Ogopogo Land iPad Drawing - 1/30

OGOPOGO LAND
iPad drawing by Sea Dean
6" x 8" Canvas Print ready to mount
$59
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I'm one of the artists taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. This is the ninth time Leslie has held this event and I've taken part in each one. Today is the first of the 30 iPad drawings that I plan to complete by September 30th. I'm pleased to be part of the challenge and I hope it will catapault me into prep for the next tourist season.

See the 30 in 30 Artworks here
I'm at #55

Out and About

There have been a few more moments when the smoke has abated and I've managed to lift the burden of these four walls. I thought I would share some images with you. These are not for sale, but if you paint one, send it to me to post on my blog.

The House of Rose final free music event of the season

Beautiful flowers in the waterfront park at the Canadian Brass outdoor concert for Canada 150

In honor of our exhausted and brave fire fighters, a water bomber flying back to rest at sunset

Our famous Dolphins by Robert Dow Reid in waterfront park

A beautiful golden Okanagan sunset sans smoke

The Master at work - Part Two - Alex Fong

I can now reveal the little study that Alex Fong did during his demo. It is a Burrowing Owl and one lucky attendee (not me) got to take it home! During the demo he also painted part of a landscape and many samples.

To continue from Part One ...

PAINTING TECHNIQUE

There is science in watercolor:

It will dry 25% - 50% lighter so make sure you have it dark enough in the beginning. Some colors get much lighter than others as they dry, so you have to compensate by making them richer. This comes with experience

To soften edges there are two techniques, (i) Paint the color and then add water to it on the paper, or (ii) Paint with water and then add color. Both work well but the latter tends to be more diluted.

You can also add another color to wet areas to darken, dull or enrich, such as Alizarin Crimson to Cadmium Red. And also while the area is still wet you can add more detail. (All the while Alex is going back and forth to his reservoirs and palette for either clean water or greying colors, as well as new thick color from the bottom of his milk cartons.

"Complimentary colors will grey but similar colors will enrich."

Complementaries grey each other; eg blue is a greying agent to yellow. This also works in creating dot highlights; iridescent pink compliments green leaves. It's not random, but considered.

Alex is now on a wide but shallow landscape. He has quickly outlined his objects with graphite pencil and explains that this will be mostly covered with paint, but the odd bit that shows through the transparent pigment is interesting, not a detriment.

"Try not to leave hard edges"
If you're going to feature a hard edged object, Use the same color in thinner paint in the vicinity to echo the color. You can also add it like a halo. If you leave some white areas in the beginning, you have the option to later add some warm brights like Cadmium Deep Yellow or Cadmium Red Light to bring light into that area of the painting. Once the painting is complete, Alex goes in and adds a few hard edged details to compliment the soft edges. A very fine black Stadler permanent marker works well for this.

Another technique for bringing light into a painting is to drop in spots of Titanium White acrylic. This needs a lot of practise. Alex uses a medium round brush first dipped in a solution of liquid soap and water, which protects the brush and gives slip. The brush must be saturated with fairly thick oaint like thick cream or it will be too weak and the dits will be too big. Alex uses his brush horizontal to the surface, holding delicately between thumb and pointing finger, then tapping lightly with the forefinger. (I havent mastered this yet with any technique, but prefer the rather messy spattering with an old toothbrush. This is much less messy if I can master it).

Alex is now working on some reflections. He says it doesnt matter if they match the reflected objects, what is important is the effect. (This was an AHA moment for me because I struggle with the uncomfortable symmetry of reflections. I've started to look for and notice the lack of symmetry in master works and I think my landscapes will change because of this gem of a comment.)

TIP:- For tree trunks and legs dont paint them in, let them sit in mist. In nature there is usually grass or water to cover the roots and feet, so its much more natural to leave them to the imagination.

The final touches are Alex Fongs Chinese Chop and signature. Then three light coats of Golden UV protective spray varnish

Alex cuts large pieces of Canson Arches Board into unusual sizes and has them professionally framed, which adds to the originality of his work. He has an excellent framer who understands his needs and does a great job. As a result of using non standard originals, he ends up with many small off cuts which he uses for small studies like todays owl. In case you're in the central Okanagan, the framer is Mike Breakey (250)717-7793 at Quail Ridge: He also prints Alex Fongs giclees, adding a black edge so they are ready to stretch. They can be mailed to clients rolled or flat to save on shipping.

I hope you've enjoyed this perk at a master. I often go to demos and share what I've learned, as well as personal progress photos of my work and craft projects, so FOLLOW my blog to stay in the loop and continue to be mesmerized by the amazing world of art.

