FINE TUNING!

This is a painting that I posted a week or so ago.  I decided to tone down the background after fresher eyes had advised me. I am always open to hearing the opinions of others.  I am not unduly influenced by any one person and make up my own mind about the advice.  I do think it is valuable for me to hear honest feedback from the public.  I can loose perspective after looking at a painting for a long time.  My husband, who is not an artist, is getting very, very good at critiquing. He has learned what to look for.   

I think the skin tone is much richer looking now and it was a good decision.  I entered it into the Rocky Mountain National.  I will have to wait and see if it made the cut.  

I had a stack of competition entry forms on my desk that I finally made some decisions on.  One was the 50/50 Sanchez Art Center show in Pacifica.  I didn't feel very motivated this year but finally thought of an theme for the 50 paintings and entered today.  The deadline to enter is May 23rd.  I had a very complicated idea to create abstracts using simple geometric shapes of 3 squares, 2 lines and one circle and use the elements of design to create 50 variations.  It seemed like more work than I have time for so gave up on it for now.  I still think it has merit.  Anyway, I decided on watercolor portraits of children.  If I get in, I will be soliciting images from anybody who would like me to do a portrait of a family member as a small child or infant.  The person doesn't have to be a child now.  There will be no obligation to purchase the painting but that is the hope, of course.  This idea may not be innovative enough for the judge, so I'm not sure of getting into the show.  I will let everyone know the outcome as soon as I hear.

LATEST DEMO!

I had the pleasure of doing a demonstration for the El Cerrito art association last night.  It was a wonderful turnout with a very diverse group of artists, judging from the work brought in for their monthly competition.  It was nice to see a few friends in the audience.  

I only had about an hour to work on this painting, so it needs some additional work.  Working flat is always a challenge as far as perspective so it is always a bit of a surprise when it is dry enough to put it upright and study my progress.  Two areas really jump out at me that need adjustment.  I will post the finished painting whey it is completed.

A SPECIAL REQUEST

I received the following email from the director of the Northeast Art Workshop Retreats Fine Art.  This place looks incredible and a true bargain in today's economy!!!  Wish I was available to take this workshop myself.  Maybe some of you are lucky enough to be able to attend.

Would you mind terribly to post this picture of the location and that it is only $99/day (includes Oceanside Lodging, Excellent Meals & taxes)....normally it is $250/night without meals for summertime seaside lodging around us.

THANK YOU SO MUCH - I REALLY DON'T WANT TO CANCEL THIS EVEN IF I HAVE TO LOSE A FEW THOUSAND ON IT AS HE IS THE SWEETEST, KINDEST TEACHER THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT HIS STUDENTS LEARNING!!

Kat Masella

http://

Northeast Art Workshop Retreats Fine Art

978-729-4970

SLICK!

gesso stamped YUPO with a light glaze

detail of gesso stamped YUPO

limited palette painting stage one

I am trying  texture techniques on YUPO.  This one has gesso partially scraped onto the surface then stamped into.  I pressed the gesso covered stamp onto other parts of the paper.  Lightly glazed, then drawing the head and proceeding to paint.  So far I am using a very limited palette.  When I have the shapes perfected, I will add a few other colors.  It's great having a very liftable surface, because the hands need to be enlarged!