Anne Winthrop Cordin, A Painters Path

What a Set Up

2012-02-18T21:33:00.001-05:00

I wandered around this set up a few times, and just couldn't find what I was looking for. So much, what to chose? So I went back to my 1st spot and painted what I saw from the ground up.

20 Minutes Later

2012-02-16T07:57:00.003-05:00

This was the 3rd 20 minute pose from last Saturdays open figure session. I want to get back this week too, but need to spend time in the studio on a big painting that's at a standstill. Not enough time for all the art I want to do. As problems go, not a bad one to have!

Second 20 Minute Pose

2012-02-15T14:29:00.002-05:00

Got back to the open figure drawing/painting class at the Newport Art Museum this past Saturday. After 5 minute gesture drawings, the model settled into some 20 minute poses. Working with acrylics and a very limited palette I gave it my best. Talk about having time fly! The first pose? Embarrassing.

Another Day in Paradise

2012-02-14T08:23:00.001-05:00

People who live in warm climates often say this phrase, "Another day in paradise!" I wonder why we can't say it wherever we sit, regardless of weather and circumstance. With love, every day is paradise. Happy Valentine's Day.

When will we get there?

2012-02-13T07:27:00.001-05:00

Remembering those car trips to a family vacation spot, or even across town to the beach, hearing , or even thinking ourselves,"when will we get there?" I am grateful to be finally freed from asking that question. Most of the time!

Opposites Attract

2012-02-12T07:13:00.003-05:00

Put this set up on the windowsill and had to contend with changing light. It was suggested that I could make it easier for myself by using studio lighting, save the light issues for plein air! But, you know I never make it easy for myself. This is another complement homework piece, paint a simple still life using complements of your choice.

Complement study 1

2012-02-11T15:15:00.002-05:00

For homework we were to pick 2 complements, then make at least 10 different colors from the 2 plus white. We were, however, warned NOT to rely on white, and just a value change, to make the different colors, but rather to vary the proportions of the colors as we mixed them. This is cad lemon and dioxazine purple. We could then put them in a grid, or arrange them in any way we like. I like this ribbony approach.

3rd class MassArt

2012-02-10T19:59:00.002-05:00

Here's a view of the set up I worked on this week at MassArt. Nancy McCarthy is in the background in her orange coat. I used the palette knife exclusively, did a thumbnail (which I usually don't do but which she suggests doing). When I started putting the paint on the panel I applied it directly, inside of doing a drawing first. Big mistake, because my composition wasn't like the thumbnail, which was better I think. I should have corrected it immediately, but I didn't. Next time. So many things to consider, I need to slow down. I get too excited and just plunge into painting. To the left of that red box in the foreground was a roll of ribbon. Impossible to get using alizirian. Had to use quinacridone crimson, good reason for a full palette.

2nd Class MassArt

2012-02-04T23:16:00.000-05:00

I didn't think I would be able to get to class this week. My mother in law had a massive stroke on Sunday and died peacefully on Wed. My sister ended up at the Leahy clinic. My husband was out of town on business. Somehow driving into Boston, seeing the moonlight on the Charles, and spending time mixing color, picking it up with the knife and just trying to see what was in front of me, was soothing and just what I needed. Jessie was English, always the lady, full of grace. In spite of losing her sight, diminished hearing and difficulties with eating she never complained, always putting one foot in front of the other, and doing what needed to be done. I will miss her and will remember her courage and strength.

1st class Personal & Powerful

2012-02-02T23:34:00.001-05:00

1st night of class, feel like I haven't ever painted before. Why does that feeling come over me? Didn't even crop this, so you could see a bit of the studio. The floor in this studio is so slanted, things roll off on their own! I'm trying to be kind to myself and give myself a chance here, the inner critic is having a field day with this painting,,,,which I don't even consider a painting. It's a study...there, doesn't that sound better?

Underpainting

2012-01-27T15:56:00.000-05:00

This canvas is a little different than my usual, it's 24x48 inches. I feel excited and intimidated at the same time. I just started a class with Nancy McCarthy at MassArt. Over the next 16 weeks we will be writing goals, establishing a painting schedule, identifying painting relatives and working to make our paintings more personal. Yes, I am ready for this new challenge.

Time it's on my side

2012-01-17T17:38:00.000-05:00

When to paint, when to post? I'm working more, priorities shifting, what to do? Here's a page from my journal...lets you in on my frustrations. As they say, "It's all good!" It's relaxing to cut and paste, and interesting things are revealed, when there is no critic sitting on my shoulder. What do you do when this happens?

Blue Teapot

2012-01-08T19:35:00.002-05:00

We found this last summer at our church fair, my sister will add it to her collection of teapots and I will paint it. Today was the day. Behind it is the large new painting I have just begun. Nothing is more soothing than a blue teapot steeping a fragrant brew!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T17:43:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone! Starting the year painting from observation, talking a long walk with a fellow artist, seeing my grandchildren, smelling a fabulous dinner my husband is cooking....I've never had it so good!