The Master at Work - Alex Fong

ALEX FONG DEMO

I went to an Alex Fong demo last week. Alex is somewhat of a legend on the west coast. He has been painting (and selling) his work since he was in college 40 odd years ago. Along with Robert Bateman, he was an early convert to limited edition prints, so many art lovers that couldn't otherwise afford his work, can own a print for their home.

Alex began by saying that this demo would be about creating light in your painting.

“All the white spaces are the light in your painting. Don’t cover the white unless you’re certain what you want there”.

Alex uses Winsor Newton professional watercolor in tubes because blocks don’t come in as many colors and are not as fine quality. He said he always uses three basic transparent colors, in this case Cobalt blue, Raw sienna and Alizarin crimson. Each main color is squeezed into a shallow container made from the bottom of a square milk container. He adds water creating a reservoir of thin paint which settles and leaves thicker paint at the bottom. The watery paint acts as a barrier to stop the thick paint hardening. He says that one of the biggest mistakes beginners make is too much water; watercolor dries lighter and too much water means it needs to be layered. Access to the thicker paint in the bottom of the reservoir helps offset this.

TIP - Some technical wisdom here is that clean water pushes paint away and colored water attracts, this is why he uses the pre-mixed reservoirs.

He also mixes colors on a used palette covered in dried paint, which greys his colors slightly and is his way of economizing. He never cleans the palette. He uses a lot of green in his work, but straight from the tube they are too brilliant, so he adds complimentary color or palette greys to modify the intensity.

Although Alex used to be a straight watercolorist, he now uses some soft body acrylic to brighten certain areas. He lays out his acrylics in the milk cartons and lightly covers with a film of clean water, which, he says keeps them from drying out for days.

As part of his style, Alex uses dots of masking fluid to protect certain areas, then rubs off the mask at the end and paints the white areas with Liquitex acrylic in Medium Magenta Pink, Brilliant Purple, Iridescent Green, Gold or Copper. He sometimes makes these heart shaped. Those "spots of color are like jewellery to the painting" and make it interesting. A tip here is to leave a slight edge of white paper to bring in more light. Alex uses a variety of paints and inks but a favorite is Flame Orange FW ink, a favorite of mine too.

He also uses acrylic inks and iridescence. He says that iridescent paints are another way to add light to your work. He was using Permanent ink but discovered that its not so permanent under varnish and tends to bleed.

Alex prefers to paint on Canson Arches Board which has texture. He sits it on plywood and adds a few staples to keep it flat because it will still buckle slightly if not. Thinner paper can be stapled or attached around the edge with masking tape, but he prefers board. This is also a favorite of mine, especially for pet portraits. He says that students usually select paper that is too smooth.

The next step is using the brush effectively. The point or end should rarely be used. Load the brush and use the side to stroke over the paper, which breaks up on textured paper and reduces hard edges. If you paint directly with the point it looks unnatural.

Stay Tuned for part two and images of the process by following my blog……

How I Create Art Cards

Purchase Sea Dean Art Cards 

We've had the hottest July on record and hardly a drop of rain, not even enough to register. The wild fires are still raging. There are no large fires in the valley because we have great containment systems for small natural or man made fires, including large fines for the idiots that disobey the fire bans: However the wind is blowing in smoke from up to 1,000 miles away, where our B.C. forests are being ravaged.

So, instead of taking inspirational day trips, I'm forced inside to work on tasks I usually do in winter. Hence my coffee table is strewn with card making supplies and I thought you would enjoy seeing my creation process.

About a year ago I ran out of the pre-printed Art Cards which I designed with a printer some distance away. I found the print quality and wholesale price breaks were too high locally, so I designed a system where I monitor the quality and cost every step of the way. My system is flexible, so I can print one or one hundred of each design and not be forced to bulk order huge runs of one image.

TIP
Discounts can be substantial if you print more than one of each design, but you only have to order two for a 25% discount or three for 50%, so I usually print 2 to 6 of each image depending on popularity.

The System

1. First, I image my painting with a digital camera and optimize it. Most digital cameras come with an app, my iPad has a good one, or use basic photoshop.

2. Get friendly with your local photo lab. We have a really helpful team in our London Drugs pharmacy and I like that you can order photo prints online. Check the photo printing options in your town; compare prices and test a small batch to check quality. Chat with the tech if possible explaining that you're an artist and accurate color and presentation is important to you. They will generally turn off their automatic photo optimization, so your colors remain as you've optimized. I generally order about 100 printsso assembly can be streamlined.

