Over Working

Still working on NOT overworking a larger painting

when I go back in to fix/ finish it.   

I think I solved some of the issues on this one 

in rounds two and three,

but it feels over worked to me. 

Surf Casters

18 x 24 oil 

My best work has always been done 

"alla prima"or in one session.  

It feels more intuitive and spontaneous, 

and that's when the magic can happen, 

without the struggle. 

I think this 15 minute gouache sketch 

has more personality than the big oil

that took me a couple of days.  

California Eye Candy

California is filled with visual delights,
especially the art work in the wineries,
hotels and restaurants.


This was hanging behind the reception desk
at our hotel in Napa.

"Water Moves Beneath Us"

by Nicolas Coley

I looked him up and his artistic journey 

is inspiring!

This amazing painting was also in the lobby,

but sadly I didn't get the name of the artist. 

Just another boring office building in 

San Francisco. 

Newly Inspired

I'm always newly inspired after traveling. 

Last week we took a whirlwind trip to 

San Francisco, Napa, and Anderson Valley. 

I took so many incredible images,

 I've got reference material for weeks. 

I just quickly did this study of the view 

taken from our 7th floor balcony

overlooking the Embarcadero. 

quick sketch in oil

 on Canson Canva-Paper

12 x 16 

My first time using this product and I like it. 

The surface is almost like linen. 

Good for working out ideas.....

NOTE: 

Our kids went to a wedding in Boonville

over the weekend so we baby sat

in the mountain house they rented. 

Phoebe 3 mos.

Homer 5 mos.

Nico 22 mos. 

A fun reason to travel! 

Get Inspired!

I'm excited to be teaching a two day

  "Expressive Painting"

workshop at Rockport Art Association 

next week September 27, 28 

9:30 - 3:30
If you need to shake things up and get inspired;
this is the workshop for you! 

(student work from previous class)

The Way In 

16 x 11 oil 

(from a photo) 

Learn how to create more “expressive” paintings by breaking the subject 
down into big, simple, shapes and letting go of the details. 
Using shape, color, and line, with an emphasis on 
strong composition and correct values, 
we will explore fun ways to express an emotion or feeling. 
Through a series of quick exercises, demos, and critiques, 
we will discover how to create lively, expressive paintings that are in fact,
 highly organized and carefully planned. 
Students will work from simple still life set-ups and photographs, 
using a limited palette and large brushes. 
Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone! 
Oils are encouraged, however acrylics will work.


Hope to see you there! 

Painting Surfaces

I'm continually playing with different painting surfaces 

and recently purchased a dozen 9 x 12 carton panels. 

I like the surface because it has a lot of "drag".

You can get some interesting textures. 

"End of Summer Garden" 

12 x 9 oil on panel 

I was compelled to capture all those greens, 

soon to be reds and browns!  

Zooming In

I'm exploring the idea of zooming in on subjects,

using the large shapes to create the design.  

"Bring on Fall"

8 x 10 study (oil) 

Too many similar sized shapes? 

Where does the eye of the viewer end up? 

These are the design elements I'm playing with. 

Roddy Competition

The Concord Art Association's 

18th Annual Frances N. Roddy 

Open Competition

opens this Thursday

September 14 

6 - 8 pm. 

"The Candy Store"

8 x 8 oil 

I'm honored to have my little piece showing  

 with works by some very highly esteemed artists!  

The show will be on view until October 14.

Stop in if you're in the area! 

Back to School

It feels like I went back to school today.

I inventoried supplies, 

reviewed workshop dates, 

submitted works on line 

and 

updated my website.

www.nancycolellastudio.com 

Come visit! 

Felt like I had to paint some sunflowers;

a favorite sign of fall.

"Fall Signs" 

(detail of work in progress) 

NOTE: 

I even wore a brand new pair of 

"back to school" shoes today 

They are Earth Shoes.

(Yes, the same company that made 

those weird reverse heel shoe in the seventies.) 

These are THE most comfortable shoes

 I've ever worn!  

Other Creative Endeavors

Every Labor Day weekend there is a "Horribles Parade" 

in our little beach community.

I had a ball last week designing and building 

a Thomas the Train "float"

for our Grandchildren.  

It's amazing what you can do with cardboard 

and lots a masking tape! 

 I made his face out of quick drying clay. 

Everyone pitched in on the finishing touches,

just in time for parade! 

What a fun way to celebrate the end of 

a terrific summer!