Farewell to 2011

2011-12-31T22:12:00.001-05:00

What an incredible year it has been. Feel grateful for friends, family and a true sense of purpose! I wish the same for you in the New Year. Blessings and love!

Lisa & Lola

2011-12-26T11:56:00.004-05:00

I finished this Christmas Eve, delivered it Christmas morning, with the paint still wet. Lisa was very surprised, as this painting has been sitting half forgotten and unfinished in my studio for longer than I care to admit. My husband was the one to urge me into the studio saying, "Just get it done!" He has more faith in me than I do sometimes!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T18:49:00.001-05:00

Wishing for you

a full heart,

a peaceful heart,

love in your heart

in whatever way

you celebrate the season.

1 Day

2011-12-24T07:51:00.002-05:00

As the anticipation and expectations rise, may you find peace in this day.

2 Days

2011-12-23T05:47:00.002-05:00

I've been invited to see an IMAX 3D movie with kids and grand kids today? Can I be as excited as if I were headed to the studio? After all, the studio is a safe haven, always there for me.

3 Days

2011-12-22T07:57:00.001-05:00

I'm working today but then will have 3 lovely days to enjoy my family. A special time also to reflect on the past year, on each area of my life, where expectations were not realized, where goals were met. I like to use an illustrated journal to do this, filled with inspiring quotes I find, images I like or make right on the page. Maybe I will post at the beginning of each month a page from the journal. I'm thinking out loud...

4 Days

2011-12-21T17:19:00.003-05:00

Some of the ladies from The Portsmouth Arts Guild volunteered to wrap gifts at the local Barnes&Noble. We brought brochures about the Guild and our Spring classes brochure.

Dinner last night with husband, 4 kids and 2 grand kids! Now that's joy. Little ones remarkably well behaved, toasting love to each other.

5 Days

2011-12-20T10:40:00.001-05:00

When I made this collage I used the famous blue from a Tiffany ad, but cut the letters from an image that looks like rubble. I'm thinking that the little blue box won't ever fill the vessel that longs for love, human touch, and kindness. That's what I wish for each of you today.

6 Days

2011-12-19T06:37:00.000-05:00

Today my son comes in from San Francisco where he has founded a design company. Check it out. Seth Quest. Can't wait to see you!

7 days

2011-12-18T08:43:00.002-05:00

A few years ago my sister and I decided to change things in the gift giving department. What do we need anyway? So now instead of exchanging gifts and buying for our husbands, we all contribute and Adopt a Family through our local Child & Family Services. It's a tradition for us now.

9 Days, oh no, it's really 8 days

2011-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Checking dates, see that I'm off by a day on my countdown to Christmas. Hence, the correction. I am at peace with myself, even when I make mistakes. Mistakes link me up with the rest of humanity.Yes!

10 days

2011-12-16T06:04:00.001-05:00

The guys went up to the mall Wednesday afternoon. They said it wasn't too bad, ie. crowded. I'm not much of a shopper and didn't feel like I had missed anything. However, let me loose in a nice art supply store and that's another story.

11 Days

2011-12-15T07:48:00.002-05:00

When I made this card I wanted to convey how one can find peace, and be at peace when in a crowd, when chaos surrounds us, when the world doesn't feel peaceful. It's an inside job, and I like that.

12 days

2011-12-14T16:36:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share the cards I collaged, wishing I had time to paint,but knowing I will be back in the studio after the holidays. Two sons visiting from California, my life is abundant and beautiful. I wish you joy...in the simple things that surround us each day.

Bella's Book

2011-12-11T20:32:00.001-05:00

This handmade book was so much fun to make! I used foam core for the front and back cover, which I wrapped with fabric that had been in my mother's sewing box. I wrote a few words for each letter of my great-granddaughters name, Isabella. There is art and collage on the reverse side. I thought I would share it as this is the season for handmade gifts and could be personalized for whoever YOU love!

Hilton Head 11.17.11

2011-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Time to ride home!

Low Tide Ride

This trip was a wonderful break from work and responsibilities, giving me a chance to connect with my husband, nature, and my art spirit! I found this method of art making while away from all my usual materials, studio, and my beloved artist friends invigorating and very satisfying. It reminded me that doing things in a different way gives me a new slant on everything. Thanks for looking!

Hilton Head 11.16.11

2011-11-30T20:09:00.001-05:00

Every time we go to Hilton Head we have to go the The Jazz Corner which is a fabulous club with super jazz and delicious food. We love Bobby Ryder and that's who was playing this night. I did this totally blind contour drawing, then collaged around it the next morning. Yes, it was a late night and no, I couldn't see what I was drawing. Low lights for atmosphere, right? I am so pleased with what happened here, I hope you like it too.

