Value Studies

After my recent workshop with Carol Marine I'm aware that I need to study values to strengthen my paintings. When she had us mix a 'middle' gray, no one got it. All were too dark. So, I mixed and matched values right on my gray scale value chart. If I squint these grays blend into the backgrounds and that's how you know you're right on.  Values and composition are the most important elements of a painting. I also did a color wheel using Prussian Blue, Quinacridone Red and Cad Lemon.

Going Green

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Okay, it's a corny title but it's late and the Red Sox are losing (eliminated) and that's my story and I'm stickin' to it :D

It was fun painting this, anyway. 

Back on the Horse

I needed this week to catch up with myself after an intense Labor Day weekend that segued right into my Carol Marine workshop. Here are some photos of one of the first exercises Carol gave us which was to map out the values to include a dominant value, a secondary value and a 'smidge'.  Carol has an uncanny eye for the subtle grayed color/temperature changes that move into the shadows. Her workshop is just packed with information and I've never met anyone who gives more of herself to her students. This girl is a powerhouse!! I didn't get this kind of instruction in Art School. Really.
Forgive my indulgence in posting this photo of my sweet little boys who are growing up too fast. I enjoy them SO much!!!

Black Eyed Susans

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I have a new setup and some new lighting angles for my still lifes. Also, I use tissue paper for many of my backgrounds. I also have a new camera and am having a hard time getting good photos. It's time to read the book :( The color in this painting is much better than this photo shows.