I buy them by the dozen!

My new Sunday studio at Crossroads often leads to questions I don't much think about anymore. Last week it was about my ROYAL brushes. I buy them wholesale by the dozen. My particular choice is the SG4500 series, soft grip long handle snow-white filberts and brights. Cost per dozen around $2.25 each (any size).

They have nice balance with a comfortable rubber grip. I settled down on the SG4500 series, but they have a wide product range to choose from. Best of all they won't break the bank. So after years of using Royal's I personally know the quality is consistent and they can take beating.

Now, I do wash them with soap and water after every use and occasionally give one a hair cut - especially if it's a favorite. My Royal's don't seem to mind a daily bath either.

Even at throw away prices brushed should be taken care of.

Paint-by-numbers and Walter Foster Art Books

PAINT BY NUMBERS

I have fond memories with a distant mid-century phenomenon, the paint-by-number set. In my case it was my introduction to oil painting. Paint-by-numbers quickly led to blending and Walter Foster books, paint and paper canvas pads. Growing up I was a constant in the library's arts and crafts section where I found myself with the masters of art, architecture and design. When it comes to oil painting I'm completely self-taught. Oddly I never looked at art or design as a pastime - something enjoyable to do on a weekend. I was absolutely hardwired to do that and only that. One of the benefits of age, one can look back and know it was true.

There's a lot to be said for the paint-by-number set. It's a simple effective lesson on colour, light and shadow. As a preteen it sticks without much explanation. Like mixing yellow and blue tempera paint to make green in kindergarten. We don't seem to forget it!

Paint-by-numbers is still alive and kicking if Google images is any indication. I also came across this site "PaintaPic" that personalizes it today.

Typical paint-by-numbers in the early 50's 

The Foster books were, in my day, treasured examples of easily understood information. Often used to formulate ideas or used as comparative samples against myself. To my utter surprise the books are still around - in my time only a dollar.

I suspect my expressive wet-in-wet techniques can be traced back to long forgotten Leon Franks clowns and Robert Woods seascapes.

ROBERT WOODS ORIGINAL

Robert Woods Seascape for sale $22,000

Coincidentally, I might actually get to see this one at the Southwest Gallery in Dallas this coming May....how cool will that be!

Who da guessed!!

My Sunday Golden Hour

Sunday I had a paint date at my Crossroads Sunday studio from 12:00 to 3:00. I get 3 to 4 hours to pull off a suitable work or take it home and finish it and get it back on a wall. All the painting from this series will only be on display and for sale in my gallery space at Crossroads.

COMPLETED SUNDAY PAINTING

 The Golden hour 15x30 oil on linen (3-13-16 canvas 1028)

Worked out well if I don't say so myself! I love how ideas progress. A series title theme developed called '"The Golden Hour". I'll apply it to one of my subjects each Sunday. The sun will play a large part of each work. I would like to thank those who showed up and kept me company - for me it was a fun way of spending a Sunday afternoon chatting about making art with like minded friends:=)

In the meantime Crossroads is getting ready for the bi-monthly art opening Friday night. Too much fun in this place - but the work always gets done on time! 

 Jenni, Crossroads owner with a budding creative Davaun

Window dressing

Hanging a new Giclee  "Irish Gold" - just in time for St. Patrick's Day!

Yesterday I went in for left eye Vitrectomy surgery that might leave me with my first black eye since stealing my first girlfriend in high school (sucker punch of course:=).  If it works as expected there will be a happy camper able to see clearly without some semi transparent junk floating. On the other hand I could become a one eye painter with a pirate patch. So, I could be out of commission for awhile.

Either way I'll be doing a live demo Friday night at Crossroads in my gallery....mmmmmm.

A GOOD START BUT NOT A FINISH!

My Sunday paintings are meant to be finished works able to hang on a gallery wall and sell. On reflection, the ballerina had a good start but not the finished work I expected from my first "In the Studio" at Crossroads......... "In the Studio" is my small way of giving back, passing information along to others and painting at the same time. Call it a critical path approach for a lack of time to do otherwise.

The red outlines  define unresolved areas still needing a solution! I did toss around the idea of continuing it the following Sunday. However that would force an unwanted painting break until this one was resolved. So, I retrieved it from the gallery for a little home work......... did I actually say "Home Work!"

 SUNDAY "IN THE STUDIO"

HOME STUDIO SESSION TWO!

HOME STUDIO SESSION THREE  & DONE!

The Golden Hour 30x24 oil on linen (3-11-16 canvas 1027)

This Sunday "The Golden Hour" can proudly reclaim it's frame  and wall until it finds a home..:=)

IN THE STUDO - Three Hours at Crossroads

All set and ready to go on canvas 1027 (30x24) at 12:00pm

 

WET PAINT!

Signed at 2:48pm - a couple more strokes.....out of here!

SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK, SAME TIME, SAME PLACE!

A new month, a new wrinkle

My live demo experience last week led to a new wrinkle - my face has enough thank you. Everyone thought it might be fun on a more regular basis at my Crossroads Gallery space as in a weekly studio event.

I'm impressed how fast this actually moved - Crossroads did a wonderful job designing the post card below - Thank you Duane! Duane Cregger is a very talented graphic designer and talented artist out of Marion, Virginia. His paintings can be seen in Richmond at the Crossroads art center. 

No backing out now.......postcard makes it official. I'm committed to sharing my time every Sunday afternoons for awhile.

So, my new wrinkle will be painting as I would in my own studio every Sunday afternoon  and every two months at the Friday night Crossroads Gallery opening. No instruction, my approach to sharing will be a visual experience. Talent will figure it out soon enough by doing it on their own. 

Studio Time will be a no cost event because people enjoy watching someone paint. I'm looking forward to a much needed diversion from my daily routine and an opportunity to share what I do with others. Perhaps even, to encourage a newbie to be fearless at the easel.

Mini break

I've been on a mini painting break but really in the mood to get back in. First I have to get through my first demo in more years than I can count. It's in support of World Pediatric Project sponsored by Bon Air Artists Association.

Saturday night I did my live demo at the stunning University of Richmond Epson Alumni Center. Got it done in under 2 hours in my tucks no less - I did have a very cool black apron tho. No paint on my fancy tucks, did that a bit later....what can I say:=)

The snapper is the very talented pastel and oil painter Betsy Kellum - my makeshift LED lighting worked well.

Vermilion 24x24 oil on linen (2-28-2016 canvas 1026)

"Vermilion" was raffled off Sunday afternoon. The winning ticket received a framed Koi swimming in very wet paint for their kind generosity - proceeds went to benefit World Pediatrics project.

SOME GOOD NEWS!

A few days ago "On a Clear Day" was accepted into the OPA - 25the Annual Exhibition of Traditional Oils. The party will be in Dallas this year. Now I need an airline ticket, frame and a "BIG SHIPPING BOX"  from Airfloat. Airfloat  makes the best reusable shipping containers for paintings!

On A Clear Day 56x48 oil on linen

On another note: An artist I started to collect, David Cheifetz did a very clever thing again - selling an online educational video....using a variable price-line (name your own price). He also did a solo invitational exhibit online event last year....very well done I might add. He's built a significant online network with his news letters and a basket full of other clever ideas like those above. Now he's in hyper drive with his traveling art classes and art openings. You gotta love high energy guys like David......they just get things done.