Other Artists/ Encaustic and Mixed Media Painting

While googling about small torches for encaustic painting I ran across this website:  Rebecca Shapiro Art.    I really enjoyed the luminosity and soft depth of her encaustic paintings.
And thank you Rebecca for your article about your encaustic painting techniques and creating a green studio which I found very helpful.  I am trying to improve on my studio air quality and safe disposal of materials etc and I would love feedback from you or other artists how and what they are doing to achieve this.
Also, check out , on Rebecca's website,  links to artists like:   Kim Edwards Keast , a multi media artists which appeals to my three dimensional side with no holds barred with whatever material works, she uses.   Please check out these artists and enjoy.   Happy peaceful holidays.

Sun Ablaze (IMAGO Holiday Gallery Exhibit

6" x 8" encaustic on panel

Local inspiration with some local color interpretation.  This is one of the four encaustic paintings of mine that will be part of the Holiday Invitational Exhibit you can see at the IMAGO Gallery in Warren RI.   The reception is December 3rd,  Friday 7-5pm.  For info go to their Facbook link:    IMAGO GALLERY     A beautiful gallery with some great artists, and a fun little town.

Latest Paintings for aution on Ebay

"Chicken Snacks"

Acrylic painting Magnet

1.75" x 1.75"

SOLD

Plane Time

4.5" x  7" Oil on Panel

This is the 2nd oil painting in my "Hardware Series" of tools, etc.  I have alway loved old wood planes: their beautiful wood handles, worn from use, against the streamlined steel metal parts; and to top it off, finely machined brass knobs, etc.  So I decided to pay homage to this little block plane that I have and put it in the spotlight as my model for an oil painting.

No Ducks/ Pond and fall foliage

oil on panel

Sold

I really had to work on simplfying this landscape of many shapes.  For me, learning to stop working on a painting is sometimes a challenge.  By continuing working (to get it "right"), my mind tricks me.  What is "right"?  Why does that idea have a hold on my mind, sometimes stronger than that of the painting itself?  I may ruin the raw energy or kill the painting by continuing to work on it, but not realize it until too late.  (That is however one of the benefits of working in oils: scrape or wipe the surface, and I get a second chance!)  With "No Ducks", though, I realized early on that it was finished.

Thank goodness.

Red Boat Waiting

4" x 6" oil on panel

SOLD

Visiting Open Studios/New Haven CT

I went to Open Studios at Erector Square in New Haven yesterday and really enjoyed seeing different artists' works.  The building is huge with many art studios through out the complex. Did not photograph enough, too busy talking with artists and looking at good art.  Open Studios will run Sunday Sept. 26, 2010 and other weekends are Oct. 2-3, Oct. 9-10 and for detailed maps and further information go to  www.artspacenh.org  or call 203- 772-2709.  As a side note, parking was not a problem for me at Erector Square as it is usually in downtown New Haven.

The second photograph above is Corina Alvarezdelugo's work, with Ishita Bandyo's work in the background.  (I apologize to Ishita, the close up of Ishita's paintings came out blurred due to my camera shake.)
 
Please go to Ishita's website to see her paintings:  www.ishitabandyo.com//  to see a sample of her beautiful mixed media paintings and read about her.   And to see and learn more about Corina's artwork go to:  www.corinadotdash.com/

This was a fun day and I made some new friends.  Here are a few of these new artists I met, saw their work and enjoyed meeting them, including: Fethi Meghelli at www.fethimeghelli.com/ , and Maria Lara- Whelpley at www.marialara.net.  Thanks again, to all the artists for all their hard work, conversation and great artwork.  Please visit, the Oct. weekend will be in another section of New Haven so go to   ARTSPACE website or if in New Haven area pick up a New Haven Advocate paper that is the map and official guide.

Door of Textures

9" x 12" oil on panel

Yes, I pushed the textures in this old door of peeling paint.  It appears to have been painted at least two or three times; the visible under-layers reminded me of warm, intense red-rust spots.  The building this door is attached to is in New London, near the Thames River.  I have never seen this door being opened in all the times I've passed the spot, but I think there is a business behind it.  A part of me wishes I knew something of the building's history - but I'm content to let it have it's mystery.

Land of Textures

9" x 12" oil on panel

I am inspired by the shapes, textures, and colors of old buildings, boats, wooden objects, plastered walls, etc.  Old surfaces are rich in patinated color, and thickness of texture.  The inspiration for this painting was an old door;  I kept simplifying the shapes and details in front of me until I discovered a landscape, or perhaps a seascape, emerge in the painting.

