Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Barney the lonely Basset - a painting a day

Barney

Years ago when I was in college, I had a Basset hound. I named him Barney and he was the saddest looking thing you ever saw, huge feet with these toe nails that were deadly and don't forget those BIG blood shot eyes. He only looked sad, he was actually one of the happiest dogs I've ever owned. He wondered into my yard one day as most of my animals seem to have done over the years. That's where I found him, he was laying in the yard when I got home from class. I gave him a quick pet and my burrito. I knew I would like him right then and there. Any dog that would eat hot sauce was OK by me. It turned out Barney ate everything. Once, I came home to find him eating a head of lettuce I had thrown in the garbage. You had to keep the trash bin off the floor. He wasn't too keen to climbing or jumping so it was easy enough to keep stuff out of his reach. He did have a couple of other bad habits, one (as some of you already know) was howling. I had never owned a hound before and didn't know about this howling. There I was all asleep, my new husband laying at my side, I thought I had it made, a new dog, a sweet little house, art classes with great teachers, everything a girl would want. Suddenly, I hear this god awful bellow in the middle of the night, he suddenly lets out a howl that made me sit straight up in bed. Nothing ever broke him of that habit. Another bad habit was his need to roam, he just didn't seem to loyal. He would wonder the neighborhood, this is before stringent laws kept dogs on leashes. I would find him sleeping on a neighbor's porch or even laying asleep in car ports or at the local pub. The guys at the local bar would give him beer which of course he loved and he would be too drunk to come home. I'd have to go down in my little blue superbeatle and have the guys load him in the car.
After a few episodes of wondering Barney, I decided to put him in the back yard where the (I'm not kidding) tiny 2 1/2 foot tall picket fence was too tall for him to get out. That just made the howling start up. What was I to do? Finally one day.... no Barney, he had gotten out, there was a school across the street and he loved the kids. They would come by and pet him everyday and feed him their old sandwiches from their lunch boxes, I think they may have also let him out. One week goes by No Barney, two weeks goes by nothing I asked at the neighborhood pub nope hadn't seen him Did all the usual stuff to find a dog and not one sign of him. Gone just like he had come in one day here then gone. About a month after Barney went missing I get a call about a dog that sounded like my dog. It was a young family with three kids. They wanted to bring him by to see if he was mine. Oh great, Barney's back ! I tell my husband, he gives me the look, he was never too keen on the dog so it really didn't matter to him.

They show up and its him. The BIG loony dog. The family said he had shown up at their house and they kept him until they saw my "missing dog" flyer at the grocery store. The mother said the kids had fallen in love with him, and by the looks I was getting from two of the kids I could tell she was right. They looked at me like I was taking their best friend away. The third little girl kept saying they named him Jake, ( I wondered how many names that dog had in his lifetime, he wasn't young when I named him Barney). After talking for a little bit I could see he was in good hands and when the mother asked me straight away if they could keep him, I said sure, he needed those kids. I gave him a big hug and told her about his drinking problem and his affinity for hot sauce, we all had a good laugh and they loaded him up in the station wagon and he was gone. When the guys at the pub found out they said they would miss him but thought it was for the best, they were worried he would stagger out into the road and get hit by a car. So was I and now I could rest at night knowing he had a family. I just wonder about that howling.... I some how forgot to mention it.
This is 9 by 11 Oil Pastel Framed in 11 by 14 $ 100.00

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Koi , is finished now on to the next... young boy...

young boy  work in progress

koi


I finished the BIG koi painting as I have begun to call it, it still needs a name which at the moment is alluding me, I guess I'll have to go back in the archives and see what folks have suggested in the past. I have been given some great suggestions, it seem as there are many creative people out there when it comes to naming things. I've always had problems with naming the paintings. Sometimes its because I don't want to lead the viewer but in the past, I 've found paintings without names don't do as well as those with names. People respond to the name as much as the image. I have even changed the names of paintings and found paintings sold after I found a better name. Who woulda thunk?

