Create Every Day - Day 2

Finally got the initial drawing finished for my mosaic table . . . . it took several rough drafts.  In fact, I did so many drafts and erased so often, that in order to see my final draft, I had to put it down in permanent marker  . . . Thank goodness for Sharpie. 

Next comes cutting and placing tile.  I haven't decided if I want to go with large 1"x1" tiles or if I should cut those down a bit.  Since I am undecided, I have not committed to anything by gluing tiles down.  Tomorrow is my Mosaic class, so I will definitely need to go one way or the other quickly. 

The second half of my day was spent organizing my craft and art supplies - no small chore.  My hubby, Gus, and I live in a very small apartment.  Unfortunately, at this time, I do not have a studio and have to find storage space catch as catch can.  The dining room table serves as my work space - it will do for now. 

Thanksgiving Tag Nov. 2, 2012

My Thanksgiving Tag for November 2nd is focused on the beautiful blue and orange tiles that I have been working with.  I just love all the aquas, the deep sea blue, the light turquoise, the tangerine orange . . . . they look so happy and remind me of the beautiful ocean right outside our door.  I am Thankful for the time to explore my creativity. . . .

Creative Every Day - Day 1

It has been more than a while since I have posted.  I have been sporadically dabbling in my art, and even managed to snag first place in an art exhibition at la Compania de Tourismo in Old San Juan! 

 

However, honestly it has been hit and miss with me during the last year. 

 

In an effort to get the creative juices flowing again, I decided to participate in the "Creative Every Day" challenge.  Hopefully, this will at least get me back into the swing of things, instead of getting bogged down with the tasks of every day living. 

 

 

The challenge is to create something each day in the month of November.  This should prove to be interesting given that my husband and I will be traveling a bit in November, but I have a few ideas up my sleeve for the travel times. 

 

Most of my day today was spent running around Puerto Rico looking for tile for a mosaic piece I am working on.  As usual, it isn't like in the Main Land where you simply walk into a store, pick out the tile you like, pay for it and take it home.  Nope!  Here you must go to one store (the showroom), pick out the tile you like, pay for it, drive clear across the island to the storage house, and pick up your tile yourself once it gets there. 

 

I managed to get home with enough time to create my first piece of art for November.  First, I took an old glass bottle and filled it with white Christmas lights I had left over from last year.  Then, I stuck a few twisted branches into the glass year. . . . viola: A "Thanksgiving Tree". 

 

 

Thanksgiving Tree



 

 

The idea is, that each day I will create a new tag showing something small that I have encountered in my day that has made me smile or lifted my heart for which I am Thankful for. 

 

After making the tree I took Gus (the boxer) out for his afternoon walk, and on our way home, I discovered the cutest little daisy like wild flowers popping up through the sand.  I couldn't resist - I had to smile, and so my first Thankful Card idea took hold. 

 



 

November 1, 2012 Thankful Tag

 



I am excited and looking forward to coming up with more art, journal entries, and creative ideas in the upcoming weeks.  Stay tuned for more . . . .



Under the Weather

I have been feeling a little yucky - some kind of stomach bug is going around, and it decided to take up residence in my tummy.  But, the good news is that I am on the mend and feeling better each day. 

During my sick leave, I have been productive.....and I am happy to announce, I finally finished my website!  At first I thought I would just create a website via one of the many sites available as a complete package.  But, then I read an article that said, I could do all of the work myself.  "How hard can this be", I thought to myself.  In one word "HARD".  One thing I did learn about myself, is that I am not by any stretch of the imagination a "techie".  I have spent the last 2 weeks working, sweating, figuring out, and reworking my site.  Finally, last night, it all fell together (or maybe that is I banged it together.)  The sweet taste of success. 

For all intents and purposes, it is a really simple site - not fancy, but it is a wonderful site for me.  Like a child, and I hope it grows and expands and brings me much pleasure. 

Take a look at the site, I would love to hear your feedback, comments and suggestions.  Hopefully, with this task behind me, I can get back to my passion and paint. 

http://brushstrokesbytatum.com/

San Sebastian Street Festival . . . .

