Monday, October 29, 2012

More City Scenes

Summer Stroll
11x14
by Liana Yarckin


Value Studies

I hope everyone is enjoying their fall.  I am certainly enjoying this cool weather.  I almost went plein air painting today, but, the building I wanted to paint is in shade now.  I had to get out there earlier to have some sun on it.

Above is a painting I did with my new goal of capturing sunlight.  I think I need to make the shadow of the railing a little darker, but, right now I am in love with light colors and the way they mix together.  However, I do believe with the building in the back being so dark, I need to darken the shadow to make it work.  The photo was a sidewalk in Maui.  The ocean is just to the left of the painting.  Can you believe I left that out?

I posted a group of 4x6 value studies as well.  These are helping me to keep my focus on value.  I always start doing them and then I get to anxious and just skip and jump right into the painting. But, this time around, I am going to try to stay focus on a value study for every painting. 

In closing, here is a fantastic Chihuly Sculpture.  Right now there is a Chihuly exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum.  It is amazing.  Go soon, it is well worth it.  I enjoy it as much in the day as at night.  Oh, and my 5th and 6th grade boys loved it.  They took so many photos and posted them on Instagram.  They asked if we could go again.  You know that was music to my ears!!!!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Tom Francesconi Workshop

Figure Study
by Liana Yarckin

Late Lunch
by Liana Yarckin

Call me last minute Liana.  I lucked out and got to take Tom Francesconi's workshop at the last minute.  I knew I wanted to take it earlier in the fall, but, I thought my schedule was too busy so I did not sign up.  Then, the morning before the workshop I emailed asking if there was a spot for me, if so it was meant to be.  I was so happy to open the response with the words, "it was meant to be, we had a cancellation."  

Not only is Tom an awesome artist, he is really a great teacher.  The light bulb went off for me so many times in his 3 day workshop.  The above two paintings I did in his class.  I had a lot of "likes" on Late Lunch on my facebook page, less on the figure study.  Ironically, the figure study is what sings to me and what I am striving towards.  My husband asked why do I want to paint like that.  I am really attracted to the light in the painting.  My eyes keep moving around completing the picture in my head and never getting tired of the things I see.  

I do like Late Lunch, too, however, in comparison to the figure study above it, my eye just keeps going to the figure study.  Do you have any thoughts?  Which one are you drawn to, if any?

Have a great week.  I appreciate eveyone's thoughts and emails.  

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Dallas Scenes and a nice surprise


Bridge at Exall Lake
11x14
by Liana Yarckin

How lucky was I?  My preschooler did not have school on this past Monday.  As I drove him to his friend's house, I saw a group of artists painting on Lakeside.  After dropping off my child, I went back to talk to the artists.  I asked them if I could please paint with them, it was a gorgeous breezy day and painting alone is so lonely.  I blew off my errands and ran home to get my supplies.  

Not bragging, but, I am so pleased with my painting - it is the fruit of plein air painting.  What I love about plein air, aside from being outdoors, is that you have to be quick as the sun is moving and the scene is changing.  I feel like even in plein air value studies, the feeling of the scene is captured.  This painting sings to me and encourages me to want the feeling of this result more.  So calling all Dallas artists, who wants to plein air paint on Fridays?


The surprise for me.  I knew I was going to be one of the artists in the book, Visual Language I, 2012.  When I went to the website and previewed the book, look what I found!  My painting is on the inside cover page of the book!!!!!!  If you want to see it, press here and go to page 4 of the preview.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support and encouragement, both artists and friends.  I feel like I have had so many blessings, one of the blessings is you.  Connecting and sharing with you is the reward.  Have a great week!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Beach Scenes by Liana Yarckin

A September Morning
11x14 watercolor

Here is something a little different from my usual bright colors.  I took this photo in Cape Cod.  We were boarding the ferry to go to Nantucket on a cool, dreary morning.  I was attracted to the size of this boat and how strong it looked on this morning in the rain.  I did use masking so that I could have freedom with the background.  I may try this technique again, but, instead of masking I will try to scrape out the ropes and lift where the poles of the boat are.