Completed Colored Pencil Work

In my online absence, I was finishing up this precious little girl on the swing. She took over 40 hours to complete with many, many tries on getting her skin perfected. She is on Art Spectrum Colourfix Coated Pastel Blue Haze paper. Since this was my first try with using the Colourfix paper, I finally figured out how to work on the paper when I was finishing the painting. I probably won't use this paper anymore for portraits since I like a smoother finish. The image size is 11" x 14" and is awaiting transport to its new owner.

Happy coloring!

Virtual Sketch Date - September 2008

I decided to try my luck at getting a drawing done quickly through Virtual Sketch Date . I was amazed at how easy it was and how quickly I was able to finish it.

This drawing is done on Smooth Art Drawing, 110 lb. paper. The size of the drawing is 4"x6". I used the following graphite pencils: 2H, B, HB, 2B, 4B, and Ebony. It took me 2.5 hours to complete.

I'm Here

Sorry for the no posts lately. I've been busy working on a colored pencil painting. I'll show it to you when I'm completely done with it.

Hope all is well with you!

Complimentary Colors

I bought Arlene Steinberg's Masterful Color book this year. I decided to try the demonstrations she has in the book. I found the first one to be very helpful.

I was glad for the detailed instructions that took all the thinking out of what layers to apply. I look and look at a photo reference and find tons of colors to use but never the right ones to use together. She uses compliments to make her work look outstanding.

The demonstration showed what color to use as an underpainting for reds. The compliment for red is green.

First, I laid down greens for the underpainting. Then, I started layering the darkest reds for the shadows and so on until the tomato looked good enough to eat.

What I learned –

Don’t be afraid to keep layering to get rich color. I have trouble getting dark enough and paper often shows through. This technique didn’t leave room for any paper to show through. I get impatient and want the painting to be complete. When I thought I was done with this piece, I was asked to add more layers. Another thing I learned is to use compliments within the piece as well. You don’t have to use it just in the underpainting.

What Do You Do With Your 24 Hours

I recently read a publication from Joyce Meyer that talked about "What do you do with your 24 hours?" Honestly, I don't think I do very many quality or life changing things in my 24 hours.

This time of year, I do my best to try to help people with alzheimers. I have had both family and friends with the disease. It's saddening to watch someone who was once so brilliant wither away to nothing. So to help, I have decided to become an advocate for these wonderful and dear people.

I am determined to make a difference. By participating in the 2008 Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk®, I have committed to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer research, as well as for care and support for people already affected by the disease. Currently more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's. Unless we find a way to change the course of the disease, 16 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2050. I want to do my part to fight this fatal disease – but I can’t do it without your help. Memory Walk funds help the Alzheimer's Association advance important research into better treatments and a possible cure for Alzheimer’s. And for the millions already affected by the disease, the Association offers care, education, support and resources in communities nationwide.

On behalf of the millions of Americans who are living with Alzheimer’s, thank you for supporting my efforts.

Create What You Want to Create

8x10 on Strathmore 300 Series Bristol, 100lb smooth paper

I was reading the August/September 2008 issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine when I came upon the article about Jane Sisco . She says, "Why do something anyone else could do?" This quote really got me to thinking. I always seem to see something and say, “Oh, I could do that!” Then I try to do that. But why try to mimic someone else when God created us to do something unique? If you haven't noticed, the word “unique” keeps coming up in my posts.

As an art instructor, I teach drawing the way others have taught to achieve a realistic look. I also teach art the way I create a drawing. But I am finding my own style of drawing that works for me to achieve what I want to achieve. My hope for my students is to learn their own style as well. I don’t want to hinder a person if their own style is showing through. If there are any teachers/artists who are reading this, how do you make sure your students let their own styles shine through in their work?

I try to let my student’s style shine through by:
- offering advice when asked
- let them experiment with different drawing styles
- let them try different pencils (graphite or color)
- have fun and enjoy themselves

There are probably more things but it’s difficult to think of everything.

Fine Art Friends (part 4 of 4)

My final Fine Art Friend spotlight goes to Kasie Sallee . Kasie and I first met at an Ann Kullberg workshop and we instantly had the artist bond. Now our group of Fine Art Friends share the same bond and we wish someday to all get together to meet face-to-face.

Kasie is a very talented colored pencil artist who recently started working with acrylics. She uses her colored pencil style in creating her acrylic paintings. She has two beautiful daughters who often show up in her paintings. It’s fun to travel along with her on her motherhood journey.

Kasie’s style of painting reflects her memories of childhood story books. This painting is a classic example, Evie and Mr. Quackers Love to Swim . Too cute!

Kasie has also written a book Secrets of the Nylon Bowband. Sshhh….I think she has another book in the works…..

Her blog is full of inspiration that warms the soul. Her husband is very talented also. He runs and bicycles. Read up on some of his accomplishments here. He’s number one in their hearts too.

If you don’t have a group of artists to share with, I encourage you to find a group of local or online artists. They can inspire you and give you advice. Wetcanvas and Scribbletalk are good online resources for artists to share, laugh, and receive guidance along the way.