Best Friends

Once in a while, I'm asked to do something special. I love recreating a special memory in paint, of a special bond.  If only our pets could live forever.  Painting number 5085 in 5085 days. 

Sweet Augustus

As my portrait journey continues, I am exploring my use of color and brushwork.  The last few portraits were fast and expressive - leading to fresh color and lots of strokes unblended.  As I worked through this one, I was a little more thoughtful with color placement and soft edges.  This little darling is thoughtful and sweet, encouraging me to mimic those qualities in my painting.  I really enjoy this journey and can't wait to see where it leads.  Painting number 2890 in 2890 days. 

Casper

Focusing on portrait work is so much fun with this sweet baby boy on my easel!  I find I can learn SO MUCH by taking deep dives into certain areas of my work. I have long been a portrait artist, first in graphite, later in ink and acrylic, and some in oils.  I'm very comfortable in the black and white, and am now exploring the color like I haven't before. I grow with each painting, and I feel like I am seeing the planes of the face in new ways. Why not get playful with the paint?  I can't wait to see what unfolds as I study portraiture in depth!  Painting number 2880 in 2880 days. 

Dean

 

This weekend finds me working on my portrait skills in oils!  Joining 7 other artists in the charming town of Rocheport, I've spent today in the Community Hall.  I'm hoping to complete 6 portraits, honing my skills in the process.  I've already learned something very valuable - I can breath life into a portrait by working from a black and white reference photo, working in the color organically.  Who knew?  I plan to really delve into portraits during the winter months, so this weekend is meant to kick start that process.  Thanks, Nyle! This historic district is amazing, simply filled with vintage buildings - all calling to me to paint!  Oh how I wish I had several plein air days scheduled!  So, I'm sketching before and after the scheduled portrait hours, and will certainly return for more work in oils one day.  Painting number 2872 in 2872 days. 

Santa and Alastair in Ink

After this very busy day, I am drawing in my favorite journal as my daughter teaches me quantum physics!  Everyone else is in bed, and this is my first chance to get in a little art therapy.  I plan to paint this beautiful childhood scene, so I thought a drawing would help get me very familiar with my subjects.  I'm using my superfine Pitt pen in black exclusively.  It reacts in a rather unpredictable way on this super rough handmade paper - and I like it!  The "scratch" noise the pen makes is also new!  It normally glides over the surfaces I draw on.  This paper is SO cool.  What will I do when this book is full?  Painting number 1440 in 1440 days :)

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Pumpkin Boy

Pumpkin Boy
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

I saw this little darling at the plein air event during Buffalo Bill Days in Leavenworth.  He was holding an orange balloon, but the pumpkin was more in keeping with his period clothes.  This figure was easier to paint than yesterday’s.  I tried to keep the first colors of the block in - which was something I lost from block in to finish on “Fishing”.  I also used my Princeton Catalysts for some of the palette knife strokes in the loose landscape work.  They work well for acrylics, even though I prefer the thick, juicy marks they leave in oil!  It is hard to know just how loose to leave the features of the figure, this is only a 5x7, but I want him to clearly read as a young boy.  I hope these figures will be effortless by month’s end, and I’ll be able to quickly drop them in to my plein air work this season!  Painting number 1161 in 1161 days.

color block in

Fishing

Fishing
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

I first studied for this small painting by doing a pen and ink sketch.  Next, I did a quick color block in.  Finally, I come in and mark all the tiny bits of warm and cool, turning the planes and giving them life.  What I find when I pull the two together to post, is that I really like the freshness of the color block in better!  I sometimes do this!  When I paint without thought, just quickly blocking in the masses, I often return to this and think - wow, I wish I would have been true to that color!  So, I am leaving this for now, but when I get a bit of time, I am going to pop back in some of that wonderful blue on the shorts, and the fresh green in the grass.  Then, I will call it done.  Painting number 1160 in 1160 days.

color block in

Fishing - sketch

Fishing - sketch
pen and ink on paper, 5x6

A big reason I wanted to start a drawing journal was to improve my drawing skills with pen and ink.  I am very comfortable in graphite, but ink is so permanent - there is no erasing and that was daunting!  I grow more comfortable with each sketch, and if I am tackling a difficult composition, I will select a dryer Pitt pen that is running out of ink, to make those first marks!  So, if those marks really fail - its okay, they will be light and easily dominated by the darker ink!  I know, its a bit of a crutch, but it works!  This sketch is of my youngest son fishing on the banks of the Portage River, behind my parent’s house.  I think sketching these figures is harder than just painting them - so that must mean I need more practice!  This sketch is the 1158th piece of artwork in as many days, now on to the paint!