Had a wonderful time on Saturday at the San Sebastian Street Festival.  My new self challenge is to be more faithful to my Artist Journal.  The goal, to capture the "highlights" of my ordinary life in a weekly Journal entry.  This week was easy, because the highlight definitely was the Festival. 

So much beautiful art to look at.  At this time in my life, I am not a big party person, and the crowds can get a bit tiresome....so, I avoid the festival at night, and make my rounds to the artisans during the morning and afternoon.

Started the day off with a fantastic breakfast of a lox bagel at Fefos Deli and Tapas.  Unfortunately, I think Cafecultura is under new management, and the service there has absolutely gone from not so great to horrendously bad.  After waiting an hour, and asking for a waiter to please take my order - not once, but twice only to be ignored, it was time to leave what use to be my favorite restaurant in Old San Juan. 

The one hour wait, gave me plenty of time to get my first sketch into my journal - a lovely wire basket filled with white and purple onions.  Fortunately, I did find a new place Fefo's and the service was much better and the food very good.  However, I must admit, I like the "ambiance" in Cafecultura better . . . but, you can't eat ambiance. 

After breakfast, it was off to check out the artisans.  It was 10:30, and the booths are supposed to be open at 10:00, but one must remember here in Puerto Rico you are on island time.  About 3/4th of the stalls were open - and the art was fantastic.

Because I never go to the festival at night, I usually don't get to see the dancers, who dress up in costumes (think large doll heads) and dance in the streets.  Lady luck was with me this year, and the second sketch to go in the journal was one of the street entertainers. 

I did buy an original painting of a catfish, that just captured my heart - it is a 2" X 3" and I snagged it for 10.00.  After looking at paintings, carvings, pottery etc for three hours, it was time to get my favorite street food a Bacalaito - a fried fish fritter - along with a pina frappe (think smoothie).  The air was absolutely rich with the smell of food, and the colorful fruits captured my attention and resulted in the third sketch - a pineapples sitting on top of Pineapple Juice cans. 

My last quest was to search out the best coffee in Puerto Rico - Cafe de Puta Madre (not a very nice name, but fantastic coffee).  They had the beans in burlap sacks and so I grabbed a cup of hot java and not only sketched my paper cup of coffee but also the sacks of coffee. 

To tie it all together, I decided to also sketch in the the street signs for Calle San Sebastian. 

It was a fantastic day, filled with the things I love best - Art, Good Friends, Delicious Food, and Great Coffee.  Best of all I captured the day in my Artist Journal. 

"Sketch!Paint!Doodle!" Challenge

One of my resolutions for 2012 was to stay creative.  In the past, I have painted or created in spurts.....sometimes, putting down the pencils and paint brushes for a week, and then discovering that I had to reacquaint myself with them all over again. 

The problem is, that many times, I just don't feel inspired.....not sure what to paint, or draw.  Okay, so I have the answer - join a challenge.  The Sketch, Paint, Doodle challenge is a fantastic way to motivate yourself to stay creative.  Last week the challenge was to paint a tree (see previous post), this week's challenge is up and I am excited to begin my new painting.  Every level of artist can participate, and there is no pressure.  If you have a busy week and just can't get to the drawing table, no problem.  I hope that some of you, will join up....I love seeing every one's work. 

Wondering what these weeks challenge is . . . . then go check out the site - just click on the link.  http://www.flickr.com/groups/1836708@N24/

Nuts for Coconuts

So . . . we didn't end up traveling around Puerto Rico.  First, it was rainy, and traveling around Puerto Rico in the best of weather conditions is not so fun, much less in the rain.  Instead, I spent the day painting.  The Sketch, Doodle, Draw challenge for the week was to draw/paint a tree.  I love trees too - there shape and all the ranges of greens.  However, living on the beach, gives a limited selection of which trees I am going to paint. 

