Being Creative, not easy...

Finally...

2011-08-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

Hi!
Well, after a long time not being able to paint and just not having the energy...FINALLY...I started my new project and learned a lot. I started with using my acrylic paint colors as a wash/watercolor. I used more water and this allows the paint to be softer and give a more subdued look. My detail is actually reduced more than usual but I am trying to be relaxed with my painting and it's not easy. I'll probably go back after I finish the pastel part and make the edges more defined - it's just my style.
The pastels I bought were finally opened and what a joy to use. The flow onto the paper was amazing. I forgot how much I enjoy the softness that you get with this medium. I blended with my finger and a tortillian stump (rolled up paper). The only thing I had to remember is that pastel is unforgiving - once it's on the paper there's no goin back. But that's OK...I enjoyed the process of becoming friends again with an old medium from my past.
I have other projects that I am working on as well but I hope to finish this painting/drawing soon. The interaction between the acrylic and pastel is blending very well...
Take care!!!

One of my cats had to check out the painting...

Combining mediums...

2011-07-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Hi!

As an artist I have tried many mediums to create art and one that I used a very long time ago was pastels. It's not a very forgiving medium...not like acrylics, which you can wait for the paint to dry and make changes. I decided that since I have many photos of my 3 cats that I should use them as subjects. Not for portraits but to use as subjects that are black and how the surrounding objects affect their fur. My cats are not really a "true" black, but a combination of browns and reds. Their fur reflects or sometimes absorb colors.

So the plan is to have the objects surrounding my cat(s) as an acrylic wash with some dense color and then create the cat in pastel. The pastel will be softer and allow me to show the differences in texture from the hard chairs or anything else they like to sleep on.... I may at some point create the whole painting in pastel but for now I'm interested in the combination.

Below is a sketch of one my cats sleeping on a dining room chair...and one of my new sets of pastels!!

Influenced by...

2011-06-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hi!
This past week has been terrible with ear infections and just feeling like YUCK! I blame the pollen level...but that's OK. The advantage of not being able to hear the world around you can be a useful tool for the creative side. I had another piece of the masonite board and immediately thought of a painting. All I could think of on the way to the doctor was a black Wolf with the moon over it's shoulder. This idea kept me busy since I couldn't hear my IPOD....
After some rest, a large storm system was approaching and it was very dark, it was time to paint. The energy from this storm was giving my painting energy of it's own. The colors were Black, White and Manganese Blue and the blend had a very stormy feel. It was like I was painting to the rythym of the storm, even though I couldn't hear most of the thunder.
The Wolf took shape and eventually I had to turn a light on so I could begin the eyes. The colors were Mars Yellow, Naples Yellow and White. Being able to capture the essence thru the eyes has been a challenging but very rewarding experience. Many times I have had to stop and walk away because the emotions were so strong, especially when I paint pet portraits. I always paint the eyes last because they are the life and the most important part of the painting. Many times I have painted the eyes over and over until I am completely happy with the outcome.
I finished the painting today...I wanted to rework the eyes and now I feel that they capture the Wolf's emotions.
This painting was completed quickly but it was also created in an unusual circumstance with the storm and being ill. I'm glad that I took the time while being sick - it was theraputic.
I need to get more masonite board!!

Painting in the heat...

2011-05-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hi!
There are many excuses for not taking the time to paint...one is time. The days come and go so fast...So today, even with the heat and headache, I started a new painting. I was given some masonite board with gesso from a very, talented artist at work. He suggested that I try this "canvas"...and I'm so glad he did. Besides fighting the flying cat fur from the fan and a brush that picked up everything, I love the way the paint attaches to the masonite. Very smooth and dries quick!
Today the color yellow was an influential color. I had a yellow t-shirt on and the sun, which we have been without for awhile, was making a strong appearance today. So I blended cadium yellow, naples yellow and white. I usually do the blending on the canvas and have the 3 colors on the brush at the same time. I wanted to add silver but it looked too gray. I may add some after...
The tree took shape pretty well, but I felt the branches were too straight. I went back, used more water and let the brush do it's thing. I'll probably add longer branches but not many.
This painting is all from my heart and head...there are ideas of what is next.
Have a great week!!

Finally bought a decent brush holder/cleaner...

The First Step...

2011-04-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

Hi!
Being an artist all my life has had it's moments - not all great. But that's OK...It means that I am growing and getting to know myself better. I've always had the ability to take an object and draw it. Eventually, my skill in painting allowed me to do the same. This talent is a gift and I really feel that I am able to offer others a way to express themselves when I paint portraits of pets or homes. It's a connection for those who have had loss or memories they want to hold on to. I have had many, strong moments of emotion while painting pets that have moved on...sometimes having to stop and separate myself for a while. It has been a path filled with learning and a feeling that I helped others.
My "New" path is to find the artist and passions that have been locked up inside. I guess if I did this too early in life, I'd have no idea where to start. Not that I am old and wise now, but I feel very comfortable just to relax and draw what I feel, not what's in front of me.
So my posts will probably consist of frustration, some tips I have learned and the things I find on the path to being the artist I should be...
Take care!!

This early stage painting is of Tazlina (Wolf at the Sanctuary), she is referenced,
the sky, trees and snow all from me.

This sketch is of my cat from last night.

This sketch is a study of Crows I have started. The goal is to draw or paint
them from memory...