Saturday, December 31, 2016

Its Almost Here

The new January 30 x 30 run by Leslie Seata is HERE. I like to post as early as possible, usually the eve before. or the next morning.  Her site goes live at 10: AM so that when I like to link up. It's my habit. Maybe I should change my habit

This challenge will be completely new for me because I will be trying to draw/paint from within without using an outside influence and I find myself in a "frozen " state.  I have chosen my format; paper either white or brown, small sizes, chosen mediums; mostly dry pencils, crayons pastels, with maybe paint and collage. Hey, what's the problem? I have done some preliminary "scribbles" and tried to see, feel where they were taking me, but to me they were meaningless scribbles, not telling me anything.

I don't mind, usually, to post not perfect work but there is some sort of line there.. or is there? Hoping that this ranting will help me over the hump and continue a few that I drew over with my favorite black eraser.

Recently Dotty Seiter's latest post brought back nostalgia.  She and her friend discuss books together across 1000 miles, how cool is that. That reminded me that I took part in a similar project maybe 10 years ago when I was on My Janee's forum and a group of us decided to read through 2 of Katrin Eismann books on Photoshop; Photoshop Restoration and Retouching, and Photoshop Masking and Compositing, two fabulous books. We went through chapter by chapter, showing our work and helping each other in the process. We were a diverse group from Finland, Israel, US etc.  I really miss the "forum" as a way of connecting and not the current FB, Instagram, Pinterest etc, which I find a bit cold.

Well, these thoughts brought me back to the general forum as well and all the tutorials that Janee had on the site. It was here I first learned PS using Elements II. I was first introduced to Elements by my late brother that used it to make fantastic composites. Janee would have Monthly challenges and we would post our entries anonymously and vote. Janee would give trophies to the winners. That was so much fun, I was so proud to get one. My Username was caroled so see some of mine. These were my first steps back into my creative activities, so thank you Janee, with all my heart.

So here is one I found on an old CD, that luckily still opens of Jan 2005 challenge. The award page is down, but I think the challenge was about pets. I think I posted a digital drawing of my late dog Johnny.

Digital Painting\
Johnny
2005
We had to post our acceptance image which includes the trophy.

Johnny Won a Trophy

Acceptance statement
WOW!!!!! Look!!!! Johnny found a trophy!!!!
Thanks all who chose my Johnny....
Thanks to Janee for making this all possible.
Johnny was a stray that my husband brought home 6-7 yrs ago from the hospital grounds. He was about 6-7 months old and probably was mistreated because he wouldn't come into the house under any condition.  He has a huge yard to run and chase cats and crows[my other entry].
I don't know how many times I tried to "paint" him from lots of photos taken, without much success.  Last semester I took my first LVS course in digital art, thanks again to Janee, and it helped me get off to a better start.
Congratulations to All.... we are all WINNERS...
It was a GREAT CHALLENGE
Carol
Ending this with my digital crow painting.from the same challenge.


Black Hooded Crow
Digital painting
2005
Now back to my current challenge... enough procrastination!!!

Friday, December 23, 2016

Red Abstract #4

Here is #4. Actually, Heleni said that it was done at #3 but I felt I could push it a little since I wasn't satisfied with the red and yellow areas. So added a bit brighter red, alizarin crimson, from the tube.

Still not exactly what I want...

Abstract #4
Click to enlarge

Just looked at Dotty's #9 and decided maybe marks with crayons or oil pastels may make the change I need. Thanks, Dotty!!! The paint is dry so I hope the marks will work and not work as a scratch tool!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Red Abstract #3

 Sorry for the mistake of reposting #2 instead of #3. Here is the correct post. I had looked at both images side by side in PS I noticed a big difference in tones. I also sometimes photograph with my phone and sometimes with my Canon G11 which made the difference. Fixed it somewhat but then kinda got mixed up and forgot I posted #2 already. Senior moments!!!

So here is #3 in which I added some yellows to the reds and a different blue to the blue-gray area. When I went to class, Heleni said that it was working but I didn't like the red area so worked in that area which I feel is a mess.

Maybe I should have veiled the whole area and then gone back to reveal areas.

Red Abstract #3
Click to enlarge 














(

Monday, December 19, 2016

Apple Pie Anyone

These were finished a while ago. Two small apple studies on wrapped canvas 30 x 25 cm. Oils done with a palette knife.  Actually I don't know if these are really finished. I stopped mainly because Heleni said they were done. Since I often ruin good starts, this may have been her reason. This is something I have to overcome, the fear of continuing. Working on it in another gender,

Oils on Wrapped Canvas
30 x 25 cm

Oils on Wrapped Canvas
30 x 25 cm

May just make a pie and move on!







Saturday, December 17, 2016

Red Abstract #2

I can't say for sure that I am really comfortable with this process. But I will continue until I really think that the piece is really working.  Looking at it now I see I have kept the main color palette, just moved the shapes and relationships.  I did try a new color but wiped it off real fast. Guess I am still a coward?  Previous post.


Second Phase
37 x 28 Cardboard
Oils and Cold Wax
click to enlarge

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Trying Transformation WIP #1

Looking through my closet where I store some of my paintings, I found 3 that should be either thrown away or be transformed.  I am following Dotty Seiter and her transformations and I am absolutely spellbound, Easily said than done. First, since they were photographed I put them into photoshop to play around with. Bad idea so dropped that option. I have to somehow overcome my fear. It's only a "bad " painting on cardboard and some more paint so what's the big deal!!!!

Decided on using oils with cold wax because the wax makes the oils creamy and allows taking off, scratching extra. So mixed my favorite black paint, ultramarine plus raw umber.

So I dug in spreading the paint with a palette knife. Then scratching away and applying more paint. Feeling very lost and indecisive. I finally a shape caught my eye and developed into more shapes. The paint which isn't quite dry can be manipulated and also painted over,

Enough spiel!


37 x 28 cardboard
Starting Point



First Pass
click to enlarge images

Gray clips showing on the top .... not marks Don't know what to think, well I do but won't say! We'll see what tomorrow brings...


Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Hooded Crow Collage

I am really ashamed of myself. I have finished several oil pieces, thanks to my weekly class, have photographed and haven't pushed myself to post. Well here I am ready to go to class but before that, I promised myself to post.

This another from one of the 30 x 30 sketches I made. This time I used collage for the bird and oils on the background.  Link to sketch.

Had fun doing this. tearing pieces of newsprint, and happy how it came out. Might do another of the palm tree head!!!

22 x 30 cm
Oils and collage on cut canvas
click to enlarge

Here is my reference photo... Think it was molting season!!!

Click to enlarge