VanDerHoek Art

Emerald Avenue - A Study - Original Oil Painting of Trees Along a Road

2012-02-07T07:24:00.000-08:00

"Emerald Avenue"
8" x 6"
Oil on Linen Panel.
Available for a limited time on DailyPaintworks.com with a low opening bid and $15 shipping within the U.S.

This is another painting for the DailyPaintworks.com weekly challenge. The challenge was actually posted a long time ago but, I thought this was a good painting to demo. for my oil painting students to see since there are so many greens in this scene. Knowing how to mix different greens is critical for a landscape painter. Landscape painters are often confronted with scenes that are loaded with green and knowing how to make use of the colors on your palette is crucial to creating a successful painting. Another aspect to mixing greens is knowing how to mix both warm and cool versions so that you can create depth in your paintings.

For this challenge painting you can see that I kept all my warm greens in the foreground and then used cooler versions in the background. When it comes to mixing these colors it helps to think beyond the yellow + blue = green basics. This is where making your own color mixing chart can help you see how many different color combinations can be used to create green. If you've never created one, I recommend you do, it will be a tremendous learning tool that you will refer to time and again. To see how to create your own click here.

Group Art Show at Copperwood Artware Gallery - Feb. 2012

2012-02-06T11:42:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to announce that 2 of my paintings are hanging in Copperwood Artware Gallery's annual No Woman Stands Alone exhibit. The show hangs through February and features work by American fine artists and crafts people. If you are in the area, stop by for a peek at the show.

For store hours click the link below.

Copperwood Artware
148 A North Glassel
Orange, CA 92866

The Page Turner

2012-02-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

"The Page Turner"
8" x 8"
Oil on canvas panel.

Available through DailyPaintworks.com

Last week my very talented friend Dana Cooper was invited to host the DailyPaintworks.com weekly painting challenge. Her challenge to all of us artists was to paint the seated figure.

When I was up in San Luis Obispo earlier this year for a painting trip I spotted this young woman sitting on a rock reading. I whipped out my camera because I didn't think she would sit still long enough for me to paint her right then. She was so intent on what she was doing that she didn't notice me snapping away with my camera. I loved her pose - bare feet, pats rolled to keep them out of the water, book clasped firmly in hands, long braid over her shoulder - I couldn't believe my luck!

For my painting I tried to keep it simple and really thought about each stroke before I put my brush on the canvas. I wanted to keep the strokes bold and fresh so I laid them down and did my best not to mess with them again. My favorite one is the highlight on the back of her arm from shirt sleeve to elbow. This was a fun challenge and I'm very glad Dana chose it!

I have to confess I am a bit behind in posting this. Life kept me away from my easel for a number of reasons (a couple of them live in my house and call me mom) but, I did it. Better late than never, right?

Tuscan Lane - Painting Larger From a Study

2012-01-18T07:01:00.000-08:00

"Tuscan Lane"
22" x 28"
Oil on Stretched Canvas

Available through www.KimVanDerHoek.com.

This is a larger version of a painting that I did last year, the smaller one was titled "Tuscan Sentinels" and can be seen by clicking here. After going though a stack of paintings in my studio I realized that I hadn't posted this one.

Lately I've been doing a lot of larger works using smaller studies as a guide in preparation for my first solo exhibit coming in September. This version of the original painting was almost a straightforward translation onto a larger canvas because I felt the original was a successful painting. I did make a few adjustments. For example, I added color shift in the sky because it was such a large area on that size canvas that a color change was called for. The cypress trees in the foreground are toned down in value so that they don't stand out more than they need to. There is more detail in the grasses, trees and brick wall and I added more of a distant hill in the background on the left. This has been a great lesson in what it takes to create a larger painting and as the year progresses I'll go into more detail about what I've learned.

I have to say that my husband and I are enjoying having a painting this size hanging in our house. It's been in a few art shows and each time it's come home we've hung it in a different spot. Every time we place it in a new room the feeling of the whole space changes. What an amazing power.

This is also available on the DailyPaintWorks.com site.

