30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS - DAY 3 - MORPHO BUTTERFLY ON A TEACUP - Daily Paintworks Challenge

I've been hosting another Daily Paintworks challenge this week. There is still plenty of time to add your own painting and it's free.

Try as I might I couldn't create a good image of my painting. It's certainly not as blue as it appears on my screen.


The Tea Cup Challenge

No doubt you've seen many beautiful still life paintings of china cups on Daily Paintworks. I've always envied artists that can paint those dainty cups and make them even prettier. This challenge is about painting a simple china cup and saucer but make it your own. What could you do to make it even more special? This is your chance to get super creative and paint a still life masterpiece. You can make it into an abstract, change it's colour, add sparkles or remove the rose pattern. You are the master.

Some ideas

1. Add fruit

2. Add some steaming liquid

3. Add a flower

4. Add a butterfly

5. Add a cookie or cupcake

6. Change the colour of the background

Or???

You can use this image, search for another on morguefile or use your own. This image is from morgue file free photos http://morguefile.com.

If you have any ideas for future challenges, please let Carol know. (me@carolmarine.com) Thanks!

Stay tuned for more new paintings in the next 30 days.

If you are an artist and would like to join in, here is the link - 30 in 30
Posted as #107

ALL TIME MOST POPULAR BLOGS - SUNSET on Windpower - Painting Progression

ALL TIME 2nd MOST POPULAR BLOG
Originally published 
9th May 2013 


SUNSET 
ORIGINAL PAINTING 

8" x 6" on Windpower
To view my Gallery or purchase this painting  visit Daily Paintworks






 
Today's task for Leslie Saeta's Art marketing class is to create a new painting and take progress photos at intervals. This month I've been painting PEOPLE'S CHOICE for my online DPW Gallery but today I felt like cutting loose and doing a natural abstract. I find it quite fascinating to watch a painting change, especially an abstract.Here are 7 progress photos showing the birth of "Sunset" 

I've painted from this particular photo session before because I love the colour combinations. It was a from flight over Georgia Strait a couple of years ago. There  is something very magical about aerial photos; because we are partly above the atmosphere the colours are even more spectacular than at sea level.

This time I chose to paint "Alla Prima" which, means a wet on wet or "Bob Ross" type painting done in one sitting with no drying period in between. Because Acrylics dry so quickly they allow you to layer very soon after you have painted a section which gives a crisper, brighter look, different to Oil painting.

I could have stopped at any stage, because I like them all, but after rotating the painting and adding iridescent highlights, I knew this was it. I will try and capture the shimmering highlights in a photo tomorrow. I LOVE the result!


Image # 1 - Blocking in layer. I think this is wonderful and if I was Henri Matisse I may have put it on the side as a record and started again. I pressed on.

Image # 2 - Continuing to block in. Here I am testing which colours make the painting pop, with one eye on the original inspiration photo. I am always aware that upper layers including washes, will change the intensity and colour.
 


Image # 3 - Starting to mix colour and blend. In Oil painting it's a challenge not to create mud at this point, but with Acrylics you just have to wait a few minutes while working on a different area.


Image # 4 - Creating texture. One of the challenges with Acrylics is that they like to suck onto the substrate and flatten. If you are skilled you can create a 3D effect by layering flat surfaces. The only other ways to create depth is to use modelling paste under the paint or to mix thick gel into the paint.

Image # 5 - Thicker texture. This is where the gel comes in.

  
Image # 6 - Intensifying light with iridecent white. I find this type of paint adds a touch of mystery to a painting but it took some time to understand that in photos and from some angles it appears like a dark splodge rather than a pretty flash.


Image # 7 - Finishing with bronze/gold highlights. These are the ones you have to be particularly careful with the shapes they create.


 



I didn't set out to paint like Ruth Andre and we use different media, but the end result is somewhat reminiscent of her style. The original photo had Magenta on the bottom, but this painting works either way, or rotated 90 degrees. The portrait aspect converts "Sunset" into a completely abstract painting and makes the iridescent paint look amazing.

 













 




































Cat # 11315 Sunset
Protected Copyright 2016

RED SWAN - SWAN II - SILENT AUCTION

SILENT AUCTION

My popular silent auction is back for the holiday season.

There are over 40 paintings in the Silent Auction. See them all here. Bid privately by clicking on the email button at the top of the page. Or leave a comment here. Bidding is in $5 increments but you can bid as much as you choose. Low bids sometimes spark a bidding war and higher bids may discourage competition. You may bid on as many pieces and as often as you choose. Please include the name of the painting you are bidding on and your email address.

