BLUSHING MAGPIE
6" X 8" Strathmore Windpower
Sold unframed (image is an example of how it would look with a soft white mat and brushed silver frame.
I completed this pretty painting last year, but I've never framed it. When I discovered the matshop MAT-O-MATIC ap, I wanted to see how it would look in a brushed silver frame. I love it.
The blushing magpie is a real bird that I saw just outside my home. The pink was for real. When I searched the internet there were more sightings of pink magpies in other parts of the world but none locally. It's a mystery, but I hope the magpie comes back to visit me again this year.
RED MOUNTAIN
8" x 6" Strathmore Windpower
Can be matted and framed as shown
(extra for frame and shipping)
The plane from Kelowna to Vancouver flies over the coastal range in all it's splendor. Depending on the time of day you can see the mountains spread out below you like white icing sugar or if you're lucky, catch them at sunrise or sunset.
COOL CAT
4" x 6" Strathmore 140lb 300 g/m2
Original watercolor
I can't stay away from painting animals too long. I was inspired to paint this photo when I couldn't sleep a few nights ago. Those eyes grabbed me and pulled me in and said "Paint me, paint me!". I usually paint cats that have slitty pupils, but these wide open blue pools were so beautiful that I reached for my handy little watercolour set and got started.
At first I thought I would do a quick sketch, but it was about 4am when I finally put my brush down. It's amazing how long a small painting can take sometimes. They always say don't attempt to paint every piece of hair or fur, but in this case I think it works beautifully. Unfortunately every hair was carefully considered and that took time.
I've received word that I have at least one sale at our new airport location and perhaps more. I'm contemplating what to submit for the next call, closing in April. It is requested that we focus on locally inspired art. Visitors are attracted to our area for so many reasons, the lakes, the fishing, the skiing, the wineries, the fruit, hiking, water sports etc. that there are so many options to choose from. Last time I submitted mainly local scenes on canvas, but I haven't painted many lately.
We can only submit 10 works and they are exhibited for half a year, so it's a bit nerve racking. Small, inexpensive and stunning sells well, but 10 x $50 is only $500 less commission and fees so not a good payback for all the work. 10 x $100 sounds better, but they would have to be totally awe inspiring to sell at that price in a departure lounge.
I'm considering wildlife for a change and I don't mean what spills out of the local clubs at closing time.
MAGIC HOUR
4" X 6" Strathmore 140lb 300g/m2
Mixed Media
This is mixed media with watercolor and pastel. I painted it for the Daily Paintworks sky challenge. I'm still enjoying my little traveling water color set and I'm very pleased with the intensity of the colors.
HAPPY HEART IX (The Hug)
Original Mixed Media
4" x 6" Strathmore 140lb 300 g/m2
I've been drawing hearts and coloring them in for over a week now and so I'm familiar with the dimensions and pitfalls. For Valentine's Day I've created something I've wanted to do for a long time. It's a single color brush stroke without any correction or embellishment.
It looks simple, but have you ever tried to draw a heart freehand in one stroke with reasonable symmetry and enough character to be interesting? It's one of those things that onlookers think is very easy for artists, but as my trash can will testify - NOT! If you've never tried it, give it a go and I rest my case!
This is one of the most minimalist paintings I have ever created, challenging but worthwhile. I wonder if I would ever build up the courage to get a huge can of flow paint, a broom and a whopping great canvas, and let loose in monumental proportions.
This app was shared on GET YOUR ART OUT THERE by member Nan Johnson. Nan found the link on another artists blog but I don't have that person's name to give credit. It is a website where you can see your painting in a home environment and save an image for your promotions. I immediately set to work loading some of my larger paintings and displaying the image where I have them for sale.
Things I love
1. You can drag or upload your painting easily.
2. You can upload an image of any room, so you can show your client your work in their home.
3. You can enlarge or reduce the size to approximate how your painting would look.
4. You can move the upload around until it looks like it is hanging in the right position.
5. There is a good selection of professionally photographed rooms to use.
Things I don't love
1. There is no shadow around the image so it can look like your painting is floating.
2. The rooms are very modern and many of my clients have comfy contemporary or antique furniture.
3. It would be nice to have a selection of professionally photographed frames to pop your art into.
4. The image is saved in a small format and I have to upsize to fit my gallery platform requirements.
5. The app is geared towards larger works and doesn't work as well for small works.
6. You have to guess the size of your painting in the setting because there is no measuring device.
All that having been said, I'm very grateful to Nan for finding this app because Artfinder has recently discontinued their in context app and it is almost a requirement to show your work in context if you want to get into their marketing programs. Below are three of my paintings in context using the app.
