Painting from the Pasture

Painting From the Pasture
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

As the final assignment in a figure class this month, I have painted myself!  The photo reference in from the civil war reenactment we had in the pasture, where I invited the MVIS artists to capture the event in paint.  One of the women from the camp loaned me her dress, and voila - I became a period painter!  The hat is one I paint in, and the apron was one I had tucked away from who knows where!  Using my limited palette of acrylics, I blocked in the values and colors that shape the scene.  Next, I tweak those masses using loose, impressionistic strokes.....although I may have tightened up a bit on my palette and brushes.  They are prized possessions that make my life a joy - so, I guess they’re allowed the extra attention!  Twice, I have forgotten to pack my make-up and curling iron on out of town plein air trips, but I always have my art supplies with me!!  This is painting number 1183 in 1183 days.

block in

Monkeying Around

Monkeying Around
Acrylic on masonite, 4x4

Feeling nostalgic this morning, I am painting another wonderful vintage pull top - this one of a monkey!  When my dad was young, he had a distant uncle that had a pet monkey.  Whenever someone came to the house, that monkey would go bananas!  He would run around the house and up the curtains - leaving little “presents” in his wake!  That made such an impression on him that he still tells the story!  These old Fisher Price toys are full of charm and personality - and so much fun to paint!  This little painting is 1118 in as 1118 days and Day 25 of the current 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Chiefs & Hunter

Chiefs & Hunter
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

I know I was going to stop painting nutcrackers until the next Christmas season.....but this is a Chiefs Nutcracker - and the KC Chiefs are playing a big game today!  Sending good luck to our boys is red, this little nutcracker and his hunter companion will watch over the day’s games!   My school friend, Julie has sent me the newest nutcracker pics in her collection - and I may be unable to resist painting them all this month!  I will try to show some restraint....but no promises!  Painting number 1097 in 1097 days  :)

Leprechaun Nutcracker

Leprechaun Nutcracker
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7
purchase here

This wonderful little leprechaun nutcracker is loaded with goodies!  From the long pipe, lucky clover, and bag of gold to the sweet little red bird on the tree stump, this guy has character!  His face is full of expression, too!  These little figures are so fun to paint with their bold colors and charm - I’m so lucky to have been able to paint so many this Christmas season!  Painting number 1093 in 1093 days.

Nutcracker Farmer

Nutcracker Farmer
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
purchase here

On my journey of nutcracker painting this month, I have found so many really fabulous ones!  This one is a farmer, complete with overalls, plaid shirt and chickens on his arms!       The farmer has a short, hairy mustache and the birds have feathery tails!  So cool and so unique!  This nutcracker is another great one from Candy Kultgen’s collection.  So sweet of others to share their wonderful collections with me - it has made for a joyful season of painting!  Painting number 1092in 1092 days.  :)

Girl in White Hat

Girl in White Hat
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5
(4th 15 minutes,,,)
purchase here

1st 15 minutues

On this assignment, the task was to study the reference photo for 2 minutes, then close it, and paint from memory 15 minutes.  I tried to lay in the masses as I remembered them.  Once to this stage I was not sure how to proceed, so I let the dogs out, fixed myself a cup of tea, and started a back up on my computer!

2nd 15 minutes

Yikes!  My head placement is much too low on my panel!  Trying to engrave the details of placement, light and shadow - I stared at the photo for 2 more minutes (thank goodness for the timer on my phone!)  I then made adjustments, especially trying to get the angle of the hat just right....but as you can see, I just couldn’t remember quite how it went.  I remembered values, but the edges eluded me....as they did for most of this exercise!

3rd 15 minutes

After another two solid minutes of studying, I finally began to feel like MAYBE I could find my way out of the fog!  At this point, I am wishing I had chosen a photo with more light on the face, but t is too late for that - and I must try to get the nuances of this light under the brim.  Bringing the hat into a better shape - which has taken me three attempts so far, helps me to anchor some of the deep shadows of the hair.  I spend my full 15 minutes painting this time, wondering if I will be anywhere close after the final 15!     Oh - and I did not realize I took a blurry photo, but alas - it is the only one I took so I have included it!

4th 15 minutes

Knowing this is my last crack at this, I study those little details that close in on a likeness, and am still trying to get those elusive values right!  This has been frustrating, and I can clearly see that some “brain” supplements are in order!  I can see how important this exercise is to improving ability, I simply have a long way to go.....!  After finishing this last 15 minutes, I think this is okay.  I am off on the eye shapes and the nose, and I wish I had positioned her on the panel more like I had cropped the photo. The composition would have been better.  I also should have pushed the values a bit more in her hair, as it looks flat.  I feel like I have run a race, and I think it is time for a glass of wine.  Maybe I’ll like it better in a couple of hours :)  Painting number 1047 in 1047 days.

1st 15 minutes

2nd 15 minutes

3rd 15 minutes
yikes!  blurry!

photo reference