This is a blog about painting: specifically, representational fine art, generally, using oil paint. I think a lot about what I'm doing, and those thoughts about subject matter, technique, influences, frustrations and delights all show up here. It's all about the journey.
Monday, August 26, 2019
Time Off
I need a break from painting, so am doing some peripheral stuff; stretching canvases, going through the photo archives to find images to paint on them; organizing the works that are going into upcoming shows, etc. Be back soon.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Dessert After Dinner
It's now almost 10 o'clock, and I'm washing the brushes out for the evening, but here's the last one for today:
Choose One, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Worked entirely on the background.
Grace, Adjusted
Added some color to the sweater; used the brand new blue for the navy dress; gave the face and hair some dimension.
Grace, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
More Wood Grain
But horizontal wood grain, this time. I'm layering the colors in an effort to achieve more depth.
Mocha Treat, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Adjusting The Values
The clouds were way too dark on the left side, so I've been trying to lighten them up.
Also received a new color (for my palette, at least) in the mail today: Williamsburg's Indanthrone Blue. It doesn't look quite the way I'd expected, but hopefully it'll prove useful.
Also received a new color (for my palette, at least) in the mail today: Williamsburg's Indanthrone Blue. It doesn't look quite the way I'd expected, but hopefully it'll prove useful.
Sky Series, B-21, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Diagonal Lines
It's actually kind of restful and meditative to work on the wood grain.
Cherry Cobbler, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Late, Late, Extra Late
Trying to get another piece in before the day is over. Love working on the gooey redness. And the cake.
Strawberry Shortcake, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Getting A Late Start
I was out of the house all morning, and sat down late to the easel. You won't see much difference on this one; I worked a lot of very small architectural details on the pillars, windows, and porch.
L'Auberge Provençale, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Another Tuesday
Some stumbles on the face of the waitress, and some work on the left side. Looks like there's a strong storm coming up, so I will sign off.
Tuesday, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
The Tile Quandary
Every time I work on the tiles, I try to give each of them its own coloration. I change the values and add a little brown or ochre to liven things up. It looks fine, but then when it dries down, the whole thing looks flat. I'm using more glazing medium today in hopes that it'll give them more depth. We'll see what happens when it dries.
Waiting At Le Diplomate, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Monday, August 19, 2019
The Floating Island
Wanted to work on one more painting tonight; here it is.
Île Flottante, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Re-Tracing My Steps
I chose to start the week with the two paintings I had worked on last Friday, while certain thoughts were still in my mind about what needed to be done next. Plus, they have the advantage of using the same palette.
It's within the realm of possibility that this one will be completed soon. I made a list of the 8 or 9 areas that still need work, but there's not a lot left.
It's within the realm of possibility that this one will be completed soon. I made a list of the 8 or 9 areas that still need work, but there's not a lot left.
The Gauntlet, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
In Case Of Emergency, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Worked on re-establishing the edges that had been painted over.
Friday, August 16, 2019
Time To Stop
I look forward to a weekend free of painting. Tried to paint the hose back in on the fire extinguisher, after I'd overbrushed the edges when I adjusted the background; not a disaster, but it is time to stop.
In Case Of Emergency, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
A Minor Adjustment
The upper right side corner always looks off square to me when I take a photo of this painting; I checked it with a T-square, and while my camera lens is partly responsible for the distortion, the corner actually was off square. So I peeled the canvas back, knocked the stretcher bars into place, and stapled the linen back again. It looks better now. I might get back to painting it after a break.
The Gauntlet, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Hot Color
I'm getting carried away with the glowing oranges of the sunset and am afraid I've gone too far with the shutters. Perhaps it's time to stop.
L'Auberge Provençale, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Finished?
I'll put this one aside for a few days and then take another look at it, but I think it's done.
Sky Series, B-2, © 2019 (click on image for larger view)
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Many Straight LInes
What I don't like about the architectural stuff is the need to draw absolutely straight lines. Despite my 2-cup-a-day coffee habit, my hand is very steady; however, the slightest bit of drag on the brush can create a wonky line, and then I have to make it wider to fix it.
