My First Oil Paintings

From inspiration to almost complete, I am super proud of my first ever oil painting. Since this last image, I have added to the pathway, the trees in the background and the growth in the foreground. I love how I channeled van Gogh, was able to capture the haze of the fog and take suggestions from my professor about layering and glazing. 

 This is probably one of my favorite photos from my two week trip. No filters, no editing, Sankatay Light actually looked this painterly. To add to the beauty, my classmates are scattered throughout the landscape, wandering, conversing and taking photos of their own.
The lighthouse was actually moved from the spot in the middle of the shot, there is a person in navy blue, to the current location. On the other side of the black fence to the right is the bluff. The erosion continues to claim the land.

There are still a few strokes of paint I would like to add to this image. However, I am very happy with the perspective and color. I am flattered that based on this image alone, my mom's boyfriend has asked me to paint him something. Just in case I get famous!

I hate this painting! It has changed rather drastically from here, although I don't have a current photo. I think I tried to do too much between experimenting with color and palette knives. It was however good a good experience for a later painting. I hope to go back and add more.

My professor saw this sketch I did, during my mid-term meeting/ critique. He loved how sketchy yet detailed it is. He could tell that I start with a medium ground, add darks and pull out lights. His challenge for the second week was to become a more "sketchy" painter. For me, that makes sense. I was so caught up in traditional American landscape painting, a la the Hudson School, that I wanted to capture every shadow and every leaf and detail. That's hard! I have always worked abstractly, but my brain thought that realistic was how I had to paint.

Given my new challenge, I wanted to try "sketchy painting" out before I started my series.  Just like college, I started this painting after 11pm. I am pretty happy with the sketchy details of pebbles created in under an hour. 

 I think this one is done. Perhaps a few highlights to pull out, but I will wait to see how the others turn out. 

I have a few more layers of pebbles and sand to complete. See the erosion from earlier photos?

 

Adding the reeds in the foreground just today, has totally made a difference. I still need to add a shadow to the "window" and maybe a few highlights. I hated this painting until today and am finally excited to see where it goes.

 You need to turn your computer from here on out. Sorry. Not sure what happened.

There is still a lot to be done with this image. There will be leaves on the darker trees and a wind turbine in the "window." There will also be a shadow with the window. Like the lighthouse painting, the lighter trees are meant to be images of the future. Hopefully it works out. 

Light, Water, Earth and Wind of Nantucket.

in process... the final images are due on Friday the 26th!

30 Day Drawing Challenge (2)

Come to find out, even in the summer, I am pretty much worthless after 8 pm, especially when it comes to trying to plan and do anything academic. I have spent the last few days penned up in what we affectionately call the "rumpus room." There is a futon, filing cabinet that is no where near organized, hence the boxes of stuff ready to be filed in front of the futon, guitars, amplifiers, cubbies full of records, a desk, and numerous plastic shoe boxes filled with art supplies on any available shelf or floor space. I am half way through the first draft of my second paper due tomorrow (for 50% of my grade!) and I just couldn't type anymore once I had dinner. I decided to draw instead.

Today's, or maybe it was yesterday's (I've lost track) challenge was to draw your favorite TV show. This isn't exactly my best work, but the two main characters of the only show I make a point to watch have been rendered in a simple line drawing and color palette. I think I have watched every season of Project Runway, including All Stars, whether it has been through Netflix (since I didn't know the show existed until 2005) or on Hulu (since I no longer have cable).

I love the show for numerous reasons.
One, its reality television. I watched the Real World when I was a teenager and appreciate where it all began. Who can resist the drama and suspense (and wonder what was edited out)?
Two, I love and appreciate when you can see the creative process in action. Even more, I love when you can see designers grow and flourish.
Three, I can't do what they do.
I should, or at least I should be somewhat able, as my concentration was in textile design. I remember long nights in the studio with the sewing machine trying to get my samples straight! And yet I hate, hate, hate having to hem my own pants. I even put off putting a button back on a shirt until I absolutely have to. I can't even image creating an entire garment, let along fashion line!
After a quick google search of 'Tim Gunn' for images to help with my drawing, I read an article or two about his history. I have a greater appreciation for Tim Gunn knowing how many years of dedication he put into Parsons and how he revamped the curriculum in order for graduates to be more a part of the twenty first century. Who know?