Monterey Centre -- Painting Glass Part 3

On this the second to last class before we finish this piece, we are so much closer.  There is still a ways to go.

The image is beginning to have depth.  This is achieved by darkening the values in specific areas. 
Using the primaries, mainly Windsor Red, Quinacradone Gold and French Ultramarine Blue  we layer up each of the areas. 

In the upper left hand corner we used wet in wet technique and applied our USA mixture.  The upper right corner was darkened in the same way, just another layer over the previously painted section.

The middle reflection on the bottom was also completed wet in wet...be extremely careful here we used three primary colours and if not careful you can create mud...do not overwork the area.

Most of the mask has been removed now...the only areas that still have mask are the edges on the red vase and the pink glass.  The  highlights in the yellow vase and of course the white section at the bottom of the yellow vase.

 In this last image we began to add the darkest darks to the right hand vases.   Using Indigo or Indanthrone Blue, we added a layer over the sections of already dark blue.

Just a reminder before I close, to have fun, loosen up, use a larger thirsty brush, and breathe!

Painting Glass & Reflections at Monterey centre Part 2

In two weeks since the last post, we have added many thin layers of colour.   

Each layer creates a painting that glows; the first layers of transparent colour glowing through the layers on top.  In some cases we masked the lighter values to ensure they are reserved.  This method ensures we retain the lighter values and with each layer create darker values in areas where the darker values are needed. 

 In the next phase, and prior to adding the next layer, I removed some of the mask in the reflection, and added another layer of colour in most areas.   

During this process it is important to use your reference to determine value, hue, and edges either hard or soft. Also important is to use the right size brush for the area you are painting.  We discussed this in the earlier classes.  It is one of the keys to a fine wash. In many cases we mixed colour on the paper...remember to get in and get out...no over stroking.

What a fun piece to paint.  I want you have fun with this...it may seem daunting, but remember breaking it down into smaller sections and painting one section at a time will get you to the end without feeling too overwhelmed.

FCA Annual Fall Show at Morris Gallery

This is the second year we've had the Annual Fall Show at the Morris Gallery.

"Victoria’s largest Art Gallery celebrating its 11^th year, with space equivalent to five or six downtown galleries, where you will find multiple works by local artists always on display.  Morris Gallery is only five minutes from downtown by car and a pleasant 25 minute stroll along the Galloping Goose Trail." *

The Victoria Chapter of the  Federation of Canadian Artists boasts many professional artists with names like Dorothy Oxborough; Catherine Moffat; David Goatley; Anne Hudec, Clement Kwan,  Marney Ward; and many other notable and accomplished Artists.  

And then there is little ol' me.  I submitted two pieces in hopes of getting at least one in, and both pieces were accepted.  Having my work hang with the caliber of artists in this show is indeed an honour and very humbling.

This Year the show will run from Oct 2nd to Oct 27th; and Opening night will be October 4th.  A fun event, the artists are there to discuss their individual works and the food and wine flows.  I hope you will join us.

The works I've entered are entitled "His Majesty" and "Resting Place".   These images may not reflect the full quality of the piece as they were taken through the glass after framing...I know..I know...I've got to remember to take the photo before the piece is framed.

His Majesty

Resting Place

 * from the Morris gallery website.

Painting Glass & Reflections at Monterey centre Part 1

We have been painting on this piece for a couple of weeks now, that is 2 - 3 hour classes...
This piece is all about layering -- also known as glazing. We started by masking out the whitest whites...steps following the drying process include starting with a base coat of a warm yellow on the left and a thin layer of Cobalt or French Ultramarine on the right.

First few steps; at this point there are 1-3 layers on most areas.

I masked out some of the areas to preserve the next lightest value.
I have painted a warm red (Scarlet Lake) over the yellow and a cooler red ( Permenant Rose) over the areas on the right.
Over the next weeks I will add an image of the process each week.  I may or may not give details of each step...it will depend on whether time permits.  So, I apologize ahead of time if the details are not there...just a lot going on right now with the huge renovation here in Brentwood.

Here are a few tips on creating a fine wash without blossoms, lines in your work or gaps of white where you do not them.
1) Mix up enough pigment in the concentration you want to cover the whole area.  Running out of pigment part way through a wash makes it nearly impossible to match the value again.
2) Match the size of your brush to the area you are glazing.  Using a brush too small will almost always result in lines and streaks in your work.(often a synthetic brush will do the same if it does not hold enough water)
3) Elevate your work slightly to make it easier to create a bead of wet paint.(also known as Mr. Bead*.)  If you work with Mr Bead, you will always have a finer wash.  Slurp Mr Bead up at the end of the wash so it does not backwash into the drying section.
 
