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
8 Jun 2017

June: Small World

posted in: Andrew Wyeth, Dudley Rockwell, watercolor | 0

I was flattered recently when my friend Charles said that my artwork reminds him of the work of Andrew Wyeth – wow, one of the artists I most admire! If you are not familiar with the three generations of the Wyeth family of painters, they are foremost among American artists. N.C. Wyeth (1882-1945), father of Andrew, was a highly successful artist and illustrator, creating over 3000 paintings, illustrating 112 books, painting historical murals for noted public buildings, and supporting his … Read More
22 May 2017

Painting With Just 3 Colors

posted in: acrylic, floral, Golden Paint, limited palette | 0

I’ve done many paintings in watercolor using a “limited palette” – basically mixing all the colors from the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow. One of the first times I tried this was for “Americana”. More recent examples include “Grandpa’s Fiddle Break,”  “Jerry Van, Music Man,” and “Jesus Saves.” For some reason, I never thought about doing the same thing with my acrylic paints until recently. I was exhibiting at an outdoor show and I wanted to set up … Read More

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