tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76983650475648196402024-03-13T08:59:05.677-05:00The Artist's Studioa blog by Rebecca FinchRebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298674013505998728noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-84064959724039711872009-04-04T09:59:00.006-05:002009-04-04T10:12:27.030-05:00A New Website<a href="http://rebeccafinch.com/"><img alt="Blog Title" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/rebeccafinch/blog-title-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><table bg="" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" width="600" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td width="100%"><table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr valign="top"><td bg="" style="color: rgb(247, 241, 217);" valign="top" align="left"><table><tbody><tr><td valign="top" align="left"><a name="280613"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 70, 58);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" > <b><span style="font-size:180%;">Big Changes</span></b><br />With a website, a newsletter on the horizon, and a near impossible challenge in May, be sure to read how you can continue to receive emails updating you on the latest news so you don't miss a thing.<br /></span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(143, 158, 139);" valign="top" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280605"> <span style="color: rgb(247, 241, 217);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > <b style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">New Website</b><br /></span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" valign="top" align="left" height="8"><br /></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td valign="center" width="200" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a href="http://rebeccafinch.com/"> <img alt="Image" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/rebeccafinch/Home-page-09.jpg" border="0" /></a></td> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(247, 241, 217);" valign="center" width="400" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="center" align="left"> <span style="color: rgb(101, 70, 59);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(101, 70, 59);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"> </a> <i>In February, I began designing a new website that will be more like a Website-blog. My intention is to create a website that is constantly changing and where new content is added on a regular basis. I would like it to be place that you might want to visit often. It is still in its early stages, however I am adding content every week. On the site, you will find my current paintings and graphic design. The Artist's studio has new posts, paintings can be commented on and rated in the Art Gallery, and a changing art poll on the home page awaits your input.<br /><br />In the future, there are plans for an Art Sightings page which will feature the work of other artists that I admire, a resource page for fellow artists, and very soon I will be pulling together my first quarterly newsletter.</i><br /><br /><br /><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"> <u>visit the new website . . .</u> </a><br /></span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" valign="top" align="left" height="8"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280619"> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;" > </span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(143, 158, 139);" valign="top" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280607"> <span style="color: rgb(247, 241, 219);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" > <b style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Announcements...</b><br /></span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"><br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" valign="top" align="left" height="8"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280615"> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;" > </span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td valign="center" width="200" align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff"> <a href="http://rebeccafinch.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69:petals-and-cream-iii&catid=17:blog&Itemid=79"> <img alt="Image" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/rebeccafinch/Petals-and-Cream-III.jpg" border="0" /></a></td> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(247, 241, 219);" valign="center" width="400" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="center" align="left"> <a name="280608"> <span style="color: rgb(101, 70, 59);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" > </span></a><span style="color: rgb(101, 70, 59);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"> <b>For those of you who have signed up for my emails in the past, you won't receive any email notifications from now on. . . </b></a><br /><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"><br /></a> . . . unless you visit the website and sign up again for emails and newsletters.<br /><br />I am changing email services after this message goes out so if you would like to continue receiving announcements and my upcoming quarterly newsletter, you will need to enter your information again on the new website. I am sorry for the inconvenience, but would appreciate your continued interest in my work.<br /><br /><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"> <u>Sign up for continued contact . . .</u></a><br /><br /><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(101, 70, 59);" onmouseout="this.style.color='65463b'"> </a><br /></span> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" valign="top" align="left" height="8"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280616"> <span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:78%;" > </span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td valign="center" width="200" align="center" bgcolor=""> <a href="http://rebeccafinch.com/index.php?option=com_joomgallery&func=detail&id=70&Itemid=89"> <img alt="Image" src="http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q243/rebeccafinch/InsideOut.jpg" border="0" /></a></td> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(247, 241, 217);" valign="center" width="400" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="center" align="left"> <a name="280592"> <span style="color: rgb(101, 70, 59);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" > <b>The 30 Day Artist Challenge</b><br />Beginning May 1st, I will be taking on the challenge of completing 40 works of art in only 30 days. The 30 Day Artist website features an artist every month who attempts to take on this near impossible feat. I will be blogging each day as the journey unfolds and the pieces are completed.<br /><br />In the plans are 36 small paintings - 6x6 and 10x10 - that in light of today's economy, I hope will be a more realistic way for art lovers to acquire a piece of original art. Stay tuned for more news about this exciting commitment.<br /></span> </a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr valign="top"> <td bg="" style="color: rgb(143, 158, 139);" valign="top" align="left"> <table> <tbody><tr> <td valign="top" align="left"> <a name="280620"> <span style="color: rgb(247, 241, 217);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" > </span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:85%;" ><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" onmouseout="this.style.color='f7f1d9'"> <b>Take a Breather</b><br /></a><br />You deserve a break from your busy schedule. Take a few minutes to relax in the Art Gallery, see a painting from start to finish in the Artist's Studio, and feel free to contact me with feedback on what you'd like to see on the site.<br /><br /><a onmouseover="this.style.cursor='hand';this.style.color='red'" href="http://rebeccafinch.com/" style="text-decoration: none;" onmouseout="this.style.color='f7f1d9'"> <u>Brighten your day here . . .</u> </a></span></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298674013505998728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-54141066548372137992008-10-21T22:05:00.008-05:002008-10-21T22:32:19.103-05:00My Secret Illustration Obsession<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br />. . . okay, well I guess the secret's out. </span></span><br /><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 126px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6cZzI9eoI/AAAAAAAAAqI/0Iu-VQlOmUw/s400/reading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259813381853772418" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">S</span></span>ometimes when I think about creating illustrations, I get a surge of adrenaline. After much research on the subject the process seemed so long and impossible that I finally chose a life of fine art as opposed to dividing my focus on both. Although fine art is very fulfilling, sometimes I walk past the children's book section and all but wipe the drool from my chin.<br /><br />A few weeks ago a friend of mine who is writing a children's book for an education class asked me to illustrate her book for me. I tend to say "yes" all too soon, so I showed great restraint by looking at my calendar of graphic design deadlines and taking a week before saying "yes".<br /><br />In anticipation for this project, I dug up my illustrations, and thought as I begin this journey it would be fun to share every step of the way with you including my past work which has not yet been posted on my blogs.<br /><br />The following are a few illustrations completed in acrylic on illustration board.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6buGqK1UI/AAAAAAAAApY/xODvqOXu6sM/s400/Illustration+Sydney+and+Sherman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259812631179089218" border="0" />Sydney and Sherman<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My niece Sydney with her favorite feline, my parent's cat, Sherman</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6buU3jwXI/AAAAAAAAApg/5y95tBVG_VM/s400/Umm-.-.-.-Not-a-Prince+JPEG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259812634993344882" border="0" />Not a Prince<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Some of my slightly sick humor showing<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6buQZrzGI/AAAAAAAAApo/rB6BZ8-pQc8/s400/Baby-giraffe.