Let's Figure it Out! (PKR Workshop Review)

PKR inspired high key still life study 8x10 oil on custom panel

Happy winter weekend everyone! Back in October I was lucky to finally take a Peggi Kroll Roberts (PKR) oil painting workshop (art bucket list--check!) at Blackridge Artists School here in Denver.  Spoiler alert: It was an awesome workshop and lived up to all the glowing reviews I’ve heard about Ms.Roberts.

First, to learn more about Peggi and her art be sure to visit her attractive website where you’ll also find helpful “how to” downloads, DVDs, painting tools (like the MVP I always use), workshop list, etc.  Peggi also sells some painting studies in her Etsy shop.

Colorful light and shadow notan exercise in PKR workshop Day 1

From the start, Peggi offered captivating demos and gentle critiques. I haven’t painted a live model in a few years so her positive attitude and patience was greatly appreciated. For example, she sketched out a quick anatomy proportion “reminder” that I could use as reference while measuring the model.

Peggi's demo of one of my favorite Mary Cassat "flat shapes" exercise

My "stained glass" exercise from live model--really enjoyed this one!

Day one the class (a super nice group of hard working ladies) painted simple lighted still lifes concentrating on light and shadow notan separation. Day 2 and 3 we painted a variety of enjoyable exercises working from the live model. As much as I enjoy working from photos, I always feel like a "true artist" when I tackle the challenge of a model.

Adding more color in the lights exercise--cantaloupe study

I particularly enjoyed Peggi’s  warm ups and exercises—such as the “limited brush count” and working very high key for which she is well known.  My big “take away” was Peggi’s  paint loading—it’s was at least the thickness of her brush! This generous paint renders splendid “waves of color” brushwork as you can see in this petite still life I purchased for a “reminder” souvenir back in the studio!

Peggi Kroll Roberts still life study--check out that paint!

Day 3 Workshop-Model in red dress study

Thank you Peggi for visiting us in Denver and sharing your passion and knowledge. I look forward to seeing you again in a future workshop!

No Hour of Life...

"Bending Blue" 8x10 oil on archival Ampersand panel
For Sale at Framed Image in Denver 

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.  Winston Churchill

Happy First Friday everyone!  I’m going to add to Sir Winston Churchill’s assertion that I feel the same about time spend painting in the studio. I don’t think we should ever feel guilty about time spent on creative pursuits. Even on a tough painting day, I try to appreciate and enjoy every minute.

Quickly, thanks to all the artists who've already joined my Thursday painting class at Park Hill Art Club starting in January. This is going to be an exciting “daily painting” class where we emphasize color for 6 weeks. It's just about sold out but as I write this, I think there are 1 or 2 spots left in either AM or PM—to register or for more info please click here. Looking forward to seeing you there!

I had such a gratifying time painting my light and shadow horse oil painting last week that I wanted to do paint another.  I choose this reference for both the gesture of the horse and the lighting where his head was mostly in shadow.

Today’s Painting Tip: Look for the light! As a painting teacher, I often see even advanced students working from a nice reference photo but the lighting (indoors or out) is flat or overcast—dare I say even gloomy or just blah. 

That's OK if you goal is subtle and understated but I think you’ll find that an exciting painting will be easier to achieve if you have dramatic or attention-grabbing light conditions. I’ll go so far to say that interesting lighting can make an “everyday” object into a very special painting subject!

P.S. Next time I'll post a still life painting inspired by today's announcement of Pantone 2016 Color of the Year or should I say Colors?? Stay tuned...

Happy Colorful Friday!

"Colorful Cadence" dressage horse painting 8x10 oil on Ampersand Panel

Are you online shopping for “black Friday” art supply deals like I am? (As a color sensitive artist I feel like Black Friday should be more positive like Fuschia Friday!) Color name aside, so far I've  stocked up on basics like Centurion linen and Ampersand panels as well as a Silver brand Bristlon brush to try since this is the one that Carol Marine says she uses.)

Today, while frosty cold am very relieved to see the sun's return after a rather gray Thanksgiving. In addition to running some errands (need more Fitbit steps after pie!) I’m heading out to take photos. Speaking of photos, if you're looking for painting subjects and art inspiration this is a good time to review and revisit your photo files. 

As you grow and evolve as a painter you may discover a photo gem that catches your eye on second go round. That was the case with this painting of a lovely silvery horse I’d taken a picture of at a dressage show in late summer.  As a casual rider I’ve always admired the movement and precision of dressage—both on the part of the horse and rider.  It’s like horse ballet! Also there's something energizing about painting a warm sunny day when the actual weather conditions are less than ideal.

