Painting Mood in ART

 

Let’s talk about emotion, sensitivity, and mood in art. Capturing the feel of a moment in a photo or painting is the real challenge for any artist. I know I often forget this, so it’s tough to explain to others whose work might be missing that spark.

From my own experience, mood sells. When I’m asked to pick a reference from a group of selections, I always gravitate toward the ones with mood or drama. If you choose one of my picks, the hope is you'll try to match that mood and avoid a static result. Every detail isn’t important—what matters is capturing the essence of the atmosphere, like the natural movement and rhythm of a horse running on the beach.

Morning Gallop by Chuck Larivey 

11.5x36 oil on linen 10/9/12 - Private Collection

Great artists like George Inness captured mood in landscapes beautifully. Rembrandt had a natural touch with any subject, and David Leffel channels Rembrandt’s ability really well. Historically, mood in art has always resonated with people. And let’s not forget Mark Rothko, the master of simplicity, who used color to evoke profound moods and emotions. His work shows how powerful color can be in creating an emotional experience.

INNESS AND SIP

LOOKING BACK  

SIP member Kathy Rivera channeling Inness  - studying MOOD

Golden Morning 24x24 oil on linen - Kathy Rivera

As we gear up for our SIP Summer Boot Camp, it’s crucial to focus on infusing your work with mood and emotion. Feel the scene you’re painting and convey that emotion through your brushstrokes. The essence of a moment is far more impactful than the sum of its details.

TODAY

 Kathy Rivera now doing CAC Opening Night Demos

 On Best Wall

Professional Head shot 

Collectors Choice Award! 

Barren 36x48 oil on linen - Kathy Rivera

SIP artist Liz Longstreet Titmus with her daughter Bert

 1st Peacock Exhibit in the SIP GALLERY 

 

Let’s make sure our art isn’t just a representation, but an evocative experience that captivates and evokes strong emotions in our viewers.

Looking forward to seeing everyone’s work!

Follow us and join the journey. This summer, it’s all about creating "The Best Wall Painting.

Intensive Painting Sessions - Simultanious Learning

One of the major reasons SIP Summer Boot Camp is a long-term commitment is because the immersive experience is best understood over the entire 3-month course. Improving and raising any bar takes time. Depending on where you are in your personal development, some pieces will have little meaning until you're ready or need to focus on them. You might pick up a trick or two in a few sessions, but it will not shortcut the journey to the finish line where you can actually apply what you’ve learned.

The BEST WALL Painting 

Terry Lacy SIP since 2016

The Dance 30x40 oil on linen - a signature style

 

 ON THE WALL

Homework is also involved—essential in my mind. In theory, a 90-day crash course is hands-on, simultaneously learning to understand the complexity of seriously going professional. SIP Studio time accounts for 10 to 20%, the rest is in your court.

Throughout the program, many aspects of the curriculum are learned simultaneously while painting with a successful group. This immersive environment accelerates learning by integrating practical experience with peer support and expert guidance, ensuring participants rapidly develop their skills and understanding.

Your skill level at the start will determine how long it will take to get up and running. Can you do it on your own? With a plan, a good eye, and past business experience, perhaps. However, in my professional experience as a designer, artist, and painting coach over the last 7 or 8 years, it's rare to find that combination in an emerging artist.

Working within a small group like SIP, we share our strengths and support each other. Essentially, we are stronger together than apart. Over time, our personal space is expanded. That’s a very powerful combination.

 

By committing to the SIP Summer Boot Camp, you’re investing in a comprehensive and accelerated path to artistic growth and professional success.

 

Breakfast and a Critique!

  My starting point!

 Landscape 16x20 oil on canvas panel dated 3/16/09

One of the things I looked for as an early emerging artist was constructive feedback. I accomplished this by doing two important things simultaneously. I teamed up with a collector whose opinion I knew would be straightforward and to the point. Every Sunday morning, I would pile my week's work into the SUV and head to his place. Breakfast at a local restaurant and a critique back at his place. I would stack the work against his living room walls with anticipation, always going back to my easel armed with his comments in mind. About 6-months in we moved to Best Wall Paintings. This went on for about a year until he asked, "How much for that one?" I knew for certain I had a good product to go forward with. 

  My first "Best Wall Painting"

 A Moment in Time 40x30 oil on linen - Canvas 138 Dated 9/5/2009

You see, consistency is important if you're going to depend on art as a financially successful career. Consistency and subject selection were the goals of our Breakfast and Critiques. The second thing I did on my own. It was side-by-side comparisons of my work against the best entries in national and international juried exhibitions. It's actually quite easy to do online. I also entered these juried exhibits.

As the SIP coach, I passed this information on to others. When giving serious feedback to an artist, there must be a solid solution by demonstration or verbally on how to improve their critiqued work at the same time. I found demonstration on their canvas gets the point across in seconds as opposed to verbal masturbation!

This approach to feedback and critique has become a cornerstone of my coaching philosophy at SIP. I believe that constructive, actionable feedback is essential for any artist's growth. That's why we're incorporating this method into our SIP Summer Boot Camp. Participants will receive hands-on critiques and demonstrations, ensuring they leave each session with clear, practical steps to improve their work. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting, our boot camp is designed to provide the support and guidance you need to create your best wall paintings. Join us this summer and take your art to the next level.

Lunch with the SIP Painters

Follow us and join the journey. This summer, it’s all about creating "The Best Wall Painting.

Overview of the SIP Group - Painting for the BEST WALLS!

SIP (Swimming-in-Paint) was an unexpected pleasure. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and found myself coerced by some lovely ladies into sharing my artsy skills in a way I never imagined.... in their mind as a teacher, in mine, not qualified. Perhaps as a coach with an experienced eye, I could pass on my own experiences as a full-time artist.

The ringleader was Kathy Rivera, a very persistent lady indeed. Back then, she was retiring from running a successful retail shop. It took her about a year to clear a pathway to start a new career as a full-time artist. Now, she's quite successful as a professional artist in her own right. Kathy, who was once a schoolteacher, started teaching new emerging artists a few years ago and has garnered a group of devoted fans. Like me, Kathy is passing on her experiences.

Kathy is one of thousands thinking of doing the same thing—actually, the number is in the millions. Retired and empty nesters hoping to fulfill early dreams forgotten when life got in the way.

Over the years, SIP has evolved into a group of fearless friends—colleagues, really—working together towards an end game. We focused on making and showing "Best Wall" paintings with the help and support of CAC, our home base, and owner Jenni Kirby. Unexpected is an understatement. For me, the best part of being an artist is proudly watching them soar among many.

 David Cressman 

Our Brit member at the easel. Davids specialty is  Atmospheric paintings of  "VENICE"

 Forever Yours by David Cressman 32x32 oil on canvas

Follow us and join the journey. This summer, it’s all about creating "The Best Wall Painting.