D. A. Bickford / Bull Pine Studio Fine Art

First Painting of 2012

2012-01-02T08:10:00.000-08:00

Here is my first painting of 2012. This is a 9x12 Soft pastel on Wallis paper with a water color under painting. This is the first one of two that I plan to do. The other one is after the same rain storm that ravaged my spring roses last spring. The next one will be the leaves after the storm.

Here's to a productive new year!

What's on the easel?

2011-12-31T05:52:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite artists is Stephen Quiller. I really love the way he uses transparency, translucency and opacity all in one painting. He also considers himself a "water media" artist and clearly describes the qualities of each medium. His knowledge of the personalities of each medium is so keen that he can pick the right one for the look he is going for. His color schemes are somewhat objective but subjective as well. The colors glow and interplay with each other in such beautiful ways.

Casein is one of his mediums. I love the flat velvety color that it produces. Quiller uses it with transparent acrylic under washes to create stunning results! I have tried some play with casein but feel really inept at this point. This series will be my next attempt to gain some knowledge of this beautiful paint. The series of three yellow scapes are my setup pieces for some play with Casein.

I have also started some different pastel pieces. I did not get in to the PPOM International show last summer. I am determined to create a piece that will make the grade! These pieces are on my favorite paper, Wallis, and have a watercolor underpainting. I use this process often. I enjoy the loose start and lcoking in the basics first.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My Two Sons and Gallery 5!

2011-12-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I completed a drawing that I have wanted to do for some. A portrait of our sons. This graphite drawing is on a full sheet, 22x30 Lenox Drawing paper.

The image is a compilation of both sons at the time of their Senior year in High School. I'm pretty happy with the outcome. I plan on using this image as an image transfer for a Christmas present. I will print it on fine watercolor paper and mount it on a birch panel.

I also found out this week that all four of my entries into the MAEA show at Gallery 5 in Leweston were accepted into our juried show! Yeeha! This is what I entered.

What I do with all my time!

2011-11-20T04:36:00.000-08:00

This time of year is nearly impossible to get in to my room and work! School is especially difficult this year due to many changes. I decided that I would try to connect my school activity to my professional blog - my way of showing that Im not just slacking off!

Check out what is going on in my class room by visiting the class blog. There are some cool links on the recent post. There is a slide show on the right for our 2011 Camp Sunshine pumpkin installation but you can also go here for the still shots.

For my artist friends, you might enjoy the AP / STUDIO art page. Students will be doing some assemblage collage art with inspiration from Joseph Cornell. This page is the actual lesson that they will work from. Check out the interactive links provided for instruction. Students will also be using some form of image transfer system in this piece. I have a youtube folder with tutorials for them to self direct with.

So - THIS is what I do with my time!
Enjoy!

The Magic of Haystack

2011-10-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Two weekends ago I got to have one of my dreams come true. I was honored to have the opportunity to teach fellow artists and teachers. I had 15 fantastic artist / educators in my workshop at Haystack Mountain School and, had the time of my life.

Teaching a group of highly creative and motivated people is like being on some kind of drug. The energy is contagious and the work output is nothing short of spectacular! People worked until after midnight and got up early to work more. One participant even got up at 4am to get to the studio! The whole weekend was magic, even more magic than it always is.

My mother and two aunts came up to see what I rave about so much. They got to see prints being pulled in the print studio, clay being thrown in the ceramics studio, freshly cast molds in the wood shop, beautiful pastel paintings in the brand new artists studio, movies being created in Gateway and a blacksmith demo in the hot shop.

I was not nervous during my slide show (click here) presentation. It felt great to be there with such inspiring people in such an inspiring place. Check back soon for images. I will be asking my participants to send me at least one photo of work they did in my workshop. This experience will be hard to beat! Thank you Haystack and thank you for the opportunity M.A.E.A. Take a look at the movie (click here) that my Co Worker put together! There is a sound track but for some reason it does not play - we are trying to figure that out!

Summer Work 2011

2011-09-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

Allan and I took short day trips this summer. We explored Lands End on Bailey Island. No luck fishing but the weather was beautiful and we had never been there before. The crib stone bridge is quite a sight and the only one in the US. This is a small pastel that I did for the day.

We took several day trip together this summer. Much enjoyed after the summer spent in the hospital last year. One trip was a particularly beautiful afternoon at Winslow Park in Freeport - again, no fish, but, the light and scenery was fabulous. This is one of our favorite camp spots.

6x9 on Wallis Paper, looking towards the camp sites from the NEW stone pier.

The next outing was a glorious day painting with Pastel Painters of Maine. The weather looked awesome but it was a very hot day. The things I learned that day were amazing and made me long for more time to paint with this group. They are fantastic teachers and very giving. I long for the days when I can join them MOST of the time.

both 6x9 on Wallis Paper, looking out across the water on the bridge before the farm.

The last piece is something I have wanted to do for my self for some time now. This drawing is not complete. It is about 80% done. It is a composite of our sons about the time of graduation. I still have some fine tuning to do and some personality to add but I'm pretty happy with the progress. Have to go for now! First REAL week of school starts tomorrow.

Step by Step Quote Series

2011-07-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

Step 4 Quote Commission / Collaboration
This is a step by step documentation, creating a Quote Panel

- another layer of violet washes
- addition of some iridescent pearl acyclic color
- the digital images have been varnished and adhered to the surface
- the quote is printed on vellum, varnished and adhered to the surface
- in this photo, self leveling clear gel is allowed to sit in droplets on the surface....tomorrow, these will retain the circle shape and round dome so that I can add color rings

More later.

Step by Step Quote Series

2011-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Even though I am on step three of this commission quote panel I thought I should post the process. When I teach, I can use these posts to support teaching and learning. This work involves two images on the same panel, violet colors and a motherhood quote by Abraham Lincoln.

1. prepare and prime the support by sanding and then coating both sides with gesso
2. print out the images, seal them with varnish and coat the support with requested acrylic medium...in this case, acrylic fiber paste (Golden's video library, the fiber paste video is in the second row down)
3. apply the first layer of color using flow release and acrylic colors / the flow release allows the color to really run around fast, just like it does on wet watercolor paper

Watercolor is actually a great medium to learning painting techniques. Many of the same processes used to create a watercolor are used in other kinds of painting processes. This layer has wet into wet, controlled bleeding and a water spritz for added drama. This is just the under layer. More later.

Summer Moves So Fast!

2011-07-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

After two weeks of cleaning my class room, getting it ready for floor scrubbing and a new school year, I could officially start my "Summer Break"

It took a week to complete the MAEA Fall conference at Haystack registration packets. If you click on the link you can see the studio space that I will be teaching Acrylics in for this conference! I'm very excited about this opportunity and already have some products donated by Golden. Fun fun FUN!!!