On Santa's Lap

On Santa's Lap
Acrylic on masonite, 6x8
purchase here

Merry Christmas!!  After starting the ham and getting the turkey in the oven, I found some time to get in this painting of little Alan (from 2010!) on Santa’s lap.  I love the expressions and gestures, the simple capture of a magical moment.  It made perfect subject matter for a painting!  I’m still using a limited palette, but I have added ivory black to the hues when getting into the shadows.  The transparent nature of this black makes it a better option than the opaque mars black.  I’m running out of panels again, so I had to prime over the rich pumpkin orange with white before beginning the acrylic block in.  I have grown quite used to that in the last couple months.  Crazy for a girl who has never liked starting with a white surface!   Painting number 1088 in 1088 days.  :)

Alan and Guitar

Alan and Guitar
Acrylic on masonite, 6x6
purchase here

I’ve spent several days on nutcrackers - and have really enjoyed them, but I’m feeling a desire to get back to my roots for a little quiet time with my paints.  No music, no noise, no distractions.  Just the easel, brushes, panel and a little time to myself.  Switching gears from the holiday theme, tonight finds me working on a portrait of little Alan.  Michaela was showing him a few things on the guitar, and he was seriously soaking in every word.  He has a natural musical ability - it is surely in the genes!  I am working towards the impressionist, with loose strokes to capture the mood of the moment.  This is art therapy at it’s best, when I can pour my soul out in paint with brush.  My days grow more and more hectic until company arrives, so this time with my easel is a gift.  Painting number 1075 in 1075 days.  :)

Tree Climbing at Sunset

Tree Climbing at Sunset
Oil on masonite, 12x9

Another in as series of happy memories at Lake Minnie Belle, this young man in climbing trees as the sun sets over the lake.  I have switched back to oils for this painting, desiring the rich creaminess of the paint for texture and weight.  I really only intended to lay down the colors for a color study - just to make sure this painting would match the other two.  Well, one stroke led to another, and before I knew it I had painted this landscape completely!  It was after dark when I finished, so I left it on the easel to look again with fresh eyes in the daylight.  With a little more work, this baby is finished - and already on it’s way to California it’s mates!  This has been a day well spent - and now I must head out to my first Christmas party of the season!  Painting number 1065 in 1065 days.  :)

A Visit with Santa

A Visit with Santa
Acrylic on masonite, 7x5
sold

Two years ago, once my parents had arrived in town, the family started the festivities by going down to Union Station to visit Santa and see the trains.  This was the beginning of a six week decline for my dad, one I didn’t think he would pull through.  When I look back at the photos from this time, all of the feelings come flooding back.  How very fragile are the bonds of life, and how very special are those fleeting moments with family and friends.  My dad is still with us - and healthy as ever, which is another miracle in itself.  I am truly looking forward to another Christmas season and the memories we’ll make together.  I love this photo of little Alan with Santa, and I have loved painting it today, my 1055th painting in as many days.

Summer Dreaming

Summer Dreaming
Acrylic on masonite, 6x6
purchase here

Oh, how I love the warm days of summer!  Give me the heat any day of the week - but you can keep that cold weather up north, where it belongs!  Today, I am painting little Michael, as he drifted in the pool in one of his favorite tubes.  I considered changing the color of that tube, to enhance the painting - but decided against it.  I wanted the challenge of using the blues of water and tube together, and the cool blue is so soothing.  I am enjoying this month of painting portraits SO much!  It has allowed me to really focus on the colors of the planes, and on the reflective light that gives the face form.  Probably the most valuable habit I have adopted this month is the 10 minute color study at the very beginning of painting.  It has replaced the line drawing completely, and I think it has really strengthened my accuracy.  Painting number 1052 in 1052 days.

photo reference

color study

Counting Sheep

Counting Sheep
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5 - sold

I simply love the sweet innocence of a sleeping child!  This is fast becoming one of my favorite painting subjects!  Using only titanium white and Mars black, I have painted this subject in true value study style.  Working from the photo below, I cropped in tight on the face working the large planes.  I normally use one large, scrubby filbert right up to the end, where I switch to a smaller cat's tongue for final definition.  I am beginning to like the whole dry brush technique - what was completely foreign two weeks ago is now very natural.  As for not using any medium - I don't miss it.  I don't use any with my oils, so the transition in the acrylics went smoothly - and the intensity of the hues is so much better!  Two more weeks of "portrait month" - where will tomorrow take me?  Painting number 1049 in 1049 days :)

Wonder

Wonder
Acrylic on wood, 6x6
purchase here

My second day of painting on the heavily textured surface finds me still longing for the smooth one!  My strokes break over the nap too much, and I’m unable to get the same, smooth brushwork.  I didn’t have time yesterday to get more panels cut - but I feel like I really need to ASAP for these portraits!  The texture would be just fine for landscape work, so I can save them for that.  I need to finish an assignment for my online class today - and I must have the right substrate!  Oh well, this is a lesson learned on preparing panels for portraits.  It really does make a difference in acrylics, where it would not hinder me in oils.  This painting makes 1046 in 1046 days and I’m heading to the store right now!