I ended up painting a Palm Tree - duh....but, with a little different perspective. Several issues came up in painting this.  After the fact, I wish I had painted in the background sky prior to starting the tree.  Also, I think there could be more of the foliage showing and a bit more depth and variation on the coconuts.  Also, the coconuts in towards the right hand front of the painting are too large and are throwing the entire perspective off. 

I will consider this in the preliminary stages and am planning on reworking this on a larger piece of watercolor paper making the changes I have noted.  Comments are always welcomed. 

Nuts for Coconuts (Watercolor)

Fresh Start

Today, my creative energy was used to clean out and clean up my work space.  This happened as a result of looking for an hour for a palette, that I knew was somewhere in the immediate area.  Finally, in frustration, I decided that this is enough....I gave up the search for the missing palette and started sorting through, organizing and throwing out old supplies.  Not such a fun way to spend an afternoon, but hoping it will lend itself to more productive hours spent creating instead of searching!  Still haven't found the misplaced palette.....

Gus my 10 yr. old boxer "watercolor"

Tomorrow, I am off traversing the enchanting island of Puerto Rico.  Hoping to get lots of reference materials, and of course I am taking my art journal along.  Originally, I was going to make this a week long excursion, but having pity on "Gus" my boxer, and not wanting to put him in the kennel, I have opted for a couple day trips instead.  Tomorrow the itinerary is to  drive to Ponce, which is located on the southern end of the island.  Hoping for good weather and light traffic (a big, big hope for light traffic). 

Now, tired and worn out from my cleaning, it is time for a shower and some down time.  I am very much looking forward to my trip, and will be blogging upon my return. 

Doodling Away the Day

When I was a child I would doodle on everything.  Instead of taking notes when my teachers lectured, I doodled on my paper.  Every scrap of paper had my marks and doodles on them.  Somewhere along the path to adulthood, I stopped doodling. 

Today, I attempted my first doodle in about 20 years.  Naturally, the first difficulty was finding the correct materials here in Puerto Rico.  But, in a pinch, I found things that would work (I have come to love Walmart). 

When I first sat down to the task of doodling, I felt an overwhelming sense of insecurity.  Where do I start, what do I doodle, what colors should I use, how do I plan this?  All of those thoughts raced through my head.  Then, with paint brush clenched in my white knuckled fist, I did my first tentative squiggle....and then another and another.  About half way through the process, I was painting with free abandon.  It was so liberating - no planning, no tinkering, just putting down the paint in beautiful doodles.

I think doodling helps to open your mind to the creative process....it makes my inner artist happy and free and when that happens beautiful art happens!  My advice to you, is to doodle away - look out world, most likely all my papers will have the tell-tale doodle that Tammy has been here.  Happy Doodling everyone. 

`New Beginnings

A new beginning it truly is . . . . It was great to start off the year in church, giving Thanks for all the accomplishments and achievements of 2011, and praying for guidance, direction and focus in 2012. 

In honor of the fresh start, I spent the day cleaning, sorting and putting things away.  Here in Puerto Rico, the holidays don't end with the New Year.  We also celebrate 3 Kings Day which is this Friday.   Actually, 3 Kings is even bigger here than Christmas.  However, I am tired of looking at the Christmas tree, so a great part of the afternoon was spent taking the Christmas decorations down and putting them back into storage (a challenge living in a small apartment.) 

On the creative side of things, I kept my promise to do something creative each day, and enrolled in a one line art journaling class.  Today was the first day of the class, and I spent time watching the instructional video.  I am excited to dedicate some time to my art journal.  However, here in Puerto Rico getting art supplies is not the easiest thing.  Many of the supplies shown on the video are going to be more than difficult for me to get, unless of course I pay for shipping.  I think I will make do with the supplies I have on hand.  Regardless of the supplies, I am excited about this on line opportunity. 

For the last two years I have been a member of AAPR (Association de Accurealistas de Puerto Rico) - the watercolor society of Puerto Rico.  Apparently, before my time, the group had been very active, but, as members grew older and moved off the island, things slowed down quite a bit.  Fortunately, with some energy and effort, I think the group is becoming more active and creatively busy again.  In order to keep people painting, it was decided that every month we would give the members a challenge.  