* Mr Bead, is in reference to Joseph Zubucvic's  term he coined for the bead that sits on the edge of your wash when elevated.  I took a workshop with him in Vancouver a few years ago put on by Jamie Kelly.  He had a picture that he had painted with a man with a big belly and made reference to him each time he created a bead of paint.

Sidney Fine Art Show

The 2012 Sidney Fine Art Show will be held October 12th – 14th at the Bodine Family Hall at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC.  Presented by the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula, this Show is a world-class juried art show for serious artists and patrons of the arts.  The first Show in 2003 was an outstanding success and each year the Show has attracted thousands of visitors to the town of Sidney.  Check out the site at www.sidneyfineartshow.com. 

The competition for this show is intense; last year the jurors had over 1250 pieces to adjudicate and not quite 400 were chosen.  So you see... the over the top enthusiasm I have for having a piece accepted is warranted.  

Acceptance of "Carousel" into this show also makes it possible for me to apply for my AFCA status with the Federation of Canadian Artists in the spring.  Yet, another reason to be elated.  This show makes 8 qualifying shows I have successfully been juried into since I began entering this caliber of Exhibition in early 2011; shortly after I received my Active status with the FCA. 

Carousel 22x30  $975.00

Last year at the SFAS, cheques were written for over $112,000 for art that was sold during the show.  This was money that went directly back to the island's artistic community.  Through the Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula, they also contributed funds to support the diverse programs of the CACSP.  In that show,  I was fortunate enough to sell one of my most favourite pieces that I've completed to date: "Lost and Alone."

Let's all get out there and support our local artists once again this year and make it the biggest year to date! 

Signing off with a natural high...

Keep your brush wet...

Sam L. Boehner cspwc

Paul Jackson Watercolour Workshop in Victoria, BC

This fall, Paul Jackson, will be here in our small hamlet of Brentwood Bay (20 minutes from downtown Victoria, BC) to provide a workshop to 18 lucky students.  We are keeping the workshop limited to a small group so that every student gets enough individual attention. 

The workshop will be held Nov 9-12, 2012 at the Saanich Fairgrounds in Central Saanich, BC.   The topic will be Painting Shiny Stuff".  Paul will demonstrate step by step instruction on completing a beautiful light filled watercolour painting. He will divulge his secrets to painting reflections in glass and metals, like silver, chrome, and brass.  Also, discussions will focus on composition and what gives a painting that "wow" factor.

Seating is limited and is starting to fill up...so please do not delay, if you are interested in this workshop go to Lady Slipper Studios for more details.   Don't miss out on this opportunity...register now to hold your seat!

59th Annual SPAC Show

Tuckered; SOLD!

SOLD! the morning the SPAC show was opened to the public.  What an incredible feeling that someone wants to hang my work on their wall. To whomever purchased this piece I thank you from the bottom of my heart.  The best compliment one can pay an artist is to acquire it and want to hang it in your home. 
A second piece also sold, Lunenburg Dory, I had a lot of fun painting this...the sunlight on the wharf, and reflections

Birgit O'Connor Floral workshop with Lady Slipper Studios a Huge Success

Lady Slipper Studios hosted a 3-day workshop with Birgit O'Connor; what a huge talent this woman is...we did a painting a day... her instruction is so organized and well thought out, she breaks everything down into steps and she gets the message across very effectively. The time went so fast, and before we knew it we were critiquing and packing up...in the snow...yes believe it or not it snowed. 
The workshop was sold out, and from the emails and kudos I'm getting, everyone had a good time, learned a lot, and is coming back next year...Yes it's true...Birgit has agreed to come back again.  We are looking at April, 2013... so stay tuned for actual dates.
Check out Birgit's Facebook page for images of the group, the paintings and the fun we had.

After the storm

Still wet and just off the easel...I have been demonstrating waves recently and when I found this old photo of the Ucluelet area, on the West Coast of the Island;  I wanted to try and capture  the energy of the waves... I  thought I may need to mask out the whites, but chose not to use frisket.  I wanted to try to paint around the the whites... I am pleased with the result, but in the end I did add a bit of gouache...but only a bit...

let me know your thoughts on the piece...any and all comments are appreciated...be ruthless!  I need to know if this piece is worthy of putting in a show?