Plein Air in Sedona, Day 4

The day started out to be great - a lot of sun, few clouds. Our group went to Slide Rock, where I did this painting looking down from above and slightly upstream. I am fairly happy with it, although it seems a little too abstract for me.

Well, it was so cold and rainy off and on that my friend Karen Werner and I decided we'd had enough of the weather, and we packed up and went back to the Sedona Art Center to paint from a photo - and this is the photo we chose. No, it's not a Sedona scene, but it's near Karen's home.

Cathedral Rock and Slide Rock

This one was a simple value study, using only 4 values and massing in large shapes. This is from day 1 of the workshop with Jennifer McChristian.Today was FREEZING - about 40 degrees and pouring rain and hail, when our group went to Slide Rock. A beautiful place! The only problem was the light that changed every 1 minute!

It was really tough to capture anything at all with the values just fleeting constantly. So this view was one of my attempts.

This is a view of Cathedral Rock in Sedona. Again- this is all about values first, and color second.

No details - just large shapes. This was one of yesterday's paintings.

PleinAir in Sedona Day 2

Today, our wonderful group, lead by Jennifer McChristian and her wonderful husband, Ben, went to Cathedral Rock to paint the absolutely stunning landscape. The weather was beautiful. The goal was to do value studies by massing in large shapes only, then doing the same vantage point again in color - referring to the value study as needed. This pair is the result. I have another pair to post tomorrow that includes the famous Cathedral Rock.

A day of plein air painting in Sedona - what can get better than that??

Plein Air in Sedona

This week, I am in Sedona Arizona studying plein air painting with Jennifer McChristian. Today was day 1, and I had such a great time. It was all about values, and simplifying shapes. These are two of my studies - and I am generally pleased. And being in Sedona is just amazing, and I feel so fortunate.

Glowing Bottles

Gosh, I love transparent glass! I like to look for old bottles in antique stores, etc. This green one really appealed to me. The other ones are just meant to be next to it! So much fun. . .

Succulents in Red

Well - I know it's been a long time. I've missed posting and being involved with other daily painters. It's that whole balancing act between being an artist and the other hats I wear. I realize that once I pick up the brush and start something, I know this is what I'm supposed to do, and eventually, I will be a true daily painter.

I found this little red vase at a garage sale for a quarter, and I love the color. It's just so intense!

The succulents are from my sister's garden. The orange was meant to be with the red.

Mr. Lincoln

10x8 oil on canvas board

$80.00 plus s&h

This painting is the result of the Daily Paintworks Challenge. Each week, an artist from that group posts a challenge for all artists. This week, it's to paint Old Abe. Here is my solution, painted from a photo. Since I've been painting from life for quite a while, it was interesting painting from a photo again! I like how this one turned out.

Head Study 3-1

Last night, the scheduled model didn't arrive, so one of the artists in our class volunteered.

And a great model he was! He was so still. The fact that he was focusing on my mineral spirits jar was a little unnerving at times, because I felt he was watching me paint the whole time.

Another great night of painting! I'm quite satisfied with this one.

We Know We're Cute

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

These two little mugs look like models on the runway, posing in the light with their hands on their hips. You know, it's weird - when I finish a still life, it tells me what the title should be. On this one, I tried to change the title to something more academic, but the painting just wouldn't let me! I got these hand blown mugs at an antique store, and the red just grabbed me and I had to buy them.

Head Study 2-22

Another great session of painting last night! The model was beautiful - she reminded me of a modern day Pocahontas. I'm learning a lot about the portrait, and how a limited palette is so unifying to use. I'm working on seeing the head as a ball, and identifying values as they recede from the lightest part.

Head Study 2/15

I feel I've had a breakthrough in painting the portrait. This one was especially rewarding, because I captured her essence, her attittude. Her direct gaze is a little intimidating and raw.

Again, a limited palette was used, and the darks are finally dark enough.

Figure Study 1/31

I have been studying with the renowned artist, Joseph Todorovitch, for over a year now, and the focus is on academic painting concerning the figure. I tend to focus on the head, as I am more interested in portraits. This particular model is excellent and is serious about her work. I work with a limited palette - white, ivory black, yellow ochre, and cad red light. It's amazing what colors can come from these! It also makes decisions about colors easy. I will be posting several more heads this week.

Green Bottle with Lemons

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

I really love the shape and color of this green bottle. I painted it once before, and sold it the same day. I like the many little bits of light and color, esp in the bottle and on the surface. Transparent objects are so much fun to paint!

Teenage Boy

This young man posed for the first time at one of my painting groups. He was a good model. I like the strong shadows and lights. A warm direct spotlight was used here.

Sectioned Off

6x6 oil on Raymar panel

70.00 plus s&h

Each orange section goes off the edge of the canvas - an open form design I love to incorporate into my paintings. I chose the blue plate as a complement to the orange. A simple subject - but not simple to paint!