Mango Sketch

 

 

Just a bit of practice with my favorite fruit. If I could I would always draw or paint from life. Nothing else compares. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. Wildlife like birds or deer don't sit still. It's too awkward of a situation to ask strangers or even someone I know to pose for me. I can paint a landscape on location, but that creates a whole list of challenges to overcome. For my current situation, photo references (preferably photos that I take) are very useful in providing me with all sorts of opportunities. However, it isn't difficult to take something simple as a favorite item like a piece of fruit to practice from life.

Caroline

 

A 11x14in. portrait from a reference photo painted with water mixable oils. I don't do portraits by commission or request if I can help it. A subject has to have qualities that inspire me. If I am provided with a photo of a subject, I may have a tough time finding something of value and therefore struggle to stay motivated or do the subject justice. Unfortunately, money isn't a good motivator. Painting for me is about responding to a subject that inspires me. I see something or some person and feel inspired to reproduce what I am feeling for that subject in a drawing or painting. Sounds cliché, but I have no other reason to create. This little girl's gaze and subtle smile influenced my decision to paint. Likeness wasn't perfect, but I feel it was close and I feel satisfied that I captured her character well enough.

Jug in Oil Pastels

 

I used a set of Pentel oil pastels on a sheet of toned Canson paper and feel like I got a good result with them. They are stiff compared to other brands that are more soft, but it allowed me to build layers and blend more easily. I really enjoy drawing and painting from life.

Lotus in Colored Sumi Ink

 

Painted with colored sumi ink and a touch of watercolor. I became interested in traditional Japanese art based on it's influence on western art in the 19th century. To gain a better understanding, I learned a little of the Japanese language. My experiments with black sumi which is the common ink used for painting and calligraphy did not turn out and would require more practice. However, a colored version of the ink produced interesting results on watercolor paper.

Medowlark in Stages

Showing a method of drawing and toning the subject before applying the color. A good drawing will produce a good painting. It is possible to "lose" your subject while applying paint if the drawing isn't secure beforehand. I read that graphite is not good for such a job and using charcoal seems to mess with my colors, so I choose to use a thinned French Ultramarine Blue  and a pointed brush to draw my subject. 11x14in. Water-Mixable Oils on canvas board.

Apples

 

I'm trying a limited palette of colors and layering a bit on that top apple for smoothness while applying texture to the pot. 11x14in. Water-Mixable Oils on stretched canvas.

Sakura

 

Watercolor is a mystery to me. I watch tutorials and read books on supplies and techniques and nothing turns out as it appears. I would need hands on teaching to get a good result, everything from stretching paper to handling washes. However, I still give it a go occasionally in small dimensions. This is my first completed watercolor 6x9in. 140lb Paper.