Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Red Hat


The GJWP challenge this month was
"HAT"
Click here to see this month's entries!

"Red Hat" 
8 x 8 oil 


I think hats make wonderful subjects
 because they are great indicators of sunlight.


This painting will be one of five 
that will be part of a 
at the 
Copley Society of Boston 
158 Newbury Street Boston, MA 
November 15 - December 24 

Opening reception Nov 15 
5:30 - 7:30 
Stop by! 


Sunday, October 28, 2012

You Gotta Love NYC

Our plans to get to the Edward Hopper House 
opening reception in Nyack, New York  
were dashed with the pending arrival of Sandy Sunday afternoon.  
We did, however, get to NYC on Saturday 
and, as always, I was not disappointed by all the "visuals."  

I took this out of the cab window in SoHo.  
Those are real underwear attached to that canvas.
Kind of creepy. No?
I wonder how much that will go for. 


This poor waiter was clearly embarrassed 
about taking a "Banana Split" for a walk. 
(But then again, look what he's wearing!)  
It was Halloween weekend after all. 

I thought this was a clever way to advertise.
Made me want to go in and get a blow out!


Just a couple of Cow Boys and Girls
hailing a cab. 

We are now back in Boston awaiting the arrival of Sandy.
Many prayers and thoughts go out to all 
who will be affected.
Be safe! 




  

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Workshop Snapshots

 Thought I'd share a glimpse of the 
One Hour Painting Workshop
last weekend at the
South Shore Art Center. 
Twelve students, three simple still life set ups.

After the introductions, I did a quick demo
 explaining my step by step approach. 
Then I set a timer and off they go.  

Some of these are done by beginners! 

My Limited Stroke Exercise demo 
teaches you to really plan ahead and 
"be a designer!" 


This gal gave herself 12 strokes,
but then couldn't help herself.
She fussed it up to 22 !!!!
But great result! 


Three Value Exercise 
Student work 

I had them mark where the values were going.
D(dark) M(middle) L(light) 
Another way to think about design first! 


This was done by the cute 30 year old son 
 who took the workshop with his Mom!
All the way from Long Island! 
Never painted before.
How fun is that!?  


 The next day we had a quick critique 
of the previous days work.
Then for a warm up, 
we did the four Ten Minute Studies of one object. 
That isn't always everyone favorite but 
it gets you going! 

We spent the afternoon exploring  
"Painting from Photos"
Knowing what images will make good paintings and why 
is the key to the success of paintings from photos. 
We had a lively discussion about all the many new ways you can 
manipulate an image electronically
and ultimately do your planning and designing 
ahead of time.  


This was my 15 minute demo 
done from a photo. 

From the questionnaire I had the students fill out, 
it was suggested that 
"Painting From Photos" 
could be it's own workshop. 
Great idea! 
We just tipped the iceberg with that exercise. 
There is a lot to discover in that area
these days! 

Again, thank you to everyone who attended.
It was energizing and motivating!   
  





Monday, October 22, 2012

Workshop Discoveries

My head is spinning after our whirlwind 
"One Hour Painting" workshop!
There were numerous "moments of discovery"
throughout the weekend
and I couldn't wait to share this one with you.  

On Saturday, after we did the Three Value Exercise,
one of the students showed us all the 
Value Viewer App on her phone.

You can take any photo and view it in grey scale, 
a notan (black and white) or in  "levels"
(three values- black, white, middle)
 this is THE most helpful "tool" for painters! 

So on Sunday when we did our Paintings from Photos, 
we had fun taking pictures of our pictures we wanted to paint,
and seeing the value plan instantly! 

The many discoveries made at workshops 
are priceless.  
Thank you everyone, for bringing such great ideas 
and creative enthusiasm to this one.
Happy Painting! 

  
  





Thursday, October 18, 2012

Small Works dilemma


I'm getting ready for the many 
"Small Works" shows coming up.

"Mom and Kid"
6 x 6 
(2" gallery wrapped canvas, unframed) 

These shows somehow invite 
"cookie-cutter-cranked-out-pieces"
that are "painted to sell".
I really try not to do that.  

I'd rather use the opportunity for further exploration!  

"I paint to see what it will look like" 
Brooks Kelly
March 10, 1935 - October 5,  2012





Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Workshop Prep

 I've been having such fun experimenting lately,
 I realized I'd better buckle down and prepare for my two day 
Painting in an Hour 
workshop next weekend at the South Shore Art Center. 

 I set up a simple still life under a spot light 
and did this "practice demo"
talking my way through it.
It was so fun to practice what I preach!  

I'm really looking forward to two full days of painting
with this amazing group of artists.
I learn so much at these workshops!  








Friday, October 12, 2012

Three Men in Hats

Men in Hats  
 8 x 10 


Again, I'm trying to loosen up by drawing my "map" in 
napthol red acrylic paint first. 
I think it helps me think about the shapes
instead of the thing I am painting. 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Edward Hopper House Show

I'm excited that these three paintings will be part of the
National Juried Show  
at the Edward Hopper House Art Center 
in Nyack, New York 
October 27 - December 23
Orange Towel 
10 x 12 
Outdoor Shower
8 x 10 

Late Afternoon 
10 x 12 

What a great excuse to hit NYC,
 then poke around Nyack and attend the reception on the 28th!   

You can view the entire show here. 

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Chic Challenge

One of our new GJWP members
is a very highly regarded interior designer. 
She is also the most "put together"
 and glamorous person I know.
Her challenge for us this month was "chic". 

 "Fashion Week"
8 x 8 

I did this from an image I stole from her blog. 
She took it while in NYC during Fashion Week 
(as a guest of Jason Wu!)

We all had a some fun with this challenge.
Check out the others here  








Thursday, October 4, 2012

Still Horsing Around

I had to do one more large one of the girls 
on the beach riding horses. 
Beach Ride #3
16 x 20

I've discovered with these larger ones, 
if I do a free hand "map" in Napthol Red Acrylic paint
using a nice thick round brush 
(without any grid or planning) 
I can keep it loose and have more fun! 
Just "wingin' it."

My new "drawing" tool. 




Tuesday, October 2, 2012

At a Loss

My wonderful friend and fellow artist,
passed away suddenly last week.
She was an extraordinary and talented woman
and will be missed by many.

"Stop and Smell the Lilacs" 
9 x12 oil 

I did this painting of her about  five years ago and
always meant to give it to her.
Lesson learned.
BTW ~ Her hair really was that color!