It is that time of year when I feel like I disappear. I have secret commissions that I am working on and of course, am unable to share. I can share my most recent acrylic painting of a crow – On Watch
From how do I do this – to I got this
When travelling around Arizona last year, I happened upon this crow perched on a rock framed by two tree trunks. I knew instantly that I planned on painting this scene. I took a few reference photos… until my subject flew away. Only the tree trunks that drew me in felt like brackets and I decided the painting would be stronger without them.
Rocks make me think. Sometimes too much. I found I was fretting over them and then realized, jeepers I can do this and instantly I knew how to approach them. I know eh? Although I had to take a drive to Michael’s Art Supplies first.
All in the technique
I purchased a little bag of sea sponges and formed the underpainting with various shades of grays. Once I had the rock blocked in, I could see lichen shapes emerging. I then added shadows to lift the lichens and highlights to make them convincing. And oh what fun, the subtle shades of mauve, blues and greens brought the rock to life – so to speak.
It’s healthy to be nervous
I think it is healthy to be nervous when painting. It really makes you think before you apply paint. And I believe nervous anticipation…preoccupation, obsession, makes you pull from different places and come up with approaches you may not have thought of otherwise.
My dang easel
And in the middle of everything like deadlines, my dang easel came crashing down once again. I love that stupid crank easel but i think it is in line to be replaced. This is the third time it came crashing down sending the ball bearings heaven knows where. This time the little housing for the ball bearings dented. I am investigating replacement parts. But am feeling uncertain. The place where I purchased it did not instill any confidence – fingers crossed.
Notice the missing ball bearings? Any recommendations for a good studio easel?
Really enjoyed reading this. And I always love to see your work. About the easel – I can tell you one NOT to buy… Jack Richeson Lyptus Wood "Dulce" Easel. After 2 yrs. of moderate use, the part that you set the bottom of the painting on – the ledge I’ll call it – crashes down to the floor, just slides right down the easel once it’s got any weight on it to speak of. Like more than 3 lbs I’m guessing. There is a knob that tightens, but it’s a very poor design and will not hold the piece up. I had to get some clamps and put them on the "spine" of the easel so that the "ledge" can rest on that, as well as making the knob as tight as it can be. Not happy with it AT ALL.
Thank you Ann, happy you are following along. I appreciate it. on On the easel good to know. My previous easel was a Richeson. Their solution to the problem with that easel was to send me a few knobs??? The current easel is a Professional Five – and I am wondering it it is also made by Richeson. Is has a similar feeling – and when I google it, the company does not show up anywhere. I have reached out to Curry’s in hopes of getting a part. Fingers crossed. I honestly do not know what to do with it.
I love your candour about being nervous and plunging deep into your work.
that is what makes it magnificent.
aw, thank you Melody
I sometimes scare me