The Painter's Loft

I Have a New Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 13 Oct 2016 20:53:00 +0000

Hi all! Big news... I'm officially retiring this blog site because, drumroll, I have a fresh new website along with a beautiful new blog. Check it out here! First post is about the Masterworks show at the Hirshhorn.

My Supplies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 12:46:00 +0000

I'm often asked what type of paint supplies I use to achieve that nice thick impasto texture so I thought I would share with you my go-to's. Since I work in both oils and acrylics depending on the size and project, I'll share both of my lists. There is nothing like the beautiful buttery consistency of oil paint, however, acrylic paints have come a long way in the past decade and the heavy body paints and mediums that I mention below almost mimic the textural qualities of oils. Below are some of my favorite supplies that will give you an introduction to textural painting at an affordable price point. Enjoy! (**This is not sponsored by any of the following companies, it is simply my best of best list)

Oil Painting Supplies

1. Gamblin Titanium White Oil. This will help you achieve a nice buttery consistency and is about $50 for a 16oz can from Dick Blick. I tend to use at least three times the white as I do other colors combined, and even though I normally paint oils in small scale, it's more cost efficient for me to buy in cans.

2. Mediums. Liquin Impasto Medium is a semi-gloss, quick-drying, non-yellowing medium perfect for palette knives and will retain crisp textures. Another medium I enjoy that creates a softer texture is Gamblin cold wax. It is made of beeswax and will dry no harder than a candle, so it's important to only mix in about 1/4 wax to 1 part oil paint for a nice smooth, matte finish.

Below:Detail of piece using cold wax medium

3. Colored Oil Paints. In terms of selecting which brand of colored oil paints to purchase, I use a range from Winsor & Newton, M. Graham, and Gamblin. I suggest buying small tubes of the colors and experimenting until you find which colors you like. You'll be surprised at the differences in prices, heaviness of texture, and brilliance of colors across brands. I always buy exclusively through Dick Blick since they almost always offer discounts and free shipping for large orders.

Acrylic Painting Supplies

1. Dick Blick Titanium White. For acrylic painting I generally stock up on large jars of Dick Blick Titanium White. Similar to my oil painting process, I generally go through at least one jar of white per painting while using small amounts of color from other tubes.

Above:Impasto texture using acrylic paints.

2. Colored Tubes. For bright beautiful colors that maintain their peaks I like to use a range of tubes including Liquitex Heavy Body and Golden Heavy Body. It is important to only buy the "Heavy Body" variety because the "Soft Body" will flatten out while drying. Some of my favorites include manganese blue, cadmium red, pthalo blue, prussian blue, and sap green (all by Liquitex). Golden also has a range of beautiful heavy body acrylics, with some of my favorites being their hansa yellow medium and florescent pink. These tend to be a little pricier than other brands so you may just want to sample one or two to see if you can tell the difference.

3. Heavy Gloss Gel Medium. I also always use the super heavy gloss gel medium by Liquitex, which can create sculptural effects that maintain their high peaks. I prefer the gloss for a nice shine, but they also have matte if you prefer.

Knives and Canvas

1. Palette Knives. I suggest purchasing at least five different knives in a range of sizes and shapes and playing around until you find your go-to favorites. There are many brands on the market but you should always get stainless steel if possible to prevent rusting and in my opinion they tend to bend less easily than other types. You can find knives by Liquitex for around $8.

2. Canvas or Wood. For an affordable, good quality canvas I like to go with Dick Blick Premier Cotton Canvas. If you are planning on framing, the 7/8" profile canvas will give you a much broader and affordable range of framing options, but if you would like the gallery wrapped look with painted edges I would go with the 1.5" profile. Another option is cradled wood panels. I like the Blick panels with 1 5/8" sides, but you do have to gesso the surface beforehand so it does have an extra step. Alternatively you can purchase pre-gessoed panels for a small extra cost.

I hope this has provided you with some useful information for starting out as a textural painter or simply trying something new. Any questions?? Let me know, I'm always happy to offer suggestions or answer questions. Have fun!!

Making Waves

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 21:50:00 +0000

In the studio working on a 6" x 6" seascape. Shot with my Nikon. Enjoy!

How to Start an Art Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 22 Jun 2016 01:31:00 +0000

Many of my clients are first time buyers looking to start a collection. Often times they discover my work online then come in for a studio visit, which can be an overwhelming process without a concrete plan. Should they buy the piece that made their heart skip a beat or go with the piece that fits a specific space or color palette in their home? I thought this would be a good topic to explore from an artist's perspective.

Above: A collection of work in my studio. Collections can be built upon specific artists, styles, movements, subjects, colors, or techniques.

