Yellow Flower

I hesitate to post this but I feel brave. The first shot is the start I did in Carol's workshop and the second shot is the one from today, where I tried to bring it to some kind of finish (futzed with it..more like) I think I'll just start over ;)

On Pins and Needles

Having a great finished painting is not the point of a workshop and anyone who goes away from one disappointed at not having a piece they can sell, is missing the point. I kept two of my value studies to prop in my studio and look at, so I can remember the particular points I made in my last post. Like, the elements that you tend to forget in the excitement of trying to capture your vision. The work. If you map it out, you have a better chance at getting it. If you plunge into it without a plan, it probably won't work.

Carol Marine's Workshop Wrap

Here's a glimpse of one of my block in's from Carol's workshop, before I wrecked it ;) (well, lost the charm in some areas anyway) I forgot to photograph today's effort which was the only painting I completed. Not stellar but decent. I'll post it tomorrow. Carol is a lovely young woman, poised and gracious, and she thoroughly knows her stuff! The lessons and exercises she covers are the ones you need to learn over and over again. The most important ones. Composition, Value pattern, ratio of values and color harmony. This was a very challenging workshop and I actually wish it were 5 instead of 3 days. Like, I'm just warmed up! It was great fun and we all enjoyed each other immensely!

Carol working on this incredible apple demo! She was on fire!

Carol Marine's Jacksonville Workshop

The first time I saw Carol Marine's paintings, I was floored by the energy and movement in them and they still affect me the same way today. Thus, I have been eagerly looking forward to this workshop she's teaching at Eileen Corse Gallery and Atelier in Jacksonville, FL. Here are three value studies I did in class today. The lesson is to create a dominent value pattern using dark, middle and light values. The first study was 30 minutes, the second was 15 minutes and the third was 5 minutes. It really makes you work fast and think about placement. Everyone did really well and we had a wonderful day! Here's Carol working on her beautiful orange slices.

Works in Progress

Although, I've added to the large painting things are moving slowly. I need to think it out before I paint on it again. Yesterday, in order to get a sense of the masses and values, I did a small version from a wider viewpoint. I also spent much of my time this past week reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, a page turner (565, give or take). I loved the story, and the writing.

Battleship Massachusetts WIP

I'm flirting with danger by posting this work in progress. Sometimes it's the kiss of death, but I feel good about this one. It's been in my mind for over a year. Today, I went into the sky around the bridge and worked on firming up the shapes of the buildings and marina on the left. I'm not sure I'm getting what I want for colors but I'm going to keep on it. This is a 12X16, which is large for me.

Battleship Massachusetts block in

My little boys and their parents took off for home today and I was itching to get at the paint. I spent about 3 hours blocking in this painting of Battleship Cove, in Fall River, Massachusetts. This painting has been a long time coming because of the complicated subject. I feel good about it so far.