Next Flight

This is my version of an old painting challenge by Karen Jurick. She manages to take some of the most interesting photographs - which turn into the most interesting paintings. I am working on my photographic techniques - learning how to frame the subject in a more interesting way. We will see what happens with that in the next few weeks.

My bad!

A few days ago, I wrote about a demonstration I did for some new students - the Apple and Pear painting, and I forgot to give my friend, Polly Jackson credit for teaching me this amazing technique. It was she who opened my eyes to the process that brings such life to acrylic painting. I will be forever grateful to her, and hope that she forgives my thoughtless post.

You can see her link at the bottom of this page - check it out - she is an amazing artist!

Campbell and the Dragon

When I was in school, I fell in love with scratchboard. There is something about the calmness that it takes to make an image appear out of blackness. Something akin to doing calligraphy maybe. Whatever that is, when I create with a stylus, or pen and ink, I go into a very zen space. All my animals like to gather around me and sleep at my feet. I am totally at peace. Makes me wonder why I don't do that more often!

Rock Candy Mountain

It is this time of year that I dream of living in New Mexico or Colorado. Texas has been so hot and so dry, I think we are becoming like Phoenix or Las Vegas. Our kids vacation in Colorado every year, hike the mountain trails and rejuvenate. Lucky guys! This little collage sort of captures what I think it might be like to do that. Have fun! See you in a couple of weeks.

Pear and Apple Demonstration

This little painting was created as a demonstration for some friends who want to learn to paint with acrylics. The technique is the interesting thing, because it layers warm and cool colors on top of each other. Start with a red background, then sketch the outline of your subject in white chalk. Think about the final colors of the subject and first block in the subject with it's cool complement. Do the same with the background. Then paint over the subject again using warm colors. Be sure to leave some of the original background red showing around the edges. Add some detail, and you are done in a flash.