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February 14th, 2014
Recently, looking at my painting of Oregon shore, I was asking myself how many times I've painted the water, waters of an ocean, lakes, sea or river?
And even though the answer was MANY.. I was curious to see the difference in the shades of blue; the blue blue water.
Water for me has some personal almost human qualities. The colors depend on the time of the the day, the light, the shadows; and, of course, the artist's mood, time put into painting, and professional choice of the color.
And here are just a few waters painted in the different places at different times.
The silver waters of A Foggy Morning At Crab Cove, Alameda, California:
Slowly building, soon ready to crush waves next to the shore in Boys And The Ocean painting:
Deep blue waters of the ocean during the sunny in Capitola, California. Two Umbrellas At The Beach painting:
and a very same day just a few hours later.
Two Chairs At The Beach painting:
Here is a foggy morning with wild emerald green waves in Carmel By The Sea, California:
and the same day, when Sun appeared, it made the water shine
(Carmel By The Sea, California)
Almost unbelievable Thalo and Ultramarine blue water in the painting A Coupe And The Sea:
Ready to storm yet still not dangerous waters in A Girl And The Ocean artwork:
If I were a poet I would write a poem devoted to Water; but, I am the Artist and I will keep painting Miss Water in all her shades of blue
:0)
February 4th, 2014
I continue exploring a new surface for painting - Yupo.
Yupo is a pure synthetic "paper", which has a plastic feel yet takes watercolor.
Yupo allows the paint to move freely. It is easy for the artist to pick up the paint if needed; or, even wipe it off completely (back to the white surface).
I think that this "paper" is good for some abstract art as it provides interesting unpredictable results at the end.
I called this abstract series "Path To The Unknown". The first artwork was created with Opera Rose and Violet watercolors. It reminds me some kind of magic rock, a stone with veins and minerals.
The next one looks more like a landscape:
Rich bushy greens could represent hills, blue for the sky; and, a beige "river" looks like a path with purple-pink flowers...
And the last one has somewhat 3D feeling. After the wet-on-wet dried, I placed a few brown dots on it and rotated the paper. This way Miss Gravity painted some unexpected lines for me:
It is fun to explore unknown path and try to find new ways with watercolors.
December 18th, 2013
November 15th, 2013
November 10th, 2013
November 2nd, 2013
I received an offer that was hard to pass. Spirit Seeker magazine asked my permission to publish a part of my festive painting on the cover.
With headquarters located in St. Louis, MO;
"Spirit Seeker Magazine is a comprehensive, inspirational, holistic publication for the mind, body and spirit. In its’ 17th year, the magazine is recognized for its’ rich content and thought-provoking features, consistently showcasing the work of cutting edge authors, musicians and leaders in health, wellness, and spirituality. In this age of uncertainty, people are now, more than ever, looking for ways to connect with something bigger. Spirit Seeker Magazine has always been ahead of the curve, providing a tool for optimized living and enlightenment. Spirit Seeker Magazine is distributed widely throughout the Midwest as a print publication in Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, throughout Missouri, as well as published online, with national and international readers. Each issue is highly anticipated by both faithful and curious readers. Our readers are educated, spiritual consumers seeking information on products, services, and classes."
(quote from www.spiritseekermagazine.com )
November Issue is colorful and filled with Fall Spirit:
http://www.spiritseekermagazine.com/november_13/index.html
I am glad they chose the part of the painting that contained a pumpkin and Fall leaves. They have the most contrast of all. However, because the cover has vertical format, the whole painting (which is horizontal ) did not fit. My initial artwork was a "play" between realistic and impressionistic art. For example, if the whole still life part was executed in realism, the landscape behind the window is pure Impressionism
October 30th, 2013
Last week I shared my painting knowledge with the members of the Book Club at Danville library. Young readers, grade 4 and 5, met to read a book Planting The Trees Of Kenya: The Story Of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola. It delivers a true story about a winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Wangari Maathai who returned to her home country of Kenya and helped to save the farmland by planting the trees.
I was presenting a workshop: How To "Plant" The Trees On The Paper. For my lesson, I have chosen several techniques to show to the kids.
First we did a background in wet-on-wet technique and later on (when paper was bone-dry) we planted a Whimsical Tree, full of happy branches, swirls, and birds.
Children also learned how to paint Fall trees using dabbing technique and even a sponge.
In one short session we probably "planted" one hundred of those trees. The Fall landscapes filled the room with the bright colors. I swear, if we didn't have so much fun that day, we could even hear our painted birds signing on the branches of those trees ;0)
And even though, not all the trees in Danville, California, were yellow, orange and red yet; our trees, on the paper, were surely indicating a beautiful Fall season in its full glory!
October 29th, 2013
October 27th, 2013
October 27th, 2013