Next - a photographer pal of mine, Pam Davis asked me if I would be interested in being in the local Community Days. She got a booth and I said sure! Good practice! I prepared 6 new quote series and 8 small (6x9) pastels to have in my booth. I now have fine art card reproductions available and I also got a display tree that I had seen to display my work. Fair booths take a whole lot of work! It ended up being the hottest weekend of the summer! I had a great time and now I know how much I can fit in my car. All in all a good experience. No buyers but lots of interest and many cards passed out. We shall see. Below is a small sample of new work. I tried to keep things $100.00 or under. To see all of the new work click here.

Commissions Complete

2011-05-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

AC series is now complete! They do look lovely. This is really what I had in mind for my quote series. The client tells me what image they want or gives me a photo and picks out the text then, I combine the parts to create a whole. This was a lot of fun!

JS still life is also now complete. I love working with glazing! I am pretty happy with the color and the symbolizm. I hope the people who are getting these like them!

What's On the Easel

2011-04-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Break is over and my two commisions are about 95% complete. These little 6x6 inch squares don't look like they take a long time but they do. The biggest challenge is to focus on the text and yet allow the visuals take part too. I really love the textural qualities of these. I hope the client likes them.

This piece has a few color layers now. Glazes are so beautiful and rich. I love the way they shimmer with color and allow the under layers to show through. This work will likely be darker around the edges so that the interior glows.

What's On the Easel

2011-04-22T12:42:00.000-07:00

AC - Step three. Add the Image and the quote. These look really beautiful together. The hardest one is the Gardenia. White is always hard but this is getting there. Next comes some tweaks. Additions of elements that compliment what I have, lead the viewers eye and adds polish.

JS: Step 3 - another glaze layer. The final colors will not be established until I am pretty happy with the values. For now the layers will remain neutral. Sheer color will be added to the top along with opaque highlights and darks if needed.

What's On the Easel

2011-04-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Step 2.

These now have two layers of glaze colors. In order, Gardenia, Black Eyed Susan, Lilac. The images and quotes will go on after 4-8 layers of glazed color.

Step 2:
One layer of glazed color to set the drawing and begin the development of 3/D value. I used a polymer medium mixed with gold metallic. This layer mixed a bit with the graphite giving it a rich painterly texture. While this layer was still setting up I used alcohol to rub out and lift light areas. Symbolism: There are 5 objects lined up across the bottom. 4 candles and 1 vase with the Mayflowers. May is the 5th month and the Mayflower has 5 petals. Pretty neat huh! more later.

What's On the Easel

2011-04-19T06:36:00.000-07:00

Seems it's really hard to post with a full time job commitment! This week - April break, and I have two commissions to complete!
One is a series based on my "Quote Series" I'm very excited about this because it will be the first time I get to integrate my quote series idea with the concept of the client. This client wants three! This very cool idea combines three favorite flora with three lines in the Lennon "Imagine" The three flowers are gardenia, lilac and, black eyed susan. All three are 6x6 and the text will be a focus. Color will be decided based on the flowers. I decided to actually purchase a gardenia since I have never seen one in real life. WOW! The smell was intoxicating and I will definitely recall that while I create this piece. Gardenias are kind of flat and very open flowers. The white creamy petals almost don't look real. I wore my gardenia corsage to school on the last day prior to break. It reminded me all day about my commission. Step one - gesso then a textural coat of heavy body titanium white. Each one got a different treatment. More later.

The next commission is for a wedding in May. The painting will have a musical theme and a symbolic mayflower for the month in which they will marry. I love the still shots the client sent me for the composition. I think the interaction of the objects and the symbolic flowers will set up a quite dynamic. During my research I found out that mayflowers are considered endangered! Who knew. I plan on walking down back this week to look for pine tree that are growing near sandy, rocky soil because apparently mayflowers love that. More later.

rough compositional sketch

the Sketchbook Project 2011

2011-03-31T19:19:00.001-07:00

the Sketchbook Project 2011, a set on Flickr.

going to see the Sketchbook Project Tomorrow! YaaaaaaaY!

Just Dessert Chapter 3

2011-02-25T13:03:00.000-08:00

This process took me four tries! Oh what you learn when you try something new! I had to dissolve one image OFF the skin due to lack of ink in spots. I also lost a great image due to incompatible mediums - the whole image crackled when I tried to seal it with matte medium! The results were cool but not usable for this!

NOTE TO SELF: using digital ground is NOT a basic technique!

This stage is all about composing. Only two of these elements are staying right now, the image and the quote. The rest are just possible options. My aim is to make the piece look visually yummy. This exhibition is about desserts so I want a piece that makes you feel like you do when you see a beautiful frosted cake or some other confection.

The close up shots show how beautiful the mixed gels and mediums take the acrylic colors and create a textured and varied surface.

The author of the quote was one of the very first gastronomical writers. He wrote about the aesthetics of eating food with all senses. When you read any of the contemporary books on Acrylics they often speak in terms of food. Words like luscious, viscus, stringy or creamy are often used when describing acrylic mediums. My goal on this piece is to accentuate that idea.

I really love watching some of the more creative food channel shows. I think because they are a lot like painting!

One of my favorites is "The Best Thing I Ever Ate"

Just Dessert Chapter 2

2011-02-24T17:39:00.000-08:00

Usually I use digital images in my "Quote Series." I have been using photo paper as a collage element but wanted to try the new digital ground for non porous surfaces by Golden.

The first step is to make a skin and I have done that many times before only THIS time I decided to use a cool new product mixed in with the skin by Tri-Art called Liquid Mirror. BIG mistake. Although liquid mirror is acrylic paint it sticks like crazy...much more than regular acrylic paint. The mixture would not pull off of my acrylic release board at all! I had to scrape it off with a putty knife! I will likely use this beautiful pile of skin, it looks like thin sheets of butterscotch ribbon candy or some kind of caramelized sugar.

The next skin worked like a charm. I laid down a coating of gel gloss and let it dry. Then a coat of the liquid mirror on top. Success! The skin lifted right off the sheet! Tomorrow I can print the image of the tea cup and lemon square right on the skin then integrate it into my painting. Next step, two coats of digital ground. The ground allows the photo to be printed with amazing clarity right on the acrylic skin.

The support is a 14x14 Elephant Birch Panel. Gesso both sides first then several layers of acrylics gels and mediums. I use a variety of viscosity's and finishes so that when I add the color glazes the grounds take the color in different ways for a beautiful surface effect.

More to follow.

