Another book from Apple

My second book arrived. I did this one as a coil bound. This painting is what I used for the cover design and this is what I wrote about it: " "Journey's End" (24 x 30) is the cover painting as this volume is paintings of close to home landscape, people, and things. Sometimes it is nice to travel and see new sights, but sometimes what is closest is the best. We just have to learn to appreciate what is all around us." So now I have two "Paintings Book"s to have for DoorsOpen - and I'm relatively up to date. Maybe I will have another volume for next year. They are surprisingly easy to make on I-Photo and the delivery is very quick! Next project is definitely getting ready for DoorsOpen which will be May 7th and 8th this year. This is the only time I have an Open Studio and I like to take the time to really get things displayed more than I normally have. I also will do some baking so there will be refreshments. I have a "free draw" for a painting so I"ll have to decide which one it will be. Actually, I usually have two, so the winner has a choice.

In Print!!!

Excitement today when the Fed-Ex truck delivered my book from Apple! It is a 20-page hardcover with a printed dust-jacket the same as the book. For this "Paintings Book", I selected all paintings about Europe. This book has only one painting per page. My next book, which will be coil-bound has a couple of pages with two paintings. I kept the book simple as I didn't think there was anything to be gained by having a background of a softer view of a painting or by going for any fancy effects like cast shadows. I wanted the paintings to stand alone and I'm really pleased with how it has turned out. This is the cover painting- one that sold at Omega Gallery.It is rooftops of Cesky Krumlov.

"Brush" editing

Not everything is a matter of photo-editing. Sometimes changes have to be made right on the canvas. This can happen after you think you are "finished" - then something jumps off the canvas and you realize that either a minor - or even major- change has to be made. I noted, in an earlier blog, that "Predictions" didn't make the cut in a selection I was making because the knees proved to be distracting. So, here is the changed canvas. I eliminated the knees, making it just more visible stomach, changed a bit of the beading and the drapery - and I think it works. Marjanka is one of my favorite models. I like the imagination she puts into her outfits and her poses. Next post may show another bit of "brush editing".

Keyed in...

I've been learning a lot in some sessions at the Apple store. Today I learned more about editing photos. Sometimes it is difficult to get a photo that is *just* like the painting. "Difficult" is not even the right word. There is often a lot lost in the process. Now I've learned more about how to fix it and I've been playing around with some of the photos of paintings. It can be quite surprising. Here is "Keys" after I edited it. Furthermore, it is fun to do!

Spring and growth-

Now we've changed the clocks and the weather is picking up, it is time to think of growth in many ways. Years ago, we used to see a painter in Cathedral Grove on Vancouver Island. He was always in the same spot and always painted the same picture- shafts of light coming down through the evergreens. I'm assuming he sold them - to buyers who had no idea that their painting was virtually a duplicate of many others. Original? -yes, sort of. It wasn't a print and it was freshly painted but without an original thought!
For Life Drawing, I like using different materials. For painting, I like different subjects. I'd probably paint people all the time if I could afford to hire models just for myself. But then, I enjoy plein air, studio painting of landscapes, and even the occasional still life when something really appeals to me. I've done quite a few bouquets and a whole series of fruit and vegetables. I choose subjects because of a strong feeling I have for it. Right now I'm working in a couple of different directions. For me, the enjoyment of painting is the constant challenge and opportunity for growth. I may not always be sure of where I'm going, but I find pleasure in the journey. The painting this time was done about a year ago because I loved the old-style keys. And so the painting is called "Keys". The rest of the story is up to the viewer.

Finn Slough Art Show

The annual Finn Slough Art Show is on this week. We deliver our paintings for hanging on Wednesday evening and then the show runs through to Sunday afternoon. The reception is on Friday evening- with some entertainment and delicious goodies. This is always a fun show as it is not juried, will include photographs and maybe have some kid's art too. It is always interesting to see the various interpretations of this community. My entry this year is a winter sunset as viewed from the little bridge. Something I learned about the bridge is that the centre part can be removed for boats going further up the slough - and that this section gets chained in place for Hallowe'en! Most of the artists will be there on the Friday evening so that adds to the enjoyment too. Somehow the show keeps getting better and better all the time. You can find out more about this event and about this historical community at the Finn Slough website.