Overworked My Homework

I did my homework assignment from Terry Miura's class and was so careful about my brushstrokes... until the end. I overworked the ground and side of the barn because I didn't know what the heck to do with it. No plan = Overworked. That is basic art math.

"Semi-Retired"  8x10 Oil on Linen SOLD

We Are Out of What?

Today I am working on a smaller canvas. A 6X6. This cat had a very round face and I got the feeling he was trying to tell his owner something. Knowing my cat, it is normally about cat food.

"We Are Out Of What?"  6X6 Oil on Canvas

This is my daily cat painting. Enjoy.

It's Good To Be King

This is Benjamin. He was brought into my husband's office for adoption. My husband wasn't there that day and another co-worker adopted him. I bring up my husband not being there because I would adopted this cat in a heartbeat. He looks just like our old Boxer Thomas. Cat-a-tude and all.

"It's Good To Be King"  8X8 Oil on Canvas SOLD

He actually came with his own crown.  Notice the dipped right eye. We know who is king in Benjamin's household. 
I loved painting this cat of the day.

Here Is My Cat Today

After Randy Blasquez's wonderful instruction, I raced home, made dinner and returned to my easel to paint. Art - the healthy addiction.  Here is my cat painting today. It was fun.

"You Looking At Me?" 8X8 Oil on  Canvas

Balancing Light and Dark

When I took my first college art class, I was told by my instructor that I had no anger nor passion because I had no dark in my drawings. They were all too light.  I heard him loud and clear and tried to push my work darker and I still struggle with it today. Now, I afraid to push my work too light.

Today I struggled with the same problem in Randy Blasquez''s class. She instructed us on how to paint a beautiful under painting using transparent paints.  Once that dried, we worked to keep the under painting showing. It was challenging.
I loved the assignment. I kept some of the under painting but I didn't push values in the light enough.
Once afraid of the dark and now afraid the light.  I will find balance.
Notice how my vase got smaller and my roses bigger. What was I thinking?

Finished study.

Under painting.

Getting Closer

I am getting closer to what I envision when painting cats with oils. I read the book "Art and Fear" and I realize what I may see in my mind will always be different than what I paint. I can live with that.... maybe.

"There You Are" 6x6 Oil on Canvas

Resurrecting Boxer Thomas

Our old tom cat, Boxer Thomas,  passed away a few year ago. He was my inspiration for cat watercolors and I stopped painting cats after he died.  A year or so later after Boxer Thomas' death, I struggled a few times to paint him in oil and gave up. I decided this week to try a different approach.  Limit my palette, use a loose, bright under painting  take my time, think shapes rather than the cat and put down each brush stroke like I meant it.
Here is my first pass at Boxer Thomas. I am really enjoying resurrecting this cat.
I need to fix the right side his face a bit. Darken and reshape his  right eye and adjust the color under his right ear. So I am taking a short cat nap first and then back to painting.

"There You Are" 6x6 Oil On Canvas

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of you men who are fathers especially my husband.  It is a gift to have him in both our son and my life. 

Lights, Shadows and My C-A-T

"Waiting" 9x9 Oil on Canvas -SOLD

I took another photo of my cat and printed it out black and white. I wanted to keep practicing the concept of light and shadows rather than c-a-t.  I toned the canvas with paynes gray and transparent red oxide. I drew the shapes and then pulled out the lights with a viva paper towel. I blocked in the darks darker then painted the lights. I spent less than two hours trying to keep it loose and without a lot of detail. I like it but it still isn't quite to where I want it to be. More practice. I have another photo of her I will try, again,  tomorrow.

Rest, Relaxation and Sheeba

I took the day off yesterday to swim with the fishes at a river about an hour from me. It was just as I remembered it but now there is a fee. A restoration project is going on there including making this old Shell gas station into a general store. I can't wait to see the results.

Now, onto other news. I finished my painting of Sheeba this morning and will start another one of her today. She models for Fancy Feast, fresh water in a glass, a lap, and a clean litter box. Smart cat.

"Light My Way" 9X12 Oil on Linen

Painting Cats in Oil Means More Practice

I have mentioned more than once that I painted cats in watercolors. I would draw the feline and if I saw I drawing error, I wouldn't erase it. I would just correct it by drawing over it. That gave my work an interesting effect.
I used a limited palette of paynes grey, phalo blue, quinacridone gold and permanent rose.  I would leave the white of the paper, use large brush strokes and let it all drip. I would spatter and scrape the piece until I was happy with the results.  My focus was the face. I would paint the eyes first. That was the most detail I would put in the painting.
I am trying to create a similar effect with oils and having a heck of time. I am trying not to put too much detail in and keep the painting loose. Instead, I find I am overworking it and have to redraw the cat over and over again. Frustrating.  But I guess we all know what that means. Practice, practice, practice.
Here is a quick study of Sheeba. Our Siamese cat.

Assignment Completed...

