Learning curve

So part of learning to be an artist is copying the Masters to see their process and learn more.  I did a copy of 'The Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Vermeer a few years back in one of my classes.  It was a great way to figure out all the layers and colours and process that Vermeer may have used.

My pale imitation of the original

I am still struggling to find a style that will work for me, but I find I am drawn to impressionist style paintings done in bright colours (landscapes, people or still life). Artists like Mary Cassat, Sorrolla, Monet, Cezanne or Van Gogh.
Present day artists that are favourites include Mike Svob, Karin Jurick, Kari Duke, Steve Coffey, Robert genn and most recently added Angus Wilson.  I have taken workshops with Mike Svob and unfortunately missed my one chance at a workshop with Robert Genn who has since passed away.  I attempted a painting similar to one by Steve Coffey (past post).  Below is my attempt to pull off an Angus Wilson painting.  I found one of the most pleasing parts of the painting are the slightly skewed lines coming in and interrupting the painting.  It seems to make the whole picture.  I feel motivated to try something like that in my own style of landscape or portrait to see how that works.

Thinking of spring

Thinking of spring today, as the snow flies again.  I keep trying different versions from some photos of our pond.  This is oil on black gesso canvas.  It needs something 'abstracty' in there, just not sure what.  Nice colours but feel kind of ...meh about it right now.  Oh well... next.

Back to the blog

And so it begins...again.  I have been busy, working since September, teaching outreach art classes in elementary schools for the Art Gallery of St. Albert.  They have tons of great classes for kids and adults, check it out by clicking here.  I have also been working on some paintings and some pottery when I have time.  Below are some of my attempts at both.

Nyhavn
Completed painting 48x20 acrylic on canvas

Small soya sauce pot for your sushi set

 

My pre-fired 'chicken bowl'.  This is a batter bowl, taken from the pages of a ceramic artist magazine, it reminded me of a chicken so I decorated it appropriately

The inside.  Unfortunately, as I am new to this gig, I used a yellow underglaze on red clay.  It looked good enough when it was in the greenware phase, but when I did the final glaze and firing the yellow almost disappeared and the bowl came out a sickly greenish red tinge.  Back to the drawing board!!

Oil painting started from a photo I took on the Skyline trail in Jasper Alberta (below).  Still working on it as I am trying to make it less blah and pop in some bright colours here and there.

In order to update my son's room he chose a graphic of a skier and I made it into a large mural for his wall.