Just Dessert

2011-02-22T17:12:00.000-08:00

Well...

I don't have a lot of time but I think I might try to enter a piece for the "Just Dessert" show at Heartwood College of Art, sponsored by ASH, Artists in Service to Humanity. It's due March 1st! I made some lemon squares this weekend, one of my faves. I set one up in a blue china plate with some tea and took some photos.

My goal is to do one of my "Quote Series" Acrylic Collage pieces to enter. If you want to see a sample of my "quote series" click here. More to come. I'll try to blog the progress. Below is the digital image.

The quote will be:

"Tell me what you eat, I'll tell you who you are." - Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

What's on the Easle

2011-01-15T06:00:00.000-08:00

Sketchbook project is done and mailed! You can see the whole slide show here.

Next? A quote series commission series that I am very excited about for a collegue. More to come. Also, a double portrait of Andrew and Nick that I would like to do for myself. I need to get going on some more acrylic exploration and casein as well.

The Sketchbook Project 2010

2010-10-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Im getting in the swing now...Two more entries! This is the LINK to my profile on Art House Co Op

What a crazy week! We carved over 70 pumpkins for an installation to benefit Camp Sunshine. Next week is the end of the quarter and I have two shows to think about getting work ready for.

Here is...

- you would pick pumpkins

- you would gaze breathless

The Sketchbook Project 2010

2010-10-17T18:40:00.000-07:00

New Project!

The Sketchbook Project from The Art House Co-Op.

My theme is "If you lived here."

Here is my cover and one of my first pages. My book is sectioned into four seasons. My goal is to express the smells, sights and things to do that pleasure the senses in our beautiful state with the change of the seasons. The book is due in January. They go on tour all over the US in the spring of 2011 including at the Space Gallery in Portland Maine. More info to follow.

Final Installment!

2010-10-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

I know I have a full time job when it takes me almost a month to post two very small paintings!

On July 31, 2010 I sat on my front deck for the first time since May 22 to do a small pastel of the view. At the same time my facebook artist pals entered into a month long painting challenge. I decided that I needed to at least try.

My decision was to do each daily painting in the same medium, on the same basic size support and of the same view. I thought that would allow me a chance at success. I learned a great deal during this exercise and here are a few of my lessons:

- about 5 paintings in I realized how dedicated Monet had to have been because I surely could NOT see doing more than five or six views of the same place and he did YEARS worth
- after the 7th painting or so I started to find a focus for each painting such as shadow, mark making, color scheme or mood
- each new painting was the fuel for the next one...I CAN do this
- even when I thought "this looks just like the other ones" once on the wall the newest one claimed its own unique place in the collection
- I do have favorites but not one of them takes first place over the experience of the process
- I LOVE PASTELS
- I LOVE FOG
- I LOVE MOVING WATER
- I LOVE THE DRAMA OF THE SKY
- when I devise a plan of attack I can more easily fit painting into my life

- I NEED to paint, I feel better when I do

final paintings number 31 and 32........it's been a rewarding participation

Daily Painting August 28 and 29, 2010

2010-08-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Last day off. Lots to do. Here is number 29 and 30! Likely will not get to do my last two until next weekend. Its off to the races.

6 1/2 x 10 La Carte. Night view!

6x9 Wallis

Daily Painting August 27, 2010

2010-08-27T10:50:00.001-07:00

RAIN + SUN = GREEEEEEN!

The day started with a King Fisher bragging loud about how he was going to catch breakfast in the pond - then on to painting! The recent rain has made everything green up again so my focus was on that. The only one with no sky so far.

The good thing about this challenge is that It makes me paint every day. The bad thing is that I can see how few days I have before I go back to work!

Here is painting number 28. x9 Wallis Pastel Paper

Daily Painting August 26 2010

2010-08-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to focus on the long long shadows that appear this time of year. The light is a tell tail signal that fall is on its way.

There is this song by Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer called "Gentle Solder of My Soul" - one line says - when I have passed through the forest of my trials and stand at last where the shadows run for miles, we'll ride on ponies fine with painted shields through fields of shining gold.....what a beautiful image this creates - a mesmerizing song.

Here is painting number 27. 6x9 Wallis Pastel Paper.

Daily Painting August 25 2010

2010-08-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

RAIN RAIN RAIN!!!! Oh how we have needed this rain!

Toady's painting is of the the light rain first thing this morning. Wash away the dust, pollen and troubles. Green up the grass in ready for that beautiful fall contrasting color show!

Big purchase last night! Set of 60 Terry Ludwig Pastels!

Here is painting number 26. 6x9 Wallis Pastel Paper.

Daily Painting August 24 2010

2010-08-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

Only few more left to go. Today's painting is on 6x9 Wallis Sanded Pastel Paper.

In the market for some more Mt Vision Whites!

Here is painting number 25.

Daily Painting August 23 2010

2010-08-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

One week left and then back to work. Its been a very difficult summer of Doctors appointments and care taking. Not looking forward to going back for many many reasons. Every school year is different and you have to expect that but the recent changes have been extremely disconcerting. If I can make it for 24 years I can make it to the end. Not the best attitude I know but we all do what we have to do don't we!

If only this man were our Commissioner of Ed - one of the MOST viewed on TED talks.

Here is painting number 24.6x9 Wallis Paper.

Daily Painting August 21 and 22 2010

2010-08-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Busy day yesterday. Had a long over due celebration for our graduating youngest.

Today I post two paintings. I picked up some more of my favorite paper at the Art Guru - Wallis and, yikes it is expensive but worth every cent. Now I need to decide how long I'm going to wait until I buy a Heilman Pastel Box and a set of Terry Ludwig pastels! I need a sponsor like nasc ar drivers.

Both of these are 6x9 on Wallis paper. I start back to work on the 30th so I'm already worried about how I will do those. I guess I could always get caught up on the weekend. Then I need to start working on "the Sketchbook Project" The Space Gallery will host this exhibition in March and April of 2011! 10,000.00 artists and 60 countries! Wow!

Here is painting number 22 and 23.

Daily Painting August 20 2010

2010-08-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Shameless pitch..I need more blog followers! Tell people you know who might like to follow my posts about Art and Painting. I try to use lots of links to help people learn or understand things I might post that they don't know about.

Short post today. Getting ready for family to visit tomorrow and I need more supplies for painting! Running out of my favorites! Going out with Artist friend this afternoon to pick up some Mt Vision pastels in darks and lights along with some Wallis Sanded Pastel Paper. Art Guru is the only place that sells the Wallis unless I get it on line and the Artists and Craftsman for the Mt Vision. OH - I need to inquire how to get the same look for blending color with pastels WITHOUT sanding off my fingerprints! Cant find a thing that works as good as my fingers.

