Bo Bartlett - Day 4

I'm back home after the workshop in Columbus, GA. I had so much swirling around in my head so I look the day off to think about my experience.

The last day we applied color over our grisaille.  Here is the head shot of the figure painting I was working on.  I didn't complete it so I can see the entire process from the uncolored areas.  A really great exercise for me.

Here is Bo's painting-

Here is Bo's palette-

Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Cad Red Med, Cad orange, Cad Yellow Med, Yellow Ochre, Raw Sienna, Cad Green, Raw Umber, Cobalt Blue, Ultramarine Blue and Cobalt Violet

In addition to working on our paintings we went for a walk to see the third venue of work that downtown Columbus was exhibiting their native son's work. This venue had paintings, journals and sketches along with other pieces of memorabilia.  The three places exhibiting Bo's work will be up for a few weeks so if you are anywhere near Columbus, GA I suggest you visit!

In addition to great technical painting and drawing direction Bo offered amy inspiring life lessons to apply to both our art and our lives.

The Group

Happy Drawing & Painting!

Lowcountry Fishing

While I painted this in my studio I was dreaming of warmer days down in the SC Lowcountry. We have had record snow here in the Upstate of Spartanburg, SC and, although I've seen some beautiful snowscapes... future paintings (maybe in the Summer!), I must admit I love warm weather.

This painting (oil on canvas, 10"x20") can be found at The Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan's Island, SC

Postcards from Sullivan's Island

I recently decided to create a series of small, 6"x8" oil painting and call them "Postcards from Sullivan's Island". When I paint these small paintings they act like my thumbnail sketches only done in oil paint. While painting these paintings I can decide which paintings I would like to create a larger version of. It is always a challenge to paint small. I use bruches that are about 1/2 inch in width so I won't get too picky.

Hope you enjoy the journey to Sullivan's Island, SC.

These paintings are now at Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan's Island, SC

Happy drawing & painting!

Corner- The Skillet

Here is another oil painting from my favorite diner here in Spartanburg, SC. Best grits in the world.

The inspiration for this painting came while I was waiting on someone to meet me for breakfast. The morning sun was coming through the window and I was struck by the sight. This is something I've probably seen many times but because I wasn't in a rush I noticed the simple beauty of light and venetian blinds!

I'm finally able to veralize what I'm after when I choose subjects to paint. My goal as a painter is to help people see the beauty of the mediocre and hopefully evoke a sense of wonder at something they have seen a million times - me included.

Happy drawing and painting!

Inside the Skillet Restaurant

One of my favorite subjects... the skillet!

This image shows my studio setup. You can see the monitor to the right of me and I use that as my reference for the painting. I've come to prefer painting from the monitor as opposed to using a photograph or print out because the light is better in the photo on the monitor. I can also use Photoshop to "look" into shadows that would normally just go black in a photograph.

Should have the painting complete by next week to post. Check back to see it!

Happy drawing & painting!

Beyond the Line - Drawing for Painters Workshop

March 18, 2010 I'll be teaching a one day class about called "Beyond the Line - Drawing for Painters". The idea behind this class is to show painters why I think it is important to draw a "thumbnail" drawing before I begin a painting.

The drawing in picture #1 really is more about determining my values. This will help me to push back areas I think aren't important and make sure I'm clear about my center of attention. A lot of time is spent with the painting so why not take 30 minutes and to get my head wrapped around what I'm about to tackle. I don't always draw a value sketch and when I don't I seem to fight with my painting more.

The picture #2 is my finished 11x14 oil painting on my easel. I really had some fun with this because many issues were thought out first. Give it a try and see how a value drawing can support your painting.

My one day workshop is March 18, 2010 at Burton Gallery & Emporium in Clarkesville, GA 706-947-1351.

The building in my painting is the Sea Biscuit on the Isle of Palms, SC. The food is wonderful, but it is a small place and if you don't get there early plan on waiting.

You can see this finished painting at the Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan's Island, SC.

Happy drawing & painting!

An Invitation

I just received my invitation to my art show! After a year and a half of painting the day is almost here to share what I have created. I have heard other artists say every painting an artist creates is really a self portrait and I am really feeling that thought this week.

If you are in the area, please come to the reception. The show will be up for a month at Carolina Gallery.

January 4th my local paper ran an article about this upcoming show.

Cecilia Beaux -"Man with a Cat"

Just returned from visiting Washington, DC. Two of the highlights of a very eventful trip were #1 I was able to see and spend time with a cousin I hadn't seen in over 40 years and #2 I stood right in front of my all time favorite painting by Cecilia Beaux at the Portrait Gallery.

Life is good!

Settling In... Homecoming

Well... after many life changes I'm beginning to settle in.

Been awhile since I've posted anything because of all the changes, but I'm creating new work and will be posting it on a more frequent basis.

This fellow was at a park down the street where I grew up. I've called it "3 Amigos". My dog was one of my best friends growing up! I created it with soft pastels. I draw with pastels, but I guess generally it is called pastel painting.