New Year, New Art

"Snow Dog" 8x10 oil on linen

I believe in living life the way that you want to live it every day, and if you do that, you don't really need to have New Year's resolutions.  American Designer Tom Ford

Happy New Year! My daily "resolution" is always to find more painting time. But with teaching, post holiday exercise, dinner with friends, daily errands, etc. I think a more realistic goal is to simply to paint as often as I can. That way the blank canvas feels more welcoming than foreboding...

Speaking of teaching, a big January thank you to all my ongoing and new students! You bring color, creativity and your unique spirits into my studio every week. I look forward to painting with all of you in the upcoming year and helping you achieve goals as well. Thanks too all my collectors for your support as well last year!

Quick note about my paintings for sale—If you see a painting that you’re interested in but that’s not for sale at my online DPW gallery I may be setting it aside for a gallery, show, festival, etc.  So it may be in a “holding” pattern but still available, so do feel free to contact me.

And if you’re interesting in my private painting and art classes in my Denver art studio (sorry for SE friendly sentence!) please check out my student testimonials and class info on the Scarlet Owl Studio website. 

Regarding today's post, I took this picture on very chilly New Year’s Eve in my beloved Washington Park. Initially I skipped over this photo but realized that honing in on the couple (as well as their shadows) created a much more dynamic and interesting design which I really enjoyed painting. Thanks all--I hope your New Year is filled with peace, creativity, color, and success!

Challenge Day 4: The Color of the My World

"Lovely Landmark" 8x10 oil on linen (private collection)

Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises.” — Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Yes, painting greens can be perplexing at times but fortunately green is my favorite color. I've read that liking green means you enjoy nature (which makes sense), and that you tend to be sensible, practical, balanced, and love your freedom. So go GREEN! (If you love green too you may enjoy my Glorious Green Art Pinterest Board.)

My goal for Day 4 was to include a wide range of greens into this little study of one of our neighborhood landmarks--Denver's Washington Park Boathouse.

Recently, the 100 year old pavilion underwent a refurbishing. Unfortunately, they "updated" the bright white exterior to a kind of creamy beige. Now the water reflections and reflected light are not quite as clean and attractive (in my opinion).  So I took artistic license and kept the building the “original” white that I've always loved.

Green color mixing tip: For more natural greens I prefer to mix them "from scratch" with blue and yellow and then add a touch of red or orange. Also try black and yellow for an interesting earthy green.

Finally, quick welcome to all my new fall painting students. This is the perfect "back to school" time to take up a creative pursuit. I look forward to painting with you!