3. For a 5" x 7" blank, a 6" x 4" photo looks good. Michaels blanks are slightly smaller and work with 3.5" x 5.5". It depends on your philosophy which one you choose, but 6" x 4" are easy to frame and 3.5" x 5.5" are not. If you make income from selling small prints it is wiser to opt for the latter. In
Michaels there are several color options which can make your cards ore appealing. White is standard,

 but ivory, black and tan are interesting and bright colors work for simple black and white designs.

TIP
Remember to take your prints along to see what works best.

4. This may seem pretty basic, but before sticking the print down, check where the opening is and which way you will apply the photo to the blank card: Horizontal or Vertical. It may be too late after you have stuck it down. I can't tell you how many cards I've ruined by getting it wrong.

5. After much trial and error with glues and tapes that are messy, don't stick or buckle the card, I've opted for Canson photo squares. They are pricey, but there are enough for 125 cards in each box. Attach quite close to the corner. Peel off the backing using your finger nail under the handy tab. Apply to blank card (checking you have it the right way up and absolutely straight).

6. There is very little profit in Art cards. Lets say they cost $1 to produce, even if retail is $5, wholesale is generally 50%, so selling through a gallery or shop nets you $1.50. So look at them as a no expense marketing tool. Tell the purchaser who the artist is with contact details and if fine art prints are available. Remember to put the name of the painting on the back for reference. For a few cards you can do this by hand, but more than 10 and it pays to have a stamp or pre printed labels. I like to use a label and write the name of the painting longhand underneath for that a personal touch.

7. Crystal Clear archival bags. Make sure your bags are archival quality, cellophane not polythene. Poly bags are not very clear or archival and will eventually stick to, or release chemicals onto the photo. Many galleries are hot, cold, humid or dry and Crystal Clear bags rise to the challenge of keeping your art card pristine.

TIP
One more word on the bags, make sure they have a peel and stick glue bar and that it is on the back not on the inside of the flap, so if you are taking the card in and out it won't stick to the flap. You will regret it if you buy the others.

8. Pre-printed price tags look classy and save the retailer time, so they will love you. I get mine from the dollar store, and the ones I can't use I donate to the thrifts store.

When calculating cost add all these (pro-rated per card)
Printing of image (ink and printer wear if you do it yourself)
Card
Photo squares
pre-printed contact lable
crystal clear bag
pre printed price lable

TIP
I dont print my Art Cards on a home printer because professional photo printing is much more classy, the photo print adds stiffness and quality finish to your cards. In order for card stock to go through a printer it is too flimsy to look good. Remember that although you only make a small profit, this is free advertising and a quality card tells the buyer that you offer quality work.

Another brief shining moment

Gotta catch those fleeting glimpses of sun! I had scheduled a restock of my farthest flung gallery an hour away and how wonderful it was to wake up to sunshine. I cant say I like it, but I've got used to the gloom, so when the sun arrived it was almost too bright, too technicolor, too awe inspiring. No wonder tourists flock to our valley.

I was thrilled to catch a few good shots further down our 80 mile lake and thought I'd share them with you. To give you some idea of the scale of this vaste landscape, that tiny whit dot just right of centre at the edge of the lake is a rather large cabin cruiser. The trees behind it are easily 50 ft tall.

And that island is Rattlesnake Island where Our lake monster Ogopogo is supposed to live in a cave. What a beautiful day!

Watch the Eclipse Today - Be Safe

August 21, 2017 — Total Solar Eclipse

Western Europe, North/East Asia, North/West Africa, North America, Much of South America, Pacific, Atlantic, Arctic.

A total solar eclipse is when the Moon completely covers the Sun. The handy link below has a search area at the top where you can type in your nearest city and all kinds of fascinating information will pop up specific to you. TIP:- Put the city and country without a comma.

If you want to view general information, click on links dated August 21st. You will see three animations and I found the center one most useful. For analytical readers, you can click around and find eclipses for years ahead, images, animations and graphs. 

https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2017-august-21

NASA Television is offering a special live program, “Eclipse Across America: Through the Eyes of NASA” with real-time coverage of the event from coast to coast. The nearly four-hour program will include unprecedented images of the Aug. 21 eclipse from numerous spacecraft -- including the International Space Station – high-altitude aircraft, balloons and ground observations. Each will offer a unique vantage point for the eclipse. 

Additionally, the broadcast will include live coverage of activities in parks, libraries, stadiums, festivals and museums across the nation and on social media. To watch the August 21st NASA TV eclipse broadcast online and access interactive web content and views of the eclipse from these assets, visit:https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive

Be safe. Read the information about the correct way to view the eclipse, because every eclipse many people disregard the information and end up with vision problems. 

The above iPad drawing, THE BOYS OF 36 is available in a limited edition 8" x 10" canvas print for $65 plus shipping by contacting me here

It's that time again!

