The Competitive Spirit of Art

"Rooted in Red" 8x10 oil on canvas (avail. at Framed Image Gallery)

I have been up against tough competition all my life. 

I wouldn't know how to get along without it. 

Walt Disney

Happy Sunday everyone! I really enjoy this time of year because it always brings new artists into my life. I'm proud to say our town is filled with artists from all over the country as well as the world--I have several international students who are excellent painters. And last night I watched an inspiring documentary about history making ballerina Misty Copeland. It got me thinking even more about creative expression and competition.

Sometimes my art friends note (perhaps with a bit of concern) how "competitive" our town is (we do love our sports here-go Broncos!) and recently I heard a comic thank a Denver crowd for simply "coming inside." But I don't think this "outdoorsy" competitive spirit is necessarily a bad thing. (If nothing else living in a sporty fit town encourages me to be a healthier artist.)  

That being said, I don't think we want to get too hung up on what another successful artist is doing  and feel bad in our comparison. But with an art bar set high, I tend to be on the lookout for opportunities to grow and learn--In fact  have already signed up for a Derek Penix workshop in June and am really looking forward to that.


Speaking of competition one of my art goals for 2016 was to enter more juried shows.  I’m very happy to report that my little dressage horse oil painting that I posted recently was juried into the Colorado Horse Council’s upcoming March equine art show. If you like art and horses (or both) be sure to come out for this family friendly event! You can find more info here.

Spring Painting Classes Starting Soon!
My popular Thursday oil painting class Park Hill Art Club (PHAC) begins March 17—which is also the day of my demo and spring workshop preview at noon. I offer both a morning and afternoon session (you may also stay for both). Registration opens at 7A this Tuesday Feb. 23. Classes often fill quickly. Please visit PHAC for more info and to register.

If you're looking for a painting class closer to the south part of town, my Feb/March class at Curtis Art Center in Greenwood Village starts this WED. Feb 24. at 9:30. This is a really comfortable class room with super nice artists so come join us! If you have any questions about my painting classes as always please email me. Looking forward to seeing you soon at the easel or other art event!

Putting Down Color Roots

Radish Color Study: Trans (Theme A)

One of the most enjoyable aspects, I think, of being an artist is experimenting with color—especially on a snowy or gloomy day. This week I thought I’d work on a color exploration exercise in preparation for a larger oil painting. Here I've painted three 8x8 studies with completely different primary pigments. Note each study is only THREE pigments plus WHITE (Permalba). And the winner is...I think I'm leaning toward Theme A for the larger painting but I do like the bright violets in Theme B. Which one do you like best??

Theme A: All Transparent Pigments: Ivory Black, Indian Yellow, Alizarin Crimson
Theme B: Brighter Chroma (2 transparents): Ultramarine Blue, Permanent (Quin) Rose, Lemon Yellow
Theme C: Earthy/Classical (2 opaques): Prussian Blue, Indian Red, Yellow Ochre

This painting is based on a photo I took last fall at the Farmer's Market. I thought the red/green combination would be both challenging and interesting, plus I really like the shape and texture of the radishes.

Radish Color Test: Theme 2 (High Key)

As you can see, honestly I ran out of steam on the third one and just decided to do a smaller (6x6) abstract color test of those 3 pigments. I find Prussian cold and tricky (Thalo may have been a better choice) but it makes a lovely gray violet and gray green as you can see. But I'm not loving that dirty peachy mix.      

Radish Color Study: Theme 3 (Classical)

FYI, for those you interested in creating larger paintings from your photos I had my Staples store make a 18x24 black and white copy from my CD (they can print up to 100") and it was around 2 dollars. So a great tool and bargain! How do you transfer these large copies? I'm going to try that new graphite transfer spray on the back and then transfer to my 18x24 canvas. Quick shout out to all my followers today. I appreciate your interest and support! Hope you all have a wonderfully colorful week!