Wednesday, April 27, 2016

More Fun with Gouache

Golf courses all over New England are really greening up
which made this gouache study so much fun to paint. 

"Par Four" 
9 x 9 quick study 
gouache on bristol board 

The fast drying, immediacy of this medium 
is challenging and liberating!  
It's tempting to over work because it dries so quickly, 
so I set a timer for myself on this one. 

NOTE:
I found this fun blog I posted 







  


Monday, April 25, 2016

Experimenting with Gouache

My first experiment with 
the gouache paints I purchased 
for a color workshop in February. 



Quick gouache study on paper
9 x 9 

The way it dries so flat is appealing to me, 
and painting on paper is so luscious.
mmm. This could be fun. 

    NOTE: Gouache (/ɡuːˈɑːʃ, ɡwɑːʃ/; French: [ɡwaʃ]), body color [a]opaque watercolor, or guache, is one type of watermedia, paint consisting of pigment, water, a binding agent (usually dextrin or gum arabic), and sometimes additional inert material. Gouache is designed to be used with opaque methods of painting.


Wednesday, April 20, 2016

A Boston Treasure


The Public Garden is truly a Boston treasure,
especially in the spring. 
Things are really starting to "pop" now! 


A Boston Treasure 
9 x 12 
oil

Available at the Copley Society 
Thursday May 5
6:30 - 8:30 


NOTE: 
Due to the unpredictable weather 
on "Paint Day" (this Sunday) 
many artists opt to do their painting ahead of time. 
I did this in my studio from a photo taken last year around this time. 
However, if Sunday is warm and sunny, 
I'll be out there painting somewhere! 
This is a fun event - 
hope to see you there! 



Friday, April 15, 2016

Inaugural Plein Air Outing

I've been chomping at the bit to do some plein air painting 
but it's been a bit too cold.
Today, a pal and I painted at Kennedy's Garden Center 
and we were in heaven.


"First Arrivals" 
8 x 8 
1 hour plein air study 


It was sunny and warm in the green house and 
there were visual delights and pleasing patterns 
everywhere.  
My endeavor back into plein air painting 
has begun.   


NOTE: 
Some cool displays: 










Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Spring Cleaning and Tax Deductions for Artists

I've been spring cleaning the studio
and am uncovering some fun old paintings. 
Today, I found this painting from 2004.


Spring in New England 
14 x 11 oil 
2004

Twelve years later,
last week
I posted this image on Facebook.


I guess one's "vision" never changes. 

NOTE: 
An artist friend sent me this important information regarding 
tax deductions for donated work.  
Also, here is a list of expenses that artists can deduct. 
Thanks Joan. (and Bob!)  




Thursday, April 7, 2016

Summer Camp

I got the shapes for this by zooming in on a beach scene
 and taking the people out. 

"Summer Camp"
12 x 16 


Below is the first version, 
but the shape of white surf 
didn't read well. 
And there wasn't enough value contrast 
in the blues. 



NOTE: 
Before I made any changes
 I used the Brushes App on my I pad 
to experiment with different designs and colors. 
Here are some of them:






It's a great tool to quickly compare and "try on"
different colors together 
before diving in. 




Sunday, April 3, 2016

Plein Air season is here!


I'm gearing up for some plein air painting this spring,
and look forward to getting out of the studio!


"Spring Cleaning"
12 x 9  

As we know, there are many obstacles to plein air painting.
 Last week I practiced packing and setting up
outside the studio - to get my check list ready. 

 Good thing.
I forgot clips, (windy), bungie cord for paper towels, 
and a way to transport a wet painting!

Nothing compares to painting from life outdoors. 
The challenges are many, 
but the rewards are well worth it!