You are currently browsing the monthly archive for May, 2008.
It’s Memorial Day here in the US, a day to remember those who have died while serving our country. Please take a moment to back away from the barbecue and pay respect those who lost their lives. Try 3:00 local time for a Moment of Remembrance.
Lately I’ve been painting more; smaller pieces mostly to build my painting muscles. No, I haven’t been keeping to an hour like I spoke about previously, but not spending forever on a piece continually nit-picking details either.
Just working through straight to the core of what the painting is all about. Been stuck on apples lately.
Two Apples
8″x10″
oil on panel
Here’s another quick-paint; about 120 mins.
Hmmmmmmm. I’m hungry.
Aerial Gala (sold)
8″x10″
oil on panel
Lately I’ve been pushing myself to work faster.
I was to give a 60 minute painting demonstration to the Heritage Fine Arts Guild last week, and wanted to see if I could complete a piece, start-to-finish, during that time. They were such a wonderful audience, and I thank them for inviting me.
When faced with a challenge (like a 60 minute time limit), I try to revert back to comfortable habits, so I went back to apples as a subject and created a simple bold composition.
For these quick paintings, no more himming and hawing about decisions. Make a choice, and then go. I’ll have to practice more of these. Still haven’t really felt happy enough with a 60 minute painting to post here, but I’ll be posting some of my 60+ ones. Here’s the one I did for the demo with a little more work done after I got home.
One Granny Left (sold)
12″x9″
oil on panel
Ok, I admit it.
I’m hooked on American Idol.
It’s winding down to it’s last three contestants. Not only do I enjoy the singing, but part of the draw for me is that it’s possible to see everyday people take the spotlight and show their stuff. It’s also not just about having the pipes to sing, but about having the creative chops to perform the songs your way (aka like Frank Sinatra might).
Being an artist in search of my own creative chops, this process is so interesting to me, even though the medium is music. Barney Davey, from his art/business blog, Art Print Issues, spoke about this back in April, and it’s remained on my mind ever since. (especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
The gist is that the advice the judges give the candidates can be extrapolated to the visual arts.
– Be original and make it your own
– Make good choices meaningful to you
– Presentation is crucial
Read all the juicy details in the post Art Marketing Lessons from American Idol on Barney Davey’s blog, Art Print Issues.
In the meantime, I continue to paint away just trying to rock the house, avoid being pitchy and make it my own. Here’s the last from the previous flower series.
Sunflower
18″x14″
oil on canvas
Whew! Been having a few days of rain, and we’ve been jumping for joy! In a land that has experienced drought lately, any rain you get is a pleasure. Really making the spring blooms start to pop!
In a break from the oil action, I went back to pastel for this horse.
Chestnut Jumping
8″x10″
pastel
While in the middle of painting the flower series (see March/April posts), I felt compelled to start painting landscapes again. I haven’t for almost a year now, and I’m feeling the need to get back to the land. (My, I’m beginning to sound like Willa Cather.)
As I paint more, I begin to realize more about my painting process: what works, what doesn’t, etc. I’m learning that as I start a series, it takes me a few to warm up so to speak, get to know the subjects and how I want to approach them.
Trail Study #6
8″x10″
oil on panel
