This week presented some interesting new challenges for me
First I had a meeting for the Kings County Studio Tour on Thursday evening and sore eyes. So I didn’t paint Thursday. But the real challenge was around painting materials. I ran out of panels. So I ordered some in from my friends at Endeavours.
Panels arrived. A different brand than usual – Gotterick. Well they only had one coat of Gesso on them and the panels seemed to have a few hairline cracks. Shoot. So I had to get out my gesso. I opened up all the panels, laid them out on the table, opened up the gesso and ….CRAPOLA!!! Gesso was moldy. Had to call my good friends at Endeavours once more to order gesso and in a hurry please.
Gesso arrived, panels promed and lightly sanded. And you know, they are not the same. Ampersand is a far better solution and panel. These are ok though, just not the same.
Day 15 – Garden Interloper
They appear with the illusion of something elegant, almost regal. But they are no more than Quispamsis garden rats. White tail deer. The vermine you love to hate rather hate to love. They are garden interlopers. They appear many times a day and eat insatiably. Every thing in site is on theri menu but not the stuff you don’t particularly care about. Like the weeds (native deer food) or fallen apples. No they wait until your flower buds are about to burst forward with beautiful blossoms and pop it like cotton candy.
Day 16 – Stymied
I loved the way this painting developed. I used acrylics as watercolours for the base painting, then applied a number of layers to intensify the colours…then went back in with opaque layers. I have to admit, I am thinking the title of the painting is particularly clever, eh?
Day 17 – Checking Things Out
This painting took a surprising amount of time to the point I decided not to paint another one for todays challenge. Ducks have long been one of my favourite subjects with their perpetual grins and round cheeks. They stand tall and proud and give the illusion of confidence.
Day 18 – What’s That?
Did you know I love ravens. And crows. And likely all birds? The black birds present an interesting challenge when painting them. Their wonderful iridescent feathers gleam in the sun. Shades of blue, teal and often purple are waiting for the artist’s eye to capture that fleeting moment
Day 19 – Watching Me Watching You
A repeat performance. I could not leave it to one raven could I? I went mining through my reference photos and you know? I have a lot of ravena ns crow photos. Stay tuned I think I am going to paint a large one after this challenge. Oh and after I finish the lilac painting.
Day 20 – Singing in the Snow
Sweet little chickadees. This is a teeny tiny painting. Only 4″x4″ on gallery wrapped canvas. Actually the little bird is likely life size in the painting.
Day 21 – Everyday’s a Beach Day
And another favourite. For about three years I have been trying to get a photo shoot in with sanderlings, plovers and sandpipers. I have a really cool idea for a very large painting. I think i really love beach birds because I love the beach so much. I love the scent of the salt air and the warm breezes. I would love to be there now!