My TBC file

I collect images that I think
would make a good painting

in a TBC file. (To Be Considered)
That way, whenever I need a little inspiration,
I'm all set!

I'm not a skier, but it sure makes great subject matter. 

I found this in the file and couldn't resist all that red, white and blue! 

"Laboratory Conditions"

12 x 12 

This has been an ideal winter for skiers 

and I am thrilled for them. 

But I'm more thrilled,

 that it's almost over.  

Five Minute to an Hour Exercise

I used to do ten minutes for this exercise 

but found that five minutes 

 is just enough time to get the point across.
(less titching)

We divide our 8 x 10 panels into four sections. 

Then pick one object in strong light. 

Set the timer for 5 minutes and try to fill a section. 

Move the object and repeat three more times.   

The idea is to change your approach each time.

This forces you to really look at the object,

simplify the shapes, 

and make every stroke count! 

  

While they were still reeling from that, 

we set up more complicated still lives 

and set the timer for one hour! 

The idea is to keep the spontaneity 

of the five minute paintings, 

while spending more time

planning. 

This exercise is not for sissies!
Most of them have never done this before,
and happily,
I think they got it!
No titching here!

Color Mixing Exercise

After missing two weeks of class

(due to blizzard, then school vacation)

 we got right to work today.

I pre-prepared one of these for each student 

by mixing up a dulled down, low intensity color 

of each of the primaries. 

   

They were to use only cad yellow, alizarine, ultramarine blue

and white and try to "match" the colors,

while testing below the sample given.  

There was lot of decision making and trial and error

and the value of using a color isolator became very clear!   

They were then given two setups,

 that mixed muted "dulled down" objects (terra cotta vase) 

with "vivid intense" objects (lemons),

both using neutral backgrounds

As always, I was amazed at how well 

they translated the exercise in to the practice. 

There was an energetic dialogue throughout, 

about color combinations and color relationships.

Just what I was after!  

We have a wonderfully dynamic group here and 

I am learning so much from each one of them! 

So happy to be back at it!

Indicators

I talk a lot about "indicators" when teaching.  

(parts of the scene that indicate clearly where the light is coming from.)
In this case, it is the shadow from the pipe on the roof,
and the shadows from trees and overhang.

"Little Gem"

8 x 8 

This is a newer version of a painting I did years ago

 of this little cottage on the beach in Truro, MA.

I had a show entitled "Little Gems" at the NRAS in 2003. 

This is taken from the postcard for the show!  

The painting is long gone, and of course, 

there are no digital images from then. 

What a new world we live in! 

Surf Side Colony

Surf Side Colony 

is a seaside cottage community in Wellfleet, Ma 
that was founded in the late 40's early 50"s. 
Many of them are tiny  (800 sq ft) 
and are on the beach or within walking distance. 
They are now privately owned and some are available for rent. 

Beachcomber Cottage 

6 x 8 

I am a big fan of Mid Century simplicity,

especially at the beach.  

What more does anyone need? 

Accepting Winter

I've decided to accept the fact that I live in New England

and our winters are cold, snowy, and long. 

It's time to capture the joy of the season and do a 

"snow painting" or two. 

(Plein air is out of the question. 

Just taking Cello for a walk in the woods 

with the ice and downed trees, is like Chinese torture)

Winter Warmth

12 x 12 

My husband recently e-mailed me an image he'd found and said;

"this would make a good painting". 

I rarely paint from images I don't take myself, 

but this was compelling and had promise.   

How fun is that? 

He gets the whole light and shadow thing! 

Thanks hon!  

Tropical

Our GJWP challenge this month is

"TROPICAL"

Very appropriate, given where we live 

and the winter we are having!  

Sam Art Dog inspired me with her 

zippy fish post a few days ago.

"Zippy Fish"

6 x 8 

It was fun to get out the 

Cobalt Turquoise, Cadmium Green, and 

Quinacridone Red! 

I've been jonesing for bright color lately! 

Thanks Sam!