As, promised, the first ludicrously small sneak peek in the blue pigment project is revealed. Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Blue! This pigment has a compelling history and is known for its clear blue beauty. A fabled mountainous vision of a cross-armed sleeping woman identifies the area near Globe, Arizona where the mines are located. Good and … [Read more...] about A Gem of a Color
Margret's Still Life Oil Paintings
Formal still life oil paintings came into popularity in 17th century Dutch when people became more affluent. They were also withdrawing from the rigid constraints of the church and could paint subjects other than from the bible. Still life oil painting has remained a popular form of expression since that time.
Lessons from the Unfathomable Colors of the Oceans
Back in 1994, when I was just barely sure of what I wanted to be as an artist, I found an intriguing semi-official survey taken by two serious-minded artists named Alex Melamid and Vitaly Komar, both Russian emigres. Along with other art preferences, they set out to find which color is most overall favored adored and desired by ordinary … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Unfathomable Colors of the Oceans
The Discriminating Palette of Sexy Beets
While reading a very colorful article this morning, I thought about my painting, Dutch Treat, shown below. The article, entitled "Sensational Color, Sexy Beets", from Color Expert Kate Smith of Sensational Color describes the love/hate relationship people have with beets. Some find them totally unpalatable, including Former President Obama, who … [Read more...] about The Discriminating Palette of Sexy Beets
Using Violet and Purple Pigments in Oils: Challenges and Solutions
Painting objects using violet and purple shades is always a challenge because it is easy to land on the garish side of this hue. We have all seen a house painted this color and we say "Whoa! That's intense!" Another example is painted flowers and fabrics that make your eyes water. So how to avoid this error in the use of purple/violet … [Read more...] about Using Violet and Purple Pigments in Oils: Challenges and Solutions
Trompe l’oeil Painting and Loma Linda
Photos sent by my daughter from Loma Linda, CA became the subject of the latest 6x8 inch Iso-LACE-tion modello this week. Holly and her husband are there for a couple of months, and they were delighted to find fruit trees in the yard where they are staying. I coaxed her to send pictures. It took several tries to get the composition and lighting … [Read more...] about Trompe l’oeil Painting and Loma Linda
Painting in the Time of Covid-19
Like most of you, strategizing meaningful chores to fill time at home is a daunting task lately. Up until now, I’ve been clearing clutter, tossing dried-up paint tubes, cleaning closets, washing brushes, washing my hands, and oh the horrors - watching re-runs of Bob Ross’ Happy Paintings on PBS. Idle Hands and Demons Much more appealing is … [Read more...] about Painting in the Time of Covid-19