Opalescent Dusk - Show Tip #12

Opalescent Dusk, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

This misty Hill Country day was challenging... until that dropping sun peaked out. And then, wow, what a reward! The heavy atmosphere brought on a pink shimmer and a quietness that was completely unexpected. My plein air piece captured the other part of the day... cold and flat. Thank goodness for a camera and a very memorable moment! 

Show Tip #12 - Know When to Quit

What I mean by that is... sometimes we over-work. Salespeople call it "selling through the close". This happens when the sale is made but the pitch-giver goes on, actually confusing the situation. I see this in myself and other painters when we don't know when to quit. Sometimes we need to stop because the day is just over. We are tired and depleted of the energy required to make good decisions. But way more often, we need to put down the brushes completely, because a painting is simply done... finished. At that point, to keep painting is to keep "selling", and that can kill the deal so to speak. A good practice is to slow down as you are finishing. Step back a lot, and when in doubt, stop for awhile. Come back with fresh eyes and a discerning heart. 

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

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

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

Summer House - Process Demo and Show Tip #11

Summer House, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Available

I happened upon this quaint summer home in Northern Wisconsin, in Door County to be exact. Lots of folks in the badger state have summer places up there and no wonder, it's a gorgeous getaway. I grew up in Wisconsin, and my family made many visits up that way to see family and to go camping. It's definitely a favorite place of mine! 

With this painting I made a point of taking photos at strategic stages, so that I could share some process notes with you...

Process Notes on Summer House

Sketchpad Drawing

I began with a quick 10x8 graphite sketch in my sketchbook. This helps me get the composition figured out and gives me a comfortable sense of the biggest shapes. 

Block-in Sketch 

This is my initial placement of the subject on canvas, using Ultramarine and Burnt Sienna. 

Block-in Values 

Indicating the darks (and leaving the lights untouched) helps me establish the foundation of my painting (still using ultramarine and burnt sienna).

Shadow Family 

Using the full palette, I painted the shadow family of everything in the painting. This helps me compare all the color and value within that shadow family and make sure it all "agrees". 

Light Family and Final Highlights 

Once the shadow family was working correctly, I was finally able to paint the light and color! It takes patience and a strong belief in delayed gratification to hold off on the fun stuff, but it's always worth it. 

Show Tip #11 - Take Notes!
When you figure something out (an "aha" moment or a breakthrough of any kind), write it down. I always think I will remember everything. Why wouldn't I? The truth is that I forget, sad but true, even some of life's most significant lessons. So I've learned to take notes about the important stuff, and the notes become little monuments to what I've learned. The good news? If I write something down enough times, eventually I get it memorized!  :)

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

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

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

River Wanderings - Show Tip #10

River Wanderings, 24 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

Finding remote places to paint is one of my favorite things to do. This painting is a larger version of a plein air piece I did last summer on the Georgia coast. This time I included more of the scene and sky, and I loved revisiting that special place! :)

Show Tip #10 - Fight through Fears

Today I stepped up to the easel to start a new painting and was struck with fear. This happens to most of us every now and then, because the blank canvas (or getting started on any new project) can be daunting. But what to do? Here are a few tricks I use for fighting through that fear: pull out a sketchbook and start with a drawing, tone the canvas and get rid of the white-ness, use a big brush and focus on big shapes, review my process and simply take one step at a time, OR a combination of the above. Today, my answer was to tone the canvas... and dirtying up the canvas made all the difference! 

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

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

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

Hillside Ridge - Show Tip #9

Hillside Ridge, 24 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

Texas skies always call to me. I have my favorite places to go on big sky days and this is one of them. To just BE in the landscape with giant clouds floating by is peaceful, calming and a reminder of the BIGness of it all. 

Show Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work
I think Snow White was on to something with this little ditty as she cleaned up the cottage for the The Seven Dwarfs. :) Pairing up a rhythmic activity to enhance and encourage work flow is a practice used by people in all professions (athletes, car mechanics, dentists, you name it). And it certainly works for me... if I have music or an audio book going in my studio while I paint, I am much more immersed in my work and way more likely to stay in the flow. My favorites are music with Pandora (you can pick a favorite artist and the app will populate a music station with music in that style) and Books by Audio (actors with great accents read unabridged books for hours of listening pleasure). And by the way, the act of listening engages the logical side of our brains, so that the intuitive side stays unencumbered for the creative process. Try it, it really works!

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

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

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

Majestic - Show Tip #8

Majestic, 36 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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 - Set 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

Dinner and Roses - Show Tip #7

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

Available

 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

Reading Porch - Show Tip #5

Reading Porch, 18 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

Afternoon on the Veranda - Show Tip #4

Afternoon on the Veranda, 18 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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

Tulip Dance - Show Tip #3

Tulip Dance, 16 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2016

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