Rocky Shores of Crystal Cove - Original Oil Painting of the Beach

2012-01-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

"Rocky Shores of Crystal Cove"
9 x 12 oil on linen panel.
$455

Available at www.KimVanDerHoek.com

It was an overcast morning the day I went out to paint this view of Crystal Cove State Beach. As a result, there weren't very many beach strollers out that morning. I chose this scene because of the strong lead into the painting with the rocks and waterline. Add the slope of the bluff and the large elements of the painting all direct your view into the focal area where you can see hints of the cottages and a few people at Crystal Cove's main beach.

Are you a subscriber to my monthly newsletter? If not then you are missing out on the latest news from my studio. My subscribers are the first to see what's just off my easel, hear news about upcoming shows and events and have access to special pricing on select paintings and every so often I have a give-away contest for a free painting, calendar, print or other goodie. My newsletter subscribers are also the first to be notified when I have a studio sale. In my December and January newsletter I am offering 15 paintings at more than 50% off! To subscribe, simply enter your email address to the right of this blog in the box underneath where it says "Newsletter Sign-up" and then click the subscribe button.

Wrapped and Ready

2011-12-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all the very best this holiday season and in the new year!

"Wrapped and Ready"
6" x 8" oil on linen panel.

Available through DailyPaintWorks.com
Opening bid $50

Plein Air Cityscape Painting Titled "Leaving Downtown"

2011-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

"Leaving Downtown"
8" x 10" oil on canvas
$350
Free shipping within the U.S.

A couple of months ago the City of Tustin had a plein air painting event which I entered. This was the first time I'd painted in Tustin. What was surprising to me was how small the area is that the artitsts are allowed to paint within. We were bound by the limits of old town Tustin which is just a few city blocks radiating out from the center of old town. As far as subject matter there are cafe scenes, old houses and a few big city scenes like this one.

This was my favorite painting from the 3 days we were allowed to paint plein air because I like the strong composition. Since it was overcast, I thought I could lead your eye through the painting by adding a few pops of color in strategic places. When I was almost done, I added the guy on the sidewalk and a few other figures in the background.

This scene presented some challenges for me and I honestly didn't expect it to turn out at all. I started it with the mindset that I was just going to play around and see what would happen. Overall, I'm pleased with it and I would like to go back another day when there is better light.

Why Getting "Up at Dawn" Was Totally Worth It

2011-11-28T14:54:00.000-08:00

"Up At Dawn"
8" x 10" oil on canvas panel.
S O L D

Here is another painting from my trip to San Luis Obispo. One of the great things about painting outdoors all day, every day during a trip like that, is that you can plan to catch that fast-moving light in early morning or twilight.

This view was just around the corner from where I was staying. I spotted it as soon as I arrived but the light wasn't right. After a couple of days I figured out that dawn would be the best time to try painting this farm.

The trick to painting in early morning is to get up before dawn, set up the easel, block in the big shapes of the painting and wait. When the light finally hit the land I worked very quickly to put down the important color notes that would define the moment. The light only lasts for about 15-20 minutes so the blocking in I did initially was vital. After that I used my memory to fill in the final details.

"Farm in Morning Light"
6" x 8" oil on canvas
$200
Free shipping within the U.S.

As a landscape painter I am often asked by my students why I paint outside and apart from the usual answer about the light and how there is no substitute for painting from life there is the intangible - the absolute peace of witnessing the sunlight creep over a hillside and light up a mist-filled field, feeling the mist on my face when a breeze stirs and knowing that this particular moment will never be repeated in exactly the same way again. That's what keeps me going out again and again, if you've never experienced it I highly recommend giving it a try.

BEWARE: New Art Scam Involving My Blog

2011-11-25T17:14:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to warn all my followers, artist friends and fellow bloggers. There is a new art scam that my friend Christine Mercer-Vernon received in her email and she was kind enough to alert me. The fishing email she received mentioned my blog specifically. I just wanted to be very clear that my blog is NOT involved with a company named Blog Services Inc. If you are contacted by this company, beware, I seriously doubt their email is anything but a fishing scam targeted at art bloggers. My thanks to Christine for her alert!