But as you see I'm no wordsmith and at times I wish I had someone who could step in and officially name them all. The names would magically fit the feel and I would be off the hook.

So this one is open for anyone to give me a name, I'll take in account all suggestions and maybe your name will be selected. I'll let you know when and what I choose.

Now for my next painting, you can see at the top of the page my new start for my next painting. I laid in the colors and some of the texture. My plan is to work with a male model and back light him to fit into the middle of this piece with the light coming from behind and around him. I won't have the model till Saturday so this will have to be set aside till I can get the drawing in place to put him into the white area. I 've pretty much decided to have him bare chested but in low rider jeans... we'll see. Feed back is good so chime in here if you have any ideas.

I have been drawing everyday too and I will post my drawings or sketches some days as well as my paintings.

Feel free to write me if you ever have any suggestions or questions.
shantmaire@aol.com

Monday, January 29, 2007

Sam, my black lab - graphite drawing of my best buddy

sam


snow sam3

I drew this in pencil mostly an HB, but also a graphite stick in three values...which I like to use for larger areas.

Sam is about nine years old now, and he is a dog of a lifetime. If anyone has ever had a dog like this they know what I'm talking about. Some dogs are just special. He is very intuitive and seems to know me better then I know myself. I have always loved him because he is the perfect dog for me. Gentle yet protective if need be. Aways a quiet dog who silently rests at my feet, never whiny or begs, he has a dignified manner which I seem to respond to.

I will say in his younger days he did bite a few people(nothing bad just a warning bite) all of them men, I think he can be a bit jealous. Also in his younger days he took on almost all male dogs in the neighborhood. I can't remember one time he ever came out on the bad end of any of those tussles. One was even a pit bull.

He has one little problem.... He likes to chase the occasional cat, possum or raccoon, but I can't blame him for that, it's his nature to hunt these things. We have a cat and he leaves her alone, its just every other cat that's up for grabs. I have to keep my eyes scanning ahead when we're on a walk , cause Mr. Sam is always alert for varmints. He has pulled possums out from under bushes faster then I have time to react. Not to mention, raccoons down from trees and chip monks out of holes. He's incredibly strong but listens to me when I tell him to " drop it". He gives me that look that says "oh please, let me have just this one". One time he got into a skunk den and I had to take him to the groomer, he stunk up everything including me and it took all day to get that smell out of the car.

We've had some fun times and I'll never forget him, I know he cannot be here with me forever, so I have drawn him a number of times and taken hundreds of photos. I 'm just thankful I've been given this gift. I've had lots of dogs, I have three now, but I'll never have another Sam.

Here is his drawing, I hope you enjoy it. Also, a picture of him in my front yard a couple of years ago when it snowed here. He's a real snow dog I call him "Nanook of the north" when its cold his personality shines.

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Koi work in progress -day 2

koi, work in progress #2

I had a couple of things to decide in this second stage. 1. I had to decide how to make sure the fish are a part of the background. I usually will soften or lose some of the edges in many areas so the fish do not look pasted on. I picked several areas and panted across the fish with glazes.2. I had to decide the focal area, and not make all the fish have the same importance. By the way… before I ever started I had to make some design decisions. When I was designing the painting I drew out a rough value scale with the fish and the water just as blocks of light, medium and dark values. This is done very loose as once the water hits the paper it has a life of its own and I usually go with anything that happens outside of the main focal area. Before I started I had decided to make it a variation of a cruciform (cross) pattern. Thus I was always reminding myself to keep that very important element. I would darkening areas where it would strengthen the cross shape or pulling out paint where the cross needed to come forward. Of course the cross is in the fish, so when I say cross it means the cross shape of the piece. I hope this make sense, its a little after 6 am and I’ve been painting since 4:30 am.
An area, I feel is not working as well as it should is the red and black fish on the left…he is sort of stealing the show, he may get push back into the painting by reducing his chroma or brightness. I may glaze over him some green to not only reduce his brightness, but this may also push him back into the water a little more… we’ll see. The reason he is stealing the show is rather simple, he has lots of color, bright color and his pattern of color is placed in such a direct manner with many small brush strokes. All this movement combined with the contrast of his colors and values makes him really get noticed. also he is a bit animated… I may have to make him less cute.
Any comments are welcome , I understand critique and will not have my feelings hurt if you have some type of opinion which may help, let me know.

