Audrey in Blue

I have always admired the grace and style of the iconic Audrey Hepburn.  Working on my portrait skills, I am playing with my blues.  Off of my palette for many years but making a new appearance - Prussian blue is my dominate blue here.  I did pull in some ultramarine blue with my ivory black and white titanium when defining the planes.  I am having so much fun on these portrait studies, I don't want to stop working!  I long to take deep dives into my process, but alas, Christmas is around the corner, and I'm being pulled in so many directions.  Painting number 2896 in 2896 days. 

Portrait Study in Black and White

On a weekend full of portrait study, it is so fun to try different colors and techniques!  Here I laid down the planes with ivory black and titanium white, adding the tiniest bit of ultramarine blue.  I arrived with my plein air set up, but am now wishing I had a few more soft brushes.  I use a lot of heavy duty workhorse brushes (Princeton Catalysts) in the field for my daily work, and only had a couple of Rosemary brushes in this box.  A softer, lighter brush is better for blending where desired. I find that I like leaving plenty of brushwork and strong strokes untouched.  This portrait journey is going to be SO FUN!  Painting number 2876 in 2876 days. 

Waiting

Tonight finds me drawing Carole Bowles in the vintage dress she wore for the civil war reenactment at our farm. I am really learning from each figure I draw.  The compositions come easier with each one, and the permanence of ink no longer scares me.   It is fun, and relaxing even.   Who knew?   Thanks to my friend Lyn Pharis, for inspiring me to take up pen and ink this January!   Painting number 1282 on 1282 days :)

Waiting
Pen and ink on paper, 6x7
purchase here

Painting from the Pasture

Painting From the Pasture
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

As the final assignment in a figure class this month, I have painted myself!  The photo reference in from the civil war reenactment we had in the pasture, where I invited the MVIS artists to capture the event in paint.  One of the women from the camp loaned me her dress, and voila - I became a period painter!  The hat is one I paint in, and the apron was one I had tucked away from who knows where!  Using my limited palette of acrylics, I blocked in the values and colors that shape the scene.  Next, I tweak those masses using loose, impressionistic strokes.....although I may have tightened up a bit on my palette and brushes.  They are prized possessions that make my life a joy - so, I guess they’re allowed the extra attention!  Twice, I have forgotten to pack my make-up and curling iron on out of town plein air trips, but I always have my art supplies with me!!  This is painting number 1183 in 1183 days.

block in

Walking in the Snow

Walking in the Snow
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

color block-in

Today finds me back to the figure work of the month.  It is SO much easier painting subjects that are 5 inches tall vs. the half inch size!  I still have trouble with the tiny ones!  I have included the color block-in, which was painted quickly (probably 30 -40 minutes).  When I went in to define and shape, I changed very little.  I did cool down the scene a bit, most likely because today is a cold and dreary day, and that mood has seeped into my painting!  This painting makes the 1178th in 1178 days.

Watering the Flowers - sketch

Watering the Flowers - sketch
pen and ink on paper, 5x6

After returning home from Michael's Academic Awards ceremony which immediately followed Alan's Second Grade Show, I am posting a vintage style pen and ink sketch of this woman tending her flowers.  I have an acrylic painting almost finished for my month of figure studies, but I am just too tired to tie up the loose ends.  I'll take care of that tomorrow.  This drawing makes the 1163rd piece in 1163 days.

Greeting the Rider

Greeting the Rider
Acrylic on masonite, 5x7

The photos I took during our civil war reenactment have proven a treasure trove for paintings!  Now that I am concentrating on figures, I am choosing photos with multiple subjects - giving me more to work on in each painting!  I am painting small at only 5x7 inches, so these figures are small.  I want to become so comfortable with painting them, that the strokes can be loose, yet define them clearly.  I spend about 30 minutes on the color block in, and find that I am capturing most of the painting at this point.  Finish work is just making the strokes more poetic, and marrying the colors a bit for good color harmony.  Most importantly, I want those figures to be accurate in form and gesture.  I am including quite a bit of background landscape, and it has been some time since I have painted landscapes in acrylic.  I am using the same methods as the figure and portrait work, only applying them to the landscape - which is certainly different from my former technique.  This painting makes 1162 in 1162 days.

color block in

At Water's Edge

At Water's Edge
Acrylic on masonite, 5x5

This is my first block in and color wash in acrylic using this particular limited palette.  I used a limited palette in acrylic for years, and found it so helpful in mixing colors on the fly - especially in the field.  The colors used here are yellow oxide, cad red light, cad red medium, red oxide, alizarin crimson and indanthrene blue, along with white and black.  That makes four different reds, a muddy yellow and a blue I have never heard of - but is somewhat like prussian, only cooler.  After blocking in the masses, I was ready to throw in the towel, I was so disappointed in the direction of the portrait!  I let it dry, as recommended, so that future strokes could be added or wiped off with a damp paper towel until the desired effect was achieved.  I did a different block in, and then returned to this.  As I started laying on strokes with a dry brush method, the painting started to come to life.  I’m a little unsure if this is where I will leave this painting, but for now - I am so much happier with it than I was earlier!  My new brushes came in - so I am getting to know them as well here.  Perhaps that was also some of the initial frustration.  New tools, new color combination, and new technique - no wonder I feel COMPLETELY out of my box!  Another difficulty - I painted this from the tiny photo on my phone, which was from a distance, and the clarity is not great.  A funny thing happened as I painted....I made this woman look more like myself!  Crazy.  Probably because I had trouble seeing the planes.  I also added more light, which I really thought it needed.  This painting makes 1040 in 1040 days.