6 Inch Squared Fall 2011 Exhibition

2011-11-22T09:51:00.000-08:00

6 x 6 Oil on canvas panel.
Titled: "Pumping Iron"
S O L D

I am thrilled to have 3 of my paintings in the 6" Squared Fall 2011 Show at the Randy Higbee Gallery. In my opinion this is the best show in Orange County because it features small affordable works of art by some of the country's best representational artists in the U.S.

This show has work by Michael Godfrey (an artist whose work I rarely see on the West Coast), Debra Huse, Terry Miura, Timothy Horn, Frank Gardner, Greg LaRock, Dee Kirkham, Andrew Bolam, Becky Joy, Edward Burton, Sergio Lopez and so many other incredibly talented artists.

6 x 6 Oil on canvas panel.
Titled: "Avila Harbor"
Available through the Randy Higbee Gallery

If you only see one art show this year, I'd recommend this one. I'd love to see you there and hope you can make it to the show that night.

The opening reception is December 3rd from 5 - 9 p.m.
102 Kalmus. Costa Mesa. Ca. 92626

6 x 6 Oil on canvas panel.
Titled: "Walk With Me"
Available through the Randy Higbee Gallery

Tawny Bluffs and Emerald Waters - Shell Beach Painting

2011-11-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

11 x 14 Oil on linen panel.
Titled: "Tawny Bluffs and Emerald Waters"
S O L D

Here is another painting I completed during the San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival. I was up before dawn scouting potential painting spots when I found this view. The color shifts in the cliffs, the rocks, reflections in the water and the house all screamed, "paint me!"

The biggest challenge with this view was committing to the light so early on. After 2 hours the sun had climbed high and the light had totally changed. I always tell my students to cover their canvas and get any essentials in, like shadows, quickly that way when the light changes you can still finish.

This was one of those moments when I was having such a good time rocking out on my iPod, enjoying the beautiful day and painting that before I knew it I was finished. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it!

What Do You Do When Your Muse Doesn't Inspire?

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

8 X 10 inch oil painting on canvas panel.

Titled "Out for a Walk"

$350.00 (Free shipping on unframed paintings within the U.S.)

International Shipping Options

Have you ever worked really hard to get out to a painting spot with all of your gear in tow only to find that there wasn't a lot there in terms of subject matter worth painting? I have, in fact I've had it happen a lot.

A couple of weeks ago I returned from the week-long San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival. After driving up and getting my canvases stamped for the week, I immediately set out to paint because they were predicting rain during the event. The coordinators of the festival supply all the artists with maps and a list of suggested painting locations. For my first spot I decided to head out to the beach at Montana de Oro. After a 20-minute drive and a long walk to get to the beach with all my painting gear I discovered that there wasn't a lot to paint at that particular patch of beach (see photo below). Instead of hiking back up to the car and wasting more time driving I thought I could put my artistic license to use and try to create a good painting.

In order to create depth in my painting I knew I had to play-up the warm and cool colors more than what I was actually seeing. Most of the sand and cliffs were similar shades of tan. In my painting I made the sand in the foreground much warmer in color than what was actually there. The middle of the sand I cooled off using a little blue and white and then added more for the distant sand. Then, with the cliffs I set up foreground, middle-ground and background points for each, keeping the foreground cliffs much warmer and the background ones cooler. I wanted to differentiate them from the sand so I created a color that had a bit more yellow and then applied the same technique of adding blue and white as they moved back into the distance. You can see that I still added a touch of the warmer cliff color to the background cliffs though because without that color the distant cliffs seemed too separate from the foreground ones.

The mounds of green plants in the foreground added some much needed interest to the sandy expanse of beach. I made sure to reduce their size as they moved back in space to add to the feeling of depth.

With the water I used a slightly greener color in the water closest to me and then made it a lot cooler and lighter in color as it moved off into the distance. Then I added the foam on the waves and darkened the sand where the water had wet it. The sky was gray with a few hazy clouds passing through. To give the cliffs scale and add a focal point I added people on the beach. The red shirt of the person on the right really draws the eye because it is the only spot of red in the painting.

