Iris Exploration

I like to explore a new subject by doing sketches and studies. My first approach is somewhat academic: analysis of line, shape, color, and value. Tomorrow (or later today) I'll break up the (iris) shape and reorganize it and see what happens.

Dylan Days Art Exhibit 2010

Fellow artists are invited to enter artwork in the upcoming Dylan Days Art Exhibition 2010, May 27-30, at Zimmy's in downtown Hibbing, MN. All media are welcome. Basic criteria: work inspired by the life and lyrics of Bob Dylan. For more information and entry form, log onto www.dylandays.com.

Stripes

I was delighted to read (once again, in Vogue magazine's May issue) that Breton fisherman's shirts (striped shirts) are "in" again. Years ago, I bought a nautical styled tee which I will enjoy wearing this summer.

The illustration (above) features several design principles -- harmony, repetition, contrast. My aim was to achieve repetition with variation, which, according to Maitland Graves (dec.) is called harmonic repetition and "used in all art forms to produce unity with interest."

Red Hair - portrait color sketch - start to finish

I like to draw and paint people -- women, men, old and young; children. Yesterday I flipped over an unsuccessful painting (yes, there are many!) and sketched the outline of a woman with red hair. I applied initial light-valued washes.

Next, I applied mid-light washes, using same colors.

Finally added mid-value color, more detail. Is the painting finished? Stephen Quiller says that it's better to stop at 95 percent completion -- five percent BEFORE you think it's done rather than five percent after.

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!