Here is painting number 21. 6 3/4 x 10 1/2 UArt 500.

Daily Painting August 19 2010

2010-08-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Two things.

1. I LOVE lens flares. I know I'm not supposed to love them but I do. To some people they are a defect, to me they are magical. The color and transparency are beautiful to me and I cant help but stare at and study them.

2. Impressionism.....not the way I want to paint ALL the time but bits and pieces and marks of color go well with lens flares and pastels are great mark variety makers.

I hate this paper but I hate waste more. So - this is my daily painting for August 19 on 7 x 11 Sabretooth with a coat of Golden Pastel ground.

Here is painting number 20.

Daily Painting August 17 and 18

2010-08-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Two paintings to post today. These are both on La Carte paper by Sennelier. This paper is very toothy and tends to break off as you work.

I am finding it easier to post two paintings at a time.

Doing one painting a day is a real challenge for me. Lots of things get in the way. I need a Betsy to protect my interests and let me paint all day. Why is it that we don't ever hear of the men behind the WOMEN artists of the world.

As an aside - I have been to that very Island and sat in that very swing. Its beautiful!

Here are painting 17 and 18.

Daily Painting August 15 and 16 2010

2010-08-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Fast post today. On our way to Boston to see a specialist. More later. Here are Saturdays and Sundays paintings for our August Facebook Painting challenge.

Daily Painting August 14 2010

2010-08-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Biggest accomplishment today? I posted the painting I did the same day I completed it. I'm exhausted! I think a perfect summer day is hard to make visually unique. I tried to capture the time of day and the perfect weather but to me, perfect weather looks a bit boring.

This painting is 6 3/4 x 10 1/2 on UArt pastel paper. I started with a Cerulean Blue watercolor wash. I swear that greens are one of the hardest colors to work with! Next painting my plan is to try a neutral under painting and then add color to that. I love the artist Stephen Quiller - his color work is so bold and dynamic. He uses a lot of neutrals. That will be my focus for next painting.

Her is painting number 15.

Daily Painting August 13 2010

2010-08-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Painting a lot means learning a lot. Today's painting is on 6 3/4 x 10 1/2 UArt 800 with a light pink dry wash put down first. I do like UArt paper because it behaves like Wallis. I do NOT like the finer grit, I have discovered. The color moves around too much for the way I work and it makes me struggle to create what seems to be to be a complete image. Or, am I getting tired of the actual image.

Getting to know a subject requires many hours of observation and interpretation but there are times when I have to hunt for inspiration with the same image.

Here is painting number 14.

Daily Painting August 12 2010

2010-08-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

I find it difficult to post on the correct day. By the time I am done with the painting and every day life I'm too exhausted to post. Today, my goal is to post August 13 painting on August 13!

This painting is on La Cart Pastel Card. I learned how to do pastels on this surface. I remember thinking how wonderful it was at the time. Since then I has learned the things I don't like about it. For one. It is not waterproof. I cant tell you how many times I have been outside painting for an hour or two and had a drop of liquid sap or dew fall off a tree directly on to my painting! Ugh! There goes the surface and it is impossible to repare completely. The other issue I have is the grit size. It is like painting on sand that you would dig up yourself and, that sand tends to want to move about on the surface. I can think of times when I might like to choose this surface but for the most part, Its not for.

As an aside, last night around 6:30 pm a very very large coyote appeared right in the middle of this very field. It looked very healthy with a good shiny coat. It was extremely light in color. At first we thought it was a deer. It is very unusual for a wild dog to expose themselves in the day light for such a long periods of time. This day I saw the coyote, two deer and a mother turkey with chicks.

Here is painting number 13.

Daily Painting August 11 2010

2010-08-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Real struggle to paint today. So many every day life things get in the way! Lots of phone calls today to make travel arrangements for a Doctors appointment. Plus, the day was such a beauty! I just HAD to get some fresh air.

I do realize I am in the rears! This post is for painting number 12. I started it yesterday and it took me all day long to get to it again! This is on UArt 500 paper. I started with a gray dry wash which I have never attempted before. At first I loved the neutral ground but as I developed the image I found the contrast harder to create. Perhaps I made the dry wash too dark or too thick. Next time I think I will do the wash lighter and give it a temperature that compliments the image.

Here is painting number 12.

Daily Painting August 10, 2010

2010-08-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today's painting is on my favorite paper. Artist Kitty Wallis developed this surface for her pastel work. I love the the fact that it is water proof and I can do a loose watercolor under painting. It never clogs for me no matter how many layers I put on. I do not use fixative because I don't like the way it looks so being able to layer is a plus.

This is a shot I took one morning after some night time showers. 6 x 9 Wallis pastel paper. Not sure what grade but I think its professional and not museum. This painting has an under painting of paynes gray.

Painting number 11.

Daily Painting August 9, 2010

2010-08-10T06:33:00.000-07:00

Late post today. Too much to do yesterday to get this posted but I did get it 90% complete.

This painting is on 9 1/4 x 6 1/2 Art Spectrum Colourfix paper. Another support picked up at a workshop. I only like this paper OK...not enough tooth for me. The colors are nice, this one is a light yellow, but I like a tooth that really grabs.

I am attempting to have a focus for each painting. Since all of them have been symmetrical balance I did this one in approximate symmetry.

simple explanations of balance

One of the best books on design

Here is painting number 9.

Daily Painting August 8, 2010

2010-08-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Painting number 9. Now I'm organized with a sustainable plan.

I solved the problem of the much dreaded Sabretooth paper by carding two smooth layers of Golden pastel ground on to the surface. I like that MUCH better. It grabs the pastel instead of letting it slip about and if I scrub away I can add super lights easily. Guess I will be able to use it all up.

My image folders for the entire month are all laid out. Each day has a folder just waiting for the images to fill it. I take shots as I see them, adding them to the folders in ready for painting. MUCH less stress!

Here is painting number 9.

Daily Painting August 7, 2010

2010-08-07T16:35:00.000-07:00

Painting number 8. This piece is done on my favorite paper - Kitty Wallis, toned with indigo blue watercolor. After days of humid weather the night brought fall like cool temps and with it the color, light and contrast I love.

This painting is 6x9.

Daily Painting August 6, 2010

2010-08-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Late post. This is painting number 7 done on UArt 800 pastel paper. It is 5 1/2" x 10" - with a cobalt blue watercolor ground. Photo reference shot was taken at 8:30am. The reds in the grass are due to morning light and very dry conditions.

Daily Painting August 5, 2010

2010-08-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Another dreadful weather day. This kind of weather really gets to me. I could never move south!