Hilton Head 11.15.11

2011-11-29T00:16:00.001-05:00

Day 5 on Hilton Head found me out for a morning ride on my bike. There are extensive bike paths, miles of beach to ride and biking is a favored mode of transportation by everyone on the island, locals and tourists alike. Here I am at Java Joe's where the 1st refill is free and the outdoor tables are positioned to take it ALL in. I had fun with this one, with several people asking to see what I was drawing. You have to go with the flow, if you want to work outside with people around. I do have friends who keep their earbuds in to discourage interaction, but that's not me.

Hilton Head 11.14.11

2011-11-28T08:42:00.001-05:00

Started some contour drawing again, trying to keep my eye off the page, filling in with gouache and collage.Looking at values, how very dark the night seen through the French doors reflected in the mirror behind him were.
A complicated scene I tried to simplify down to bare bones. Monday night football...during a commercial!

Hilton Head 11.13.11

2011-11-27T08:25:00.001-05:00

I ventured outside on my bike to find some people for my subject this morning , day 3 of the vacation.Coligny Plaza, named after the 16th century French Admiral who went on several exploratory expeditions in Hilton Head, is a spot people really flock to. This particular setting is steps from the beach, shops, and restaurants. I sat on a bench (in the sun) watching people come and go on these great wide wood swings.At home, I added gouache and collage.

Hilton Head 11.12.11

2011-11-26T06:57:00.001-05:00

Day 2 of our vacation, wanted to do something that wasn't a set up, but just there. The knife rack against the kitchen wall. Showing it to my in laws on Thanksgiving, my 96 year old mother in law, who is technically blind, said, "Shouldn't the knives all be facing in the same direction?" OK, she's way too sharp!

Hilton Head 11.11.11

2011-11-25T17:56:00.001-05:00

What a busy time of year it is!Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. We've been back from Hilton Head for almost a week, but I haven't had a chance to post until today.While we were there, I brought only a few tubes of gouache,a fine ink pen and the magazines I had bought for the plane. I decided to play with those materials and record our trip in that way. Here is day one, starting with a blind contour drawing.

In Progress

2011-11-10T11:31:00.001-05:00

Just starting to work on this, lobster boat on the waterfront of Newport. This stage is just establishing where everything goes on this format of 2 canvases, each 12x24.

I want to compress the space, not showing too much above the dock,but focusing on boat and man.

Caught

2011-11-06T07:39:00.001-05:00

I really had fun with this, what else do we do with these little pumpkins and gourds? If we are artists, we incorporate them into a painting. I added the striped cloth to play off the stripes. Working with the palette knife again, which keeps me from being too picky and from excessive blending. This is oil on a 12x12 hardboard panel that I add an extra coat of gesso to.
Opening last night at Spring Bull Gallery, where I am the newest artist member. A wonderful and generous group of people.

Framing 101 continued

2011-11-05T09:27:00.000-04:00

Showing clamps in place in 2 corners

I use either 1x2 or 1x3 poplar which I buy at home Depot for the sides of the frame. I use 3/8 x 1 5/8 for the inner part that the panel or canvas will rest upon. I like to use a wider piece for this as I sometimes use Velcro for fastening and a wider surface helps the Velcro adhere better. I do this with the little ones 8x10 and under, as making frames is time consuming and that way I can rotate them easily.

1) Measure the art and add 1/8 all around. Cut the 4 base sections first,measuring twice and cutting once! Glue,clamp, and let dry.

2) Place your art on top of the base and smile at the narrow border that surrounds it! On to the next step.

3)Cut the pieces for the sides of the frame, holding it upright in the miter saw to get the cuts as seen in the 1st photo on left.Measure the INSIDE of the outer frame side to match the OUTSIDE of the base piece and it will fit perfectly. Remember to wear eye protection, hair tied back when you work with power tools.I lay a scrap piece of wood with the 90degree edge on top of the piece to be cut and draw a faint pencil line to mark where I will be cutting. Put the blade down manually to test you are in the right place before you cut. That's the measuring twice part. Cut on the outside of the line or else it will be too short! That's happened many times to me!

4)Glue and clamp the sides using 2 pieces at a time. The top and side together doing that twice. So you end up with 2 90degree corners.

5)Determine what height you need the base to be in relation to the sides so that your art fits in with just a bit of the frame extending above it. You don't want it too deep in the frame, or protruding from it. Use scrap pieces to provide a support for the base while you are gluing the sides together.Check this carefully before you move to the next step.

5)This step puts it all together. You put glue on the perimeter sides of the base and then arrange the side sections in place, gluing the ends of them and clamping it all together. Give it ample time to dry. I use any wood glue.

