tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70743552792162831052024-03-12T19:10:21.720-07:00Deborah Secor: Today's Art ClassCLOSEDDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-56274941655893248232011-11-19T14:20:00.001-08:002013-03-12T11:38:36.239-07:00The Sky and Clouds class results<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h2>
CLOSED--CLASSES NO LONGER BEING OFFERED<br />Please see box to your left.<br />Blessings!<br />~Deborah Secor</h2>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7pzksSzbu0/TsgriJzc9ZI/AAAAAAAADQg/h41T-h-l8yg/s1600/IMG_3509sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7pzksSzbu0/TsgriJzc9ZI/AAAAAAAADQg/h41T-h-l8yg/s640/IMG_3509sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cloud demo, PanPastels and sticks on Pastelmat, 9" x 15"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you would like all the details on how to paint the sky (Chapter 7) and clouds (Chapter 8), please visit my free book blog: <a href="http://landscapesinpastel.blogspot.com/">Landscape Painting in Pastels</a><br />
<br />
If you're interested in purchasing my pastel paintings visit: <a href="http://paintingsforasong.blogspot.com/">Paintings for a Song</a><br />
<h1 class="title">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you're interested in viewing or purchasing my gouache paintings go to: </span><a href="http://deborahsecor-gouache.blogspot.com/" style="font-weight: normal;">Deborah Secor: Gouache </a></span></h1>
<h1 class="title" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Farewell! Keep painting, gang!</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="title">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Deborah</span></span></h1>
<h1 class="title" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">
</h1>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-62915585045712265682011-11-14T13:59:00.001-08:002011-11-19T14:42:54.017-08:00November 17--The Sky and Clouds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V3mv1Alo8w/TsGPW25_xaI/AAAAAAAADPk/9kX8HYXtcGw/s1600/Sangre+Storm%252C+12x9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1V3mv1Alo8w/TsGPW25_xaI/AAAAAAAADPk/9kX8HYXtcGw/s400/Sangre+Storm%252C+12x9.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: inherit;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangre Storm, 9x12"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Come along to the final class this week! </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
I'll be teaching my favorite subject, the sky and clouds. We’ll review beautiful clouds, luscious grays, the light of the
sky and how to achieve clouds that float. I'll do a lecture that's fairly extensive, plus a quick demonstration so that you have time to paint. </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Please bring your own resource photograph. Any size or color paper will do. Any medium is welcome. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from 11:30-2:30. </span>$25.00 at the door. Please <b style="background-color: yellow;">RSVP </b>to reserve a spot so I can be sure there's space for you at a table. Our space is limited.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
See you Thursday!</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Deborah</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-38989632709584339712011-11-11T10:30:00.001-08:002011-11-11T11:23:06.535-08:00Moving Water class results<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z_axxYnOos/Tr1pzOEHHXI/AAAAAAAADPM/MTZw3A_-qRo/s1600/IMG_3474sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z_axxYnOos/Tr1pzOEHHXI/AAAAAAAADPM/MTZw3A_-qRo/s400/IMG_3474sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rushing water demo in progress, 9x12"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The idea of this painting is to express
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>rushing, tumbling, splashing, energetic, </i><i>lively, and powerful</i> water. These are the rapids, where water fights its way downstream against the impediments of rocks and boulders.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">To paint this effectively, remember that gravity constantly moves water to the lowest point, so </span><span style="font-size: small;">first </span><span style="font-size: small;">find the direction the water is moving. Then analyze what's happening </span>under the water, which always affects what you see on top. Ask what's shaping the water: a large boulder, a crevice between two or more
rocks, a sandy beach, a graveled pit.<br />
<br />
Think about the volume of the water that you see. Deep water moves more sluggishly much of the time, due to its own weight. Shallower water can more easily bounce and splash over and around rocks in the rapids.<br />
<br />
Whitewater gives the impression of
movement—the more churned up, the whiter it is. I suggest you start with darker colors beneath to establish what is affecting the shapes of the moving water before adding lighter colors. Put pure white away until the very end. Whitewater becomes opaque, which means that unlike clear water it tends to cast shadows, and shows shadows cast on it, too. This adds to the impression of depth, mass and volume in your painting.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Use different strokes to add rhythm. Find a characteristic stroke, but vary it slightly in
direction or gesture. Repeated identical strokes become a dull pattern that is NOT
rhythmic. Varying textures also makes the water more believable. Use the haiku principle. A simple and stylized impression that's brief but
powerful will have more visual impact than excessive detailing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's also a good idea to analyze whether your composition will be best expressed in a horizontal or vertical format. Horizontal gives a low, swinging style, while vertical gives dramatic drops. You might consider exaggerating this for effect, perhaps using a long, narrow sheet of paper.Consider different colored ground, as well. An overall color commitment unifies a painting oftentimes, while using strongly contrasting or complementary colors can give some *pop* to the view. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope you have fun painting this energetic and lively subject.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep going, gang!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deborah</div>
<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in;">
</div>
<div class="O">
</div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-84191664564119702262011-11-07T12:34:00.000-08:002011-11-07T12:34:51.024-08:00November 10— Moving Water<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span>------- </span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b style="background-color: white;">Please RSVP. </b><span style="background-color: white;">**Note this, </span><span style="background-color: magenta;">even </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span>if you're a </span></span><span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span>'regular' student </span></span><span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span>and</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: magenta;"> think you're signed up!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">The </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span> space is limited--there are <u><b>four</b></u> remaining spaces. If you physically wrote your name on the list at class last week, you have a space reserved. Otherwise, please send me a quick email saying you're coming. I just want to make sure we can organize the space. Thanks. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span>------- </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"> </b></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI3L-mWO--A/Trg5N_-nmJI/AAAAAAAADOA/2tsXwrw-sKc/s1600/532-piersgorgeref1.b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qI3L-mWO--A/Trg5N_-nmJI/AAAAAAAADOA/2tsXwrw-sKc/s320/532-piersgorgeref1.b.jpg" width="265" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The beauty and energy of rushing, tumbling water is the subject of this week's class. Find a photo that shows lots of splashing, moving, energetic water. Look for good color, interesting shapes and strong value contrasts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">We'll examine how express the tumble (downhill) and direction of water, how it moves and swirls around and over rocks, places where you're likely to find slow or fast moving water, and the creative ways you can use color, line, edge, value, and different kinds of strokes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Any type or size paper, and any medium you want to use, is welcome. Think creatively! Does this painting want to be small, an exquisite gem of a little painting--or would a larger, much more close-up section delight you more? <b>Bring your own photos, please!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;">As usual, the class is $25.00, payable at the door. Again, your RSVP is appreciated. </span><span style="color: black;"></span></span><span style="background-color: yellow;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;"></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: magenta;"></i></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: yellow;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><span></span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">
<span>
</span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">
<span>
</span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-89729459124334464222011-11-07T11:48:00.000-08:002011-11-07T11:49:40.822-08:00The Mesa (and Volcanoes) class results<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P9aF7CTr7Y/Trgyq07RiWI/AAAAAAAADNg/FvhJxrMI-2s/s1600/Road+to+the+Volcano+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P9aF7CTr7Y/Trgyq07RiWI/AAAAAAAADNg/FvhJxrMI-2s/s400/Road+to+the+Volcano+sm.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Class demo in progress, 9x12", Pans on Pastelmat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Our class last week was standing room only! It was fun to have that much energy going on in the classroom. I sneaked in a good long lecture on painting foregrounds, which is of course what these paintings of the grassy mesa often are comprised of, and did the above demonstration to get people thinking a little more. It's painted on a piece of 9" x 12" yellow Pastelmat, using mostly PanPastels and a few sticks. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Probably the most salient points about painting such a piece are:
</span></div>
<ul style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">The foreground must function to support the
subject of the painting and not distract the viewer’s eye.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Allow your viewer to arrive at the focal
area, providing a visual pathway of some sort. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Arrange various components to direct the
eye, moving it quickly or slowing it momentarily, or perhaps allowing it
to rest briefly in an area of quiet calm before moving on. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Because the greatest color, contrast and
detail reside at your feet, it’s necessary to walk a fine line between
enough and too much, if your center of interest does not reside there.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Use shapes to give movement to the work,
making the foreground a vitally important and motivating part of the
composition, an appealing and lively portion that does not distract. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;">Oftentimes patterning is the key to solving
