BALL JARS - 2

Here are the paintings at the end of the second day.  All were at about the same state of completion - that is to say - not finished!

My aim was for everyone to get one jar, board and peeling paint section completed and then they could all finish up at home.  Mission accomplished!

Each artist was happy with her work and everyone not only got along well, but created some new friendships.  I consider this weekend workshop a success!

BALL JARS WORKSHOP - DAY 1

I held a workshop on August 15-16 for 5 students.  Our subject was some old Ball jars.  The object was to learn to paint not only the glass, but wood and peeling paint.

At the end of Day 1 this is how all of the paintings looked.

And ALL of the student work was better than the instructor's!  

If some look a bit curved, that's because we are using Arches 140# CP and not taped down, so some are getting a bit curled during the drying process.

It was so pleasant that we ate lunch outside and enjoyed the view while we got to know one another better.

Later in the afternoon we looked out across the lake to see the little piggies terrorizing the little calves - and watched all of the mama cows terrorizing the little piggies!  We decided the piggies looked like a "gang" of thugs - and they had obviously gotten out of their fenced area.  So now we have the Piglet Gang - wonder where they will strike next!  (My husband later found them and will get them back where they belong!)

SUNFLOWERS - 2

Here are more of the students' paintings - continuing the sunflowers - with mine in there somewhere!

This was after our second session using the fluid acrylics.

BEGINNING SUNFLOWERS

Both classes have started a sunflower painting.  Here are the starts from the morning class - using fluid acrylics!

I'm providing the paints, brushes and palettes (styro plates) for them to experiment with since none have used the fluid acrylics before and I hate for people to spend a lot of money just to try something.  I have an array of these paints, primarily DaVinci and Chroma, but a few Golden thrown in - they are smaller size so I'm thinking they came into my possession via the Golden company's demonstration and give away programs.
If they like it, I'm sure they will be going out to purchase MORE PAINT - just what we all need, right!!!

All of the paintings are from our first day of working on them.  Mine is in there somewhere but I can't tell which it is without looking at the back where I wrote the student's name.   I know mine is NOT the best looking one!

So far they seem to be enjoying this experience.  Not everyone will be here each week - but I'll try to keep up with photos as the weeks pass.

LAST OF THE PETUNIAS

Well, here are the last of the petunia paintings - students' work.   Some are not finished yet, but it's time to move on to another project.

FINDING PETUNIAS - 2

Here are a few more petunia paintings from my students.

Some of us followed what the instructor told us to do (!!!) and some went home and created a whole new petunia painting!

Since art is subjective - anything goes.  As long as you keep painting!

FINDING PETUNIAS - 1

In class I just taught a technique for "finding" your subject, using a photo of petunias.  The first few photos are of my demo.

We sprayed water on the paper.
Then, using the photo reference, paint was applied loosely in the general shape of the flowers.
The class chose to do blue petunias, so I applied various shades of blue,
some violets and pinks for the flower areas and greens, blues and yellow for the green around the flowers.

When the first layer of color was dry, I began "finding" petunias.
You have to use your imagination - and your photo is simply a beginning reference point.
At first you think you don't see any flowers, but all of a sudden they begin to appear!
Then I deepened the greenery around the flowers, and adding some areas of shadow within the flowers.
At this point, I only want to indicate the flowers through the use of negative painting.

Here is how the day ended - with the flowers indicated.  The background may or may not be complete. 

Now here are some of the students' work:

You can see how she has begun finding her flowers, and has even added some of the centers.

More petunias being found!

And more!

HYDRANGEAS IN WATERCOLOR

My classes spent a couple of weeks working on watercolor with pen and ink.

The first week we dropped watercolor onto our paper in the approximate shape of a hydrangea.

Then we "found" the hydrangea petals and leaves, using a Micron pen to outline them.

This was my "show and tell" for them - the colors are too bright.

This one done in class as a demo is better, I think.

The next week we first drew the outlines, then added our watercolor.

My demo for this technique.

Here are a couple of the students' work - I forgot to photograph them during class, and some forgot to bring them back the next week!

After some minor "wailing and whining" they all did a fine job!
Here are a couple more that I just got yesterday!

POURING WORKSHOP - APRIL 26-27, 2014

Several folks took my pouring workshop at the Cincinnati Art Club at the end of April.

All hard at work.

On Day 1 we all painted together in the morning to get started, then they were on their own for the rest of the day since the process time will begin to vary by individual.

Marion with her painting - first time she had poured.

New student, new to painting

Another new student and new to painting

Love the delicate pinks and corals in this one

This student was not happy that her lines showed - so I suggested that she "embrace and go with it."
She will be adding some line work with a Micron pen to actually accentuate the lines more

Another one with such beautiful and delicate color changes

On Day 2 they could paint their own, with my help.

The following photos are of some of the work completed over that weekend.  Of course, I didn't get photos of everything - but would you expect anything else from me!

I thought this one turned out beautifully - she thinks she will re-do it with some slight changes

Gerri with her Day 1 (right) and Day 2 (left) paintings

Day 2 - first time pouring - "by George, I think she's got it"

What a challenge this one was - how to represent poured Gatorade!
I think she did a very good job!