Laurel Daniel Blog

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Majestic - Show Tip #8

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

When clouds and atmosphere collide with warming sun rays, it can make for a majestic sky morning. I am always happy to witness the drama and find the imagery very inspiring.

When I first started this painting, I blocked it in as a horizontal. I loved the farm buildings but realized that I really needed more room to develop the amazing sky. Darn it.

It was hard to wipe down after I had carefully sketched in all the forms, but once I turned the canvas and began again, I was glad I did.

The new start... with room for the sky... ahhh!

Show Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

It doesn't take very long to become "married" to an idea, but sometimes a great plan needs to be slightly adjusted (or completely revamped). It's especially hard for me to let go once I have invested time and care into a good start. However, I learned a long time ago that getting attached too soon (and ignoring a problem area) can ruin not only the final piece, but also my enjoyment of the whole process. It's so important to stay objective. In the case above, I argued with myself about whether or not I had time to start over. Ultimately, I didn't have time NOT to start over!

Here are links to other Show Tips:

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

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

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

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Dinner and Roses - Show Tip #7

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 - S et 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

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Window Light - Show Tip #6

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 - S et 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

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Reading Porch - Show Tip #5

Available

Scenes like this fall into the category of "places I would like to spend an afternoon". Just to fill out the dream a bit... it would be a perfect summer day, complete with a good book and a tall glass of lemonade... and of course there would be a nice, cool breeze wafting in! Oh yes, delightful!

Show Tip #5: Establish a Schedule

If you are like me, you have certain times of the day that are more productive than others. It just makes sense to analyze when those creative windows usually occur and schedule yourself to paint in them. Some people work better in the morning, some people work better at night, and some people need to work around family schedules. Whatever the circumstance, it helps to figure it out. Then, protect those windows with all you've got, and don't let phone calls or Facebook steal your prime time for creativity!

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

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

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Afternoon on the Veranda - Show Tip #4

Available

Exploring interiors has been a relatively recent interest of mine. I really enjoy working with the angles and ambience of places that people inhabit. Creature comforts and "home sweet home" come to mind. This scene was extra fun because of the little peek through the doors.

Show Tip #4 - Work in Series
Working in series (painting a group of paintings within a genre) is very helpful for my creative process, especially when I am trying to build a body of work. It gives me a personal sense of continuity and flow; and I believe it also leads to a continuity and dialogue between the pieces themselves. What happens is that one painting leads to another, and lessons I learn in each can be reapplied and expanded upon. It keeps me focused. The painting above is the first in a small series of... yep, interiors! :)

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

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

Monday, February 1, 2016

Tulip Dance - Show Tip #3

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

Have you ever noticed that tulips keep growing when you bring them home and put them in water? It's true, they get taller and begin a little dance. Check me on this - it's fun to watch. These crimson beauties graced us with quite a lovely show.

Show Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter
As I create a show prep outline, I consider how many genres I want to include (still life, interiors, landscape, skies, etc), how many pieces I'll do of each, and what elements will hold them all together (size, style, palette). Early on in this process, I collect and organize my source materials, which include plein air studies, drawings, and photographs. Having those ready and "in the queue", so to speak, eliminates a lot of indecision later on. Once I start painting I can just go for it, and don't have to stop and search around for inspiration.

Of course, changes DO happen in the process. One painting leads to another and my "queue" gets out of order. That is part of the navigation process. It may ultimately take a spontaneous and circuitous route, but I like knowing I have that overarching outline to return to!!!

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines

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

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Golden Pears - Show Tip #2

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

Fruit that is actually growing on the tree seems somehow fruitier, doesn't it? It must have something to do with seeing it in context... how it's connected to the tree, how it grows and how it is nourished. This bunch was on a tree in California and the pears were quite sumptuous. I loved their plumpness and how they were tucked into the boughs.

Golden Pears Block-In (ultramarine and burnt sienna)

Note that I added a third pear to the bunch as I painted. :)

Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
I need deadlines to get things done. When I was a graphic designer, I often made appointments to show ideas to clients BEFORE I ever did the work. Having an appointment on the calendar forced me to actually do it. Deadlines just work for me, even if self-imposed. For my show, I need more than just an end date to get all the paintings finished. SO, I figure out how many new pieces I want to include, and divide that number by the number of weeks between now and my finish date (remember to include drying and framing time). That tells me how many paintings I need to finish each week, and I can set my schedule accordingly. Number of paintings / number of weeks = number of paintings per week. (Math is not my strong suit and I inverted the equation in my original post. Sorry. Hopefully you got the gist.)

