Thursday, March 24, 2016

Beachfront Palms - Show Tip #19

Beachfront Palms, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery
H A P P Y   E A S T E R !!!

I used to be afraid to paint palm trees and now they are my favorite. What made the difference? Observing and practicing. For the last three years, my daughter and her family lived in Hawaii. My visits with them included many a foray outside, to plein air paint along the coast or at the beaches near their home. It was a perfect opportunity to study the behaviors and personalities of palm trees... and study I did! This scene is from the Georgia coast, where my palm lessons continue to be applicable. 

Show Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth
As I painted the scene above, I reflected on how I no longer avoid or "edit out" palm trees when I am painting. In fact, now I look for them and choose them as subjects! It made me happy to see that progress, and yes, I did a little happy dance! We all make little advances every day in whatever we are doing. Sometimes success is immediate and obvious, and other times it is slower and incremental. And there are also times when we are so intent on the next hurdle that we just forget to notice where we've been. It is really important to pay attention and give ourselves a pat on the back when we see growth. Look for it. It truly is cause for celebration (and great inspiration to keep going for that next hurdle). 

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

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

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Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Let There Be Songs - Show Tip #18

Let There Be Songs, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
SOLD

You may find it interesting that music was the artistic path in my family of origin. As soon as my sisters and I learned how to read, our parents signed us up for piano lessons. We also all played a second instrument, sang in school and church choirs (our dad was the choir director), and participated in school musicals. It's a great legacy, and I learned a lot from those lessons even though I eventually moved on to the visual arts. The biggest lesson? Practice, practice, practice! I discovered the correlation between practice and mastery (and vice versa), and it's a lesson that crosses over all disciplines. 

Side note: No, I do not still play the piano, in case you are wondering. I also learned that you just can't do everything. :)

Show Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot (photo, that is)
Getting a really good photo of my paintings is really important. I need them for use on my website, to send to my galleries, and for advertising of any kind. Here is a quick overview of my method: I set up a tripod (every time), use a good SLR set on highest resolution, shoot work outside in the shade at an angle that doesn't catch the glare (experiment with this), make sure the camera lens is parallel to the picture plane, shoot three graduated exposures (called "bracketing"). The best time of day is when your shadow is longest and most protective - early morning and late afternoon. Overcast days are great when they coincide. After the shoot, I upload them to my computer, choose the best exposure, crop and format the images in Photoshop, and save them in special file folders by year and genre. Photographing artwork is a skill that takes practice, and I highly recommend learning it. If you know a professional photographer, consider offering to pay him or her for a lesson with your own camera; or find a class. It will be worth it. 

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back
Tip #17 - Sign As You Go


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

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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Spring Laurel Branches - Show Tip #17

Spring Laurel Branches, 24 x 30, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
SOLD

In Texas, we know that spring is on the way when the Mountain Laurels bloom, and this year they are abundant. We have lots of them in our yard, so these branches didn't travel far to sit in my studio for a painting session or two. Their waxy green leaves and lush purple blossoms are fun to paint, and their delicious aroma filled the whole house. They kind of smell like grape jelly, but in flower form. Yum.

 Show Tip #17 - Sign As You Go
For some reason, signing paintings can be an obstacle. Plein air pieces are quick and easy because I scratch my signature in while it's still wet. But with larger canvases, I like to sign them with paint. Years ago, I would wait till I had a bunch of pieces finished and sign them all at once. But then I would be backed into a corner, waiting for the signatures to dry. This delayed photographing, framing, and getting the work out there. Now I sign them as soon as the paint is tacky enough to take another layer. I use a liner brush, and mix a tone just slightly darker or lighter than the passage where I plan to put the signature. Then I take a deep breath, just do it, and I don't mess with it. (If you share this phobia, try practicing your name over and over on an old painting. It helps.)
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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back

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
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Thursday, March 10, 2016

Garden Girl and Show Tip #16

Garden Girl, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

The dramatic light on this little garden girl statue caught my fancy for a number of reasons... the vividness of contrast, the layering effect of the light and shadows, and the way the subject stood perfectly half-in and half-out of the light. These were all challenges I couldn't pass up. I started in my usual fashion, but toned the canvas yellow so that the patch of light would have an inner glow. I also added some loose indications of red as a place holder/reminder for the roses that would come in at the very end. 
Block-in of Garden Girl.

