Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Coolers and Tubes

Some of my favorite subject matter. 


"Coolers and Tubes"
8 x 8 



Monday, July 28, 2014

Puzzle Pieces

I thought about this all weekend,
so it came together pretty quickly in the studio 
this AM. 


"Soul Mates" 
8 x 8 


I did the map with alizarin acrylic. 
Then filled in the puzzle pieces. 

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Schools Out for the Summer!

I taught my last class of the summer today in my studio 
because NRAS was hosting a big Art Camp day.  

Our topic was Pattern Painting 
(see previous post here) 
We did an exercise geared toward breaking things down to 
just big flat shapes.
No modeling.

As always, the "student work" blows me away! 
Kate's 16 x 20 acrylic! 

Look a those chunky strokes! 


Our model, Casey made herself comfy and Cello was in heaven 
for two long poses.



It was a little cramped with 5 painters and a model, 
but that didn't stop the magic. 
 This group totally "gets it",
and they weren't afraid to show it!  







I was so excited about everything going on,
I didn't get images of all the work! 



I'd say we went out with a bang today. 



Monday, July 21, 2014

Cape Cod Art Association workshop

Just back from Cape Cod after teaching the 

The facility is terrific, and the staff  couldn't be more helpful! 
We had a wonderfully diverse and talented group! 
Thank you all! 

My 20 minute demo from a photo
the last day. 

The all important 10 minute four value 
exercise. 

Plenty of room! 

Judy the expressionist! 


Just one of the wonderful results from the 
Limited Stroke exercise.
Everyone's favorite.  

 As aways, I learn so much from "students". 
What a great way to spend a cloudy weekend on Cape Cod!   



Friday, July 18, 2014

One Color Shadow Exercise

The next exercise we did this week was the 
One Color Shadow Exercise.
Like the Crazy Color exercise, 
this is geared toward getting you to experiment and BE CREATIVE! 






Idea is to paint everything in shadow in ONE dark value, 
and everything in light in the actual color.  
Fun results. 



Crazy Color Exercise

I introduced an exercise yesterday that I've never done before. 
I'm calling it the Crazy Color Exercise.
(another one adapted from PKR)  
 I did this from a photo in my studio ahead of time to try it out. 

I knew right away that this dynamic group 
would love this. 

Basic idea:
Mix up two crazy colors,
one much darker than middle grey,
the other much lighter than middle grey. 
(any combination- complimentary
secondaries, neutras)  

My Demo

We set the timer for 10 minutes 
and look at the cool things that happened! 












So much fun! 
This exercise really pushes you to LET GO and be creative. 

Our wonderful model, Casey. 

Note: 
One of our members brought her adorable 10 year old grandson to class. 
He offered to model for our 1minute contour warm ups and even wore a hat!  



He was so enthusiastic and uninhibited! 
It was purely delightful.
Thank you Keenan! 


Monday, July 14, 2014

Nancy Colella CA !

This painting was juried in to the 
Summer Members Show at the Copley Society
that opened last week.
(on view until August 21st)  


"Boy on Board"
8 x 8 

New members need to be accepted to three Juried Shows
 in order to receive the status of  "Copley Artist".
(From Artist Member)  
I now have CA after my name! 

Wahoo!  



Saturday, July 12, 2014

Proportions of the Head

An important part of painting the figure 
is getting the proportions of the head correct. 
This week we did some quick head studies 
outside with a wonderful new model, Casey. 

One of the better ones!  

Getting the proportions correct is one thing,  
getting the features to "read" correctly is another whole issue! 
Our lesson was to simply suggest features
with big shapes, placed correctly.   

My demo was terrible and we all struggled a bit, 
but had a lot of laughs. 
(The slightest misplaced stroke
 and you have a monkey!)  

It's humbling, to say the least! 

NOTE: 
Peggi Kroll Roberts is the master of painting faces! 
I highly recommend watching her DVD.





Thursday, July 10, 2014

One More Garden Party

I had to do one more from the 
Garden Party. 


"Gossip Girls" 
9 x 12 oil

These two are not really "gossipers" 
but the title sort of fits. 
Love those hats! 

Monday, July 7, 2014

Honorary Member

After all the festivities this weekend, 
I was more than ready to get in the studio this AM. 


"Honorary Member"
8 x 10 oil 

I'm teaching a class on Mud Heads this week,
so I thought I'd try a figure mostly in shadow.
Her skin tones under that purple umbrella 
were so bright, yet still in shadow.
That is the tricky part. 
I hope we have bright sun for this class! 


Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Garden Party

A few weeks ago 
on a gorgeous sunny afternoon, 
our Garden Club hosted an old fashioned Garden Party 
honoring one of our Honorary Members.



Garden Party 
9 x 12 
oil 

I've never thought gardens, in general, are good subjects to paint
(too busy and not enough big shapes) 
but gals in hats and dresses? 
My favorite! 


The guest of honor
upon arrival.