"Nestled Inn"

We are pretty much back to normal now, 

so I was happy to spend a few hours 

"on the Cape" yesterday.  

"Nestled Inn" 

11 x 14 

It's difficult to put a stroke down and leave it alone 

on these larger architectural pieces.   

Since having an accurate drawing is so important, 

I tend to fuss too much,

which takes the freshness out of them. 

The smaller ones "read" better I think.   

I almost like the sketch better than the painting!   

Nemo Aftermath

The aftermath of Nemo is making everyone 

"winter weary"and cranky, including me. 

So I was thrilled to be back in my warm studio today! 

(I'm one of the lucky ones, believe me)

I'd mapped out a few painting ideas on canvas's 

before the storm, so I was able to get right to work. 

"Chatham Bars" Blue 

8 x 10 

I've painted this cottage before but I took a lot of detail out this time. 

I'm trying out a new surface here-

Utrecht's Belgian Linen Master's Panel 

The jury is still out, but I think I like it. 

Storm Note: 

We got our power back yesterday 

so I spent the day putting things back together

and running errands.

I found this on the counter when I got home!  

My dear friend Sally did this for my birthday! 

Nemo flying over our house in Humarock Beach,

an area that gets hit incredibly hard during storms. 

(Thankfully, we had little to no damage!) 

I love her magical little watercolors.

Check them out here! 

Meanwhile: That's how strong the waves were!

Look at the size of that washed up rope 

compared to Cello. !  

Blizzard 2013

We haven't had power since Friday night 

and no one knows when it will be restored.

It's a real mess out there. 

I managed to do a few sketches on Saturday 

sitting by the fire.  

That was fun for about an hour.

By Sunday night we couldn't take it anymore,

so we moved in to a hotel. 

A hot shower never felt so good! 

Will keep you posted! 

  

Life On Hold

A major storm is coming tonight so life, in general, is on hold.  

Watching the news just makes me anxious, 

so I spent a few happy hours in the studio

painting this as the snow arrived.    

Summer Camp

11 x 14 

I've been organizing my photos lately and found 

some great images of Cape Cod architecture.

 Trying out some ideas for my show at the 

Cove Gallery in Wellfleet, MA

this summer.

Now, back to reality.

Stay safe everyone! 

I'll be grateful for every minute 

that we have power! 

  

Value to Color

Back To Basics 

Class #3 

"Value does all the work, color gets all the credit"
I love that!
This week we worked on seeing value in color.

We first did a value study

using only a 

darkest dark, lightest light, and middle value.

Your big shapes have to fall into one of those values. 

Because the value jumps are so exaggerated, 

the result is a very dramatic design.

We then did the same set up using color,
trying to maintain the drama.
We mixed up the color, then compared the value of it
directly on the black and white study.
(the dots above)

It is amazing how far off you can be! 

This exercise really helps you see color as a value.
Everyone "got it" and the results were amazing!
.
Unfortunately, I didn't get great images of them with my I Phone
but you get the idea!

 

One Year Anniversay

A year ago this week, sweet Cello joined our family. 

Admittedly, we had forgotten how much work puppies can be,
but she has made it all worth it. 

Today, she's a mellow, sweet (slightly mischievous) teen ager
who fills us with incredible joy.   

In honor of her anniversary,

I did a few small paintings of her. 

"On Guard"

6 x 8 

"Waiting for Dad"

5 x 7  

I did those last week and then saw
Carol Marine's awesome head study of a pup today,

and had to try one. 

Head Study

6 x 6  

Well. I am no Carol Marine.

(her brush strokes and color sense are incredible)     

but I had fun with this. 

I tried to just focus on the shapes, 

but her personality kept getting in the way!

Feb 6, 2012

Note:

Labrador Retrievers were voted the most popular 

breed in America for the 20th year in a row! 

We second that!  

Love is......?

In addition to the "dessert" paintings

some of us are doing for the 

February 8 James Library event,

I had six 7th and 8th grade girls come to the studio this week 

to do small "heart" paintings to sell and donate the proceeds.

I bought eighteen 4 x 4 gallery wrapped canvas's,

and spray painted them black.

Then made a heart stencil that would fill the square 

(a la Jim Dine) and let them do whatever they wanted.

 For inspiration, we had them think about a title 

starting with "Love is.....?"

Here a just a few samples,

although every one of them is priceless. 

"Love is Bubbly"

"Love is on Fire"

"Love Grows"

"Love Fades"

"Love is in the Stars"

A fun project and for such a great cause! 

These will be sold $20 each.

Great job girls!