Sunday, June 26, 2011

This Week's Daily Paintworks Challenge

Double the pleasure, double the fun, I did this week's challenge on the Daily Paintworks site [Daily Paintworks Weekly Challenge],The Old Mill, in watercolor batik, and a new [to me] medium.  After reading the most recent "Watercolor Artist" Magazine, with a how to article on watercolor batiking by Kathie George, I have been doing a handful of practice batiks, with a modicum of success.  I sketched the mill on tracing paper, then traced the mill onto rice paper, then heated some wax and started laying in some wax, followed by layers of watercolor on the pen and ink tracing.  The fun part is crumpling the whole thing in a ball at the end [before one last waxing], then covered the whole thing with one last watercolor wash, and the final wax job. 

Then, I used what has become almost a relic, an antique, my IRON, to press the wax out with my painting stuck between several layers of newspaper until there was no more wax coming through.

A while ago, I wrote on my blog about feeling like a sketcher-phrenic, not knowing who I was as an artist.  I still don't know, but am having a lot of fun trying to find my place in the world of art making!





Sunday, June 19, 2011

The Upside Down Challenge

Well, this is it
This week's Daily Paintworks Challenge [ DPW ] was to paint a Revere bowl and a couple slices of watermelons on a reflective surface, with the reference turned UPSIDE DOWN.  It's a good lesson for learning to really SEE what you are painting.  Good stuff, and a lesson in humility.  I had to turn it right side up toward the end of my painting it to tweek it.  Stretching, always stretching.

CAN'T UPLOAD PHOTOS AT THIS TIME.  BLOGGER SEEMS TO BE BROKEN.  

UPDATE:  Somehow, after pushing buttons clicking numerous help buttons that didn't really answer any of my questions, crashing my computer, installing, uninstalling and reinstalling FireFox, rebooting,etc, I got a few functions to work.  I have no idea how I did it, but at least, I was able to upload the above image.  I don't know if I am out of the woods yet, but I am pleased to at least have the painting show up.  If I didn't have this, what would be the point of the blog?  Am keeping my fingers crossed!!!  :-)

Monday, June 13, 2011

More Polo Players

From 2010 Governor's Cup in La Conner, Washington Acrylic 18 x 24 on black gessoed canvas
These were a little more fun than the little project below.  It still falls under the heading of "experiment," because of the black gesso.  I like the effects of the black peaking through, but I have concerns that I might have left it a little rough.  Although I really am trying to be looser, I am not sure what looks "loose," or unfinished.  For me today, I am calling this done.  It may not be finished, but it is done! 

Ambivalence Abounds

Since I went to a Carla O'Connor workshop at the end of April, I have been experimenting with gold gesso.  Not too much success ... not enough to post, in my estimation.  So, I did this little demo in an acrylics class today, and am not sure whether I like it or not.  I think I have overdone it on the one hand, but it feels as if I missed something on the other.  Just am not sure I like it.  But, I will keep on trying, because I like the gold!


On top of everything else, it doesn't appear to photograph well!


Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Another Polo Player

Polo player from the La Conner, Washington team, July 2010 ~ Acrylic mixed media


Here's another polo player from the Governor's Cup last year.  I just so enjoy the matches!  I crank off at least two hundred images a day during the festivities.  Aren't digital cameras great?   

Art By the Lake Ski to Sea Show



This past weekend was the Whatcom Art Guild's Art By the Lake Show.  A lot of energy and a number of events packed into the four days, starting with set-up on Friday.  Friday night was the Wearable Art Fashion Show and Reception.  It was a first time effort by club members yet talent and creativity in the pieces designed and worn by members were spectacular.  Two members created wearable art and jewelry for other members who purchased and painted the various pieces and wore them in the show.  Although I love hats and bags on other people, I use neither, so I chose to design and make my own "pop-top poncho," and painted poppies on it, front and back.  I was really pleased with the outcome.  The fabric an ecru cotton knit, was a remnant, only $3.75, and I used my acrylic paints, plus a couple of fabric acrylics, as well as some Golden GAC 900, to make a pretty smart-looking piece that I won't be embarrassed to wear.  I got more great positive comments on my top than on my paintings!

On Sunday, I had signed up to demo, and took my acrylics to the show [first time with this club].  I was doing a small painting of a polo pony ref, and it was going pretty well, and more WAG members than show patrons came up to watch.  As I was painting and explaining what I was doing [which was sort of a mixed media over a black-gessoed "bad" painting], two members were standing there, and one said to the other, "Is she doing that right?"  Her tone was not what I expected, and I was a bit uncomfortable.  I said that was not a kind thing to say, and she said she was kidding.  It didn't sound like kidding, so, already a bit nervous about being in a new environment, I was taken off guard.  I finished the painting and left.  It was weird. 

The official at the Governor's Cup Polo Matches July 2010 ~ Acrylic, gouache, charcoal, conte
Even still, I liked what I did, and I enjoyed the rest of the show and the people there.  I "worked" the desk, and, as it was for everyone else, we sold a LOT of cards, not too many paintings.

At "break-down," I could sense disappointment from the other artists, as it takes a lot of energy, time and money to put on a show like that.  I am grateful that I sold a small painting, as there were a number of artists that didn't.  Hope the economy turns around soon! 

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

My kitty cat with the coat of many colors



Have been so busy, I have been able to post for a while.  I have to make this quick, but wanted to share my kitty cat that I did for the Daily Paintworks Challenge this week.  Love doing the challenges, but have submitted only two.  I need to carve out more painting time for ME!  Am not complaining, really.  I am delighted that I am now teaching six classes a week.  Oh, the classes arent big, but I feel so committed to giving the artist the best that I've got, which takes some planning, and keeping at least one step ahead of them.  They are all such terrific artists, that I have to continually sharpen the "tools in my kit."  Doing the challenges are one way for me to do that.  Am so grateful for the site.  Check it out! Daily Paintworks Challenge