Again I waited most of the day for some inspiration that was less FLAT and washed out. By four pm it was clear - what you see is what you get today! I took a shot with my digital camera that was a lower point of view - one that would encompass the flowers in the foreground more. A little work with photo shop and I had something that I could work with.

This painting is on UArt pastel paper toned with a pyrole red watercolor wash. This is such an absolutely yummy red! My aim was to create something more patterned - more flattened like the weather but with bright color.

Here is painting number 6.

Daily Painting August 4, 2010

2010-08-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Painting number 5. I waited all day yesterday for a possible good shot. Hot, humid weather kept the day gloomy and oppressive. I decided to to try a previous shot and fiddle around in photo shop a bit to create interest.

This painting is on paper I really have to force myself to use. Suffice to say I will never buy this paper again. This is Sabretooth. I have some pretty big sheet left too. The tooth is too smooth and large for my liking but I need to use it up. That is one thing this challenge has done - it has forced me to use up what I have and make it work. I think I may try to card on some Golden acrylic pastel medium the next time I use this paper to try and give it more of a bite.

Here is painting numer 5 - completed too late last night to post.

Daily Painting August 3, 2010

2010-08-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today was a day of uninspired light. Drab, low contrast hazy muted color. There were a few moments when I thought the sun might provide a little show but it never materialized. So - after the dinner dishes were done I started looking through my pond photos. I decided to use some paper I had picked up from a pastel work shop I had at Haystack, Moulin De Larroque - the surface is textured and soft. This is not the kind of surface I gravitate towards. I don't really like the way the pastel sits on top of the ridges or that I need to work the color into the surface if I want coverage.

I'm OK with the final painting. Its good for me to work with a surface I'm not fond of. New challenges help solve other problems along the way. I decided today to also create an album on flickr for all the paintings I do this month. More exposure!

Here is painting number four.

Daily Painting August 2 2010

2010-08-02T10:07:00.000-07:00

New format. This is 6x9 1/2 UArt paper with a pink watercolor wash for ground. I just love how light effects color, shadows and contrast. It feels good to be productive! I must admit that I considered doing one last night when the moon was reflecting in the water! Perhaps another time.

Daily Painting August 1 2010

2010-08-01T18:05:00.000-07:00

Painting number two was begun at 6:30 am Sunday morning. The cold morning had caused water vapor to rise from the pond surface. Beautiful, dancing wisps of water droplets slowly travel up and over the water - a magical feeling. The sun just over the tree tops create blurry colors in the darkness of the tree line in the back ground.

This would have been posted earlier but my sister and I took kayaks from West Buxton dam to Bar Mills dam today. Far from a leisurely float - it was hard work paddling against the wind coming up the river from the east!

Here is painting number two. 6x9 - Pastels on La Carte sanded pastel paper - not my favorite surface.

Since May 22 2010

2010-07-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2010. Since that tragic day I have done no painting but, I have learned an enormous amount about medical care, insurance, the trauma a human body can endure and unfortunately our legal system.

Today I decided to do a small pastel from our front deck while sipping my morning coffee. Using a 6x9 sheet of Wallis paper I was struck by the number of lush greens and high contrast created by the upcoming sun over our pond. I set myself a goal - inspired by my online painter friends on face book, I will ATTEMPT to paint one 6x9 pastel of that same location from July 31st to August 31st. If I get them all done it will be a miracle. Here is today's painting.

I have also entered "The Sketchbook Project" sponsored by the Art House Co Op. This event is a traveling art exhibition. In short - I have been sent a registered sketchbook that I have to complete within my chosen theme by Jan 2011. The books will all be cataloged and published online. The show will travel to various parts of the country including Portland Maine. I have a Blue covered moleskin sketchbook and my theme is "If you lived here..." Stay tuned.

What's On the Easel

2010-04-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Time has gone by so fast since my last post. After the solo exhibition my work at school had to take over my time. April break and I am ready to get back in the swing of things again. I need to post my work inventory to my online Etsy shop, start my work for my newest environmental piece, join Pastel Painters of Maine, decide what shows I might like to enter and continue my experiments with Casein paints.

Here are my newest pastels. All of them were started En Plein Air and then completed in the studio.

This pastel is 9x12 inches on La Cart Pastel Card. This paper is not one of favorites because if it gets wet, your done for. I need to use up my inventory. I started this En Plein Air while a photographer pal of mine took shots of the raging Saco River after tons of rain had fallen. Location - Warren Road in West Buxton right where the water meets the edge of the road. Moving water is difficult to represent well because your mind sees so many elements changing very fast.

These four small pastels are from the Eastern Prom looking out over Casco Bay in Portland yesterday. I went out painting with two painter pals. They are very tiny, only 3 1/2 x 5 inches each. I started them En Plein Air and then completed them in the studio. I often do multiple images of the same location all at once. It forces me to work faster and deal with the light changes. These are done on my favorite paper - Wallis. I like to do watercolor underpaintings and this paper can take it. The link will bring you Kitty's blog and her beautiful work.

Teaching by example – Works by art educators on exhibit in Saco

2010-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

Teaching by example – Works by art educators on exhibit in Saco

Practicing What They Preach - Yankee Magazine

2010-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:00

Practicing What They Preach - Yankee Magazine

Four Seasons Complete

2010-01-17T17:01:00.000-08:00

Four Seasons is now complete and ready for the exhibition. They were really a challenge to create. The biggest problem to solve was how to get them to read well together as a whole. I ended up warming up winter by bringing some of the creams, yellows and pinks from the other paintings into the whites.

Apart from the obvious change in the weather I wanted to create a feeling for each scene. It sounds funny but the watching the weather out there is like watching a movie. Although the central characters are the same - evergreens, maples, pond, cat tails, grass... every few moments the lighting and colors all make things look so different.

Cherish the Seasons Solo Exhibition

2010-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Busy getting ready for the show opening Feb 5, 2010.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=224240277000#/event.php?eid=224240277000&ref=mf

Four Seasons Progress

2010-01-01T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here is what I have so far of my Four Seasons Pond Series.

All four are about equal for completion. Fall and Winter have given me the most challenge. The process consists of many many layers of thin color glazes mixed in with more opaque top colors. Each painting has been accomplished using some similar techniques but some areas require new ways of interpretation. For example, the trees all have different numbers of layers and very different techniques. The winter tree line has been the most challenging - the fall tree line has been the most fun.

I am attempting to create a unique feel for each season even though the landscape is the same location. I am aiming for greens, drama and water movement on spring, soft and quiet on summer, color burst and that yummy ultramarine water on fall and that pristine beauty on that first winter snow.