1. Do your research. Start by checking out local galleries, art fairs, and open studios. Write down your favorite artists and research their backgrounds. Where are they represented? What is their price point? If you're able, visit the galleries that represent them. Chances are you will find other artists you like there as well. Ask the artists if they are willing to do studio visits. I personally enjoy having clients over to check out my works-in-progress and current inventory. Don't forget online research especially on platforms such as Instagram. It is the perfect platform to quickly research artists and often you can be first in line to buy works directly off the easel. Be sure to search hashtags related to the type of work you are looking for. For example you could search by: #modernart #contemporaryart #dsart #studioscenes #artstudio #coastalart #floralart. A few of my favorite accounts that will give you a broad introduction to the huge community of artists on instagram are @artforbreakfast, @ratedmodernart, @freshpaintmag, and @painterspaintingpaintings.

Above:Edoardo Monti's collection of modern art in Brooklyn, New York, featuring work by myself (top right), Ryan Hewett, Jeff Rune, and The Unit London. This is a perfect example of how textures and colors can play throughout a collection.

Below:Two of my pieces (middle and middle bottom) in Monti's collection.

2. Do buy your favorite piece! Don't hold back when it comes to purchasing a piece you're in love with, especially if it's close to your price point. You don't ever want to look back and wish you would've bought that special piece instead of the one that matched your couch. Chances are if you love a piece now, you will always love it. Coordinating with interiors is important, but the artwork is paramount. Now think about why you love this piece so much? Was it the subject, technique, style, color, or concept? Use this piece as a starting point to build your collection around and if possible try to keep a similar underlying element throughout the collection. It doesn't even have to be an obvious similarity, it could simply be "women artists of the south" or "artists influenced by the abstract expressionists." A stronger collection will build upon a theme, not simply be a hodgepodge of random purchases.

Above and below: This collector chose two of my impressionistic foliage pieces for his stately home in Leesburg, VA. The framing plays nicely here with the formal interiors.

3. Set goals. What is the goal for your collection? Do you want to establish a noteworthy collection of artists from Virginia? Do you want to simply collect a variety of colorful miminalist pieces? Also try to plan around your budget. How often will you collect? What is your budget for each piece? Where will the pieces be positioned in your home? These are all important things to think about as you plan out your collection.

Above: A collection of my abstract paintings with the consistent theme of color and texture on exhibit at Covet. Inquire for availability.

4. Document Document! Always remember to document your collection. Keep a file of artist information, certificates of authenticity, signed paperwork, show catalogues, postcards, and any other information that could be valuable for the future generation or resale.

Of course, these are all suggestions, but hopefully I've provided you with something to think about while building and starting your collection. The collector has the ultimate power to decide the shape and direction of their collection. How exciting is that?!

Watercolor Studies Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 14:41:00 +0000

Now available exclusively on my instagram @amcoolick are my ten favorite watercolor studies from my spring exploration series. Each pieces is 9"x12", $45 for one, $80 for two. Head over to my instagram page and comment #sold with your email and I will send you an invoice within 24 hours!! Or shoot me an email amcoolick@gmail.com. Worldwide shipping available.

Top to bottom, left to right (all 9" x 12"):
1. Coral No. 1, coldpress 140lb cream paper
2. Crystalline Circles, coldpress 140 lb cream paper
3. Petri No. 1, coldpress 140lb cream paper
4. Crystalline Squares, coldpress 140lb cream paper
5. Zigzags, coldpress 140lb cream paper
6. Fresh Cut No. 1, 90lb white watercolor paper
7. Coral No. 2, coldpress 140lb cream paper
8. Petri No. 2, coldpress 140lb cream paper
9. Fresh Cut No. 2, 90lb white watercolor paper
10. Drip Drop, 140lb cream paper

New Seascape Series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 May 2016 16:31:00 +0000

I just finished and delivered my new seascape series to Covet in Arlington. There are 11 new pieces available in a range of sizes and prices, from 8" x 8" to 30" x 24", $140 to $675. The paintings can be previewed in the coastal section of my website.
Detail of Ocean Swells, oil on canvas, 20" x 10".

Somewhere on a Beach, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24".

Unframed Show

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 22:08:00 +0000
Come check out my work at the Unframed: Affordable Works of Art on Paper show at West Annapolis Artworks in Annapolis, MD now through May 31st! The all day open house is tomorrow April 8th from 10am till 7pm. The two pieces below, Spring on the Waterway No. 1 and No. 2, oil pastels, 22" x 17" each, will be available for $300 each!

$100 Gift Card Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 13:17:00 +0000
Today ONLY! Enter to win a $100 Gift Card to annmariecoolick.com on my instagram page @amcoolick here. All you have to do is follow me on instagram, turn on notifications so you're kept up to date with my latest work, and comment that you've done so! Thanks for your continued support!!

