The CoVid Victory Garden - Learning from history

It’s a little early in our parts, but due to isolation my thoughts have been turning to making a victory garden. Victory over CoVid that is.

CURLY LETTUCE by Sea Dean

I am completely isolating due to my weak immune system and lungs and my survivalist stash will come in very handy. I always have plenty of vitamins, minerals, rice and protein powder on hand. However, there is no substitute for the delight of fresh greens. I live in a condo, so no garden; although there is a fresh herb garden maintained by the complex, which I would be putting myself in touch and droplet jeopardy to use. So I’ve been eyeing up my balcony and planters. I usually plant geraniums, but perhaps I will follow the lead of my forebears and plant a victory garden this year.

The idea of the victory garden was invented in WWI Britain to nourish a starving population. By-laws were relaxed allowing people to create veggie gardens in public spaces and even keep a few livestock if they shared the meat and eggs.

CABBAGE by Sea Dean

I remember my paternal grandmother had a large allotment where her four strapping boys would dig, plant and weed like a multi handed machine. There was even an evil minded goat for milk called Olive and you didn’t want to turn your back on her. One day she got loose during milking and chased my maternal grandmother all the way down the main road. Nana Dot grew berries in her back yard and made jam and pickles for the whole family which were fairly distributed amongst those who did the work. Every weekend the boys would show up with their families to weed, water and pick, the kids would play in the dirt and the women make tea and exchange gossip. It was part of the cement that made family so important to me.

My balcony is quite large, but shaded, so I’m probably just going to plant herbs, arugula and lettuce. It will be fun to bring life and growth back into this sad world. I’m thinking I may drop some seeds off at my Mums care home so they can plant their own and give the residents something to occupy themselves with. (Of course I will wear gloves, wipe off all the packets with alcohol and seal in a plastic bag to keep the residents and staff safe).

I would love to hear if you have any plans for your own victory garden.

Stay Home - Stay Safe

Spring has sprung

THE SUN STILL SHINES by Sea Dean

Somehow in all the confusion and life changing events of CoVid 19, the start of spring has gone whistling by. I didn't ever hear any of the reporters mention it. Apparently the start of spring in the northern hemisphere is March 1st and the Astronomical start was Thursday, March 19, 11:50 am Eastern Daylight time. That would be 2:50pm where I live and according to my schedule I was busy working on an emergency phone list if I succumb.

However I discovered it was spring when a group of Canada Geese flew in for a quick dip in my creek. They make an almighty racket so its hard to miss them. Some of the noises really do sound like the honking of an 18 wheeler horn. 

Stay home, Stay safe

DAY 29 of 30 - HEAVENLY SKY

HEAVENLY SKY by Sea Dean 4 x 6 inch solid  wood block

I’ve painted the northern lights before and its not easy. This painting however, came together quickly. The northern lights are double layered with opaque paint underneath and iridescent paint on top. There are three iridescents, Pebeo iridescent blue black, iridescent purple, and Stevenson interference green. Because most of the painting has the iridescent/interference paints, you never see the same colours twice.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 28 of 30 - TWIN CIRCLE NEST final version

It was tough resisting the urge to ring the nest with leaves, but I managed to pull myself away. To be honest I can’t figure out which way around I should mount this. I think the two on the right are my favorites, but that may change. I find that usually when I have this difficulty I end up choosing the way up that it was painted. What do you think?

I would be quite happy to keep this one, but at least I can enjoy it before it sells. I will have to find a spot for it. I will be posting it for sale on Artfinder ASAP.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 27 of 30 - TWIN CIRCLE NEST

This 12 inch circular canvas board is slowly developing into a textured collage painting. I’m trying not to overwork the leaves or add too many, but I love them so much I probably will add many more. I’m also trying to resist adding another egg, what do you think?

The painting should be finished tomorrow, and then I have to add a mount and varnish, but there weren’t enough hours in the day today.

Lots of crackle in this one Sheila!

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 21 of 30 - NESTING CIRCLE (final version)

NESTING CIRCLE (final) by Sea Dean 

WIP

As I thought yesterday, the slight triangulation of the nest lying on a fork in the tree really helped the composition. It gave the eye something to settle on and understand, taking it from absstract and fantasy to reality.

The particular green that I’ve added to the leaves, Grumbacher Thalo Yellow Green, also gives the painting more depth. It seems garish when you’re using it and you have to have the courage to let it dry and settle, but it was a great tip learned from an artist and friend I much admire, Daniel Dearborn.  I like the softer green in the first WIP, but the final version is much more me.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 20 of 30 - NESTING CIRCLE

NESTING CIRCLE by Sea Dean 12 inch diameter $125 (unmounted)

This was an experiment all the way. I had read somewhere that it was possible to mix acrylic paint with chalk paint, so I wanted to give it a go. I grabbed a round canvas board, just because it was easiest at hand. I added crackle and painted the edge so it could be hung without framing.