foreground dilemmas simply because it creates an illusion or suggestion of
detail without becoming disruptive. Look for the repeated overlapping
colors and characteristic shapes found on the ground, such as low-growing
grasses, small bushes, flowers, weeds and dirt.</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Break up the foreground using:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">• a fence line</span><span style="font-size: small;"> •
contrasting colors </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">• a vertical bush or tree</span><span style="font-size: small;"> •
rocks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">• overlapping grasses or bushes</span><span style="font-size: small;"> • a
change in plane </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">• shadows</span><span style="font-size: small;"> •
a reflection in a puddle </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">• a streak of light </span><span style="font-size: small;"> •
patches of snow </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">• a road or pathway </span><span style="font-size: small;"> •
a dry wash or sand patch</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Keep going, gang!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Deborah</span></div>
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-29090260933779322692011-10-31T14:09:00.000-07:002011-10-31T14:09:46.719-07:00November 3— The Mesa (and Volcanoes)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvj_3-mhMAw/Tq8Lw-qo3eI/AAAAAAAADLY/UW2fMfXgNdE/s1600/Volcanoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pvj_3-mhMAw/Tq8Lw-qo3eI/AAAAAAAADLY/UW2fMfXgNdE/s320/Volcanoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Volcanoes</i>, gouache, 2.5" x 3.5" </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I live on the west side of Albuquerque where the mesa rises up, fronting several extinct volcano cones. The views are wide open, spectacular vistas of windswept grasslands, dark lava extrusions, and gentle slopes, or views of the city settled down into the tree-lined river valley with the giant range of the Sandias behind that. It's really quite spectacular, in a gentle, rolling way. On Thursday this week we'll look at the low growing bushes and grasses and various colors of
rock surrounding the old volcanoes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This subject will give us a chance to discuss the basics of painting a composition that is mostly comprised of the <b>foreground plane</b>, including the issue of patterning, capturing aerial perspective in the horizontal plane, and how to keep the foreground interesting and supportive, but not distracting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">If you <span style="background-color: yellow;">don't </span>have any <b>photographs of the area</b>, let me know and I'll email a couple to you ahead of time so that you can print them out. I won't have prints on hand for this class!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: black;">As usual, the class is $25.00, payable at the door. </span><span style="color: black;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">P</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">l</span>ease RSVP </b></span></span></span> <i>if you haven't signed up already.</i> Because
these are my last few classes (ending on November 17th) I've had a
little more participation, and <span style="background-color: yellow;">our space is limited.</span> If I know you're
coming we can arrange things so everyone has enough room. Thanks. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></span></span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-16125420965572529832011-10-24T14:21:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:21:31.481-07:00October 27- Sunlit Snow and Shadows<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4P0HSHjS4/TqXUv1mxuWI/AAAAAAAADKU/V_weEnNkKb4/s1600/DSCN6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0E4P0HSHjS4/TqXUv1mxuWI/AAAAAAAADKU/V_weEnNkKb4/s320/DSCN6811.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow; color: black;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">What is more beautiful than sparkling snow and shadows? This gorgeous subject is inspiring. We'll take a good look at the basics of painting snow, including the value shift that occurs and the challenge of a white subject, as well as looking at the
rules for shadows that are so clearly seen on snow. This will probably be a rather lengthy lecture and demonstration, but should be packed with information for you to take to the easel. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I’ll
be painting in gouache with PanPastels over the top, so you’ll get a taste of
wet and dry media together. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from 11:30-2:30.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> Any medium is welcome, as long as there are no strong smelling solvents. Bring a drop cloth for the table and floor, please. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">As usual, the class is $25.00, payable at the door. </span><span style="color: black;"><b style="background-color: yellow;">P</b><span style="background-color: yellow;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;">l</span>ease <a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com">RSVP</a> </b></span> </span></span><---(clickable link) <i>if you haven't signed up already.</i> Because
these are my last few classes (ending on November 17th) I've had a
little more participation, and our space is limited. If I know you're
coming we can arrange things so everyone has enough room. Thanks. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div class="Arial11" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-82255810562296471552011-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:002011-10-24T14:09:54.668-07:00How to Make a Lousy Photo into a Wonderful Painting class results<br />
A less than perfect photograph gives you, the artist, the opportunity to add to what you see, bringing your own vision into the process. Whether you're combining several photos into one, or simply have one of those photos that has something you like but isn't quite satisfying, I encourage you to experiment and see what you can come up with.<br />
<br />
Here's one of my awful photos. It has such beautiful shapes in it, but the color and values are awful. Compositionally it needs help, but not a lot. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxM5xYulIhg/TqXMtUOo_pI/AAAAAAAADJQ/gkDuXOcKSuI/s1600/road+shadows+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxM5xYulIhg/TqXMtUOo_pI/AAAAAAAADJQ/gkDuXOcKSuI/s400/road+shadows+sm.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
I suggest doing several credit card sized thumbnails to help you see. Start by drawing what is there, in order to be able to find exactly what it is you really find visually stimulating and
interesting. I suspect you will easily spot things that don't please you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poFl8r_zg88/TqXMz5T42uI/AAAAAAAADKA/BSciZZBWpMQ/s1600/IMG_3395sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poFl8r_zg88/TqXMz5T42uI/AAAAAAAADKA/BSciZZBWpMQ/s1600/IMG_3395sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not at all happy with the tall dark tree. Half or less of an object never seems to work very well, plus the shadow it casts really cuts off the entrance to the picture. You can't enter it easily. But I love the massing of the bushes on the left side and the curve of the dirt road. The middle and far planes need work, but they should support the foreground, where I believe the interest lies. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUgzH3huPvc/TqXMzKupDKI/AAAAAAAADJw/S4obYp226rM/s1600/IMG_3393+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUgzH3huPvc/TqXMzKupDKI/AAAAAAAADJw/S4obYp226rM/s1600/IMG_3393+sm.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-C26aNXT0I/TqXMyl33lmI/AAAAAAAADJo/g8qU04tt_AM/s1600/IMG_3394+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-C26aNXT0I/TqXMyl33lmI/AAAAAAAADJo/g8qU04tt_AM/s1600/IMG_3394+sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After playing around I found this composition seemed most satisfying. I further refined it in a final thumbnail sketch:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3i_YUukiIGA/TqXMzWHwZUI/AAAAAAAADJ4/aV0l0M9QiiQ/s1600/IMG_3398+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3i_YUukiIGA/TqXMzWHwZUI/AAAAAAAADJ4/aV0l0M9QiiQ/s1600/IMG_3398+sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This would be a good starting point for the painting, and from here I would do a more complete drawing, somewhat larger in size and further developed. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuZgKeNBnY/TqXG-j3IQSI/AAAAAAAADJE/XucowRaKP1M/s1600/demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJuZgKeNBnY/TqXG-j3IQSI/AAAAAAAADJE/XucowRaKP1M/s320/demo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Awful photos' demo, Pans/sticks on gray Pastelmat, 9x12"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is my unfinished class demonstration painting, which combined
five photos into one composition. All the photos were taken on the same
day in the same location, yet each had different aspects that
contributed to the success of the whole thing.<br />
<br />
At the moment I wouldn't
call it a "wonderful" painting, but I think it holds the promise of
becoming one, given a bit more studio time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cg4L90d5Gs/TqXM0qVgPXI/AAAAAAAADKI/h91IY7EYCh4/s1600/IMG_3404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5cg4L90d5Gs/TqXM0qVgPXI/AAAAAAAADKI/h91IY7EYCh4/s400/IMG_3404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see the three key photos I cobbled together, and my finished sketch, which is 4x6" in size. I like to sketch in pencil first, then move to the Pitt markers for the values they provide.<br />
<br />
I believe that sketching from your photographs will inspire you, whetting your appetite to paint. It should help you see the beauty and rethink the problems.<br />
<br />
Often using 'awful' photos as resources results in the most beautiful paintings, perhaps in part because <b>the struggle helps you see more clearly. </b><br />
<br />
Keep painting, gang!<br />
Deborah<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-73572802194065959372011-10-17T15:14:00.000-07:002011-10-17T15:14:36.409-07:00November Classes--The End of an EraAs I announced previously, I've decided it's time to move on to some other things, so I'm not planning to teach any more weekly classes next year. As far as I know, these will be my last three classes. Hope you can join me!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>November 2011 Classes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nH214efePo/Tpyn9hFim9I/AAAAAAAADII/Kg2fmUJdnU0/s1600/west+mesa+walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6nH214efePo/Tpyn9hFim9I/AAAAAAAADII/Kg2fmUJdnU0/s200/west+mesa+walk.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 0);">November 3— </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">The Mesa
(and Volcanoes)
</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The low growing bushes and grasses, and various colors of
rock surrounding the old volcanoes on the west side of Albuquerque are a special subject to me. We’ll examine how to paint the mesa and the beautiful sweeping
vista beyond. Look for your own resource photographs of this area to use for