Saturday, January 27, 2007

A Nude's back, A Life drawing a day

Nudejan

This nude will be my entry for today, I drew this in my life drawing session this morning, it was done with an HB pencil and an Kneaded eraser.

The little something extra... near her bottom is a tattoo, in case you wondered.

(11 by 8 inches)
This is for sale for $20.00 USD if interested email me at shantmarie@aol.com

Friday, January 26, 2007

The first day's work - Koi again?, yes, Koi again...

Koi in progress

Work in Progress - The steps of an artist

I woke up yesterday with this,.... lets call it an "urge" to paint BIG again, these small paintings are fun and the discipline it takes to paint them everyday is helping me in many ways but there isn't anything quite like painting BIG. This isn't even that big but for most watercolorists it's a full sheet of paper and is considered large. For those who are not familiar...a full sheet of paper is 22 by 30. After putting water over both sides of the paper, I lay in the first large layers of paint( the brush does not scubb the paper) Then I use clean water to pull out the fish, then I wait... & I called Daniel Smith ( large art supplier in Seattle) and ordered a roll ( $139.00) of 156 lb paper so I can paint even larger. I thnk I have to go even bigger.

I can't tell you why an artist goes in any particular direction but I value my intuition and place a lot of credence in the direction it takes me. It says paint large and so I will. Instead of putting up a small daily painting I will put up my work in progress so you can see what I get done each day. This is day one. I forgot to metion one step.... I painted the entire piece of paper. Then I spritz it with water and allow nature to takes it course, before it drys I pull out the paint where I want the foreground objects to appear. Its kind of like fishing (ha ha ) you look at it and look for the fish and they appear. I have plenty of reference material nearby to view so I can get a feel for how they actually swim and hold themselves in water . I use the reference material only as a spark, it's not there to use as a bible so to speak but only for a direction.

Palette watercolor table

When I paint large I do away with the butcher trays and such and use two things for a palette, small white porcelain tiles for certain colors I wish to keep out of my other mixes, such as the black in the above photo. The second (and this is important,) as you see here it is my table top. It has a slick surface. I went to the hardware store and bought this stuff, they use it for backspashes and other water resistant areas in resturants and homes. I had one cut to the size of my library table. ( $8.00 USD) I put the paint directly on this surface and just wipe it off with a damp towel when things become too messy. Sometimes I like the table top better then the painting, the colors all swirly and floating on its slick surface, but not this day.
Today, The painting is just as beautiful.

So far everything is fine and I could have finished it had it not been for some guests that popped in for Pizza.

Well gota eat so tomarrow is another day.


'>KOIBIGbrushes src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/369790431_60b5ef5fb2_o.jpg" width=448>

If no picture is displayed above click on link...

Are you surprised to see I paint with mostly flat brushes? Its another one of those things, its very individual to each artist. For me its about the feel and these brushes are personal to my touch and are an extension of my voice.
I have a number 10 round I use for smaller areas and a #12 flat that I also use for the smaller areas. Everything else is with these larger 1 1/2 to 3 inch brushes. You may have noticed I use bristle brushes. These are magic and I can only say you may want to try them.

'>KOI BIG 22 by 30" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/124/369790434_8348d3549e_o.jpg" width=481>

You'll have to click the link above to see it...