To the Barn

To the Barn
Oil on wood panel, 7x5
auction - bid here

Some days are so hectic, that by the time I make it to my easel - I REALLY need my painting fix!  I had sketched this one out a while ago, and then I switched gears to another theme.  It was a treat to return to this, the composition and sketch already complete.  It left me to mindlessly paint with brush and palette knife and oils.  When there are no distractions between me and the panel, I can quickly lay in that paint - almost as if the oils just roll of the brush!  I wish it weren't so late, I would go right on painting.  But alas, its been a very long day and I have another one ahead of me tomorrow.  Painting number 810 in 810 days.

Back to the Barn

Back to the Barn
Oil on panel, 7x5
bid here

While watching some "Sons of Anarchy" with my middle son, I sketched out a few upcoming compositions.  I had planned out two other paintings to get started on today, but I didn't have the right size of panels for them!  I pulled a couple of old paintings to prime over, but did not want to take the time to do it!  So, I pulled from a few other photos to work from, and this is where I landed! Since my time was short, I worked small - only 7x5 inches.  Using 2 brushes and palette knife, I have painted this one with quick strokes.  The figures are getting easier with each one I paint - but I'm not sure I can stick with them for a whole month!  Painting number 775 in 775 days :)

Driving the Oxen

Driving the Oxen
Oil on panel, 12x9
Old Missouri Town - purchase here

Each time I return to Missouri Town is like stepping back in time. Nostalgia reigns on the rural land where old barns, homes, and shops dot the landscape.  On this chilly day, a woman drives her oxen, calling them each by name.  Having pulled out an orange primed panel, I have let bits of that orange pop through here and there. I love getting back to this color after so many days of pale yellow.  I have used loose, impressionistic strokes here, negatively painting in the trees.  I'm trying to find the gentle balance of loosely painting a face with a few strokes, instead of my natural tendency to completely render it - though it is only the size of two peas together!  This is painting number 770 in 770 days.

Preparing the Horse

Preparing the Horse
Oil on hardboard panel, 7x5

What a great day!  I just started a weekly painting class last Monday, and I am having SO much fun teaching it!  With my already super full schedule, I have resisted committing myself to a weekly time slot for so long!  I simply love sharing all that I have absorbed through the years, and don't know why I put it off!  This painting is small - only 7x5 inches, which is pretty tight for so much information.  I have started offering this size for auctions, and since the western scenes are attracting so much attention, I thought I'd give it a try.  I was able to sketch and block in the masses after housework and before class.  I was then able to return to it briefly to finish between class and picking Michael up from practice.  With a sorority meeting tonight - and so much laughing and visiting late into the evening, I have only now returned home to get his image uploaded and posted.  Some days are just a non-stop whirlwind of activity - and truly, I revel in it.  I should sleep well tonight!  This painting is number 765 in 765 days :)

Pondering - Grisaille

Pondering - Grisaille
Oil on wood panel, 9x12
sold

Inspired by another artist, I am switching gears today and painting a grisaille.  Using transparent red oxide as my only paint, I sketch on with my brush, thinning down with only safflower oil.  Wiping away for lighter areas, adding paint for the darker ones, the image emerges.  I am very tempted to add a warm, pale yellow to these highlights, but I resist temptation.  Trying to stay loose with my strokes, I really do just blend out unconsciously!  All those years of graphite work, I guess!  I had every intention of leaving unpainted areas where the strokes clearly marked the wood, but alas....my brush would not cooperate.  Perhaps I'll do a couple others this month, after all, practice makes perfect - or so I have heard all my life.  I really like the red oxide, it is so earthy and moody, as if the only lighting is candlelight.  I already see areas that I would touch again with the brush, but as I have two basketballs games tonight, and a meeting following. I must let this rest for now.  Painting number 738 in 738 days, and Day 7 in the 30 Day Painting Challenge.

Profile Study

Profile in progress

Profile Study
Oil on panel, 8x10

Today, my time is limited, so I chose to paint a profile - and did it in an hour and a half.  The one in progress was maybe 40 minutes into the painting, and you can still see some of my pastel sketch lines marking the hair.  As I see these two together.....there is really something I like about the first one.  I know it sounds silly, since it isn't half done, but the loose strokes and the unrefined areas of light and shadow are kind of cool.  In addition, I paint in north light, and this photo is taken right off my easel - so the color is pretty cool in temperature.  This has me seriously considering a loose finish on the next one.  Perhaps just barely a few wide strokes for the background and that is it.  This may also sound crazy, but I think I like the paler eye finish on the left versus the darker one on the right.  Is it crazy?  This is painting number 427 in as many days - and now it is time to get ready to go out for dinner!

