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!