BRUSH PEN MOCKINGBIRD SKETCH

I switched back to my favorite Pitt brush pens in grey tones to draw one of my favorite birds.  This is the state bird of Tennessee, and an amazing little creature!  I have heard these birds mock alarm clocks, robins, cell phones, and one territorial mockingbird even tried emulating my cat's meow! For this drawing, I went old-school, and listened to my mothers' advice...watch your posture!  I found that I had gotten lazy and was not sitting in a well lit upright chair, with the paper at the right height.  Because of this, my sketches have felt a bit off lately due to my perspective.  Always listen to your mother!

DARK EYED JUNCO SKETCH: PEN AND INK

We get a lot of dark eyed juncos this time of year in Tennessee.  They are a bright, active little bird with a lot of personality!  I have enjoyed many hours of watching this bird as it hunts for seeds on the ground, and actually tunnels under the fallen leaves looking for it's meal.  This sketch is done with a fine point Pilot pen, and it tended to skip on the slick surface of the textbook paper.  I am definitely ready to switch back to my heavier tooth sketch pad for the next drawing!

GREAT HORNED OWL REFERENCE PHOTO

I was able to visit a Raptor's Rescue Facility this month and take dozens of reference photos for several paintings coming up this year.  I am especially happy with this Great Horned Owl.  The last time I had been out to visit him, (6 months ago) he was looking pretty beat up.  He had broken a wing and was brought in by a concerned rescuer.  He was refusing to eat and the odds were against him.  He is looking so much better now!  I love the 'looking down your nose' attitude he has and his startling ears.  I hope I can do him justice in my painting!

Pen and Ink Belted Kingfisher Sketch

I found an old textbook from the 1950's with the most wonderful paper...the perfect paper to work pen and ink!  I was excited to be able to bring a bit of the graphic element to my bird sketch.  I find that the habits of the birds have a bit of the recycling about them, as well, so I thought that would be a good statement for this piece.  Hope you like it!

BELTED KINGFISHER (DETAIL)

CEDAR WAXWING SKETCH: COLOR PEN AND INK

I am trying to get my rusty drawing skills back after too long away from it...lesson learned!  This cedar waxwing was posing outside on a branch, and he was fluffed up against the cold.  I am not too happy with this rendering, but I did do a bit of experimentation, using color Sharpees and a white gel pen for texture.  I definitely will try this again!

REFERENCE PHOTOS: ARE YOU LEGAL OR NOT?

PHOTO BY ROSE ALTOM

These days, an artist needs to be a photographer as well as a sculptor/painter.  If you work at all from photos, it had better be your own.  Photography has been getting a slow but steady acceptance into the art world since Ansel Adams burst onto the scene with his artistic renderings.  I don't know why it took so long, but it is now widely accepted as an art form.  To use another's photo is tantamount to stealing, or forgery.

There are a couple of ways to get photos for reference..........

1. Take your own.  With digital all but taking over the film development, you can take unlimited photos for a relatively small investment.  Better yet, there are computer programs out there that can help you to crop and zero in on a good possible composition.  I use an Olympus 2 digital with multiple lenses, but I always carry a tiny Sony compact camera with me at all times for those unexpected and exciting opportunities (a camera on your phone works as well, if it has decent pixilation) .

2. Buy your reference photos.  There are lots of computer discs sold commercially just for this purpose.  You can utilize any of these copyright free photos with no legal problems.  Just check for them online, or look in the advertising section of most art technique magazines.

3.  Buy from photographers.  There are plenty of photographers out there who don't mind selling their 'less than perfect' photos.  Just be sure to get permission in writing for legal reasons.

Working from magazines and their slick, professional photos is good for practice, but you should not sell your art from them.  They are good as studies and practice only, unless you get permission from the photographer.  There are legal ways to get around this, such as using the photo for only a percentage of the painting (ex: the painting is rendered with 10% of the image, while the rest of the painting is from your own sources.)  I am still trying to find out the exact percentage acceptable legally...however, to avoid all problems, just don't use it! 

PENCIL SKETCHES: GEESE

This is a series of sketches that I did to try and catch the attitude of several domesticated geese at a city park.  Animals are so expressive!  Geese have an almost comical way about them, and they are full of attitude.  One of these geese was being teased by a little boy, and rather than running away, it chased the boy back to his mommy.

PENCIL SKETCH: OLD HOUSE DETAILS

I am trying to get better at drawing architecture, but it isn't going too well.  I can't seem to see the angles right, or maybe it is a mental block.  I know that this is a major hole in my art education!  I did read somewhere that artists have a terrible time drawing a straight line...

