Sunny Bluebonnet Patch - Plein Air Demo

Sunny Bluebonnet Patch, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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The day before my plein air class started this week, I went to the Art School at Laguna Gloria to scout out a good place for my first demo. These lovely bluebonnets were WAY too far from our meet up location, but they were so compelling that I abandoned my scouting expedition and painted them anyway. (We must follow our hearts, mustn't we?) I took photos with my iPhone to document my process and demo'd a different scene the next day. (I can never take pictures while I am doing an actual demo.) 

All to say... here are process notes for my students and for any other painting friends who might enjoy seeing how I "get there".

Blocking in - use a dark neutral mix of French Ultramarine Blue and Burnt Sienna. Look for "layers" in the landscape, and break down passages in the painting accordingly. 

Massing in - begin to add large masses of color. Remember that the "layers" will change as they recede in the distance... (elements get cooler, lighter, softer, muted, smaller.)

Continue with massing - pay attention to light and shadow families. Correct/adjust values while bringing colors together and closing the composition.

Break up masses - add form and detail with subtle value and temperature shifts within the masses. Adjust composition and add final finessing of edges and highlights. 

Final painting... Sunny Bluebonnet Patch

Arbor Wisteria

Arbor Wisteria, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

NFS

On Saturday, Plein Air Austin gathered at West Lake Beach for a paintout and spring BBQ. It was one of those perfect days... the sun came out right on time, the winds were calm, the food was delicious, and friendships were deepened. To top it off, in the middle of the picnic area an old arbor was completely covered with wildly, blooming wisteria. The scent in the air was like sweet perfume. 

Many thanks to D.D. and his family for having us out!! We loved being there.

Redbud Path

Redbud Path, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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I had to take a little break from my Hawaiian painting adventure and get outside to paint a Redbud tree here in Austin. Yes, a little dose of "be here now" is a good thing, especially when there are pink buds bursting out of bare branches in every direction. It's a sure sign that spring is here in Texas. 

Morning Sky

Morning Sky (study), 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Another beautiful morning on the Kaneohe Bay... A wild cloud coverage masked the morning light in a moment of true drama. To stop everything and simply watch was the only proper response. I never cease to wonder and be amazed.

Chinaman's Hat

Chinaman's Hat, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This little island is actually named Mokolii but it is called Chinaman's Hat because of it's shape. Apparently, it's possible to swim or paddle over there at low tide; and there are some sea caves and a couple of beaches to explore. (However, the brave explorer would not want to get stuck there if the tide begins to come back in!) The trade winds were blowing fiercely the day we were there, so viewing it from the beach park was good enough for me. 

Daybreak

Daybreak, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This is the view from my daughter and son-in-law's condo. Every day we woke up in Hawaii to a new sky with amazing colors and clouds. It was not hard to rise and shine! 

Tropical Moon

Tropical Moon, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Palm trees are so seductive. The angles, the liveliness, the whimsicality... everything about them is interesting to me. But silhouetted against the full moon, it is all about the shapes - so unique and so recognizable. 

Rocky Inlet

Rocky Inlet, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013 

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Here is another "postcard" from Hawaii from me to you - sent from my home of course! On a trip up to the north shore of Oahu we discovered many beautiful beaches. Some are famous for great surfing (Sunset and Pipeline) but this rocky inlet is a favorite spot for sea turtles to hang out. Unfortunately, we missed the turtles but we did get a dose of that gorgeous, warm afternoon light!

Bending with the Wind

Bending with the Wind, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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It has been exactly one month since my last post. Time flies! I never meant to be away so long, but February flew by with a big celebration for my parent's 60th wedding anniversary followed by... a two week vacation in Hawaii!!! Our daughter and son-in-law moved to Oahu in September and we finally got over to visit them. 

Time and scheduling didn't allow me to paint while I was there, but does it count that I dragged my easel all the way to two islands and back? I was planning paintings in my mind the whole time. Every view is a painting in Hawaii. Over the next few days I will be posting some of my favorite scenes. These are my postcards to you. Aloha, my friends!!