Overall, I am really pleased with this piece because of the challenges I had to overcome to get it to this point and I hope you enjoy it too.

What was your toughest painting challenge?

San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival

2011-09-29T19:59:00.000-07:00

This year I am thrilled to be included amongst fifty of the nation’s top plein air artists who have been selected to venture outdoors to paint the unspoiled landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes of San Luis Obispo County—one of the most picturesque areas on the California Central Coast.

The 10th Annual Plein Air Festival comes to the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art from October 2-9, 2011. The Museum plays host to 50 the country’s most accomplished landscape painters who for one week grace the Central Coast, painting the seascapes, landscapes and town scenes of the area. During the week, there are events each night celebrating the painter and the style of painting known as Plein Air.

A week-long celebration of plein air painting, the Festival also includes lectures, poetry readings, movies, and kids’ paint out in addition to the gala opening of the Festival Exhibition and Sale on Friday and Quick Draw and Live Auction on Saturday. The San Luis Obispo Plein Air Festival is produced by the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art in support of the Museum’s exhibition and educational programming.

Festival Dates: 10/3/2011 - 10/9/2011

Reception: 10/7/2011 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Location: San Luis Obispo Museum of Art

(805) 543-8562

1010 Broad Street

San Luis Obispo CA 93401-3505

www.sloartcenter.org

Laguna Beach Oil Painting Workshop

2011-09-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I held a 3-day oil painting workshop in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA. I had a small group which enabled me to give everyone LOTS of attention (I did my best not to hover over each of them.) One student traveled all the way from Florida to be there.

The first day started with a demonstration painting and I explained my approach and thought process while I worked including lots of talk about warm and cool colors and using them to create depth in your painting. Then I turned my group loose to work on their own paintings. At the end of the day we had a group critique where I talked about the aspects of each student's painting that worked and then offered suggestions for improvements.

The second day I had them paint 3 small studies. They were allowed to work on each painting for 2 hours only. The purpose of the exercise was to get them thinking about the landscape as large simple shapes, not specific details. One student mentioned he was having trouble painting trees so I made sure he painted a palm tree as one of his small studies. It was absolutely amazing to watch the light bulb switch on over his head when he understood how to paint the tree and how to see both the positive and negative shapes that formed it. We also ended that day with a critique.

The last day I did a small, quick demonstration painting just to reinforce everything I'd been teaching that weekend. My goal was to give the class as much painting time as possible before the light changed dramatically. Each of them produced a beautiful painting, I was very proud of their accomplishments! Below is a view from our painting location, just another day at the office.

If you would like to be part of my next plein air oil painting workshop in Orange County, please contact me with dates that work best for you and I will add your name to my interest list - just click here. I will be planning my 2012 schedule soon and will let email you with more details.

Original Oil Painting of Tuscany, Italy - Titled "Chianti Road"

2011-09-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

11 X 14 inch oil painting on canvas panel.
Titled "Chianti Road"

$650.00

Lately, I’ve been painting a whole lot of demonstration paintings. I never imagined a year ago I would be painting this much in front of large groups of people. Needless to say, it can be extremely nerve-wracking. Especially, when I get overly ambitious and decide to paint a scene I’ve never painted before. This was one of those views that I painted at the O.C. Fair and while I have painted very similar scenes, this one was new to me. Luckily, it turned out well in spite of the fact that I was talking my way through it the whole time and answering questions.

It’s a delicate balance between teaching technique and creating art and often the art is sacrificed a bit so that key painting techniques can be passed along. I’m finding however, that the more I talk my way through my painting process when teaching, the clearer my objectives for each painting have become. In addition, there are a lot of things I am learning from watching my students paint and I can’t help but be inspired by their hard work, persistence and enthusiasm.

This scene is outside a monastery in Tuscany, Italy. The photo I used to paint from is very different than my final painting. Many people who stopped to watch me paint at the Fair were shocked at what a departure this is from my reference. Of course, that was a great opportunity to talk about using photographs as inspiration, not a literal translation, in order to create a better painting. I truly believe that it helps to put away any photos I’m using after a while so that I can focus on the painting itself and not get caught up in the details of reality. After all, I’m not going to display the photograph alongside my finished painting, what matters most at the end of the day is what’s in the frame. I’ve posted the original photograph below.

