Back in the Studio

Haven't been on the blog for quite some time. I really have to think how I divide my energy. So blogging is not the highest priority.

In about 2 weeks, I am off to Ireland, Ballycastle County Mayo to be more specific. First ever one-on-one workshop with Jerry McLaughin,  master of oils and cold wax!

These past months have been very difficult, haven't really been able to focus much. I decided my series will be about my feelings of the demonstrations, loss of control, tension, uncertainty. It will mainly build my palette of saturated colors, neutrals, organic shapes and maybe some symbolism. I had started another series bases on dead sea relationships of salt ,sand and sea but got really blocked. Starting this new series has helped me get some of the stress I feel. 

These pieces have at least 6 layers on paper 14x14" Click to enlarge images

Just a few images of the protest Tel Aviv 2023

Finishing Up...Until

Have been trying to finish up some of my figure work, well that is until I decide to fiddle some more. Been experimenting more with using my wax/oil crayons from Caran d'Ache, neocolor I. Like some of the effects with rubbing wax, or turps.

On the Stool by the Window

Gessoed paper Acrylic Background

Crayons and Charcoal

13.75 x 19 "

Tried some wallpaper effect, see top left, but the greens didn't seem to work. Previous version!

Seated on the Stool WIP

Well since I am at the computer I will try to catch up on some of the work I have been doing. Actually, last week and this week more than half the workshop was devoted to critiquing on our home project. Each time half the class. The project was "neighbors" and I was amazed at the level of work produced. I will be posting mine in another post. along with some of my fellow artists work.

Another pose from Croquis Cafe. 

Seated Figure WIP

Gessoed paper Acrylic Background

Crayons and Charcoal

13.75 x 19 "

This is the second stage with more color and added mirror/window. Have already tried to break this up with more color to get it out of the "study stage", but at 8:00 PM it's too dark to photograph!

Reclining Figure

Has it really been a month since my last post! Time seems to go fast and although I have been busy with holidays and such have also been doing some painting as well, seems like photographing, editing, and posting have been put to the back burner.  Hope to catch up!

Still working on figures on painted backgrounds. Pose from Croquis Cafe. 

Reclining Figure WIP  I

Gessoed paper Acrylic Background

13.75 x 19 "

Charcoal and Wax Crayons

Reclining Figure WIP  II

Gessoed paper Acrylic Background

13.75 x 19 "

Charcoal and Wax Crayons

The main critique with these is that they are too much like posed studies. Nothing wrong with studies but I did want them more than that. The added window effect did help some but I have to go further. Not to fear the ruining of a fairly good study! 

Drama Pose on Dark Background

Pose taken from the site Line of Action site. Another great resource for figures nude and dressed along with images for hands and feet, animals, and facial expressions. I actually love the clothed figures. 

Stopped at first critique. Caught the pose and gesture, no need to overwork.

Catch Me if You Can

13.5 x 19.5"

Oils on Gessoed paper

Background Acrylic

Studies on Dark Background

Studies on Dark Background

Started a series on formats that I painted with burnt sienna on gessoed paper.  Most of these papers I retrieved when a neighbor emptied out a studio from the house he bought. The house was the home of an artist, painter and sculptor Archie TalronThe paper was already pretty old before it was chucked out on the street. Retrieved as much as I could, sketch pads, heavy paper, charcoal paper etc. Repaired several edges with masking tape.

Brought this to my workshop to add more color with oils. Reuven stated the painting has already made its statement and any more work was not necessary.

Sometimes We Have to Liston 

13.5 x 19.5"

Charcoal Pencil Neocolor I Crayons Medium

Summer Heat and Catching Up

My computer room/studio has no AC! Summer heat, we all know summer heat plus humidity!
What I don't get done in the morning when the room is relatively cool, just doesn't get done. Then I keep procrastinating.

July at the workshop is all about oils. Most paint with acrylics so for them it's their first taste of using oils. Some like it and some don't. We are getting very specific lessons, YAY, in the use of oils in the classic way. Think I wrote about this before. Anyway, first light charcoal sketches (real), working in sienna or raw umber in a tonal study, and then adding color. Learning to put down the masses/shapes and not get tied down in details.

Have also done some figure sketches with color.

Bacchus

Study in Oils

13.75 x 17 "

On Gessoed Paper

Study in Greens

Oils

19.75 x 13.75 "

Gessoed Paper

Figure after Mattisse Drawing

Charcoal + Caran D'ache Neocolor I Crayons + Oils

13.75 x 19.5

Gessoed Paper 

Reclining Woman

Charcoal + Caran D'ache Neocolor I Crayons + Oils

19.5 x 13.75 "

Gessoed Paper

Model from Croquis Cafe 

Uri on Boat Vietnam

Raw Umber Tonal Study

19.5 x 13.75 "

Gessoed Paper

Uri on Boat Vietnam

Caran D'ache Neocolor I Crayons  + Medium

19.5 x 13.75 "

Gessoed Paper