Work In Progress - Part 5

Work In Progress - Part 5

More work to do on the rug...and then on to the side table...very time consuming but fun!

Work In Progress - Part 4

Work In Progress - Part 4

Some areas come together easily...some are a bit more tedious...but all in all things are progressing along just fine. Although, Benny now relies on “dad” to take him to the green belt for a 2-3 mile walk most days.  He’ll be glad when this one is over.

Ben is pouting on the ottoman.

Below is an earlier picture when I was painting in the living room. The lighting changes so quickly in that room that I eventually had to resort to bringing the props to my studio and replicating the lighting in there. 

FYI, the intended lighting for this still life scene is mid-Dec. at dawn, when there is no natural light in the room, only wall sconces lighting the scene from above and to the right. As you can see below, there was a lot of natural light coming in from the large windows behind me by the time I stopped painting for that day. Lighting is always a challenge when painting "plein air...even indoors"  (ha)  Controlled lighting in the studio was a must from this point on. 

Work In Progress - Part 3

Work In Progress - Part 3

I think I know this “style” of painting is the right style for me simply because I lose all track of time...often only looking up after several hours of painting and many many podcasts later (unless of course I hear Benny’s dreaded ball drop).

Today the day began by dropping the painting on the floor when I was rolling the easel into position. Drats!

But I persevered and after a few more days, progress had been made.

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Work In Progress - part 2

Work In Progress - Part 2

I’m thankful for the winter months when I can typically paint all day long and not feel I’m missing out on anything. Although I must say, Benny can only handle so much painting until he gives me those pathetic looks.  At first, I only hear a ball drop...then silence for a good long time. So...I keep on painting.  It’s the second ball drop that gets my attention.  I slowly look up...into “those eyes” that say “ok ma, ENOUGH...let’s go play”.

Work In Progress

The Process:

 Some people (like me) enjoy seeing the process of art making.  From concept all the way to the finished painting, I always marvel at the path each artist takes.  So, I thought I’d share a bit about this particular painting as I make my way through the challenge of trying to complete it (to my satisfaction that is).

First, I’ll admit it’s a “larger than normal” painting for me, 20x16.  And, I’ve chosen to paint in a classically realistic manner (not photo-realism mind you, but certainly not in a “loose painterly” fashion).  So...the first thing I did was practice on the kettle and wool rug (previously posted as “Cast Shadow” and “Iron and Wool”).

I set up the composition in my living room and took several reference photos.  With two versions in mind, I set out to sketch the still life scene.

I use an app called Grid Painter on my iPad to add the grid line...this helps in sketching out the image on my panel.

I sketched the scene using light and dark pastel pencils.  At this stage, I made a couple adjustments, tilting the kettle towards me and shifting the basket nearer the kettle.  Later, I’ll change the composition again by shifting the basket handle even further into the scene and adding a pine cone near the top of the handle to guide the viewer’s eye down from the frame, to the handle, to the pine cones and over to the spout of the kettle.  I try to keep in mind that I need to strengthen the composition to guide the viewer’s eye to the textures I want him or her to see.  Even the position of the kettle and the way the light hits it “should” help guide the viewer’s eye down its side and onto the wool rug (that is, if I can pull it off).  We’ll see. 

The painting begins....early each morning, coffee cup nearby. 

While I start with the image on my iPad, I shift back and forth between the “on screen” image and the actual props (for more accurate texture, color and values)...and, occasionally I drag my easel into the living room where I can view the whole scene in real life.

This painting is primarily about the textures that surround us in our homes.  Texture on the wall, the metal of the picture frame and velvet mat, the antiqued picture in the frame, the organic basket and pine cones, the aged cast iron kettle, antique rug, and wooden side table.  Each surface presents a new challenge...or opportunity.   By the end of each day my coffee cup is often replaced by a beer which for me, is a much needed relaxer.

Stay Tuned!

Oskar's Bulldogs

Oskar's Bulldogs

11x14, soft pastel

I think it's safe now to share this piece.  Painted for a friend as a gift for his wife.  These two pups are besties who love to go boating.  Fortunately for them, the water is right outside their back door!

Iron and Wool

Iron and Wool

12x12, soft pastel

This is a second still life painting of the old cast iron kettle and wool rug I recently purchased.  I just love all the textures and placed them on a wooden table in my living room against a textured wall.  I'm enjoying this little series.  It reminds me of the resilience of items from the past. These things weren't "throw away" household items but stood up to all kinds of use and abuse over the years. Resilient and strong...reminding me of the pioneering spirit of days gone by.