From My Studio
From My Studio is a behind-the-scenes look at my creative process, works in progress, and the inspirations that shape my art.
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Playing with ChatGPT
I’ve been thinking that I should be more open to new technologies and decided to play with ChatGPT. I was working on a painting of a lupin with a bee and frankly was stumped how to describe my work. I was looking for prompts – sometimes when I am painting my energy is all about how I want the painting to look not necessarily on how i’m going to describe it. Quite often I have a notebook where I write down my thoughts as I paint for this reason – sometimes not always and definitely not in this case. So I turned to ChatGPT for inspiration. The result was superfluous,…
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Well DANG
Well DANG! Sometimes you win some and sometimes you lose some. And with this painting I have had a false start …only I am not quite sure for sure (insert face palm emoji) Well DANG!!! I started this painting by blocking in the sky. The colour I was after was quite tricky as the blue began to lighten gradually towards the middle of the canvas. I had a lot of paint mixed. It wasn’t quite right. I thought maybe some Cerulean may help with the tone. I squeezed some out and mixed it in. Nothing happened. I squeezed more out and once again mixed it in half the mixture. No…
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Artwork, Helpful Hints, My Painting Process, Poured Watercolour, Product Review, Still Life - Florals & Much More
Red Hot Pink poured watercolour
Red Hot Pink poured watercolour painting with process and product review I was feeling adventurous so I experimented with a few new products – one product I love and the other – not so much. In the pink It’s been a rather long, cold and wet spring. I wanted to paint something that celebrates summer heat and sunshine. Something bold and beautiful. Also I wanted to painting something that develops quicker than my oil paintings. So I turned to my photos of last summer’s planters and found red petunias! I also took this an an opportunity to push it a bit and experiment with a couple different products. Dr Ph.…
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Artwork, Helpful Hints, Lessons Learned, My Painting Process, Product Review, Still Life - Florals & Much More
Winters Light Shines Through
I have to admit this was one ambitious painting I think I may have a thing about straight lines and me not really know what to do with them. I always thought I have a steady hand and a good eye… but am not thinking my astigmatism may not know how to deal with them. Seeing this finished painting sure brings a smile to my face. We have a wonderful hanging stained glass window that was given to us Over the years we (really me) watch with fascination of how the right changes with each season. Winter is particularly beautiful with the deep colour of the sky and the reflections…
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Painting of a Dragonfly on the Fence
Dragonflies We have a backyard pond complete with a waterfall and lily pads and dragonflies are frequent visitors. Frequent but they do not rest for long. Almost never long enough for me to run and get may camera and get back down the stairs. And my camera is by the door when I am home! On the Fence But I have gotten lucky a few times. One summer’s day a dragonfly landed on my friend Jackie’s belly. And I had my camera right there. I just had to convince her not to swoosh him away until I got the photos. This was quite the challenge for her – but being…
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Pretty Perfect Paint Prize Package
I am so completely excited! And a bit dim! Look at the wonderful prize package I just received. Giddy with glee I was very fortunate and won an award at the CSPWC Open Art Show in November. The prize was a gift certificate for Stevenson Paint – made right here in Canada. And what was so wonderful (other than receiving the award) was that I was able to select the type of painting and colours that I wanted. Oils. Acrylics. Watercolours. Smorgasbord! Delightful! Giddy with glee me! I have to admit that it took me awhile to decide what to order. So many choices and other artist materials as well. A…
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Week 1 – Gone to the Birds
I joined in another challenge to paint 30 Paintings in 30 Days. The first week quickly became about painting chickadees!I knew the challenge was coming up so between Christmas and New Years I braved the elements to attempt to get as many photographs as possible. I stood out on our deck for hours. Freezing my fingers off while waiting for the perfect photo opportunity. Interesting enough, it did not take me too long to figure out that these feathers cherubs are much faster than I. I managed to get many empty feeder shots. And a few with the snow flying as the little cuties flew off the feeder. …
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My Process to Start a New Painting
Other than starting out with a serious dose of procrastination – there are many stages to the painting process. Mine typically goes like this: Inspiration is always first It may take on many forms. Whether it is the softness of a petal or the play of light and shadow or an intriguing detail that just speaks to you. Something has caught your eye. Made you stop and look at it a little deeper. Then you make a decision. I must paint that. In whatever way you perceive it to be. You make so many decisions at this point, size, orientation, medium to technique. I seldom have to look for something to…