My cat loathes the fact that I paint. He shows up and demands that I leave the studio, and then he's happy when I do. He doesn't seem to want anything; just to get me away from the easel. This is how far I got tonight on this one (mostly the area behind the waitress and a few things on the bar in front of her):
My cat loathes the fact that I paint. He shows up and demands that I leave the studio, and then he's happy when I do. He doesn't seem to want anything; just to get me away from the easel. This is how far I got tonight on this one (mostly the area behind the waitress and a few things on the bar in front of her):
Tuesday, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
And this is my sad little friend:
Filling In The Blanks
This stage of things is a bit like paint-by-numbers; the base coat has to be applied before I can get down to seriously building form.
Grace, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Working The Bar
Had every intention of doing some more tiles, but got waylaid by the hanging glasses and then the rest of the bar.
Waiting At Le Diplomate, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Buckling Down
I did actually manage to get some decent work done despite the car activity. Have worked on all 12 of the dessert pieces in the last two weeks, so I'm feeling virtuous about that. Time to get back to some other pieces, though.
Pot de Crème, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Cherry Cobbler, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Variations On A Theme #5, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
The Tale of The Flat Tire
Went out late this morning to run a quick, simple errand; upon leaving the parking lot, discovered I had a flat front tire. Luckily, I was only a block from a tire store. Somehow, the one flat quickly morphed into the need to replace all four tires, to the tune of $860 bucks. I'm back home now, waiting for the call to pick up the car, but this has put a serious dent in my work hours for the day. I'll try to make it up later in the day, but for now, here is the start of Île Flottante.
Île Flottante, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
More Dessert
Worked on the crispy rolled cookie in the center, and the little dessert just up and to the right of it.
Choose One, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
A Watery Morning
It's been raining here, which is a good thing. I'm tired of having to water everything daily. The TV has been on in the studio and I listened to a show about how to plant native plants that help the butterfly population. We already have butterfly bushes and Joe Pye Weed, but is Joe Pye the same as milkweed? If not, I'll have to find some.
Worked on the water, below, trying to delineate the difference between the light and dark areas. Will have to let it dry for a week before I can pick up on it again, so I tried to get as much done as possible.
Worked on the water, below, trying to delineate the difference between the light and dark areas. Will have to let it dry for a week before I can pick up on it again, so I tried to get as much done as possible.
Coming Of Age In The Year 2018, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Monday, August 12, 2019
Whipped Cream
True photorealists don't allow raised brushstrokes on their paining surfaces; the strokes detract from the illusion of reality. I happen to love whipped cream, and thinking about its fluffy texture when I'm painting it tricks me into making thick strokes of paint to mimic the airiness. So despite my original intentions to make these little dessert works hyperreal, I bow instead to the gods of expressionism.
Banana Cream Pie, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Hot Fudge Sundae I, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Six Layer Indulgence, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
And So It Begins
After all the fun of the last two days I'm determined to get a lot done this week; have to head into town briefly to run a few errands, but after that will settle down at the easel. Last night I finished the pencil sketch of Grace, and it looks SO much better than the previous attempt that I'm mad at myself for not re-doing it sooner.
Grace, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Nothing Beats A Day In The Country
One of my favorite paintings, and my only "museum piece" sold on Saturday to a buyer whom I know really and truly appreciates it. And a smaller one sold about ten days ago! So today we drove out to the country to celebrate with friends at Cana Vineyards. We had a wine tasting with a generous cheese and bread plate (including prosciutto and a tasty fig spread!) and a good time was had by all. Tomorrow, back to work!
Some vineyard shots:
It was a rare day of decent weather and temperatures. The sky shot I took on the way home; might use it for one of the B Series Sky re-dos.
Some vineyard shots:
It was a rare day of decent weather and temperatures. The sky shot I took on the way home; might use it for one of the B Series Sky re-dos.
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Saving Grace
Things have been very busy around here. However, I finally bit the bullet and purchased a new panel for Grace. I always fret and mumble about how unhappy I am with a piece that just isn't working, and then when I finally chuck it and start over again, I'm happy. So here is the beginning of the pencil sketch, and she already looks much better. I told you she was cute.
Grace, America Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Thursday, August 8, 2019
It Was Just One Of Those Days
Had to, again, take care of something for someone else; then made a visit to the art supply store. Worked on one piece this afternoon and got pulled away by housekeeping. Tomorrow, have some errands to run, so probably not going to get a lot done then, either. But I picked up and tried out a new color: Raw Umber, Green Hue.
