Bowl of Grapes 2

Whether it be to failure or success, the first need of being is endurance ~ to endure with gladness if we can, with fortitude in any event.

Bliss Carman

It is amazing to me what one little bit of knowledge will do to change things drastically. I am contemplating buying a video painting workshop on color. The free introductory lesson taught me that the part of anything in shadow will have a touch of color that is opposite its main color on a color wheel. For example, the shadow side of the swans were grayish-purple. The shadow side of the grapes, above, therefore, would be reddish, orange. I'm not as brave as I know I should be but I'm working up to more and more contrasts in my paintings. That's what makes them pop. Anyway, the grapes are done for now ~ on to the pears!

Bowl of Grapes

In creating, the only hard thing's to begin;
A grass-blade's no easier to make than an oak.

James Russell Lowell

Although I took some quick photos of this painting earlier on this is the first time I have gotten to my computer to post anything. I found this photo on-line and fell in love with ts simplicity immediately. Of course, when I started to paint it I quickly realized that it is not simple at all. Each grape had a personality all its own. It was a real joy to tackle each one. I'll probably go over them all at least one more time but for now, I'm just happy to have this one sitting on the easel.

The Mating Game 11

A work of art is a corner of creation seen through a temperament.

Emile Zola

My computer was in the care of Best Buy for over two weeks and I cannot begin to describe how happy I was to get it back. At any rate, I am happy to post another rendition of the swans. I took them to class today and my teacher feels they are finished. My favorite critic does not. I will try to add a few more touches to them but actually will be quite happy to see them swim off into the sunset. While I feel I learned a lot about painting water, feathers are a whole other story! The quote above seemed to fit perfectly with this painting. Every time I approached it I had a different idea of the feeling I wanted to give to it. I'd try to give it one type of atmosphere at home only to have my teacher suggest something to give it a completely different feel. That little bit of still water in the lower right hand corner is me clinging to my original idea of still, placid water counterbalancing the tension between the swans. My teacher kept at me to swirl that water up but I hung tough. Today he didn't mention it all ~ maybe (probably) he was right, but it's my painting.

The Mating Game 10

If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it: Every arrow that flies feels the attraction of earth.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Feathers! Feathers! Feathers! I don't know how to paint them. Today I worked a long time on the swans. While I feel I have the shadowing in pretty well I would like to see much more definition within the feathers. The problem here is a continuity of style. While I acquiesced to my teacher and added lots of detail to the water overall the painting style is smooth and blended strokes. My original idea was to have strong and heavy strokes when I got to the feathers. I'm not sure this is going to fly with my teacher. So far I've been happy following his advice ~ can't wait to see what he says about mixing of painting techniques on one canvas. Also, I can already here him telling me to get more contrast in the swan's bodies. I know the one on the bottom needs more work ~ my arm just gave out.

The Mating Game 9

God gave man work, not to burden him, but to bless him, and useful work, willingly, cheerfully, effectively done, has always been the finest expression of the human spirit.

Walter R. Courtenay

Well, as you can see I put in a fair number of hours today on the water. This has been quite time consuming but once I got into I really enjoyed it. My teacher had some really good pointers about making the swans appear as if they are actually sitting in the water not on it. However, I am so anxious to get to work on the swans now. Although I am glad I listened to my teacher and spent more time on the pond, I feel it still needs a lot more work. The next session, however, will definitely be spent on the birds. Its time to give them a little attention. Since there's only one more class to go I want to be sure and get my teacher's input on them as well.

The Mating Game 8

Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into, the mind.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Well, as you can see my idea didn't fly with my teacher. He really thought the water needed a lot more attention. I've started at the bottom of the canvas and am adding more depth and detail. A lot of work left to be done here!

The Mating Game 7

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.

William Butler Yeats

I've spent about eight hours on this since my last class working only on the water. The big question in class tomorrow will be how much more to put in. I like how still the water looks ~ it adds a real touch of serenity to the entire painting. I want the energy to come from the tension between the three swans. I'm guessing though that my teacher will want me to add some motion to the water. The beauty of oil paint is that I can try it and if it doesn't work just cover it up again. Painting the water like this took a tremendous amount of blending ~ no harsh edges between the different colors. Unfortunately I broke my favorite little blending brush ~ fortunately that means a trip to the art supply store.