Work in Progress

Work in Progress

24x24

I don't like to post WIPs but I will take a chance here and give you a sneak peek of my large paintings.
I've mentioned that I will be showing my work at Bella's Italian Restaurant beginning in November and through the first of the year. Because the space needs larger paintings, I committed to working much larger than I'm used to and let me just say that from 6"x6" to 24"x24" is a jump.

Here are a sequence of photos of my process in enlarging a small painting. My process is to grid a printout of the original painting and draw it onto newsprint. I then chalk the back, along the lines of the drawing and transfer it to the toned board. I'm using Ampersand unprimed hardboard which has a 2" cradle to eliminate the need for framing, although the buyer can always add a frame. I give it three coats of gesso, sanding lightly between coats and tone it with an underpainting that will enhance the color harmony of the final painting. There is a lot of blue in this painting so I chose an orange ground. 
For those of you who've emailed me about taking my Painting from Photos workshop, I will be scheduling it for after Open Studios which is November 22 & 23 from noon to 5 PM,the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

Also, this weekend is The Hingham Arts Walk featuring my GJWP homies. Please stop by and visit Kelley MacDonald, Paula Villanova and of course Page at the studio of Page Pearson Railsback, at 35 North Street from 12-4 on Sunday, October 19th.

drawing

traced onto board

Provincetown Hydrangeas

 I've been AWOL from my blog due to the move back from Provincetown and the re-entry if you will. I had a fabulous week at my shed on the Pier, though I was somewhat chagrined to find out that people would rather buy (imported) shell Christmas ornaments than real art. 

My Shed mate Eileen Counihan and I got along famously because we have the same (snarky) sense of humor about cheap goods from China among other things. She is doing something special with her wonderful night sky photos of "Starry, Starry Nights" so check them out at A Gallery in Provincetown if you're there.

Paula (click to see her paintings)

Wednesday, I went on the annual 'Jeep' trip with my fellow painter girlfriends to.....drum roll..... Provincetown. Yep, I can't get enough of this unique and beautiful place and the weather was perfect. We set up on the street and at one point Paula had to move the leg of her easel to let a car out of a driveway. Tight quarters there. I set up in front of a garden that I admire and photograph every summer but have never painted. This is the result. It was a perfect summer day!