It was a busy, busy weekend, but one thoroughly enjoyed! My last workshop was with Margaret Roseman (www.margaretroseman.com) to help with my continuing struggle with getting values correct the first time.
Margaret is an excellent instructor who began our fast-moving three hours with theory explaining how light worked, how it moved through value changes around variously shaped objects.
We then each drew from references we brought or she had -- while she helped each of us correct our drawings.
Margaret then demonstrated how she added various richly pigmented paints to her painting, increasing value changes as she painted -- and then it was our turn to give it a try.
We were using dabs of Holbein Paint -- our palettes didn't arrive on time and so we were using palette paper -- a bit difficult to maneuver. I have to say that by this time in the weekend's activities, I was sorely tired! and so I had a bit of trouble getting on paper what I wanted to do -- OR a complete reflection of what Margaret was teaching. I wound up getting her lessons applied to the POT -- but completely missed the free, more abstract approach to the flowers.
Instead, I put on paint, took off paint, lifted, molded, and finally decided that it was the best I could do for now.
Still, her approach, richly applied paints, less fussing, a bit of abstract, large shapes first, values following the light, were all excellent, and ones I need to incorporate.
I have one more for tomorrow..
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Monday, November 12, 2007
Karlyn Holman Workshop - French Window
I was priviledged to be able to spend an entire day with Karlyn and even more thrilled to spend the time painting images I love -- windows and doors! We again practiced the shadows first and glazing methods -- and I truly appreciated the reinforcement of these lessons. I drove home afterward NOTICiNG shadows I never SAW before! And oh, what a difference they make!
Again, Karlyn (http://www.karlynholman.com) provided us with sketches on watercolor paper. We were told that she reproduced these drawings from a laser printer on Strathmore Aquarius 2 80# paper -- the only paper she found that would hold the toner and set it so that she could easily reproduce enough drawings for her students without fear of toner smears. I do believe she also mentioned that it was archival. I have to admit that with all the water used on this paper, it never buckled and took the paint well. The only drawback I found was that it was difficult to remove the paint once it set -- but other than that -- it worked beautifully!
We again used Karlyn's favorite colors for shadows - cobalt blue for those shadows later to be glazed in orange or remaining white, and Permanent Magenta for those shadows to be glazed in yellow -- again emphasizing the complimentary colors for shadows and glazing to emphasize the transparency of the colors.
Karlyn's generosity is notable, too ... her workshop was sponsored by Winsor Newton and we each received a portable palette (I can't recall who sponsored those but they're wonderful) filled with the colors she used for the paintings, a photo reference, paper and print to work on, a print of her painting AND a matboard and mat and sleeve for our work! AND the inexpensive Oriental brush that she uses to throw the paint! Her enthusiasm and ENJOYMENT of what we does was absolutely INFECTIOUS!
I honestly do not get a commission or anything else from these comments other than sharing the joy and excitement she brought to our workshop! LOL I can't recommend a class by her highly enough!
More to come ...
Again, Karlyn (http://www.karlynholman.com) provided us with sketches on watercolor paper. We were told that she reproduced these drawings from a laser printer on Strathmore Aquarius 2 80# paper -- the only paper she found that would hold the toner and set it so that she could easily reproduce enough drawings for her students without fear of toner smears. I do believe she also mentioned that it was archival. I have to admit that with all the water used on this paper, it never buckled and took the paint well. The only drawback I found was that it was difficult to remove the paint once it set -- but other than that -- it worked beautifully!
We again used Karlyn's favorite colors for shadows - cobalt blue for those shadows later to be glazed in orange or remaining white, and Permanent Magenta for those shadows to be glazed in yellow -- again emphasizing the complimentary colors for shadows and glazing to emphasize the transparency of the colors.
Karlyn's generosity is notable, too ... her workshop was sponsored by Winsor Newton and we each received a portable palette (I can't recall who sponsored those but they're wonderful) filled with the colors she used for the paintings, a photo reference, paper and print to work on, a print of her painting AND a matboard and mat and sleeve for our work! AND the inexpensive Oriental brush that she uses to throw the paint! Her enthusiasm and ENJOYMENT of what we does was absolutely INFECTIOUS!
I honestly do not get a commission or anything else from these comments other than sharing the joy and excitement she brought to our workshop! LOL I can't recommend a class by her highly enough!
More to come ...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Tom Jones Workshop
It still amazes me the extent of the variety of approaches to watercolor painting.
I took a 3 hour class Friday night from Tom Jones (http://tomjonesartist.com/), who wore his signature Panama Hat and was absolutely delightful! I chose his workshop to learn more about darks and lights and to find more ways to loosen up my tight paintings.
