Mark Mehaffey workshop, Interlochen, Michigan, July 2015

This is our first morning painting..Mark had discussed warm vs cool dominance, and our job was to concentrate on that. Avoid a 50/50 ratio, and to try 80-20. Also, Try to simplify shapes (practice doing 20 shapes or less!).

Still on first morning, Mark talked about the focal point and how things become duller, softer edges the farther away from it. We talked about the "star of the show" and the many ways to highlight that. (ie: a cool painting with warm focal point, etc)

We talked alot about, and practiced color theory and the 4 components of color; hue, value ,temperature, and saturation. One demo Mark did was with lots and lots of color, and then lots of  neutrals with small amount of color. Really made an impact with me as now I am more aware of how distracting a painting with "visual overload can be". We talked about color schemes, ie: complimentary vs. "near complimentary" (tertiary plus the color).

Still on first day, we did a cool painting for the morning, a warm painting in afternoon. This is the beginning of Mark's watercolor demo. We talked about values, he likes (generally) to use around 5, and how values relate to focal point. The closer the values (which is good to achieve a foggy look), the less important or impactful the area is, and vice versa. Values can really create a mood this way. Also, the less contrast, the more the viewer has to look, and the more contrast, of course the more obvious. You can use this to your advantage depending on the story you wish to tell. We also talked today about dominance and the "Alot, Some, and a Little" when it comes to design.

Everything in a painting is relative to everything around it. So true! That's why I keep going back and forth "tweaking". Mark usually does a drawing with values in his sketchbook, and relies alot on that drawing for his paintings. His sketches were really complete and wonderful, and with the design and values all planned out, the more successful the painting is bound to be. Mark usually starts with a cad red toned support, because of it's neutral properties. We talked about letting the red show more for warmth, less for cool areas. I just love the look of the red peaking through!

My set up on last day. This is where "looking Forward" came from!

"Looking Forward" (sold!)

Mark emphasized the importance of hard work! Also to remember to be brave and to enjoy the process, vs the end result.  It was a great group, a good time, and I can't say enough about Mark. His talent (which of course, is why I was there!), his knowledge, and his humor made it a wonderful workshop!

“If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.” —Phil Pastoret

 

I understand that it is National Dog Day. Well, This is my dog Wade. Yep, 95 pound Wade. 95 pounds of pure, unconditional, sweet, generous Wade. Wadie and I had a talk: Although he is normally a very private person, I mean dog, he said to go ahead and write about him (with pictures) today, so I try to do whatever he wants. This beautiful soul turned 6 in May. I need many, many more years with him! He is the sweetest dog I've ever  known and totally owns my heart. He is a Therapy dog and makes people laugh and cry with joy wherever we go. I am the luckiest girl alive to love this dog. Below is when he first came home. What a day!

And I guess I better mention Wade's brother, Norman. Norman will sit and let you dress him up in anything, as long as you're paying attention to him! He is owned by my Daughter, and his love, too, is just endless......

HAPPY NATIONAL DOGS DAY, BOYS!!

Let It Go

These same artists I just traveled with, gave me some advice on this one. I was ready to pack up and "finish" it at home. It was pretty unanimous: "DON'T TOUCH IT!".........So....well...I didn't. I resisted the urge to fiddle and faddle and fuss and muss. I respect all of them and their opinions, and must say that I'm happy! I had to tie my hands with duct tape, though, but got through it.
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Remarkable Artists and Friends!

I had the opportunity to be part of a reunion recently with my fellow artists and friends. We chose Perrysburg Ohio because Kristen Dukat was participating in an art show and was exhibiting (and selling!) her beautiful glass work. You have to see it to believe it....layer after layer of painted glass. She will be part of the Birmingham Art fair in September, so come on over! Also present were fabulous artists Gloria E. Moses, Trish Lyons Ansert, and Ruth Ann Sturgill. Check them out! We were tickled to have our friend Marianne join us also. After the show we traveled to the 577 Foundation in Perrysburg. What a wonderful place to enjoy nature, gardens, history, painting, and more. Check it out here:  http://www.577foundation.org/

We had a great time laughing, painting, and singing! We missed you, Chris Lally!!

Kristen and Ruth Ann hamming it up!

Beautiful flowers everywhere

 Ruth Ann, me, Kristen, Trish, Marianne, and Gloria

We created a "musical painting" where we all took part in adding our touches. We gifted it to the foundation.

(A little "Night Fever" during the day)(very unusual for these girls to be so goofy-ha-ha!)

such obedient girls!

Kristen being serious (sort of)

herbs, herbs, and more herbs!

And of course, the food!

Exciting News!

First of all, I am very thrilled and excited to have had all three of my submissions accepted into the Birmingham Community House's "Our Town" art show! It is a juried show, and I am honored. Here are the three paintings that will be exhibited and for sale during the show, which is October 15,16, and 17. Opening night is October 14. Come on down! The Community House does a spectacular job on this big gala night and week!

The entries (in order) are

"Early Birds"

"Happy Hour"

"Tried and True"

Also, many of my originals will now be available in prints! Stay tuned for more information on that!

                                                               

 

Easy Does It

I came across this scene recently and loved the whole idea of it. It felt peaceful and serene. 8x10 acrylic and available on dailypaintworks!

Also, I plan on doing the 30 in 30 challenge! I am looking forward to it as it always provides a growth spurt for me. I hope to see lots of familiar artists/friends who will join me. I can't wait to see all the paintings and all the collages coming up!

Never Too Many

I was in the mood for angels.....and lots of them! I always have fun with these.
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Just Us

I just love seeing connections like these two have! 12x9 Oil and available on dailypaintworks

Posse of Poppies

Who knew that poppies are associated with the month of August? I was asked to paint this as a birthday gift, so I did and I hope the recipient loves it! Acrylic 10x10  sold

Eager to Please

Lately I have been lucky enough to learn some new "stuff", which is great. However, I also feel a little overwhelmed with all the rules! So whenever I feel that way, I try to forget what it is "supposed" to look like, and just paint. Flowers. How fun! It's also a good way to forget about what the heck is happening in this world right now. Thank God for art. Ok, I'll go back to remembering and practicing what I've learned. 

Tomorrow.

This is available on dailypaintworks and is 12x9 acrylic.

Looking Forward

This is another one I started at the Mark Mehaffey workshop. This particular assignment was to push the color. I will be writing about this workshop this week (thanks, Chris Lally!). He had us do an assignment every day and I'm still digesting everything I learned and trying to put it to use. Stay tuned for photos of it and the lowdown!  Sold

Forlorn

This is from a recent photo I took up North. It was a beautiful little pile of wood ready to collapse. But the grounds were pretty and I hope this little shed gets a facelift one day. 12x9 oil -Available on dailypaintworks