The auction runs till midnight PST 30th November 2015. Bidding is available online and at all my seasonal shows. I will try to keep you informed, but you may email me any time to ask for your current standing or increase your bid.

You will be contacted if you win. Auction prices are for pick up in Kelowna, BC. Canada. If you would like your painting shipped I'm happy to do so at cost. Payment is with Cash or Paypal. 

LOT 28
SWAN II
Part of my special holiday SILENT AUCTION
10" x 8" Canvas Panel
Starting Bid $20

LOT 27
RED SWAN
Part of my special holiday SILENT AUCTION
10" x 8" Canvas Panel
Starting Bid $20

LOT 44
LET IT FALL
by Alex Fong
8" x 6" Watercolour
14" x 11" double mat with original bio on the back
 

This pretty ALEX FONG PRINT "LET IT FALL" is also in the Silent Auction. Alex Fong is a household name in Canada and we are lucky that he lives in our area. Alex told me that this rare print features his own rescue cat.  

Prints are not allowed on Daily Paintworks so this item can only be viewed here. To bid, email me or comment here and quote Lot 44.

FAMOUS ARTISTS BIRTHDAY - PIERRE BONNARD

CLICK FOR SLIDESHOW

PIERRE BONNARD
Born 13 October 1867 at Fontenay-aux-Roses, France

He initially studied law, but in 1888 enrolled at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Academie with Julian with Maurice Denis, Paul Serusier, Paul Ranson and Edouard Vuillard. A member of the Nabis and influenced by Gaugin and later Monet.

1912 lived in Vernon near Giverny, France
1925 lived in Le Cannet near Cannes, France
23 January 1947 Died in Le Cannet, France

THE WINDOW by Pierre Bonnard 1925

When I think of the name Bonnard I instantly think of his nudes. However, his body of work seems cover a cross section of subjects from figure to landscape, to still life and beyond. He also played with colour. The painting above seems largely influenced by the colours of Monet, but his palettes are many and varied. Click through to the slide show to see how varied his work could be.

Overall, I would say Bonnard was an artist that liked to experiment, being excited by all the new ideas that surrounded him. His use of colour was largely impressionistic, as was his brushwork, but there is something beyond that. He tests perspective and form, showing flashes of Matisse and Gaugin in his figures. The painting above would be a very nice take on a landscape, but then he has added a rather primitive figure looking over the balcony which makes one question if this is a work by a great painter, or by a novice. Closer examination of the composition shows it's mastery.

ITALIAN HOLIDAY
by Sea Dean
8" x 6"



Thinking of my work this painting comes to mind, with the simply painted tourist making her way through streets heavy on perspective.

I love revisiting my paintings from a few seasons ago. Sometimes I have dismissed them because they are not in my regular genre, but that doesn't mean they are inferior.

In this painting I enjoy the warm colours which remind me of times I've played tourist in strange cities off the beaten track. I like the story this painting tells, shutters closed against the strong afternoon sun and the flower boxes eking out a tiny bit of territory in the big city And what is around that corner in the background, a busy shopping district, a fabulous cathedral, or a city park? Where is the traveler heading? Is she lost or taking a short cut? Is it you or a friend? You have the power to write that story.

Thanks to Leslie Saeta for providing the original photo for the painting.

MEMORIAL PET PORTRAIT PROGRESS SHOTS - SESHA

SESHA
by Sea Dean
8" x 6" Strathmore Windpower
SOLD

This is a commission memorial pet portrait. Sesha passed recently and her owner misses her furry presence. She used to love to sit near the heater in the bathroom on her peachy coloured blanket, so I incorporated the colour in the background. When her owner walked into the bathroom to find her she always had a guilty look as if she had been stealing a nap on duty.

Once the owner has approved the portrait I will add some of Seshas ashes to the fur to make a special memorial to a much loved puss.

If you've lost a much loved companion I would be happy to do the same thing for you. My Memorial Portraits start at $105 for an 8" x 6" U Frame it painting. I can also mat and frame if you prefer.

DISHES DONE YAY! - LAST LIGHT - LET IT FALL - SILENT AUCTION

SILENT AUCTION

My popular silent auction is back for the holiday season.

There are over 40 paintings in the Silent Auction. See them all here. Bid privately by clicking on the email button at the top of the page. Or leave a comment here. Bidding is in $5 increments but you can bid as high as you choose. Low bids sometimes spark a bidding war and higher bids may discourage competition. You may bid on as many pieces and as often as you choose. Please include the name of the painting you are bidding on and your email address.

