This beautiful place is Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau, AK. I am fortunate to live just within a few miles. My husband and I love to take morning walks here and we were blesses on this particular morning with this spectacular view. I really love how the distant peak is the only area receiving the warmth of the morning sun. This type of contrast of sunlight and shadow is what really inspires me. It is a challenge to capture that light.
This portrait was done for my brother-in-law who breeds Collies. It is a bit more on the ‘realistic’ side than I am trying to go but it was a pleasure to do. I think I do struggle with trying to paint in a more impressionistic way, and probably always will, but that is what I really desire to do. It usually means that I have to paint things a couple of times in order to become more familiar with the subject and then it seems to be a bit easier to be somewhat impressionistic with my strokes.
I thought I would show another example of an Underpainting, because when I first started painting I couldn’t get enough information about the different ways that people choose to paint. I enjoy seeing how other people paint…it gives me ideas and may lead to better things. It’s good for us to know that there is not just one way to do things. Rather there are a vast number of ways to do the same thing! I think this is very helpful to know. Actually, I think this little painting is the very first time that I tried doing an Underpainting. You can see just how much detail I included in the early stages.
I’m sure this may be old news to many people, but I can remember how fascinated that I was with it early on. So I wanted to do a few posts to show any beginners how they might try it.
This is my second painting on gesso board. I also used a pallet knife. I deliberately kept this loose. These low tide scenes where you can see beach forever always appeal to me. So I just thought I would do something a bit different. You can probably see that I don’t have one favorite subject yet. I am enjoying the learning process and trying all types of subjects as well as different light.
2015 is moving forward and I guess I have to start somewhere. I recently purchased a book by artist Carol Marine called “Daily Painting“. There are so many wonderful things about this book! I enjoyed her telling how she overcame her struggles to become a successful full time artist. I also love her painting style and enjoyed her sharing about her process of painting. She has lots of teaching experience and included lots of great tips. Lastly she included lots of information on websites, blogs and networking with other artists. All very clearly explained and well written. Very helpful! I’m sure I will reread it many times over as well as do the exercises she includes.
This year I think this book is going to help me accomplish my goals which are to try to improve as an artist and to develop this blog that will grow a network and hopefully bring some exposure to potential customers.
I would love for you to join me on this journey!
Art with my Coffee 