Spring Patterns

Reading Vogue Magazine, inspired by silhouettes of the 60s and large floral patterns.

Tulips III

"The Tulip was originally a wild flower, growing in Central Asia. It was first cultivated by the Turks as early as 1000 AD, The flower was introduced in Western Europe and the Netherlands in the 17th century by Carolus Clusius, a famous biologist from Vienna...In the beginning of the 17th century, the tulip was starting to be used as a garden decoration in addition to its medicinal use." Read more. Visit http://www.holland.nl/uk/holland/sights/tulips-history.html

Mug I

Just downloaded Painter 11 along updated drivers for my Wacom drawing tablet. Decided to draw the coffee mug that sits on my drawing table and is never far from reach. Saved the Painter file as a "Gif" to see what would happen. I like the division of color shapes behind the mug. Using Painter 11 ... I feel like (the proverbial) kid in a candy store!

Sauna Girl

Watercolor painting titled "Sauna Girl," was inspired by our granddaughter Francie, after she had taken a sauna. She wore a fluffy towel on her head and had donned her Aunt Riitta's plush robe which matched her eyes. Her cheeks were like apples.

This is the painting that was accepted into the 2010 Arizona Aqueous Exhibition at the Tubac Center of the Arts in Tubac Arizona, exhibit juried by Harley Brown.

From infancy to adolescence great changes take place in the upper as well as the lower portion of the face. Above, the face lengthens; the nose and cheek bones become more prominent. The teeth add width and depth at the lower part of the face. Jaw bones become more angular and pointed, the masseter muscles are more in evidence, and a squareness of the chin is noticeable. ~ George B. Bridgman 

Painting titled accepted into Arizona Aqueous

My painting titled Sauna Girl (watercolor and gouache on D'Arches 140 lb. Cold Press) has been accepted into the annual Arizona Aqueous Exhibition at the Tubac Center of the Arts (click title of blog entry to visit Tubac Arts). Very exciting news for this humble painter.

Arizona Aqueous XXIV

February 19, 2010 - March 21, 2010

In its twenty fourth year, the focus of Arizona Aqueous is the innovative use of water-based pigment on paper.  We are very pleased to announce that nationally recognized, award winning artist, teacher and juror, Harley Brown is the juror for this exhibition.   A complete description of the requirements for entry and a downloadable copy of the prospectus can be found in the "For Artists" section of this website under "Prospectuses."

Dude

Endless variety in posing is possible. People stand up, kneel or crouch, sit or lie down; but there are a thousand ways of doing these things. It is surprising, for example, to observe how many ways there are in which to stand up.
~Andrew Loomis

I liked the quiet, reserved, confident manner of this young man. Almost shy; not quite. My reference was a catalog photo. But I found myself thinking of my nephew Eli.

Red Shoes

The lace on a woman's wrist is an entirely different thing from lace in a shop. In the shop it is a piece of workmanship, on her hand it is the accentuation of her gentleness of character and refinement.
~Robert Henri

Lacey anklets are different from lace on a woman's wrist.

Note: Sketches such as these, inspired by photos found in magazines and catalogs, are for learning purposes only; not for sale.

I used my Wacom drawing tablet and worked using "oils" -- an experiment (and great fun). Now I'm primed to work with acrylics, using one of my own photos as reference, and employ a similar method.

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