Apples with Pot

The father of every good work is discontent, and its mother is diligence.

Lajos Kassak

Yesterday my art teacher was back in class and gave me some final pointers for this painting. It's amazing how a small change can have such a huge impact. After three hours of tiny readjustments here and there I felt I had done all I could do. Fortunately, when my instructor came around again, he agreed. Finished! Now, of course, I need to wait 6 months to put a coat of varnish on but I can finally put this one aside ...... well, actually, now that I look more closely at it I see several places that could use a little more attention. Ugh.

Progress!

Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

St. Francis de Sales


As I have written earlier I am very happy with my art instructor ~ he's insightful, supportive, and has a wonderful eye. This past week I took the three paintings in this post to class for his advice. Unfortunately, his wife was ill and we had a substitute ~ a wonderful teacher also. She looked at my paintings and declared me a "Renaissance painter." My heart soared. Now I know what I aspire to be! Renaissance art emerged about 1400 in Italy (that's why I feel so drawn to Italy, I'm sure ~ it is by far the most beautiful place I have had the privilege to visit). To me Renaissance art is closely associated with the classical painting done by the late 19th century masters. One of the best sites to visit to learn more about these artists and what is being done to preserve their work is the Art Renewal Center. It is well worth a visit. Anyway, it's nice to have a direction at last ~ one never knows how one comment can change another person's life!

Apples with Pot

Success is that old A B C ~ ability, breaks and courage.

Anonymous

The time had come to put the ring on the pot. I was in my art class and wanted to know the best technique to get a perfect ring drawn. I had all sorts of implements on hand and was anxious to discuss them with my teacher. When he came over and I began to explain all the steps I was going to take he just looked at me and smiled. "Draw it," he said, "just draw it." Then he handed me a white charcoal pencil and started to walk away. Why not, I thought, I can always paint over it. But, lo and behold, it worked! Perhaps success is really more C B A ~ I think courage has to come first.

A Pair of Eggs

Fine art is that in which the hand, the head, and the heart of man go together.

John Ruskin

I have decided to try my hand at some painting with a very limited palette. For this one I used only four different colors ~ black, white, green, and brown. There's still some work to be done with the shadows and molding the eggs and jar but I think its gotten off to a nice start ~ certainly makes cleaning the brushes a lot simpler!

John Ruskin