The Making of "Paint What You Love" (my theme painting)

Time span - 2007.  I am still yearning to paint animals, pets, dogs, and especially my dogs(there are a lot of referance photos).  So, I get out my photos and start looking.  When I think back on how "Paint What You Love" first came into mind, I really can't come up with an answer.  It seems like it just fell into place.  Especially when you turn off the left side of your brain.  One idea brought on another, etc., etc..  Of course, there were changes along the way, but still the same idea.  I do remember taking a book off the shelf that I had, for about a year, but had not really looked through it thoroughly.  The book is "Painting Animals That Touch The Heart", by Lesley Harrison(in my list of Favorite Links and Books).  One of my prized book possessions.  It totally got my creative thinking stimulated!!  She had done a painting of a young wolf, and put a daisy in its mouth.  That gave me the idea of a paintbrush.  Then I found a photo of Fancy(my border collie), sitting on my husband's lap.  Perfect!!

I have a stuffed dog toy that is about the same size as Fancy was in the photo, so I started setting up my still life.  Meanwhile, I also had my husband paint a dog bone(she,(Fancy), is going to paint what she loves).  The Cool Whip container was put in the set-up at first, but I decided something taller was needed.  I found an old paint can in my husband's workshop, and it was perfect.  There was paint already on it, and I could just add some color to match the paint Fancy was going to use for the bone.

I always do a drawing on tracing paper to see if I like my idea.  Plus, if you have another idea, you can do it on a separate piece and place it on top to get an idea if you are going to like it or not.  Then I copied the sketch on my printer(card stock), and did several rough color schemes with colored pencils.

Before I get around to the final painting, sometimes I end up with more than one "practice" painting.  That is my way of telling my brain(left side) it doesn't matter if I make mistakes, plus I might still change my mind on doing something(a woman's and artist's perogative--right?!).  Also, this painting (and more afterwards) was done on velour(and don't even think velvet--completely different!).  Velour is not real forgiving, but I discovered it isn't all that frightening, either.  Now, I am going to toot my horn!  Not only did I receive my first award for a painting, it was a 1st. place award in the drawing/pastel category.  During the reception of the awards, I was told to do a sequel from it.  I did, and currently working on a third, with a fourth in mind.  Will post the second one, soon.  Pay attention to what your fellow artists and friends suggest--you never know what good may come of it.

Wanting to Paint Dogs

"Please Play Ball", pastel pencil

It was around this time I started having a craving to paint my dogs.  So out comes my pastel pencils, and you can see my first attempt--"Please Play Ball".  It was so enjoyable and fun to do.  I think that is when my "inner self" was telling me what direction to take.  Every time I would come across the referance photo, there was this---paint me, paint me, like what I mentioned in my last post.  I would also like to add an extra comment on that post.  Upon reviewing it, I had an insight I had not thought about before.  The first drawing, "Melissa Rodgers", was from a family photo, a grandmother,--I do not have any childhood memories of her.  The second drawing, "Athene"(my mother), was done from her sitting for our drawing group--in person.  The third drawing, "Ryan", is a grandson.  I took the photo at a family birthday party(I had to draw that smile!!).  I can definitely see the difference between all three, based on my involvement with the subjects.  Just had to throw in this little bit of artsy "ahaa"(light bulb turning on).  Keeping that in mind will take us to my next post--how I came up with "Paint What You Love"

Draw, Draw, and Draw Some More

I wish I could say I take my own advice--but I don't.  I love to draw, but have a hard time disciplining myself to take that time.  What a difference it makes, and how much it improves one's drawing skills!!!  I can see how my drawing has improved--then tell myself how much better I would be --if...  In the early 2000's, I met with a couple of ladies every Tuesday, and we worked mostly on drawing skills.  We did the workshop, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".  Then we discovered the book "The Artist's Complete Guide to DRAWING THE HEAD".  That is still one of my favorite books, and have now listed it.  I worked on Strathmore's "Charcoal" paper in "Velvet Gray", using the smooth side of the paper.  Pastel pencils used are CarbOthello white, #100, and #645, caput mortuum red.  My drawings posted today are what I did from what I learned using his technique.  We (us gals) took turns being a live model, and even talked my mother into sitting for us.  I am now participating in a Life Study drawing group.  It makes me go and draw, renewing what I want to learn in training the eye to see.  Drawing with a live model is sooo much better.  Then there are those photos that just say "Draw Me"!!