Melanie

Melanie
Oil on panel, 11x14
sold

This was the final day of the five day portrait and figure workshop.  Today's focus was color, and how to lay in the most intense color right after the lightest light and darkest dark when first starting the block in.  This allows you to easily work all values within this range, keeping the most intense color in it's place.  Melanie was a wonderful model, and this was my first time to paint her this week.  We have had two models each day, each in a different room, with the artists choosing one room or the other to set up in.  Sometimes it is just a matter of where there is room left for an easel!  With each day, I find the lights and darks easier to place.  The warm and cool areas emerge naturally when looking at the model.  The models under cool light have warm shadows.  This week has truly been eye opening.  I didn't think I could do this kind of work, and I had never tried painting people from life.  I love the whole experience- it is challenging and invigorating at the same time!  It really makes me wonder what else is out there, that I truly love to do, that I have never even tried.  Life is plum full of open doors.  Painting number 424 in as many days.  With this workshop now behind me, what will I paint tomorrow?

Lining up the Horses

Lining up the Horses
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Paint-Out - south pasture

Early on Saturday Morning, the horses arrived for the reenactment.  One by one they were unloaded from their trailer, and help in place. So excited they were with the fresh green grass - each one ravenously chewed the area in front of them.  By day's end, the fence line behind them was completely trimmed up, and the tree was pruned to reveal the pole barn wall behind it.  The palomino even ate the poison ivy that was starting to get a stronghold at the corner of the barn!  The area was left so pretty in their wake, I plan to paint it at morning's light!  Painting number 230 in as many days.  I may be painting on barn wood if I don't hurry and get more panels cut!

Tending the Palomino

Tending the Palomino
Oil on panel, 16x12
Civil War Paint-Out

When I was still in grade school, I used to write stories about horses. On the playground, my friends and I would pretend to be horses - running in the wind as fast as we could.  I have always loved horses, so it was really a treat to have them included in our civil war reenactment.  This beautiful palomino was just as lovely as one I once wrote about (I named her Goldenrod).  The young woman holding her lead rope, Jamie, was just as nice as could be - and makes such a wonderful model for this vintage painting.  Painting number 229 in as many days.

Tending the Flowers

Tending the Flowers
Oil on panel, 12x16
Old Missouri Town

I have wanted to paint this scene ever since I took the photo on a school field trip to Old Missouri Town.  This lovely woman was gently tending her flowers while the children ran from one building to the next.  This place is full of many vintage landscapes to paint.  I love the 1855 feel of the town, it is like stepping back in time for just a little while.  The morning light cast a warming glow as it burned through a bit of haze - a perfect light for this subject in her garden.  I meant to under paint this one in acrylics, but I only remembered once the panel was already half covered!  This was one of those days of starts and stops.  Three different times I had to leave this painting, only to return hours later.  Finally finishing up, this is my 179th painting in as many days.  It just gets harder and harder to get a painting done each day in the summer!  The kids are home, we have so many family and sports activities, and I am constantly searching for that tiny painting window - normally in tiny segments!  Oh how I hope this gets easier soon!

Michaela in Charcoal

Michaela in Charcoal
Tinted charcoal on mi-teintes paper, 12x9

The last couple of days I have been drawn to figure work again, wanting to try different mediums and surfaces.  I pulled out my tinted charcoals - which I have only used a hand full of times, and this creamy paper.  I selected the burnt embers color of charcoal - and started my work.  It has been so long since I have used charcoals - that I had forgotten the feel.  The way they scratch against the surface, resisting in some areas - it is so unlike my consistent graphites.  But like an old friend, they grew on me......I remembered how I liked them and how they were one of my first real mediums, when only in the second grade.  The idea of doing 30 figures in 30 days has kept popping into my mind.  I have thought of it before, but I have always drifted away from it.  Maybe it is time for me to give it some attention.  It is a sure way to hone those skills in a hurry.  This is my 169th painting in 169 days.  Where will tomorrow lead me?

The Letter

The Letter
Oil on panel, 9x12

This morning, I couldn't decide whether to paint my daughter, or cupcakes.  I decided on Michaela!  After my fairy tale like landscape of yesterday, I felt like something way more realistic was in order.  The overcast day let in a soft light, shedding a special glow from the windows.  It amazes me how different the light is from day to day on these interiors.  Same house, many of the same windows, and yet each one's lighting is so very different.  I started with a detailed sketch, before laying in the basic color masses.  Starting with her face, hair, near curtain and shadow areas, and then working out from there,  I always want to be sure the main focus is right.  Then. I work out into the surrounding areas.  The diffused lighting had me graying down all colors quite a bit.  This painting makes 72 in 72 days, and I just found out that Leslie Saeta will be hosting another 30 day painting challenge in the future - and that is what started me on this ritual of painting every single day!