“Creation is the artist's true function. But it would be a mistake to ascribe creative power to an inborn talent. Creation begins with vision. The artist has to look at everything as though seeing it for the first time." -- Henri Matisse, French Fauvist
Seeing has been our recurrent theme for our paintings this year. When we're painting anything the artist needs to actually see the subject and not just paint off of preconceived ideas. We've especially been focusing on value and it's importance in developing the center of interest and depth in our painting. Here's some homework for you: go out and study the trees; what is the shape of different trees, what is the texture of the bark; what values and colors do you see in the bark; what are the shape of the branches....
Our Mystic Forest has been an excellent value study, starting the painting in grey tones, creating the appearance of depth through value. We've been very pleased with our results. My Cary group is going to send me a photo of our paintings to post for you.
Here is my second painting which is much improved over the first. I learned a lot from painting the first version and like the composition, values, and colors much better with this painting.
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| My Mystic Forest second and improved version. |
Tip: If you are using the Grey Matters palette by Richeson be sure to save the value scale inside the front cover. It's a terrific reference tool. We've been using it in our open class where the students are working on their own creations. They have been using it to check values in their paintings.
I love the grey palette. I have a much better idea of how my paints will relate to my painting. If you are using the white waxed palette be sure to place a black piece of paper under your top sheet to tone down the whiteness. It help you to see your light colors especially.
Our Students' Work: It's March already and we're full into our painting for 2012. We've had some exciting classes exploring new techniques and stretching ourselves as artists, always learning more each time we paint.
The portraits are looking excellent and we're still working on them. Carol finished an awesome portrait of her smiling grandson, Spencer. Betsey finished her granddaughter's portrait but I still need to get a good photo to show you.
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| Carol Burns |
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| Carol Burns |
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| Emiko Kuroda |
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| Judy Kelly |
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| Lois Arnold |
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| Sylvia Brown |
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| Stage one. |
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| Stage two. |
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| Liz's bluebird. |
"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." -- Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert cartoons
Upcoming classes: Be sure to check the class page for dates.
We're adding to our schedule and have come up with some terrific ideas. Wed evening has added seascapes to the schedule, Ros style. We'll start with the basics and each student will add their favorite features to their paintings.
Dorothy Dent has a wonderful old truck painting that we want to paint on Wed am. Watch for that one to appear on the schedule.
Cary has just started the Red Vase, a beautiful Cheri Rol design and has chosen a Trudy Beard basket of wild flowers for their next painting. The Wed evening group like the basket also and will start it next week. Come join us.
Wed morning will paint a beautiful field of blue bonnets inspired by a Ginger Edwards painting.
Seminars:
Our summer seminar with Ros Stallcup is coming up before you know it. Get excited. We always have such fun and learn lots.
Ros is working on our paintings and they will arrive some time in April. You know they will all be wonderful so be sure to register soon. You can register now for the 6 day or 3 day blocks. Single day registration opens in April.
Kathie George is coming in November and I'll have more project information for you later in the spring.
I've been trying to stay away from the computer enough to get some painting done. And, really enjoying the painting time. Come by the studio and see what I've been working on. It's a good time to paint.
Keep painting!
Liz
