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 

about using gouache in 2014.  

  

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.

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 

Fresh Paint Auction 

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! 

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: 

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!)  

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. 

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!