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
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.
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
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
Repoussoir: An Odd Name for a Powerful Compositional Effect
Ever wonder about the tricks the masters used to compose their paintings? Of course, there are many tricks such as color intensity, perspective, size, placement, and so forth, but one that most people don't know about is repoussoir. This centuries-old method creates drama and engages the viewer. Many of the masters such as Chardin, Vermeer, … [Read more...] about Repoussoir: An Odd Name for a Powerful Compositional Effect