Crazy Horse

For Your Glory 20x16 pastel on board

This week, I went back to pastel.  The challenge was to paint a horse in the same palette as some of my oil horses, with abstract background.  The result is not dull.

I find working in these large color blocks in pastel less interesting than with palette knife and oil paint.  But fun, all the same!

Experiment with Open Acrylics

Spicy 14x11 acrylic

Friday, I borrowed some Golden Open Acrylic paints from my friend and partner in crime, Sue Parry.  This poppy was the result, after a bit of fiddling with the paint and learning the "feel" of it.

I chose to paint a familiar subject, with lots of color, using a black-gessoed board.  I am rather pleased with the result, but the jury's not in on the paint, yet.  I think I still need to know more and use it more before I decide.

The advantage of the Open Acrylics is that they are workable much longer than traditional acrylics.  They are also a bit more blendable.  The paint doesn't dry out on the palette, even after being uncovered for two days (which I did to thicken it up a bit).  The paint on the board does not dry completely for one to several days, but then is just like regular acrylic paint.

Stay posted for more research on the paints.

Creative Composition Class

Much has happened in my life since my last post.  The most important event was losing my mother, Patricia Jacobs, on June 29th.  Our dad is doing well in the face of the loss of his wife of 64 years.  He cared for her almost 24/7 for the last five years.  We will miss her very much.

Meanwhile, I have continued plans for my class:

"Creative Composition for Stronger Paintings"

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., August 2-4, 2010 (an hour break for lunch)

Sara Chambers Studio, High Rolls, NM

Cost $180

• Learn how to put structure into paintings/drawings in order to make good art even better.  
• Learn the most common compositional problems that can cause paintings to fail or to be "not quite right".  
• Bring the painting or drawing mediums you prefer, in order to employ your lessons while creating works that you enjoy.  

I will provide some materials to facilitate our explorations.  I can also provide easels and drawing boards.

You may also bring existing paintings that you would like to have critiqued or that seem less successful than you would like.

Additional info:  You will need to bring a lunch, as there are no good places to go that are nearby.  I will have drinks available.

I have a few slots left for the class, in case you discover that you have time and inclination.  To register by e-mail:  sarajchambers@yahoo.com.  To register by phone: 575-430-6148

We will be using my demos and your paintings to learn approaches to stronger and more effective compositions.