Here is the painting sitting on my other table top, it sits pretty far back so I can paint with my arm extended and not allow myself to close. That gum surprised me when I saw it in the picture, it was a gift from my brother and I put it there and forgot all about it. Sorry Bro.... I'll try some today.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Nude 23 a painting aday

nude 2 SOLD

This painting was painted in a life drawing situation where I sketched the model and painted her in the span of one hour. She was a little bit sleepy and kept tilting her head forward. Whan I started out she appeared to be a bright girl but by the end her eyes were almost closed and her head had drooped forward to give her this look of just waking up from a nap.
Its fun to paint this way and I encourage all of you to try it. You can find models from gallery owners, universities, art schools, and art institutes. They usually charge $15- 20 .00 dollars an hour and will sit for at least two hours. Painting from life has its challenges but there are many rewards. One is your speed will pick up and you will learn to block things in quickly and without hesitation. This palette is one of compliments.. a purple (bluish) /a yellow orange and also cobalt blue for some of the shadows. The skin tones are yellow and red in light combinations. Her hair is the backgound color mxed with a little raw umber.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Gems of the Orient- koi -A painting a day

Gems of the orient
I worked on this painting today and found I struggled a bit. More with the composition then the application. This is a normal situation most painters find themselves in. After you’ve been painting a while you don’t worry so much about how to do something as what to do. I hope that makes sense. When you have mastered all the techniques, then you have to decide when, where and how to utilize them. The problem with really great art and creating it is the fine line each artists walks with trying to express something and not allowing it to be over done. Something a little too bright will appear schmaltzy, a little to dark it may appear flat and lifeless, too light and it will seem to lack depth, the balance one seeks is difficult to achieve but when its right, anyone can see that it is so.I am hoping you enjoy my Koi as I think I may be getting close to working thru my Koi series. This piece is for sale for $100.00 USD …size is 15 by 11(inches) on 300 lb paper. This will fit into a standard size frame of 16 by 20.It would look smashing in your home. Who knows…I may even keep it if it doesn’t sell right away.

I have so many artists that visit my blog, I decided to give out a little information about each painting.
My colors for the water are: cyan, sepia, ultramarine blue and phathalo green. most of the time mixed in various combinations.The pigments of the Koi are: orange lake, Quin gold, primary red, cad yellow, Burnt Sienna and the black is made from three colors mentioned above, the red, green and blue.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Mohan a watercolor artist passes

Mohan's painting NOT FOR SALE

I received a message yesterday that a fellow artist and member of “Serious watercolor” an international group of watercolor artists of which we are members passed away from an aneurysm. It was shocking news and it once again reminds us all to really live each day & to paint as often as possible.
His work was loose and very fresh, nature seemed to be his biggest inspiration and he painted landscapes full of expression and emotion. I have included one of his paintings as a tribute to him, I hope he is painting with a golden sable and comets and star dust are his mediums of choice now.
This is just one painting of Mohan’s, take a moment and go to his web site and take a look around I think he would love to have you see his work.

http://members.shaw.ca/mohan-watercolors/

Sunday, January 21, 2007

High Class Tancho Sanke koi - A painting a day

koi black and white

This koi reminds me of the Japanese flag with the red on the white background. I like the black and white koi too but for this one I decided to go with all three colors with the isolated color on the head.

There are names for the different Koi... like "Tancho" (pure white with red head markings) Also There is "Tancho Sanke" which I think may be the fish I painted, anyway its falls into this category. Black and white tortoiseshell markings with the red head. I have seen so many beautiful markings, Koi really are gems of the Orient. I don't try to depict them as they truly are, but use my Artist's privilege to paint them any way I choose.

This Koi is on 300 lb paper is 11 by 15 inches which is larger then the small daily paintings.

I'll send it to you for $100.00 USD (plus 7.50 for shipping) It's simply beautiful with these unique markings. email me if interested. I may put it on ebay later this week if it doesn't sell.
Shantmarie@aol.com

Saturday, January 20, 2007

Winter's path - A painting a day

winter's path

I love contrast and that's why I always like painting snow. The bright white against the dark rocks. Also the shadows with their many colors reflecting from off of the snow. This isn't a small painting but a 11 by 15 (inches) and is for sale for $100.00 USD, no mat or frame but it will fit into a 16 by 20 standard size frame you can pick up anywhere.

