet you there.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

TEXTURE TO THE MAX!


This is a piece I have been working on all day.  After creating a stylized drawing I copied it onto tracing paper and then transferred the drawing to this cradle board.   I then glued down, with YES Glue, various heavy textured papers.  Then I coated the surface with rather thin gesso.  When that dried, I added some gesso patterned tissue over everything and waited for it to dry.  Then I started painting with watercolors.  I decided to use one of my favorite palettes...the Rembrandt muted one.  This was fun. I think I will do another one tomorrow.



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