HEART AND ROSES
Acrylic on 6" x 9" Strathmore Windpower
One of the most important things a modern artist can learn is nothing to do with painting, it is how to create an accurate image of their work to post on the internet. Van Gogh and Monet didn't have this problem, but the further we move into the onscreen age the more important this becomes.
I've discovered that not every technique works for every artist. A lot of it depends on where you live (ambient light) and what media you use. I've developed my own method based on hundreds of tips I've explored, but I still have challenges with some paintings, particularly those with iridescent, interference or fluorescent paint. This painting is one of those and I'm sure it hasn't sold yet because I just can't take an accurate image.
I follow a blog by Karen Margulis who is a pastel artist and these are her tips. Do you have any tips you can share in comments?
How I Photograph My Paintings by Karen Maruglis
It has to be low tech and low maintenance. I want quality photos of my paintings for my blog but I don't want to spend a lot of time taking them. I need to point, shoot, upload and not have to do much editing. I have worked out a system that works for me. It is simple and takes little effort.
All I use is a point and shoot digital camera and take a photo of the painting while it is still up on the easel. Nothing fancy. I just point and shoot and keep the flash on.
My easel and current painting. When I am finished painting I take the photo
Keep in mind this is the set up I use to take low resolution photos for blogging and for email. I also use them to print small photos and for my business cards. If I need higher resolution photos I will increase the quality setting on my camera to high (about 10 megapixels)
I use a Panasonic Lumix digital camera set on a medium quality setting.
I always keep the flash on.
I don't use a tripod but I do have steady hands.
I stand about 4-5 feet from the painting and zoom into the painting. I don't crop it in the camera but leave a bit of the foamcore showing.(I will crop it when I upload the photo to my computer)
I have two fluorescent light fixtures over my easel area. I keep a warm and cool bulb in each.
This balance of light along with the camera flash results in color that is very true to my paintings.
I upload the photos to my computer. I have an iMac and use iPhoto. I crop the photo in iPhoto. Occasionally I need to adjust brightness, contrast or saturation which is easily done in iPhoto. 95% of the time I don't have to make adjustments.
This system works well for me. Since we all have different lighting situations it will take some experimentation to find the correct balance of light to get the truest colors. If your photos come out too warm or yellow....try turning on the flash and stand back about 5 feet.
HAPPY HEART VII (The Patriot)
Original Mixed Media with gold, bronze and silver
6" x 4" 140lb 300 G/M2
I read this article on how successful women start their day and I was struck by the propensity to meditate and exercise. Personally I use the early hours when I'm brightest to accomplish detailed tasks that I will be too tired or disinterested in to tackle later.
5am - 8 am (Time depends whether I've worked into the night or not, which is fairly common)
Get up, stumble to the bathroom. On the way turn on the kettle which I've filled the night before because my eyes are barely open yet.
5:15 - 8:15 am
Down that delicious cup of coffee which I generally take back to bed with me
5:15 - 8:15 am for a few hours
Tackle emails, check blog makes sense and went out OK, read incoming blogs, newsletters etc. and post interesting stuff to GET YOUR ART OUT THERE Facebook Group.
6 - 12 noon - I always have breakfast but timing could be anything before noon. Usually coffee gets me motivated and I eat when I feel hungry.
10 am ish - Have a nice hot cup of English Breakfast Tea. Oh so delicious!
10 - 1pm - Start work on my daily painting(s) - now the fun begins!
I'm curious what your mornings are like. Leave a comment or if you're shy feel free to email me.
HAPPY HEART VI (Family Love) Original on Strathmore 140lb (300 G/M2) 4" x 6"
This is a fun piece created for my heart series. It is mixed media with an upper surface of pastel. I wanted to convey the topsy turvy, fluttery feeling experienced when you fall in love. When you are an adult it makes you feel like a child again. If I could bottle that feeling I would be a rich person.