paintings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKqulAD-bIU/Tpym3UVZmwI/AAAAAAAADH4/tFO1Gfyvvhk/s1600/532-strongfalls_ref.B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKqulAD-bIU/Tpym3UVZmwI/AAAAAAAADH4/tFO1Gfyvvhk/s200/532-strongfalls_ref.B.jpg" width="171" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo (c) Larry Seiler</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="background: yellow; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-highlight: yellow;">November 10—</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;"> Moving Water</span></b>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 71.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 71.25pt;">
Let’s look at the rhythms and
colors of splashing water as it moves over rocks. Find a photo that inspires
you to paint, with good color, contrast and interesting shapes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC11NkZe1Yo/TpynQTiCBSI/AAAAAAAADIA/t8ewLyk_mM4/s1600/IMG_2815sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EC11NkZe1Yo/TpynQTiCBSI/AAAAAAAADIA/t8ewLyk_mM4/s200/IMG_2815sm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 0);">November 17—</span><span style="background-color: yellow;"> Clouds and Skies</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What better way to end 23 years of teaching than with my
favorite subject? We’ll review beautiful clouds, luscious grays, the light of the
sky and how to achieve clouds that float.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<b><span style="background-color: lime;">Please contact me to reserve your space in these classes now.</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-82804288081535501142011-10-17T14:50:00.000-07:002011-10-17T14:50:45.911-07:00October 20- How to Make a Lousy Photo into a Wonderful Painting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujor6_90RkE/TpydUjUVoEI/AAAAAAAADHk/vxted4EkhPY/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ujor6_90RkE/TpydUjUVoEI/AAAAAAAADHk/vxted4EkhPY/s320/IMG_3391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% yellow; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">I<span style="background-color: white;">'m no photographer</span></span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> and maybe you aren't either. I usually end up with four different kinds of shots: the really <b>horrible </b>ones that might as well be thrown away; the occasional <b>winner</b>, that probably should just be framed; a certain percentage that are <b>okay </b>and seem like they can be used for paintings just as they are, and all the rest that are pretty <b>awful </b>but are too good to throw out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">That last type is what we're going to look at this week. These awful photos usually have some promising elements, parts that <i>could </i>become an interesting painting, but miss somehow. Maybe the composition is blah, needing a little tweak, or the color is dull and needs some <i>oo-la-la</i> added to it. Perhaps you took it from a moving car and the foreground is blurred, or it reminds you of the time and place and is your only shot, so you want to make it work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 255); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;">I’m going to share several of my own relatively awful landscape photographs with you
and discuss how we could go about making them into good paintings.
We'll look at how you might use elements from different photos to improve the composition, or add ideas from your own experience or memories to make the painting more successful than the photo. You can use any subject, of course, but because I've worked in the landscape for so long I'll be examining that. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"> <b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span> </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-color: white;">L</span>ook through your photos for some awful
inspiration of your own.</b> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">If you have multiple shots of a subject, or a series of the same subject taken at different times,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> bring them along</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">. If you have only one photo, that's okay too. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Bring along a sketchbook and pencils or whatever you like to use to draw, so you can do some preliminary sketches. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span>Any size or color paper is fine, any medium will work. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;">As always, the class is <span style="background-color: orange;"><b>$25.00 payable at the door</b>.<span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from <b>11:30-2:30</b>. </span>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<br />
Please <b><a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com" style="background-color: yellow;">RSVP</a></b> <---(clickable link) <i>if you haven't signed up already.</i> Because these are my last few classes (ending on November 17th) I've had a little more participation, and our space is limited. If I know you're coming we can arrange things so everyone has enough room. Thanks. <br />
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-80840146825331352912011-10-14T15:24:00.000-07:002011-10-14T15:24:39.355-07:00Fall Mountain Vista Paint Along class resultsThis class turned out to be most interesting. We all painted from the photo below. It has so much going for it, but it's not perfect. We discussed at length what was of interest, what seemed weak, and possible ways to recompose it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrNdZzf_99M/TpdwFZE8hfI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bDkI9zL9eEA/s1600/class+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrNdZzf_99M/TpdwFZE8hfI/AAAAAAAADGQ/bDkI9zL9eEA/s320/class+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo (c) Jeanine Patterson. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Strengths:</div>
<ul>
<li>beautiful colors in sky, lake and trees</li>
<li>excellent contrasting values</li>
<li>nice shapes in the lake and middle hillside</li>
</ul>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weaknesses:</div>
<ul>
<li>low horizon</li>
<li>two tall and two medium trees</li>
<li>trees the same height</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a "here and there" painting. In other words, it has trees right up <i>here </i>in front, and a distant view out <i>there</i>. There's little linking <i>here </i>with <i>there</i>. We discussed using one big spruce tree right in front to establish where our feet must be, as well as possibly using one aspen as a 'pointer' to guide the eye up toward the area of greatest interest. The question was, which ones and where?</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We agreed that the area of greatest interest is the sheen on the lake surrounding the curve of the hillside. The complex positive and negative shapes, the contrasting values, and curving shapes draw the eye.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's best to make some sketches to see what looks good, of course. I tried using one large tree on the left side, but it seemed unbalanced. Then I tried one medium tree on the right to break up the large mass of the middle hill, but that seemed stunted. I liked the higher horizon line. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NISqpjp7XwI/Tpd2u1zaJAI/AAAAAAAADGk/DM6PMMvpg80/s1600/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NISqpjp7XwI/Tpd2u1zaJAI/AAAAAAAADGk/DM6PMMvpg80/s400/IMG_3364.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the end , as a result of our discussion, I decided the composition worked well with a high horizon, a pointer gently guiding the eye into the area of interest, and the large pine tree establishing the footing for the viewer. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZpWwitGOVc/TpdwJQ9-eaI/AAAAAAAADGY/YPMq4fqUMz0/s1600/paint+along+demo+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZpWwitGOVc/TpdwJQ9-eaI/AAAAAAAADGY/YPMq4fqUMz0/s400/paint+along+demo+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Demonstration (in progress), 9x12" pastel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My students took off with the idea and reinterpreted it in different ways to suit their own style and thoughts. It's always fun to see how the class discussions feed into the resulting paintings. Each one is unique. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keep painting, gang!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Deborah</div>
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-29707515809430532892011-10-10T10:33:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:36:31.193-07:00October 13- Fall Mountain Vista Paint Along<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">At this class I plan to hand out a printed photograph you can use for your painting, the same one I will use for my demonstration. This means that I need to <a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com" style="color: red;">receive an email from you CONFIRMING that you're coming to class</a> <u>at least one day in advance</u>, or I won't have a photo for you to use! </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">I have a beautiful shot of a grand vista in Colorado with some very interesting
challenges in it: distant aspen-dappled mountains, a blue lake, and large
pines and aspens in the fore. I’ll pass out the photo at class and lead a
discussion on how to solve the problems. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Bring your materials and come
ready to explore what you think will work. I'll be working in PanPastels and sticks on Pastelmat paper, but you're more than welcome to bring any medium. The image is horizontal, and you may use any size paper or canvas you like, but it's in the standard 8" x 10" or 16" x 20" format. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">This is more of a <b><span style="background-color: yellow;">composition, design and color theory class</span></b> than an actual "paint along"--but it's a close as </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">I get to that, so come on along and let's give it a try together!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"></span>
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">As always, the class is <span style="background-color: orange;"><b>$25.00 payable at the door</b>,</span> and this week I need your <a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com" style="background-color: white;"><b>RSVP </b></a>to provide a photograph for you. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from <b>11:30-2:30</b>. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></div>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-37855954024071723352011-10-10T10:17:00.000-07:002011-10-10T10:17:54.785-07:00Colorful Aspens class results<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypww5NY9nFA/TpMhkapyl-I/AAAAAAAADGA/muGrhAz9WOA/s1600/Aspens%252C+12x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ypww5NY9nFA/TpMhkapyl-I/AAAAAAAADGA/muGrhAz9WOA/s320/Aspens%252C+12x7.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspens, 12" x 7", pastel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At last week's class we took a closer look at the anatomy of these lovely aspen trees, examined the bark a little, and discussed how to paint the light, leafy foliage and sky holes. Above you can see my demonstration painting, completed in the course of that day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP8xFHyTvrc/TpMjdFeguqI/AAAAAAAADGI/33vbA4YyejE/s1600/tall+aspen+demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JP8xFHyTvrc/TpMjdFeguqI/AAAAAAAADGI/33vbA4YyejE/s320/tall+aspen+demo.jpg" width="110" /></a>I cropped it and saturated the color of the original photo, blurring the
tree behind it so I wouldn't be tempted to paint too much detail there.