6) If the frame is larger than 12x12, I would drill small holes at the corners, 2 nails to each side, sink the nails, fill with putty,dry,sand. You will sand anyway when the glue has completely dried. If you wipe any glue overruns off early on, it will save much sanding later.

This has been quite extensive but so many people have asked me how I make frames that I thought I would put it all down. Maybe I should consider making a video to post on my blog. What do you think? I don't know the 1st thing about doing that!!!

Framing 101

2011-11-04T19:58:00.000-04:00

These clamps that I ordered a few years back from Garrett Wade make the job of building frames easier. I no longer see them on their website, which is really a shame, since they have worked so well for me. I like the look of a floater frame and learned how to make them while I was at The Lyme Academy. There we had some serious clamps that were mounted to the large worktables in a big bright studio. Now I make my frames in the garage, but they are no less for it.
Basic Equipment: Miter Saw (the miter box and hand saw I found very difficult to get exact cuts, which you must have). Clamps, glue, drill, a flat surface especially if you are doing a large frame.

Lunaria annua 2

2011-10-31T07:44:00.000-04:00

Turned the branch of this dried Money plant upside down, and tried again, this one 5x5. Happy Halloween!

Lunaria annua 1

2011-10-30T16:54:00.000-04:00

I know this as the money plant, but in the US it is know more commonly as Silver Dollars. I love the silvery dried seed pods and had to paint them, mixing the colors as accurately as I could. Some distortion happens on the computer... which is too bad. This is post 200, very exciting to me.

Red Grapes

2011-10-26T11:24:00.000-04:00

Another study done with the palette knife. I'm going to hang them horizontally and you will see the table top and unity between the last 3 paintings. What's next? Planning a big studio painting of the harbour scene.

2 Red Pears

2011-10-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

Used the knife again with a pear duo.I am enjoying the physical properties of painting with a knife. On another note, for some reason I haven't been able to respond to some of you. It doesn't let me identify myself,so then it's anonymous, then it doesn't go through. I just want to let you know that I appreciate your comments, they really lift me up, please continue!!!

Red Pear

2011-10-24T09:10:00.000-04:00

Painted this pear entirely with a palette knife, which is a departure for me. When I took Catherine Kehoe's class this summer, she urged us to mix paint with the knife and not the brush for cleaner,truer color. I have been policing myself to do this (lapsing back to mixing on the palette as I was taught at The Lyme Academy ). One way is not more "right" than the other, for me it is about finding my own path, discovering what works,what excites, what facilitates my expression at a particular moment in time. And this morning, with the pear on a sunny southfacing windowsill, the knife was the way to go!

Sunday Morning

2011-10-23T20:43:00.000-04:00

The initial attempt of this painting plein air was a scrape off! It looked like night, where was the light?How can this happen on such a sunny morning? I finished it in the studio using the palette knife only, trying to really push myself and concentrate on temperature. It is quite different from my usual, and I tell myself that change is good, that experimentation will help me to grow. That said, it feels a little uncomfortable nevertheless.

Forecast

2011-10-17T15:48:00.000-04:00

Started this plein air on a scale I don't usually do outside (20x20). I was initially intimidated to even attempt such a size, but my painting partner Judy Chaves urged me to get outside my comfort zone. Not one to run from a challenge, I took her (it!) on. After 4 hours the light was entirely different, and I had to call it a day. Finished in the studio as the weather never returned when I had the time to go out. I was forced to use my visual memory in a way as to keep the painting from being overworked. I am grateful that it worked out!

Gallery Sitting

2011-10-09T19:37:00.000-04:00

Donated this painting I did while gallery sitting to the 1st fundraiser for The Portsmouth Arts Guild which was held last Tuesday night. A well attended event, with proceeds exceeding our goals! Now that's what we were hoping for.

What Matters

2011-09-30T12:47:00.000-04:00

A different format-this canvas is 8x24. Liked breaking the rules of having the flag pole dead center, balancing the composition with notes of red, keeping a pretty muted palette throughout. Contemplative.I've been invited by The Spring Bull Gallery to become a member! Of course I accepted, as it's a fine gallery I've admired all the artists there for years. So a new chapter begins.....More updating soon, and more posting too!

Unfinshed

2011-09-26T08:42:00.000-04:00

This painting is almost completed but I am still trying to solve some problems. Which is a lighter value,the white mast or the grey foggy morning sky? How do I describe the jumble of items in the foreground, but stay abstract? Bisecting the canvas with the flagpole breaks the rules, which is a challenge. Can I make it all work? On a side note, the painting from the previous post DID get accepted! What a diverse and intriguing show up through most of October at the Portsmouth Arts Guild.

Up Again

2011-09-20T06:29:00.000-04:00

Working on a 16x20 format, this painting is my entry for a show juried by Roger Kirby, whose work is so diverse and amazing. I like the painting anyway, and won't take it personally if I don't get accepted. This is so hard when you first start entering juried shows, it's a personal affront and so demoralizing if you don't get accepted. We have to develop a thick skin and keep on making the art that is truest to us. One jurors rejection is another jurors prize winner! I've seen it happen, to myself and to others. Meanwhile, my fingers are crossed....