How does this take away the stress? Well, first of all, it breaks down what could feel like a giant, daunting task into smaller achievable goals. Second, it keeps me from getting bogged down in any single painting and gets me into the flow way faster than if I noodle around on one piece. Third, when I meet my goal each week I can pat myself on the back, AND take a break (it's important to feel human). Yes, even a creative can benefit from keeping a schedule.

Here is a link to my first tip... more to come and thank you for following along!
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies

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

Monday, January 25, 2016

Freshly Cut - And Show Tip #1

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

I do love hydrangeas. There is something about their round shape, and delicate petals that just makes me swoon. This lovely bunch was freshly cut and ready to be put into some water. Unfortunately, by the time I finished my painting, they were no longer peppy enough for a vase. Thankfully, I had others to enjoy on the kitchen counter! This piece will be in my Davis Gallery show in April.

A word about my show preparation process: Over the years, I have discovered that I work most efficiently when I have a good working plan. That's true for most things, right? In the coming weeks, I will share tips that help me get ready for an exhibit. One of my big goals is to cross the finish line without panic and worry. Hopefully, these tips will help other artists do the same.

Tip #1 - Stock Up on Supplies

This may sound obvious, but stocking up on supplies is a huge pre-requisite for getting started. What does this include? Canvas, paint, mediums, brushes, and anything else I need for the process. I buy LOTS of canvas in a variety sizes and formats that I like working on, and I get it all gessoed and sanded. I also keep an extra full set of paints on hand at all times. Otherwise, running out for a tube of white or stopping to gesso a canvas really kills my momentum. I even stock up on frames - after all, I know what dimensions I will be painting, so why not be prepared?

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Hydrangea Bouquet

SOLD

This year I have been slow to post, but hard at work nonetheless! I have a big show coming up in April, so I am deep into the process of building a new body of work for that. The show will be at the Davis Gallery in Austin, and I will keep you posted on details as the time gets closer! Meanwhile, I am working larger and have been waiting for a few paintings to dry, so that I could sign, photograph, and start sharing.

A beautiful hydrangea bouquet inspired my first piece. After a nice break at Christmas, painting from life brought me back to the rhythm of observation and focus that I love so much. 2015 was a busy, noisy year for me due to our home renovation, and I can not tell you how much I am enjoying the quiet, daily practice of going into my studio and loading my brushes. Pure joy!

Please stay tuned, as I plan to post about my process of preparing for a gallery show.

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

Graphite Study for Hydrangea Bouquet, 8 x 8

I am a drawer, so a quick sketch is always part of getting started for me. It's a great way to play around with composition and identify patterns of dark and light.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Golden Memories - The Progression of a Commission

SOLD

Toward the end of last year, I was commissioned to do a very large painting as a Christmas gift. Commissions are not my favorite thing to do, but I am a hopeless romantic and my client's request was too compelling to pass up! He wanted a painting of the spot where he proposed to his wife at sunset - overlooking Lake Austin - while they were students at UT in the late 80's. After graduation, they moved away, had a family, and their own children are now in college. All these years later, he wanted to surprise her with that scene. Well... how could I say no?

To make things more interesting, the scene itself is now completely overgrown with trees and shrubbery. The view is gone, and my client didn't have a photograph! Remember the days when we were not obsessively snapping photos on our phones, documenting every activity? Here's the great part - he remembered the colors and the angles, EVERYTHING really... including where the sun went down on the horizon!!!

As most commissions go, there was a lot of collaboration back and forth, all by computer (since we were working long distance). Between the two of us - using his incredible memory and my research of other spots on that same hillside - we came up with "Golden Memories". Many thanks, MZ, and may the golden memories be always with you!

Here are a few outtakes from our process...

Composition Study, 8 x 10, graphite on paper

This was the final pencil sketch for the design and composition of the painting. I did 7-8 versions before we settled on this one.

Color Study, 9 x 12, oil on panel

As with the composition, the color study underwent several corrections and adjustments. (We even tried adding some bluebonnets, but decided to leave them out in the final.)

Underpainting, 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas

This acrylic underpainting allowed me to get approval for placement and shapes before diving in with oils. I don't usually include this step when painting large work on my own, but it was very helpful for staying on the same page with my client.

I had quite a lot of fun working on this, and was very glad I took it on. Receiving the "well done, brushes down" confirmation from my client brought me great joy!