About 85%. I have gotten allot done so far this week. Please excuse the glare. I decided I wanted to see them all together so this poses a greater lighting problem.

What's on the Easel

2009-12-27T04:47:00.000-08:00

Full throttle painting this week. This is the last "chunk" of time I will have to get ready for the February show at the Gallery at Harmon's and Barton's. In the meantime, two other opportunities have presented themselves that I had to address.

First, I sold four items from my Etsy shop. A great thing that left only three items in my store front. Not a very inviting place to visit...so - I have four new quote series almost ready to post.

Second, the Maine Art Education Association is having an exhibition at the Saco Museum next month! This is an opportunity I did not want to miss. I decided to restart my work on "Stranded at Sea" This piece is the direction I want my work to go in but I knew that I could not fill a room with it by February so I had put it on hold. It's just about ready for exhibition.

Every day that use Acrylics I discover delicious color layer possibilities! The Acrylic mediums just add intrigue to the surface. There is not limit to what this medium can do. My newest love is how Soft Gel Matte layered over colors looks so much like encaustic. It's really yummy.

Enjoy!

Winter Studio

2009-12-09T09:28:00.001-08:00

Snow Day!!!! :-) I get the chance to post my new winter studio digs. Thanks to Caren Marie Michel I now have a wall space to paint on. This took two days to set up but I am really happy with the results. What is on the work space right now is one of two 30x40 paintings that I am working on for Feb. Well - now that this is posted, I need to take a shower, fill some water jugs and, get ready to loose the power!

What's On The Easel

2009-11-22T12:53:00.000-08:00

SIGN UP TO FOLLOW MY BLOG! If you know anyone who might like to follow a painters progress, feel free to send them a link to my blog. It would be much appreciated.

Progress on 30x40 birch panel. This one is a late winter sunset. The Panel is wrapped in a crisp, snowy batik fabric. I consider this about 40% complete. It needs many more glazing layers and lots of work on the trees and edges. This photo shows some areas of wet acrylic that appear much lighter than when dry. Water in the suspension makes the paint appear whiter and cloudy.

The four seasons series is coming along too. I have been working the sky and water portions exclusively. When these are pretty much set I will start the trees and land portions.

What's On The Easel

2009-10-31T12:17:00.000-07:00

A sunrise like this just makes me want to stay home and paint!

Falls light is second only to winters.

These are two paintings in a series of four that I am working on for my show in February. The surface only has 2 layers of glazed colors on it right now. Glazing is one of my favorite ways to work on an image. The color layers lay on top of each other in very thin, transparent layers and become rich and varied as I place more colors. These two paintings are only about 2% complete. Shows how much you can do with only two colors.

This painting is large - a 30x60 birch panel wrapped in a luscious batik in greens. The work is only about 20% complete. My plan is to build up multiple layers of mediums to create a lush, full feel to the Queen Anne's Lace in the foreground.

This is the other large painting. I clearly recall the exact day I saw this sunset. I was on my home from work and just coming up the driveway. I had both kids in the car and they just wanted to go home and eat! I just HAD to take the shot before the light disappeared behind the trees ! This piece will be my biggest challenge. Snow is sort of magical and I want to get just the right feel.

What's On The Easel

2009-09-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

A most wonderful trip to Reid State Park Friday with fellow painter Caren Marie Michel. We walked the entire length of one mile beach. We swam in the very cold, very high surf. We had a fast lunch. We painted. It's difficult to imagine a more perfect day!

Reid is one of my favorite places to go. The varied environment makes it a never ending source of inspiration. I have never taken the time to go there in the winter but it is on my short list of things I need to do. Reid is on George Town Island. The island has many breathtaking areas such as Five Islands and of course the park. Reid is the northern sister area of Pompham. I prefer Reid. Less people, more varied scape's to choose from.

Next week I have four days at school - and then the grind with a full week after that. All of my exhibition paintings are on supports and ready to complete. My plan today is to get at least 2 glazing coats on the 4 seasons series and perhaps some layers on my newest Lily watercolor. I will be posting the progress.

What's On The Easel

2009-08-30T07:22:00.000-07:00

THIS IS MY KIND OF WEATHER!

This is the most difficult image I worked on this summer! The fog attempting to lift over the islands just off of Winslow park in Freeport. It is 9x12, La Carte sanded card. By the way - Winslow Park is a painters paradise!

Some of my favorite blooms of the summer!

Victorian favorite - Clevia.

My Lotus bud that I pray blooms today because tomorrow I will be at work and miss it!

This bud is large. If you cup both your hands together as if you are praying and then open your hands but keep your finger tips and palms touching - the bloom would fit right inside the cavity.

And the ever sweet Morning Glory!

What's On The Easel

2009-08-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

We had a rainbow the other night. Although this is a single,
its not uncommon to see double ones up here.
They are always in the same location too.

Well - last day of break for me. Teacher workshops tomorrow. At least the weather is my cup of tea!

Completed a small pastel at Winslow park. The fog came and went all day and I managed to capture a brief moment of clarity. This is a 5 1/2 x 9 soft pastel on Sennelier La Carte pastel card. I am not really fond of this paper. It cannot take even the smallest dot of moisture! Its frustrating when the surface dissolves! My plan is to only work on Wallis after my stash is gone.

What's on the Easel

2009-08-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Progress. Have put a pretty good dent in my newest paintings. The Bridge is in pastel with a watercolor under painting and its geometric shapes are giving me a hard time. I will likely complete the water color and the pastel before I go back to school. The acrylics will be a long term affair.

2, 30 x 40 panels in Acrylics. "Bull Pine and Queen Anne's Lace" and "Snowy Sunset"

1/4 sheet watercolor "Water Lilly Shadows" and

1/4 sheet Wallis paper pastel " Bridge over the Marsh"

What's on the Easel

2009-08-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have 8 new paintings started in anticipation of my solo exhibition in February. Two 30 x 40, a series of four 18 x 24, all acrylics. I also have a new quarter sheet watercolor and as well as a quarter sheet pastel started. My summer goal was to have a plan in place and the compositions on supports before I went back to school. With all of the planning and drawing done, I can just enjoy the painting process.

The exhibition is planned around a title that I think will work well for that time of year. I will share that when I get closer just in case I change my mind. The gallery at Harmon's and Barton's is really lovely with large windows that look right over Congress Street. These are some of the images I will be working with - all my own shots.

Paint Out

2009-07-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

I spent yesterday on a paint out with Pastel Painters of Maine in the Scarboro Marsh. Although the weather was not the best - the sky was dramatic at times and I love dramatic skies. I met some very nice people and the work was beautiful! The best part was to see so many people out painting together!