To see more of my work log onto www.KimVanDerHoek.com

There's still time to enroll for my 3-day outdoor oil painting workshop in Laguna Beach, CA.

2011-09-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

3-Day Plein Air (Outdoor) Oil Painting Workshop in Laguna Beach with Kim VanDerHoek
DATES: September 9th-11th (Fri., Sat. & Sun.)
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST: $300

This plein air workshop will focus on using a step-by-step process in order to create a successful landscape painting. Topics covered will be; how to create a strong composition, having a focal point, creating depth, brushwork (with an emphasis on how to hold your brush), paint application, time management while painting on location and color mixing. Painting demonstrations by Kim will be included. Class size is limited so that each individual will receive plenty of personal instruction. Each day workshop participants will paint on location and at the end of the day there will be a constructive group critique of our work. Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please bring art supplies, a field easel and a sack lunch.

If you are unable to make it all three days then I can modify the workshop price and charge only for the days you can attend.

If you are interested please contact me right away because this will be my last outdoor workshop until sometime in 2012. Don't miss this opportunity to grow as an artist!

To reserve your spot today email me at KimVanDer77@aol.com

www.KimVanDerHoek.com

Wine Country Mission - Original Oil Painting of the Mission in Sonoma

2011-08-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

Titled: Wine Country Mission
Size: 6"x 6" oil on canvas panel
©2011 by Kim VanDerHoek

$50.00 opening bid on DailyPaintWorks.com

When I first visited the Sonoma Mission I was much too young to appreciate it's historic significance. All I knew was that my grandparents took me to see these old dusty buildings with dirt floors. It wasn't until I was much older that I finally realized how difficult life must have been for those who settled the west.

Much of the Mission has been restored in Sonoma. Every time I visit I marvel at how low the windows and doors are and how basic the living quarters were. It makes me appreciate our small house so much more.

REMINDER: 3-Day Plein Air (Outdoor) Oil Painting Workshop in Orange County
DATES: September 9th-11th (Fri., Sat. & Sun.)
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST: $300

There are still spaces available for my 3-day plein air oil painting workshop in beautiful Laguna Beach, California.

This oil painting workshop for beginning to intermediate level students will focus on using a step-by-step process in order to create a successful landscape painting. Topics covered will be; how to create a strong composition, having a focal point, creating depth, brushwork (with an emphasis on how to hold your brush), paint application, time management while painting on location and color mixing. Painting demonstrations by Kim will be included. Class size is limited so that each individual will receive plenty of personal instruction. Each day workshop participants will paint on location and at the end of the day there will be a constructive group critique of our work. Each day we will meet in Laguna Beach to paint directly from nature. Hours 9:00 - 4:00. Students must bring a field easel and art supplies.

To enroll CLICK HERE!

Please contact me for more information at Kimvander77@aol.com

www.KimVanDerHoek.com

Four 10 Minute Strawberries

2011-08-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

Last night I had my students paint these strawberries for 10 minutes in each square. Two of these were painted as a demo. so that they could see how simply they could create the illusion of form by using three values. The other two berries I painted just so I didn't hover over my students and make them nervous. For this exercise we did not focus on little details, like the seeds on the berry surface or the shadows and highlights of the berry leaves. This was all about thinking in values and using economic brushwork.

The students really seemed to enjoy this and they did amazingly well. Their growth was immediately apparent at the end of class when we compared their first berry of the day to their last. It was inspiring to witness!

REMINDER: 3-Day Plein Air (Outdoor) Oil Painting Workshop in Orange County
DATES: September 9th-11th (Fri., Sat. & Sun.)
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
COST: $300

There are still spaces available for my 3-day plein air oil painting workshop in beautiful Laguna Beach, California.

