Worthy of Attention

Here is a link to an interesting inspirational article for artists, deceptively titled "Pigeons," by artist and marketer Jack White: http://faso.com/fineartviews/39213/pigeons  Even if you don't agree with White, you can learn much from his observations.  His wife is Mikke Senkarik, an excellent colorful, prolific artist who shares her insights into painting on her blog by the same name.

I learn much from sharing other artists' ideas and information and love to pass on some of the resources.

Yesterday's painting was informed by a conversation I had with a good friend and artist about warm and cool used to create depth in a painting. I was really thinking about that when I was painting this little floral oil painting (buy it $120 pp).

Zentangles

Because I am so attracted to patterning and texture, I have become intrigued and been "playing" with a process called "Zentangles," doodling in pattern in a meditative way.  See information here and here.  There are some pretty cool videos on YouTube also. This is one of my earlier pieces:

I have since, tried to incorporate some realistic drawing that employs the doodling/patterning.  The flicker is my first effort.  What a lot of fun, while thinking about design, composition, variety and repetition!

Remember my upcoming classes!  Sign up early as space is limited.  Also, remember to come to Artisan Santa Fe on Feb. 4 to see me paint in oil sticks.

Class Schedule 2012:

March 24, 2012  Painting Floral Landscapes   SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

April 14, 2012    Small Jewels (3”x4” to 6”x6” paintings) SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

April 18-20         Brush-free Oil Painting     SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

May 11, 2012     Paintings Irises (on location)   Hondo Iris Farm, Hondo, NM

June 18-22, 2012 Creative Composition    SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

Demo at Artisan Santa Fe

I feel like I've been off the planet, instead of on vacation--with Christmas coming on the heels of our two-week Caribbean cruise!

I am busy creating pieces in preparation for my free oil stick demonstration, "Oil Sticks: The Secret to Brushless Oil Paintings,"at Artisan Santa Fe on Feb. 4th (1:30 p.m.).  I do hope lots of artists will check out this lesser-known approach to oil.

I will also be offering a three-day class on using oil sticks at my SpiritBird Studio in High Rolls, April 18-20.  Cost is only $200 for the three days, and includes some supplies.  Space is limited, so register early!

This is my latest piece, "Canyon Maple," 12x12.  I love how the oil stick and palette knife application work together to bring different textures to the piece!

Class Schedule 2012:

March 24, 2012  Painting Floral Landscapes   SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

April 14, 2012    Small Jewels (3”x4” to 6”x6” paintings) SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

April 18-20         Brush-free Oil Painting     SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

May 11, 2012     Paintings Irises (on location)   Hondo Iris Farm, Hondo, NM

June 18-22, 2012 Creative Composition    SpiritBird Studio, High Rolls, NM

Upcoming Oil Stick Demo at Artisan Santa Fe

Great news!  I have been invited by Artisan of Santa Fe to do a free art demonstration of my oil stick painting technique.  The demo will be on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at their Santa Fe store, 2601 Cerrillos Rd.  I hope lots of people come to share in this fun textural approach to creating almost brush-less oil paintings.

"A Day Like Today" was created with the oil sticks that I use, including some from three brands--Sennelier, Winsor-Newton, and Shiva.  I also added some touches of palette knife applied oil to give added dimension and texture.  The chamisas in the foreground almost glow in low light!

Gala Fun

We had a really fun time at the SpiritBird Studio Holiday Gala Event!  Over 90 people came to enjoy the artwork, wine, food, music and fun!  I now have at least 14 new collectors, some with multiple pieces.  Hooray!  Unfortunately, no one remembered to take pictures (!!) so all I have is a couple of pics of the walls as they were ready for the event.

These are two of my helpers, celebrating our progress!

Fun With Fishes

I had fun painting this 8"x8" companion to my other goldfish!  This one is called "Attitude."  He will be available at my Holiday Studio Gala on November 12th and 13th with a special holiday price.

The photo isn't perfect, but you get the idea.

Thanks for sharing my art and for your comments.

Sara

Picture Editing Program Needed

I need help!  I have been working to find a new picture management program, as I am no longer able to use the one I had for so many years.  It was JASC--very simple to resize, crop and adjust color without having to understand how to do layers, etc.  Does anyone know of one that will allow me to add a square black background around my painting image without a lot of trouble?  That is a requirement now for entering artwork in online competitions, especially CaFE.


Here is another preview for my Open Studio Event:

This one is 7"x5" oil on board, entitled "At the Art Show."  I snapped the reference for the painting at an art show in El Paso some years ago.  I was intrigued by the image of a dancer standing in front of a painting of a dancer.  The "painting" on the right is one that I made up to fit this composition.  I had fun!


Thanks for your comments and input.