I removed the scanty little trees in the foreground, and reshaped the
foreground considerably, as you can see. I never meant to copy the
photo--in fact, it only launched my thinking and helped me to show the
students how to begin the drawing/painting process. Very soon I brought
to it the memory I have of the lively look of these lovely trees that
shimmer in the breezes. For the purposes of our demonstration I wanted
to draw near enough to show a bit about how to paint the bark and some
of the details of foliage.<br />
<br />
My best advice, when painting taller trees particularly, is to find the entire outside geometric shape of the foliage and trunk. In this case I began with a long, slim oval. If a few leaves protrude beyond the edge of that initial shape it's no problem, but encompass the entire top-to-bottom, side-to-side shape in essence. In this case I let the treetop go off the page and shrunk the trees behind it for more of an organic sense of perspective.<br />
<br />
The light colored bark is diagnostic, but please don't use too
much white to paint it. Find many colors that may be combined to create
'gray', the color that really best describes this bark, both in the
sunlight and shadow. Don't pick up your standard, everyday gray. Locate
the darker (<i>not black</i>) striations in areas where there might be stress, such as where branches protrude or the tree flexes in the wind.<br />
<br />
Foliage is open and leafy, with the 'balloons' often elongated and loose. (See the chapters on <a href="http://landscapesinpastel.blogspot.com/2010/04/chapter-eleven-trees.html">how to paint trees</a> and <a href="http://landscapesinpastel.blogspot.com/2010/04/chapter-twelve-foliage.html">how to paint foliage</a> for further information.) Use a characteristic rounded shape to describe aspen leaves, utilizing the 'haiku' approach at the intersections of the balloons of foliage, the sky or background. Details should be implied, not over-described.The color of the foliage can be almost a rainbow, with emphasis on warm, pale yellows, oranges and greens. Flavor those colors with lavender or magenta underneath, to give *pop* to the colors, relying on the blue sky behind the oranges for the same. <br />
<br />
Sky holes shouldn't be mechanical, large-medium-small holes where the balloons intersect, but should be well designed, rhythmic and visually interesting. These openings give the tree dimension and help to lead the eye around the tree. Smaller gaps are slightly darker in value (but the same color) as the sky, because of intervening small branches.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone is having fun painting these colorful, lively trees.<br />
<br />
Keep going, gang!<br />
Deborah<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-87214003197575042011-10-03T13:19:00.000-07:002011-10-03T13:19:57.647-07:00A Change of Direction<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96dFujd_hC0/TooYMWNLZjI/AAAAAAAADFg/JWT49gSK6oc/s1600/GREEN+BANNER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96dFujd_hC0/TooYMWNLZjI/AAAAAAAADFg/JWT49gSK6oc/s640/GREEN+BANNER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
To my dear students and friends--</div>
<br />
<br />
For over 23 years now I've enjoyed teaching art classes, but recently I've begun to feel a divine nudge to move in a different direction. <br /><br />My husband and I have been actively involved in various ministry opportunities over the last 13 years, primarily reaching out to the poor and homeless. After a time of caring for my aged mother before she passed on, we now feel that we're being called back into another more intense period of service. Neither of us is sure what that will be, but it's time for me to take a sabbatical from teaching in order to be available to find out from the Lord where He will lead us.<br />
<br />
This gives me a lot of mixed feelings, as you can imagine. It saddens me to think that I won't prepare and teach a weekly class, and see those who have become friends over so many years together, but it also lifts my heart to think that I may end up serving in a way that is exciting for its spiritual implications. Since you know me, no doubt you know that I believe with all my heart, mind, soul and strength that I must be about the business of spreading the gospel, the good news of salvation from the Lord Jesus. So you know this is most important and uplifting to me, too. <br />
<br />
Because several of you have generously paid in advance for a few classes, I can't simply disappear--which I wouldn't actually do anyway (although I admit it was a temptation, as it's hard to say goodbye to weekly classes after this length of time.) As it stands, I plan to offer classes each week from now through November 17th, the week before Thanksgiving, so that those of you who have already paid for classes have the opportunity to attend. I already have the October classes planned and posted, and will post the November plan in a couple of weeks, too. So I ask you to please consider what you've invested and take the remainder of what I owe you in the next few weeks. <br /><br />If there's one thing I've learned in my walk with the Lord it's that I shouldn't try to read His mind, so I'm not making any plans that are more definite than this. Is this the end of classes, my total retirement from ever teaching again? I don't know. My plan is to finish this year (we always take a break after Thanksgiving, so that ends my teaching year), and to wait on Him to see what comes next.<br />
<br />
I have begun writing another book, and may present it in a weekly blog format, as I did with <a href="http://landscapesinpastel.blogspot.com/"><i>Landscape Painting in Pastels</i></a>. This one may be for sale at a modest cost. I don't know yet. The topic is a bit different, but one I feel really compelled to write. It actually derives its content from this class blog and a lot of other classes I've taught over the years. I'm giving it the working title of:<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<div class="MsoToc1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 150%;">BREAKTHROUGH!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span>Exercises and experiments you can do to </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>advance your artwork to a new level </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>break out of the doldrums</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>·<span style="-moz-font-feature-settings: normal; -moz-font-language-override: normal; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span>or just have some fun!</span></span></div>
<br />
When/if it becomes a reality I'll be sure to post a link here for you.<br />
<br />
So, that's the big news, the new plan, and my hopes, all rolled into one BIG announcement. We'll see where this leads next. <br />
<br />
Meantime, see you in the next six weeks, I hope.<br />
<br />
Keep painting, gang!<br />
DeborahDeborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-39204359924543165202011-10-03T11:03:00.000-07:002011-10-03T11:03:10.748-07:00October 6- Colorful Aspens
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iydema7nPLk/Ton4kde2BtI/AAAAAAAADFY/Tp92ehTQz7M/s1600/Jeanine%2527s+aspens+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iydema7nPLk/Ton4kde2BtI/AAAAAAAADFY/Tp92ehTQz7M/s320/Jeanine%2527s+aspens+copy.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;"></span></b> </div>
<div class="Arial11">
This week is the PERFECT time to study aspen trees! It's cooler and the trees along Sandia are already painting the top with licks of gold. I’ll show you some of my tips on how to capture the
<b>gorgeous colors of aspen trees</b> turned to gold. </div>
<br />
Well start with a review of the
basics of tree anatomy so that you can draw the trunk, branches and balloons of foliage more accurately. I'll also show you a bit about how to approach light colored bark in and out of shadows, and
talk about ways you can handle the background trees or mountains. I want to take some time to discuss tree holes and the sky behind the foliage, too. <br />
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Bring your own photos or borrow one
of mine. I have a wealth of photos that a friend took recently and I'm more than happy to share them with you. I can't afford to print a zillion copies, but if you'll let me know I'll send a couple of files to you ahead of time and you can print your own. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Any medium is welcome, as long as there are no strong smelling solvents. Bring a drop cloth for the table and floor, please. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: yellow;">
<span style="color: black;">As usual, the class is $25.00, payable at the door. </span><span style="color: black;">If you plan to attend, <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>please <a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com">RSVP</a> now.</b></span> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from 11:30-2:30. Feel free to
bring your lunch. Remember, we're at the new
location at <a href="http://www.ccfabq.org/">CCF</a>. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-46898829744561246552011-09-26T05:30:00.000-07:002011-09-27T16:50:25.500-07:00October Class Schedule<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;">October 2011 Classes</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BBBel3yrTs/Tn_HBM4E7qI/AAAAAAAADEA/pRJTQTxCsLs/s1600/Jeanine%2527s+aspens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5BBBel3yrTs/Tn_HBM4E7qI/AAAAAAAADEA/pRJTQTxCsLs/s320/Jeanine%2527s+aspens.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: black;">October 6- Colorful Aspens</span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;"></span></b>I’ll show you how to capture the
<b>gorgeous colors of aspen trees</b> turned to gold. </div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
You’ll get a review of the
basics of tree anatomy, a bit about how to approach light colored bark in and out of the shadows, and
some ideas about how to handle a background and the sky behind them. </div>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Bring your own photos or borrow one
of mine (reserve your print in advance, please). Any medium is welcome. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: black;">October 13- </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Fall</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> Mountain Vista </span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% black; color: white;">Paint Along</span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;">A NEW class!</span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Join
me to paint an inspirational photograph <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">together</b>!