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259812633794301026" border="0" />African Baby<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Illustration for a friend's baby shower invitation</span></span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6buhHXG2I/AAAAAAAAApw/tHBrU8M_Yko/s400/Don%27t+Forget+to+Remember.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259812638280850274" border="0" />Don't Forget to Remember<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Published Illustration for A Beka Book<br /><br /><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SP6bu0srHaI/AAAAAAAAAp4/0IzAwQFCrDI/s400/reading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259812643537624482" border="0" />The Picture Book<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The result of inspiration and desire<br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Check back for the progress of this want-to-be illustrator. <span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298674013505998728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-68625524094542010942008-09-17T09:52:00.008-05:002008-09-17T11:09:15.536-05:00Three New Blogs<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">R</span></span>ecently I'd been thinking over the idea of having an art blog that celebrated all the beautiful art out there. After some planning and working on the project, I decided in order to accomplish all the things I wanted to, it would demand that I start three blogs.<br /><br />Here's the blogroll:<br /><br /><a href="http://artsightings.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">A r t</span> </span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">S i g h t i n g s </span></span></span></span></a><br /><blockquote>-Get a weekly dose of beautiful art that I have come across.<br />-Read article summaries of interesting art techniques for artists.<br />-Enjoy featured artists from my library of artists which I have come to love.<br />-Commit to visiting those artist's web pages and give a comment of encouragement to them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artsightings.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 76px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SNEfw12cjOI/AAAAAAAAAnM/Ixeem1Pq0xk/s400/128_fancy_cup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247009964812963042" border="0" /></a><a href="http://artsightings.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Currently on Art Sightings:</span></a><br />-Enjoy photography by a 14 year old in India<br />-Discover the engaging Art of Carol Marine<br />-Read about an unusual limited palette technique<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"></span></span></span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://artist-sightings.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">A r t i s t </span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><a style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);" href="http://artist-sightings.blogspot.com/">S i g h t i n g s</a><br /></span></span></span></span><blockquote>-Enjoy a growing library of visual artists that I consider to be the cream of the crop.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artist-sightings.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 76px; height: 76px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SNEgDq77ujI/AAAAAAAAAnU/3qBcaNckAAY/s200/Edward+B.+Gordon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247010288300702258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://artist-sightings.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Currently on Artist Sightings:</span></a><br />-Comment on and encourage six of my favorite artists</blockquote><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br /><a href="http://artresourcesightings.blogspot.com/"><br /></a></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://artresourcesightings.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">A r t </span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">R e s o u r c e </span></span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);" href="http://artresourcesightings.blogspot.com/">S i g h t i n g s</a><br /></span></span></span></span><blockquote>-Artists can enjoy a one-stop resource room for all aspects of their career.<br />-Find book recommendations, links to helpful websites, marketing resources, newsletter software, contest annnouncements. . etc.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://artresourcesightings.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 47px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SNEgwrpmPPI/AAAAAAAAAnc/64Tn-YZLbuA/s200/ARtbizcoach.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247011061586345202" border="0" /></a><a href="http://artresourcesightings.blogspot.com/">Currently on Art Resource Sightings:</a><br />-Two contests worth checking out<br />-My choice art technique book<br />-Forums and marketing blogs I frequent</blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 0);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">How can you be involved in the process?</span></span><br /></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br /><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">R e c o m m e n d A n </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">A r t i s t</span></span></span></span><br />Feel free to shoot me an email to bring an artist to my attention for possible entry in the Artist Sightings library or for a feature on Art Sightings. If the artist is featured, I will credit you and post a link to your site or blog. The rule is, however, you cannot recommend yourself. Let this be a push to encourage someone else in their art!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">S h a r e </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 51, 0);"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);">R e s o u r c e s<br /></span></span></span></span>Feel free to email me if you have a resource that you think artists could benefit from. I will credit you for the information and give you a link to your site or blog.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0);"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51); font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All three blogs currently have minimal information on them, but keep checking back as I will be adding to them often.</span>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298674013505998728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-21819905669015526832008-08-14T15:22:00.011-05:002008-08-14T16:01:43.615-05:00First Crop<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">T</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">oday</span> was a beautiful day, so it seemed very wrong and counter productive to stay indoors.<br /><br />We've been growing our first batch of tomatoes, and have been watching each day for changes. It has been very exciting for my husband and I as we've watched them change from a yellow blossom to full grown and ripening tomatoes.<br /><br />Today I noticed this one cluster that was an eye catching gradient from green to orange. The colors were so beautiful together, I just knew that it had to be the subject of my painting, today.<br /><br />Here was my set up as I created a studio in my backyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSb3nIYx9I/AAAAAAAAAfk/Wfv4Lq0UHgg/s400/IMG_7860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234480046610630610" border="0" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have everything I need, here. My pallet is a plastic box that has some very thin and wet sponges on the bottom. Then I place a special paper that stays wet along with the sponges underneath. This way my acrylics remain wet and usable instead of drying out within a short period of time.<br />I use acrylics as if they are watercolor paints. Very thin layers of acrylic are perfect for me as they cannot be re-wet or reworked.<br /><br />After a significant time of painting, it was necessary to take a five minute break to cool off in the pool. Then it was back to the work at hand (if I can, in fact, call it work).<br /><br /><br /><br />Here are the stages of this sketchy little piece:<br /><br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSX8ElclYI/AAAAAAAAAe0/jE_Bd4v_lF4/s400/1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234475725190108546" border="0" /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSX8pYqFhI/AAAAAAAAAe8/-at6JP2VhWY/s400/2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234475735068579346" border="0" /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSX84rzqqI/AAAAAAAAAfE/DiEgZwRGGYY/s400/3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234475739175430818" border="0" /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSX9UpfDoI/AAAAAAAAAfM/m0ASHhBZ4Aw/s400/4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234475746681884290" border="0" /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSX97aQZiI/AAAAAAAAAfU/jT2d_uJDexs/s400/5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234475757086991906" border="0" /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_X_UcjpN2ygo/SKSYgGGalWI/AAAAAAAAAfc/dQzhXHaHTz4/s400/6-final.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234476344072115554" border="0" /><br />First Crop<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">6x6 Graphite Acrylic Charcoal on Illustration Board<br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;">What a fun piece to paint sitting on the ground outdoors<br />surrounded by the sounds nature around me.<br /></div></div></div></div>Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298674013505998728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-15041798616561464542008-03-17T08:51:00.005-05:002008-03-17T09:02:35.181-05:00Petals and Cream III ~In Progress IIThe following images show the continuing progress on this 16x20 painting.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R954LtLNZKI/AAAAAAAAA6k/kBUDKJ84tSU/s1600-h/IMG_7823.