PENCIL SKETCH: LONELY BEACH

This is a sketch of one of my favorite beaches in California.  I like the footprints wandering off in a peaceful manner!

Unfinished Painting--Mountain Majesty or Monster?

Unfinished Painting--Mountain Majesty or Monster?

This final painting in the series of unfinished disasters is this mountain scene.  I have no idea what I had in mind when I started this, but it became increasingly dark and broody.  I think that I was trying to emulate one of my early art heroes, Charles Rhinehart.  He was exceptional at the art of the landscape, and followed along the steps of the masters.  I, unfortunately, do not have the knack of doing a landscape without a lot of angst and hair pulling.  I can't seem to make it come alive.  Does this painting deserve a bit of extra time to make it work?  I am REALLY not sure!  Something rather unexpected about this particular piece....it changes with the light in the studio!  When a sunbeam hits it, it becomes interesting and glorious.   When a dim light hits it, it becomes mystery-laden and scary.  I am not sure how that happened.  Or what to do with it.  Got any ideas?

Unfinished Painting---Two Awful Landscapes!

Unfinished Painting---Two Completely Awful Landscapes!

These two paintings are almost completely unusable.  The landscape with mountains and a cabin is part of a demonstration for a beginner's landscape painting class that I taught.  While it was O.K. for a demo, it has nothing in it that is special, sparks an emotion, or is interesting at all.  Now, I could scrap this with no regrets, or I could try to salvage it by reworking the composition, the color, and the mood.  What do you think I should do?

The deer in the woods painting has a bit more going for it.  Keep in mind that it has only been based in, and no detail or rework on the deer has been done.  The abstract qualities of the trees are workable.  The color palette is a challenge.  What do you do with a winter scene if it is, in reality, brown and white?  You take artistic license and look for color in the shadows and light!  This is where working from a photo is a definite disadvantage.  I took this photo in Wyoming 18 years ago.  Not only was the camera quality a problem, the photo itself tends to flatten, to sap color from the landscape.  If I decide to finish this painting, several things will have to be worked on.  Adding a more painterly, less detailed finish would be an option.  Adding blue or purple in the shadows, warming up the sunlight is another.  It would definitely be a challenge.

UNFINISHED PAINTINGS...SEA SHELLS IN OILS

Unfinished paintings...Sea Shells in Oils

As I am still not feeling great (my coughing interferes with my drawing a straight line) I have decided to share with you a few of my unfinished paintings that are still in limbo.  I haven't decided whether to finish them or scrap the whole project.  Some of the paintings are a mystery to me.  I can't remember if I used oil or acrylic to paint them.  This is a big problem, as painting acrylic over oil seldom works out well.  The way that I choose to determine the medium is to get a bit of paint thinner on a rag, and rub it across an area of the painting that won't show, or needs more work.  If paint comes off, it is oil.  Acrylic won't immediately react to the thinner.

Today's painting-in-limbo is sea shells in oils.  I think that I have a good start on this one, and the composition is workable.  What could be a potential problem is that I used oils with morager medium.  I no longer work with that medium because of the toxicity of it (and a possible allergy), so I must do a bit of research to find out if I can finish it off with another medium, such as linseed oil.  New Year's Resolution #150--finish this.

I am, unfortunately, struck down this week with the 'creeping cruds'.  That illness that makes you feel crappy and sniffly with no hope of a cure.  I managed a pathetic little sketch, and hope to do better tomorrow!  Happy New Year....

GET A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THINGS

I took a lot of photos this month, getting in touch with nature again to gain perspective in my life.  I have a lot of questions dealing with the meaning of life, spirituality and why it is the littlest things in life that are the biggest.  When I took this photo, I considered gaining perspective and what my perspective of life would look like in nature.  I am feeling very small, and the world very big at the moment.  I think that this photo illustrates that.

MOMA SAN FRANCISCO PHOTO

This is a photo I took of a stained glass walkway at the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in San Francisco, CA.

I was visiting that wonderful and picturesque city a few years ago, and wanted desperately to visit the museum.  What amazed me most was some wonderful paintings by Magritte and Picasso, and this tunnel of color!

The holidays are finally done, and around my house, it isn't just the holidays that are busy!  It seems like all of our birthdays are at the same time, as well as hubby and my 35th anniversary.  Now that it is settling down a bit, my thoughts return to art and creativity, and how much I have missed doing something every day to nurture that!  While on a drive New Years' Eve, I happened across this well-worn gazebo with a frame set up against it.  I was immediately drawn to it, and my thoughts went to what they had in mind when they 'posed' the scene.  Of course, I then thought about what I would like to put in the frame (being self-minded).  And in a broader sense, what was I going to paint this upcoming year?  Did I have goals in mind?  Where did I want to grow creatively?  I am mulling all of these questions over this week, as I return to my easel and sketchbooks.  I have a vague idea of posting some challenges this year....paint your favorite veggie, or something like that, if those of you keeping track of this blog are interested in getting some of your own paintings posted here.  I would certainly like to get to know you better.  It gets kind of lonely in this computer monitor in a small town.  Meanwhile, expect the art to fly in the next few days!  I have in mind some pyrography art pieces, some still life studies and maybe something wild and abstract to shake up things!

