Plopped on a Pitcher, 6 x 6"

Sarajean and I had our first painting session together last week. It took awhile for this paint to dry! (I applied the paint more thickly than usual.) Our limited palette consisted of Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, and White. We set up this small pitcher on a cloth and perched a clementine on top, inside a black box that Robin Thornhill had in her studio. She graciously let us use her more centrally located studio, so Sarajean and I could get together (from New Hampshire and Massachusetts). Thanks again, Robin! Both Sarajean and I wiped out others that day, but feel this is a great exercise and we'll do it again, respecting our timer when it rings! Won't we, Sarajean? : )

Spring Mist in Newbury, 5 x 7"

Dear Visitors, I want to thank you for your interest and for sharing the artistic journey! Your comments mean so much to me and I appreciate all that I learn from the painters whose blogs I follow. Sometimes it's a challenge to keep up with the blogging when other things in Life demand attention, as we all know. I have great respect for those who keep it all going regardless. I have several small paintings that are slowly drying and I'll post them soon. (I haven't been totally slacking!) Meantime, I'm doing the Life Juggle!

Many artists take small plein air paintings and create larger ones in the studio. I did the reverse with this one. I painted a smaller painting from my plein air study so I could easily experiment with several aspects...colors, composition, and—how to paint a tree! : )

See you soon!

Which Comes First...?

Well, spring is just about here and I couldn't help myself. I wanted to see if I could control a colorful set up, be more conscious of trying to use one color per stroke (not there yet!), and how to achieve transitions using this technique. I'm still finding my way!

Which brings us to the totally metaphorical title.
Do you go through periods where you think you're "getting it" and then suddenly you're certain you know absolutely nothing about painting? When I reach that point I try to be kind to myself (it's not always easy) and just keep working. I tell myself that eventually I'll master some small aspect of the painting problem and I'll be a better painter for all the struggle! I HAVE seen it happen!

I'm at a point where as some say about art, "I know what I like," but I have to finish with: I don't yet know how to do it. AND, I'm not certain what "my painting voice" is yet, since I can point to several artists whose very different painting styles I admire so much (some of you know who you are). My artist friend, Sarajean Graham, and I have hatched a plan: to embark on an organized course of self-education. Together we're going to examine things we've wondered about, groused about and struggled with. We plan to conquer them! Stay tuned. (and do wish us luck!)

Happy Spring!

Sardonic Son, 16 x 12"

This is where I am right now. I remind myself often that there's so much to learn. Impatience, be gone!

Here's my older son, painted from life. He's not all that lively looking, since I let him watch a movie on the computer while I painted him. What an excellent, conscientious model he was, though. Who knew?! He carefully assumed the same position each time after getting movie snacks. I may ask him to pose again, sans movie, since he was so good, with the hope of achieving the kind of likeness I enjoy each day. The hands are sketchy since it was a great challenge just to get the face as you see it. I see errors in my drawing and that's good.

Here's the question: what do I do with this? Leave it as a learning experience and move onto the next or see if I can lure my model back so I can improve and "finish" it? By the way, when my son saw the painting, he was genuinely amused and laughed at how "sardonic" he looked. Title courtesy of son.

Honest—Abe, oil, 6 x 4.5"

I'm finally on the mend. When we were around 4-years old, my twin sister and I were sick at the same time (surprise!) and we were drifting in and out of feverish sleep in our parents' bedroom (easier access for our Mom). It made such an impression on me, how slowly time seemed to pass. This time, I felt that same sensation of time slowing. I'd like to hold onto that feeling once I get back into full swing of things. Goal: Be healthy, but enjoy Pockets of Slow Time.

This little painting is in response to the Daily Paintworks Challenge, part one: Using Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Umber and White, paint Abraham Lincoln in a neutral gray. I don't remember ever painting this way before, although I've read about it. Great exercise. Click here to see the many paintings submitted to this challenge: Daily Paintworks Lincoln Challenge.
Honest—Abe, 6 x 4.5", $50 SOLD

Bob Lobster on Leather Chair, 6 x 6"

 

I painted this in response to Carol Marine's latest challenge on this week's Daily Paintworks website. Click "Daily Paintworks" to see what others have submitted.

Each brushstroke was supposed to be a new color. I started off well. Really well. I was having a great time when I suddenly noticed my brush had stroked my painting more than once with the SAME color! It was a challenge, surprise, surprise; one I hope to try again on my own.

The hat is from Bob Lobster, a small restaurant in Newbury, on the way to Plum Island. I've painted in the area and eaten there—yum! I can't wait to go back when spring is in full swing.