In honor of January 2012, the theme for our challenge was "New Beginnings".  I wracked my brain to come up with something that for me truly represents a new beginning.  A sunrise, a cup of coffee at the beginning of the day, a flower bud, a crocus pushing up through the snow . . . . each idea was tossed aside.  Finally, I settled on a baby.  This was a real challenge for me as I 100% do not paint people, much less a portrait.  But, new beginnings, means new challenges.  It was rough starting, but finally, I think I have completed the challenge. 

In honor of the new year, my painting - "New Beginnings" 

Happy 2012 - have a wonderfully creative year. 

Goodbye 2011

On the eve of a New Year - so much has happened in 2011 with lots of growth both personally and as an artista. 

What an amazing time, with a new year ahead.  A whole year, 365 days to create, enjoy, and grow!  But, before I go on about the upcoming year, I want to take a moment and reflect on my accomplishments in what will soon be last year.  I finally plunged into my art....head first.  2011 was filled with discovering my creative self, refining my skills and just painting, painting, painting.  I had many failures, but I had many successes. 

My heart is always drawn back to watercolors....I just love the many and varied ways they can be used, but even though I love the medium, I also realized that I particularly enjoy black and whites.....an odd combination, I agree.  The exciting discovery for me was that by combining mediums (watercolor and acrylics) I can continue embracing both loves - black/white and watercolors. 

2011 will always be dear to me, as it was the year that I sold my first painting!  WOOHOO.  Okay, I know it isn't all about selling and should be about creating, but what a confirmation it was, to have someone pay me for what I love to do.  Not only did I sell my first piece, but I also had a successful show (not exhibit, but craft show).  Yes, I sold work, but more important, I got out there.  I put myself (my heart, my emotions and my soul) on display, and it was well received.  Another giant step forward. 

What promises does 2012 hold?  Mostly, I am now approaching my painting more as a business, and not so much as a hobby.  This year, I will no longer make time time here and there for creating.  The goal is to dedicate solid time to my craft.  I don't want a day to go by without having art in it - whether that is painting, drawing, journaling or simply looking at other's work.  For myself, the longer I am away from it, the harder it is to get back to it. 

Along with dedicating time and space each day to my work, I am also going to create a web page for myself.  The 21st century is here, and it is time I joined in.  Look out cyberspace and make room for my web page, face book and tweeter accounts.   And, of course, I will make a concentrated effort to keep my blog current (okay, I know I have said this before-but, it is a new year after all). 

I also must ask myself, what will I get "rid" of in 2012.  First on my list, are the distractions.  Not only the "things" that distract me, but also the people.  You know who I mean - the people who have nothing to do with their time, so they also want to waste my time. Farewell distractors - you know who you are. 

With much excitement, I wait for the approaching year.  Happy New Years Eve and may you all have a prosperous, creative 2012. 

Long Time - No Post

Fishing Boats in Fajardo

It has been sometime since I last posted, I have been busy painting!  Life has been interesting in Puerto Rico over the last several months.  I have been working on my Portfolio with hopes of doing an exhibit in San Juan in October.  Also, I am going to be visiting some of the local galleries in order to get some of my paintings sold. 


Being that I am in Puerto Rico, nothing is simple here.  Having had a business on the mainland, I thought it would be a relatively easy process to sell some paintings on the island....I thought wrong. 

Street Lamp in Old San Juan

First, and foremost, in order to do anything here, you have to have a tax identification certificate. Nothing so unusual about that. What does make it a bit more tricky is going through the process of dealing with the Departmento de Hacienda (P.R. tax dept.) speaking limited Spanish. It only took me two trips. I did think ahead enough to go online and download the form I have to fill out, and Thank goodness it was available in English. The form is very repetive, but relatively easy to fill out. With that done, I made a road trip to the Puerto Rico Dept. of Taxation located in San Juan.
The first thing you notice upon entering the building, is that you must sign in, and show Identification.  The guard at the desk will then direct you to where you need to go - or not.  Sometimes, like in my case, they direct you to the wrong office, where you are again directed to another wrong office, but, eventually you wind up where you need to be. 