One Fine Day

2011-09-12T19:50:00.000-04:00

More involved with my thought process and the composition of this one, simplifying the background,eliminating really everything but the dock pilings. Trying not to be literal with the photo reference.I edit so much when I paint plein air, experimenting with doing the same when I am in the studio.

Hauled Out

2011-09-05T18:44:00.000-04:00

Plein air study at the dock.Windy morning 6 days after Irene hit New England. Many boats were hauled out of the water, couldn't tell if this one was headed back in, or out for the winter. No one around early Saturday morning.

Docked

2011-09-02T08:09:00.000-04:00

Have wanted to paint these fishing boats on a larger format for some time. This one is 20x20 and it felt good to have the size. This painting is going to The Spring Bull Gallery in Newport where I am the guest artist for August and September. I wanted to bring a new painting in for the opening tomorrow night. I decided to keep the palette limited which helps to quiet the painting and reinforces the solidity of the boats. There is so much information and this was a way to keep the viewer from being overwhelmed. Not so much for the artist!! Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone.

At The Dock

2011-08-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

This was my entry for Wet Paint, the big summer fundraiser for The Newport Art Museum which took place this weekend. A fun event that I've participated in for years, we painted at the State Pier again. I started 2 paintings before this, the 1st boat left the dock, wiped that off. Luckily I hadn't gotten very far into it before the owner and his young daughter came aboard, getting underway 10 minutes later. The 2nd one didn't get too far either before being wiped off. This one came together, but not without a struggle. Took alot of photos for studio paintings. Want to explore a larger format with these boats.

State Pier

2011-08-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

The fishing fleet in Newport has long fascinated me, both as subject to paint and an industry to respect and protect. This view is looking back towards Long Wharf.

Shell on Blue

2011-08-11T07:50:00.000-04:00

When gallery sitting at The Portsmouth Arts Guild I usually try to paint a simple still life. Found this shell on the mantle in a bowl, perfect as I've done several other shell studies this summer.Mike Rooney was teaching a one-day workshop that particular day, which looked like a fun, super informative class. He's got a very full teaching schedule, glad to have met him.

Summer White House

2011-08-10T08:19:00.000-04:00

Went back again to paint the Eisenhower House in a larger format.. Trying to simplify the trees, the multiple angles of the house, seeing it more as shape than "dormer window". Still hard, but I'm crazy about painting. On another note, many thanks for those who comment and for some reason I can't comment back! A glitch I don't know how to fix in Blogger.I really appreciate you taking the time to visit my blog and especially to comment!

Spring Bull Gallery

2011-08-07T17:36:00.000-04:00

This is my panel at The Spring Bull Gallery where I am the guest artist for the month of August and September. I also have a larger painting on the wall. I will be sending them some jpegs and my bio so that there will be some info about me on their web site soon. Great location on Bellevue Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. I am delighted and excited for this wonderful opportunity

Eisenhower House

2011-07-31T08:09:00.000-04:00

Ike used this house as a summer White House. His love for golf and the proximity to the Newport Country Club made it a perfect choice. Late afternoon sun washes the building. Fort Adams overlooks Narragansett Bay and is home this weekend to the Newport Folk Festival.

Fort Adams

2011-07-30T16:57:00.000-04:00

Who would guess that this quiet image preceeds The Newport Folk Festival? Lovely time painting before the traffic and crowds arrive.At Fort Adams, a beautiful state park.

Low Tide Maine

2011-07-29T06:34:00.000-04:00

What's better than being out painting just after sunrise, when the world around you is so quiet? Low tide offers a myriad of color between rock,sand, water, and algae. Squinting to find the lightest light,the darkest dark.

Bar Harbor Pine

2011-07-28T08:59:00.000-04:00

Made time to paint on our camping trip to Maine. This beautiful tree stood alone, its trunk twisted by the wind, each day beckoning me closer. What a gift to be in such a remarkable location, and then get to lose myself painting a piece of it.

Echinacea Purpurea

2011-07-25T16:20:00.000-04:00

A hot,steamy afternoon in the garden following the guidelines for this weeks challenge from The Daily Paintworks. Stand between 1-6 feet away, limit the palette, and keep the time to 1 hour. I love these flowers which multiply each year; also called Coneflower.

Anna Week 7

2011-07-23T17:06:00.000-04:00

Only one class left...model was sitting high upon a dias...Catherine asked, "Where is this pose from?" I have loved this painting by Henri Matisse which is at the Boston Museum of Fine Art, so I recognized the setup. It was also the painting of the week on Powers of Observation, which I'm having trouble linking to. Sorry!