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178708764023153826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R954LtLNZKI/AAAAAAAAA6k/kBUDKJ84tSU/s400/IMG_7823.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />I began to block in the flowers, making sure that I was accurately placing the large shapes of light and shadow. I would concern myself with the details after the proper large shapes of value were established. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R953_tLNZII/AAAAAAAAA6U/O5bU6B2KL48/s1600-h/IMG_7837.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178708557864723586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R953_tLNZII/AAAAAAAAA6U/O5bU6B2KL48/s400/IMG_7837.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />It was then necessary to work in the background to achieve correct edges around the flowers. Also the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">darks</span> of the leaves and stems were added to be sure that the range of values was accurate. <br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R954A9LNZJI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ZEiFQqxt5bk/s1600-h/IMG_7849.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178708579339560082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R954A9LNZJI/AAAAAAAAA6c/ZEiFQqxt5bk/s400/IMG_7849.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /> After <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">choosing</span> certain flowers to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">receive</span> detailed attention, I then went on to add lightly the pattern on the pitcher and begin moving left to add the second pitcher. Now that the flowers are completed I no longer have an uncomfortable sense of urgency. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-90544715633334661882008-03-12T11:41:00.005-05:002008-03-12T11:59:23.577-05:00Petals and Cream III - In progress<div align="left">In continuation with the Petals and Cream series, a third and larger painting has been started in the studio. But first I found it necessary to figure a way to effectively hang fabric behind my still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lifes</span>. The more I paint in the studio, the more I realize what is needed for versatility and space management.<br /><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176897224127112210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R9gImNLNZBI/AAAAAAAAA5c/h7XOuGrrLK8/s400/setup.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><em>The other day I devised a grouping of hooks and wire for such a purpose.</em> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176897228422079522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R9gImdLNZCI/AAAAAAAAA5k/zCRCQ7_u7zo/s400/sneak-peak-1.jpg" border="0" /></div><p><br />After figuring the background and deciding on the still life arrangement, I began painting. Here you can see again, my usual rough estimate of object placements. At this point it is crucial that I establish the size of one main object, and draw the other objects in proportion and relation to that first object. This helps me to not only be sure that the objects are in a comfortable size so as to remain on the canvas and not come too close to the edge, but to also judge for pleasing composition.<br /></p><p>This is only an estimation and I refrain from creating a detailed drawing, for I will only cover it with paint directly upon completion. Also, I find that if I spend so much time on the drawing, when it comes time to paint, I rely too much on the drawing and it becomes a paint by number feel for me, and the painting becomes stiff and inaccurate. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5176897237012014130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R9gIm9LNZDI/AAAAAAAAA5s/xS4wFUVt2fU/s400/sneak-peak-2.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><br />After the initial drawing, I locate the easiest shape of value and color to get correct. I chose the light side of this pitcher. Soon after establishing the values and colors of this pitcher I laid in some of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">darks</span> around it to be sure that my values were correct - color and value is, after all, relative to it's surrounding colors and values. Painting the cloth underneath the pitcher was also important as it was a different shade of white - it was good to see the contrast between both shades as they were on the canvas exactly as I was seeing with my eyes.<br /><br /></p><p></p><p><em>I aim to complete this 16x20 painting by the end of next week - check back to see the progress.<br /><br /></em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-39507648875364754172008-03-08T09:32:00.003-05:002008-03-08T11:12:00.146-05:00Mandarin Crowd<div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Progression <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Slideshow</span></span></em> </div><br /><br /><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=" src="http://fliptrack.com/v/dFp3fdoC8N" width="402" height="302" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" quality="high" scale="noScale" wmode="window"></embed> <div style="WIDTH: 360px; TEXT-ALIGN: left"><a href="http://fliptrack.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.fliptrack.com/i/embedHome.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://fliptrack.com/make-slideshow/?m=0" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.fliptrack.com/i/embedMakeOwn.gif" border="0" /></a><a href="http://fliptrack.com/open-slideshow/dFp3fdoC8N" target="_blank"><img src="http://media.fliptrack.com/i/embedCopyEdit.gif" border="0" /></a></div><p><br /><br /><br />There was something about those mandarins when I walked past the kitchen counter. They caught my eye so I knew if anything I at least had to create a small study of them.<br /><br /><br /><img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/JnB*PTEyMDQ5ODY3NjM3ODMmcD*xMjY5MSZkPSZuPWJsb2dnZXI=.jpg" width="0" border="0" /> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-71524302524082476652008-03-04T09:22:00.010-05:002008-03-04T09:54:15.981-05:00Petals and Cream<div align="center"><em>Petals and Cream</em></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">P r o g r e s s i o n<br />S l i d e s h o w</span> </em></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><embed pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=" src="http://www.fliptrack.com/v/yJ9iGobCNl" width="402" height="303" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" quality="high" scale="noScale" wmode="window"></embed><br /><br /></div><div align="center"><br /> </div><div align="left"><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R81cUPbFM4I/AAAAAAAAA1g/muvum6Pwsbo/s1600-h/flowers+detail.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173893049725825922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R81cUPbFM4I/AAAAAAAAA1g/muvum6Pwsbo/s200/flowers+detail.JPG" border="0" /></a>As you can see from the progressions, the flowers were not originally in the still life. About halfway through it became obvious to me that something was needed in order to keep the painting from appearing monochromatic. <img style="VISIBILITY: hidden; WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px" height="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/JnB*PTEyMDQ2NDA1NDM3MTgmcD*xMjY5MSZkPSZuPWJsb2dnZXI=.jpg" width="0" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><br /><br /> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R81cwfbFM5I/AAAAAAAAA1o/amnhuS0qSeA/s1600-h/handle.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173893535057130386" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R81cwfbFM5I/AAAAAAAAA1o/amnhuS0qSeA/s200/handle.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div align="right">This pitcher, one of three cream colored beauties, is from my mother, with whom I share matching sets. I will continue this series with additional paintings in this coloring and with these lovely subjects. </div><div align="right"></div><div align="right"><br /><br />The napkin on the shelf, along with the rest of the set, belonged to my grandmother. They all bear my grandfather's embroidered initials.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-35076810077385282402008-02-21T09:42:00.005-05:002008-02-28T13:11:53.944-05:00Thinking on HerFor the second painting to be completed in our new home, I decided to bring out a familiar piece to paint. It has in fact been 7 months since my last still life, so it is necessary to do some more basic and simple pieces to get back into the swing of things.<br /><br />Enjoy the progression of this 3 hour painting.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N9cOtK6I/AAAAAAAAAww/qgQx_34YvAI/s1600-h/coblat-pitcher-progression-.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169444033980607394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N9cOtK6I/AAAAAAAAAww/qgQx_34YvAI/s400/coblat-pitcher-progression-.jpg" border="0" /></a> I decided not to dilly dally one bit and after a quick placement sketch, I dove into the deep cobalt shapes to establish the tiny pitcher, blocking in obvious tones as I went.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N9sOtK7I/AAAAAAAAAw4/4ZC07-S40Xc/s1600-h/coblat-pitcher-2-.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169444038275574706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N9sOtK7I/AAAAAAAAAw4/4ZC07-S40Xc/s400/coblat-pitcher-2-.jpg" border="0" /></a> After a break I continued with more exact edges and values, adding more detail to cause the pitcher to appear more sold and established. The flowers continued to get some attention. I was focused on creating more contrast between the shadows and bright light side of the petals. More paint was added to the previously washed in background and foreground. </p><p></p><p></p><p><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N98OtK8I/AAAAAAAAAxA/1a2NCIymEJc/s1600-h/Cobalt-Pitcher-final.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5169444042570542018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R72N98OtK8I/AAAAAAAAAxA/1a2NCIymEJc/s400/Cobalt-Pitcher-final.