I think these colors fit into modern as well as traditional decor. Write me today if you are interested. I have a feeling this one will go fast. Shantmarie@aol.com

Friday, January 19, 2007

Early snow- A painting a day

Early Snow


I painted this painting twice because I had some problems I didn' t feel I could resolve with the first painting. Unfortunately the second painting has a shadow on it from a curl in the paper. The sun is getting low so I wanted to get the photos taken and up on the blog. I didn't have time to get it flatened out.

This is a perfect example of the same painting painted by the same artist yet they don't come out the same. That's watercolor for you. It has a certain life all its own and it tends to lead the artist.

In case your wondering why I repainted it... The problem was: the water in the background wasn't quite as horizontal as I would like.

early snow2

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Lemons - A painting a day

lemons
I have been sketching some commission work for a mural, but I managed to squeeze in this little painting . Its been raining here and the trees are covered in little droplets of ice and I was really wanting to paint them, but I decided to paint this painting because it's a commission work. What can I say, I gotta pay the bills...I do love lemons, the texture of their skin, the color and especially the way they look inside a blue glass bowl. It's really great being an artist. Everything I see is a painting, I sometimes just look up into the sky and I feel an overwhelming expression or emotion of joy come over me. Little things like colored glass or lichens on bark, fall leaves or mist floating across the water can send me running to my sketch book. I'm very thankful for this gift, because I do think it's special to be able to capture some of these things."Lemons" is small at 5 by 6.5 inches

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Liquid landscape - or Fast Water Koi a painting a day

fast water Koi


I couldn't decide if I should call this painting "liquid landscape" or "Fast Water Koi".... I like both.

I tried something a bit different with this to encourage texture I sprayed alcohol on the wet paint which gives it a circular droplet kind of texture, I don't think it really made a big difference in the painting but it is the only Koi painting I have used this technique with. Maybe if I used opaquepaint rather than transparent paint, it would show up more... I'll have to think about that. This painting is an 11 by 15 size on 300 lb paper. 100.00 USD

Email me @ shantmarie@aol.com if your interested.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Abstract in blue - A painting a day

Abstarct in lue
matted in off white to fit a 16 by 20 frame. The art is 11 by 15.

Monday, January 15, 2007

Wine painting a day

wine and candel
This piece is painted After Arleta Pech and is a copy of her work and her style. I learned her style of painting so that I could decide for myself if this was the type of painting that I wanted to do. I found after painting a number of her works and after taking a workshop ( she is a great teacher)with her, this style although beautiful, it does not bring me the joy of other types of painting. Of all the things to paint, still life painting was the very last area I worked in, I knew I had little interest in painting food and such but I also knew I should be proficient at all types of painting and different subject matter, Its usually the opposite. People usually start painting by painting still life set ups, when I
had to do this for class I always chose flowers. This is because for me nature gives me that spark, the thrill a painter needs to paint. Live things inspire me, plants animals, people, the outdoors in general but that something, is missing when I paint inanimate objects. I think no less of others who paint these things, its just not for me. That being said, I’ll try to put up a still life every few weeks so that there is variety in my work and a selection for my collectors.
This painting is for sale, the size is 11 by 15 and sells for $100.00.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Floral Manage - a painting a day

floral

This painting is a little larger then my small paintings . The size is 8 inches by 11 inches. Its for sale for $50.00 USD

I will place this on ebay in a few days or you can buy it now by emailing me shantmarie@aol.com.

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Little Finch a painting a day

finch

This bird was painted in the Chinese style of watercolor. The idea with this style or philosophy of painting basically is: to say the most with the least. painting the fewest strokes possible and each stoke is placed decisively and assertively. To paint in this manner you must study your subject and know it. You paint it from your memory and without reference. You try to capture not just the likeness but the soul of the subject.


