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!!!!

Spring Is Here!! by Sylvia

As we welcome spring, we can enjoy some of God's beautiful little creatures. I painted this little bird about two weeks ago. This painting looks a little contemporary and not so much realistic. Hope you enjoy. Please leave your comments. They are greatly appreciated.

These Boots Were made For Working by Sylvia

This working cowgirl has really covered a lot of ground. Long ago the ladies often worked just like men. We now use boots for daily and dress wear, especially in Texas!! They are really comfortable! You can just see the comfort of these old boots. Try a pair, you might fall in love with them too. Hope you enjoy this painting. It was fun working on it. Please let me know if you like it by leaving me a comment. Thanks for visiting.

Man and the Moon by Phyllis

I actually got the idea for this one from a card I had, it was one of my earlier paintings . It is just such a serene setting and I can just imagine a working cowboy taking a break before bedding down for the night. Looking up and thanking God for everything he has. Things were so simple then, where have those times gone. Sometimes I enjoy times like this when you can just sit and reflect on the day, week or month gone by. I hope you enjoy looking at this one as much as I did painting it. Please feel free to leave comments on the blog. We really enjoy getting them, good or bad they are all welcome.

Just Restin' by Sylvia

 

This painting was fun to do. It  shows a cowboy leaning against a fence post maybe taking a break or pondering his next chore. Anyway, whatever his thoughts, I know he really represents an actual scene you might see anywhere in a cowboy's life. I hope you enjoy and can give some feedback or share it with your friends.

This boot on the left is basically the same but without the fence post.

End of a Long Day by Phyllis

This one I did back in the 80's as well . I used two post cards and created this painting. I won a first place at an amatuer art show with this one. I can't wait to get my painting area together so I can start again.

Please leave your comments -- good or bad. They are always appreciated!!!

Bluebonnets in Texas! by Sylvia

   

As we approach Spring, in Texas , we look forward to enjoying the beautiful Bluebonnet fields and other wild flowers. This is a typical scene in Texas, I painted this from a photo that was taken a few years ago. I hope you like it and will leave me your comments. I appreciate any feedback you can give me. I am still learning and any guidance or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

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All American by Phyllis

This is a painting that I did back in the late 1980's. I got the picture out of Parade magazine. The original artist was Perillo "I think". I just loved the little Indian with the eagle. I changed the background some and tried to do the original justice. Please leave comments -- good or bad. Thank you - I will be posting more very soon!!!

First Painting by Sylvia

 This Rock Church is a painting I did about 3 months ago.  I really enjoyed painting it. It's really the first painting I have completed. I'm sure there are some mistakes on it but I plan to keep painting and improving! The mixing of the colors was my biggest challenge. Thanks for looking, post any comments you might have. I really would appreciate the feedback.

Some of My Work by Phyllis



The Stalker



Panting Leopard

Here are a couple of drawings I did in October. Since then I found a great book that shows me the answer to some of my questions.I would love to have feedback from anyone !!!

Favorite artist??

Do you have a favorite artist?? They don't have to be famous...they could be ....Someone in your family? A friend? Neighbor? Tell us about them and what you like or don't like about their work. Do you know where there's going to be an art show, or craft show for selling artwork? Anything about art... Let us know what you think about it.

Getting Started - Organize Your Space

I am about to be in a new place and that calls for getting organized, it will have to be since it is MUCH smaller than I am coming from. I haven't painted in 16 years but have helped friends get started and helped with problems that have come up with their projects. So I got the bug to paint and draw again. Like many, I am essentially getting started for the first time, even though I used to compete in art shows; I would love that again. Need some more of those ribbons!!!

First thing is to get all of my supplies out and put them where I can see them. I will use what I have first, plastic containers, shelves or whatever I have on hand. I will need a place for my brushes, paints, turpenoid,and pencils for drawing on canvas and paper. For that I use a tool box. It has separate areas for paints etc, and the lift out top shelf with long areas, is great for the brushes. I have a plastic unit I use to keep my drawing tools in one drawer, watercolors in another and misc. in the third drawer. My projector is used for enlarging and getting the main subject drawn onto canvas or paper. I just use it to do outlines and the rest is freehand. I am thinking my art area will be right in front of a window so I will have a good view while painting or drawing. Don't forget a good light system. I use one that has an iridescent bulb and a regular light bulb,for a more natural light. Be sure to set it up where it doesn't cast a shadow on your project.

Next: Picking a Project--Leave us any comments and follow us and let's all have fun painting!!!

Warming Up!

Today was a cold dreary day but I manage to brighten it up by painting all day. Painting is such a relaxing activity for me, that I let the day get away from me! I'm painting on a western boot and it's coming around. I will post it at a later time.
Mixing colors are still a challenge for me so if you have any suggestions that would help me; I am certainly open.

Just Saying!

Just a note about myself....I'm a beginner as far as painting in oils is concerned. I am a senior citizen and retired; so I decided it was time to jump into something new. I took a couple of painting lessons and really didn't think I could learn. My instructor could see things that I couldn't or couldn't relate to, very frustrating to say the least. Then one day  I got my paints out and started a project all on my own and I haven't stopped since. I'm pumped up and have already finished a few paintings. Each one seems to improve and I'm not putting any pressure on myself. I'm reading everything I can regarding  technique, shading and values. I have a good friend that has been guiding and mentoring me. (very grateful!) If you have any advise for me or any websites that might help, it would be greatly appreciated.

Where Do I Begin?

Today was a day of getting organized and getting my paints and brushes ready for a good start. I was really anxious to start  a new project, so after really looking at all the different choices I had I decided to work on a western boot ( a ladies boot). I'm not sure how far I will get today but I will share the outcome on a later post.  It's really been a beautiful day, enjoying the sunshine and painting! I'll check back in later.

I Would Like To Introduce Myself

My name is Phyllis,    I started drawing when I was very young. If I had a pencil and paper I would find something to draw. Then I started getting paint by number pictures for Christmas. I loved painting those!!! Even back then when I painted I blended the edges of the colors so they would look more realistic. When I entered Jr High - it was art classes for me. That was my favorite class. My mother and older sister then insisted that I drop art and take home economics. I was not a happy girl about that one.  I still did some art but not much. Many years later I started a tole painting class. It was OK, but I wanted to paint animals and people. My first lesson was a landscape, everyone in the class had to paint the same picture. It was so BORING. I still wanted to paint  animals and people.  I finally found a teacher who painted realistic and  I was so excited! I FELL IN LOVE WITH OIL PAINTING. We attended art shows and I won several blue ribbons, and of course some red and white ones too. I even got a  First Place and Best of Show in the amateur division, with a portrait of my  husband's uncle.  I started out with western art but after a hunting trip to Africa I have fallen in love with the African animals. They are so beautiful. I will be adding some of those to my collection.

I have explored watercolors and graphite drawings as well, but my true love is the oils. I haven't painted in 16 years. So I am ready again to pick up my paint brush and explore my love of oil painting again. COME  JOIN  ME !!!! Here we can discuss any questions or problems we are having and surely someone will have an idea on how to correct your problem or answer your question. Of course it doesn't have to be a question or problem. We can talk about how much we love painting!!! Where the art shows are. Where we can sell our paintings. You name it !!! Let's just have some fun!