Healing Fruit

Healing Fruit, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Okay, just one more pomegranate... for now. You can say it. I am obsessed. This is for everyone who wanted me to open one up and paint the insides. I didn't want to cut into my little crop, and mine are all gone now. However, my good friend brought me this lovely specimen from her tree and it had burst open on it's own. So, as you can see... I had to paint one more!!

Abundant Harvest (study) and a commission piece

Abundant Harvest (Study), 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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Back to my pomegranate obsession!!! This small study was a warm-up for a Christmas Promise commission piece (otherwise known as a gift that would be delivered in January.) I was thrilled to revisit the glorious fruit of my recent passions; and even more thrilled when my clients loved their new painting. JOY! 

Below is the larger commissioned piece. Thank you M and K - may your kitchen, hearth, and home be ever blessed!!! :)

Abundant Harvest, 16 x 12, oil on canvas, L. Daniel 

COMMISSION - SOLD

Winter Grasses

Winter Grasses, 12 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Today started out chilly but ended up warm and sunny; and perfect for painting outside. A few of us met up to paint together at a favorite spot along Bull Creek here in Austin. These golden winter grasses growing in the limestone creek bed had a glow that was simply irresistible.

Garden Gazebo

Garden Gazebo, 16 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

We have had some deliciously warm days here and the botanical garden has been a great place to enjoy them. As I was painting this scene, a little family came by with their grandma who was visiting from Chicago. As her sweet granddaughters led the way through the park, grandma was just so happy to be outside, taking in the warmth and sun before heading back to the northern climes. Summer in January... it's hard not to love. 

Misty Watering Hole

Misty Watering Hole, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

Yesterday, Plein Air Austin painted together at a gorgeous ranch outside of Johnson City (the home town of LBJ). The land out there is beautiful, but on this foggy morning, it had a quiet enchantment about it. The muted colors and atmospheric layers were very soulful and inspiring. It was magical.

SketchCrawl 38 - world wide event!

Capitol Promenade, 8 x 9, graphite on paper, L. Daniel © 2013

Saturday was the 38th World Wide SketchCrawl, where willing artists around the world gather to sketch, and crawl, and sketch again... ultimately sharing their images and journaling over the internet. The event was started by San Francisco artist Enrico Casarosa in 2004 and it has grown larger every year. 

A group of us from Plein Air Austin and Austin Urban Sketchers (a meet up group) gathered to draw in the downtown Capitol area. It was a delightful way to spend the morning, and especially fun knowing that artists all over the world were doing the same thing! Greetings from downtown Austin!

11th and Congress, 7 x 8, graphite on paper, L. Daniel © 2012

Happy SketchCrawl participants in Austin, Texas

Clear Day Study

Clear Day Study, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013

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This painting of a local park in Austin was the study for a larger piece I recently finished (will post at a later date). Doing a study helps me to understand color and value relationships, and to work out composition issues. Plus, working with the subject in a small format helps me remember to keep everything simple... which is so important!

Along the Garden Path and Happy New Year!

Along the Garden Path, 8x16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2013
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Yesterday I finally got myself back outside to paint; and it felt really good to simply breathe the plein air! The holiday hiatus is nourishing for the soul and healthy for the creative spirit - I do like to really enjoy every aspect of it! And then... I am always ready to get back on track when it's time. And. it. is... time. Welcome 2013!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Broken Barns, 8 x 16, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

Emmanuel... God is with us!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

Thank you all for your support this year...

for following my work and for sending me messages of encouragement. 

I wish you abundant hope and fullness of life in 2013!

Dangling Fruit

Dangling Fruit, 18 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery

This is the last of the pomegranates... for now anyway! Happy am I, to see the series framed and beautifully installed in the Davis Gallery Holiday Group Show. The opening reception was Saturday night and though I had every intention of taking lots of photos, I only managed to get this one before the festivities began. 

