An AWESOME January!!
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| 'Tea or One', 11"x14" acrylic/oil on board, © 2014 |
As many of my friends are aware of, I decided to hang up my nurses cap after 25 years as a nurse. In place of taking care of people, I have decided finally do what makes me the happiest, paint! January 2014 marked my first full month as a full-time artist and it was a very productive month!!
I completed two paintings' during that time and started two more while waiting for paint to dry. I have a project goal with these 'foodie' themed paintings. I am right on deadline which is a great thing.
The other painting I completed in January was this one:
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| 'Asparagus Meets Eggplant', acrylic/oil on board, © 2014. |
Of the two, I am not sure which one is my favorite. I absolutely LOVE the classic feel of 'Asparagus Meets Eggplant'. I wanted to create a warm mood with the lighting and I think I achieved that. The elements in the painting that I loved creating the most, were the reflections. I love things that shine and sparkle. I love old glass. I liked how the lemon reflected up onto the old aluminum colander and onto the jar. I really had fun with this painting. I simply like looking at it... :)
The 'Tea Time' painting was created partly because I have a vintage set of canisters and I love old tea cups. This particular tea cup is special because my Dad purchased it for me while on an antique forage right before Christmas. It wasn't expensive because it has a hairline crack in it that isn't particularly visible, however, it certainly doesn't detract from it's beauty. Because of the crack, I could not put any liquid in it so painting the tea was something I just winged. I am sure the reflections are not quite right on the surface of the 'tea' but it is what it is.
I liked creating this painting, again, the reflections are what draw me. I loved painting the bowl of the vintage art deco spoon. I loved painting the patina of the old canister with all its stains and paint chips. The vintage Brown Betty teapot and canister pair together quite well however the addition of the ornate and delicate bone china tea cup seems to be an odd addition, or is it? I loved pairing this lovely, delicate, cup with these old, well worn pieces. They directly reflect my personality and style. I love old things, used things, lovely things that nobody wants anymore. This painting fits.
I think it turned out just lovely and it's really a toss up as to which one I favor the most.
The 'Tea Time' painting was created partly because I have a vintage set of canisters and I love old tea cups. This particular tea cup is special because my Dad purchased it for me while on an antique forage right before Christmas. It wasn't expensive because it has a hairline crack in it that isn't particularly visible, however, it certainly doesn't detract from it's beauty. Because of the crack, I could not put any liquid in it so painting the tea was something I just winged. I am sure the reflections are not quite right on the surface of the 'tea' but it is what it is.
I liked creating this painting, again, the reflections are what draw me. I loved painting the bowl of the vintage art deco spoon. I loved painting the patina of the old canister with all its stains and paint chips. The vintage Brown Betty teapot and canister pair together quite well however the addition of the ornate and delicate bone china tea cup seems to be an odd addition, or is it? I loved pairing this lovely, delicate, cup with these old, well worn pieces. They directly reflect my personality and style. I love old things, used things, lovely things that nobody wants anymore. This painting fits.
I think it turned out just lovely and it's really a toss up as to which one I favor the most.
While paint was drying....two more paintings started...
So while I was waiting for paint to dry, I started two new 'foodie' themed paintings. I recently acquired a collection of cookbooks that were my maternal Grandmothers. I loved the look of them and I even read each one. I thought what a lovely addition they would be to some paintings.
I am an avid cookbook collector and I love, love love to bake. I rarely ever follow a recipe but I like to read them to get ideas. While looking at the Better Homes and Gardens cook book, my old pastry cook book and the Calumet Baking books, my first thought was pie. I collect vintage pie tins because pie is my very favorite thing to bake. I like making the pastry because making pastry is challenging and I love a good challenge. A pie painting it would be then. So I baked an apple pie and took it to the studio the next day. I did a photoshoot creating several compositions. One of these was just kind of a spur of the moment shot to say 'Good Morning' on Facebook. I liked how it looked...here is how that painting looks right now:
When I took the reference photograph, I had just finished shooting several composed shots and had sat down with a hot cup of coffee.
I was getting ready to eat that piece of pie for breakfast while looking at the cook books. I was walking back to the table and saw this and though that look's cool! It would make a great 'Good Morning' image to use on Facebook. I liked it so much that I decided it needed to be painted. That's how I arrived at this again. Again, we have a theme going, vintage things and reflections.
The pie was quite tasty too! :)
This is my set up where I do my detail work. I have a rolling cart to my right that contains all my tube paints and supplies. On top of that sits my large, always hot cup of coffee. Beside that is the large flat black wooden lightbox I created to take photos of my still life's and finished works. It also acts as a dust free zone where I can prop the tacky or wet paintings. I keep a couple pieces of canvas clipped on the front to act as a curtain to keep out dust. It works PERFECT!!
As you can see here, I am painting upside down for accuracy. I have the reference image I shot handy beside the painting so I can study the elements. I know, some people will poo poo the fact that I work from photos but all I can say is, who care...Chuck Close didn't give a damn and hey, he's Chuck Close!!!
The other painting I had started is this one and it is the one I am
enjoying painting the most partly because there is little lettering to
screw up...I mean , paint. The surface of the board is also very, very
smooth in that its easy to paint and blend soft, subtle transitions
which contributes to a cleaner and tighter effect. This painting will be
very tight while in contrast I will leave the Sweet Slice painting a
bit more loose and include some impasto on that one.
In this painting, the elements I am enjoying painting again are the reflections and the highlights. I just like shiny things. I have gotten a bit farther on this piece yesterday but neglected to take a photo of it. Yesterday I worked more on tightening up the bowl, tinting the apples, the pastry book cover and the spine texture and defects on the Better Homes and Garden cookbook.