If you love to gift art but don't know a person's taste, my internet gallery ARTFINDER has lovely gift cards available. They are easy to order and can be used for my work or any of the thousands of other works available.Click here.
I admit I've been lax in building my portfolio at Artfinder, but they have sold work for me and I love their elegant and easy to navigate format, so I will be adding more in the next year.
Sadly, like Daily Paintworks, Artfinder don't allow giclee or prints of original works, but most of my work is available in limited edition print, printed art card, printed postcard, or limited edition merchandise like totes, USB Drives, Keyring Flashlights, Fridge Magnets etc. You can see them here.
HAPPY HEART V (The Rainbow) Original Mixed Media 6" x 4" Strathmore Postcard
This week I was inspired by the story of Corrina Thurston on Artsy Shark Feed. On reading the article, I realized that the most important thing I have learned this year as I move towards retirement, is DON'T MULTI TASK.
As a female, I have the ability to multi-task built in and I've always been a queen at piling more on top of an already busy life, but just because you're able doesn't mean you should. Last year I discovered that by working on one thing at a time I accomplished more and experienced less stress over half finished projects. I now say NO to adding things which don't further my goals and I'm far more relaxed and happy.
Corrina, who is building an art business while recovering from serious illness backs me up on this. Read the article below for her story.
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 inlayer. 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.
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.
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.
Antoine-Ferdinand Attendu participated in the First Impressionist Exhibition (Salon des Refusee) THE SALON DES REFUSEES 1874 In
1874 a relatively insignificant exhibition of 30 Artists took place in
Paris. At the time Impressionism was a radical new style being explored
by a small group of artists in the city of light. Because the style
bucked tradition, many were turned away by the Salon, which was the most
important exhibition of the Parisian calendar. The loosly formed group,
headed by Edouard Manet, elected to put together a non juried
exhibition, the only criteria being that the Salon had refused your
submission. As such, the exhibition included many fringe artists that
are relatively unknown today. I like to think I would
have been one of this silent radical group, mixing with Manet, Monet,
Degas and Lautrec, meeting in the parks, coffee shops and night clubs of
19th Century Paris, living outside convention, and involved in the
process of change. Because I feel such a connection to Belle Epoch Paris
and the Impressionist movement, I will be introducing some of these
relative unknowns over time. ANTOINE-FERDINAND ATTENDU (b. circa 1845 - d. circa 1908) French
Not much is known about the life of Antoine-Ferdinand Attendu. He studied under Louis Mettling and painted mainly in Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine. He was a competent painter that had already been accepted for the Salon exhibition of 1870.
Attendu painted mainly landscape and still life which is reflected in the six paintings he chose to show at the first Impressionist exhibition. Two of the paintings were watercolour, but he also painted in oil, so he probably sketched in watercolour and worked up larger pieces in oil. A few of his paintings have come on the market in the last 20 years, but his style is not in fashion and he isn't well known, so they don't fetch high prices.
SOCIETE ANONYME DES ARTISTES PEINTRES, SCULPTEURS, GRAVEURS,
ETC...
____________________
PREMIÈRE
EXPOSITION
1874
35, boulevard des Capucines, 35
___________
CATALOGUE
_______
Prix : 50 centimes
L'exposition est ouverte du 15 avril au 15 mai 1874,
de 10 h. du matin à 6 h. du soir et de 8 h. à
10 h. du soir
PRIX D'ENTREÉE : 1 FRANC.
PARIS
IMPRIMERIE ALCAN-LÉVY,
61, RUE DE LAFAYETTE
-
Exposition
de 1874
-
CATALOGUE
_
ATTENDU (Antoine-Ferdinand)
3, rue de s Fossés-Saint-Jacques,
Paris
7. Nature morte. Appartient
à M. A. Q.
8. Un fin Connaisseur.
9. Quelques réflexions (au XIII arrondissement).
10. Nature morte: Musique. Aquarelle.
11. Nature morte: cuisine.
12. Id. id. Aquarelles. Appartiennent à
M. J. D.
GOOGLE TRANSLATION 7. Still Life . Owned by Mr. A. Q. 8. An end Aware. 9. Some thoughts (the 13th Arrondissement). 10. Still life: Music . Watercolor . 11. Still life: food. 12. Id . Id. Watercolors. Owned by Mr. J. D.