This piece is priced at 50.00 is approximately 10" by 12" on professional grade watercolor paints and paper. If interested or if you have any questions, Please write Shantimarie@aol.com

Friday, January 12, 2007

Misty trees and the lake a painting a day

misty trees

Busy Busy Busy, whew, just had enough time to finish this painting before the sun went down. I like to photograph my paintings in natural light, the paintings look( to me) to be the most accurate for computer screens. On my laptop it seems as if everything is a little washed out, I know I need to adjust the resolution on the screen so I don't use it as a gage. My desk top with a LCD flat screen the work looks great.

This painting is 7 by 5 and is for sale for $45.00 email me if interested, I take checks or Pay Pal.
Shantmarie@aol.com

There is a painting lesson for this painting...http://shantimarie.wordpress.com/

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Warmer pastures A painting a day

warmer pastures

It was a bright sunny day here in South Carolina, and as I was driving out to York, I looked over and saw some cattle resting on a hillside. Even though it was pretty chilly, that little spot on the hill looked warm and comfortable.



Watercolor on professional grade paper with professional grade watercolor paints. $65.00USD.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Red Breasted Nuthatch- a painting a day

red breasted titmouse

"Red breasted nuthatch" is this little birds name. We get so many of these here in Lake Wylie that they can be a little annoying. You see that long beak? It can knock a hole in the side of your house faster then you can say "what a cute little bird". They are noisey little guys and especially in spring when they are looking for homes they go around knocking on the sides of all the wood buildings. Last year there was this... shall we say, "special" little nuthatch who kept trying to knock a hole into the rain gutter. I guess even in the bird kingdom not everyone can be a genius. These birds kind of chatter and makes these little noises too which can be very indearing when they aren't trying to distroy your home. This painting is for sale for $45.00 .USD

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Gracie the hardware store dog- a painting a day

gracie, The hardware store dog size is 15 by 22 SOLD

In my series of "dogs of Lake Wylie" here is a pastel of the hardware store dog. She is a wonderfully sweet dog and a bit mischievous. I will be posting the dogs of lake Wylie here as I get them painted. Some will be in watercolor and others will be in pastel. All will be for sale with the proceeds going to Richardson's pet rescue of York. E mail me if interested in making a donation or a purchase. Shantmarie@aol.com

Abstract cityscape- a painting a day

abstract cityscape

I decided just to put together some ideas I had for a city scene, its a bit abstract. The trees were done in the similar style as in the last painting.

Monday, January 08, 2007

Winter's Solitude A painting a day & and a lesson

winter's solitude


Its raining here in South Carolina but I thought it would be nice if it would snow. I painted this little tree with a palette knife. Its an easy technique and gives very natural marks for things like trees and rocks. For trees, first you mix up paint to the consistency of creme. It cannot be sticky nor can it be drippy. You take a clean palette knife ( you need to use vinegar or lemon to clean any oils from the blade) You take the knife and place it into you paint, flat,then you take the knife and place the tip onto the paper, You pull upward with the tip of the palette knife on your paper making long thin lines. You carefully decide where to place these marks, but the action itself must be fast and decisive. This gives you a natural appearance to a tree or shrub. You can wait till it drys and lift out areas if you feel it is too dark. The lifted out areas can be toned or left with the stain of the last application. either way it looks great.

The snow is a combination of burnt sienna and cobalt blue. Both have granulating qualities which gives the snow life.

The green hills are green and red mixed with sepia. The hills in the back are the blue snow mixture for one and the blue mixture with a little red added for the other it makes a soft lavender. OK so now you have it....go paint... Its fun!


This is a follow up to this post:snow image
I received this picture fromWendy, one of my readers, here are her comments
"When I read in your description it was from your imagination I thought Wow, I have to send this picture to you !It is in my back yard in Maribel Wisconsin and the valley is part of the Niagara Escarpment. Amazing they are so very similar."
Wendy
Yes it is amazing! Do you hear the theme music to the twilight zone or is that just me?