Before I get back to surfing for bargains, just wanted to remind everyone of my winter 2016 painting classes. Starting first week of January, I'm offering three affordable weekly Denver painting group classes on Tues, Weds, and Thurs. (And my Tues. class is ongoing in December.)

So if you’re looking for a way to add color to your life and stay inspired during the long winter months be sure visit my classes/workshops page. In the meantime, happy painting and holiday shopping! 

Winter. Spring. Summer. Pumpkin....

Looking forward to painting these colorful farmer's market pumpkins...

Oh how we love pumpkin season. Winter, Spring, Summer, Pumpkin.... 
We anxiously anticipate it every year. Trader Joe’s Fearless Flyer

Happy Fall Friday! I too love the pumpkin season. Am often stocking up at TJ’s so I can enjoy gluten free pumpkin pancakes and muffins year round. Am also eagerly anticipating making my own favorite pie recipe next week: "Santa Fe" Pumpkin Chiffon: Chocolate crust, spicy pecan sprinkle and tequila cinnamon whipped cream...I know. Yum...

Now back to art. Thanks to all the talented artists who joined me for an adventurous mixed media workshop last Saturday! Also special thanks to everyone who supported local artists at the Park Hill Art Club Fall Show last weekend. I sold several recent posted paintings such as my sunlit horse and VW bug--Thank you very much buyers!

A busy art season continues tomorrow where I’m back at Curtis Art Center teaching a one day Artfully Autumn Painting workshop.  Am excited to help students with some of my favorite colorful subjects like owls, ravens, autumn leaves, pumpkins, gourds, vines, etc.

Last Friday I visited the fascinating Wyeth show at the DAM which featured the families' love of pumpkins, Halloween and other spooky subject matter.  

"Pumpkinhead" Self Portrait by Jamie Wyeth

 

Loved this giant looming raven painting by Jamie Wyeth.

As I look out the studio window today I can see winter looming. But that's OK. Colder weather means I can really get cozy and focus on studio or class painting and build my inventory for the warmer months. If you're looking to stay creatively active this winter come join me and my awesome students in one of my Denver painting group classes I offer on Tues, Wed, or Thurs mornings. We'd love to meet you! For more info please write to me or visit my classes page on my website. Thanks everyone!

Art with Altitude: Celebrating Arts Week!

"Silver Bow" 8x10 oil on panel at Framed Image

November is a wonderful month for both artists and collectors in Denver. It marks our annual Arts Week and there are tons of varied art activities all around our mile high city.

Tomorrow I’m heading down to the DAM to see the new Wyeth exhibit which I’ve been looking forward to for ages. Can't wait to see some of these paintings that I've only seen in print in person. 

The Wyeth Show runs through February 7, 2016 at the DAM

Also this weekend, going to a Daniel Sprick/Quang Ho opening night/talk at the Curtis Art Center (where I’m teaching a workshop earlier that day) and also (I told you there was a lot) participating in the Annual Fall Park Hill Art Club sale this weekend.

If that weren’t enough, I see that that legendary realist painter David Leffel is demoing at Gallery 1261 this Saturday and if I wasn’t teaching I wouldn't want to miss this. 

If you're looking for more art inspiration in November and December I have one painting workshop left this year on Saturday, November 21 at Curtis Arts Center and I also have openings in my open studio class on Tuesday mornings. Also my new 2016 class info will be available soon!

For more info about these write to me or please visit the Classes/Workshops page on my website. Thanks everyone for supporting the arts and especially to all my fellow Denverites for help to make our home such a thriving creative village for artist and art lovers!

Look for the Learning: For My Mom, Carol

Mom enjoyed my watercolors and gardening so this is for her.

Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us - and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning. Louisa May Alcott

Taking some time today for a more personal post today....Reflecting, rejoicing, remembering...

My Mom passed away peacefully on a picture perfect fall day last week. Mom was an avid baker (her car’s plate is GR8COOK) so autumn was her favorite season. This "homey" time of year often included making treats, cider and apples, hot tea, reading a good mystery, watching a classic Hitchcock movie...All things I enjoy too.

Mom with our longtime childhood dog Ginger

In a sad week I'm finding considerable comfort considering how much my Mom influenced my everyday life as well as my art. And of course will continue to do so...

My Mom was our family's very own Julia Child. 

Because of my Mom I love color (particularly blue greens), dark chocolate, making soups, nature, the library, black licorice, baklava, scarves, farmer’s markets, tote bags, Macintosh apples, swimming, tarragon, making lists (like this one!), a great bargain (is this every Midwestern Mom??), jewelry, PBS "how to" shows (especially Julia Child) and of course helping other artists learn and master a craft that that they too can enjoy.