"Melissa Rodgers"

"Athene"

"Ryan"

Back in Texas

I have returned to Texas(Weatherford area)...still enthused with the art world.  However, a change of events lead me down another art path.  My husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and after he passed away I pursued my finishedware ceramics because it didn't require a lot of thinking or creative effort, at least what I chose to do.  I picked projects that had instructions on what color to use and step-by-step.  Still reading art magazines, but upon reading all the credentials, i.e.-this degree and that degree, I thought to myself I would never get that good because of lack of education.  I now see that as a very wrong thought and wish I had that time span back--but hind sight is always there.  I did the craft malls and shows with my ceramics and that was good therapy.  When my next adventure moved me to the Canyon Lake area, the craft malls were fading out, and I had joined the local Canyon Lake Art Guild.  Such a great group of ladies(and some gents)!  Seeing all their art work and hearing about classes available--I wanted to be a part of that.  I wanted to be more creative--my ideas, my expressions of my ideas, etc., etc.!!!  But where do I start?  Just somewhere--anywhere.  I was on my Art Journey, again, and it hasn't stopped.  So much time to make up.  How exciting!  I feel like I will be learning for the rest of my life(good for the brain).  The order in which I did painting is a little unsure, but I have come up with a few photos(of older paintings) and the paintings themselves.  I have just decided not to show all--boring!!  But while browsing through some of my earlier attempts, I did notice that there are some I can still improve.  That is what we are suppose to do from time to time.  Some are lost causes, but still good teaching aids.  I can really see what I hadn't learned and improve it based on what I know, as of now.  How about if I post a before and after, and any suggestions are welcomed.  Let me know what you would do.  Today, I will post one "before", work on it, and then post the "after", but probably at a later date, in between other posts.

 
"Primrose", Oil, 5" x 7"

Just working on this post today has really gotten me spurred on.  Besides seeing how I can improve this painting(definitely better cropping and more shading, contrast, and the list goes on...), I know I want to do more flowers, and maybe even in oils, and small sizes.  Can you see how just doing "something" in art can motivate you with ideas--it is amazing how those creative juices start flowing!

Moses and Santa Fe

Before I tell you about "Moses", I wish to tell you about the first workshop I took in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  It was "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain", by Betty Edwards, also mentioned in my art books list.  It was an eye opener, and turning point for me, in drawing.  She now has a revised edition with workbook, and I have both old and new.  I highly recommend it!!  My instructor, Lesley Meyer, was both a friend and mentor to me, while I was in Santa Fe.  Now, to Moses.  This painting was started in a portrait class, and I actually finished it(out of class) within two weeks time(the fastest one to date).  I am not sure I could accomplish that, again.  It is pastel and done on Mi-Tentes.  At the time it was started, I was also doing a bible study on Moses, and the photo was on the cover.  Well, while in the process of getting it matted and framed, people kept asking me if it was Tommy Macione.  I had no idea who that was, but soon found out, he was an artist living there in Santa Fe(and quite eccentric).  A couple of weeks later, my mom and I were in a local coffee shop, downtown, and who walks in but Tommy Macione.  Talk about getting excited!!  couldn't miss him--looked just like the painting, only a little scruffier.  I did go over and introduce myself, and told him I had just done a painting of him(forgetting that I had a photo of painting in my purse--too much excitement!).  He told me that he had done an interview with National Geographic some years earlier, but didn't know if anything had been published(I found out later that, yes, it had been).  After that encounter, I would frequently see him painting along side the road, and very impressionistic.  To see a photo of him, google Tommy Maccione Santa Fe (the name is spelled wrong), and then click on Plaza Artist.  There is more info. on him.  I really didn't do very many paintings while living in Santa Fe, as I started working for a gourmet food broker, thus enjoying getting to know the owners and managers of most of the shops and restaurants in Santa Fe--a very enjoyable job!