Birthday Boy

Birthday Boy
Acrylic on wood, 6x6
purchase here

I really wanted to jump right into painting this morning!  Then, my daily chores ate up the hours before heading to the gym.  I had already chosen my subject for today, and was making those brushstrokes in my mind.  Finally getting the chance to return to my easel - I found I was out of square panels!  Noooo!  I had cut the wood yesterday, so now I had to take the time to prime them with gesso, this time adding a coat of gel medium, too.  All I want to do today is paint, and it has taken me forever to get to that stage!  I need a clone who takes care of all the chores and details, so the real me can just paint!  So, the panels are finally dry - and I have used one for this painting.  I used the same large house painting brush for the gel medium that I used for the gesso, but it has left a deep texture to paint upon!  Comparing yesterday’s painting with today’s, I think I like the medium free surface better.  Darn.  I just finished 10 panels that way.  Painting number 1045 in 1045 days :)

Alan Smiles

Alan Smiles
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
value study - purchase here

I find that I really love painting these value studies in black and white!  The recommended black is Ivory Black, but I had several tubes of Mars Black - so that is what I am using.  I like the old black and white photo feel these paintings have - and I’m carrying them farther than just value studies.  I want them to stand alone as powerful paintings, with no need for color.  I want to paint one every day - and at 40 minutes each, that should be totally doable!   I do wonder if my strokes are loose enough on this one......This little darling is my oldest grandson, and I hope this painting does justice to his sweet, adorable soul!   Painting number 1042 in 1042 days.  I'm going to need to start photographing everyone I know just to keep up with my new habit.....!

Alastair - value study

Alastair - value study
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

This is my second value study on this month's atelier on portraiture. I am working from a photo that I took with indoor lighting and a flash - which does not produce wonderful lights and shadows for painting.  But, I love the expression, and am going to find a way to make it work....push the values a little.  Originally, the background was light, but I found it competing with the subject, so I painted it dark.  The focus is now on Alastair.  I have used some really loose brushwork here, but I like the effect!  As with all of these studies, they must be completed in 40 minutes, all in black and white - from which I mix the grays I need. My sta-wet palette is indeed keeping my acrylics wet, and I have not added water since the very beginning.  I am still waiting for my special brushes to come in, but I am making do with what I have on hand.  This painting makes 1038 in 1038 days.

Alan - value study

Alan - value study
acrylic on masonite, 5x5

Today, I am starting a new painting adventure - portraits in acrylic, using an impressionistic style!  I am taking an online atelier for the month of November - and this is my assignment for the week.  From the reference photo of my grandson below, I had to capture the lights and darks in 40 minutes.  I thought this would be so hard - but to my surprise I finished most in 20 minutes!  Hard to believe, I use to be much slower.  I guess the daily painting has really sped up my time!  I have always started portraits with a line sketch, not in this workshop!  Instead, capturing the form with shapes of paint is key.  I though this would be SO daunting, but it was not!  It was fun to see the image emerge with loose strokes!  Additionally, I have not used my acrylics since June, and have only used them sparingly in the last 3

years.  So, the thought of having to make those paints work, when I feel oils are so much better suited, was also scary!  But, it was not!  It, too, was fun to build stroke upon stroke, as the layers dried.  SO crazy, to enjoy this whole assignment as much as I did!  I already did another one for tomorrow, and will begin combing through my photos for the best reference work!  This photo of Alan is from a few years ago.  Without even thinking about it, I have painted him to look more his age now!  I can't wait to see how my portraits improve over the next month!  Painting number 1037 in 1037 days :)

Letting Out the Horses

Letting Out the Horses
Oil on panel, 12x9
purchase here

Once in a while, we have a "paint-in" at our Tri-County Art League meeting - and that was today!  We all bring a dish to share for lunch, and bring whatever we want to work on, and just paint and visit. This is what I worked on today - one of my reference photos from our reenactment.  I really felt like leaving the strokes loose and impressionistic as I pulled away from the focus of the horses and boy, even softening those edges as I approached the perimeter.  It is a good thing I left this in the trunk while the giant puppy was still out - because he tackled me like a linebacker when I got home - and this painting would have been ALL KINDS of impressionistic! Just another day in paradise - painting number 780 in 780 days :)