This oil painting workshop for beginning to intermediate level students will focus on using a step-by-step process in order to create a successful landscape painting. Topics covered will be; how to create a strong composition, having a focal point, creating depth, brushwork (with an emphasis on how to hold your brush), paint application, time management while painting on location and color mixing. Painting demonstrations by Kim will be included. Class size is limited so that each individual will receive plenty of personal instruction. Each day workshop participants will paint on location and at the end of the day there will be a constructive group critique of our work. Each day we will meet in Laguna Beach to paint directly from nature. Hours 9:00 - 4:00. Students must bring a field easel and art supplies.

To enroll CLICK HERE!

Please contact me for more information at Kimvander77@aol.com

The 10 Minute Painting Challenge

2011-08-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Many of my students tell me they love the loose brushwork they see in my paintings but have a difficult time replicating it in their own work. For this week's class on Monday night from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Bear Street Gallery we will practice the 10 minute challenge. I will set up a very basic still life, we will divide our canvases into 8 squares and then paint the still life in each square for only 10 minutes.

Carol Marine posted this same challenge on DailyPaintWorks.com a while ago and it is a great lesson in how to keep your brushwork spontaneous and fresh. Working within such a limited time forces you to paint with your instincts, lay the paint down with commitment and then leave it alone. Join us for an action-packed painting session tomorrow night at 3851 Bear Street, Santa Ana, California 92704 (just around the corner from the Showcase Gallery next to the Crate & Barrel store).

NEW Monday Night Oil Painting Class in Orange County

2011-08-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

New oil paintings classes every Monday night from 6:00-9:00 with Kim VanDerHoek. This weekly oil painting Class is for beginning - intermediate students in Orange County, CA.

Cost: $35.00 per class
Location: 3851 S Bear Street, Santa Ana, California 92704

Kim is nationally recognized award-winning artist whose work has been in American Artist Magazine, Artist Magazine, Paint America Top 100, Salon International and the RayMarArt competition.

This week Kim will demonstrate how to paint palm trees. Students are welcome to paint along with Kim or work on their own painting projects.

This oil painting classes for beginning to intermediate level students. Using a hands on approach Kim guides each student through the painting process. She talks about color mixing, composition, focal point, color harmony, paint application, brushwork, selecting a subject and so much more. Class size is limited so that she can give each student lots of individual attention. Each week students will work from life or from a photograph.

Please email Kim for more details and a supply list at Kimvander77@aol.com

April Shore - Original Oil Painting of Laguna Beach California

2011-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

9 X 12 inch oil painting on canvas panel.
Ttitled: “April Shore” ©2011 by Kim VanDerHoek
$455.00

Being a mother and an artist is a constant juggling act so, as you can imagine, I’m behind on my new painting posts. I’m also keeping my very best paintings under wraps until next year’s solo show at Copperwood Artware Gallery. If you are a friend of mine on FaceBook you might have seen a few sneak peeks of paintings for the show that I’ve posted there.

This painting I found in a stack of work that needed to be photographed and uploaded in my studio. Painted in April at Laguna Beach, the clouds were threatening rain and the beach was quiet. The light that day was subdued so, in order to create the depth in this view I warmed up the palm tree and cliff on the left quite a bit more than what was actually there. The following hillside cooled off a bit more but isn’t as cool as the last hill. Also, the sand in the foreground is slightly warmer in color than the sand at the base of the last two hills. To paint the water I used the same principals, with the distant water being much cooler and lighter in color than the foreground.

Near the end of the painting I add all the fun details. Putting in the buildings on the hillsides is something I really enjoy. If you look closely, you’ll note that they are just simple strokes of my brush in several different colors that are close in value (how light or dark a color is). Then I added the lifeguard tower, a few strokes on the palm tree and some thick paint in the water.

No matter what the weather is like, painting in Laguna Beach is always inspiring.

To see more of my work log onto www.KimVanDerHoek.com

Announcing 2 New Oil Painting Classes

2011-08-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

Lately, my students and potential students have been asking me to offer more oil painting classes for them to choose from. Ask and you shall receive!

First, I have a 1-Day In-Studio Workshop on September 17th from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The cost is $50 plus an optional $10 for art supplies.

