Another African Grey

8 x 10" acrylic on Raymar panel - SOLD

Done for a show called "Purple Haze" at the Hoffman Art Center Gallery in Manzanita.  The pattern in the rug looks more like scattered flowers than woven in but I decided to let it be one of the happy surprises that happens when you tackle something new.  

My bird Sophie spends a lot of time under the couch when she has out of cage time.  Not sure what the appeal is, but who am I to question her preferences?  She's her own woman.

Painting Blocks

Whaaaaa ....you say?

I became fascinated with the techniques of the Virtual Art Academy, as laid out by a terrific German artist named Thomas Ruckstuhl who managed to move from science to art with the instruction of the above mentioned art program.

He suggests doing 150 of these studies.  I've done 9.  What I learned is that I can mix better colors with acrylics than oils. 

Meeting Julie Ford Oliver

On July 13th, I had an opportunity to meet Julie, whose blog I've followed for years.  She's always impressed me as warm and kind, and extremely generous with her knowledge of painting.  So when I left a comment in June on her blog: Art Talk and she responded that she was coming to Cannon Beach, OR - a mere 30 miles from where I live - and asked if I'd like to meet.

Yes, yes! Oh my yes!   Sometimes you just know in your gut you would enjoy making the acquaintance of someone you've met online.  You. Just. Know.

Julie is as down to earth, warm and friendly as she seems on her blog, but she also has a wonderfully droll sense of humor.  She was in the company of her friend Jan, who had kindly driven her to Cannon Beach from Portland.  I sat down at their table in a cozy little place we met for breakfast, and we all three fell into easy conversation immediately!

Julie had cataract surgery 5 days before flying to Oregon and I'd had some minor hand surgery so we compared notes on what a non-event some procedures have become.  We talked about favorite pets, Julie's studio in Albuquerque, discussed a bit of personal history, and took a tour of a local art gallery.

Julie suggested we wander the gallery separately, pick a favorite piece of
artwork (we couldn't limit ourselves to just one) and tell each other why we were drawn to it when we joined back up.  That was fun and provided additional insight into these two women I'd just had the pleasure of meeting!  Do it the next time you go through a gallery with a friend.

Julie posted a photo Jan took of the two of us on her blog, but I didn't have the sense to get a picture of all three of us. (What are passersby for anyway?)

There you go....vicarious thrill for the day.  If you ever have the opportunity to meet someone you enjoy online - go for it!

Local Shows for Artists

12 x 16 oil on wood panel

10x10 oil on masonite panel

The theme for a show in Nehalem at the Recreation Center was 'Seeing Red' and that's not terribly limiting, so I sat down and painted a couple pieces with red stuff in it. I consider red almost a neutral because it looks good with everything.  

The shows at the Rec Center are well attended because they foster local artists and events.  Plus they only charge a 10% commission  

We love it/them!  

A Foray Back into Acrylics

8 x 10  on Canson Acrylic paper.

I love the blending ability and oily luxury of oils, but acrylics are wonderful for dry brush effects.  And they dry so rapidly, painting over an area is easy-peasy.

I used Canson's Acrylic painting paper, which wouldn't stay taped down once wet, and I'll have to press this piece under my gargantuan dictionary in order to flatten it so I can glue it to a backing board.  Thumbs down for me.  Fredrix Canvas pads don't curl and feel better to work on.

Canson products get glowing reviews on Dick Blick, and I always wonder if they've tried any other brands.  I've tried several of Canson's products and the only one I find really good is their Arches watercolor paper.  Anyone out there have a Canson product they love?

Another flight study...

8 x 10 oil on Centurion linen panel - SOLD

I'm tempted to join Leslie Saeta's 30 day challenge. Hmmm.  Already 2 days behind.  Can I do it?  Naahhhhh!  Know thyself is what I say.

Marco Bucci's Easy to Understand Terrific Videos

Ever look at a painting by a local artist (or your own) and not know quite how to explain what's wrong - but you know there is something wrong?  The following videos explain what those problems are, and provide a checklist for your own work.

Mr. Bucci is a professional illustrator who manages to distill what every artist needs to know into five "Better Painting in 10 Minutes" videos, and does it with a pleasant speaking voice, obvious skill, and no confusing terms.  Probably best for those who have a little practice under our belts, and he does much of his explaining via digital art, but these are relevant for anyone who seeks to avoid common pitfalls.

You will have to use the 'Skip Ad' button after 5 seconds of an ad, but worth it.

10 Minutes to Better Painting - Episode 1 - Merging Shapes

Episode 2 - Visual Language

Episode 3 - Digital Brushwork

Episode 4 - Good Shapes

Episode 5 - Color Harmony