The one thing that draws me to realism is texture. With a few well-placed brush strokes, a painting comes alive. It becomes the object you are painting. It’s almost a magical process. The point where I go from laying base color to creating texture is my favorite part of painting.

In my painting, “These Are the Good Times,” texture played an important role all through the work. There was the weathering on the wood of the cabin, the trees in the background and of course, the chairs.

One of my favorite techniques for this type of work is to use old brushes. I never throw away an old paintbrush. I simply re-purpose it. Some of my really old ones only have a few bristles, but they produce some of the best texture.

The bristle brushes are great for splattering. My old fan brushes add grain to wood. The fact that they are frayed brings a bit more realism into what they bring to a painting. Besides, brushes are so expensive, especially the really good ones. Why not get the most out of them?

It was a lot of fun creating this painting. I suppose it helps living in a cabin on a lake to have experience and objects to draw from. It’s a theme I enjoy. The message is really good too. Relax. Sit down for awhile, and enjoy the scenery. It doesn’t get better than this.

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Creating Texture to Add Life to Your Paintings

There seems to be a school of thought in the art community that using premixed colors is a bad thing. Purists stress the need for beginners to learn how to mix colors rather than relying on premixed colors that many manufacturers such as Daniel Smith market. While I see the point they are trying to make, I still say it’s bunk.

It is no sin to buy premixed watercolors or any paints. On the down side, it can cost you extra money. Some colors don’t come cheap. However, you can achieve some incredible effects with watercolors with additions like luminescence. There are other reasons to consider them.

You won’t have to deal with the prospect of muddy colors. You will also have consistency, which is a huge thing for a watercolor artist. You can skip the fuss of mixing on your own and get down to what is really important–painting and creating. Premixed colors save you time and energy that should be focused on your work.

What concerns me is the concept of making rules for other artists. Art is freedom. If you choose to buy six different shades of green because you like the predictability and effects, go for it! Paint until your heart is content. Art means finding your own muse and if she prefers premixed colors, by all means make her happy.

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Don’t Avoid Premixed Watercolors

For me, painting is not just a hobby. It is therapy. When summer is overwhelmingly hot, I paint blizzard paintings. Likewise, when winter chills me to the bones, I paint summer paintings to recapture the warmth.

This painting represents the joy of living on the lake, of experiencing the presence of wildlife and waterfowl. Wetlands teem with all kinds of life, even when they appear mysterious as the fog rises. I take pictures with my watercolors. This scene is one of those places I truly adore.

It also represents a small break from my usual style. I still love realism and will always embrace it. I added a dreamy quality to this work to give it a different feel, one that may draw you in. It also incorporates a new palette of colors for me that strive to capture realism better.

This is the height of creativity for me–when you can create your own worlds and enjoy what enfolds. I hope you like this one. Buy at eBay

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Summer Painting to Beat the Winter Blues

As an artist, you’ll probably relate. There are a few paintings that you feel you can never replicate. You put your heart and soul into a work. Perhaps you tried a new technique or color mixture, without noting it somehow. That’s how I felt about this painting that I titled, “Deep Thoughts.”

My cat, Sophie, is very intelligent. She has unique vocalizations to communicate different things. Every now and then, she might stare off in the distance. My husband and I wonder what it going on in her little pea-brain. Somehow though, I think there’s more going on, hence, the name, “deep thoughts.”

For artists, selling other forms of your work through venues like Zazzle is a great way to keep enjoying your works. I have to admit buying several items from my own store for those few paintings that I almost wish I didn’t sell. That is one lesson an artist must learn–do not sell all of your favorites. Keep one or two to cherish and remind you of your talent as an artist.

“Deep Thoughts” is one of those paintings that I wish I kept. I’m glad to know that it is making someone happy. As I enjoy my coffee with my cat mug, I’ll remember how good it feels to immerse myself in a painting.

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Let Your Paintings Live On

Being self-employed, running your own business is tough work. I don’t have to tell you that. As a woman and an artist, you have a bigger task ahead of you. Your dedication to your work shows your business aptitude. It demonstrates your will power and determination. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back. You are an American success story.

Not everyone can make the same claim to fame. You beat the odds. You found a niche for yourself. It is a testimony to your hard work and dedication. Congratulations on your success! You are proof of the American dream.

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Celebrate Your Achievements

Fall never fails to surprise us. The timing and intensity of colors are variable, which adds a bit of a surprise. When they do come, you can’t help but be awestruck by Nature’s incredible palette. As an artist, this is the time to pause and take in the lesson being played out before you. No artist does it better.

Fall colors give you as the artist a chance to exercise your palette. Fall paintings carry a certain forgiveness about them. Fall colors can push the extremes, so your work can build on that fact.

I don’t have stats to support me, but I’d wager that fall paintings are some of the most popular landscape paintings ever created. How can you not help but notice the beautiful variations in reds, yellow, browns, and oranges?

If you find yourself short on ideas, take up your fall palette and create some magic.

Photo by chappy14

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Monday Marketing Meeting—Embrace Fall

Sometimes that gift can be vexing. It is especially so when the subtle variations in color are no longer visible in foliage. Without having to think about it, you know that summer is waning and that fall is approaching.

I’m not sure which is worse—the return of winter or the loss of color. I don’t mind winter, usually. If it’s brutally cold, that is another story. The loss of color is disheartening. I don’t like to see trees go from an explosion of greens to a monotone of dull olive. Olive is fine for camouflage but not for tree cover.

As summer tries to stick around, I’ll recall the wonderful summer days with cool breeze and vibrant color until once again spring opens up the world of green.

Photo by silgluck

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I Can See Fall

If there is anything you can learn from marketing and starting your own business it is to take advantage of learning opportunities. There are so many ways you can grow your business and enhance your personal knowledge through education. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

I recently stumbled along the Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship which seeks to help college graduates ease into the work force. I don’t have to tell you how hard things are economically. Your best strategy is to improve your marketability. As artists, we do this through finding our niche. If you are in a technology field, you do this by improving your knowledge base through education.

Education is a gift whether it is in the arts or science. My personal belief is that if you have knowledge, you have a moral obligation to share it. That is why I have this blog. I want to help artists. Artists play a vital role in society. They deserve support. If I succeed as an artist, fine. If I learn something that other artists can benefit from, the more the better.

My background is science which is why my art includes landscapes. Nature is the god in my life. Art is my prayer.

I encourage artists to learn. Learn about your subject matter so you can add the nuances of one in the know. You can convey a deeper meaning which will make your art more powerful. Find a way to share the precious knowledge that you have.

www.wwteachingfellowship.org

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Embrace Learning Opportunities

The best advice I can give you as a marketer is to listen to your mind. When things are getting fuzzy, it is time to turn off and take a break. You don’t do yourself any favors by pushing through fatigue. Fatigue is a signal from your body to slow down. Do yourself a favor; listen.

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Take a Break

As an artist, you notice the shades of green, especially if you are a landscape artist. I’ve always said that I knew that I was an artist when I could detect the shades of green in a forest.

It is subtle, at first. As an artist, you see a multiples of greens in a forest. Then, all of a sudden, you see a monotone of green. That’s what I’m talking about.

The greens seem no longer vibrant and alive, but rather a monotone. Every since I’ve become an artist, I’ve mourned the transition.

It is a bane of artists that we see more. We feel more. We are aware of the changes around us. I don’t necessarily look upon it as a burden, but rather an opportunity to learn. I want to know Nature so that I can bring new knowledge through my work.

As the greens wane, I watch the waterfowl gather up for migration. It leaves me hopeful for the return of spring.

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Artist’s Eyes