I have a beautiful shot of a grand vista in Colorado with some very interesting
challenges in it: distant aspen-dappled mountains, a blue lake, and a large
pine and aspens in the fore. I’ll pass out the photo at class and lead a
discussion on how to solve the problems. You bring your materials and come
ready to explore what you think will work. Use any media you like. I'll be working in PanPastels.</span><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">October 20- How to Make a Lousy Photo into a Wonderful Painting</span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">I’m going to share several of my own
‘awful’ photographs with you and discuss how we might go about making them into
good paintings. So often a picture has some promising elements, but it just misses.
Don’t toss those out! Let’s discuss how you can use <b>several photos</b> and <b>combine
them into one successful composition</b>. So look through your photos for some
awful inspiration! </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnKDycGwAtQ/Tn_IDB84uLI/AAAAAAAADEI/asT9FJIKoXo/s1600/IMG_2988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WnKDycGwAtQ/Tn_IDB84uLI/AAAAAAAADEI/asT9FJIKoXo/s320/IMG_2988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: black;">October 27- Sunlit Snow and Shadows</span></b></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;"></span></b>The rules for <b>shadows </b>are so clearly
seen in the snow. I’ll also give you a review of the basics of how to paint snow in sparkling sunlight (but I'm <b>not </b>going to paint all those snow-dotted trees--come see why and what I do instead!)</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
I’ll be painting in gouache with PanPastels over the top, so you’ll get a
taste of wet and dry media together. Any medium is welcome.</div>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UChtzZMwYC0/Tn_InQlbfxI/AAAAAAAADEM/nX2xQPKPVIM/s1600/DSCN6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UChtzZMwYC0/Tn_InQlbfxI/AAAAAAAADEM/nX2xQPKPVIM/s320/DSCN6811.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><b style="background-color: black; color: white;">PLEASE NOTE:</b> <span style="background-color: yellow;">At the present time I plan to continue classes until November 17th, so if you have any credited classes, please arrange to use them during this time. No carryovers to 2012, please! Thanks, gang!</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-25164349155031483762011-09-26T05:00:00.000-07:002011-09-26T05:00:00.847-07:00September 29- Critique and Potluck Brunch<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhen7n2ItZE/TmEAUf20aXI/AAAAAAAADAA/JVq5QsMfvVI/s1600/cliffs+demo+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhen7n2ItZE/TmEAUf20aXI/AAAAAAAADAA/JVq5QsMfvVI/s400/cliffs+demo+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re
planning a <b style="color: black;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(255, 255, 0);">painting critique and
potluck brunch</span></b><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"> this</span></span> Thursday, and we’d love to have anyone join us. You might have attended our
critiques before-- if you have you know how <s>fattening</s> delicious it
can be and how much fun we have! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bring your paintings ready to show, but not necessarily
matted or framed. I’ll be happy to look at work in progress, as well. I’d love
to view a small body of work so that we can get a sense of the direction you’re
traveling, and will happily guide you in questions you have about individual
paintings, too. Any medium, style, or subject matter is welcome.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwYrmxETRQk/TndtR8FdUtI/AAAAAAAADCA/zdAbj2xCc2U/s1600/Blue+Hydrangea+6x8+gouache+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwYrmxETRQk/TndtR8FdUtI/AAAAAAAADCA/zdAbj2xCc2U/s400/Blue+Hydrangea+6x8+gouache+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the critique we’ll start with brunch and a discussion
about <b>what it means to grow as an artist</b>, especially as you become more mature
in your work. Does that mean that you cease to change? Of course not. But the
changes <u>change</u>, if you know what I mean. Let’s talk about it! Then we’ll
view the work of one artist at a time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re in a new location, in case you haven’t joined us
recently, at <a href="http://www.ccfabq.org/index.php/information/location">Christ Community Fellowship</a> church. We still have a small kitchen with a microwave, if you need to heat
anything. It’ll be informal--we’ll be using paper plates. Bring your artwork
and some kind of wonderful dish to share. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Class begins at 11:30, but the doors
open earlier to set up the meal. <span style="color: black;">As usual, the cost is $25.00, payable at the door. </span><span style="color: black;">If you plan to attend, <span style="font-size: small;"><span>please <b><a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com" style="background-color: yellow;">RSVP</a>.</b></span> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See you Thursday!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Deborah</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-51053735534975196492011-09-20T16:50:00.000-07:002011-09-20T16:53:24.399-07:00Cloud Boxes TutorialI just have to link you to this wonderful little tutorial by artist John Hagan on <a href="http://www.wetcanvas.com/ArtSchool/Hagan/arialpersp4.htm">CLOUD BOXES</a>.<br />
<br />
I've used this as a theory for years, taking things a little farther, but I want you to see the original idea, and his wonderful illustrations. Here in New Mexico we often see this kind of perspective in the sky.<br />
<br />
Put this one into your favorites!<br />
Deborah<br />
<span id="goog_586699671"></span><span id="goog_586699672"></span><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/"></a>Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-71738935377637144272011-09-19T10:17:00.000-07:002011-09-19T10:17:04.344-07:00September 22- Extract Nature’s Colors<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCHaL9iGkEE/TndwTo8IGHI/AAAAAAAADCI/BKCbzEkIR8A/s1600/trumpet+vine+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCHaL9iGkEE/TndwTo8IGHI/AAAAAAAADCI/BKCbzEkIR8A/s400/trumpet+vine+sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let nature inspire the colors you use. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="Arial11">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;"></span></b>The colors of nature are truly the
inspiration for the way we think about and use color, of course. In this class
I want you to spend some time making a record of various colors you see
together in the natural world, extract color charts from what you observe, and then create an interesting abstract painting using the charts. </div>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Perhaps you see cottonwood leaves
turning colors, or the grasses in the front yard. Maybe you’re inspired by a
ristra on your deck or some flowers, or weeds that are beautiful (the colors
can be!) Remember—not the pot on the porch, not the paint on the wall—only
natural colors. It’s best if these are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">strictly
related</i> colors (i.e. not the sky behind the trumpet vine, only the
colors of the plant itself; the flowers and their leaves, not the warm, dark dirt below them.) </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You can see in the photo how I've chosen some of the colors from the trumpet vine and arranged them into a palette of colors above the photo. Y</span>ou can do one of several things: </div>
<ul>
<li>You might want to take <span style="background-color: yellow;">good color photos</span>
that are fairly current before this class and print them out to bring with you.</li>
<li>You could make some <span style="background-color: yellow;">color studies</span> on location and bring photos with you of the things you studied. This could be more practical if you decide the entire cottonwood tree is your best inspiration, for instance. </li>
<li>You may alternatively choose to <span style="background-color: yellow;">bring items to study in class</span>, perhaps a ripe pear, a beautiful flower or weed, some leaves on a branch, whatever you like.</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: black;"></span><div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">In class we’ll make a palette of colors from nature, whether you use a photo or work from life—but the trick is, we will NOT paint those references. Instead, I
want you to find <b style="background-color: #d5a6bd;"><i>beautiful harmonies of
colors</i></b> and analyze the proportions of each one, as well as analyzing the dark and
light, warm or cool colors, and then use them to make a color chart. </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">From this you
will paint an interesting <b><span style="background-color: cyan;">abstraction </span></b>in class. </span><span style="color: black;">Do I hear someone muttering that you don’t like abstracts, that they never work out? Well, never fear--this exercise will give you a template to use, so that won’t be a
problem. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">To do the class you'll need a <span style="background-color: yellow;">clean, white surface</span> large enough to accommodate a palette of five to seven color swatches, as well as whatever paper or canvases you want to use to paint the abstractions. I have templates for the experiment in abstraction that are 7" x 8" or 6" x 6"-ish, which you can adapt to make larger. I suggest keeping it somewhat smaller in size, however, because if you're inspired by this experiment, you might want to make more than one palette and/or abstraction. It's really quite interesting to see the results.</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;">So come this week </span>with an adventurous spirit and see what happens! I'm sure it will be <i><b>fun and