I am currently working on this piece upside-down because you tend to be more accurate.
(that's a Betty Edwards trick...Google Betty Edwards then buy the book). I am enjoying painting this one quite a bit. I start by blocking in all the painting elements in acrylic and I bring the painting up to the detailing stage.This is a stage where most people might say it's 'done enough' but it really needs refinement to make it POP alive! I have taken to adding oil paints atop the acrylic because it gives it a luster and patina that acrylics can't achieve or achieve as well. Oils are also easier to manipulate for very very subtle transitions.
I think I have found the methods that work best for me. Painting like this incorporates everything I enjoy: airbrushing with acrylics, and traditional painting with oils and brushes.
I am not a traditional 'airbrusher' in that I prefer to paint fine art rather than auto's and tee-shirts, both of which I have done but this is where I am happiest.
I will add, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with automotive and tee shirt artist because those guys can ROCK!!
Here is how I look these days, like a complete bum!!!! Carefree, throw on some clothes and go!!
My local friends are used to it. There used to be a time when I would NEVER set foot out of the house without makeup and nice hair...my how things change as you age! :D
I have ruined so many pairs of Levi's with paint that I have decided it is time to dig out the old paint covered overalls and just put them on first thing when I arrive at the studio.
I have also dropped a bit of weight in the last several months and I can not afford to ruin anymore clothes since it will be time to shop for new jeans that fit soon!!!
Down 22lbs overall in the last couple years but down 20 in the past 4-5 months. I still have more to go to hit my goal buy I'll get there.
I saw a photo of myself from last summer that really motivated me to make some changes. I don't think I will ever completely lose that damned 'Hall' genetic chin flap but at least I feel better and am proud of my hard work!!
With all that, it's time to go do the dishes, hit the treadmill, tidy the house and do some laundry.
I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday! :)
Kath
I am an avid cookbook collector and I love, love love to bake. I rarely ever follow a recipe but I like to read them to get ideas. While looking at the Better Homes and Gardens cook book, my old pastry cook book and the Calumet Baking books, my first thought was pie. I collect vintage pie tins because pie is my very favorite thing to bake. I like making the pastry because making pastry is challenging and I love a good challenge. A pie painting it would be then. So I baked an apple pie and took it to the studio the next day. I did a photoshoot creating several compositions. One of these was just kind of a spur of the moment shot to say 'Good Morning' on Facebook. I liked how it looked...here is how that painting looks right now:
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| 'Sweet Slice', oil/acrylic on panel. |
I was getting ready to eat that piece of pie for breakfast while looking at the cook books. I was walking back to the table and saw this and though that look's cool! It would make a great 'Good Morning' image to use on Facebook. I liked it so much that I decided it needed to be painted. That's how I arrived at this again. Again, we have a theme going, vintage things and reflections.
The pie was quite tasty too! :)
This is my set up where I do my detail work. I have a rolling cart to my right that contains all my tube paints and supplies. On top of that sits my large, always hot cup of coffee. Beside that is the large flat black wooden lightbox I created to take photos of my still life's and finished works. It also acts as a dust free zone where I can prop the tacky or wet paintings. I keep a couple pieces of canvas clipped on the front to act as a curtain to keep out dust. It works PERFECT!!
As you can see here, I am painting upside down for accuracy. I have the reference image I shot handy beside the painting so I can study the elements. I know, some people will poo poo the fact that I work from photos but all I can say is, who care...Chuck Close didn't give a damn and hey, he's Chuck Close!!!
 | |
| 'Sweet Slice' |
In this painting, the elements I am enjoying painting again are the reflections and the highlights. I just like shiny things. I have gotten a bit farther on this piece yesterday but neglected to take a photo of it. Yesterday I worked more on tightening up the bowl, tinting the apples, the pastry book cover and the spine texture and defects on the Better Homes and Garden cookbook.
I am currently working on this piece upside-down because you tend to be more accurate.
(that's a Betty Edwards trick...Google Betty Edwards then buy the book). I am enjoying painting this one quite a bit. I start by blocking in all the painting elements in acrylic and I bring the painting up to the detailing stage.This is a stage where most people might say it's 'done enough' but it really needs refinement to make it POP alive! I have taken to adding oil paints atop the acrylic because it gives it a luster and patina that acrylics can't achieve or achieve as well. Oils are also easier to manipulate for very very subtle transitions.
I think I have found the methods that work best for me. Painting like this incorporates everything I enjoy: airbrushing with acrylics, and traditional painting with oils and brushes.
I am not a traditional 'airbrusher' in that I prefer to paint fine art rather than auto's and tee-shirts, both of which I have done but this is where I am happiest.
I will add, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with automotive and tee shirt artist because those guys can ROCK!!
 |
| A complete bum....no makeup,and bed head... |
Here is how I look these days, like a complete bum!!!! Carefree, throw on some clothes and go!!
My local friends are used to it. There used to be a time when I would NEVER set foot out of the house without makeup and nice hair...my how things change as you age! :D
I have ruined so many pairs of Levi's with paint that I have decided it is time to dig out the old paint covered overalls and just put them on first thing when I arrive at the studio.
I have also dropped a bit of weight in the last several months and I can not afford to ruin anymore clothes since it will be time to shop for new jeans that fit soon!!!
Down 22lbs overall in the last couple years but down 20 in the past 4-5 months. I still have more to go to hit my goal buy I'll get there.
I saw a photo of myself from last summer that really motivated me to make some changes. I don't think I will ever completely lose that damned 'Hall' genetic chin flap but at least I feel better and am proud of my hard work!!
With all that, it's time to go do the dishes, hit the treadmill, tidy the house and do some laundry.
I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday! :)
Kath
