This commission piece was a delight to paint, and each day a pleasure, not work at all. As the painting progressed, I found it hard to stop at the end of each painting session. Often, I took photos of the transformations and sent them along to the clients. Because of the marvels of the iPhone camera, it was easy to document day to day progress and … [Read more...] about Getting Down to Specifics: Part Two
Chiaroscuro and Other Oil Painting Techniques
Chiaroscuro is from the Italian language and the root meaning is chiaro, light, and scuro (obscure), dark. It is a perfect technique to use in oil painting to achieve drama of contrasts such as that used by the 17th Century Dutch. Another technique that helps attain this look is impasto oil painting, which is used freely in the main focus of the composition and then to a lesser degree in the shadow areas. It is very effective in all sizes and subject matter such as oil paintings of flowers, still life, and even landscape. Fumed Silica gel is a great medium to use for getting texture in oil painting. It is a combination of linseed oil and silica mixed together which forms a fluffy clear medium. When mixed with paint, the consistency retains its shape and stays put with no slumping.
Getting Down to Specifics: What’s in Your Mind’s Eye?
Part One One of the most enjoyable projects in my painting life is working directly with collectors planning a commission piece, and this was no exception and loads of fun. Several months ago, a couple from nearby Washington State contacted me inquiring about a very personal painting for their collection. They wished to include a few heirloom … [Read more...] about Getting Down to Specifics: What’s in Your Mind’s Eye?
Quintessential Blue Comes to an End
Circles Modello Joker in the Tulip Garden Mystical Modello Vessel for the Water Endlessly Modello Palpable Modello Infinite Modello Crystalline Modello Quintessential Blue comes to an end. All paintings are on view at Bronze Coast Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon. Thank you for following my stories of the … [Read more...] about Quintessential Blue Comes to an End
The Final Home Stretch: Quintessential Blue
Quintessential Blue Pigment Project has been great fun for a pigment nerd like me. For this series, I used some unusual colors on my palette with unexpected surprises. One is the cobalt turquoise and the other manganese blue that both are now my all-time favs. Though neither are historical colors, I know I will continue to explore making and using … [Read more...] about The Final Home Stretch: Quintessential Blue
Brushing Down the Home Stretch
Time is getting crunchy now and there are five more paintings to go. The only solution is to do multiples in each post until peeks are revealed before the Spring Unveiling event this coming weekend. So far, the blues covered are the ever-glorious lapis lazuli, its modern equivalent, ultramarine blue, and a personal favorite, cobalt turquoise blue. … [Read more...] about Brushing Down the Home Stretch
A Mystically Beautiful Combination
Time is of the essence now as the big Spring Unveiling event is approaching quickly. May 6 will be here faster than my paint strokes can dry on the canvas. Sneak peek #3 is now revealed! For this 8x6 vertical composition, I have used two blues that complement each other beautifully; ultramarine blue and cobalt turquoise blue. This cobalt hue is … [Read more...] about A Mystically Beautiful Combination