It's that time of the year again; Leslie Saeta is hosting her 30 paintings in 30 days Challenge. This is the 9th time Leslie has conducted the challenge: It comes around every January and September. Every time I think I'll give it a miss and then when the invitation pops into my inbox I sign up thinking I will be a bit more relaxed about it all and just do as many as I can. Then every time I get obsessed and complete all 30! I have to admit that it has become easier over the years.

If you want to kick start your holiday season prep, here is where you sign up. Come on, I dare you! Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days Challenge September 2017

Above are the paintings from my first 30 day challenge way back in September 2013. These are mostly tiny ACEO paintings. I still have one or two of the originals available, if there is one you love, contact me and I'll check my inventory. However, all are available as limited prints here. There may be a few I've missed, so again, contact me here and I'll rectify.

This year I've decided to focus on iPad drawing. The intention is to get a head start on next summer by completing 30 of my more richly layered local landscapes. These take quite a long time to finish, so it will be a real challenge, but if it gets too intense I can always intersperse with iPad kitty cat and doggie line drawings. I'm planning a good rest in December, so if I get ahead with landscapes I will be able to fully relax.

Simple Ipad Drawing - Female Form II

Recently I decided to work with my iPad on a series of simplified drawings and it's been and all absorbing and mind blowing process. I've always loved the human form and I believe that the purest form of figure drawing is the nude. Although I started the series with nudes, I've diversified to cats and landscapes. I will probably also include flowers, birds and fish, but I will always return to simplified nudes.

Images below are copyrighted and are available in art card form by contacting me.
5" x 6.5" with Envelope in a Crystal Clear archival bag $5.

Simply iPad Drawing - Female Form

Recently I decided to work with my iPad on a series of simplified drawings and it's been and all absorbing and mind blowing process. I've always loved the human form and I believe that the purest form of figure drawing is the nude. Although I started the series with nudes, I've diversified to cats and landscapes. I will probably also include flowers, birds and fish, but I will always return to simplified nudes.

Some of my Ipad Drawing Art Cards available by contacting me. $5 plus shipping. Cards are 5" x 6.5" and come with an envelope in a crystal clear archival bag. Save on shipping by ordering several at once.

One Brief Shining Moment - Now you see it, Now you don't

I thought I'd share with you what I'm contending with this summer. The first picture is what the view from my balcony has been like all summer. The second picture is what it should look like. For one brief shining afternoon the wind changed and the sun came out and then we were plunged back into the gloom. I'm seriously begining to wonder what I'm doing here, but I would have to drive nearly 1,000 miles to get out from under the cloud.

Every few hours I wander over to the window to see if I can see this mountain, and I now know that I must make a quick dash down to the pool to swim a few lengths before it closes in again. I've dubbed the mountain Canary, after the small birds that used to be sent down the mines to detect poison gases. I talk about the smoke, but its the fumes that are really dangerous and the reason I've been housebound all summer. They are forecasting some sun on Thursday, and I can't wait to get out and breathe in the sunshine.

Simply iPad Drawing - Adam and Eve

Recently I decided to work with my iPad on a series of simplified drawings and it's been and all absorbing and mind blowing process. I've always loved the human form and I believe that the purest form of figure drawing is the nude. Although I started the series with nudes, I've diversified to cats and landscapes. I will probably also include flowers, birds and fish, but I will always return to simplified nudes.

ADAM iPad drawing - Art Card available by contacting me $5

EVE IPad Drawing - Available as an Art Card by contacting me

Simply iPad Drawing - Cats

I've admired simplified drawing for as long as I can remember. In attempting the technique myself, I've never been satisfied with the drag of the medium on the substrate. It seems to me that it's important to use a flowing medium and a super smooth substrate to create awe inspiring simple line. The challenge there is that flowing medium generally has a mind of its own on a smooth surface.

At school and art school I was taught that an artist should never use an eraser when drawing; it's one of those rules that just beg to be broken, like never using white watercolor paint. Sadly when drawing with graphite (pencil), unless you have a great technique with a specialist eraser, it is obvious that you have erased a section. Being able to erase without leaving a mark frees up creativity.

Since I began iPad drawing I've used the eraser and translucent white-out tool as an integral part of the design. Critics have praised me for allowing the marks to show and in fact making them important to the piece. Below you can see one of my most popular pieces BIRCHES iPad Drawing, which clearly show this technique. Birches is available in a limited edition 8" x 10" print by contacting me here

Recently I decided to work with my iPad on a series of super simplified drawings and it's been and all absorbing and mind blowing process. The iPad is a lovely smooth surface and the medium is digital printing so no problem there with runs. I also liberally erase or use the back button to correct, so no restrictions there. I love iPad drawing so much that its difficult to pull myself away again to paint with acrylics.