This will be a paint-along style class where I talk everyone through each step of the painting while they follow along creating their own version of the same scene. The view I plan on having everyone paint is a beautiful road in Tuscany with some vineyards off to one side. This class is a great way to try out oil painting to see if you like it. Also, with the optional $10 material fee, I would provide all the supplies you need so you don't have a lot of money invested in materials.

The class will be in an art studio in Anaheim. All I would need to reserve your space is a deposit of $25. The workshop is already filling up so, if you are interested please contact me ASAP.

Secondly, I have a new weekly oil painting class that starts on August 15th. The class will be held every Monday night between 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The cost per class is $35 or $140 pre-paid for 4 classes per month. This class is for beginning to intermediate students. We will paint from both photographs as well as from life. In class I will talk about color mixing, brushwork, composition, values, shapes and how to create the illusion of space on your canvas. Occasionally, I will have the class do a painting exercise and I will also paint a demo. for everyone to see.

Monday night class will be at the
Bear Street Gallery
3851 Bear St.
Santa Ana, CA 92704

Of course, there are still open spaces in both my 3-Day Plein Air Workshop in Laguna Beach and in my Thursday morning oil painting class in Costa Mesa, if you would like to join.

Please contact me at kimvander77@aol.com for more information.

Grapes Revealed - Original Oil Painting of Grapes

2011-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

6 X 6 inch oil painting on 1/4” panel with the edges painted black. No frame is necessary because there is a slot in the back for a nail. Titled: "Grapes Revealed"

S O L D

A collector of mine requested 3 paintings to go next to her dining room table and this painting was to be the third and final one. After I finished, I got out the other two paintings that were to be hung next to this one and that’s when I saw my mistake. Both of the companion paintings are 5” x 5,” I accidentally grabbed a 6” x 6” panel to paint on. So, I headed back to my easel to paint this one again at the correct size. Needless to say, painting this subject a second time was much easier and it came together very quickly.

September 9 –11 Plein Air Oil Painting Workshop
There is still space for you in my September Plein Air Workshop in Laguna Beach. The workshop will focus on using a step-by-step process in order to create a successful landscape painting. Topics covered will be; how to create a strong composition, having a focal point, creating depth, brushwork (with an emphasis on how to hold your brush), paint application, time management while painting on location and color mixing. Painting demonstrations are included except on the second day when students will have the whole day to paint. Class size is limited so that each individual will receive plenty of personal instruction. Each day workshop participants will paint on location and at the end of the day there will be a constructive group critique of our work. Reserve your space today by clicking HERE!

To see more of my work log onto www.KimVanDerHoek.com

Thursday July 28th - Oil Painting Class at Gallery by Biel

2011-07-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

This Thursday from 9:30 -12:30 at Biel Gallery I will be painting a small landscape for my students. The photo is the view I've chosen for the week. I will talk about color mixing, edges, shapes and focal point. Everyone is welcome to paint along with me or work on their own painting.

Oil painting class is open to beginning and intermediate students. Please contact me for supply list.

Join us for a fun morning!

www.KimVanDerHoek.com

Laguna Landmark - Original oil painting of Laguna Beach

2011-07-24T19:26:00.001-07:00

Titled “Laguna Landmark”
8 X 10 inch oil painting on canvas panel.

S O L D

Recently, one of the painting groups I belong to invited artist Bryan Mark Taylor down to Orange County to do a painting demonstration. Having been a fan of his landscape paintings I made quick childcare arrangements with my husband so that I could be there. While I did meet Bryan at the Sonoma Plein Air Festival in May, I didn’t get to paint with him and when this opportunity came along I had to be there.

His demo. was great to watch. What I found particularly intriguing was how many different ways he uses his brush to apply paint. It’s something I’m now working on incorporating into my own work.

After Bryan painted all of us set our easels up and went to work capturing Laguna. The painting you see here is what I created that day. Hotel Laguna is the large building on the left and the beach is Laguna’s main beach. If you’ve never been to a California Beach I highly recommend Laguna, it is truly breathtaking with it’s palm trees and coastal views.