CHRISTMAS STILL LIFE: TEDDY BEAR AND POINSETTIA

HOLIDAY HAPPINESS

  I painted this Holiday Still Life for a structured workshop that I taught one December.  What fun it was!  I even added just a touch of glitter to the paint in the poinsettias to give it a feeling of festiveness.  I hope that you all like it, and have a very lovely holiday and a wonderful beginning to the new year!

BEGINNING LANDSCAPE: MINIATURE BARN

Although I have slowed down for the next few weeks, due to the holidays, I am still working occasionally to get some art in.  I am working right now on another miniature.  This one is 4"x4", and a snow scene with a barn.  This is the beginning part of my painting process on it.  I have gessoed the whole of it, sides as well, as it is a frameless masonite board base.  I put in the beginnings of the blue sky and clouds and then added washes of brown to get my barn and fences positioned.  I might do a bit of changing on the positions before I am done, but this is how I start a landscape, whether it is large or small.  I hope to have this painting finished within the week, if time and the holidays will allow!

PAINTING MINIATURES: A LANDSCAPE IN ACRYLICS



The photo is 4"x6".  The painting is 3"x3".

Close up of  "A Montana Moment"

I am considering entering an art competition for 'miniatures only' this week, so I started out with a 3"x3" canvas and acrylics.  I chose a photograph that I took in the Rocky Mountains in Glacier National Park, Montana.  I did a vague sketch in pencil on the canvas itself, and then started painting in the sky.  I realized quickly that the biggest hurdle in the exercise was going to be conquering the canvas itself!  As you can see in the close-up,  the canvas is rougher than it looks.  Trying to put tiny details on those large threads became a major frustration.

First lesson in miniature painting....choose your base well.  I will be trying out masonite board next for a fine and even start.

MORE FRUIT PAINTINGS ON COMPUTER!

This painting I experimented with a broader stroke, and a more painterly style.

This painting of the tangerine was where I experimented with a glistening finish and almost liquid look to the skin.

This persimmon was super simple, so I decided to add interest with a purple shadow.

I went for a soft pastel look to this tomato.

Finally, an apple with so many colors in it!  I love doing the shadows with strong light to make the subject pop.

FRUIT, FRUIT AND MORE FRUIT PAINTINGS ON COMPUTER

I am needing lots of bright color this week, and  fruit is where I found it in my house!

The good thing about computer program painting is the lack of mess and cleanup involved!

I found this little cannonball watermelon all alone in the non-seasonal section of the grocery.  It had such a beautiful pattern and wonderful color!

The strawberry seeds were definitely a challenge.  My favorite part of this painting is the highlights.  They really make the fruit look real!

NATURE PAINTINGS ON COMPUTER

I have been lazy, lazy, lazy this week!  I have been doing some computer painting, and sitting out the snowy week.  While I will post these paintings, I found that it wasn't quite as fun for me as feeling the brush between my fingers, and getting involved with the paint.  Also,I have found that it is very difficult to take pictures of the paintings on a monitor.  My printer isn't much on color, so I chose to show them on the computer.  At least I am keeping my hand (and heart) into being creative!  Hope you like...

COLLAGE AND A SKETCH

I tried something different today.  I did a sketch of a deer in pencil, and tore the edges of it.  I then layered it on Washi paper and pressed dried leaves.  I  like the effect but am finding it  VERY fragile. It is not a particularly practical way to do things.  I am sure that there is a medium that I can put over it, though it will more than likely ruin the sketch.  Experimenting is part of the fun!  80% of the time  it fails, but that remaining 20% is a miracle!

Bird Doodle Inspired by Mola Embroidery

  I was searching my linen closet for a Christmas tablecloth to decorate for the holidays when I came across an antique Mola (I think I am spelling that right) embroidery piece that I had bought while living in New Mexico.  The applique and needlework have always fascinated me.  The beautiful designs are simple and inspiring!  I spent the rest of the afternoon making up a few of my own designs on scrap paper.  I never did find that tablecloth, but this doodle turned out to be my favorite design, and I am already trying to decide what I want to do with it!

HOLIDAY BLUES, ANYONE?