Like Karlyn, Tom had the sketch on paper for us so that we could spend our time focusing on methods.
Tom said the same thing most folks do about 'loosening up' - larger brushes, larger palette, fewer brush strokes, less detailed drawing to begin with. But more than anything else, he emphasized the need for DARK DARKS so that the LIGHT really popped. He rarely glazed, but went in with good strong paint and values right away (we were using 300# cp paper), so that we wouldn't overdo the brush strokes. I didn't save as much of the lights as I wish I had! We did 'spatter' a bit and use a lift-out method with water and rubbing.
My painting (rarely decent when I'm at a workshop) has more yellow in it than my scanner can show. It, like Karlyn's, is a half sheet of wc paper -- but my scanner is far smaller and it's too dark to photograph in the hours I'm returning home -- but this is the focal area.
His methods are loose and playful with a 'don't futz' attitude I so wish I could adopt! And while my 'style' is very different, but what I hope to retain from this workshop is that my 'dark' is rarely DARK enough .... and a bit darker probably is what I need to add! LOL
Funny thing, too -- painting from a drawing that someone else did is harder than it might seem -- somehow when we are the ones doing the drawing, we use that time to evaluate the scene, getting familiar with nooks and crannies, light direction, much better (naturally enough) -- so there's a leap, I think, or a period of time, of getting 'into the scene someone else has drawn,' SEEING all those particulars that one seems to become familiar with when one draws the scene him or herself. Still, it's a great way to 'dive right in' to the paint!
More coming ...
I took a 3 hour class Friday night from Tom Jones (http://tomjonesartist.com/), who wore his signature Panama Hat and was absolutely delightful! I chose his workshop to learn more about darks and lights and to find more ways to loosen up my tight paintings.
Like Karlyn, Tom had the sketch on paper for us so that we could spend our time focusing on methods.
Tom said the same thing most folks do about 'loosening up' - larger brushes, larger palette, fewer brush strokes, less detailed drawing to begin with. But more than anything else, he emphasized the need for DARK DARKS so that the LIGHT really popped. He rarely glazed, but went in with good strong paint and values right away (we were using 300# cp paper), so that we wouldn't overdo the brush strokes. I didn't save as much of the lights as I wish I had! We did 'spatter' a bit and use a lift-out method with water and rubbing.
My painting (rarely decent when I'm at a workshop) has more yellow in it than my scanner can show. It, like Karlyn's, is a half sheet of wc paper -- but my scanner is far smaller and it's too dark to photograph in the hours I'm returning home -- but this is the focal area.
His methods are loose and playful with a 'don't futz' attitude I so wish I could adopt! And while my 'style' is very different, but what I hope to retain from this workshop is that my 'dark' is rarely DARK enough .... and a bit darker probably is what I need to add! LOL
Funny thing, too -- painting from a drawing that someone else did is harder than it might seem -- somehow when we are the ones doing the drawing, we use that time to evaluate the scene, getting familiar with nooks and crannies, light direction, much better (naturally enough) -- so there's a leap, I think, or a period of time, of getting 'into the scene someone else has drawn,' SEEING all those particulars that one seems to become familiar with when one draws the scene him or herself. Still, it's a great way to 'dive right in' to the paint!
More coming ...
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Karlyn Holman Workshop
I'm heading out shortly for another class at Jerry Artarama's "Art in the Carolinas' -- and it's just what the doctor ordered!! FABULOUS classes, warm, helpful instructors, art all day long, a huge trade show, demonstrations, and FUN!
My first class yesterday was with Karlyn Holman (http://www.karlynholman.com) -- whose work I've admired and whose books and DVDs have a permanent place on my bookshelf and in my travel materials. I took a class with Karlyn last year where we used mixed media (watercolor pencils and watercolor) to produce loose flowers (http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/search?q=Karen+Vernon).
This workshop, however, used more traditional methods of glazing-- with a twist -- painting the shadows FIRST. Karlyn provided the drawing so we could spend three hours focusing on how to approach the painting, how our paints (Winsor-Newton) worked in water, compliments, glazing, and how she used an Oriental brush to 'throw' paint for an 'alla prima' loose look to the foliage. FABULOUS!
I was thrilled to be allowed to join her 'full' class today where we'll continue focusing on this method as we paint an Italian-looking doorway ---!!
It's been a BLAST!
More to come ....
My first class yesterday was with Karlyn Holman (http://www.karlynholman.com) -- whose work I've admired and whose books and DVDs have a permanent place on my bookshelf and in my travel materials. I took a class with Karlyn last year where we used mixed media (watercolor pencils and watercolor) to produce loose flowers (http://viewfromtheoak.blogspot.com/search?q=Karen+Vernon).