The auction runs till midnight PST 30th November 2015. Bidding is available online and at all my seasonal shows. I will try to keep you informed, but you may email me any time to ask for your current standing or increase your bid.

You will be contacted if you win. Auction prices are for pick up in Kelowna, BC. Canada. If you would like your painting shipped I'm happy to do so at cost. Cash or Paypal. 

LOT 26
DISHES DONE YAY!
by Sea Dean
(above)
5" x 7" Canvas Panel
The current bid is $20 
Bidding is in $5 increments

LOT 36
LAST LIGHT

by Sea Dean
7" x 5" Canvas Panel
The current bid is $25
Bidding is in $5 increments

LOT 44
LET IT FALL
by Alex Fong
8" x 6" Watercolour
14" x 11" double mat with original bio on the back
 

This pretty ALEX FONG PRINT "LET IT FALL" is also in the Silent Auction. Alex Fong is a household name in Canada and we are lucky that he lives in our area. Alex told me that this rare print features his own rescue cat. Prints are not allowed on Daily Paintworks so this item can only be viewed here. To bid email or comment quoting Lot 44.

TOWN HOME

TOWN HOME
8" x 6" Strathmore Windpower
Available at Daily Paintworks

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

DRAGONFLY DANCE WITH STARS

DRAGONFLY DANCE WITH STARS by Sea Dean in room light

DRAGONFLY DANCE in daylight

DRAGONFLY DANCE WITH STARS
by Sea Dean
8" x 6" Canvas Panel
Available at Daily Paintworks

VIew my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I enjoyed painting this after a long hot day visiting exhibitions.

It's an energetic little painting with delicate sparkles here and there, particularly in the dragonfly's eyes. The blue background is a translucent teal colour. There is also, now you see it, now you don't green/gold interference paint in the air currents and on the body of the dragonfly. None of these special effects seem to show well in an image. Trust me, it's far nicer in person.

GLACIAL LAKE - PADDLING THE INLET and Johannes Vloothuis on painting water

GLACIAL LAKE by Sea Dean

This is a painting I created in a paint along with Johannes Vloothuis. These are very long sessions of up to 6 hours without a break, but his instruction is well worth it. Johannes uses a more natural style than I do, so if I was to paint this larger it would probably have more texture and brighter colours, but I do really like it. The painting is available framed at Daily Paintworks. 

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

PADDLING THE INLET by Sea Dean

PADDLING THE INLET is a block mounted painting ready to hang or display free standing on a window sill or shelf. It was painted after one of my many trips to the pacific northwest. This painting is also available in my Daily Paintworks online gallery. 

While beautiful in the sunshine, this area is just as stunning on a cloudy day. It seems to have a mystical, magical, peaceful quality to the light and atmosphere. No wonder the Coast Salish have so many stories and legends to explain the creation of this area.

Below are some of Johannes tips to painting water.

Johannes Vloothuis 
Rules of Thumb for Painting Water Reflections:

• Whatever is dark on dry land will be lighter in the water.
• Whatever is light on dry land will be darker in the water.
• Colors become less saturated in water reflections. Even white will need to be grayed down in the water.
• Details are left out. Only the basic smudges of color are needed.
• Avoid all hard edges in water reflections.
• Because water is more dense than air it, will absorb light. Therefore do not repeat the same value of the sky in the water reflections. Water will almost always be darker than the sky it is mirroring.

“The Complete Essentials of Painting Water” and other video courses are available at NorthLightShop.com. North Light has also just released a new eBook written by Johannes titled Landscape Painting Essentials. Join his online art classes at http://improvemypaintings.com.


REF 4133 Glacial Lake

BEFORE THE WIND - Spring sailing

BEFORE THE WIND
By Sea Dean
4" x 4" Canvas Panel
$70

View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

With spring in the air my thoughts always turn to sailing. Spring breezes make for great sailing; crisp air, fresh wind on the skin and a feeling of blowing out the cobwebs from your whole being. Of course there is always the refreshment afterwards hot chocolate or Irish coffee ... your choice.

To my eye this image seems a bit dark, but the painting certainly isn't. I think Blogger may be up to it's tricks again.


REF 3278 Before the Wind

JOHANNES VLOOTHUIS FREE CLASS - GLACIAL LAKE FRAMED

GLACIAL LAKE   
READY TO HANG 
Johannes Vloothuis inspired work by Sea Dean
8" x 6" on Canvas Panel
Frame Approx 11" x 10"
$95

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO her

I was introduced to Johannes through Marion Hedger: see her work here.