I used some paper that I forgot I had purchased! One of my fellow artists asked me what it was and I did not even know! Shame on me! Came home and started to try and figure out what I had painted on! It is from UArt. I bought a sample pack because it claims to have the waterproof quality of Wallis paper but I have NOT tried it out with water color yet. I liked it ok - the true test will be it's ability to take water. I intend to try

that with a study for my next 30 x 40 acrylic painting. Wallis pastel paper is my favorite!

I am now an official member of the Union of Maine Visual Artists! I joined yesterday. I will have one free web site page on their site so be looking for that update as soon as I get the link set up.

Meeting tonight with the "Buxton Art Association" - that's the name for now at least. We doubled in size from the last meeting! Its all very exciting. This meeting will be held in the GAR hall in Standish. We are looking for a group home base.

New Website Design

2009-07-18T09:37:00.001-07:00

After reading some of the book "I'd Rather be in the Studio" by Alyson Stanfield, I decided that I needed to clean up my web site. It is now cleaner and leaner. Please feel free to comment. You might also like to check out her blog - artbizblog.com

Started six new panels for my exhibition in February. Two are 30x40 and four are 18x24. I have my show title and a set direction. I will post that information when I get a bit closer to the date.

I did the cliff walk in Prouts Neck with a fellow artist last week. If you have never done this walk you really should. It's beautiful.

What's on the Easel

2009-07-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

Ferry Beach in Scarborough yesterday. Stopped by the roadside to get a good view of the marsh. This is on Route 207, Black Point Road looking West across the marsh. Summer greens are beautiful! I'm pretty good with photo shop but no matter what I do the digital image of this pastel is not even close to the way the color looks in real life.

For one thing, the foreground has some accents that do not show well in digital form. The neutrals in the mid ground are much richer in the real artwork. One more reason that people need to go and see real artwork - photos do not do them justice.This painting is 9x12. The support is charcoal colored Sennelier La Carte Pastel Card.

This was a quick sketch on Ferry Beach looking towards the Old Eastern Railroad tracks.

One of the few nice summer days we have had of late.

New Supplies

2009-07-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Just received a new 72 color set of unison soft pastels. They are just so beautiful! Now to make color inventory sheets! Dakota Pastels had the best price.

I think my meeting with JM at Harmons and Bartons gallery went well. My work looked strong and I felt good about the space. I was not able to make a commitment for the month that was available. I was ready for October but only September was open! Right when I am starting back to school! I have asked for a later date - February of 2010 is the next available date.

This is a close up of my newest painting "Stranded At Sea." I am happy with the color. I achieved it with multiple layers of glazes. I still have a lot of work ahead on this one.

Whats On The Easel

2009-06-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well - summer studio is now CLEAN! Screens in the windows and supplies in place. Two paintings are going on right now. Goal one is to finish "Night Owl" - first known as "Black Iris" until I found out the real name. This painting is on an 18 x 24 birch panel wrapped with a luscious bali batik fabric in yellows and deep ochers. Textured gels and mediums add to the yummy color and feel.

I have also started my environmental series. The first one is titled "Stranded at Sea" This work is only in its infancy. I have added it here to try and show how the under layers add to the overall color and richness of a final painting. The bear will be greatly concealed with text and collage. The entire panel is 48 x 24. The portion with the bear is a raised panel that is 4 x 6. This bear panel will "float" in a sea of deep blue.

My summer studio is now open. Great view! I really really need an easel now that my panels are getting larger. Will be shopping for one that is flexible.

Acrylic Painting Class

2009-06-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

New art work! School was out Friday - NOW I get to catch up with "stuff" This work by adult ed student J. Calderbank! She loves birds, nature and especially crows. Can you tell?

What's On The Easel

2009-06-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

One week left of school then I can have my time back! Went out painting last Sunday with a fellow artist down by the Saco River in West Buxton. This is the result. Let me know what you think. 9 x 12 soft pastel on LeCarte paper. Great weather - great day.

Sketchbook

2009-05-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Pretty certain my "Black Iris" real name is "Night Owl" see if you agree! I call it a black iris. It is so dark and a beautiful shade of blue violet! I should really come close to completion this weekend. PLEASE hurry June 19.

Check out my sketchbook folder on Flickr! This is how I develop my ideas, take notes and sketch out image ideas. This is my third sketchbook and definitely my best one. I made the book myself - modeled after one I saw in a catalog. I can change out pages, add more or, do whatever I need to expand.

Two pretty exciting things happened this week. I attended my first B.A.A. (Buxton Art Association) meeting. A group of local artists getting together for chat and camaraderie. I also made contact with a possible exhibition venue for this coming fall in town Portland right on Gongress Street.

Step by step.

Acrylic Painting Class

2009-05-02T12:18:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday night, a small group of people from my acrylics class in Westbrook gathered for our last class together. Greg Locsin was our gracious host. I really hope to see this class build in to a real community of artists and creatives, getting together to share ideas and encouraging people to keep productive.

I know that I have really looked forward to Wednesday nights all winter. The conversations and wonderful working atmosphere has helped me to keep painting even after an exhausting day at work.

I found it interesting that we should meet in the very building that I was hired in over twenty years ago in Westbrook and I could not wait to see the old Forrest Street School!

For more photos, please check out my Flickr photostream - click my acrylics class collection. Keep checking back too because I plan to add work from other students too.

Thank you all for such a wonderful time. I am looking forward to a new session next fall. I do believe that the dates for winter session will be September 16 to December 16. See you there!
Left to right: by Greg Locsin, by Stephanie Emery, bottom by Everette Brown, by Olga LaPlante

Whats On The Easel

2009-04-24T06:49:00.000-07:00

Moving along nicely this week. Black Iris feels 80% complete. Really like the way the sheer color glazes look on top of the pearlized color. The back ground needs some variation, especially the lower left corner. I see that area as being very much darker.

New for my quote series! I love creating these. They are my painting therapy! This one has yummy color and textures combined with a great quote.

Be sure to check out my Etsy shop for prices and other quote series works.

Bold Idea, Brilliant Talk

2009-04-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Bold Idea, Brilliant Talk: Shai Agassi's TED talk about electric cars. Even if you don't think this is a good idea - he makes it really hard to stop listening.

Whats On The Easel

2009-04-12T14:12:00.000-07:00

Not much progress in the last two weeks. Exhibition and grades take up a lot of my time. This Friday is the start of spring break. Yeehaa!

Black Iris is still in the under painting stage. The whites are Golden Iridescent Pearl and Micaceous Iron Oxide and Bone Black for the darks. Glazing liquid keeps the color workable - I LOVE glazing. The blue and violet so far are just one thin layer of glaze with the under painting showing through.