This workshop, however, used more traditional methods of glazing-- with a twist -- painting the shadows FIRST. Karlyn provided the drawing so we could spend three hours focusing on how to approach the painting, how our paints (Winsor-Newton) worked in water, compliments, glazing, and how she used an Oriental brush to 'throw' paint for an 'alla prima' loose look to the foliage. FABULOUS!
I was thrilled to be allowed to join her 'full' class today where we'll continue focusing on this method as we paint an Italian-looking doorway ---!!
It's been a BLAST!
More to come ....
Friday, November 09, 2007
Pot of Gourds
This week a friend of mine was in town and we decided to visit one of the local vineyards. I hadn't visited a vineyard since I was in Sicily two years ago, and since this one was locally owned and they grew varieties of native grapes, I was eager to see it.
We drove the less than 10 miles to find a small store stocked with locally-produced wines and jellies, a large, warm room for meetings and receptions, and fields and fields of grapes. The grapes had already been harvested, but the leaves were turning gold and brown and were neatly cared for and interesting to see.
The entry porch to the store was decorated with tables, chairs, a few antiques and these wonderful pots of gourds and pumpkins. This sketch is from a photo I took of their wonderful fall colors.
I'll be enjoying two classes at Jerry's today! I've looked forward to these all year and though I'm tired from a week of work-related writing and meetings, I am so excited to have this opportunity!
We drove the less than 10 miles to find a small store stocked with locally-produced wines and jellies, a large, warm room for meetings and receptions, and fields and fields of grapes. The grapes had already been harvested, but the leaves were turning gold and brown and were neatly cared for and interesting to see.
The entry porch to the store was decorated with tables, chairs, a few antiques and these wonderful pots of gourds and pumpkins. This sketch is from a photo I took of their wonderful fall colors.
I'll be enjoying two classes at Jerry's today! I've looked forward to these all year and though I'm tired from a week of work-related writing and meetings, I am so excited to have this opportunity!
Thursday, November 08, 2007
The Gas Crisis
I filled up my gas tank this week and was shocked to pay over $3 a gallon! And even with a 52 miles per gallon Prius, these prices are painful.
So I thought I would combine two challenges as I reflected on these rising costs.
I'm enjoying my Speedpass -- I keep it on my key ring so it's easy in and easy out -- and just as easy -- the bill comes each month! But it's a convenient way to turn the gas pump on and off!
SIGH!
So I thought I would combine two challenges as I reflected on these rising costs.
I'm enjoying my Speedpass -- I keep it on my key ring so it's easy in and easy out -- and just as easy -- the bill comes each month! But it's a convenient way to turn the gas pump on and off!
SIGH!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Hibiscus
I'm trying to work more on my blending of watercolors -- to try to simplify the process -- practicing in my sketchbook, of course, isn't the best idea ..! LOL Still, late nights and overly busy days dictate using what's at hand and WHEN I can. LOL
I took two nights to work on this ... one to sketch and add first layers; the second night to lift off a lot and redo! LOL
My intent is to keep practicing this blending on watercolor paper, hopefully, if time permits this weekend .... but that's busy too -- but a busy I'm looking forward to. It's Jerry's Art of the Carolina's weekend, and I"m signed up for classes for 2 days -- yahoo!!!!
I took two nights to work on this ... one to sketch and add first layers; the second night to lift off a lot and redo! LOL
My intent is to keep practicing this blending on watercolor paper, hopefully, if time permits this weekend .... but that's busy too -- but a busy I'm looking forward to. It's Jerry's Art of the Carolina's weekend, and I"m signed up for classes for 2 days -- yahoo!!!!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
EDM141 - Bristles
It's a busy, busy week! People from out of town, meetings, advising students, construction estimates and bids, more meetings, reports, paperwork. I may be scarce until this flood of 'must's' is over ...
My hairbrush ....also meets a recent EDM challenge for bristles ...
In the meantime, I'll have a smaller amount of time to sketch .. but sketch I will! LOL
My hairbrush ....also meets a recent EDM challenge for bristles ...
In the meantime, I'll have a smaller amount of time to sketch .. but sketch I will! LOL
Monday, November 05, 2007
Peanuts
One of my students whose family lives on a farm and raises peanuts, generously brought me a huge bag of the legumes. I roasted them over the weekend and tried to capture their subtle textures in this sketch.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
My Maple
Yesterday was cool, still rainless, but the reds in the trees are about as brilliant as they're going to be this year. Some of the yellows are beginning to fade as the temperatures cool more and more. I simply HAD to try to capture this unusual fall one more time.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
EDM 143 - Herbs
We grew a variety of herbs for a winter windowsill garden and a lecture we were holding at the Arboretum. The one I chose to bring home is filled with parsley, sage, chives and thyme ... It'll find a warm spot on my kitchen windowsill.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Windowsill
I am constantly intrigued with flowerpots, especially those on beautifully-foliaged windowsills. I found this photo on Wet Canvas and wanted to paint it as an expression of one of my favorite views.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Rebecca's Small Ceramic Basket
My friend and I went to the outlets after work and spent a good amount of time getting a jump on holiday purchases.
