I am using my upcoming exhibit in Princeton as inspiration for my paintings this winter. The theme is living a Positive Life---- "It's your move" was an idea for a painting that portrays the notion that we all have choices in our lives-- to live positively, be thankful, and share our blessings with others. Some days the choices are easier than others, but "It's your move" to choose how you will face the day. I found a whimsical neck tie and right away knew I had to include it in the painting. I've included my layer by layer here, but am saving the finished painting for a bit. I can't say I have enjoyed the winter weather this month, but it does make us slow down and take time to paint! :)
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"Simple Gifts" is one of my favorite melodies, whether it is played by a marching band at a WVU football game or a single cello in a quiet room. Right now, I am working on some applique' for some Christmas cards and magnets with still life on them. I will finish them off with metallic for sparkle.
The magnets can be found at Staples or office supply, and watercolor paper scraps can be attached using a photo adhesive. A simple and thoughtful gift that is very relaxing to make! A Rainy Sunday afternoon produced this quick study of some Christmas ornaments and a small gravy boat. I am fascinated with the reflections, and will probably play some more. I am planning to use this image for some Christmas cards. During this busy time of year, please take time out to enjoy the simple things: Painting and spending time with those you care about.
I am really liking where this painting is taking me! I've wanted to do a tea series for a while, and the upcoming exhibit at Tamarack will gave me the incentive to "get busy". The TEA POT will be a complimentary deep blue with shiny highlights. Shadows will be colorful and FUN! :)
No, I didn't get the photo on wrong! I used this photo to show 2 things: First, sometimes it is necessary to turn the watercolor painting at different angles to get the wash to flow where you want it to go...( ?Life Lesson?) and Second, sometimes looking at the drawing upside down can give you a different perspective on your composition. (OK, DEFINITELY getting too deep with this!)
Life lessons aside, this is one of the paintings I am working on for "TEA in Wonderland", the upcoming TAMARACK exhibit in Beckley, WV. This one is "Earl Grey". It will feature a deep blue tea pot surrounded by oranges. (Complimentary color scheme) I think I will stay with the grey background, but will go a little deeper behind the pot. Will post when done. Keep painting! :) I think I like the dark background for the Chess Board. I did a similar one during the ZL Feng workshop with a light background, and I think this one has more "drama" (Not something I usually like in Life, but great in a painting). I didn't think to photograph the other one before giving it away, but I am considering both of them as "practice" for a larger, chess themed painting. I like the black & white effect with the colors. I finished this painting with metallic embossing powders along the edge & to add texture to the pears. The distortion on the left side of the painting is from the tilt of my tablet as I took the photo.
I played more with the reflections and the Knight, and I know the "?Royal" piece in the back looks kinda like a wedding cake, so it needs to be worked out before the big painting gets on the watercolor paper.Now that I am comfortable with the elements, I am looking forward to the larger painting. I shared some of my husband's fabulous stuffed peppers and received these wonderful pears as a trade. Being me, I marveled at the texture and character, and had to paint them at least once before they become a sweet snack . Part of the fun of painting still life is that you always have a "little something" on hand for those late night painting sessions. I am hoping these last a few days longer until I begin the big painting.
This is another study for the larger "Chess Pearings". The first study had a light wet on wet background, and I want to see the effect of the dark background without changing the first one. I am also experimenting with the chess pieces, giving them characters other than traditional. --Not sure what the rules are for that, please let me know if it's a No-No! :) Happy Painting.! THE CHAIRMAKER--Completed. I have to say this painting turned out exactly as I imagined it, which happens rarely with me. I did take the time to plan it out, used limited palette, and was PATIENT to let layers dry and come back to it. The biggest thing to remember was to SAVE THE WHITE of the paper to get the bright highlights. I am bad about over painting, and am proud to say this one has just enough! I did my first layer wet into wet then used a paper towel to blot out the whites & let it dry completely. Now I know that this can work in the future if I don't rush things. --Pretty sure there's a LIFE LESSON in there. On to the next one! A little water in your basement can be a good thing.... or how about "make the best of a not so nice situation?" I had to pack up my cubby again due to some water under the new flooring. I had several paintings going, and didn't want to lose momentum, so I set up shop in the garage. A little warm, but it turns out the light on the North side of the house is amazing to paint by! I had a VERY productive afternoon, using only the light through the window. Hopefully, I'll be back in my cubby before he snow flies, but I wish I could take the window with me.... ?!!!!! :)
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AuthorI think it is important to share our process with others, just as we gain from watching other artists work. Archives
January 2024
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