Finding any of the above mentioned paintings has proven difficult. The catalogue is sketchy at best and many artists didn't name their paintings or gave them a generic name. Sometimes when paintings change country their title is translated or changed, so it's a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Each time I talk about a fellow painter I like to search my catalogue for a painting that reminds me of their style or has some other connection. I painted this blue enamel pot in Paris and with the cracked plaster in the background and the french blue colour, it always reminds me of a wonderful trip. It is currently on super auction 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
There's
not much known about the artist's life. He was Louis Mettling's
student; the painter mostly painted still lifes and landscapes, working
in Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine. The painter exhibited at the Salon in
1870 and 1898; he also participated in the first Impressionist
exhibition of 1874 with six paintings. - See more at:
http://www.artistsandart.com/2011/10/antoine-ferdinand-attendu-french.html#sthash.3PmRNHdp.dpu
There's
not much known about the artist's life. He was Louis Mettling's
student; the painter mostly painted still lifes and landscapes, working
in Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine. The painter exhibited at the Salon in
1870 and 1898; he also participated in the first Impressionist
exhibition of 1874 with six paintings. - See more at:
http://www.artistsandart.com/2011/10/antoine-ferdinand-attendu-french.html#sthash.3PmRNHdp.dpuf
View my online Gallery of originals here DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO here
Art Postcards $3 and Art Cards $5 here
Fridge Magnets and Totes here
Well, I guess you're never too old to learn something new.
MY FRIEND SWAMPY
My studio/gallery only has a noisy and expensive air conditioner in the main gallery/lounge area, so I've been trying to work out what to do on those screaming hot days in July/August that are fast approaching. Central air is not possible and due to the configuration of the building I can only fix a split air conditioner on my balcony/studio wall, but again it would be expensive and take up valuable outdoor space, not to mention spoiling it with heat and noise.
I could buy a portable air conditioner which would do the job, but apparently they are noisy, need a hose through the window and expensive to run. What's more they are very drying which is never a good thing with acrylic paint.
After much research and many trips to the hardware store, plus some trial and error, I've got the solution. Yay! I purchased a swamp cooler. Some of you may never have heard of this machine, because it's pretty old technology and largely fazed out, but I managed to find a new one with ionizer/air cleaning technology and multi speed oscillating fan that can be wheeled from room to room.
Swampy likes to drink, but only clean water. You fill his belly with water and it is drawn up by a filter so the fan cools the air as it passes over. The surrounding area is cooled by 10 degrees Centigrade or more in Fahrenheit. Best yet, in our desert climate, it adds a touch of moisture to the air which not only extends the drying time of acrylic paint, but does wonders for your complexion. Swampy also likes to breathe, so leaving my window or door slightly open suits my love of fresh air and I don't feel trapped inside.
I've tested this miracle worker on several hot days and he really does knock the nastiness out of the heat, with limited noise pollution. Best yet, he only inhabits 1 sq ft of floor space and uses the same energy as a regular light bulb. I can see life is going to be much easier in the studio this summer.
My friend Swampys professional name is ECO AIR COOLER by Floater Imports. But I'm sure there are other makes available which would do the same job.
Emblazoned on the shield of The Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine is the word Aequanimitas.
The term means imperturbability and was regarded by Sir William Osler
as the premier quality of a good physician.
In his essay, Aequanimitas,
Dr. Osler further defines this concept as coolness and presence of mind
under all circumstances, calmness amid storm, clearness of judgment in
moments of grave peril. In full development, it has the nature of a
divine gift, a blessing to the possessor, a comfort to all who come in
contact with him. At the beginning of their Osler residency, interns are
given a copy of this essay --- both to bolster their spirit and to
refresh their memories during the trials of the following year.
+-+Acrylic+-+6+x+8+-+$119.jpg)
Emblazoned on the shield of The Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine is the word Aequanimitas.
The term means imperturbability and was regarded by Sir William Osler
as the premier quality of a good physician.