Challenge Day 3: The Charm of the Season

"Orange Pearl" 8x10 oil on linen 

 Available at Framed Image Gallery

The charm of the season – and the day in particular – is to be found in the union of the two complementaries:  blue and orange. (Charles Burchfield)

Welcome back fellow challenge painters and followers!  My color goal today was to make the most of a complementary pair such as red/green, blue/orange, orange-yellow/blue-violet, etc.   

Color Wheel Courtesy Cornell University

Using the contrast of two opposite colors helps create a vibrant energy in a painting. Including complementary colors is also an effective way to call attention to a focal area.  

While I think all complementary color pairs work well, I find the blue/orange combo is a personal favorite (maybe some of my Denver Broncos pride is showing!). What's your favorite pair?

An obvious subject choice for a seasonal blue/orange combo (other than Peyton Manning) was pumpkins. I’m happy to announce that this little pumpkin (which was at my local South Pearl St. farmer's market) will be featured at the fall show at Framed Image Gallery in Denver which is now through October 31. 

P.S. Speaking of blue and orange, have you seen a blue lobster? They are apparently extremely rare but I’d love to paint one!

Challenge Day 29: Two for One Sunday

"Carol's Colors" oil study on Ampersand Gesso Panel 8x10

Focus and time limits - works for me. Small size canvases are also good tools to increase focus. (Liz Reday)

I had a really easy decision for my second to last day of the painting challenge this morning. Thankfully Carol Marine offered up this gorgeous sunlit autumn leaves photo for this week’s DPW painting challenge.

I rarely use photos other than my own but I just loved the glow of the leaves and colors in this. My other Sunday goal (allowing me some Broncos game time) was to “get in and get out” and do this 8x10 study in under two hours.

This required some upfront planning but can definitely save you painting time in the long run.  First, I took a few minutes to crop the photo reference. Selecting my own composition helps me not only familiarize myself with the subject but also gets me thinking about the painting before I start.

Next, I grabbed an already warm toned  8 x 10 Ampersand Gessoboard. While I usually prefer the tooth of linen or cotton panels, I find loose and fast brushstrokes work well on this smooth hard surface.  

My other tip is that in general fast=keep it simple. For example, I used just three transparent primary pigments and white. This not only enhances your color harmony but it makes color mixing decisions much easier.  Here my three oil paints were ultramarine blue, Indian yellow and alizarin crimson. (Note : Thalo, lemon, and permanent rose would have been an interesting choice here too.)

Another key factor is what I like to call painting “mise en place.” You may have heard chefs use this term in a busy kitchen. It basically means your initial organization and "everything in its place." This prep helps ensure that your painting time stays on track.  

Finally, thanks to everyone who has taken the time to stop by and comment in September--I greatly appreciate all your interest and support during the challenge!