Peach Coglo

Sketchbook~May 25, 2012

Presently, I am trying to capture the essence or impression of my subjects.  It's not the easiest thing to be sketchy, at least for me.  I think relaxing more while I paint would improve things. 

I wish you all much joy and contentment in whatever you are practicing.  Everyone had such lovely and beautiful practices; thanks for sharing what you are working on with others.  It is always inspiring.

This weekend we are hoping to mostly stay near to the roost.  Helena will participate in a Memorial Day parade and we'll be lighting a candle to remember those who have sacrificed so much.  What are you up to this weekend?

Well, I am off to deliver my second commission, yay!  I'm feeling a bit nervous about presenting it to her, hope she likes it.

 

Have a lovely weekend.  I'll be back at this space on Tuesday, hope to see you then.

Simple sketch of two ladies-working on impressions. . . .

Sketchbook~May 18, 2012

A peek at my sketchbook.  .  . I need to start drawing and painting more so I'll be sharing my sketchbook pages in whatever state they are in at the moment, finished or unfinished.  It's unfinished this week.  I am hoping this will get more drawing more.  Practice, practice, practice.  What are you practicing lately?

Have a fantabulous weekend friends.

 

 

 

 

Studio Process

It was Amanda over at Soulemama who said she tries to remember that one person's mess is another person's progress.  I would add that one person's mess is another person's process .  The other day I was able to work in my studio and noticed I had a lot of process going on; it's a good thing though.  Hopefully with more time doing the work, I'll have some things to show you soon.

Have a great Tuesday my friends!

Views from my Studio: Some Sponges and Brushes

I have been enjoying the light in my studio (when it hasn't been raining lately).  For a closet-sized space, it's prett darn good.   The process of making my studio mine is just that - a process, but one I am grateful for and enjoying.  From time to time I hope you'll indulge some 'visits' to my studio with me.

Tending the Garden

some tulips and their shadows- I finished this painting recently

No worries-there's nothing poisonous in the sprayer.  We just use it to spray our fish fertilizer.  This time it was full of water; otherwise Eden would never have gone near it.  "Phew what a pong!"  ;-)

Ceci n'est pas une Pomme

Today I have another watercolor.  I finished this painting last week.  I really like trying to capture contrasts, bright light and intense color.  This is my attempt at an apple.  As always, I would love to see what you have made or are working on lately.  Feel free to share with a link!

I hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday!

Studio Time

One good thing about summer this year is that I am actually taking some time to paint; I am talking consecutive hours and consecutive days.  Another good thing about life in general is that I have a quiet place to go to paint.  I don't have to tell any of you how hard it is to accomplish anything with constant interruptions by children, the phone, etc.  Having this time and space is good for my painting and for feeling like myself again.

The Open Studio show is in November and I seriously have to get cracking.  Here are a few things I have completed.  I still feel the need to step things up a bit.  You never know where a watercolor is going so I have to allow time for paintings not to work out.  Even though I can see every flaw in these paintings, they are fairly successful.  Most importantly I finished them and got in some much needed practice.

I took pictures of the paintings rather than drag out the scanner.  However, from the blurriness, I think I may have to give in and drag it out when I want to post pictures of what I have painted.  Boo!

I started this poor frog painting for Doran about four years ago.  I can definitely tell by my brush strokes and errors.  Even though I see plenty of things I could correct, I decided to call it good enough for his room.  I am happy to basically finish it.

I finished the Buddha from Harkness park.  I am trying to paint more of what I feel than what I see.  When it comes to faces, I think I either need finer brush points/better brushes or just start out painting faces much bigger.  Anyway, I am calling it done.

     There was all kinds of cool moss all over the statue.  Even as I write this I can think of different ways to portray that texture- a good lesson for the next time I attempt rocks and statues.

This is sort of an abstract tulip painting-again going with feeling rather than detail that completely mirrors reality.

So that's it for now.  I am so grateful for my time.  I am finding I am observing subjects more carefully and not rushing things so much.  This greatly improves the odds of a successful painting.  What have you been working on lately?

 

Plein Air Painting

One of the biggest challenges for any artist I think is plein air painting, well at least for me it is.  I really don't even like the thought of it even though practically every art instructor advises artists to do it once in a while.  I can see the value, but all I can imagine is really fast-drying paint and water, wind blowing my paper over, and mosquitoes (who are my arch enemies).

However, the other day I watched the kids were painting so happily outside.  They  approached it as they always do-without hangups or fear.  Elijah has been asking to paint outside for a few days now.  He wants to do it.  When the wind started blowing his paper around,  I just got him tape.  I wasn't annoyed and neither was he.  The problem was solved.  Things were copacetic.  So I think that was a sign- a sign not to take plein air so seriously, to just do it without worrying about the outcome.  I realize my resistance to doing this is limiting me, and for no good reason too.  Sheesh.

We have some summer days ahead of us.  I will be joining the kiddos outside to sketch and paint.  I will try really hard to ignore the bugs and simply focus on having fun with them and enjoying the air.  Who knows I might even convert.

 Are there some things you have been resisting lately?

Have a great day everyone!

Have a great Thursday!

Seaing Stars

I am completely fascinated and a little freaked out by ocean life.  I love the rhythm and smell of the sea.  I am not so in love with life forms bumping into my feet and legs.  Don't get me started on the jellyfish and deep, deep ocean life.  Stuff like this makes me want to scream and then pass out.  But while I get a little weirded out, I also have this compulsion to learn about and paint ocean life.  Go figure.

My waves and water aren't what I envision, so I purchased this.  There are a few techniques in this book that I haven't thought of using.  The pen techniques look intriguing, but right now all I want is to get my waves "right".

I did finish my sea star and seahorse paintings.  I am not too enthused with the seahorse so I'll be trying that one again.  I don't even have the heart to show it to you.  The sea star planted on a rock turned out a bit better.  Although I need to learn to define the lines of my shadows if I want the sea star to look like it's on top of a rock instead of undersea.  Thanks for the tip Julie!  I think the painting still works though.

I am needing some time to paint.  The days have been very full around here lately and it looks to continue to be that way during Second December, otherwise known as the month of May.  May is now rivaling December as a month full of activities, so some studio time will be hard to come by.  We'll see how it goes.

What are you creating lately?  If you are feeling like sharing, leave a link to your creation(s).

Happy Thursday everyone!

Last of the Artful Stones

I have been meaning to share this awesome rock for some time now. Remember the Artful Stone Swap? The last stone I wanted to share is from Andrea. She sent me the most encouraging and sweet note. She makes wonderful and intriguing artworks too. I really enjoy her style.

I think it's just lovely. The bunny has so much personality. The kids try to squabble over this one too! It's almost Easter so bunnies are on everyone's mind around here. This stone is a cool addition to the house decor. I think we sorely need some coolness around here.

I had to "hide" my felted and crocheted stones. Some little people who shall not be named were getting a bit too affectionate with them, so into my room they went!

I'd better be off. We are celebrating Greg's birthday this weekend. It is the beginning of a full birthday season. Greg requested a cake that I made for him last year. Trouble is I don't know exactly what I did. You would think I would write this stuff down!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!