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> Thinking on Her</em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">8x10 oil on linen</span></em></p><p>After recording even more detail, working on the doily and establishing some more darks, I was pleased and so signed my name. </p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-33767699467963400562008-02-13T21:23:00.010-05:002008-02-13T21:50:04.453-05:00A New Start<strong><em>Welcome to my new studio!<br /></em></strong>Last weekend my husband and I began working on setting up the room. There is much to do, and it will be a slow process to get the room looking how I am imagining, but rest assured I will include you in the process.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>Here is the room before I unpacked all of my supplies and books.</em> </div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166657201500924754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R7OnWcOtK1I/AAAAAAAAAwI/gcoP4Ps4qwk/s400/clean-up-1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R7OnW8OtK2I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/po4h7hC9zYg/s1600-h/clean-up-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166657210090859362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R7OnW8OtK2I/AAAAAAAAAwQ/po4h7hC9zYg/s400/clean-up-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><em> I have two wonderful windows. One facing west and the other facing north.<br /></em></div><div align="center"><em></em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166657583753014130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R7OnssOtK3I/AAAAAAAAAwY/b46Gz3m5pRk/s400/setup-from-behind-brushes.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"><em>I painted my first still life in over 7 months yesterday,<br />and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't a total disaster.</em><br /><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5166657588047981442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/R7Ons8OtK4I/AAAAAAAAAwg/h1o0ww5z6IA/s400/apples.jpg" border="0" /></div><p></p><p>In my next post, you will see a familiar subject for a still life as I continue to practice after my long hiatus away from painting. I'm looking forward to being back into the swing of things.<br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-68638814613593900612007-09-10T22:24:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:52:11.528-05:00Yellowware Collection<strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">The Challenge</span></em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">W</span></em></strong>e had 7 days left to pack all of our belongings and move to another state. With a swarm of mess surrounding me, I heard myself say, "yes" to this commission. Was I crazy? I still don't know (although my husband may tell you that he does). Against every practicality, I took on the challenge of painting in 2 days the largest still life I have ever attempted. Before I knew it, 16 pieces of exquisite <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">yellowware</span>, a few apples, and some fresh daisies were facing me, ready to be reproduced on a 16"x36" linen canvas. In the 20 hours of painting that followed, I wrestled with all the doubts, fears, and frustrations that artists face when brush meets canvas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">The Subject</span></em></strong><br /><br />Some of you are thinking, what is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yellowware</span>? I thought the same thing when Elisa commissioned a painting of her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">yellowware</span> collection. Here is the skinny on this handmade kitchen fascination taken from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=8a3b76ecfd22f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&autonomy_kw=yellowware&rsc=ns2006_m1"><strong>Martha Stewart's website</strong></a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RubaaWbXbFI/AAAAAAAAAsY/uwntMUi45IE/s1600-h/set-up-closeup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109010973530221650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 205px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px" height="270" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RubaaWbXbFI/AAAAAAAAAsY/uwntMUi45IE/s400/set-up-closeup.jpg" width="268" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">"From the 1830s until the 1940s, when Pyrex and plastics took over, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">yellowware</span> was ubiquitous in American kitchens. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Yellowware</span> is a ceramic fired from the fine yellow clay that lines riverbanks from New York to Ohio. Its color ranges from butter yellow to deep mustard, and it was popular due to its low cost and durability -- it could even withstand the heat of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">woodstove</span>."</span></em></strong> </p><p></p><p></p><p><br />I knew that these were special pieces, not only by how much Elisa told me she paid for her smallest bowl, but it was evident in each unique chip, imperfection of line, each variance of shade, and evidence of use. Each lovely piece was a unique gem with a story to tell. My hope was that this would come through in each brushstroke.<br /><br /></p><p><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">The Setup</span></em></strong><br /><br />By the brilliant suggestion of my husband, we took my table top off its stand and placed it up on top of my art supply chest in order to get a straight-on perspective while I sat to paint. After this photograph, I sent him out to fetch some bright white daisies to break up the yellow of the dishes and darkness of the table. I also added a white table cloth to give an area of soft edges.<br /><br /><br /><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783692450851890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLs2bXbDI/AAAAAAAAAsI/-s-J6LRDk5o/s400/dishes-set-up.jpg" border="0" /><br />Surprisingly (and I believe by God's help) it only took me about 30 minutes to arrange all the pieces. Perhaps another 10 minutes once I decided to add the towel and daisies. The apples were an easy choice for the purpose of breaking up the yellow, and to also bring out the deep brown stripes on some of the pieces.<br /><br />It is difficult to tell in the photograph, but there are many varying shades of yellow. The pieces are arranged not only by shape and composition, but also each piece is set beside, against or in front of a piece with a lighter or darker shade. This was done in order to create as much contrast as possible so that the pieces don't get lost in a sea of yellow. For surely not all beautiful things make a successful painting, the consistent color would prove to be a challenge.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">The Setback</span></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">The thing that makes my studio so beautiful and enjoyable is also what causes much difficulty in painting. If you remember my comments on my studio in a <a href="http://rebeccafinch-studio.blogspot.com/2007/03/studio-lighting-q-and.html"><strong>previous post</strong></a>, you will understand what a day of fast moving clouds on a sunny day will do to ones sanity while painting.<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783555011898370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLk2bXbAI/AAAAAAAAArw/63T87_czjSI/s400/studio-setup.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Usually, I can adjust to changing light and paint finishing as I go. This can be done if the light stays the same for at least 15 minutes at a time. On this particular day, the sun was beaming in brightly then was hidden behind clouds. Back and forth it went several times each minute, making it quite impossible to accurately paint anything. It was not possible to put off the painting for another day - it had to be today or not at all. I was close to accepting defeat until my husband once again saved the day with another brilliant idea.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#990000;">The Solution</span></em></strong><br /><br /></span>It would be difficult and nerve wracking, but we had to do it. We cleared out our second bedroom, covered the window with cardboard, and very cautiously lifted the tabletop and carried the entire setup - dishes, apples, from the front porch, all through our cluttered half packed house, into the bedroom, and onto the dresser. Amazingly it was the same height as the other one, and I had just enough room to achieve the same distance and angle from the still life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783559306865682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLlGbXbBI/AAAAAAAAAr4/c5NjLS4w5iA/s400/2nd-bedroom-setup.jpg" border="0" /><em>Please excuse the packing clutter. </em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>And please notice the wonderful lighthouse painting on the wall. </em></div><br /><br /><div align="center"><em>It is my husband's handiwork.</em><br /><br /></div><br /><br />It was also a great help to me in that, I could now paint at night with consistent lighting. This also would be a huge factor in the completion of the painting, as I was not guaranteed continual sunny days.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;">The Progression</span><br /></span></em></strong><br />Well, enough with the prep, lets get to it and see how this painting came to be.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109036666024586370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rubxx2bXbII/AAAAAAAAAsw/eWhd670I2rc/s400/sketch.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />As usual, I start with a rough sketch in a burnt sienna wash. As time goes by, I find that I don't need to draw in each detail, but merely give myself an indication as to where things will be. I paint to finish as I go, and find this to consistently be the best way to avoid an overly tight painting and it helps keep it fresh and spontaneous looking.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783546421963746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLkWbXa-I/AAAAAAAAArg/3imJJ4ELLIo/s400/inprogress.