When I think about the origins of master artists, Switzerland doesn’t readily come to my mind. I mean, it's not Italy, or France, or Holland, or England, it's Switzerland. Of course, there are a few like Giacometti and Klee, and others, but their names don't readily roll out of the history books. Switzerland brings to mind scientists and … [Read more...] about Anna Waser: A Swiss Prodigy Becomes a Master
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.
Uber Umbers and Other Colors from the Earth
Throughout the ages, since the very first scrawls were made in caves and tribal hunting events were recorded on walls, people have been using colors made of ochres, umbers, madders, bugs, mummies, minerals, shells, iron oxides, and plants. These pigments decorated sheets of papyrus, vellum, paper, faces, bodies, fabrics, clothing, tools, leather, … [Read more...] about Uber Umbers and Other Colors from the Earth
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
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