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
Rembrandt the Artist
Caravaggio, an Italian artist, first developed the Chiaroscuro painting technique during the late 1500s. Later the Dutch perfected this style and it became their own. Rembrandt is known for his beautifully executed portraits, landscapes, and still life oil paintings in the Chiaroscuro technique and remains the master today.
Midnight in Moscow, Noontime in L.O. Part 1
Picture this. Empress Catherine’s yellow satin morning dress rustles as she walks across the parquet floor into the sunroom where our brunch is waiting. The servants dash about, placing the food and amaryllis bouquets just so. A butler pulls out a chair as the Tsarina, Empress of Russia, sits gracefully, and she beckons me to be seated … [Read more...] about Midnight in Moscow, Noontime in L.O. Part 1
Harvest Moon Gladiolas – Thanks to Neil Young
Recently, I stumbled upon a luscious piece of floral fabric that I just could not resist purchasing. I knew it would be a terrific prop for a painting one day. Sometimes it is very worthwhile to ramble aimlessly through a market just to see what captures your eye. When I saw the pattern on this cloth, I instantly knew it was something very special … [Read more...] about Harvest Moon Gladiolas – Thanks to Neil Young
Joker in the Tulip Bed
As many of you know, tulips are a favorite flower of mine. During the months (2006-07) of painting and researching for my Lessons from the Low Countries pigment project, I often incorporated tulips into my oil painting compositions. The reasons for this are simple. It is one of the most breathtakingly splendid flowers in the world and delightfully … [Read more...] about Joker in the Tulip Bed
Oil Painting Critiques
This past week, I had the pleasure of participating in the Oil Painters of America Critique Program. For the nominal fee of $25.00 (which goes to OPA), artists have the opportunity to have a signature or master level member review their oil paintings and give instructional advice on how they might improve their technique. Because I do not do any … [Read more...] about Oil Painting Critiques
More Rembrandt Mysteries
There is a mystery that has been baffling scholars for a long time. Why did Rembrandt apply gold leaf to the surface of a sheet of copper and paint in oil atop. Why would he cover a perfectly and already beautiful copper surface? Was it the smoothness? Was it an experiment? Nobody really knows for sure. What is known is that it is an intriguing … [Read more...] about More Rembrandt Mysteries