Chocolate Mousse, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
.Wednesday, August 7, 2019
In Which I Again Attack The Tiles
The work I did today might be hard to see; it's in the lower right hand corner. I'm trying to vary the color in the tiles. It's not as dark as it looks here; the light was fading as a storm approached.
Waiting At Le Diplomate, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Did just a little painting on this one— the caramel drips off the sides of the meringue.
Île Flottante, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Background Color
The table top here is a deep reddish color with darker brown wood grain. I'm experimenting with various reds, oranges, and Burnt Sienna and Van Dyke Brown. Those diagonal lines are a bit of a challenge; can't rely on a ratty brush for these.
Two Spoons, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Also, started the next one; penciling in the details.
Île Flottante, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Forgot To Post This
Today, I got a decent amount of work done, so it makes up for yesterday. And the day's not over!
This is beginning to come together. The light area around the figure is beginning to separate from the darker water in the corners.
This is beginning to come together. The light area around the figure is beginning to separate from the darker water in the corners.
Coming Of Age In The Year 2018, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Give Me A Chance And I'll Overwork Anything
I should have left this alone, but I really wanted the back wall of the box to be lighter, so now I have to blend, and re-blend, and wait for stuff to dry and then blend again.
In Case of Emergency, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
It's A Start
The table surface in this painting is black with a wavy pattern; I guess it's meant to simulate wood grain. After painting in the ripples, I have to put it aside to dry— otherwise I'll end up smearing all the black paint. So the delicious looking strawberry glaze will have to wait.
Strawberry Shortcake, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Monday, August 5, 2019
Someone Else Is Making Dinner Tonight
Because I am PAINTING.
Hot Fudge Sundae 2, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Having some trouble figuring out the structure of the cone.
Meanwhile: sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking every little brush stroke must precisely define the wood grain when all we really need is an old, ratty, stiff-bristled brush.
Mocha Treat, Guilty Pleasures Series, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Hair
I was so upset this morning that I forgot what it was that I'd intended to work on: the hair! Went back to it a little while ago.
The Gauntlet, (detail) © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
On The Plus Side...
We visited Le Diplomate yesterday where I had a fine brunch of eggs vol-au-vent (NOBODY can cook like the French!) , gougeres, and for dessert, Île Flottante. Of course the dessert will figure into the series! Here is a photo of the dish; I'll get started on the transfer grid tonight, as I've got a brand new panel ready to go.
13 of 15!
Venting: Why Were There So Few Women Artists?
I'll tell you why. Because they were always taking care of everybody else's needs, that's why. Why did my career get off to such a late start, and why am I so upset today? Same thing: taking care of everybody else's needs. The painting gets pushed off to the side, because, hey; it's NOT IMPORTANT. Right?
Don't ask me.
After this morning's work, I had to leave the house to take care of someone else's needs and as
a result lost my momentum, concentration, whatever. I got back to the easel afterwards but have just been making mistake after mistake so I'm taking a break. Sorry for the crankiness, it's just been a lifelong problem and I just needed to vent.
Don't ask me.
After this morning's work, I had to leave the house to take care of someone else's needs and as
a result lost my momentum, concentration, whatever. I got back to the easel afterwards but have just been making mistake after mistake so I'm taking a break. Sorry for the crankiness, it's just been a lifelong problem and I just needed to vent.
The Gauntlet, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
Worked the right side, many of the feet/shoes, and the little sign on the easel. Oh, and the camel coat.
Trying Not To Overdo
So, this morning I thought I'd finally get to the fun part of this painting: putting in the stars and transitioning to fireflies or moths as the eye travels to the lower part of the sky.
But first I wanted to even out the subtle halo around the moon a little more:
And here it is with some stars in the sky. I'm putting it aside for a couple of days to see if it needs more or if I should just leave it alone. When it dries down, that dark ring should be invisible.
But first I wanted to even out the subtle halo around the moon a little more:
And here it is with some stars in the sky. I'm putting it aside for a couple of days to see if it needs more or if I should just leave it alone. When it dries down, that dark ring should be invisible.
Variations On A Theme #5, © 2019, work in progress (click on image for larger view)
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