I will probably mount this on a hidden square birch cradle, but other options include gluing another identical canvas to the back, mounting in a needlework ring, ordering a 12” round frame, mounting onto a larger square birch cradle or mounting onto the same size round birch cradle.

Painting in the round isn’t easy; do you totally center the composition or off center it? If you off center, how do you balance the lopsidedness and how off center should you go. I remember when I first started painting on square canvas I had the same problem. I think the answer in this case is to triangulate.

30DCG2020  and ODP

DAY 19 of 30 - BUNNY BUNKIE

BUNNY BUNKIE by Sea Dean 7.5x5x5 inch Mixed Media $39

It’s funny how my feelings change about these bird houses. My favorites now are #1 and #3, but I love these bunnies. It’s off to the gallery on Friday, so I had to decide on a price. I chose $39. As the gallery takes 40%, thats only $20 to me for all that work and thats gross before supplies and overheads. Things have got so expensive that I think $35 is the new $25. What do you think, too low, too high? Your thoughts much appreciated.

Check out the barn owl hiding under the eaves and the bunny bum just visible at the corner of the house.

30DCG2020  and ODP

Trending Decor 2020

SMOOTH by Sea Dean

Avid followers will know that every year I explore home decor colour trends in an effort to create art that fits with popular themes. This year I’ve been pleased to see that designers are veering away from grey and moving towards warmer and more earthy tones.

A NEST FOR TWO by Sea Dean

As for themes, Paris and Antlers are out, but refinished furniture and rustic is still in, although with a softer more textured and less “in your face” look. This suits me perfectly as I still have a mega hoard of interesting pieces ready to refinish. Farmhouse lettering is a bit passé, but well loved country is still popular.

BIRCHES by Sea Dean

More radical trenders will include deep earthy terra cottas and rich browns and golds, but the general look will be warm taupe, beiges, creams, etc. And being a Scandinavian design lover I’m pleased to see very light wood back in style. Also matte black (not shiny and not espresso) is making a come back.

SPARK found item assemblage by Sea Dean

Along with a rich matte look many designers are adding plenty of clear and white glass, skylights, bold accent lighting, sheepskin, homespun fabrics and linen. Leather is perennially popular, but it is definitely moving towards light beiges, taupes, creams and ivories. A nice luscious chunky throw finishes the look.

And is it silver, gold, platinum, oak or black hardware? It seems anything goes, but the look is softer brushed, textured, natural, matte and unfinished lighter wood.

I found this article from a local designer and its spot on.

https://www.kelownanow.com/columns/space_design/

BUTTERFLY - Day 8 - 30 in 30 Challenge

BUTTERFLY is my latest iPad drawing. A totally embellished image of a huge (15”) butterfly called Attacus Atlas. I’m also thinking of turning this into a large painting, so if interested I’d be happy to take a commission. Approximately 72” x 36” would be my preference.

Some new readers may be interested in my digital process, so I thought I would go into detail. Loyal followers have had some of this explained before, but this gives even more about technique. If you have an iPad, follow along.

In general I create my digital drawings from a blank page in the Notes app on my iPad. There are two options,
1. When in the Notes app click on the square with pen symbol at the top, then the plus symbol at the bottom and ‘Add Sketch’. This is the older Markup version which is my main drawing tool with very limited tools and colors. Most of my work to date has been created with this.

2. When in the Notes app click on the square with pen symbol at the top, then the pen symbol at the bottom. This brings up a more complex set of tools and many more colors. Click on each tool and there is a selection of nib sizes and a slider for transparency. Click on the colored circle to the far right and up pops a large selection of colours.
Even the first version has an undo button, a rule and eraser, so its a good way to start.

For drawing I use the index finger of my dominant hand and move it around on the touch screen to draw. This isn’t an accurate method as my finger covers the spot I am working on; sometimes I have to erase many times before I get the mark I want. Yes, I know I could use a stylus, but ultimately a finger is easier on the screen and I tend to be a bit of a Luddite. Luckily there is a handy tool to undo one mark at a time, which I indulge in far too frequently. At art school we were taught never to use an eraser when drawing, so sometimes this feels like cheating. There is an eraser tool which violently removes the area you touch back to a stark white page, but I only use this as a drawing tool to create bright white spots and draw back into them, as in apples or rain drops.

My technique could be called modern folk art due to its simple nature. Because I mainly use #1 basic toolset, I spend oodles of time learning to push the app to its max to fit my vision. My drawings within Notes go from simple line, to highly complex fully rendered explorations: Below are four examples of what can be created with the basic Notes drawing and one finger.