Art Show!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 13:19:00 +0000
Join me for the opening reception of Sugar-Coated, an exhibit of my frosting-like abstractions at Covet on March 19th from 6-10pm. The exhibit coincides with Covet's 6th birthday celebration, this year's winner of Best Boutique by Arlington Magazine. ‪Cupcakes and cocktails will be on tap! RSVP here.

Dreams and Goals

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 14:44:00 +0000
As an art student 15 years ago my dream goal was to have my work in a real gallery. It seemed so far-fetched but the simple reality was that I never thought it was possible. Looking back, I have to pinch myself that I get to paint in this cozy little space, have work in five galleries across the east coast, and people actually buy my work! My message to young artists and those struggling with self-doubt is not to ever let a rejection letter or the opinions of others stop you from continuing towards your dream. Being an artist is the hardest job I’ve ever had (well, tied with being a mom) and while it is a continuing struggle it is something I couldn’t live without.

Rose Quartz and Serenity

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 05 Feb 2016 15:55:00 +0000
I recently noticed a large number of pieces I painted over the summer and fall had big hints of Pantone's Color of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. What do you think?? These two are available for purchase at Covet in Arlington. Left: Out Like a Lamb, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 30". Right: Peachy Internodes, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 48".

Delicious Texture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 15:26:00 +0000
I've been working on a series of small heavily textured oil paintings inspired by the cherry blossoms in DC. The first in the series, Afterglow Cherry, 10" x 10", oil on canvas, now available at www.annmariecoolick.com.

Loving this Winter Studio Light

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 22:05:00 +0000

Unexpected effect on this in-work painting from backlighting. #modernart #studio

A photo posted by Ann Marie Coolick (@amcoolick) on Jan 6, 2016 at 2:31pm PST

Tropical Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 21:47:00 +0000
I visited the US Botanic Garden in Washington, DC last month and was completely inspired by the bounty of lush palm trees in the Tropical Room. If you haven't been yet, you must!! Here are the first few pieces in my Tropical Canopy series to be continued this winter. Both pieces are available at www.annmariecoolick.com

Above: Tropical Canopy, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 36".

Above: Detail of Tropical Canopy

Above: Bermuda Palm, acrylic on canvas, 20" x 20".

Detail of Bermuda Palm.
Below: photos from the Tropical Room.

Montalto delle Marche

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 Dec 2015 15:11:00 +0000
This Christmas I was honored to be chosen for a special commission of Montalto delle Marche, a village in the Province of Ascoli Piceno in the Italian region Marche near the Adriatic Sea. A daughter commissioned this piece for her mom to commemorate their trip to the village where their grandfather was born. Such a special story! If you're thinking of a special commission, email amcoolick@gmail.com for details!

Merry Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 17:12:00 +0000
Hi friends! I'm celebrating reaching 1K Instagram followers and want to toast to all of you who have supported and encouraged me along the way! I'm giving away two prints of your choice from my $50 shop to arrive by Christmas: one for you and one to gift to a friend.
To enter simply:
1. Head over to instagram and follow me @amcoolick
2. Like my "Merry Giveaway" post
3. Tag a friend (up to three for extra entries)
Winner will be announced tomorrow night! Ready, set, go!!

Studio Session

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 28 Nov 2015 20:59:00 +0000
Hi friends! Last weekend I had the privilege of a studio visit from DC photographer Albert Ting. Albert's contemporary photos of architecture and city life are beyond breathtaking so I was thrilled when he offered to take live shots of me painting in the studio. Nothing better than a little local creative collaboration! See more of Albert's work on instagram @Pootie_Ting

Color Pop!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 11:55:00 +0000
Last night was the opening party for my first curatorial endeavor, Color Pop!, a group show of four women artists from the DC area whose work is focused on bold colors and unique textures. I connected with the artists via the hashtag #acreativedc and it has been an amazing experience getting to know these talented ladies while sharing our creative processes and business ideals. The show will remain up through December so stop on by Whimpop on King Street in Alexandria, VA to check it out! Read below for information about the artists and their contact info.
Bottom right by Ann Marie Coolick, Bottom left by Christine Olmstead, top two by Kristin Try.

