Red Umbrella

Set up for my plein air still life class. It's always interesting to see which elements prove to be challenging- in this case it was the chair- not wanting it to be too precisely defined.

Quick Demo

Using big brushes I laid in the shapes quickly. 

I have learned to look longer than I did at first, the excitement of painting outside giving way to looking at my set up, walking around to decide what attracts me most, and perhaps trying a few thumbnails before diving in. It's about holding back a little, so that I can be freer when I do pick up the brush.

Studio

Another gouache, playing with color harmonies.

Switching Gears

Getting reading to go on the road for a few weeks and thinking about how I want to work. Fooled around with the tiny artist tiles- only a 4x4 surface- very portable to be sure. Gouache is also easily portable, quick to set up for painting and I love the way you can layer so easily in the same session. 

Catching Up

I set up the freshly picked sunflowers in the buckets in a field behind the vineyard. We started painting at 3 and by the time the class was over, it was cold and a heavy mist hung all around. A little tweaking in the studio- 

I'm a believer in making the painting work- sometimes things that aren't that discernible show up with great clarity in the studio. And why not?

Feeling Happy

This image caught my eye as I was headed to Spring Bull Gallery for gallery night. I passed by on my way to get a coffee and noticed the light on the wall and the amazing cast shadows of the hanging basket. The wrought iron bench lent the perfect geometry and contrast of hard edges to the composition and I stopped for a few photos. I knew I had to paint it and though I mainly work from direct observation- this time the photo would be my reference. No regrets!

Gallery Night Demo

I volunteered to paint at Spring Bull Gallery on Gallery Night; being prepared helps so much with getting the jitters under control. I also got a rough start on my painting before the actual start of the event so I wouldn't be working from an entirely blank canvas. What helps you when you do a painting demo?