Every now and then Johannes gives a free class and on Saturday you can link to one here. The classes are usually real time and can continue for four or more hours, but this one is advertised as 90 minutes. He certainly has a lot of useful information and this will be no exception. Come join me.

Ref Glacial Lake 4133

GIVE YOUR BRUSHES SOME LOVE - HEARTFELT FRAMED FOR UNDER $100

HEARTFELT by Sea Dean - Black Frame

HEARTFELT
By Sea Dean
Ready to Hang
8" x 6" on Strathmore Windpower
Frame Approx 11" x 10"
Display horizontal or vertical
$95

To view my online Gallery of originals please visit Daily Paintworks
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here

In my gallery I have selected works framed and ready to hang. I also recently added more to my Daily Paintworks gallery. They make great gifts for those that simply don't have time to work with framers. 

As I keep my costs low, prices start at $35 and most are under $100. Buy with Paypal and I ship the next working day.


GIVE YOUR BRUSHES SOME LOVE

Because I treat them well I've been using the same brushes every day for years. Here are some tips on how to care for your most important tools.

1. Never leave out of water with paint on the bristles when not in use.
2. Never stand in water that comes higher than half way up the metal piece 
3. Clean when you finish for the day and every time you change your water.
4. Use tepid water. Acrylic is plastic and therefore needs warmth to help detach it from the bristle. Hot water melts the glue which holds the bristles and handle in place and also damages the bristles over time.
5. Clean under running water or in a large bowl. Do not stub the brush down onto the surface of the bowl. Gently brush it back and forth. Under water separate the bristle gently with your finger nail making sure the clean water gets right to the base of the bristles. 
6. Water should suffice unless the bristle has taken on dye by using strong pigments like Phthalo Blue. If the bristles have taken on dye, use some dish soap, saddle soap or Murphys soap to clean. I've heard of several other methods, but make sure the instructions are for acrylic painting and cleaner is not oil based.
7. Make sure all soap is thouroughly rinsed away and shake brushes to remove most of the water. Blot with an old clean towel. 
8. Lay flat or suspend with bristles downward from a brush hanger. Never dry with bristles pointing upwards or with bristles pushing against a surface.
9. In extreme cases when bristles have curled, use a final rinse of warmer water just on the bristles and smooth on some gum arabic to bring the brush back into shape. Do not rinse but allow to dry and rinse off before use.
10. In even more extreme cases when your beloved wood handled brush has been abused and all the paint has flaked off the surface, a coat of varnish will bring them back to life. You can use hardware store varnish, or in a pinch clear nail polish or the thicker variety of varnish for paintings. I suppose you could also use your thicker acrylic paints and put your own style on them. A clear coat over the top and you're ready to paint another 100 canvases.

I've been a stickler for GOLDEN TAKELON BRUSHES for several years. They are easy to paint with and easy to clean. White Takelon is too soft and Brown Takelon is too hard. Bristle is designed for oil painting and watercolour brushes are too expensive and too soft anyway. Golden Takelon is just right for most surfaces and it's cheap too! 

Until recently I've mainly painted small canvases up up to  6 sq ft seated at my easel or desk and using short handled brushes. However, I'm starting to paint larger and courser canvasis, so it was time to reassess my tools. 

Firstly when painting larger it's better to stand so that you can reach everywhere with ease. It also helps to be more mobile and step back often to gain perspective. When standing it's better to use a long handled brush which also gives you more perspective. Secondly, I've found that the courser substrate demands a tougher brush to push the paint into the crevices and facilitate sweeping brushstrokes without tugging. I've therefore started to use stronger natural bristle and Takelon brushes with long handles. I also find that for covering large backgrounds, the large flat brushes they sell for varnishing and gesso work very well for at least the base coat.

Recently I completed an 8 Sq Ft exhibition canvas and during the process I trialed a new type of brush by Royal Langnickle called ZEN. I was very pleased with the way they slid across the canvas and yet had a tensile strength to them. They feel luxurious in the hand because they have metal (yes metal) handles. They remind me of sexy sports cars covered in chrome. And clean up is a dream. No more flaking wood and no more acrylic gummed onto silicon handles. Yay! I fell in love immediately and today I treated myself to a complete set of 1/2 and 3/4 inch plus some scripts for detail and signatures. I know that sounds extravagant, but they were 40% off at Michaels plus the most expensive is only $7. What a deal!

Get your Micheals Coupons here.
And no, I'm not getting a kick back, but if someone knows how I can please pass it on.