I've always loved the human form and I believe that the purest form of figure drawing is undraped. Although I started this series with nudes, I've diversified to cats and landscapes: I will probably add
flowers, birds and fish, as I continue to explore, but my first love will always be simplified nudes.

For those with delicate sensibilities I am starting here with my cats. Currently each cat drawing is available in art card form by contacting me here. $5 each plus shipping. The cards are 5" x 6.5" and come with an envelope in an archival crystal clear bag. As I update my website I will be adding them to the shop and also my Artfinder gallery. Daily Paintworks is in the process of allowing print purchases so I will add them there when I can.

I'm also in the early stages of designing larger prints on bamboo paper or canvas, which are gorgeous, so I'll keep you informed when they become available.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek at some of the simplified nudes.

The last word - #LYA2017 #LYA17

I think these are the last postcards from "Liberate Your Art" 2016 postcard swap. I could hardly believe my eyes when I went to the mailbox and there was a postcard with birthday greeting from one of my postcard swap buddies, Christine. Hers is the lovely sunset, to which the US postal system has added some deconstructed abstract effects. There is a little note of explanation from the postmistress that it was filed in the wrong postbox, which explains the tardiness. Thanks Christine.

I have to admit that the other one arrived about a month ago and went into my action file tray, where it became buried under my workload. Amy Irwin is a friend from last years' swap. She is a collage artist and I quote "This piece is acrylics on foil and paper towelling with text and letter bits, paper purple bits, fiber and machine sewing." Phew! Amy had intended joining the swap in 2017, but she had printer problems, so I was very fortunate to exchange with her outside the regular swap.

For those new readers that don't have a clue what I'm talking about, I take part in an artistic postcard swap every year organized by Kat Sloma. It takes place in March. You dont have to consider yourself an artist to join in. Check out the details here.

And my post from the 2017 blog hop
https://paintamasterpiece.blogspot.ca/2017/04/kat-sloma-liberate-your-art-postcard.html

Birch Mountain

BIRCH MOUNTAIN
4" approx. Birch Slice
Archival Seal
Use with small easel or hanger attached
$49 + Shipping




Or Click here to purchase

Sister painting to Birch View. I enjoyed painting Birch View so much that I quickly painted this in the same style before I lost the flow. I'm happy to ship as a pair to save you $.

FAMOUS ARTIST BIRTHDAY - Roberto Burle Marx

How cool is this! I came across Roberto Burle Marx on his birthday and I couldn't resist quickly posting a blog. So I apologise for posting late.

Roberto Burle Marx (August 4, 1909 – June 4, 1994) was a Brazilian landscape architect (as well as a painter, print maker, ecologist, naturalist, artist and musician) whose designs of parks and gardens made him world famous. He is accredited with having introduced modernist landscape architecture to Brazil. He was known as a modern nature artist and a public urban space designer. His work had a great influence on tropical garden design in the 20th century. Water gardens were a popular theme in his work. He was deftly able to transfer traditional artistic expressions such as graphic design, tapestry and folk art into his landscape designs. He also designed fabrics, jewellery and stage sets.

Roberto Burle Marx
Born August 4, 1909 São Paulo, Brazil
Died June 4, 1994 (aged 84) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Nationality Brazilian
Occupation Landscape architect
Known for Designing gardens and public spaces

He was one of the first people to call for the conservation of Brazil's rainforests. More than 50 plants bear his name. He amassed a substantial collection of plants at his home, including more than 500 philodendrons. The parkscape of the Copacobana is arguably the largest abstract painting in the world at 4km long. This rivals Parque Guell in Barcelona in my mind and is now on my bucket list.

Amazing work and amazing life!

Birch Apple

BIRCH APPLE
4" approx. Birch Slice
Archival Seal
Use with small easel or hanger attached
$49 + Shipping



Or click here

We are working our way through fruit season here in the Okanagan. The smoke blown from nothern forest fires has returned, but it doesnt seem to have affected the fruit which is delicious. All our fruit is a bit late this year because the summer was late, but so far we've had scumptious strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries. Now apricots are coming on, with peaches close behind. Then come the apples, pears, grapes and plums. Our farmers markets are bubbling with local fruit growers, jam and juice suppliers and of course wine.

Birch Lake

BIRCH LAKE
4" approx. Canadian Birch Slice
Archival Seal
Use with small easel or attached hanger
$49 + Shipping



Or click here

A local lake view painted on a sealed natural Canadian birch slice.