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />I believe the first thing I painted was the daisies on the lower right. I knew that since they weren't in water that they would fade and droop quickly. Besides, they were the most fun to paint and are my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">favorite</span> part of the painting. It's best, if possible, to begin painting where one feels the most confident - choose the easiest shapes first. Having one part correctly painted will help set the tone and the confidence will carry on throughout the painting to the more difficult sections.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108782683133537218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYKyGbXa8I/AAAAAAAAArQ/fYLkuHJ5qms/s400/progress-sketchy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">I believe it was at this point, late at night that my dear husband brought me a milkshake.<br /><br />I love him.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108782683133537202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYKyGbXa7I/AAAAAAAAArI/nuuALOt2das/s400/progress-covered.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="left">Up until this point I was unsure as to how to handle the dishes on the outer edge and the background. I was sure, however, that the crock on the right was too close to the edge of the canvas and should not be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">brought</span> to a finish. I then decided that the outer pieces should be looser and more of a hint of detail in order to bring one's eyes back into the painting. I also decided that the background should be simple, yet have some movement to it, and settled on a rough look with varying values and temperatures. </div><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#990000;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Finish Line</span></span><br /></span></em></strong><br />Here are a few closeups and comments for your enjoyment.<br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783555011898354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLk2bXa_I/AAAAAAAAAro/WINEUwi115c/s400/closeup+inprogess.jpg" border="0" /><br />Pieces on the right are blocked in and will be adjusted and corrected later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108782674543602578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYKxmbXa5I/AAAAAAAAAq4/B2q_YyAVeBE/s400/right-end-closeup.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Simple highlights and some indications of detail were given to the outer crock to engage the viewers mind to complete the image, to avoid a tangent at the edge of the painting, and to bring the viewers eye back into the painting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLkGbXa9I/AAAAAAAAArY/JYsVi9iSzzw/s1600-h/Apple+closeup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108783542126996434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYLkGbXa9I/AAAAAAAAArY/JYsVi9iSzzw/s400/Apple+closeup.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With all of this yellow, it was important to seek out those colors that one might not expect to find, and perhaps accentuate them a bit to create some interest and contrast. I punched in some pure red cadmium in the apples, added some cool blue splashes and deep reds to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">yellowware's</span> shadow side, and allowed some of my burnt sienna <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">under drawing</span> to show through in select areas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5108782678838569890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RuYKx2bXa6I/AAAAAAAAArA/jPKl4o5hBcw/s400/daisies-closeup.jpg" border="0" /><br />Sometimes the quickest objects to paint become my favorite. The daisies had clear light and shadow, were a refreshing contrast to the object of focus, and were playful additions to the painting. It was the most enjoyable half hour of this commission.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109033861410942050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RubvOmbXbGI/AAAAAAAAAsg/B_h8ePuOR8g/s400/completed-yellowware.jpg" border="0" /><br />Seen here is the finished painting, after over 20 hours of solid painting, it was finally finished. The painting then spent another day and night in front of a fan to be sure the piece was dry enough to send home with its teary owner. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-36437524462410115572007-07-21T23:17:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:53:14.479-05:00Returning<div align="left"><br />Forgive me for my long absence. The busyness of life and many unexpected changes have kept me away from blogging for some time. I am finally ready to slowly return to my life and schedule of normality. My husband and I have moved to NY, so amid some time crunching last minute commissions, packing, saying goodbye, getting settled, limited internet, blogging has fallen behind.<br /><br />So to show my appreciation for your continued visits to this site despite the cobwebs gathering,</div><div align="left">I have brought roses for you. </div><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089871539009237426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RqLbMosEMbI/AAAAAAAAAo4/IsdS0c83aws/s400/Rosyline+I+lowres+.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5089871749462634946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RqLbY4sEMcI/AAAAAAAAApA/gHTA7IuZT98/s400/Rosyline+II+lowres+.jpg" border="0" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-82830789268851980372007-03-27T14:42:00.003-05:002008-02-13T21:48:36.890-05:00New Life Island Entrance<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">L</span></em></strong>ast fall, I took a trip to <a href="http://www.nli.org/">New Life Island</a> with the intention of <a href="http://rebeccafinch-nlipaintings.blogspot.com/2006/09/paintings_26.html">painting some landscapes </a>that will be auctioned off this coming fall to help the camp raise some much needed funds. I documented my <a href="http://rebeccafinch-nli.blogspot.com/2006_09_18_archive.html">daily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NLI</span> adventure </a>on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">blogspot</span> and also recorded the progress of each painting.<br /><br /><strong><em>B</em></strong>ecause of weather and time, I had to leave the island with 3 completed and 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">incomplete</span> paintings. At the beginning of this year, I began touching up the incomplete paintings so that they will be ready to display during the camp season this year.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046695363412743874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rgl2scnT1sI/AAAAAAAAAoA/r4EFtyOA8TE/s400/the-Entrance.jpg" border="0" /> <strong><em>T</em></strong>oday I finished one of the paintings. This is the view from the entrance of the island. One of the boy's cabins can be seen on the left. The main road that runs the length of the island is followed closely by a fence whose posts we were hunting for in the woods after the first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">devastating</span> flood.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error"><strong><em>P</em></strong>lein</span> air painting (painting a landscape on location usually in one sitting) is very challenging, as there are many factors that change constantly while one is painting. The sun moves from one side of the sky to the other, changing light and shadow slowly sneakily before your very eyes. Clouds block the sun changing the intensity of your moving light and shadows, also changing the colors of the subject. And then there are the millions of blades of grass, twigs, leaves, and uncountable color and value changes that one cannot possibly record on canvas, but must fight ones own brain to simplify what one sees into <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">paintable</span> main shapes.<br /><br /><strong><em>A</em></strong>s difficult as it was to paint last fall on location, new challenges met me as I began to paint from poor reference photos in my studio. Much color is lost in a digital photograph, one is at the mercy of their printer to display a spectrum of color and light one can only take in with their own eyes.<br /><br /><strong><em>E</em></strong>very challenge, however is an opportunity for growth. One more painting remains - the beautiful dining hall and the main piece of the collection. May my paintings reflect all that is good and meaningful about the camp.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-51268566110924652502007-03-13T17:24:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:52:50.621-05:00Savory Cloves<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />I</span></em></strong>'<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ve</span> been enjoying the daily painter's movement - sort of watching from the sidelines unable to participate in the commitment of a painting each day. These little gems of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">spontaneous</span> impressions are so much fun to look at, and I imagined it might even be more fun to actually paint a small piece.<br /><br />I was inspired by one of my favorite daily painters, <a href="http://carolmarine.blogspot.com/">Carol Marine</a>, as she doesn't shy away from color and bold strokes. I especially love her compositions and imaginative titles.<br /><br />I usually place my subjects on white without thinking, so I decided, not today! Today I would <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">splash</span> my canvas with unrestrained color. I had a blast!<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RfckuKSiyhI/AAAAAAAAAnw/i4EDrarOZXM/s1600-h/Garlic-Cloves.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5041538683319274002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RfckuKSiyhI/AAAAAAAAAnw/i4EDrarOZXM/s320/Garlic-Cloves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In 3 hours it was over, but what a rush. I only had time to be decisive and direct. I will definitely try my hand at small works in the future.