Eakins Copy

2011-07-14T08:48:00.000-04:00

Simplified the hair by just showing a light and a dark side, added small areas of higher value, highlights to arm of chair, just tweaking this after critique last Thursday night. I think I'm finished with this.

Week 6

2011-07-11T20:51:00.000-04:00

Alot of thought to crop this pose, in the end went with the full monty, as I had done last week. Many lush fabrics of every hue. Catherine Kehoe , true to her mission to teach us to see the colors that are really there, said, " Now paint THAT red, not an approximation of it!" When others might start to clean up she urges us to keep going until the final minute the model is on the stand. Bleary eyed, we leave smiling.

Leslie

2011-07-08T08:40:00.000-04:00

My dear and longtime friend agreed to sit for a 2 hour portrait. She is so beautifull,with translucent skin and lovely bone structure that it was almost harder than painting someone plain that you don't know! I wanted to do justice to her, to the cause! Alas, I fell short of my own expectations. However, there IS a Leslie ness to it, and that's good. Putting the paint into shapes of the right color,right value, and in the right place is the top priority. Happiness.

Complete?

2011-07-07T08:33:00.000-04:00

I will be taking this up to class tonight to see if I have "gotten" the assignment : ie. breaking the piece apart into shapes, then painting the shapes. To some this may appear unfinished....unworthy, but it was a valuable exercise and I hope to be able to paint more in this manner going forward.

2nd Pass

2011-07-04T20:10:00.000-04:00

Decided that it is easier in a way to just apply the paint with the knife (which I never do), after mixing with the knife (which I had rarely done before this class with Catherine Kehoe). I am trying to learn to mix the exact color I see with,of course!, the right value. We are supposed to simplify the shapes as if it were a cut out collage, or a paint by numbers. This is so hard to do!

Week 5

2011-07-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

Went a little larger this time,with a 12x12 panel. The pose went well with a square, centering the figure in that classic triangular composition. The model was a lovely young dancer, and yes, her neck really was that long! All the fabrics gave me plenty of opportunity to get the color and value right. I'm lovin' it :)

Masterpiece 1st Pass

2011-07-01T07:43:00.000-04:00

I will be working on copying and simplifying this painting by Thomas Eakins over the next few days. I brought it to class last night for an initial critique. First thing Catherine said was, "Why this intense ground color? You have to fight it all the time. Why not start with a NEUTRAL ground?" Other than that, she liked my choice of painting to copy. Going to the studio this morning. Check out Powers of Observation, and see student paintings from the class.

Judy Week 4

2011-06-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

I want to start off apologizing ...wish I had had more time to do this portrait, wish it had turned out better. I could go on and on. But this is what I got as we posed for each other as part of our homework for class at MassArt. A total of 60 minutes went into this. Ah, what I could have done with 3 hours! Ha Ha!! It is what it is, just glad to be painting, glad for a friend, glad to be studying the figure with Catherine Kehoe. Class tonight!

Another View

2011-06-27T20:13:00.000-04:00

This is my entry for the weekly challenge proposed by Jean Nelson for The Daily Paintworks. Jean submitted a photograph of an old mill near her home. There was so much information that I almost took a pass on the challenge. But then I thought, a perfect opportunity to really simplify the shapes, and get the values down, while having my way with color. Thanks Jean, I had alot of fun with this one!

4th Week

2011-06-26T11:21:00.000-04:00

Still adjusting values right up to the end of class. Seems I have trouble getting my lights light enough,or is it getting the mid values dark enough? It's all about value for me at this point.

Self Portrait 3

2011-06-20T09:13:00.000-04:00

I should probably work on this more to try and make it look more like me (like those beestung lips oh my! are NOT my lips) but I got caught up more in the painting than the likeness.Took the time to hang fabric behind me and wrap my head to have the color note. After all, it is my painting and I suspose I can look any way I like. On the other hand, I want to be accurate with what I see. There's always a next time....

Anna Week 3

2011-06-19T07:43:00.000-04:00

This week we began to use a full palette, an interesting demo with a mix of cad green pale and vermillion to make a skin tone. Ultramarine greyed it down more than I knew it would when compared to adding cobalt, which kept it very lively. I'm using colors on my palette which are unfamiliar to me, having worked with NO greens on my palette before and really only using ultramarine as my only blue. This is gonna be FUN! Also using an 8x10 sheet on plexiglass and a brush to determine angles on the figure then to transfer them to the painting. When I did that I had to readjust the position of the head completely! So much to learn....

Value Study

2011-06-17T15:29:00.000-04:00

Last week Judy and I posed for each other to get our homework done for the figure painting class at MassArt. I sat for 20 mins while she painted me, then she sat while I painted her, you get the drift. We went on for 2 hours, which gave us each an hour with a model! What a deal. Trying to simplify and just paint the shapes I see. She was sitting by the window with the light coming onto the right side of her face, which helped me to see plane changes.

