An expression of thanks

Colors of Fall

11x14

watercolor and acrylic

First, I just have to thank all of my blogger friends who helped me on my last post.  You were so helpful and supportive with my first portrait of a child.  Your support pulled me through and gave me courage to show the parents of the little boy.  Luckily, they loved it and we are bartering services!  If you receive my blog via email, please go online to my actual blog so you can check out my wonderful artist blogger friends' blogs.  If you go to comments, you will see their names and comments, by clicking their name, it will take you to their blog.  I promise you will enjoy seeing their art and learning about their journey them.

 

About the painting above, Colors of Fall.  I did the above painting in Pat Kochran's class at The Artisan's Studio-Gallery.  (See photo below).  We were experimenting with watercolor, acrylics and stamping.  Fall leaves were our subject as it is always a favorite once the leaves start changing color.  Remember, as a child, did you collect fall leaves and then lay them flat between two pieces of wax paper. In kindergarten, we did this project. We also sprinkled red, orange, and yellow crayon shavings on the wax paper with the leaves, then our teacher and room mom ironed the two pieces of wax paper together. We got to watch the magic of the crayons melting and mingling together, holding the wax paper together to forever preserve our leaves.  I am so thankful for my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Gonzales (Martinez).  Would she believe I am an artist now?

Ted Nuttall and me with his artwork on the cover of Splash!

Jane Jones, Naomi Brother, Pat Kochran, me

Above are photos from Ted Nuttall's workshop at the Artisan's Studio Gallery.  I will still have to report more on Ted Nuttall's workshop later.  As a person and a teacher, he is just wonderful.  He takes time with each student and has great patience.  If you get a chance to take his workshop, I highly encourage you to do so.

The second photo moves me every time I see it.  Jane Jones was my first watercolor instructor, when she took a break from teaching, Jane referred me to Naomi Brotherton, whom I studied with for years.  Naomi is a dynamo at age 95, still teaching classes, painting and winning competitions! I have known Pat Kochran since I have taken classes with Naomi and this fall I have been taking classes with Pat.  I believe both Pat and Jane have taken from Naomi as well.  Each of these fabulous women are such active powerhouses in the art world with their award winning art displayed all around the country.  I am so lucky to know them and I truly cherish what I have learned from them as well as our friendships.

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving and as always, thanks for your comments, emails and friendship!

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Portrait Artists, Help...

Hello, I hope this post finds you well and at peace this fall. 

I was so lucky to be able to participate in Ted Nuttall's workshop a few weeks ago.  This darling little boy is my friend's son.  The photo was picture perfect to start with.  I decided to work with a photo of a child because if I was going to be in a workshop with a master like Mr. Nuttall, then I wanted to ask the best how to paint what is the hardest for me.  I think it is so hard to paint a child's face because they have no wrinkles and fine lines.  Their skin is so smooth it is hard to show the forms on flat paper.

I have shown 3 phases of the painting here.  I was in love with the image before the first image on top.  I don't have that photo.  As you can see I layered in colors.  I have overworked some areas and do not think I can show this to my friend now.  Although, my goal was not to have a photo realistic painting, I was not intending for a sunburn look either.  I am happy with some parts of the painting, but, certainly not overall.  I do not know if I can save this painting or I must just start over.  If you have any tips, I am all ears.