Not My Blog-Joanne Mattera

I have been working hard the last two days cutting and preparing panels for paintings.  And in between this physical labor and sweaty heat I have been reading different art blogs.  One in particular that I enjoy reading and find helpful is Joanne Mattera's Art Blog.   Joanne is an encaustic artist who lives in New England and exhibits across the country.  As a full time successful artist, she writes about art shows, fairs and other art venues she visits, plus post photographs of other artists' work  from the exhibits.  Often on her blog are articles she has written about  how to advance one's art career which I find helpful.  She does not mince words and speaks her mind with humor which I like.  So see for yourself and visit her at:   http://joannemattera.blogspot.com/

Art Studio Ventilation for Encaustic Painting-Tips from R & F Paints

I finally got back to experimenting with encaustic painting.  Knowing that I needed to improve my ventilation for safety, I started reading and found a good article from R & F Paints that describes a simple way to ventilate your studio and different kinds of ventilation.    For their full article on studio ventilation go to their link: R & F Encaustic Technical Sheets  Then click on "Venting Your Studio for Encaustics" which will take you to a pdf file.

Their recommendation for placement of two fans is the one I am starting with now.  When winter comes, I may need to buy an exhaust fan with louvers to keep cold air out of my studio when I am not using the fan.  But for now I will see how using a pair of  simple box fans will work.  The first fan is in the window six inches above my electric palette.  On the other side of the room I placed a fan on a table to blow air over the palette which will blow the fumes into the exhaust fan and out the window.  This system should also be an improvement in my studio ventilation when just working with oils and not heated wax.

First Tomato

6 x 6" oil on panel

This was our first tomato of the year ( a late tomato) which I decided deserved to be the subject of a painting.  I thew in some of our green basil from the garden  as a color compliment to the redness of the tomato.  Just having fun with the plasticity of the oil paint and striving for subtle color variations in the white table to add interest to the simplicity of the composition.

Empty House

10" x 10" oil on Panel

This is part of a series of paintings about empty buildings.  Recently I went back to this old house in Mystic CT and it was smoldering embers, guess someone burned it down.   The day I took reference photos, the light was casting strong shadows and there was a lot of warmth in the colors of the house.  Of course I took some liberties to push the value contrast and the house color to an intense warm red/orange against warm and cool lights. 

Awl Shadows

7" x 5" oil on panel 

This is the first in my "Hardware Series".  I used to do a lot of woodworking and still enjoy making some things out of wood.  For years I have admired tools, especially old tools.  Some of these tools are works of art themselves and this awl is a beautiful piece to use or look at.  I thought, why not let the tools be still lifes like a flower or food?  They deserve to be in the spotlight.

White Dog Waiting

5" x 7" oil on canvas
Sold

I am not sure what breed this dog is that I saw at a Rhode Island dog show.  But the dog was very white with soft long wavy hair with a body like a golden retriever.  After looking through "The New Encyclopedia of the Dog" by Bruce Fogle DVM, I think this dog may be a cream golden retriever or the Slovensky Kuvac breed.  On the other hand, various websites online make me think it might be an "English cream golden retriever." 

In any case it is fun for me, as an artist, to see how much color is in "white".   If you know much about the different dog breeds, let me know what breed you think this white dog could be.

Photography Tips: Greenpix's Blog

Many times I have to look stuff up on the internet about how to do something for my art.   I was googling about pixels and sizing for photo editing of my paintings.  And I ran across this site  called Greenpix's Blog with really cool info and photos explaining sizing, color adjustment, using a macro lens etc.  He explains the technical information well in simple terms.  I am always trying to learn more and improve my photography skills for achieving better photos of my art.   Plus, photography is art unto itself and I do enjoy it.   So here is a link I want to share with you that I found that might be helpful to you.

http://gpix.wordpress.com/

Dog Days

10" x 10" oil on panel

The title "Dog Days" for this oil painting came to my mind today while I was feeling the full heat of  summer.  If anyone can suggest what breed this dog might be please do.

Ocean Ave Sunset

Acrylic Painting 4" x  2" on panel

(magnets on back)

This is the latest in my "magnet series" landscapes, which I finished yesterday afternoon.  Sometimes I enjoy painting these miniature paintings.  They are an ongoing project, and certain days lend themselves to the creation of these little gems.  Depending on the weather conditions, sunsets in CT can be stunning, but I also enjoy capturing the subtle weather changes.  Put these on your fridge, file cabinet or they can be framed for the wall.