Self Portrait 2

2011-06-16T09:44:00.000-04:00

My daughter came by and saw this self portrait,homework for the figure painting class I'm taking and said," Oh no Mom,you look like a guy.You are way prettier than this!" So my vanity almost won,but I thought,no! I painted what I saw, and so be it!

The Gift

2011-06-15T15:37:00.000-04:00

My painting of a gift,wrapped simply in brown paper and tied with a shimmery green ribbon, is my response to the challenge from almost 2 weeks ago(!!) from The Daily Paintworks by Carol Marine. I set it up the night before and did a few thumbnails to get the composition I wanted. The next morning, when I was ready to paint, it came together surprisingly quickly. There are so many wonderful paintings,check out the link and see for yourself!

Figure Week 2

2011-06-10T08:43:00.000-04:00

Last night as I looked at the model on a low cot on the floor, lit from overhead, all I could see was the light of her body. How am I ever going to find form? Well, it took awhile,but gradually my eye began to see the plane changes. I had to darken the background, which was a very light grey floor, 2 times. So you can't paint what your head tells you you see, but what you actually see. Ah, to discern these subtle nuances is the challenge. Meanwhile, someone in the building was using the WRONG kind of thinner, and we all left feeling woozey from the fumes. Into the Boston hot summer night air and we're heading home,happy night painting.

Self Portrait 1

2011-06-09T09:25:00.000-04:00

This self portrait is homework for the figure painting class I'm taking at MassArt on Thursday night for the next 8 weeks. I am going out of my comfort zone on this one, as I'm usually an early to bed girl, and Boston is about 1 1/2 away, with the class ending at 10PM!! However, I wanted to study with Katherine Kehoe, whom I discovered through a fellow blogger Jean Townsend. I set it up with a strong light so that I could see the value/plane changes better. Still so hard, but as they say, we always have an available model!

From The Kitchen

2011-06-07T20:34:00.000-04:00

This is my entry from last weeks challenge from The Daily Paintworks, by Ann Feldman. Look outside, from the window, the deck, and paint what you see. My first one is still questionable,even though I overlook the water, I couldn't make my painting "come alive", it kept needing something. So I put it aside. As Catherine Kehoe said on her lecture video, "If the painting needs something, change the setup." Does that just apply to a still life,do you think? So I turned around 180 in my house and painted looking up the back from the kitchen window.

1st Class

2011-06-05T17:25:00.000-04:00

This is from the 1st class at Mass Art where I'm taking an 8 week summer session class on figure painting taught by Catherine Kehoe. We are only using titanium white,raw umber and ultramarine blue for the 1st 2 sessions. I'm having difficulty really simplifying what I see- so much information when I look at the model.Catherine let us do our own thing this class, to see where we are at. Really grateful to be in this class!

Reflect

2011-06-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

I posted these images separately in the past, but had always planned on framing them together , which is now done! The painting was also accepted into an Open Juried Show at The Spring Bull Gallery in Newport, Rhode Island. The juror was Richard Harrington, one of the founders of The Art League of Rhode Island.The show runs from June 4th-June 30th. Hope you can stop by the reception this Saturday from 5-7pm.

Shell Values 1

2011-05-30T20:03:00.000-04:00

This is my entry for last weeks challenge from The Daily Paintworks. A value study from Carol Marine using only burnt umber, rubbing out for mid value, laying in more paint for the darks, and using thinner or a q-tip to lift for the lights. I've been painting shells for a week, so it only made sense to try this value exercise with some more shells. Will paint it again in color-this time it's on a blue cloth.

Shell Study 3

2011-05-29T17:13:00.001-04:00

Enjoying this shell,looking at it from various angles,seeing how the sea and rocks have broken it, wearing it smooth,then jagged. Beauty in imperfection.

Are we there yet?

2011-05-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

I'm wondering if this painting is done, I thought it was but now I see a thing or two I could work on.This painting is 30x30 and I wanted to paint outside of my comfort zone and get those bikey parts to be more abstract. Which I think I have done, but ......Feeling somewhat insecure about this.Ok,more than somewhat.

Shell Study 2

2011-05-22T14:22:00.000-04:00

Another day with the same shell. I believe that the more I paint a particular subject,whether a still life or outside plein air, the greater my powers of observation will become. I often want to flit from one subject to another, am trying to change this about myself. Think about Morandi and how he painted those bottles again and again. There is no way we can say, "There is nothing inspiring to paint!" It lies in how we see what's in front of us.

Shell 1

2011-05-20T20:06:00.000-04:00

It has been raining and foggy for a week, so when I got to the studio this morning I wanted to be transported to blue skies and warm sand. Painting this shell did just that,while listening to Bob Dylan covers celebrating his upcoming 70th birthday.What a songwriter. He's also an artist.