Orchids growing in the parking lot of Condo Villas del Mar

I proudly handed over my completed form, only to be told, I had to provide two copies of the form.  Surprise, in the entire building (and it is large) there are no copy machines available to the public.  Disheartened, I went back home.  I made my copy on the printer, and struck out again the next day.  Success!!!  The lady took my forms, stamped my copy and handed it back to me.  I should receive my Tax Certificate within 30 days via the mail. 

Spider Lilies at the Beach

I can't even begin to express how important this certificate is.  You need it for everything.  If and artist displays their work in a gallery, you have to have a tax certificate.  If you sell crafts at a school christmas craft fair, you have to have a certificate.  In fact, one of my friends didn't have a certificate.  She was selling some handmade items at a school bazaar.  Unfortunately, the tax police made an appearance and asked her for her Certificate.  She speaks no Spanish, and the police spoke no English.  When she failed to produce the tax cert. they promptly handcuffed her, and took her into the parking lot, and gave her a ticket with a fine of up to $5,000.00.  She was so upset, mortified in fact.  The end result was she hired a lawyer, spent the day at court, and wound up with nothing more than having to take some classes on how to do business in Puerto Rico.  The lesson to be learned here, get the tax certificate.  I cannot do any business until this arrives. 

Friends
Painted at Botanical Gardens in Rio Piedras

The next step will be to become a registered Artisan of Puerto Rico.  This allows me to sell my paintings as a legitmate Artist on the island.  To get this, I must make an appointment with the Puerto Rico Industrial Development Assoc. (PRIDA).  They typically will see people on Tuesday and Thursday.  There is very strict criteria to qualify as a local Artist.

First, I must be either a native of Puerto Rico, or a bona fide resident (I am a resident).  Next, the work must be done by hand and it must be inspired by life in Puerto Rico.  Things that qualify include the fauna, flora, symbols, people, life of Puerto Rico. 

Once I am granted an interview, I must submit 5 paintings, and go through an interview.  If I qualify I will be granted the certificate on the spot, if not, the interviewer must tell me what I need to do to improve my chances of becoming registered.  I am working on my Portfolio now - once completed, I will call and set the appointment. 

The paintings I have posted are the 5 I will be submitting for my interview.

Waves at Isla Verde

Other things I am working on include a 6-7 painting study of waves.  I have completed two of them and find them fun and challenging.  I think they will make a fantastic exhibition. 

Thats all the latest and the greatest from Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  Once I get my appointment, I will post how the entire process went, and whether or not I was successful in getting my certificate.  







dandelion card

Classic Brown 5x7 folded card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

A Day of Painting

El Morro as viewed from Isla de Cabra

The outting to Isla de Cabras was less than successful.  As soon as we got into the car to head out to the island, the skies got cloudy and the wind blew as if a hurricane were landing.  Not to be stopped, I got out all my supplies and set up for my first painting.  The wind was blowing so strongly, that before I could apply watercolor paint to my paper it would dry on my brush.  I am sure I looked like a performer from Cirque del Solel - pinning down my paper with one elbow, trying to keep my palette from blowing away with my foot, paint brushes in my mouth, water container in the other hand - yikes, not the best circumstances for painting. 

Old San Juan

The island itself is beautiful.  Just a quick history on Isla de Cabras - it is a small island, and in 1883 a small hospital was completed to house the local lepers, all 35 of them.  In 1926 a leper hospital was built more inland, and the in 1942 the US inaugerated Fort Amezquita which served as a military reserve in WW II. 
Since then, Isla de Cabras has been made a recreational park.  The hospital and fort still stand, but are in disrepair.  There is a small restuarant, picnic areas and bathrooms available.  Entrance into the park is 4.00 per car for parking, although this varies depending on who is working.  

