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.

Bowl of Lemons

 

 

My first completed oil painting. This was painted from a photo reference in a painting class. The teacher was gracious enough to allow me to use water-mixable oils. I learned a lot and as a result produced a decent result. 16x20in. Water-mixable Oils on stretched canvas.

Day Lilly

 

Graphite is my first love. I found inspiration in the garden, so I took pictures for reference. Of course such a subject begs for color. Sketching/drawing provides a road map for future painting. However, looking for shapes and values was interesting enough. 5,1/2 x 6,1/2in. graphite on sketch paper.

Stoy's open studio

 

Variety is the spice of life as the saying goes. With many trial and errors, experimenting with many different mediums, I realize I could not decide settling on one medium. It would be great to invest time and effort into a particular medium, master it and evolve with it over time. Looking at my current age, lifestyle, and moods, I'm pretty sure the window for that opportunity has past. But, not all is lost. With all the spare art supplies and equipment lying around, why not create whatever I like when the mood strikes me. It's a hobby to be enjoyed and I should take pleasure in it.