Show Tip #16 - Step Back
In my painting process I am constantly reminding myself to step back. The reason? Getting away from it allows me to better see the overall image. I'm looking for overall continuity, any sore thumbs sticking out, and passages that need attention. The same goes for getting ready for this show, I have to keep stepping back to make sure I haven't lost my overall sense of how everything is fitting together; to help me figure out what needs more attention. Maybe I need more still lifes or to count my frames again. Or maybe I need to stop painting for a day and take care of the administrative stuff. The goal is for everything to happen on time and without stress, right? That is what I keep telling myself. 
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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated
Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

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
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Monday, March 7, 2016

Regatta and Show Tip #15

Regatta, 30 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
SOLD

One day last spring I was out plein air painting and suddenly this regatta sailed by. It was a most beautiful sight but didn't last long (no chance of catching it in the moment). Thank goodness for phone cameras. I ran to the dock and was able to snap off several shots that helped me preserve the memory for this painting. So much fun.

Show Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Whether you are having a solo show in a gallery or a group show at a restaurant, it's important to know who is doing what, and when. There is so much more involved than painting the canvases. It helps to make a list of all that needs to happen to produce the exhibit, and then make assignments with a detailed timeline. Getting everything done (and having it all come out even and on time) depends on early and constant communication with everyone on the team. And of course, it requires being diligent with those deadlines!

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated

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

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Thursday, March 3, 2016

A Moment's Peace - Show Tip #14

A Moment's Peace, 24 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you know I love the beach. We spend a lot of time on St. Simons Island, where daily walks at the seaside are just part of the plan. It's peaceful and the best way to start any morning. 

Show Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease
"Be in a position of energetic rest", said my pilates instructor one morning. "Energetic Rest," I repeated, "isn't that a bit of an oxymoron?" She went on to explain that for this exercise (and actually for all exercises), I needed to balance effort and ease; to be engaged but not straining. Now isn't that a great image for painting, and for just about everything we do? Too much effort (straining) has obvious harmful outcomes like tightness, fear, and overall negative energy. Too much ease (not being engaged) results in poor discipline, low yield, and lack of passion. It's up to each of us to find that balance in our own daily routines, and probably a lifelong task.

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated

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
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Tuesday, March 1, 2016

In Search - Show Tip # 13

In Search, oil on canvas, 17 x 9, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

I love these birds. They roost and watch and pounce in their hunt for dinner. It's fun to watch. I painted a smaller version of this guy for my "Paint the Flying Spirit" challenge on Daily Paintworks last year. The challenge was based on a quote from painter Robert Henri which bears repeating, "Paint the flying spirit of the bird, not its feathers". That was my goal in painting this, to not get bogged down in the details but to try and catch the spirit of the great bird in flight. 

Show Tip #13 - Stay Updated
When I am completely focused on painting this new body of work, it's very easy to forget about other tasks. Things like updating my website, blogging and writing newsletters is hard when I've been painting all day. But here is what I know, if I keep things updated, I am saving myself from a last minute rush that is usually wrought with system failures, operator errors, and all around frustration. This is about survival. But this tip has a marketing value. In addition to staying ahead of the panic curve, I am also getting the work out there where it can be seen and previewed! I can direct interested collectors and friends to my website or blog to see what I am doing. I am not always successful with staying out in front of this stuff, but when I do it's a win-win! 

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
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
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Sunday, February 28, 2016

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 #8 - Stay Flexible
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
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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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 #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



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Monday, February 22, 2016

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 #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

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Tuesday, February 16, 2016

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 #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

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