Thursday, October 23, 2014

3 Steps to take your paintings to the next level.

Seattle in the Morning, 22x30  $1650.00

This painting has been a threshold for me.  I have set some new goals for my work and I can see in this painting an attempt to stretch beyond what I have achieved so far.  The subject matter is new for me.  I'm trying to put together a collection of paintings for an upcoming show at the Inn at the 5th depicting Urban Street scenes.  The people are intriguing to me, they create such interesting shapes and the varied colors in their clothing create a confetti look.  This is especially pleasing against the large dark shape of the newsstand/coffee shop.  The design challenge was to create enough color and subtle structure inside that dark shape to allow it to "play nice" with the other elements in the composition and not become too dominant.  The buildings on the left will get more attention from me as I turn towards finishing this piece. 
Tips to take your art to the next level-
1.  Try new subject matter.  It requires fresh imagination and new techniques.
2.  Study with someone who's work you admire.  The learning process is filled with discovery and requires new disciplines.  Look for a regular teacher or take a workshop.
3.  Find a critique group.  Matisse said, "Creativity takes courage."  Join with artists who you trust both their professional opinions and their motives.  A healthy critique group can help you see hindrances to your work as well as celebrate a win with you.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Congrats!

Lavonne Tarbox Crone wins Best of Show at Watercolor Society of Oregon Conference.

  My favorite moment of conference was when we came to the gallery and found that Lavonne won this award.  She consistently  enters beautifully designed and executed paintings.  At the awards ceremony she received a standing ovation.  Yay Lavonne!!!

  
Joneile gets an Award of Distinction at Watercolor Society of Oregon.

   My second favorite moment was finding that I won an award as well!  It was such a great conference .  Linda Daley Baker was the Juror.  She was very strong on critique and gave us lots of great design information.  How great to be a part of this group.