At this time, I was living in Austin, Tx., still playing with my pastels, but also doing finished-ware ceramics(mostly decorative collectibles).  It was fun, but I kept wanting to get out my pastels.  I took my first pastel class from a lady in Pflugerville, Tx., and did my first portrait.  This is Brooke, my niece.  I really enjoyed painting her(again, from a photo), and realized how much I loved doing portraits.  Soon after finishing "Brooke", my husband came home one day and asked me if I would like to live in Santa Fe, New Mexico, for a couple or so years.  Can you guess what my answer was?!!  This is where I'll start off on my next blog.  I did another portrait, and it has an interesting "Santa Fe" story.

An Early Learning Time

Today, I am posting two of my earlier paintings(early 80’s).  The one shown above, I will title “Geese Flying”(I never titled it, and I hope they are geese).  It is now, wrapped, under the bed, or in my “archive” box, in my studio(a.k.a.-garage).  When I looked at the photo, I asked myself--why did I paint this?!!  I then answered--o.k., why did you paint it?  When looking back at old paintings, especially the ones we’re not so crazy about, I think we should ask that question, and here is my reasoning.....I liked the bright color of the sky, and the contrast of the geese.  It came to my attention that I still like those attributes in the paintings I do at this time in my journey.  That is becoming a part of my style, and I was not even aware of it early on.

Here’s a quote from an art book I’ve been reading:  “....., an artist remains a student throughout his life and is always changing his masters and changing his methods.”  W. Frank Calderon, Animal Painting and Anatomy.

This second painting was copied from a booklet on orchids.  My answer as to why----I love flowers.  We sure can see there was a lot to learn about tones, shading, etc., etc..  I was so proud of this one, at the time, and gave it to my mom.  It is still hanging in her home.  Makes me feel like an elementary school kid, with the pictures taped to the refrigerator.  I have to say--my mother has been my most avid supporter of my art work, and when I did ceramics.  After her comes my brother, sister, cousins, and friends--they have been and are wonderful supporters.  THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

My First Painting

As promised--this is my very first pastel painting.  My husband and I were visiting relatives in Cumberland, Md., and touring a quaint downtown area, when I noticed a small art supply store.  The rest is history.  It is done on paper, I believe Mi-Tentes, or one similar.  It was a long time ago, early 80's.  I copied it from a "flowers of Texas" brochure.  It still hangs in my living room, as I love Texas wildflowers, and it fits in with my Texas Hill Country decorating theme.  At that time, I hadn't learned the "thou shalt not copy"rules(except for practice and personal use), but then I don't have any intentions of selling it.

WELCOME--Artists and Friends

This is my very first internet reality.  Long ago I attempted to learn how to do a website and it never happened.  We have come a long way in "user friendly"!!  I am so excited, so let's get going.  My idea in starting, is to catch you up on where I have come from (pertaining to art), where I am now, and where I hope to go.  I will post photos of my paintings, and tell a little bit about them.  You will definitely be able to see how I knew nothing when I started out, and hopefully what I have been learning along the way, with a lot of learning to go.  A lot of the time I still think of myself as a beginner, but that is because I can see how much I don't know.  I work mostly in pastel.  I keep coming back to it when I venture off to try a different medium.  Occasionally, I like to do a drawing, trying to develop my toning skills.  One can never draw too much!  Please feel free to post comments and/or questions.  I am hoping, as I get into this blogging, that we can all learn from each other.  My next blog will be the very first pastel I did, the week I bought my first set of pastels while visiting relatives in Maryland.