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.