5 Jan 2018

This Bud’s For Me

posted in: acrylic, Judy Lavoie, New Artwork, series, still life | 0

I don’t often do a painting just for myself, other than my own dogs’ portraits. This is a special one which I was determined to finish in 2017. It’s part of a series, another atypical characteristic of my art. It’s not a Monet-type of series, where he painted subjects such as haystacks, the Rouen Cathedral, and waterlilies over and over in different lighting and weather conditions. No, my series is very different – I have painted the same vase three … Read More
14 Dec 2017

December: Values

posted in: Judy Lavoie, tone, value | 0

One of the most important design elements in a painting is value. Value (or tone) can be defined as how light or dark a color appears, rather than its actual color (“hue” or “chrome.”) Think of a black and white photograph, where the image is composed of blacks and whites, plus a full range of grey values. The same is true of a drawing in pencil or charcoal, as with my drawing of my cat Ernie. Turn any color image … Read More
29 Nov 2017

November: 12 Tips for Reference Photos

posted in: inspiration, reference photos, Tips and Techniques | 0

“Elle’s Tobacco Planter” I once visited a gallery where the artist’s bio said he painted everything from his imagination – this was hard to believe, considering his work was realistic, detailed, and covering a wide variety of subjects. I learned quickly when I began painting decades ago that I would need to rely on reference photos to paint from. Some artists work outdoors, on location – en plein air – but that requires the time and flexibility to get out … Read More
17 Nov 2017

Little What’s His Name

posted in: commissioned painting, dog portrait, Judy Lavoie, pet portraits | 0

  For an excitable little dog, he’s been very patient. Watson joined our family in January 2015 and I’ve finally finished his portrait, which I started months ago… painting is my moonlighting job, so life often gets in the way! We adopted Watson from the local shelter where he had been surrendered by his owners just before Christmas. He was estimated to be about 11 months old. We figured we better not change his name, since he seemed to know … Read More
30 Oct 2017

October: Don’t Worry – Be Creative

posted in: creativity | 0

  Many people are afraid to try painting or other artwork, often to avoid failure or criticism. I can understand; it took me many years of painting until I felt comfortable even saying “I am an artist.” This post is not about painting – it’s about putting art into your everyday life. Dare to be creative and have fun! It can be the first step to turning yourself into an artist. I choose this topic for my special October message … Read More
12 Oct 2017

An Artsy Month

posted in: art show, event | 0

During October I am taking part in a lot of art events, which is unusual for me! Beginning this weekend, I’ll be setting up booths for show and for sale at two different events. I’ll be exhibiting original paintings, limited and open edition prints, and notecards. If you are in my area, please come say hello! Sat/Sun, October 14-15, 2017:The Coker Creek Tennessee ANNUAL GOLD FESTIVAL will be held on the grounds of the elementary school at mile marker 34 … Read More
28 Sep 2017

September: Landscapes

posted in: landscape, Tips and Techniques | 0

I love the creative opportunities I have when designing and painting a landscape. If I’m not depicting a “landmark,” as I described in my August post, then I have the freedom to invent my own scene. As I’ve mentioned in the past, I keep a big reference file of my own digital photos, from which I have fun borrowing and combining elements when painting a landscape. I often create landscapes with one main focal point, like a building or an … Read More
18 Aug 2017

August: Landmarks

posted in: commissioned painting, landmarks | 0

My watercolor of “Rodrigues-Avero-Sanchez House,” a historic building in the Old City of St. Augustine, Florida, was one of the first landmarks I ever painted. It was interesting to depict the five flags which represent phases in the city’s 450+ years of European settlement, as well as showing the local coquina-stone masonry first floor construction, reflecting one of the city’s Spanish periods, and second story of wood and clapboards, reflecting the English period of rule. “Morning Has Broken” “Bayfront St. … Read More
6 Jul 2017

July: Memories

posted in: commissioned painting | 0

One reason why many people are attracted to certain artwork, especially a realistic painting, is because it evokes pleasant memories. An artist friend once told me that he paints dead people – my immediate mental image of him over an open casket didn’t sit quite right! He went on to explain that after a death the survivors would provide him with photos of their loved one for my friend to paint a portrait. My friend has a great talent for … Read More
28 Jun 2017

It’s Red Bug Time!

posted in: acrylic, New Artwork, Tips and Techniques | 0

I remember my first ride in a Volkswagen Beetle. I was a young teen and my friend Cindy’s sister Martha was driving me home in her “bug.” To an impressionable teen, she seemed to be one with her car. I remember the left turn from Main Street onto the street where I lived; with no on-coming traffic she didn’t slow down much as she cut the corner. I watched her pull the steering wheel with her two hands right next … Read More

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