Impressionist??

In this painting I tried to paint a little looser. I love the way the colors compliment each other.  The barns are a little too precise to be considered impressionist, at least that's my opinion (but then what do I know). Today I read Daniel Edmondson's painting tips on painting 'light bridges'. I wish I had read it while I was painting this canvas because it would have been very helpful. I really had never thought of light in that way or the way the eye moves around the images. The tip  was very helpful and I will try the technique soon. At last I have found a source for real tips that I know will grow me as an 'artist'! Thank you Daniel! Thanks for visiting and comments are welcome.

Where did the joy go??

I've been on a month long break. I guess you could say that I hit that 'brick wall' that you hear so much of. I'm really struggling to get some inspiration or motivition going, sometimes you just have to give yourself time to regroup. I usually start by searching all of my inventory of clippings that I have cut out of books, downloaded from the computer, received as a card or a picture that I have taken. That usually gives me several ideas to choose from. Then I narrow it down. I love to paint churches, so I guess that's where I'll start looking. Where do you find your inspiration?? We would love to know; who knows it might keep us from being the bug that hits the windshield!!! OUCH!!! Ok - OVER MY FUNK--- LET'S GET READY TO PAINT!!!!

Tree Top Grazer by Sylvia

This giraffe is my first attempt to paint any kind of animal. I like the way his coloring came out but I missed the mark on the fur. While he is grazing in the tree tops, his legs take on the appearance of the tree trunks and his spots help to camouflage him from predators. Anyway, hope you like it and thanks for looking. Let me know if you have any suggestions. I can always use the help.

Rosy Arbor by Sylvia



Rosey Arbor by Sylvia

This Rose Arbor reminds me of a romantic garden, where everything seems perfect! This painting was one of my first endeavors. I really didn't enjoy working on it because I was so nervous and stiff.  Since then I have learned to relax some,enjoy and not worry about messing up. Thanks to my good friend, she has made me realize that any mistake is fixable ( as long as I catch it!) I got this pattern from an art book. I thought it was so pretty, but it turned out to be very hard for me to paint the roses;yet I learn something new every time I encounter a challenge. Hope you enjoy it, I'm just glad it's finished. Thanks for looking. If you have any comments, they are welcomed.

Little Country Church by Sylvia




In days gone by, it was common to see a little church out in the country. People used to travel a long way just to worship in God's house. Today, in this more affluent society, we have lost the peacefulness and serenity of worship. I am grateful for all conveniences we have now, but still feel that something was lost in the transition. Hope you enjoy this quaint little country church. Leave me feedback and I thank you in advance.

Simplicity......by Sylvia

The simplicity of this painting doesn't really show the lessons that are in it. In order to show the shape of the vase you have to shade the vase, in several areas. The scarf instead of just leaving it flat the wrinkles in it give it some reality, as well as the wood table that it is on. The simple branches coming out of the top are not so obvious that they take away from the vase but they add a softness that add to the simplicity of the vase. The dark background just makes the vase pop.  Determine where your source of light is and stick with it. Your comments or suggestions are always appreciated.

Let's get ready to paint

I am ready ! How about you? First you have to figure out what you want to paint. I get my material from magazines, greeting cards, anywhere I can find pictures. I have a projector and always felt like that is cheating, but my instructor (when I took lessons) told me it was a time saver. Boy is it ever! I can draw but to do it right takes time. I have used multiple cards to make one painting. Just look till you find something that speaks to you. Be sure that if the picture you are using is not copywrite protected. You will need to change it up a great deal especially if you are planning to sell it. Don't want to get caught up in a lawsuit. Also even as you are painting, analyze shading, hi lites, everything. Another hint he gave me was 'never copy another painting exactly". The very first painting I did was a prime example. It had shadows headed in all directions. Many light sources but only one sun. Hmmmmmm--

Once you get your subject together, make sure you have all of the supplies you need. Paint, pallet, brushes, turp, jar for the turp, brush cleaner and lint free paper towels like Viva or the blue shop type sold in automotive depts. I also use a multi bulb lamp. One bulb is a regular light bulb and the other is an iridescent bulb. This will give you a more natural light and your painting will be more true in color.

 Start with the furthest thing away from you. Like the sky, background, then paint forward from that. Watch for halos in your work. That is where you have an area that is free of design but has paint on it and it looks like a halo, usually created when you paint the main subject first and have to paint the background around it. Remember your light source and think about where it will hit the leaves on the trees, or the rocks, or animals and people. Get the main part of the painting complete then put in your final hi lites and shading. Step back and look many times thru the process and make sure it is headed in the direction you want it to go. When it is complete in your eyes..... SIGN IT!!! Frame and hang on the wall or in a gallery for sale!! ABOVE ALL ELSE ......ENJOY!!!!