Toning In!

I can see my high school basketball coach-slash favorite chemistry-teacher running us through the 'U' dance.  A ton of sprints signaled the start of every single practice, but up next was shot progression.   We'd cock our wrists back at 90 degrees and with the same bend of the elbow (forming the 'U') repeat the shot motion sans ball.  What discipline a bunch of high school girls had for such a basic drill!  It must have been our deep respect for the coach, or quite possibly the threat of more sprints, that kept us focused when all we wanted to do was play!

Yep, time for fundamentals.  

   Somehow I managed to glide over this part of my art education and jump right into heads!  In order to paint strong studies, or anything, one needs a distinct separation between the lights and darks.  This means a focus on tone and consistent value by making only subtle variations with in the respective light and dark sides.  For me in other words, not becoming so seduced by a color note that I disregard whether it belongs to the light or shadow.

Experiment #7 

(1 hour Sorolla study)

I thought perhaps using a very simple palate might be the way to go, so for this painting I used only Black (Ivory), White (Titanium), and Brown (Transparent Red Oxide).  My reference selection of a less obvious lighting scenario may not have been the easiest choice for this palate.  This was hard!  But then, they all seem quite hard!

For #8 and #9 I had the benefit of more direction from Terry.  I went back to my standard palate of White, Brown, Red (medium), Yellow (cadmium), and Blue (ultramarine), but varied the reference.  The first of these was done from an image in full color, while the second was done referencing that same image converted to black and white.  In this way I had an opportunity to bring my focus back to the value.  The second painting seems to have been more successful in describing the form of the brow, however most of the head is flat.  I forgot to refer not only to the black and white master painting, but to also use my previous painting to make better decisions.  I think I need another crack at this assignment.  Well, quite a few more cracks.

I am up way past my bedtime on a school night.  Yes!  I am grateful to have the morning off to attend a real Terry class tomorrow.  Off to sleep, wish me luck!

A Major Award, Studies, and a Show

I won something!!  In honor of their Hockney exhibit the DeYoung hosted a Facebook contest.  As the artist had said, "I can't paint people I don't know," submissions were taken for portraits done of one's inner circle.  'Sara', the 11x14 of my amazing friend at the end of my first blog post was accepted and won!  Yay!  I tried to collect my prize, two VIP passes to the show and a catalog.  However, they announced it so close to the show's closing date that the show ended before they could get me the tickets!  They did graciously send me a very nice catalog, so it still feels like winning.  Thank you to all my friends who voted for me!

Sorolla reference for studies 4, 5, and 6!

 #4

#5 and #6

They were done on different days and they sure have distinct styles!   #4 needs the right side of his face defined more clearly, lost to the fleas again.  The last one done yesterday totally looks like a clown.  Must be the red nose and the lighter yellow notes under his lip.  (I am afraid of clowns!)  The oil paper is an absorbent surface and I am having a hard time getting paint to flow.  May use some medium again like I did in the earlier ones.  I really need to focus on the form and value and pay more attention!  #6 is out of control, though I probably wouldn't drag my hypothetical kid out of the birthday party this clown was working.  He has kind eyes.  Seems harmless.

While I was knocking out the first couple of those (#4 and #5) in late January, I got a call from a sweet midtown joint about hanging my art! 

The Golden Bear

You might recognize it from Dinners, Drive-Ins and Dives on the Food Network.  I was stoked but started to panic that there wasn't enough time to create a whole new body of work.  I was especially anxious as I had just jumped into home school with Terry, and knew it would set me back on that front.  Still, I had to say yes and call a time-out on the head studies to switch gears.  I managed to get a few new still life paintings done, barely in drying time, and up at the last minute with the extraordinary help of my friend.  (Sara again!  First she won me a contest and then this!).  It is up through March 7th if you can get by for a drink on the patio or a very awesome brunch!  

Here's a little taste.

Strapless 

8x8" oil on canvas panel

$200

You're Welcome 

6x6" oil on canvas panel

SOLD

 Slipper Kick

9x12" oil on canvas panel

SOLD

One more sample of the dozen!

Dad's Girl

11x14" oil on canvas panel

SOLD

When you have a show at a bar, at least one friend is going to come up with an outstanding idea.  Thank you Amy for the invention of the 'Lenefsky' autograph mustache.  There is always at least one more good reason for a Sharpie in your purse than you are currently privy too.  When you run out of 'SOLD's to write, there are always 'Lenefsky Stache's .

More action to come!

1st Master Studies!

Picked up a music stand at the 5th String and a painting I love by Sorolla.  

The assignment: 

•1 hour on the timer

•gesture study (don't stress about drawing accuracy)

•do not copy, but in my own style

•not faster, but fewer strokes

Sorolla Study #1

One hour goes so fast!  I wish I could fix the highlight on her lower lip, it too big, but the timer is the authority!  This is a really fun assignment, Sorolla has done all the hard work and I just get to show up and play.  

Sorolla #2

Next stop in this book is an amazing selfie.  Yep, ran out of time.  His right eye could have used that upper lid stroked back in across it.  This 'Sorolla Tracking' is fascinating.  You really see so much more in a painting when you paint from it!  I love seeing the decisions he makes.  I think I did do decently on using the biggest brush for the job.  It is really easy for me to be seduced by the fleas!  That is paint the fleas before the dog.  I have lost a lot of dogs to the fleas...

Sorolla #3

Much cooler and grayer skin tones this time, reminds me of the Adam's Family.  Lower lip should extend past the edge of the nose, and that blue highlight is way too cool and too big.  I like the feel of it though!  Managed to keep things fairly simple.