inspiring! </b></i></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">As usual, the class is $25.00, payable at the door. </span><span style="color: black;">If you plan to attend, <span style="font-size: large;"><b>please <a href="mailto:deb@deborahsecor.com" style="background-color: yellow;">RSVP</a> now.</b></span> </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">The
studio opens about 11:00, and class is from 11:30-2:30. (Feel free to
bring your lunch. We have a microwave.) Remember, we're at the new
location at <a href="http://www.ccfabq.org/">CCF</a>. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
</div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-51961367441471099432011-09-19T09:29:00.000-07:002011-09-19T09:32:48.052-07:00Inspired by the Artist class resultsI often find the work of other artists inspirational, and over the years have come to rely on dipping into the visual stimulation of looking at artwork to spur me to be more creative. In this Internet age that has become easier to do than ever before. Our recent class was meant to stir up some creativity this way.<br />
<br />
We began by reviewing the elements of art to help analyze what this artist did so well and give us a handle to grab onto as we experimented. I challenged my students to look at this list and find three of the key descriptors about the artwork they were examining. It's just too easy to be overwhelmed by how good an artist is at doing what you would like to do, and thus missing the way or ways you might actually learn from them!<br />
<br />
Here's a list of basic art elements to examine:<br />
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Color</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Is the
color soft, harmonious, monochromatic or brilliant, exciting and
saturated? Is there a pleasing unity or contrasting variety of color? Color
creates mood.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Contrast </li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Many
elements may contrast in a painting; size, colors, values, etc. The area of
highest contrast draws the eye first. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Texture</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Physical
strokes on the paper make texture, as does the look of a surface quality.
Varied textures makes interest: rough, smooth, soft, hard. One texture is
flat and boring. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Strokes</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Consider
the variety, energy, and the scale of strokes. They can be thick, juicy
and descriptive, contrasted with smooth passages. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Detail</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Smaller
touches that describe how something looks. Eye-catching. Too much overall
becomes no detail at all. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Edges</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Soft
and hard edges, both “lost and found”, help to sculpt space in a painting.
</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Line</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">The
continuous mark made on some surface by moving a pen or brush, or the
edge created when two shapes meets. Often an outline, contour or
silhouette. Adds emphasis, but can detract if over used.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Gradation</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Gradating
of elements in size makes linear perspective, and in color and value
makes aerial perspective. It creates form, and moves the eye around a
form.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Repetition</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Repeated
elements make interesting variety. Monotony results when there is little
variation. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Balance</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Balance
is created by repeating same shapes or giving equal weight to all
quadrants or parts of a composition, or may result from a harmonious use
of the elements.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Dominance</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">One
to three dominant elements are interesting and may harmonize a
composition, adding needed emphasis.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Form</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Form has
height, width, depth, defined by light and shadows. There are two types
of form, geometric (man-made) and natural (organic form). Often key in
painting a still life or a portrait.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Movement </li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">The overall
direction of the eye through the painting, giving action to the piece.</li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Rhythm </li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Syncopated
movement that starts and slows the eye’s path through the painting. </li>
</ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Proportion</li>
<ul type="circle">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 1.0in;">Creates
a sense of correct scale so that all the objects appear to be related properly
in space.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
You'll recall from last my last post that I was inspired by <a href="http://www.richardschmid.com/rsLithographs.html">Richard Schmid's floral sketches</a>. My demonstration painting was meant to use three key elements of his work that I wanted to emulate: the clean <b>edges </b>and soft transitions he creates; the exquisite <b>rhythms </b>of his work, and the beautiful variations <b>in texture </b>he uses, especially in the backgrounds. <br />
<br />
I worked in gouache on a piece of Arches 300 lb. cold pressed watercolor paper that's approximately 6" x 8" in size, using a photograph of some flowers I had on hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwYrmxETRQk/TndtR8FdUtI/AAAAAAAADCA/zdAbj2xCc2U/s1600/Blue+Hydrangea+6x8+gouache+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XwYrmxETRQk/TndtR8FdUtI/AAAAAAAADCA/zdAbj2xCc2U/s320/Blue+Hydrangea+6x8+gouache+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While I can't claim to have digested all of the information in this one quick painting, I was greatly inspired by his work and I learned a lot from emulating him. That's exactly what I hope this lesson will do for my students. Be inspired!<br />
<br />
Keep going, gang,<br />
Deborah<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-19618118428591060802011-09-12T15:57:00.000-07:002011-09-16T19:13:27.464-07:00September 15- Inspired by the Artist<br />
(I've made a <u><i>slight change</i></u> in the direction of this class. Hope you all find it ...well, inspiring!)<br />
<br />
<b>If you could paint like another artist, who would it be? Why? what does that artist do that catches your attention?</b> In this week's class you have a chance to emulate that artist's work! <br />
<br />
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You’ll need to do a little research
ahead of time for this class: find paintings by an artist who truly inspires you. You may not paint like Degas, but that doesn't mean you can't derive some inspiration </span><span style="color: black;">from what he</span><span style="color: black;"> does</span><span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;">--or anyone else does--</span><span style="color: black;">to add to your work. </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">The idea is not to copy one of the artist’s paintings. I want you to
examine <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a small body of work</i> and ask what
it is about that work you’d like to learn to do. </span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">For instance, I don't think there is anyone who does floral still lifes better than <a href="http://www.richardschmid.com/rsLithographs.html">Richard Schmid</a>. If you want to paint flowers like he does, search out examples of his work and see what he does so beautifully. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Likewise, I think <a href="http://marchanson.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html">Marc Hanson</a> paints the best nocturnes. In 2010 he did a nocturne every night, and you can look at some of his results on his blog. If night paintings turn you on, explore this work! (Page down to look back over the range of paintings there.)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Do you want to learn how to paint juicy, expressive portraits that are gestural and strong? <a href="http://100facesbusted.blogspot.com/">Karin Jurick</a> painted 100 faces last year. Check out what she's done, and ask yourself how she did it!</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You need to be able to look at a range of paintings on the subject you want to
explore, not just one. I suggest a minimum of <b style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: black;">five paintings</span> </b>that have some commonality. For instance, if you want to emulate Degas, choose five of the ballet dancers. Don't mix up figures and landscapes. Stick to one subject. Bring these five pictures </span><span style="color: black;">to share in class this week, ready to post so we can all look at them </span><span style="color: black;">(from books,
magazines, or the Internet--email a link so I can easily access it online, if you want to look at them together on the computer.)</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Think about this ahead of time: what are the </span><span style="color: black;"> <b style="background-color: orange;">most salient elements</b>--the color, gesture, line, detail, contrast, or...? </span><span style="color: black;"> Ask yourself what </span><span style="color: black;">this artist </span><span style="color: black;">did </span><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;"> that makes you want to imitate the work. Yes, you can translate from one medium to another
to some degree, so if an oil painter inspires you, go for it. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: yellow;">
<b><span style="color: black;"></span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Then I want you to derive a composition using the key elements you observed, and
give it a shot in class. Keep it smaller in scale but not miniature in size.