 Mom's handiwork on display---Apologies to my brother.

While not a painter per se, Mom was a skilled craftsperson—Knitting, sewing, quilting, hooking (rugs just to be clear). Many of my students in the studio wear her colorful aprons. Speaking of sewing here’s a fun “throwback” photo of my brother and and I resplendent in 1970’s era Mom crafted Halloween costumes.

One of the many fun knitted gifts from Mom.

Interestingly, Mom named me after the Amy (the artist) in Alcott’s Little Women. She also told me once she took a drawing class at an art museum while she was pregnant so who knows? I was likely set on this path from the very beginning...

My namesakes: Amy & Beth

I'll miss you Mom but will you think of you often in the studio as I continue to teach and learn. My heartfelt thanks to students, friends, everyone who has sent me kind notes and warm thoughts this past week. Wishing you all too a happy and peaceful season of learning!

Painting in the Heart of Autumn

"Sunny Bug" 8x10 oil on linen pane--SOLD---Thank you!

I love when other artists take the time to review a painting workshop they've taken or demo they've attended so I promise I will post my review of  Peggi Kroll Roberts' workshop soon. Spoiler alert (and probably no surprise to many of you): It was phenomenal from start to finish!

Since I took two "light and shadow" workshops (see Tim Horn in previous post) back to back I've been considering at a wider variety of subjects such as this cute but rusty VW bug parked outside one of my classrooms. (My first car was a burgundy VW Rabbit that barely survived the 1,269 mile road trip to Denver long, long ago so also I have a soft spot for vintage VWs.)

October is flying by so I quickly wanted to share a few November events coming soon! 

2 Fall Weekend Workshops @ Curtis Arts Center in Greenwood Village, CO
I rarely teach on the weekends but I’m offering 2 fun Saturday workshops—Fall Colors (any painting media) and Mixed Media. Please visit my website class page or email me for more info.

Silent Art Auction & Reception: Nov. 7
Curtis Arts Center is also hosting their annual Silent Fine Art Auction on SAT. Nov. 7 from 6P to 8P where collectors can bid on affordable fine art from instructors, students and other artists in the area. 

Park Hill Art Club Fall Art Show and Sale: Nov. 13-15
This popular 3 day art sale features a huge variety of art (bin and framed) from hundreds of members and instructors (include myself). Please visit the PHAC site for more info. Original art makes a unique and personal holiday gift!

November "Daily Painting" Class: Tuesday AM from 9A to Noon 
This is casual open studio where I work with each student at their own level in oil or acrylic painting. At Blackridge Artists School. Be sure to also check their upcoming workshops!

Many thanks to my all my hard working fall students and wishing you all a colorful and creative autumn week!

Painting the Light: Tim Horn Workshop Review

"Light Gray Steps" horse painting 8x10 oil on gesso board--SOLD--Thank you!

Happy October! In the past 2 months, I "invested in me" and took 3 wonderful painting workshops here in Denver at Blackridge Artists School (where I currently offer a Tues. morning open studio class).

Quick shout out to all the artists I met at the workshops who took time to offer support, kind comments and much inspiration! Hope to cross painting paths with you in the future.

But with nine intensive days of learning and painting as well as teaching my own classes (thanks fall students!) I’m running a little behind posting. In no way does this reflect my enthusiasm for the workshops and my eagerness to share them with you.

Known for his rosy golden California landscapes Tim Horn’s fantastic 3 day workshop focused on seeing and painting light and shadow. I loved Tim’s straightforward exercises such as black/white notan sketches which helped to simplify and organize busy landscapes (buildings, cars, boats, telephone poles, etc.). FYI, here's an excellent article by Tim about Sketching for Painting.

Tim demonstrates an example of a light and shadow notan from his photo reference.

Exercise: Small light and shadow studies--super helpful!

Close up of Tim's light and shadow thumbnail example (note the warm peachy tone)

Tim also had the class study and paint the effects of sunlight using colored blocks which you can see here. An excellent exercise to try if you're new to outdoor painting! Notice how much these blocks resemble the planes of a building...

Colored blocks on sunlit table to help study light shadow planes

Tim blocking in shadow shapes of blocks (note his colors are on side panel away from mixing area)

 find one of the benefits of a decisive "yes/no" light/shadow approach is the painting often falls into place after you block in your cooler dark shadow shapes. Then the warmer thicker light passages act as the icing on the cake or canvas if you will.

Tim shares his sketch book (he likes Moleskine and a Monolith 4B pencil)

You can see (hopefully) my application of this exciting approach in my horse painting today. (Thanks Miss Jenny for letting me take pics of your lovely horse.) Before we ventured outdoors Tim had us work on simple limited palette mini landscapes (above) as well as a larger light and shadow practice painting which you can see here. 