The work is on display through January 19, 2013, so please stop by if you are in the area. Click HERE to see all of my work that is included in the exhibit.

Branches of Pomegranate

Branches of Pomegranate, 24 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery

More pomegranates... did I mention that I love them? These fruits have been treasured by most religions and cultures throughout the ages. They are valued not only for their beauty, sweet juice and medicinal qualities, but also for what they symbolize... abundance, promise, new life, resurrection, eternal life, prosperity and fertility. In this season of gratitude for all good gifts and especially for my health, the promise of abundance and new life is especially meaningful to me. 

This piece will be in the Davis Gallery Holiday Group Show that opens this weekend. Click HERE to visit my website's "Holiday Show" page and see all my work that will be included in this exhibit. And please come by the gallery to see them in real life if you can make it!

Holiday Group Show

Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th Street, Austin, Texas

Drop-in Reception - Saturday December 8

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Ruby Orbs (enlarged)

Ruby Orbs (enlarged version), 18 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2012

Available at the Davis Gallery

I have been on a pomegranate painting binge lately... I simply can not resist their shape and color and essence. This is the enlarged version of a study I posted last week; and is one of three paintings in a series that will be on display at the Davis Gallery Holiday Group Show. The exhibit opens this coming weekend and includes fabulous work by many of our gallery artists. If you are in town, please stop by for the reception on Saturday. I hope to see you there! 

Holiday Group Show

Davis Gallery, 837 W. 12th Street, Austin, Texas

Reception Saturday, December 8, 2012

7:00 - 9:00 pm

Abundant Hope - an auction of gratitude for my first full year of remission!

Abundant Hope, 12 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

All proceeds go to breast cancer research and education.

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December 1, 2011 was the first day of my remission from breast cancer. The doctor declared my lumpectomy surgery a success, and the cancer was out. Hope doesn't get much more abundant than that! Twelve months later, I hold dear the lessons of that scary time and am very grateful to be on the other side of all the unknowns. And, it has been a wonderful year... one of the best yet. 

I thank God for this glorious anniversary; and thank all of you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, for sending notes of encouragement, and for offering sweet support in my time of need. It meant everything to me.

Please join me now in this auction to raise money for breast cancer research and education. It's easy and completely safe to bid. At the end of the 7-day auction, I will send the painting to you, and donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It's win-win!

Ruby Orbs

Ruby Orbs (study), 6x8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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It's pomegranate season! Well, truth is, we are at the end of the season now, but my garden has done it's job producing these delightful fruits for my visual pleasure. I can't bring myself to eat them or even break them open, I just love them too much. I did cut some branches and bring them inside to paint. This is the first of a few studies I did in preparation for some larger pieces.

Reaching Shadows

Reaching Shadows, 6 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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This is another small, studio study inspired by a morning spent observing and teaching during my plein air class. Our class met at Fiesta Gardens, a city park that is generally closed to the public (though it can be rented for private events). Since I didn't get to paint while there, I had to get the images out of my system when I got home. :) The colors that day were just stunning... that yellow-orange building against the blue, blue sky was simply delicious. Many thanks to the generous souls who allowed us to come in and enjoy it all!

Garden Fiesta

Garden Fiesta, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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Often when I am teaching a class, I study the subject so carefully from all my students' viewpoints that I have no choice but to paint it myself when I get home. This piece (and the next one I will post) is one of those. After advising all morning about color solutions, editing and simplifying, and capturing the light and shadows; the scene was completely in my mind's eye. Back in the studio, I was able to paint what I remembered (with the help of photo references of course... my memory is not that good!) All the visual observations from the morning came flooding back the minute I picked up the brush. It reminded me how important it is to really LOOK and notice everything! 

See more Small Works

Sun-washed Reflections

Sun-washed Reflections, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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Cypress trees on the river bank... Low reaching autumn light... Shimmering reflections... This was one of our beautiful Texas mornings by the water. 

