Compelling and interesting shadow shapes are one very critical component to creating excitement in your oil painting compositions. Light, light direction, light diminishing and building, and light falling on objects can be used to the fullest and will portray drama and mystery depending on how you use it in each particular place on your … [Read more...] about Use Light To Create Compelling Shadow Shapes
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.
Fine-Tune Brushstrokes & Light in Oil Paintings
Sometimes painting small and very intimate compositions is the most gratifying. This 8x10 inch piece is very simple, but the shadow shapes are compelling and dramatic. If you have interesting light, the painting is much more fun, and lights and darks flow across the canvas in a manner that captures the viewer and holds them in. I try to … [Read more...] about Fine-Tune Brushstrokes & Light in Oil Paintings
Recollections of an Early Exhibit
In May of 1995, Mt. Hood Community College hosted a one-woman exhibit for me in their luxurious Fireside Room. This was quite an honor as I grew up in the area and, at one time, had attended a few art classes at the college. My Mom was a Golden Age Student there for many years. My childhood friend, Jeanette Crockett McDermid, wrote a press release … [Read more...] about Recollections of an Early Exhibit
Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy
In the late summer and fall of 2003, Dave and I spent 10 lovely weeks in Italy. This trip was planned specifically for me to paint the beauty of the countryside and soak up the endlessly interesting Italian culture. Chantal Kelly, our talented travel agent, knew all the best and picturesque places to stay and we were never disappointed with our … [Read more...] about Revisiting The Zecchi Art Supply Shop in Italy
Anatomy of an Oil Painting
Some of the most frequently asked questions from both artists and collectors are, "What is your process, how do you decide what to paint, and how do you think through to the finish of an oil painting?" Sometimes this is difficult to describe but I find if I plan with great detail then paint the painting in my mind's eye, it is usually successful. … [Read more...] about Anatomy of an Oil Painting
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