I had less time than normal to sketch, so I settled on a small, seemingly easy, quick thing to paint ... HA! I was challenged firstly by overhead lighting, and then Rebecca's white basket itself -- by its small size (less than 4" high), odd shadows and folds .... I don't think easy and quick EVER relate to painting something white!
I had less time than normal to sketch, so I settled on a small, seemingly easy, quick thing to paint ... HA! I was challenged firstly by overhead lighting, and then Rebecca's white basket itself -- by its small size (less than 4" high), odd shadows and folds .... I don't think easy and quick EVER relate to painting something white!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Halloween
This is the scene that reminds me of Halloween -- pumpkins, warm-colored flowers, mums, and the rich scents of fireplaces, apples, pumpkin pie, brightly colored leaves, full moons, crisp nights ...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Washer of Flowers
I cannot tell you how often I have passed this antique rusting washer on my way into town as it sits in front of a tiny, triangle-shaped antique barn housed on the corner of an aging gas station. I finally, in the middle of our rain last week, had my camera with me, a break in the rain, and a moment to stop and capture it on film.
While a pretty basic antique washer, I love how they've nicely placed seasonal flowers in the basin ....!
While a pretty basic antique washer, I love how they've nicely placed seasonal flowers in the basin ....!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Thunder Mountain - Another View
I'm still intrigued with large bolders and rocks, and finding this vignette caught my eye early in the day. I waited until the afternoon to paint in order to get a bit more sunshine on the rocks -- though it's hard to tell in this scan.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Thunder Mountain - View over the Hills
Our Plein Air group met at the home of a fellow artist outside Hillsborough, NC on Thunder Mountain. It was a chill morning as we arrived; the grass still wet from the recent, much appreciated rains, and heavy morning dew. It was a bit windy too in certain spots, but each artist found a 'view' to sketch from.
Several of us sat at this particular spot, overlooking a farmhouse and pond with a backdrop of just-turning fall trees. I sat bundled up in my coat watching the shade turn to sun, the darkish valley lighten up. The day turned out to be one of autumn's best - a bit chill, warm sun, beautiful color.
I find painting Plein Air so very challenging, as most folks do -- changing light, temperature variations, insects, cold or heat -- but fun nonetheless to find ways to work with those challenges ....
My great challenge yesterday was to put paint to paper -- and again - leave it alone. I'm always impatient to correct before the paint dries, dabble and adjust just a bit more.
But I suppose that's why we keep doing what we're doing -- each sketch, each painting contains its own lessons... and bit by bit, day by day, HOPEFULLY, we learn.
Several of us sat at this particular spot, overlooking a farmhouse and pond with a backdrop of just-turning fall trees. I sat bundled up in my coat watching the shade turn to sun, the darkish valley lighten up. The day turned out to be one of autumn's best - a bit chill, warm sun, beautiful color.
I find painting Plein Air so very challenging, as most folks do -- changing light, temperature variations, insects, cold or heat -- but fun nonetheless to find ways to work with those challenges ....
My great challenge yesterday was to put paint to paper -- and again - leave it alone. I'm always impatient to correct before the paint dries, dabble and adjust just a bit more.
But I suppose that's why we keep doing what we're doing -- each sketch, each painting contains its own lessons... and bit by bit, day by day, HOPEFULLY, we learn.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
My Dogwood
Though the drought has stressed so many of our state's dogwoods, including those on my property, this one tree seemed to compete with the other trees around it for the most vibrant color this year.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Blue Umbrella
My heart breaks watching the devastation in California and the farmers and landscapers here as both sides of our great country suffer from fire and dought.
I offer prayers and hopes for all affected
I offer prayers and hopes for all affected
Umbrella
Blessed rain fell yesterday and is here again today! It will help with the drought, but not cure it -- everyone is on conservation mode -- even well owners.
Our well, rather shallow, is showing signs of water shortages in smaller water flow and pressure. We're collecting water, using bottled water, and very short showers.
Still the rain is so so welcome!
Our well, rather shallow, is showing signs of water shortages in smaller water flow and pressure. We're collecting water, using bottled water, and very short showers.
Still the rain is so so welcome!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)