Here is my finished homework assignment. It was a good lesson. The road bothered me. I couldn't  get it warm enough so I warmed it and lightened it. I didn't overly describe the tree. I added a few branches. I fussed a bit too much on the focal house. The light on the roof looks overworked to me. I have to remember to put it down and leave it. 

Final

Yesterday's First Pass

Fishing Then Painting

I got up early this morning to go trout fishing before it got too hot for me and the trout. The carp were the only ones enjoying the heat as they splashed along the shore in the reeds.  I got home by noon and started on a "homework" assignment from Terry Miura's landscape class.
That is probably why I felt the need to go fishing. I used to do the same thing in high school. Fishing came first over homework when the weather was good... and the weather is always good to go fishing.

Here is the first pass. I am trying not to overwork it to keep the under painting. The road  reads too cool so I will have to warm it up.  And most of all I do not want to muck it up. So I am taking a break and will look at it, again, tomorrow.  I painted it on a 6X12 canvas. 

Sheeba Is Turning 18 In August

Here is probably the cutest picture of our cat, Sheeba, since she isn't very photogenic.  I think she has a "No pictures, please" look on her face.  She turns 18 this August and we have lots of unsuccessful pictures of her.  At Sheeba's check up at the veterinarian yesterday, it sounds like she will  continue to be us a very long time.

Attached is a video of Sheeba enjoying her cat mint. Hard to believe she is almost 18 years old. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByIczvcIbso

Winchuck River, Again

"Come On In" 8X10 Canvas on Board

Here is my painting of the Winchuck River. Yes, the water really is that beautiful green. If you get an opportunity, you should see it. The water is inviting but cold.  Bring a fishing pole, a kayak or both.

Let Me See...

I printed out a black and white of a picture I took of the Winchuck River. When I took the shot, I was about 10 miles up the river and it was a gorgeous day. Colors around me had me asking the other plein air painter, Rob Decker, how in the world do you paint that? I was in awe of colors and shapes that I was seeing as if for the first time.
That is what studying art does to you. Every day you see more than you thought you could imagine. And when you see it all, you need to know how to organize it. Else, how can you ever paint it in a way that makes sense to you and the viewer?

I took out a piece of  scrap board and began to organize the painting. The trees in the back need to be pushed back more to distinguish from the branches and tree in the lower left. The branches need to be a different color than the rocks. The rocks in the foreground needs to be pushed lighter or darker than the other rocks in the background.  I will revisit it tomorrow and then put it on a larger canvas.

Mount Emily and The Checto River

I painted at the Checto River today with a beautiful view of Mount Emily. It was overcast but still pretty.  After finishing my piece, I decided that with overcast day I should push the under painting more. I will post the painting after I fix the values.... maybe.

Winchuck Nursery Paintout

I met up wtih fellow painters, Rob Decker and Kathy Huxley,  today to paint the beautiful Winchuck Nursery. What a wonderful opportunity. I chose a tree I think they call a flame tree as my focal point. I did my thumbnail sketches. Chose the one I liked. Made sure my focal point was not in the middle of my composition and began to create a plein air piece.
At the end of my session, I realized I had painted that *#@& tree right in the middle of my canvas.
The roof needs to be lighter and the yellow side of the barn is cooler. It was a multi-colored barn so that is why it is peach on the far right. Good lesson.
I still can't believe that tree is in the middle....

You Hike It In. You Hike It Out.

I took another plein air adventure today by going out to a secluded area on the Winchuck River below the Ludlum House.  I noticed immediately the bear tracks in the mud and sand.  There were, also, bear warning signs around.  That did not deter me. I had another plein air artist who I knew I could out run. You know the old joke, you don't need to out run the bear just the other person.
The day campsites gates were closed  due to budget so we had to park our vehicles and hike in. I went as light as I could with my equipment  which was smart. What wasn't smart was I only had small tubes of transparent oil and no opaque. I assumed I had all my materials in my carrying bag. I grabbed a cheap board which didn't help either. So, I fought my material which any artist knows is a headache.
I hiked it in and I had to hike it out twice. I had a wet painting and didn't bring the carrier attachment to my guerrilla box. So that was an extra trip up the hill and to my van.

Photo of the Winchuck River in Oregon

I did enjoy painting and  cooling myself in the 45 degree water. I waded out just long enough to cool down. I saw a frog, Oregon swallowtail butterflies, a not -so- skinny dipper  and minnows. I enjoyed my lunch listening to the water and sitting in the sun.
It was great paint day.  Thank you, again, God.

I'm An Artist Not Cat Food

I was up and early painting this morning on the Winchuck. I was painting trees and not relationships and values so they weren't my best work. Then I decided to go home, feed the cat and myself. I needed a break. I returned feeling refreshed and positioned my back to the woods. It was nice and shady with a perfect view of light and darks.
I started a new painting with palette knife and I was happy. Suddenly all crows were screaming and then flew away. The woods went quiet. The hair on the back of my neck went straight up. Something big was behind me. I grabbed my palette knife and ran to the other plein air artist, Rob Decker, down by the river about 100 feet away.  We both stared back into the woods and decided it wasn't smart to be that close to nature with your back turned.
I was thinking it was a cougar looking for cat foot. Rob jokingly called out " Kitty, kitty". Something big moved, again. I went back, reluctantly, to retrieve my  van, art gear and the paper towels I through into the air. I parked right next to Rob's and stayed there the rest of the day.