<br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div>Daily painters can be found many places, but here are two links to get you started:</div><div></div><div><a href="http://www.dailypainters.com/index.php">Daily Painters Art Gallery</a></div><div><a href="http://www.dailypaintersguild.com/">Daily Painters Guild</a></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-3034219208959056212007-03-09T15:49:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:53:23.936-05:00Cobalt and Petals<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em><br />T</em></strong></span>he sun was bright, so I decided it was a good day to get back into a painting that had been waiting for me to complete.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040033554980063714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RfHL0KSiyeI/AAAAAAAAAnY/MXeafKWENiM/s320/cobalt-vase-rose-detail.jpg" border="0" />The roses were painted in early fall - right before the chill put our rose bush into hibernation. They died long ago, and I’m glad that I painted them first thinking ahead that I might not finish the entire scene before they shriveled.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040033550685096386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RfHLz6SiycI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Lw90Ma2oXLs/s320/Cobalt-and-Petals-1.jpg" border="0" />The cobalt vase was my focus, today, and although the sun is shining directly into the studio for a longer period of time these days, it was not long before a shadow from the window moulding crept across the still life, thus forcing me to stop for the day.<br /><br /><br /><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5040033554980063698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RfHL0KSiydI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/TcwD4NjE-qU/s320/coblat-paint.jpg" border="0" />I painted for less than an hour, but the basics were covered, and I will return on Monday with a set of fresh eyes ready to capture the inaccuracies of today’s painting session.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-19032397136254496192007-03-07T08:10:00.000-05:002008-02-13T21:45:14.588-05:00Studio Lighting ~ Q and A<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">O</span></em></strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ne</span></span> of my former classmates, the talented <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5010062">Lauren Pope</a>, asked me some questions regarding studio lighting. Instead of answering her privately, I thought that I would take the time to post my answer as a blog for everyone. This also gives me the opportunity to open my studio up to you all with some more photographs.<br /><br /><em>Here are her three questions:</em><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re6_FMuL8pI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/UQ9RfrPbCyM/s1600-h/studio-1.jpg"></a><strong><em><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re7HMcuL8rI/AAAAAAAAAlg/iM9dCUu_Jes/s1600-h/studio-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039184049756435122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re7HMcuL8rI/AAAAAAAAAlg/iM9dCUu_Jes/s320/studio-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">#1: Do you have shades or blinds for the windows?</span></em></strong><br /><br />I have no shades or blinds. I do have cute thin little curtains that mostly serve as decoration. I used to have shades before my landlady repainted the porch. She replaced the very old, yet useful shades with the shear curtains. The one good thing is that I can easily remove them if I need direct sunlight.<br /><br />If I had my way, a large budget, and if the studio wasn't the main entrance to the house, (as it is actually our front sun porch - talk about a fish bowl) I would love to have black shades installed. I doubt that's a common practice, and I would probably have a hard time finding them, but it seems to me to be a perfect solution to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">controlling</span> the lighting in this room. But until then, I am enslaved by the weather, ever changing light and shadow on my still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lifes</span></span>, and think of myself as an honorary <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">plein</span></span> air painter for that very reason.<br /><br />It's been a challenge to learn how to set my still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lifes</span></span> up in relation to where I think the sun will be during my session. In the fall and winter I have roughly 3 hours of direct sunlight. I know when I can take my 15 minute break as the sun goes behind a telephone pole, where to set the still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">lifes</span></span> up knowing the path of shadows from the window molding. All of this foreknowledge is important so I can set up early in order to maximize my painting time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re6_BMuL8mI/AAAAAAAAAk4/oj-juG2MU8E/s1600-h/all-still-lives-with-painti.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039175060389884514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re6_BMuL8mI/AAAAAAAAAk4/oj-juG2MU8E/s320/all-still-lives-with-painti.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">#2: Are you able to control the light?</span><br /></em></strong><br />About the only thing I can do to block out the sun is create some interesting contraptions with boxes, cardboard, and fabric. I've been known to kidnap our <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">dining room</span> table covers. They make great sun blockers and stand on their own with the three panels.<br /><br />Again, it's not the best solution given that when people visit, which is often, they are greeted by my creative clutter.<br /><br />To get around the need for controlled lighting, I have learned to have several still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">lifes</span> set up for each lighting situation. One for night time painting (which I rarely get to, anymore), one for direct sun, and one for overcast days (this also works for morning painting as the sun is on the opposite side of the house).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re6_BcuL8oI/AAAAAAAAAlI/YVOUBElDW90/s1600-h/night-5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5039175064684851842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Re6_BcuL8oI/AAAAAAAAAlI/YVOUBElDW90/s320/night-5.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">#3 </span></em></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Do you have special lighting(bulbs) for cloudy days and nighttime painting?</span></em></strong><br /><br />I used to, but the ones that came with my nice lamp burnt out and I don't think I had a spare at the time, so I put in a regular bulb and have not seen a need to do otherwise. This is my currently neglected night-time setup. All of my friends know it well, I'm sure. As you see, here, I have a simple clamp lamp that has a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fluorescent</span> ring ( giving a blue/white light) and then a regular bulb (giving a warm light). For me that's all I need. I like to keep it simple, and it doesn't seem to be distorting my paintings.<br /><br />For cloudy days, I use a simple night stand lamp, like something you'd find in Target or W<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">almart</span>. I tip the shade, and it's just what I need.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I love looking at art supply catalogs and dreaming, but right now window shopping will do just fine.<br /><br /><a href="http://theartistsmagazine.com/"></a><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.artistsmagazine.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109368120234045906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RugfPBlBcdI/AAAAAAAAAtI/WTlQSu2-ShU/s400/TAM+cover.jpg" border="0" /></a>T</span></strong>his information on my studio lighting practices and hopefully more than I've shared here, as well as other artist's methods, will be coming out in the October 2007 issue of <a href="http://theartistsmagazine.com/">The Artist's Magazine</a>. </em><br /><br />Thank you <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5010062">Lauren </a>for your questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-69193306063095045012007-03-02T12:48:00.000-05:002008-02-13T21:53:33.773-05:00Letters of Art<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong><span style="color:#996633;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hand lettered</span> envelopes and invitations bring a sense of time, age, and formality like no other craft that I know of.</span></strong></em><br /></span><br /></div><br /><div align="left">This week, I began <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hand lettering</span> addresses for a harp dealer who is announcing the grand opening of a new showroom. Those invited are prominent <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">harp makers</span> from around the world. I addressed the letters bound for Europe, today.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rehj66qZtuI/AAAAAAAAAjY/xqAXg_LhU8I/s1600-h/letters.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037386047044564706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rehj66qZtuI/AAAAAAAAAjY/xqAXg_LhU8I/s400/letters.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />M</span></em></strong>y pen nib is made of a very thin metal. It has a split running from the tip to the middle of the nip where there is a hole cut out that holds the ink allowing for multiple words to be written before another dip into the ink is needed. The split allows the ink to run down to the tip and onto the paper. The split also creates the opportunity for thick and thin lines. If I press just slightly, the tips spread and the ink spreads with it creating a thick line of ink. If I ease up on the pressure, the tips come back together giving me a hairline of ink. <br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037397703585806082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RehuhaqZtwI/AAAAAAAAAjw/qHWOIR_vnwY/s400/Thick.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037397703585806098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RehuhaqZtxI/AAAAAAAAAj4/XDusbQPlOq4/s400/Thin.