See more Small Works

Misty Marsh

Misty Marsh, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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I do love sunny days, but I also really appreciate a misty, mystical morning... when the low fog softens all the edges as far as the eye can see. The landscape seems more quiet somehow. This piece came out of my summer travels and takes me back to a lovely morning bike ride along the marsh. Maybe that is why I saved it till now. :)

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Garden Urn - Demo of 3 Block-in Techniques

Garden Urn, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, NFS

A strong "start" is required for a strong "finish" when it comes to accomplishing most things in life, and making a painting is no different. In my plein air class this fall, my students have been experimenting with 3 different block-in methods for starting a landscape. The first decisions and initial marks become foundational in a painting, so having a plan for getting started is so important. Here's a little review...

First, a loose sketch gets the subject outlined before starting any block-in. I do this in paint; and I always correct my composition and drawing before proceeding. 

Below are three different block-in methods we've been using: 

1 - Line and Mass Block-in 

Sketch subject and "mass in" major values in the foreground, middle ground and back ground. Use thin and dry pigment, and ignore details. Once values are established, add color (but retain value decisions), painting from dark to light. Avoid muddiness by painting back into the dark underdrawing with thicker, fatter pigment and a light touch. Reload brush frequently. Save details and highlights for the very end. 

2 - Reductive Mass Block-in

Cover the whole canvas with dark neutral pigment. Then use paper towels, q-tips and scrapers to remove paint and block-in the subject. Apply more pressure in lighter areas and add more paint as necessary for darker areas. Again, add color (but retain value decisions), painting from dark to light. Save details and highlights for the end. 

3 - Simple Color Shapes Block-in

Use color (in the correct value ranges) to indicate the light and shadow families. Divide the subject into simple shapes of color and value. Once large shapes are in place and are "reading" as light and shadow, begin to break up the large masses with subtle value shifts (see finished piece above). Be careful not to mix the values between the light and shadow families. Save details and highlights until the end.

I use each of these methods as the situation demands, but have found that my personal style always emerges in the final piece. One approach might offer a better way to get there, but the painting has a familiar ending point regardless of the block-in choice. It's an interesting thing, I think.

American Women Artists - 2 exhibits in Arizona with opening festivities this weekend!

Cactus Salute, 18 x 18, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012

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If you are in the Tucson, AZ area this weekend, please join me at the American Women Artists shows where these two pieces will be on display: 

FRIDAY, NOV 2:

15th Annual American Women Artists National Juried Show

K. Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden

Tubac, Arizona

Reception 1:00-4:00 pm

SATURDAY, NOV 3:

"Visions of the Southwest"

American Women Artists - Signature and Master Member Exhibition

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 

Tucson, Arizona

Paintout 9:00-11:00 am

Reception 2:00-4:00 pm

I am thrilled to have achieved Signature status with AWA this summer and to be participating in these events! It's going to be a fun weekend!

Desert Trail, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2012 - SOLD

River Secrets - Auction for Hurricane Sandy Victims

River Secrets, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2012, SOLD

All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy Victims

Friends, please join me in a fund raising effort for the victims of Hurricane Sandy. I will donate the proceeds of this painting through an auction over at Daily Paintworks. The process is easy, you bid (and keep bidding), and at the end of the 7-day auction I will send the full amount of the sale to the Red Cross. The painting will go to the highest bidder... It's win/win! 

Update: this painting sold and proceeds have been donated to the Red Cross. Thank you K and B!

This cause is near and dear to my heart. My son and his new wife live in Brooklyn and my sister's family lives near Albany. (Thankfully, they are safe and sound). My thoughts and prayers are with each of them, and with all who were hit by this devastating storm. 

Coincidentally, I was just in New England this past weekend and painted this plein air piece beside the Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire. My husband and I were at Dartmouth College (his alma mater) for homecoming.... truly the "calm before the storm" in that part of the country.