Above is my normal digital technique, however, in the spirit of the Creative Gathering FB group with whom I am creating 30 pieces of art in 30 days, I am experimenting. BUTTERFLY, above like some other 30 in 30 submissions to the group, uses a digital photograph as a base. I then have access to use the digital enhancement tools within iPad Photos app. The digital tools in the iPad Photo app are similar to the Notes app drawing tools in 2. I took them for a run. First I turn up the color saturation to max, then apply the tools with the intention of covering all of the original image.

Sadly its easy to delete the Photo Markup overlay and it doesn’t automatically save, so I created two detailed and time consuming butterflies which were lost and beyond recovery. Losing a piece of art is like losing a child, so this was heartbreaking and I tried for hours to bring them back to no avail. I learned my lesson and now I save the file throughout the process, something which is not often available in other apps.

I persevered and produced the third BUTTERFLY above, each time learning more about the tools and options. I got close, but I still see some areas I could go in and work on. This is an app with which I will enjoy experimenting some more.

As digital work comes in a digital file it can be reproduced in a variety of sizes and framed or mounted; There is no such thing as an ‘original’ but you can produce a limited edition of one.
I generally sell mine in small limited editions. Some of my finished work can be purchased at www.artfinder.com/sea-dean

UNIVERSE - Day 3 - 30 in 30 Challenge

UNIVERSE

This one finger drawing is based on a photograph taken of the stream that runs by my condo. I really love creating these abstracts using the rhythm of nature to inspire. I heavily photoshopped the photograph then used Markup to draw with digital pens. I hope you like it.

NAKED ROCK - Day 1 - 30 in 30 Challenge

I’ve been inspired to get back into gear with another 30 creations in 30 days project. The regular Leslie Saeta Challenge is on hiatus, so a group of fellow painters headed by my cyber friend Sheila Delgado have formed a Facebook group to kick off the season. Sadly the FB group is a closed one, but you can ask to join to see what everyone is posting and if inspired yourself, you can join in. Just search for “30 Day Creative Gathering” when on your FB page.

The call is for any kind of art, so for Day 1, I chose photography. Many don’t consider photographic images as art and it certainly sits in a different category to painting, but good photography is much more difficult than it is given credit for. One of my first jobs was working with a local photographer as his assistant, helping to pose subjects, lugging gear and developing film for hours in a cramped darkroom. Things have moved on, so the process has moved on from technical developing knowledge to photoshopping knowledge, but it is as much part of the art as taking the photo itself. This image has been lightly photoshopped to emphasize the subject and remove distractions, but the color is original, showcasing the amazing brilliance of mountain air.

My Day 1 is an image of a mountain that overlooks the Coquihalla Highway in B.C. Canada. I haven’t driven this road for a while and there were so many enticing views. This peak has always been a favorite of mine. I thought it had an indigenous name, but Google says it’s called Yak Peak, a solid granite core from an extinct volcano.

Quail in the snow

This painting began as a background to frame a one finger drawing, but I liked it so much I finishd it as a painting. It’s one of those works that came together without stress ... always my favorite kind. It is painted on foam board in two kinds of black plus titanium white.

I picture a similar work in a larger format if youre looking for a nature painting without an “in your face” landscape or wild animal painting. Commissions of all kinds and any size are welcome.

QUAIL IN THE SNOW is currently on exhibition at Lake Country Art Gallery, who is having a fun opening on March 31st with hot dogs, prizes and merchandise sold to support the public gallery and animal charities.

$295 Mixed Media on Foam Board. As it is on exhibition, contact me directly to reserve.

It’s that time of year

Cool Jasperware by Sea Dean

The big day is racing towards us and it’s the time of year where we all sit back and review. We’re not the only ones, as the bulk of my incoming emails seem to be desperate attempts aimed at shoppers, or early reviews. I love reviews because someone has done the complex analyticl work for me and I can simply browse their findings. I will be compiling my personal review for 2018, but in the meantime here are some links to cool reviews and predictions I enjoyed recently

Artfinder - Top 30 Artists of 2018
I don’t know what is the top art platform in terms of sales, but Artfinder are up there with the best. Their system is superb, there is no monthly fee and their analysis is extremely useful if you want to sell more art. This is a must read!

7047 Abstract III by Sea Dean

Real Simple - Design Trends 2019
Artists will find these trends exciting.

For me it’s good to see that “Natural Finishes” are continuing to trend. I plan more wood sculptures in 2019 and I’ve just spent a year renovating and totally consumed with natural home decor. I am taking a conservative, traditional condo kicking and screaming into the contemporary world with an emphasis on trees and nature. Aaccording to Real Simple (big sigh of relief) the big natural trend is going to continue for some time.