CHAIR OF ISOLATION

The holidays can be lonely for many people.  You can be surrounded by family and friends, and still feel isolated.  I took this picture while strolling the Tennessee River, and the stranded chair (no doubt used to sit on while fishing) spoke to me of that emotional isolation we all feel at some point in time.  Our lives are filled with people we know, work with and speak to...but if we keep our REAL self hidden, it can feel like noone really knows our heart and mind.  I think artists tend to isolate themselves.  Statistics say that artists, poets, and writers tend towards depression.  Their only self-expression is through their work, and if you are having a creative block and can't express yourself...well, then is the time to get out of your hermitage and surround yourself with people.  Go to that party you really didn't want to attend.  Volunteer your services where you think you can be helpful. Get out of the studio and walk in the woods, check out the latest art show, organize a cookie exchange with friends whom you haven't seen in a while.  As for me? I am planning a soup exchange, and a drive through the city to see the Christmas lights.  I am hunting up a few recipes for peppermint cocoa.  I am checking out the Nutcracker Suite as performed by the local dance studio.  I hope that all of you are finding ways to connect and enjoy the holidays!

MORAGER TULIP OIL PAINTING

TULIPS AND ORANGES

I was able to visit one of my older paintings this week, one that was close to my heart and is now held by a patron of my work.  I painted it in 1997, the year that I was in Albuquerque, NM.  I was taking classes with Carol Allison, a classically trained artist who was able to get to Europe for some 'Masters' training herself.  She was, and still is a great teacher.  Her web link is :      http://www.carolallisonart.com/
                     One of the most important things I learned from her was the need to draw, draw, draw!  For this particular piece, I drew the still life, adjusted and redrew it again, and then drew it onto the canvas.  Then, I had to redraw it again as I was painting it, because what you see isn't always correct!  Tulips were particularly challenging, as they change their position with the passing of time.  They open their petals, they continue to 'grow' with every minute that you paint.  I grew to love the simplicity of the tulip, and even today it is one of my favorites because I learned every inch of each one I painted.  My appreciation for nature really began with this painting.  As did my regard for art history and the lessons we can learn from it.

DETAIL

CHURCH IN THE SNOW: ACRYLIC PAINTING

CHURCH IN THE SNOW

This is an early painting that I did for a family member who needed the comfort of a country church to look upon every day.   I have been inspired this year to make this painting into prints and even some Christmas cards to pass that necessary comfort along in an especially difficult year.  It is a church from my imagination, a combination of the little church that I was baptized in, and all the Currier and Ives paintings that I grew up with.  I enjoyed doing something with absolutely no reference materials, just creating what was in my heart. 

THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED: OWL AND MOUSE

As you can tell by most of my art pieces, I am especially fond of working in pen and ink.  I love the graphic, monochromatic look of it, and the drama that it creates.  This set is part of a series I call "Hunter and the Hunted".  I hope to explore this in greater depth in the near future.  I think that doing a series of work will help me to become a bit better at what I love best.  It will also be a vehicle to communicate some of what I am feeling right now about life in this world...at this moment in time.  I guess I am a bit paranoid, but when I turn on the news and see people being targeted, their identities stolen, robberies reported daily, and on a world level seeing such religious intolerance on a massive scale....I feel like some of us are the mice and some are the predator!  Yikes!  Art is a way of communicating the artist's thoughts, feelings and heart.  I have been told by some of my instructors over the years that I am simply drawing an animal, and there is no communication at all.  I disagree.  Strongly!  Every piece I do has all of my heart and soul in it.  I do hope that you can see through the subject matter and into the depths....

HOW DO YOU BREAK THROUGH A CREATIVE BLOCK?

Does your creativity bloom all the time?
You may not be normal if it does!

As with most artists, creativity for me waxes and wanes like the moon.  I can be in a high activity, creative period, and then...nothing!  I do have my little tricks to break free from the blocks, and you need a whole arsenal of tricks, since some of them work SOMETIMES, and some don't!  Occasionally, all it takes is a trip to the local gallery to be inspired by other artists.  This only works if I am not down on myself, comparing my work to the brilliantly talented 9 year old that already has a gallery contract in a big city.  Sometimes I find that communing with nature is helpful, inspiring me to create a tiny bit of that world in my studio.  Most of the time, however, just getting off on my own, to think, to dream, to plot and scheme works to break through that block.  Creativity comes from within yourself, and if you don't have a bit of alone time, it comes out in small spurts, incomplete and not quite thought out to its' conclusion.

MORE NINTENDO ART FUN

The Nintendo art program is so much fun!  But it is also a great way to experiment with a style that you don't use very often.  I seldom use a graphic, slick style, and wanted to give it a try.  My favorite? The bug!