My Painting Process
My Painting Process presents insights, techniques, materials and behind-the-scenes looks of how my artwork develops and comes to life.
-
The Pond in Mid Summer
Fear factor The Pond in MidSummer may be compete!I feel like I have been working on this for such a long time.. and I have…so challenging. Monochromatic Greens Painting with green in acrylic are also quite the challenge. The colours are never quite what you expect. And then they dry darker. Greens in watercolour are so much easier. There is no standardization in colours between brands. Sap green in one brand may be garish and in another almost olive. What the heck. That brings me to the colour I love to hate. Viridian! It is up there with the ever challenging cerulean (in watercolour) . Vididean is neon, unforgiving…
-
Rhodo Rhapsody
I little over a year ago, I was out walking along the seawall in Vancouver when I came across this amazing rhododendron. It literally stopped me in my tracks. And as good fortune would have it, I happened to have my camera with me. Pure rhododendron rhapsody. The Vancouver difference They grow to be quite huge in Vancouver – everything grows to be quite huge in Vancouver and, they have so many varieties. I had never seen this one before ever. It is amazing. I took many photos knowing I would one day be painting it. I have since noticed that the nurseries in the Maritimes are now carrying them.…
-
Another 30 day challenge complete
30 Paintings in 30 Day Challenge is completed for another year! I simply cannot get over how fast time goes when you are having fun. When I look at each of these little paintings I get such a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. A lot of these were paintings I wanted to do in one form or another and this challenge lets me do that – to get around to your to-do list. Some I knew would not lend themselves to larger pieces in the way I like to paint. Sometimes I just get so busy that I do not take the time to paint smaller pieces and…
-
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…
-
Cascading Blooms Watercolour Complete
Cascading Blooms a 1/2 sheet watercolour of pink climbing roses is now completed Procrastination I finally figured out why I have been procrastinating so much. At least I think I have been. And not sure I was even conscious of it until now. Participating in the 30 paintings in 30 day challenge in January was very satisfying. I mean I completed a painting a day for goodness sake. Felt accomplished every single day! Now that I am back to painting larger works – they seem to be taking forever. I had a goal this weekend of finishing two. Well, I only finished this one. But, you know, you cannot hurry…
-
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…
-
Pretty In Pink completed
I love the feeling of satisfaction I get when I realize that a painting is finished I’ve let this one percolate long enough to call it completed. I am done looking at it with the squinty eyes and scrutinizing. It is time to put down the paintbrushes and wash off my palette. When I get near the completion of a painting I spend quite a bit of time assessing and reassessing it and second guessing myself. This is a normal part of the painting process. I want to ensure the warm tones are balanced over the painting and that the cooler tones are the right shade and the values are…
-
Demo Poured Painting Colours of Autumn
Yesterday was such a nice day. I had the opportunity to paint at the Hooper’s Studio in Hampton with some really great folks. This is the kick off weekend for their Small Works Show and they invited a number of us to participate. I worked on a demo poured painting piece. As this was a demo, I had to take some “short cuts” to try to get it done in a day. Typically I prefer to pour one colour in a session. For this piece I had to pour two and sometimes three colours in one session. I liked the way the colours mingled on the wet paper but…