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Sometimes the needle-like tip catches on the texture of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">paper</span> and flecks of ink are splattered about. This inevitably happens on the last word of the address. Often tiny fragments of paper get trapped in the tip and eventually drag and spread the tip - making it impossible to get a fine line. The nib must be cleaned often.<br /><br /><br />Using a mixture of Copperplate script and Spencerian Script for my lettering, I pick and choose from each alphabet which letter versions I will use.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rehj7KqZtvI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9SdyOyPcLxQ/s1600-h/Pen.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5037386051339532018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rehj7KqZtvI/AAAAAAAAAjg/9SdyOyPcLxQ/s400/Pen.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><p><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">I</span></em></strong> am by no means a professional calligrapher, however I find great enjoyment and a calming effect as the slow graceful lines are drawn. One must not rush, one must not fret - even though this may be the last envelope in possession, and everything rests on getting this word right.<br /><br /><br />I fight the shaky hands and pounding heart as I hold my breath to begin the name. My pen nib is dipped into the ink, and I begin. No loud sounds, please. Oh, let the phone not ring in the middle of this curve. No stray thoughts, only thick and thin lines, subtle and strong curves. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-89320354619443707112007-02-22T17:45:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:54:07.137-05:00The Perks<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">B</span></em></strong><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ecause</span></span> of art, I have been blessed to meet so many new people. At times, I have been taken back by their enthusiasm for my work. Elisa Miller has become one of those wonderful people with whom I have gotten to know on a personal level.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rd4dN24kfwI/AAAAAAAAAh4/zz3USjQFBhk/s1600-h/Elisa-and-I.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5034493557355085570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rd4dN24kfwI/AAAAAAAAAh4/zz3USjQFBhk/s400/Elisa-and-I.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">I</span></em></strong> first heard her name when my framer called to tell me that someone had purchased one of my paintings as it was being framed for an upcoming show. Elisa had seen the paintings lined up ready to go, and when it was all said and done, purchased two paintings before my show ever hung in the gallery. I can't express what an encouragement it has been to have her <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">affirmation</span> as a "fan", but much more to have her interested and caring as a friend.<br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></span><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">A</span></strong></em> few weeks ago, when I was feeling particularly frustrated with my art career, she sent an email with a cherry message inviting me to have lunch with her. I got a real treat as I stayed with her until late afternoon. I was able to meet and get to know her beautiful children, prove how terrible I was at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_dance_revolution"><em>Dance, Dance, Revolution</em> </a>with Sydney, and listen to Elisa as she shared what was going on in her life. </p><p>We are excitedly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">collaborating</span> on a commissioned painting inspired by <em>Mom's Home Cooking</em> that will showcase some of her lovely <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml?type=content&id=channel1329&catid=cat423"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yellowware</span></a>.<br /><br />Thank you for your friendship and encouragement, Elisa!!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-30006702490413041772007-02-17T12:37:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:45:42.380-05:00The Key to My Heart<a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rdc92_WabxI/AAAAAAAAAhU/UDGIqkzTozE/s1600-h/The-Key-to-My-Heart-LR.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032559123537489682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rdc92_WabxI/AAAAAAAAAhU/UDGIqkzTozE/s400/The-Key-to-My-Heart-LR.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><em>O</em></strong></span><span style="font-size:100%;">ne Valentine's day while my husband and I were dating, I gave him this old tin with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">skeleton</span> key inside and a little note pledging that he held the key to my heart. With it, no part of me would be kept from him. No other key would ever be made or given and he will forever be the sole owner of it.<br /><br /><br />This Valentine's day as a gift to my husband I painted the same objects to keep that closeness of our relationship ever before us in a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tangible</span> way.<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rdc93PWabyI/AAAAAAAAAhc/_3F22G__CLk/s1600-h/Key-to-My-Heart-LR-set-up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5032559127832456994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rdc93PWabyI/AAAAAAAAAhc/_3F22G__CLk/s400/Key-to-My-Heart-LR-set-up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the unusual set up that was necessary to get the perspective I wanted on the pieces. I don't think I've ever painted on the ground, before, but it was pretty comfortable. At the time this photo was taken I was waiting to begin as a shadow slowly moved across the still life.<br /><div><br /><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rdc9u_WabwI/AAAAAAAAAhM/KQEQxoZmQeQ/s1600-h/Key-to-My-Heart-LR-set-up.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-54575623277396623462007-02-13T12:33:00.000-05:002007-02-18T00:20:57.864-05:00Retreat Update<strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">O</span></em></strong>n Friday morning the painting began, and three separate canvases were worked on. However on Saturday, I was forced to give in to the sickness that had been oncoming for the last two days. I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">regrettably</span> had to leave the studio Saturday morning as I was ruining my current painting due to my departing energy.<br /><br /><br />I can show you the start of one of the paintings from Friday evening. This painting had been in the plan ever since it looked like I'd have the weekend alone. It was a painting that I'd promised my husband for our anniversary, but never got around to starting. It is a 16x20 oil wash on linen - unfinished as you will see. And, of course, there is a story behind the painting.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RdH4A_WabqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/mdUDYqce4O4/s1600-h/II+Tim+2_15+two.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031074954638683810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RdH4A_WabqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/mdUDYqce4O4/s320/II+Tim+2_15+two.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031075062012866226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RdH4HPWabrI/AAAAAAAAAgU/azZwLGMTsQM/s320/II+Tim+2_15+two+detail.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />While I was in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">grad school</span>, I pulled an all-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">nighter</span> with my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">roommates</span> during finals. Two of us were art students and the other was music. We spent all night painting and writing papers. I had 3 paintings to complete in one evening - my own fault, I'm sure.<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, I did it, and to my surprise they ended up being 3 of my best and strongest paintings. One of them was purchased by the college. And my husband has commented since then that it was one of his favorites and how he wish I hadn't sold it. So I am attempting to recreate this painting in style and subject matter. The style is a sienna wash of a subject matter that is lit only by a candle. I thought that I would have to add at least a little artificial lighting, but I can see it very well. Here is the setup.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5031076526596714178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RdH5cfWabsI/AAAAAAAAAgc/liqm_wlzVcY/s320/II+Tim+2_15+set+up.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>Any light you see that is not coming from the candle is only from one small lamp set up so that I can see my canvas. </p><p>I am still on the mend and hope to be painting again on Friday. Thank you for your patience, and I <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">apologize</span> for the wait. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-38444650716401340382007-02-07T07:58:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:48:57.704-05:00Weekend Retreat<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">I'm going on a weekend retreat . . .</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div align="right"><a href="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcnNCSaJJoI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/x6WbmpbZ4Xc/s1600-h/brushes.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028775898120791682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcnNCSaJJoI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/x6WbmpbZ4Xc/s400/brushes.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"> . . .with my brushes</span></strong></div><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcnNCiaJJpI/AAAAAAAAAfY/3e8_Vs5VB5E/s1600-h/studio-3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5028775902415758994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp2.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcnNCiaJJpI/AAAAAAAAAfY/3e8_Vs5VB5E/s400/studio-3.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">. . . i</span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">n my studio.