To see my previous "magnet series" landscapes:

Bluff Point Sunset and On The Way Home

Bluff Point

More Magnet Paintings

Golden Retriever Waiting

10" x 10" oil on panel

Recently finished this painting of a Golden Retriever from reference material from a pet show event at the Providence RI convention center.  This was a patient, well trained dog receiving much love from  his or her family.

Diggity Dog

Pen and Ink

This weekend I enjoyed a day at The Durham CT Pet Fair.  It was a beautiful sunny day to watch, sketch and photograph dogs, cats, and people.  For some reason Diggity dog came to mind as I sketched this fellow.

Taking Care of Business

I attended the Marketing and Promotion for visual artists workshop this past Saturday put on by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism, and the Tremaine Foundation. It was the third of three in the Commission's 2010 Artist Workshop Series - Taking Care of Business: Career Strategies for Visual Artists. Not only did I pick up some art business advice but I got to meet some great people and share ideas.

I enjoyed the presentation by Jackie Battenfield, artist and author of The Artist's Guide: How to Make a Living Doing What You Love (2009). She reminded me to set career goals and figure out my endpoint, then do the steps to reach that goal. There was a strong emphasis on starting out with regional art venues within a 100 mile radius which appealed to me.

I highly recommend these affordable and informative workshops (only $20 per day, which included an excellent catered lunch) to other artists in all phases of their career development. I don't know when the next series or sessions will be run, but if you missed them or could not attend every workshop, all classes have been audio taped and are now available online at the Commission's website. (To listen, click on the link above.)

Sketching to music, Gandalf Murphy and the The Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Theatrical lighting and good live music often move me to let go and attempt to capture the musician's movement and energy. I really enjoyed Saturday night sketching madly and listening to Gandalf Murphy & the Grand Slambovian Band at the Kate theather in Old Saybrook CT. I totally lost myself drawing in rhythm to their wonderful music. I highly recomend hearing and seeing this band, especially live. Listen to the band's music at either of the following sites.

http://www.slambovia.com/

http://official-slambovia.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-audio-players-from-grooveshark.html

Blue Dog

15" x 13" Monotype Print

Sometimes I like to let go and just paint quickly on the printing plate. I use a variety of materials for my plates - usually acrylic or copper - with Akua brand water based intaglio inks. Akua's intaglio inks are nontoxic and thicker than regular inks; I enjoy using them to create monotype prints. On the other hand, the material I use for the plate usually doesn't matter to the process for me.

This Great Dane symbolizes spring energy to me on two levels.  There is the obvious visual energy of the dog's pose and movement; but also the speed at which I created the print.

Marina Door/New London

8" x 8"

Doors are very interesting to me; they seem to reappear as focal points in my paintings. Closed they offer interesting possibilities and questions as to what is behind them and where do they lead to? Also, the closed door becomes a canvas for light and cast shadows to create interesting patterns.

Braking Horse

8" x 8"oil on panel

Enjoyed finding simple shapes and playing with the paint on this one. When I did this painting, I had been looking at art works by Fritz Scholder and Richard Diebenkorn.

To see some of Scholder's work go to: http://www.nmai.si.edu/exhibitions/scholder/introduction.html and to see one of Diebenkorn's paintings go to the link below (scroll down about 3/4's of the way on page)

http://www.wildenstein.com/exhibits/noma/noma.html

Musical Sketches

Pen and Ink

Had an enjoyable night sketching and listening to the Rivergods and Black Marmot at the Bank St Cafe in New London, Friday evening. Both bands consisted of really good musicians and I found it exciting and relaxing to sketch and listen. It is definitely a challenge to draw quickly and get the gesture of the person performing.

You can check out both bands at their websites:

www.therivergods.com/

http://blackmarmotband.com/

MORE MAGNET PAINTINGS

These are recent 4" x 2" oil paintings on board created as magnets. There are two strong magnets epoxied to the back of these painting of seascapes. Fun pieces for the file cabinet, refrigerator etc. , art can be hung anywhere and everywhere.

Titles: Top to Bottom

Tanker at Dusk - SOLD

Sky and Water

On the Way Home - SOLD

Bluff Point Sunset