Glazing is like layering sheer, slippery colors on top of each other and yet still letting the other colors show through. The depth and vibrancy that the colors create together could never be achieved alone. Although the color layers harden on the top, one can still scrub or agitate the surface a bit to get to some beautiful layers beneath. You find all kinds of surprises under the layers

The plan is for this beauty to be a very dark, blue black and velvety image in a sea of yellow orange. At some point I need to look up the actual name of this Iris. The real name will be the title.

The Element

2009-04-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sir Kenneth Robinson gave one of the most inspiring TED talk I have ever listened to. I have just gotten half way through his book "The Element" - How finding your passion changes everything. If you have children in our schools, you should read this book.

If you believe that the USA is squandering our greatest asset by stifling creativity or, if you just wonder why so many kids don't want to be in school, listen to this talk and then read the book.

You just may take up a new direction for yourself and find that old spark you used to feel in grade school.

21st Century Skills

2009-03-22T05:12:00.000-07:00

My profession requires me to be involved with a school wide assessment report - other wise known as accreditation. Although I have been through this process many times, this is the FIRST time that we have been expected to give up weekend time. The amount of time I already spend on my "job" outside of regularly scheduled work time is already much more time consuming than the contractual work week. Personal time used for our 2008 art exhibition last year = 40 hours above and beyond. The idea of using personal off time for work related duties is a sign of the times.

How to make the best of this?

I am reading two books right now. "If You Want to Write" by Brenda Ueland and "Presentation Zen" by Gar Reynolds. Funny thing is, the Reynolds book sites several other books, TED talks and, resources that I have already read. The connecting concept is the idea that the creative process / approach / mind / thinker.... is not only a necessary component of our intelligence but a crucial 21st century skill that requires nurturing if we want to engage in successful progress.

People need time off to rejuvenate, invigorate and refresh. That is what creates a sharp and ready mind for all other work ahead.

Next week? Art Exhibition prep......a minimum of 40 extra work hours along with my regular duties.

2009-03-16T16:41:00.000-07:00

Just finished a great book - "Art and Fear" - Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland. One of the best books I have ever read about the process of making art! Good thing it helped me feel so positive about my work because I just found out that I did not get one of the fellowships that I applied for this spring.

Se La vie - try, try again! Perhaps I will go Monhegan anyway!

Two week session at Haystack is out though. Have to save my pennies for that one - whoa!

2009-03-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

The living room is about 80 degrees right now - time to move my painting in there! Awesome day ahead. Visit with sister was great. I love you Dawna. I hope to post my final water garden series on my blog today.
Hows this for company!

Seeds

2009-03-05T18:57:00.000-08:00

Seeds are in at the hardware store - THATS a good sign. The poor robins have disappeared though.
Work was brutal today - but class last night was awesome! Tomorrows Friday!

Snow Day and Daniel H. Pink

2009-03-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

No school today. Gee, that's too bad. Getting deep into the web since I got up.

Nothing goes with a great cup of coffee like Washington Journal, MPR and, the web!

I run into Daniel Pink stuff! Time to follow him on Twitter! WOW - WOW! If you have not read his book "A Whole New Mind - Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future" - go and get it now! Very quick and hopeful read.

Beautiful outside today! Always did love white - the presence of the FULL spectrum.

Gesso and Titanium White on the Iris Panel today. Keep track of news, Etsy community, and other web site stuff. Considering breaking down my class community and starting a different blog for that - why? Because the interface is really difficult to use for the community space and this is a cinch!

"And this too shall pass away." - Abe Lincoln

What's On the Easel: Black Iris - Acrylic Painting Progress

2009-03-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

This was my very first step towards my next painting "Black Iris"...although, my mother told me recently that this particular Iris has a really beautiful name. I plan on changing the title or adding to it.

Anyway - I see the final as being very high contrast and the flower being very dark - blue violet black, against the yellow oranges of the bali batik fabric. This drawing was done to explore the shape and not the value - will do that in other materials.

This is how I transfer an image to larger or smaller formats without a total restart. It saves time and I can adjust parts that don't work well faster.

I use this to create a series of smaller mixed media practice samples as well as create a full size, 18 x 24 paper drawing that I can transfer on to the final panel. That drawing is then cut up into graphing sections so that I can work with one section at a time. Sounds complex but it lets me create the actual image that I want.

This is the 18 x 24 inch birch panel. It's off to the races! I did not have a blog when I wrapped this panel in fabric so I do not have documentation of the process. Next time I start one of these I will document and post the process!

Time to paint!

What's On the Easel: Black Iris

2009-03-01T08:49:00.001-08:00

Study for "Black Iris" Acrylic Painting. This is my newest painting. The image here is a 7.5"x10.5" pastel study on Kitty Wallis pastel paper. The colors are mostly Winsor and Newton watercolors and a combination of pastels. My favorites are harder Prisma Color to start the piece and Rembrant, Sennelier, Unison and, Rowney to finish it off in softs.

I like Wallis paper the best because I usually do a watercolor underpainting first and the fine textured surface does not dissolve. This allows me to start with rich transparent water color and then add as much or little of the soft pastel as I want. In some places, this painting is 90% watercolor, where in others it is 100% pastel.

This is a careful study of the color and value structure of my next painting, an acrylic on an 18 x 24 birch panel. I will post the steps as I develop this piece.

New In The Quote Series

2009-03-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

My long term paintings take a long time, practice, planning and exploration. I am working towards saying something I have planned out in my mind.

The quote series lets me relax more and just let the process take me for a ride. I use them as a place to meditate and solve problems in my other works. They sort of flow out from the quote I select and the photograph I decide to include.

I think about what the quote says to me and how it relates to issues in my life or the way I feel about life. Colors, mediums, textures and, materials all reveal what I need to do as I move along in the process. The more of these I do, the less time I spend on the "what now" part and the more time I spend in that beautiful place of being lost in the act of creation.

I love the actual feel of these pieces - I know, I know - "Don't touch the art work." The final works beg to be touched and when I exhibit them, I give people permission to do just that.

To see more of these check out my Flickr photo stream.

Brave New Addition

2009-02-28T19:35:00.000-08:00

Never really thought much about blogging. I could not see how I could use a blog to better my work or enhance my creativity. Then, I was on Etsy looking at art work and found a link to the blog Brush and Barren. I was so impressed with what I saw! Suddenly I realized that I had so many things on my personal web site that really did not belong there and that a blog could be used to help my students and clean up my site!

This is my first post to my blog! I hope to use this to post links for students, record my creative process and keep important links all in one place! Here goes! Learning new things keeps the mind active.

D. A. Bickford