A Simple Life

 A Simple Life

20x16, soft pastel

The final push to complete this painting was a twelve hour day. I woke at 4:30am ready to knock it out...by 5:00 pm I ended up at the final stage...the “let it sit and percolate” stage.  While I’m happy with where it is right now, I also know there are bound to be a few tweaks before I call it finished.  Who knows, I might wake up in the morning and feel it’s finished "as is"...we’ll see.  

That’s about it! I hope you enjoyed following the process on this piece. Of course it reminds me of home...because it IS in my home but it also reminds me of simpler times and the perseverance of our ancestors especially our pioneers. They were strong and resilient as is the kettle and wool rug in this piece. It was definitely labor, but ultimately a labor of love! 

The Artist Within Summary

The journey I've been on since 2014 to find "The Artist Within" has been a lot of work. Far more than a full time job but, I've loved it! I spent hundreds of hours in the studio, met many new friends, and painted whenever and wherever I could. I remember at the beginning of this journey reading that "not until you paint 300 (some say 500) paintings do you find your style and voice as an artist". That statement alone was a very intimating thought...but here I am, finished with painting #521. So many of them were disappointing at the time because I was impatient to improve. Now that I look back on those pieces, I see the progress I was making. Each one taught me something and I can even find beauty in the worst of them. I'd say that old adage is more accurate than not. 

I'm sure there will be my fair share of duds in the future but I'll keep on striving for a masterpiece along the way. I hope to paint 30in30s on occasion to keep me on my toes and more playful with my subject matter. And, I hope to create more meaningful pieces as I did during this past year. 

I'm thankful to have lived long enough to experience this journey and am blessed with cherished family and friends in my life. Without them, this would have been a much lonelier time. 

Many blessings to you as you continue your own journey through this crazy life of ours!

Happy New Year!

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!