My 9x12 light and shadow exercise from Tim's photo of a Maine harbor.

Tim painting a bungalow across the street late PM Day 1

Here are some more workshop pics including Tim's informative and enjoyable demos--even when the light didn't quite cooperate or someone drove off in the car Tim was painting!

Tim starts another demo on Day 2 with simple big shapes

The workshop class enjoying Tim's demo--even though it was a little overcast.

Who knew a garage and an an alley could make such a nice painting?

Thanks again Tim for visiting Denver and for such an informative and enjoyable workshop. I'm already reaping rewards back in the studio. Next up: Painting with Peggi! In the meantime happy fall painting!

Seeking Autumn Colors

"Rainbow Rooster" 8x10 oil on gessoboard--SOLD--Thank you!

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot

Happy weekend everyone! Gorgeous early fall weather in Denver and having a wonderful time teaching two new painting classes in Denver at Blackridge ArtistsSchool (check out their fantastic "big names" workshop schedule) and Park Hill Art Club.

I also attended several art events this week which means I’ve had the pleasure of meeting at least 30 new artists! (Denver is an amazingly creative area!) Thank you again new and continuing students for your support and interest this fall!

Speaking of being "out and about" next Tues. morning on Sept. 22 I’ll be doing a demo at Blackridge of one of my favorite “layered” oil painting techniques which I employed in this colorful rooster daily painting today. That’s the “wet in wet” opaque pigments over the transparent block in. For more info about this demo please feel free to email me. I think I'll paint something with feathers...but we'll see!

This painting process may not sound that interesting on paper but it’s what creates the glowing color and often pleasant surprises.  It's a great match for florals and feathers! As many of you may know this is the approach used by artists such as Dreama Tolle Perry, Nancy Medina, Hedi  Moran, and Mary Maxam just to name a few. 

Thanks--Enjoy the rest of your weekend and all the deliciousness that is early autumn!

All These Lovely Tokens

"Appeeling Orange" 6x8 oil on canvas panel--SOLD--Thank you!

By all these lovely tokens September days are here, 

With summer's best of weather And autumn's best of cheer. 

Helen Hunt Jackson

Happy September everyone! Little late in posting today for the “30 in 30” debut because I was at jury duty this AM (pretty good excuse right?) and then treated myself on a Tuesday to a delightful taco patio lunch with friends (it’s a gorgeous day!) but I’m back in the studio now. 

I love the back to school season! This month, I’m honored to be teaching 3 classes and taking at least 2 interesting workshops. I still have room in my Tuesday afternoon Colorful & Quick (Successful Daily Painting) class. Click here for more info. I’m also taking both an abstract workshop as well an oil painting workshop with artist Tim Horn. 

Tim Horn Landscape Painting

I’ve always been drawn to Californian paintings. That distinct glowing light always gives a strong but comforting déjà vu. So Tim’s work caught my eye right away. I feel very lucky Tim’s offering a workshop not far from my studio at the Blackridge Artist School.

As if September wasn’t busy enough (and again I couldn’t be more grateful for this) it also marks the beginning of Leslie Saeta's "30 in 30” painting challenge as many of you know. I’m sticking with color as my theme and posting an oil painting study of oranges (the color as well as the subject.)

As part of the challenge I'm also going to try to read an art book a day (OK maybe every few days). Today's book is LoriMcNee’s new book: Fine Art Tips. It features many contemporary painting masters (such as Denver’s own renowned Dan Sprick). If you like "step by step" painting approaches as well as some helpful business tips from Lori I’ll think you’ll enjoy this as well. Thanks everyone and to my fellow "30 in 30" artists have a great month of painting!

Explore. Dream. Discover. Paint….

"Blue Nutty" 6x6 oil on linen panel SOLD Thank you!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. 

Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. 

Explore. Dream. Discover.’  

Mark Twain

Happy Monday everyone!  I think one of the best things about "almost" daily painting is the “Why not? Let’s give it try!” approach you can have each day in the studio.

Lately, I’ve been gravitating toward some bold graphic looking art and thought painting on a black background (black toned canvas in this case) would be perfect for this. Also, since I often favor such bright intense colors (as you may have noticed!) the black acts as a striking dark neutral balance.

Want to see more examples? Daily painters who do a marvelous job at this are Karin Jurick and Cathleen Rehfied. Carol, a student in my class last week, also painted an exciting abstract on a black canvas.

