Dinner and Roses - Show Tip #7

Dinner and Roses, 24 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

SOLD

 A Valentine memory... Remember how everyone brought valentines to the class party in elementary school? We would make paper "mailboxes" for our desks, and then go around and deliver our cards. Our moms were always very clear that a valentine was to go to every kid in the class. I balked about it at the time (what if some boy thought I liked him?). Our moms were right - they knew that everyone needed to be loved. :) Happy Valentine's Day Weekend to all!

Show Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

One of the enemies of our creative spirit is that little voice of doubt that says, "that's a bad idea", or "no one will like this one", or "stick with what worked in the past". Do not listen. It's crippling. I do my best to banish that kind of thinking with a conviction that following my heart is the only way to produce authentic work. Think about it, if we pursue the direction that brings us joy and fulfillment it's a win, no matter where the painting ends up. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Window Light - Show Tip #6

Window Light, 24 x 18, Oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Available

That big window of light was my main attraction to this room (hence, the title). I love how it floods the room, sending shadows running. Even the little table lamp is rendered powerless. Below is the first stage of this painting... a block-in sketch using ultramarine and burnt sienna to capture the shapes and values. 

Window Light Block-In 

Show Tip #6 - Be kind to YOU
Can we be reminded enough about this topic? Most of us are pretty hard on ourselves when it comes to our work ethic and the search for our "voice". Today I just want to bring up the common sense stuff: we need to eat well (good nutrition = high energy), exercise regularly (stretching and strengthening = physical agility), sleep 8 hours (regular sleep = recharged mind, body, soul), take a day off every week (rest = cleared perspective), and most important - have grace for "failures" (grace = forgiving ourselves and allowing new beginnings). 

I know, I know, Captain Obvious speaks again... just sayin'... When I am sprinting for a finish line, these are the things that I start compromising. I have learned the hard way NOT to ignore the basics.

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Billowy Reflections and The Weekender

Billowy Reflections, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013 - SOLD

The Weekender, 24 x 18, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Captured here are two Texas icons: the Guadalupe River which runs through the Hill Country and the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Something about the color palette and the low focal point in each connects these two paintings. Sure, one is a nature scene and one is an interior, but both send the viewer's gaze (and the painter's gaze) into a thoughtful distance of repose.