No. 389 Composition Study

Composition Study

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

We are studying composition in Elizabeth's class from the book The Artist's Design: Probing the Hidden  Order by Marie MacDonnell Roberts. The current topic is "unity" and some of the ways you can create that in a painting. When we talk about unity we mean everything in the painting looks like it belongs there. It feels like a cohesive whole. One way to create this feeling of "wholeness" is to use similar or analogous colors. In other words, colors that are close to each other on the color wheel.  That was my goal in this very loose study.

This has been my Tuesday morning haunt for almost six years. Yes, I am one of the very fortunate people to be in Elizabeth Kincaid's weekly watercolor class. Elizabeth is, hands down, one of the best art teachers I've ever had. Her weekly class is currently full with a wait list. However, she will be teaching two workshops this summer. If you would like more info you can email her at ekincaid@cruzio.com.

I love the way one of my fellow students had her work laid out on her desk. Karen Burns is working hard. Here you can see her photo inspiration, the transfer drawing she created, a study and the final piece in progress. Pretty cool, huh?

My desk (after a little tidying up) This is a watercolor I've been working on for many moons of my youngest daughter Megan.

No. 369 The Allium Collection No. 2

Tha Allium Collection No. 2

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

Click here to view auction.

Does this look familiar? Yep, it's the exact same still life set up. The only difference is the way it was lit. Yesterdays painting was lit with a combination of natural light from a window and, since it is so darn dark here in the northwest during the winter, some artificial light. This still life was lit exclusively with artificial light. I use a special bulb recommended to me by Elizabeth Kincaid. It brings out the most amazing colors. They are Lumiram Chromalux full spectrum bulbs. You can purchase them through Cheap Joe's or Jerry's Artarama.

Yesterday's painting to compare with today's:

Which effect do you like best?

Coming tomorrow: Step #4 In starting your own daily painting practice - What to Paint