In today’s little nuthatch (one of my favorite backyard bird models) oil painting I’ve used a 6x6 Raymar linen panel primed with black acrylic gesso then sketched with white pencil (note white chalk would work as well.) I loved the effect and will definitely add this to my daily "bag of tricks" and try again soon. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your own creative exploring, dreaming and discovering…

Denver Fall Painting Classes & Workshops
Since my Thursday AM class “sold out” so quickly (thanks again painters!) I’m planning to announce another weekly painting class soon. Probably on Tuesday afternoons so please stayed tuned for that.

Also I’ve added 2 weekend painting workshops for this November. For more info about these please go to my Denver art classes info page on my website. Or feel free to write to me directly. Thanks and happy painting!

Daily Painting by the Book

Exercise from Oil Painting: The Workshop Experience 6x8 oil on panel

 A book is a garden, an orchard, a storehouse, a party, a company by the way, a counselor, a multitude of counselors. (Charles Baudelaire)

Happy August Friday everyone!  Busy working on some small commissions and getting ready to teach my “almost” daily painting (DP) class which starts next Wednesday. I’ve been looking forward to this class all year!

I’m also teaching another DP class in September which I’m pleased (and flattered) to report say “sold out” quickly. So thank very much artists (returning and new) for your loyalty and interest in my new classes!

Come paint the colors of fall with me in November!

New: Fall Weekend Denver Painting Workshops
Speaking of classes, I’ve just added two new fun November weekend painting workshops at the Curtis Art Center: Artfully Autumn/Fall Colors and Mixed Media Masterpieces. You can find more info about these painting workshops here.

Painting Exercise/Study of Goerschner landscape 6x8 oil on panel

Summer Art Reading
I read new art books all the time in the summer but I also like to revisit favorites like this week’s Oil Painting: The Workshop Experience by the late Ted Goerschner. (Usually on Amazon used for just a few dollars.)

I love art technique books with painting exercises you can practice as you read along. (How to See Color and Paint It is another good one.) These "step by step" paintings can be great warm ups or just an easy way to try a different approach. 

Today I’m sharing the 2 small landscapes I painted “along with” Ted in his book which also includes clean color and design tips as well as some valuable "before and after" critiques of student landscape paintings. And of course, Ted's high chroma light and shadow paintings are enjoyable on their own.

OK, gorgeous day for a sunny patio happy hour here in Denver but I still have some work in the studio before I can call it a day. Cheers! Enjoy your summer weekend everyone!

Summer Secrets: 6 New Art Tools for Under $20

In summer I like to make the “process” of painting as relaxed and enjoyable as possible while still being as productive. This means I'm always on the hunt for "new and improved" painting helpers and art supplies. I've come across some very affordable (most under 10 bucks) artist "accessories" recently and wanted to share them with you. Enjoy and happy summer painting!

A New Take on an Old Colorful Favorite
If you’re like me you have a few color wheels in your studio. Recently though I came across this interesting “color harmony” wheel (seen above). This version includes pigment names as well as a neutral gray (not white) background. You can order here on Etsy for about $15. (Watercolorists you may also find a detailed Quiller color wheel helpful.)

Centurion Linen Pad
Linen is my favorite oil painting surface so thanks to my artist friend Dan for showing me these handy professional linen canvas pads (avail. in oil primed or acrylic gesso). The very portable pads come in a variety of standard sizes. (Note you can always adhere the linen to a hard surface later.) Great for studio or outdoors! A 9x12 pad with 10 sheets is just $19.99 currently online at Jerrys.

New Gamblin Solvent Free Medium
Thanks to Gamblin, I paint almost 100% solvent free in oils. I’ve used their Solvent Free Gel (in place of a medium such as Liquin) for a while now and am very happy with it. I just tried their new solvent free medium (thinner than gel) and so far it's great too and helps make summer painting a breeze!

Portable Brush Cleaner
Need more a compact brush cleaner for plein air?  How cute is this compact super lightweight Guerilla Mighty Mite (which comes in in 2 sizes). Fill this Winsor Newton Solvent Free brush cleaner and I'm good to go for convenient toxic free brush cleaning indoors or out!

Zipper Mesh Brush Bags
You know how long painting brushes sometimes don’t fit in a conventional bag? These Creative Mark mesh bags help you organize your supplies on the go and they're stronger than your typical plastic grocery zip bag. Best of all my favorite the longer brush bag is under $2.00!

Art Tools on Tablets
I've used a couple of artist  apps for a while now on my iPad: ValueViewer and AccuView and find them extremely helpful. Recently I also added Jackson's Art Grid--another very useful app which allows you to easily crop and grid over a photo you take as you work or one you already have. 

P.S. For more info about my upcoming Denver painting classes and art workshops please visit my website.