Sunday, January 07, 2007

Camp Thunder-bird Island a painting a day

Thunderbird Island
This landscape painting is of a little island which sits in the lake just off shore of Camp Thunder-bird. This camp is pretty active in summer with kids of all ages running, jumping, swimming and basically having a great time. When I've gone over there during the summer months, I'm shocked to see this micro world of children which exists just a block or so away from my home. Its like a little village of kids. The noise level as well as the energy level is very high and it seems to the casual observer, that there are few adults. The counselors just look like taller or bigger versions of their charges. Now, during winter there are just the grounds keeper and several counselors living there. They don't mind me coming over as I have sketched the log cabin chapel and several other landmarks for them. It's truly beautiful there in winter with the mist rising off the water and the colorful canoes are all stacked on the shore. Its another world because its quiet and serene with all the little cabins siting in a row, patiently waiting for the return of another years crop of campers. Only the occasional Blue Heron to break the silenced of the morning fog.

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Chickadee- a painting a day

chickadee SOLD

This little painting is 5 by 6 inches,it is painted on 140 lb paper. Black capped chickadees come to my house most days.

Friday, January 05, 2007

River watcher a painting a day -Art, the struggle continues

river watcher
This painting is 15 by 22. I love the colors and the feel of the cool waters. It is for sale for $100.00 USD. If interested e mail me. It’s on 140 lb paper with only professional grade paints & I'll ship anywhere.

I don't think I'm going to be able to paint today.
I'm been feeling a little down the last few days. I'm struggling with my larger projects. I have three I'm developing and I cannot get a clear grasp as to what I want to say and why I need to say it. When this happens I tend to fumble and I get moody.

Creativity cannot be forced. It has to come from some place, some inner source that we all call upon. Some art just comes, easily and smoothly, like a gift. Then, like an addict you crave more, painting, painting, and painting, you trying to grasp that creative high so to speak.
When you fall into this depth as an artist you can mire and sink into the muck of mediocrity. This can be bad, really, bad.

Yes of mediocrity, & you think, “how can this be"? Last week I painted one of the best paintings I have ever done. Is that it? Will it return can I get that something back? You talk to yourself, you might try to just say to yourself this will pass, relax, take a break. Sometimes you consider just painting similar subject matter and explore all the possibilities, maybe try to get some of that magic back.

I’ve been painting for awhile and I can say from experience, when there is a major problem with creativity, I find I'm on the verge of a break thru of some kind and I have to wallow a bit into the self doubt realm before I‘m allowed to create something really worth while.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Little gold fish - a painting a day

koi cousin painted this little gold fish rather quickly and without a lot of reference. I was trying out some different paper. This paper is called “Aquarius” it has glass particles in it. I seemed a little too flat for me, it didn’t have much tooth and the paint didn’t really sink into the paper but sat up on top of the surface. As I layered on subsequent layers of color it didn’t really want to take on more paint. I’m sure its good for something but since I use a lot of water and thick paint, its probably not going to be “my paper”.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

Sailing a painting a day

little boat

I put up the christmas decorations and all the cards. It was such a chore! I Cleaned the whole house and finally at 4 pm, I sat down to paint this little 7.5 by 5.5 watercolor. Its a little wet into wet paintning of a sailor and his craft.

I hope you like it.

It will be posted on ebay later this evening.
p.s. my back is much better, yeah!

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

BIG BIRD a painting a day

parrot

So many things to paint and so little time. I like trying to paint all kinds of things. Today I was in Bath and body works and the bottles intrigued me. I love the red glass bottles (most colored bottles really )and just like any good artist I tried to figure out how I would paint the glass and the reflections, I studied it for awhile and the sales girl came up and said they were on sale for $5.00 so I bought one. A bottle painting may be in my future. I mention this because That's exactly what happened with this parrot. I went into a pet store.... & here is a parrot painting. Now you know how easily I'm influenced. I studied the parrot but I ignored his perch, so I had to improvised with the greenery.

Monday, January 01, 2007

"Bad hair day" a chinese crested a painting a day

Chinese Crested

This dog looks like I feel. Happy New Year everyone!