Yellow Truck

2011-05-16T19:29:00.000-04:00

If you check back to a post on March 23rd, you'll see a smaller version of this truck which didn't really integrate into the landscape as I had hoped it would. My friend Libby Gilpatric gave me some pointers and I tried again using a larger 12x12 format. Better, but this truck is just so yellow.I like the painting however, but want to explore the concept further, so the painting isn't about "the yellow truck"!This has me pretty baffled, par for the course if you paint like I paint.

Asparagus

2011-05-15T19:24:00.000-04:00

Loved it when I noticed that the color of the stripes in the tablecloth were also on the asparagus! What are those little triangular things called? I heard it takes 7 years for an asparagus plant to produce, a lovely vegetable. Fun to paint, and eat :)

Broccoli

2011-05-14T08:40:00.000-04:00

Challenge to paint a vegetable from life...by Diane Mannion,part of the weekly challenges fromThe Daily Paintworks. This was alot harder than I thought it would be! Ha,there I go having expectations. Painting is always a humbling experience,didn't post from our open studio this week, as I thought it was sub par.On the other hand,years ago I met an artist on Newbury Street in Boston, a street filled with fantastic galleries, and he said to me"You have to paint alot of s**t to get a good painting." It was encouraging words to someone just starting to paint, and still holds true today. Just get up, and paint more!!!

Self Portrait

2011-05-08T08:02:00.000-04:00

Gave it my best shot, with a light set up to the left,trying to see the value changes, then put color in. This was the challenge from The Daily Paintworks. I've done several self portraits but this probably comes the closest to being me. My friend said the nostrils aren't right, and I said, you've never seen my nostrils...she's 6' tall,lol.Anyway, I keep in mind this is about learning, growing, not taking myself so seriously, and accepting where I'm at today. Happy Mothers' Day!

Open Figure Studio

2011-05-06T10:44:00.000-04:00

Another Monday at open figure painting at The Portsmouth Arts Guild. The time flies by, I want to get the drawing down first,used burnt sienna,ultramarine,cad yellow,and Indian red for the palette,trying to simplify the shapes. Thinking always about the shape,not the thigh! Or whatever. Challenged by the foreshortening of that right arm!

Day 2 Hollis Dunlap Workshop

2011-05-05T08:28:00.000-04:00

On the second day, I put most of my energy into the head, trying to get a likeness.Hollis suggested that if you have only a limited time with a set up, be it a still life or a nude, to not try and complete the whole thing, but choose what you want to take to a higher degree finish. This took alot of pressure off, note the box behind the lemon and orange, you can see the toned board, but that was as far as I went with that. Lots of attention paid to edges, which are hard, which are soft.The shadow edge by her eye is hard, the transition shadow on her cheek soft.

Workshop With Hollis Dunlap

2011-05-02T20:01:00.000-04:00

This was the set up for the first of a two day workshop with Hollis Dunlap. Check out his work at The Ruggiero Gallery. He is a classical realist and put us through the paces, as he talked about first toning the canvas, just to loosen yourself up a bit. Hollis likes flat brushes and demonstrated the variety of marks that can be made with one brush, making the drawing first with the edge of the brush, a thin line that can be corrected. He likes to use a max of 3 strokes with a loaded brush,prefers to mix with a brush rather than with a palette knife, and encourages correction upon correction. He stated the importance of being willing to work at a particular area it to get it right, not just settling for good enough. He is incredibly generous with his knowledge, and gave honest critiques in a kind way. Here's my effort for the day;exhausted but feeling good.

NYC Woman

2011-04-28T16:26:00.000-04:00

This is my entry for the weekly challenge from The Daily Paintworks. This week a photo was submitted by Linda Popple and it gave me a run for my money. Thanks Linda and DPW for always keeping us thinking and painting. Wanted to keep an abstract anywoman feel to it, but don't think I managed to.

Green Egg

2011-04-22T13:56:00.000-04:00

This is my submission to the color challenge from The Daily Paintworks. I thought it would be easy. Hah.1st attempt was a wipe off, hadn't even got the drawing right! 2 days later, back in the studio, and it started to come together for me. It's a split complementary color scheme, which is, by definition, takes one color from the color wheel (my color was purple) and then uses one color on either side of its' complement. (which would be yellow) with orange on one side and green on the other side. I used the basic color wheel, but it still sounds more complicated than it actually was! I have the blue and purple eggs to paint next! Ha Ha.

Top Hen

2011-04-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

This piece was painted to accompany the previous post, or to stand alone. I enjoyed painting these more than I thought I would, but then, after all, it's all about value,composition and color. Went to a lecture by Jemison Faust yesterday at The Seaman's Institute, as part of the Arts & Cultural Alliance noon lecture series going on this week. Many events all week. Feel grateful to be part of such a community.