Any subject, any paper, any medium is fine. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span><b style="background-color: cyan;"><span style="color: black;">Do your homework on this one! </span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-36059586957711836192011-09-09T12:25:00.000-07:002011-09-09T12:28:53.888-07:00Three Square Inches of Inspiration class results<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JRoFitphS0/Tmpk_2VbNmI/AAAAAAAADAw/0dmBSU6N_PE/s1600/IMG_3190sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7JRoFitphS0/Tmpk_2VbNmI/AAAAAAAADAw/0dmBSU6N_PE/s400/IMG_3190sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Boy! This turned out to be a fun and productive class! Above you can see my little bits of inspiration, using a few paintings I admire. <a href="http://dreamatolleperry.blogspot.com/">Dreama</a>'s cat was a total blast to paint. Loved the colors and gestures. I didn't come anywhere close, but it was still fun! My buddy <a href="http://ralphparker.wordpress.com/">Ralph Parker</a>'s painting had mixed results, and I love <a href="http://www.mikehindle.com/Gouache.php">Mike Hindle</a>'s work, but it's tough to emulate. I enjoyed every moment of my experiments, however. <br />
<br />
It's too easy to get overwhelmed by trying to copy a whole painting, and
usually copying presumes you have already developed a facility with the
medium and are simply learning the fine points of painting. This experiment is different. These little paintings give you the chance to:<br />
<ul>
<li>limit the scale (small is easy and fun!)</li>
<li>notice different parts (look closely)</li>
<li>try new solutions (how did she DO that?)</li>
<li>make new observations (look how she did it...)</li>
<li style="background-color: white;"><b>be inspired!</b></li>
</ul>
As you look at a painting by an artist you admire, you start to look into different things. Things like the basic, underlying abstraction, the really challenging spots, those places where the artist solved a problem you're having (reflections, glistening eyes, transparency, etc.), or just plain gave you a chill with the beauty created there!<br />
<br />
So I suggest you make a little 3" viewfinder and start to move it over the surface of the paintings you have hanging in your house to look for special ideas, solutions, and inspiration. Then set up to let that guide you, as you make it your own.<br />
<br />
Have fun!<br />
<br />
Keep going, gang!<br />
Deborah<br />
<br />
<div class="O">
<div style="mso-char-wrap: 1; mso-kinsoku-overflow: 1; mso-line-spacing: "100 20 0"; mso-margin-left-alt: 216;">
<span style="font-size: 178%;"><span style="left: -5.91%; position: absolute;">•</span></span><span style="font-size: 32pt;"></span></div>
</div>
Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-16178691567131697462011-09-05T14:24:00.002-07:002021-01-15T12:50:40.039-08:00September 8- Three Square Inches of Inspiration<br />
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xmOHIFkPgs/YAH_3U3dGBI/AAAAAAAAd9w/ZjbLFqcn_lMmhGr6nIRjbIw6PMs1iP0jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/Wanted%2BPerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_xmOHIFkPgs/YAH_3U3dGBI/AAAAAAAAd9w/ZjbLFqcn_lMmhGr6nIRjbIw6PMs1iP0jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Wanted%2BPerry.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBeLh9JB3c/TmU8TGPKP5I/AAAAAAAADAc/Pqcf6R10SNs/s1600/Wanted+I+Dreama+Tolle+Perry+2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5eBeLh9JB3c/TmU8TGPKP5I/AAAAAAAADAc/Pqcf6R10SNs/s1600/Wanted+I+Dreama+Tolle+Perry+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a 3" part of Dreama Tolle Perry's painting '<a href="http://dreamatolleperry.blogspot.com/2011/08/wanted.html">Wanted</a>' </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br /><br />
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Have you ever copied another person's painting to try to figure out how they did it? I have and it can be really helpful! For instance, I'm inspired by the painting above. (Please be sure to go fall in love with <a href="http://dreamatolleperry.blogspot.com/">Dreama</a>'s work!) </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">However, copying can have its drawbacks. I often find that I'm less than satisfied with the end result. It's a bit of a losing situation, after all. I can't really do what the artist did, yet I'm constrained from making it too much my own by the premise. So, why copy the whole thing? I mean, you learn things from <i>different parts </i>of the painting, so maybe just looking at those parts would be helpful. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">That's how the idea for this class was born. I want you to be inspired. Look for work that you want to emulate. Any subject, and kind, any time... Analyze what it is you like about this work, and locate the areas that just jazz you. </span><span style="color: black;">Choose 3” square portions to replicate.
This gives you the opportunity to examine the colors, strokes, layering, and
details the artist chose to use, as well as giving you a look at the underlying
abstraction in each small section. It’s fascinating to see how just a small
section of a painting can be a work of art in itself. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">It's far more helpful if the painting is in the same (or an applicable) medium, and about the same scale as it was originally painted. If you find a reproduction that was originally a 24" x 36" painting and is reduced to 6" x 8" in size, when you print it you'll be trying to copy strokes the size of cat hairs! Instead, consider using the work by other artists that you have on your walls at home, or search the internet to find a painting that's one-to-one in size (not easy to find--and <b>you may need permission to print it</b>), or come to class and use one of my pastels...which I hope will be inspiring. (I'll bring my portfolio with me.) You might find smaller paintings reproduced in books or magazines that approximate the scale of the original. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">We'll do three different little paintings 3" in size in
class, all of which may be derived from the same painting, or different ones. That's up to you. It's very helpful to <b><span style="background-color: orange;">make a 3" square viewfinder</span></b> out of stiff paper or mat board to use for finding that area that inspires you, and to put in place over the painting as you work. Yes, you may take a photo, crop and print it, and paint from that, if you prefer, but make sure it's printed the same size as the original, and that the color and quality are excellent. Painting from the real thing is best--but we can be flexible and still learn things! Do what appeals most to you. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You're welcome to bring <b><span style="background-color: magenta;">three small pieces of paper, or mask out three areas on one sheet</span></b>--it doesn't really matter. You might find it so much fun you want to do more of them, so take that possibility into consideration. They aren't laborious and don't take very long to do. Feel free to bring other paintings you're working on to continue in class, as well. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">I bet you’ll start to look at
everyone’s paintings differently after this class! It’s quite inspiring. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">See you Thursday!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Deborah</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-36546755991801864992011-09-02T09:25:00.000-07:002011-09-02T09:25:26.256-07:00Cliffs in Detail class resultsOur cliff class was very successful, and I saw some tremendous work being done by my talented students!<br />
<br />
I demonstrated using stick pastels on yellow Pastelmat this week, to show the process of building up to the details. It's not finished yet. Here's a shot of it, and a couple of details for you to examine. I like to keep things very loose and build up to the details slowly. As I worked on this demo the area of greatest interest emerged as the middle-right section of the painting where the light is strongest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhen7n2ItZE/TmEAUf20aXI/AAAAAAAADAA/JVq5QsMfvVI/s1600/cliffs+demo+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dhen7n2ItZE/TmEAUf20aXI/AAAAAAAADAA/JVq5QsMfvVI/s320/cliffs+demo+sm.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgoYwCX8gZk/TmEATg4E_OI/AAAAAAAAC_8/2w0Cy_5p-Ug/s1600/cliffs+close+1+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PgoYwCX8gZk/TmEATg4E_OI/AAAAAAAAC_8/2w0Cy_5p-Ug/s320/cliffs+close+1+sm.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I1NDWTpb6U/TmEASy-euBI/AAAAAAAAC_4/jAiOAEfxVvo/s1600/cliffs+close+2+sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8I1NDWTpb6U/TmEASy-euBI/AAAAAAAAC_4/jAiOAEfxVvo/s320/cliffs+close+2+sm.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">All rocks are shaped by pressure,
temperature, erosion and friction. Most notable is the wind that blows dust and
sand, smoothing and sculpting rock; the falling rain, flowing water and
crashing waves that tumble and carve rock; the scorching heat and sub-zero cold
that stress and crack it; and the tremendous forces of rock sliding over rock
that pares it away with the ever-present pressure of the earth itself. Time and
gravity move and change rocks. They’re slowly pushed up into mountains or
sifted down riverbeds and gradually ground away, becoming smaller and smaller. We
don’t sense this change because it happens so slowly. Rocks seem stable,
constant, firm. It’s this seeming permanence that must first be communicated.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
Look for the special way that rocks relate to one another,
whether the rocky face of a sheer precipice or a pile of loose boulders that
have tumbled together. The weight of rocks causes them to fall to the lowest
point possible, often leaning into or on top of one another. Even the rocky
faces of a mountainside lean together as one giant cliff, made up of many
facets, most often slightly receding as they climb upward. Smaller stones are
then slowly sifted into crevices or between and around boulders, creating more
visually engaging complexity.</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span>As always,
I recommend you do a good underdrawing, sorting out all the planes of the rock.
