Easter

This single hyacinth has the power to fill a room with its fragrance. Imagine what love can do for a hurting world.

Tuesday's Class

Here's a photo collage I made of my students work from our Tuesday class Painting Fundamentals. They worked without stopping, fearless with paint application. Here's my effort using a primary palette, a knife; pushing all I know about simplification.

I'm In!

Before I post anything else, I wanted to share my good news. I got accepted into the 102nd Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts juried exhibition held at the Mystic Arts Center. The opening reception is April 11th, from 6-8pm. My expectations were low, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you how high my hopes were. Feeling grateful to be among such an accomplished amazing group.

Values

I don't want to underestimate the importance of seeing value, so here is a still life using Mars Black, Titanium White and Quinacridone Red. So abstract! Oil on gessoed paper.

Azalea in Value

Here's the last value study of the azalea plant. My class titled Painting Fundamentals started yesterday and these studies were part of preparing for the class. We made value charts, notan studies and started with a three value study. They were all wonderful, encouraging each other as they stretched their art muscles! Wish I'd thought to take pictures.

Three Values

It amazes me how much can be conveyed with just three values. This is a demo in value done on gessoed poster board with raw umber, ultramarine blue and titanium white. The pink azalea given to me by a friend.

Notan

A Japanese concept of dark light harmony, this technique teaches us to squint and see everything in just two values.
This arrangement of lights and darks with two values is essential to making and seeing a strong composition. If the basic composition isn't strong, it won't bring the viewer in.

A Sunny Porch

When I was little this sun porch was unheated and only used when, umm, it was sunny and warm! Now it can be enjoyed year round and I took the opportunity to paint when I was there earlier in the week.
8x10 oil on panel

Further Investigation

Another primary palette, this time Titanium White, Cadmium Lemon, Thalo Blue and Quinacridone Red. This is a more contemporary palette as you can see by the range of violets, purples and turquoise. On the top row are greys which are cooler as both lemon and Quinacridone are cooler than Cad yellow and Cad red.

Primary Palette

I wanted to show how many beautiful colors, tints and shades can be made from Titanium White, Ultramarine Blue, Cad Red Light and Cad Yellow Medium. I was limited only by the 5x7 canvas as I demonstrate that a primary palette is by no means limited!

Spa Day

I had a massage, a sauna and a very cold plunge then headed down by the pool at the Spa. No one was there and I found a place to set up and did this 5x10 gouache on gessoed paper.
Artist note: remember to edit, simplify and make the scene your own. I did spend some time channeling David Hockney, I think his poolsides the best!

Conversation

This space has a lively Sushi bar, a big fish tank and wifi. People congregating gave me a chance for an interior study with people in it.
6x6 gouache on gessoed paper.