Above: Floral Dreamland by Ann Marie Coolick

Above: Rainbow Transparencies by Jordann Wine

Artists from left to right: Ann Marie Coolick, Christine Olmstead, Kristin Try, and Jordann Wine
About the artists:
Ann Marie Coolick has painted in Arlington for over 10 years. She paints exclusively with palette knives and thick frosting-like applications. Ann Marie was a resident artist at the Arlington Arts Center from 2004 until 2009, when her first son was born. She has since exhibited extensively across the mid-Atlantic.
amcoolick@gmail.com IG @amcoolick
Christine Olmstead has been painting for 20 years and for the past 5 years has been focused on abstract pieces. Receiving professional training in realistic charcoal & pencil drawings and oils, she's inspired by the French impressionists. Her artistic goal is simply to uplift the viewer and to encourage others by letting them know that there is beauty and light left in the world.
christine.e.olmstead@gmail.com IG @christineolmstead
Kristin Try is an Alexandria artist with a passion for abstract art. Kristin's journey into the world of art began after the birth of her second daughter, when her search for a creative outlet led her to experiment with interior design and art classes. Kristin's work is also on display nearby at Red Barn Mercantile in Old Town.
kristin@ginghamandgrosgrain.com IG @ginghamandgrosgrain
Jordann Wine is a DC artist who is inspired by a fascination with sacred geometry and the natural beauty of the planet. Working with glitter, she makes use of the medium’s full range of iridescent, opaque, and translucent color qualities, as well as various textures, to push the boundaries of glue and glitter into painting. Jordann is a graduate of New York University, where she studied Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Art; she continued her art studies at the Aegean Center for Fine Arts in Paros, Greece.
info@jordannwine.com IG @jordannwine

My work on Bohemianizm

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 26 Oct 2015 11:16:00 +0000
I was so psyched to see my abstract work featured on Bohemianizm this weekend!! Read the article here.

Art from Ann Marie Coolick (@AnnMarieCoolick) https://t.co/1ld8R2hm9S pic.twitter.com/ebq3Lni2P7
— bohemianizm (@bohemianizm) October 24, 2015

Blue Ridge Mountains

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 00:27:00 +0000

Just finished up and varnished this pair of 10" x 10" paintings of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, inspired by an early morning foggy drive through the mountains. Both pieces available at www.annmariecoolick.com.

Just finished up and varnished this pair of 10" x 10" paintings of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, inspired by an early morning foggy drive through the mountains. Both pieces available at www.annmariecoolick.com.

Back Bay Wildlife Refuge

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 01:03:00 +0000

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge near Sandbridge Beach and the VA/NC border is one of the most beautiful places on earth and my favorite place to paint. It includes a thin strip of barrier island coastline with beaches, dunes, woodlands, and freshwater marshes, providing habitat for the loggerhead sea turtle, brown pelican, and bald eagle.
You can walk away with one of my prints of Back Bay at the Back Bay Restoration Foundation's 30th Flyway Feast on October 24th from 12-5 on Knott's Island, with total proceeds from my prints benefiting the BBRF!! Help BBRF continue their mission of preserving, protecting, and improving Back Bay and its watershed!! The event will have live music, all you can eat food, live and silent auction, raffle, as well as kids activities.
For tickets and more info see www.bbrf.org
Pictured above: Marsh Romance No. 1 and No. 2, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 18" each. Available at www.annmariecoolick.com.

Ann Marie at The Little Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 18:41:00 +0000
I was beyond elated that my piece from Saturday's live painting at the Day of Remembrance at Smith Mountain Lake raised $450 for the scholarship funds for Alison Parker, Adam Ward, and Vicki's Vision. I had an amazing time painting to live music and meeting so many kind and supportive people from the community. The day was truly a blessing and a gift from Alison and Adam that will never be forgotten!! More of my work from my September feature at the Little Gallery can be viewed here.
Beautiful day for painting outside!

Dancing Cherry Trees, 30" x 40" now at the Little Gallery.

A sea of blue #SMLStrong shirts at the Day of Remembrance

New work now at the Little Gallery.

Layers upon Layers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Sep 2015 20:06:00 +0000
I've been working on a few autumnal abstract geometric pieces. So many layers. I'm going through a ton of paint! Here are a few shots of the beginnings.

after two layers...

after 4 layers. a couple more to go (I think!)

Internodes Series

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 15:03:00 +0000

I have the most fun painting geometrics in my Internodes series, inspired by the internodal regions of the stem on bamboo plants. I started this series when I moved into my loft studio in 2011, which has a nice view of our backyard bamboo forest. Peachy Internodes (top) 24"x48" available @covet_arlington. Bottom piece in private collection. #art #painting

A photo posted by Ann Marie Coolick (@amcoolick) on Aug 29, 2015 at 7:35am PDT

Abstract Painting: Start to Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 18:49:00 +0000
I've been working on a bright hot geometric painting with TONS of texture and layers. It may be one of my heaviest paintings yet. Here are some work-in-progress shots from the studio. I think it's done :)
Original available at annmariecoolick.com and prints available on Society6.