Golden Pears - Show Tip #2

Golden Pears, 18 x 18, oil, L. Daniel © 2016

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

Freshly Cut - And Show Tip #1

Freshly Cut, 20 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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?

Hydrangea Bouquet

Hydrangea Bouquet, 20 x 20, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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. 

Golden Memories - The Progression of a Commission

Golden Memories, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

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.

Golden Memories, 30 x 40, oil on canvas, L.Daniel © 2016

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!

The framed piece. 

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R !

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Hidden Creek, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S 

a n d

H A P P Y   H O L I D A Y S   T O   A L L !

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace..."

L u k e  2 : 1 4

25% Discount Select Paintings!

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Purchase by Thursday, December 17, for delivery by Christmas

Great gifts and stocking stuffers!

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JUST ADDED: Corner Store, 6x8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Winter Light, 6x8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

The Village, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Dune Shadows, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

River Sailing, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Tropical Dance, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Calla Lilly Bouquet, 12x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Tomatillos, 8x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Tulip Bud, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SALE (updated inventory) - 25% off through 12/17!

HOLIDAY SALE  

Available small works - through Thursday, December 17

25% Off

AND FREE SHIPPING

These small paintings make great gifts and stocking stuffers!

Click red sale price to check out with Paypal.

Paintings will ship FedEx ground within 24 hours of purchase. 

(International - must ship by Dec. 11 USPS for delivery by Christmas.)

Winter Light, 6x8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Was $120 Now $90

The Village, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Dune Shadows, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

River Sailing, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Tropical Dance, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Calla Lilly Bouquet, 12x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Leaning Calla Lilies, 8x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Tomatillos, 8x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Tulip Bud, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Holiday Sale - 25% off through 12/17!

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays

to all my Blogosphere friends!!!

25% Off

FREE SHIPPING

Selected small works - through Thursday, December 17

These small paintings make great gifts and stocking stuffers!

Click red sale price to check out with Paypal.

Paintings will ship FedEx ground within 24 hours of purchase. 

Approaching Storm, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Mill Pond Bridge, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

The Village, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Garden Beauties, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Dune Shadows, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

River Sailing, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Tropical Dance, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Two Swans, 6x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Twirling Pine, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Pitcher and Posies, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Calla Lilly Bouquet, 12x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Leaning Calla Lilies, 8x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Tomatillos Three, 5x7, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Tomatillos, 8x8, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Tulip Bud, 8x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

Reaching Shadows, 6x6, oil, L. Daniel © 2015

SOLD

Park Trail - Process Notes and Demo

Park Trail, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

Workshop Demo - SOLD

Two weekends ago, I taught a workshop in Austin and actually remembered to take pictures of each step of one of my demos!! I had to really concentrate because I usually get so caught up in painting and teaching that I forget. My wonderful students helped on that front, and as promised, below are step-by-step process notes of how I built and finished this painting. Enjoy!

Reductive Block In 

I started by covering the canvas with a mix of ultramarine and burnt sienna using a paper towel. Wiping away pigment in light areas and leaving the pigment in dark areas, I established my composition and values.

Mass in the "darks" in Upright Planes 

Working dark to light, I identified and painted only the dark values in the Upright Planes (foreground and distant masses that are vertical.) I also added cast shadows early on, to "ground" the verticals and identify the direction of my light source.

Mass in the "lights" in Upright Planes

I am always comparing values and colors throughout the process of any painting. The foreground upright plane will have more contrast and intense color, while the distant upright plane will have less contrast and muted color.

Mass in the Sky Plane and Ground plane

The Sky Plane is usually the lightest of all the planes because it contains the sun. The ground plane is second lightest because it reflects the light in the sky. 

Break Up Masses and Final Marks

At this final stage, I slowed down make thoughtful changes using subtle value and temperature shifts. I want to make sure that all the planes are reading correctly before rushing to detail. LAST, I added final marks, fun details, and spectral highlights.