</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">It's okay, my husband knows I'll be spending quality time with my brushes while he's away for the weekend. I have four projects lined up which I will present consecutively after the painting weekend is over. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">During this weekend I will paint in the morning, afternoon, and evening; socialize little; miss my husband terribly; cook only if I want to; and say "no" to housework. By the end I expect to see improvement, be tired yet refreshed mentally, be energized and excited about painting. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;">Onward!</span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></p><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">By the way, the apples are coming soon, I promise!</span></em></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-39884596983440571922007-02-02T08:26:00.002-05:002008-02-13T21:51:00.401-05:00Inspiration<em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">I</span></strong></em>t’s been on my mind lately. <em>What is it about painting and art that is so fulfilling? Why do I and countless others find such enjoyment in recording and interpreting what we see? What is our inspiration?<br /></em><br />For many artists the answers to those questions vary and can be quite complex. Some are motivated by special memories that an object or a place holds. Some have a journalistic thread running throughout them compelling the artist to paint scenes that promote awareness about current issues, or important stories to be told.<br /><br />Or it could be as it was for me last night simply seeing something that catches the eye. The way light may fall on a subject and how that object is shown and reacts to the light.<br /><br /><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcM8rSaJJlI/AAAAAAAAAeg/sdO-ba0eTvc/s1600-h/Applesweblog.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026928323449136722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RcM8rSaJJlI/AAAAAAAAAeg/sdO-ba0eTvc/s320/Applesweblog.jpg" border="0" /></a>We were cleaning up after having some guests in our home, and as I put a bowlful of uneaten apples into a smaller bowl, it hit me. The only light in the room was coming from our stove hood. When it hit those deep red apples that I had just placed into a bright yellow bowl, my first thought was, “now there’s a painting”. A feeling of excitement came over me, as many times before, I envisioned this beautiful still life already painted on my canvas.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">When this happens, it’s almost like a food craving.</span></strong></em> I’<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">ve</span> got to paint this, now. Unfortunately life <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">doesn</span>’t always allow one to satisfy such cravings. There’s the lineup of already in progress still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">lifes</span> that should be completed before I start anything else. Plus there are the promises to others of paintings yet to come. Or any one of the many important and necessary duties a wife has that will take priority over such desires. Then there is the dreaded day job that most artists must endure.<br /><br />But sometimes I think to myself. “Surely I can paint this in just a few hours. I’ll let the laundry wait one more day. I’ll find a tiny spot in the studio to set up this one quick painting. If I don’t paint it now before the apples are eaten (I noticed this morning that my dear husband took a few for his lunch), or before my excitement runs down, it will not get painted.”<br /><br />So with that, I close my blog.<br />Excuse me, I have some apples to paint.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-8047584267663450892007-01-29T11:04:00.001-05:002008-02-13T21:51:26.298-05:00The Arrangement I ~ a work in progress<div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">S</span></strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">aturday</span></span> afternoon, I began this still life, and immediately found it to be challenging in many ways.</em> </div><div align="left"><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">T</span></strong></em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">hese</span></span> photographs were taken this morning, and as you can see, the background has changed somewhat from my original block in by a light dusting of snow. Not to worry, I will paint the background after the snow melts away (and it is sure to melt considering the sort of mild winter we have had.) And, do not fret for I will <em>not</em> be painting my neighbor's trash into the painting, either. Ah, artistic license. </div><div align="left"><br /><br /></div><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025485731026160562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rb4cpW2by7I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/pEXePyPziPY/s400/The+arrangment+still+life.jpg" border="0" /> I'm not sure how effective the red vase will be with the rest of the painting having a light and muted feel. I am intrigued by the intense shades of oranges and reds I see as the afternoon sun sifts through the vase. So I will press on, and perhaps a striking yet pleasing painting will result.<br /><br />Here are photographs after the first painting session. </p><p><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025494269421145058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rb4kaW2by-I/AAAAAAAAAb0/hK_dzaGDI1I/s400/arrangement+1.jpg" border="0" />With some selective measurements down, and the background loosely and thinly blocked in, I focus on the most structural (and I thought the easiest) object in the painting, the vase. If I can get this part of the painting correct, everything else will fall into place. </p><br /><br /><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025494492759444482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/Rb4knW2bzAI/AAAAAAAAAcE/25igKHxenvg/s400/arrangement+1+detail.jpg" border="0" />As you can see, there are some drawing corrections to be made, however the feel, color, and temperature are correct and soon when those corrections are completed, I will have a solid foundation from which to base the rest of the painting.<br /><br /><p>I look forward to putting in those buttery white daisy petals that are caught in the sun light. That will be a fun session. More to come on this 16x20 painting in the near future.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-79119441782040380242007-01-23T21:32:00.000-05:002008-02-13T21:51:37.678-05:00Red Chili Peppers<strong><em>Another still life completed under the ever changing light.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5023432311456910210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp1.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RbbREm2by4I/AAAAAAAAAas/rSWvMpAy_ok/s400/Red-Chillie-Peppers.jpg" border="0" /><br />It was a very dark and stormy sky, today so I discarded a still life that needed to be painted in direct sun and set up another one with a lamp. As I finally sat down to begin painting, the sun came out brightly from behind the clouds. So I put my lamp away and began to block in the painting in the sun. About a half hour into my block in, the sky darkened and seemed as if it would remain that way for the rest of the day. Out my lamp came. I painted over some areas as the lighting changed just about everything that I had already laid down.<br /><br />Wouldn't you know it, about two hours later, the sun came out and beamed until it set late afternoon. At that point too much was completed, so I came inside the house and started cooking dinner - planning to paint after the sun went down.<br /><br />Here is the completed piece, painted in all variations of light from glaring sun to nightfall. In the end, the subject was so pleasing to me that I was determined to see it through.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7698365047564819640.post-27140797754092136942007-01-17T07:50:00.000-05:002008-02-13T21:54:38.688-05:00My PaletteInspired by a question from another artist on the <a href="http://www.wetcanvas.com"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">WetCanvas</span>! Forum</a>, I decided to share with you the paints that you will find on my palette.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RbERb699kxI/AAAAAAAAAag/ULqbSE3BkrM/s1600-h/my+palette.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021814230878098194" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_8r94vda4vTM/RbERb699kxI/AAAAAAAAAag/ULqbSE3BkrM/s400/my+palette.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From left to right:<br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em><span style="font-size:100%;">*</span> denotes paints used on occasion</em></span> </p><p><strong><em>Titanium White<br />Cadmium Yellow Light</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Yellow Ochre<br />Cadmium Yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Meduim</span>*</em></strong> - I'm really starting to fall in love with this color.<br /><strong><em>Cadmium Red Light<br />Cadmium Red Medium*</em></strong><br /><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Permanent Alizarin</span> Crimson*</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Burnt Sienna - </em></strong>I think I'm addicted to this pigment. I'm not sure how I could paint without it on my palette.<br /><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Viridian</span></em></strong> - after reading some reports on non-lasting qualities of sap green, I have been using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Viridian</span> instead and have been mixing my own sap green.<br /><strong><em>Ultramarine Blue</em></strong><br /><strong><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" onclick="BLOG_clickHandler(this)">Phthalo</span> Blue - </em></strong>I love this blue and use it sometimes to give a little punch to my shadows.<br /><br />There you have it. I don't use the fancy colors, not yet, anyway. Mostly because either I haven't tried them, yet, or they're too expensive for me to get hooked on. I find that a more limited palette is better for me. I try to keep things simple.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2