Sherwyn Williams - Most popular paint colors in 2019
It’s always a good idea for the artist to keep one eye on home decor trends. Patrons buy for many reasons, but ultimately Art must fit their decor. For decorative pattern and abstract artists I prdict 2019 will be a big year

My Sisters Garden - Heliconia

Heliconia

It seems to me that this would benefit from a mat and frame. I had to lighten the image quite a bit and perhaps now it looks a bit too bright and washed out. I rather like the original and I enjoyed playing with the background.

My Sister’s Garden

I’ve been doing a little photography as inspiration for the series. I was inspired to catch some images just after a heavy tropical rain shower washed and polished every plant to its very best. I thought you’d enjoy some of my shots.

My sister’s Garden - Three

This morning I woke to the first blue skies since I arrived. Above, pelicans and eagles were circling, enjoying the updraft. my sister’s Gardn took on a glow as each leaf discovered it’s own hallow of light.

This series will be posted for sale in my shop eventually, but currently you can purchase by contacting me directly. They are painted on 140lb Acid Free 4” x 6” Cold Press Finish atercolor paper. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity and ships in a stiff card envelope for protection.

A great way to get a jump start on your holiday gifts. October Special price $50 including shipping within North America. Items will ship October 30th in plenty of time to beat the rush.

Also, remember to check out the sales I have currently at Artfinder. I’m thrilled to report that I made the selection for small sculptures in their holiday collection. Yay! That’s out of thousands of art works. Take a look here

My Sister’s Garden - One

I’m away on respite. My Mum is with me, but there’s a whole house full of family to keep an eye on her, so the pressure is off. My sister is a great cook, so that burden is also lifted. I’m enjoying long days of rest.

It’s been raining cats and dogs as we’re being lashed by the tail end of several tropical storms, but the rain makes the colors in her garden so beautiful. Of course I have my trusty Koi watercolours with me, so I can’t resist doing some Plein Air on the patio. I may even paint some of those cats and dogs while I’m here.

This series will be posted for sale in my shop eventually, but currently you can purchase by contacting me directly. They are painted on 140lb Acid Free 4” x 6” Cold Press Finish watercolor paper. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity and ships in a stiff card envelope for protection.

A great way to get a jump start on your holiday gifts. October Special price $50 including shipping within North America. Items will ship October 30th in plenty of time to beat the rush.

Also, remember to check out the sales I have currently at Artfinder. I’m thrilled to report that I made the selection for small sculptures in their holiday collection. Yay! That’s out of thousands of art works. Take a look here

#30in30 - Day 4 - Butterfly Effect

Trying to capture the sunny colors of this pretty work

We are five days into the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and I’ve chosen texture as my theme. This painting has lashings of texture in the form of tissue paper, Golden Heavy Matt Gel, Golden Soft Gloss Gel, Rhinestones, Delicate Multi Glitter, Metallic Leaf and collage 3D butterflies. The colors were difficult to capture on camera, but there are tints of Turner Yellow and various greens as well as  irridescent green, blue, and interference violet. You can see some of the sparkles in the lower image. I think I could keep on embellishing a bit more, but the fear with sparkles is always to overdo. sadly they don’t show in the images. The painting was lacking definition and needed more contrast, so the final touch was adding darker butterflies. I’m still contemplating adding some wild grass fronds to the bottom left.

Here you can see some of the metallic effects and this is probably the closest to the color,
although it is a prettier, brighter yellow

Before I changed the butterflies

I started this painting three years ago as a texture and collage demo. I always thought I would finish the painting in quiet time. That was at midnight while I was waiting for the 30 in 30 link to open up. I’m sure my new studio had something to do with bringing a fun and lighthearted quality to the piece. it is truly delightful.

3D effect 

I painted this several ways up, turning it to get the palette knife texture at the right angle. when I had finished I wasn’t sure which way I should display it. I like it both ways. What do you think?

More of the white stuff

A few days ago everyone was walking around without a coat saying that was it for winter. I’ve lived in the north long enough to know better, but it was still nice to open the doors and bask in a bit of sunshine. However, the inevitable happened as you see. Yup those big white blotches are palm sized snowflakes, not cotton wool.

Feel free to be inspired by my snapshots to paint a winter scene. The first image reminds me of a Pissarro. Looking at the colors I find it interesting how limited the palette is and how neutral grey, but there is color to be found. When I photoshopped I was amazed just how much sage, ochre and van dyke brown there is. But looking closer, there are some nice purply hues. Who said winter was drab? If you are inspired, send me an image of your work and I will put you in my blog.