What I learned today?  I would rather be an artist than cat food. Hopefully a wiser one after this experience. So for those of you who love plein air, don't paint with your back to the woods. Oh and never turn your back to the ocean. Sneaker waves.
That's my tip for the day. Meow!

Seeing Red

I spent the day at the mouth of the Smith River painting. I struggled with all that light around me. I just couldn't find a good composition with any dark. The whole area was filled with light. Finally, I turned my attention to the houses up the street to paint that were in shadow.
 I had a pretty good painting of a yellow house and then I just mucked it up, scraped it and put it away. Tired and frustration, I headed home. That is when I noticed my  face burning. I looked in the mirror and saw that my sunscreen didn't work against the powerful mouth of the Smith River meeting the Pacific Ocean. I am so burned. So - no pictures today. All you would see is red.

Is This Too In Your Face?

I painted this small tree study trying to keep it simple. I showed it to an another plein air artist, Rob Decker, and he said he didn't  like the composition. Why? "It is too in your face".

"Look At Me!" 7X5 Oil on Canvas

Well, I can be that type of person so I am thinking so can my surf tree study. 
This study was completed on site at the mouth of the Winchuck River south of Brookings, Oregon.

Randall Tillery and Gems

I stopped by the Crescent Harbor Gallery to pick up a few paintings and found out that Randall Tillery had a  workshop the next day. I signed up immediately to take advantage of this well known painter's knowledge. He set up a still life and demonstrated what we should do. We then could select our still life arrangements to paint.

His instruction was excellent. The class had several skill levels and Randall professionally instructed each of us one on one.  I was able to finish two pieces and his critique was  very helpful on how to improve my work.
Here are my two complete pieces. I would recommend him to any beginning and advanced student. He has gems. Those pieces of art knowledge that takes years to learn on your own.
Here is Randall Tillery's website. http://www.artbytillery.com/

Winchuck River Outside Of Brookings, OR

I looked at this painting this morning with a fresher eye and saw where I needed to key up the foreground, put some sky holes in the trees and  push the mountain back.
Done.

"Winchuck River" 6x12 Oil Painting

A Little At A Time

I painted two paintings today and I was happy with both. Namely because I am starting to think I know what to do .. well, sort of.   Learning art is a little at a time.
Here is one of today's paintings. Same subject as a few days ago. 

The problem I still have are the values are too similar but I am understanding pushing and pulling when this happens. I need to look at it for awhile and see what changes it might need.

A Picture Paints A Thousand Words

We have all heard the phrase "A picture paints a thousand words".  I took this picture at a new favorite plein air spot. This is the look of a frustrated artist.

Bridge Over Winchuck Oil on Canvas
SOLD

I returned the next day and painted a few paintings I was pretty happy with but I know tomorrow is a new day.

Too Much Light

I worked on several variation of studies from one photo. Each one, I changed slightly. Larger mountain, smaller mountain, and no mountain. I asked an instructor what the problem was with them in general. The answer was obvious... too much light. Everything in the photo was in the light and not enough dark.
Makes sense. I hear it all the time to ensure I have at least 60 percent in dark and yet, I have made the mistake, again.
On the bright side, it gave me some practice.

That is One Big Door

I finished the 3 day workshop with Terry Miura. It was fantastic. He taught how to simplify and organize a cityscape. Now, I am always looking for what I think might be the easy way out. I thought this door would be easy enough. It was easier with Terry's method but it sure wore me out as I worked to concentrate, see and be confident with each paint stroke. Basically we were learning to say more with fewer brush strokes. I struggled to simplify throughout the studies. When I returned home and showed my work to my husband, he said "That is one big door". I responded "In more ways than one".

Learning My Darker Side

Black and White

Moved the sign to the dark to make it a focal point.

I completed the 2nd day of a 3 day workshop with Terry Miura. He is taking us all to the dark side. The enthusiastic students painted four, yes... four studies today using black and a white only. We painted a black and white  scene and then repainted it adding gray. Two studies were completed in the morning and  two different studies in the afternoon.  I looked around was was in awe at how beautiful everyone's work was. Mine not so much but I sure learned a lot more than what I thought. Terry helped out quite a bit with everyone including me. Excellent instruction.
Here are my morning attempts.
Tomorrow we will repaint them with color.

Here Is My Completed Homework

We have all heard the excuse that the dog ate my homework. I don't have any excuse not to do my homework since I don't own a dog. Moving on... here are my two attempts at the unknown mountain sent as a class assignment. For extra credit, I needed to figure out which mountain it is  and what famous painter painted it. I am guessing Edgar Payne and California Hills. Which painting do you like? 

12X12 Oil On Canvas - Color Pushed

SOLD 9x12 Oil on Canvas - Subtle Color