Find the relationships of the cliffs, how they run into one another and change
angles, how the details of light and shadow show depth.</span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Start with
three values. Find those rocks that are darkest and be sure to get them in
place, then look for the medium values -- usually where the most color will
reside. Then look for and establish the lightest values. Be sure you understand
where all the various planes of the rocks lie. Look for characteristic
fractures, striations and places where wind has worn the rock smooth. Draw in
any holes, caves or hollows using light and shadow to indicate them. Draw
stains and chelation (where salts have risen to the surface) accurately in
order to paint accurately. This is the part of the process where you can
resolve any difficulties, simplifying anything that is too complex for you to
portray.</span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Because
cliffs are large and upright, usually they will face into or away from the sun
to one degree or another. This means that you must identify the direction of
the light and stay consistent throughout the painting. Remember that the angle
of the sun remains the same, though various rock planes may jut into it or be
deeply hidden from it. Shadows have no random shape of their own so be certain
that the angles of the shadows and light explain the various rock planes to
your viewer. Shadows shouldn’t be too black. Be sure to make them colorful,
using a variety of dark blues, browns, reds or purples. Don’t let sunlit areas
become overly chalky and whitish in color.</span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The cliffs
may be any color, but around New
Mexico we find red rock cliffs. If your cliffs are
red you have a chance to use a large variety of pinks, oranges, purples and
yellows, even greens and blues. If your cliffs are gray be sure to construct
grays using tertiary colors (red, yellow, blue or green, orange, purple) or
complementary colors in your palette (red and green, blue and orange, yellow
and purple combinations) rather than picking up your gray pastel first. If,
after layering them or using them as broken colors, you haven’t arrived at a
good gray, it’s perfectly acceptable to use gray very lightly over the top,
allowing some of the other colors to emerge.</span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span>Take into account linear perspective, especially where there are strong striations in the cliff face. Find your eye level, where the straightest level occurs, and establish the proper angles for the strata above and below that line. A strict vanishing point isn't necessary, nor is any strong adherence to plumb or level lines. Let the cliff remain natural and not forced looking, but respect the linear perspective to give an additional sense of depth to your painting. </span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Use
characteristic vegetation in your painting to soften edges and contrast with
the rock cliffs. Be careful not to obscure too much of the cliff with trees or
other vegetation or you’ll lose the continuity of the rocks. Pay close
attention to scale. Nothing destroys the illusion of depth like a strangely
out-of-scale tree or bush.</span></div>
<div class="newPARAGRAPHSTYLE" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
To give the illusion of space in your rock cliffs you must
remember the laws of aerial perspective. Blue each color slightly and lighten
it as it recedes from the eye. Soften edges and diminish details in the
distance, and lessen value contrast in the distance. Save the interesting
details for the foreground rocks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
I look forward to seeing what comes of this class exploration. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
Keep going, gang! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;">
Deborah</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<br />Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7074355279216283105.post-84813001778384895532011-08-30T20:22:00.000-07:002011-08-30T20:22:39.493-07:00September 2011 Classes<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="Section1">
<div align="center" class="Arial11" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
<div align="center" class="Arial11" style="background-color: cyan; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: black;">Be
Inspired</span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"> I hope you can join me for the next set of classes in September!</span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rhMG2bOJ1w/Tl2oxNX7d6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/11OxC_UhD8k/s1600/Aspen+Glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rhMG2bOJ1w/Tl2oxNX7d6I/AAAAAAAAC_o/11OxC_UhD8k/s400/Aspen+Glow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: yellow;">
<b><span style="color: black;">September 8- Three Square Inches of Inspiration</span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Copying is a tried and true means of
learning how to paint. I want you to explore another artist’s painting that
inspires you. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">However, in this class, instead of
copying an entire painting you will choose 3” square portions to replicate!
This gives you the opportunity to examine the colors, strokes, layering, and
details the artist chose to use, as well as giving you a look at the underlying
abstraction in each small section. It’s fascinating to see how just a small
section of a painting can be a work of art in itself. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You will do three different ones in
class, all of which may be derived from the same painting. This requires you to
find a photograph that’s close to the same scale as the original painting, or
you may use a painting from your own personal collection of another artist’s
work (or, if you like, you may use one of my original pastel paintings in the
classroom.)</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">I bet you’ll start to look at
everyone’s paintings differently after this class! It’s quite inspiring. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: magenta;">September 15- Inspired by the Subject</span><span><span style="background-color: magenta;"></span></span></span> </span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">If the idea of painting something
new seems a little daunting, this class is for you! </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">It may be that you’ve toyed with the
idea of painting a still life or an interior. Maybe you’d like to explore
another genre of landscape or paint a seascape. Perhaps you want to learn how
to paint birds or other animals. In this class you can delve into whatever
subject you’d like to explore. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You’ll need to do a little research
ahead of time for this class: find paintings by an artist whose subject matter
inspires you. This needs to be a range of paintings on the subject you want to
explore, not just one. I suggest a minimum of five paintings on the subject. I
don’t want you to copy one of the artist’s paintings exactly, I want you to
examine the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">body of work</i> and see what
it is you’d like to emulate. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">In class we’ll put your examples (from books,
magazines the Internet) on the board and see if together we can figure out what
is key—is it the color, gesture, line, detail, contrast, or...? Just what is it
the artist did so well that makes you want to imitate the work and what
elements are most necessary? Yes, you can translate from one medium to another
to some degree. Do your homework on this one! </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Then you’ll derive a composition and
give it a shot in class. Keep it smaller in scale but not miniature in size.
Any subject, any paper, any medium is fine. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">
</span>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: orange;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">September 22- Extract Nature’s Colors </span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">The colors of nature are truly the
inspiration for the way we think about and use color, of course. In this class
I want you to spend some time making a record of various colors you see
together in the natural world. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Bring in photos of places you pass frequently,
things right in your own habitat and as current as possible. Perhaps you see a
cottonwood tree turning golden, or the grasses in the front yard. Maybe you’re
inspired<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a ristra on your deck or the last of some
flowers, weeds that are beautiful (the colors can be!), or the color of the Rio Grande where you walk.
Remember—not the pot on the porch, not the paint on the wall—only natural
colors!</span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">You need to take good color photos
that are fairly current before this class and print them out as inspiration, or
make some color studies on location. In class we’ll make a palette of colors
from the photos—but the trick is we will NOT paint those references. Instead, I
want you to find beautiful harmonies of colors and analyze the <i>proportions </i>of
each one, as well as finding dark and light, warm and cool colors and then use
them to make a chart, from which you will paint an interesting <u><i>abstraction</i></u><i> </i>in
this class. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Don’t like abstracts? Never have
them work out? This exercise will give you an formula to use, so that won’t be
a problem. Come with an adventurous spirit and see what happens! It’ll be fun
and inspiring. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11" style="background-color: lime;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">September 29- Critique and Potluck Brunch</span></b></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Often a critique is the most
instructive class of all! </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Bring a body of work for us all to
look at. We’ll set up all your work on the board and on easels, so be sure the
paintings are ready to tape up or show on a piece of foam core/cardboard. No
need to mat or frame things, though you may bring framed pieces if they’re
instructive (however, they won’t be ‘critiqued’ per se.) Work in progress is
fine, too. If you wish to join us for lunch and the critique, but not show your
own work, that’s fine too. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">Bring a dish to share and we’ll
enjoy a day of food and paintings. We have a microwave and a toaster over, if
needed. This will be a paper plate meal. </span></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<br /></div>
<div class="Arial11">
<span style="color: black;">I’d like to put out the word about
the critique to other artists in our community, so if you’re a member of any
art groups I’d like to let them know. I’ll design a flyer you can use to help
promote this class. Let’s spread the word!</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span> Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12576820565521582322noreply@blogger.com0