Pelicans are abundant on Isla de Cabra

The area is very lovely, with fantastic views of El Morro, Old San Juan and large cargo ships going in and out of harbour.  What I found most fasinating were the pelicans, who spent the entire day flying, and diving for food. 





On Sunday, I went once again to Old San Juan, and got some great pictures of the Cristo Chapel in Palomas Park.  Hoping this week to get the sketches and photos into one well composed painting. 

Cristo Chapel by Palomas Parque

Also, did the drawing assignment for draw, sketch, doodle which was to draw something round.  Right now I am engrossed with waterdrops.  Such simple shapes and designs and so hard to realistically capture.  I also thought it would be fun to do my drawing on ATC 3 1/2 X 2 1/2.....I like working with the small sizes - not sure why, just find it fulfiling. 

Drops of Rain - graphite 3 1/2 x 2 1/2

That's it . . . this week, will be busy for me.  Water Color Society paint out on the beach on Wednesday, and then getting ready for a visit from my Stepdaughter for 10 days.  Hoping to get her involved with the Art adventure too, but will have to see. . .

Tis Spring - Flower Drawing Assignment . . .

Okay - so we don't really have seasonal change here . . . however, for those of us who live in Puerto Rico, we can tell the difference between Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall as slight as those differences might be. 

Since I really don't have a choice of tulips, crocus, snowdrops and daffodils, I drew the flower that is most readily accessible to me - the Orchid.  This was an enjoyable assignment - nice and easy and fun. 

I am looking forward to drawing and painting at Isla de Cabras - it is always a good day when you can get outside, enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, and hopefully I will get some great pictures drawn and sketched. 

Orchid - Graphite Pencil

New Drawings

I have been working on a couple of large pieces which aren't ready yet.  One is a close up shot of a pink rose. . . just haven't had the time to get much done.  I have also been creating lots of ATC's. . .

Yesterday did an exercise on value.  First I setup my model - which was an apple with only one light source.  I ended up loving this picture, and I think I am going to end up painting it in full color.  After taking several pictures and spending at least an hour editing my picture, I did a quick pencil sketch only trying to depict the value range of the apple.  I was looking for four values - light, medium light, medium dark, dark.  I started by laying in the medium light first, which pretty much dictated where the white would be.  Next I darkened up some of my shadows on the back of the apple and around the background, leaving the darkest value for the shadow behind the apple (the cast shadow). 

The next step was to do a monochromatic painting of the apple only trying to capture the value variances. 

My husband liked the pencil drawing better than the watercolor - but he is missing the point. . . the idea was to capture the darks and lights, and I think I accomplished that.  The last step of course will be to do a full drawing of the apple, relying on the picture, the sketch and of course the value painting.  .  .  more to come!  Firday it is off to Isla de Cabras (Goat Island) for painting. 

Back Again . . .

CASA BAVARIA

It has been a while since I have posted, but life has been hectic and crazy.  My hubby has had a severe case of shingles on his face and around his eye.  My life was consumed with being a caretaker, cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the dog.  Fortunately, he is much, much better and is returning to work tomorrow!!!!  He does still look a bit like Cuasimodo, but he is My Cuasimodo and I love him. 

View from the Restaurant

The weekend before Valentine's Day, my love wanted to take me out for a surprise.  So, we got into the car on a beautiful Saturday morning and headed into the mountains of Puerto Rico.  After about an hour drive we were in a small town called Morovis.  The bamboo covered road winds through the mountains, the views are spectacular.  All of a sudden, out of nowhere, a restuarant pops up, and we pull over. . . we have arrived at our destination.  CASA BAVARIA!!!  Thats right, a little taste of Europe right in the mountains of Puerto Rico. 

German/Puerto Rican Waitresses

The entire restaurant is setup into many levels of open patios, with a big tree growing in the middle of the all the levels.  All of the waitresses are dressed in dirndl dresses.  As far as food goes, there was a nice selection of German food and beer.  Carlos and I ended up eating Schnitzl and Roulade.  We bought big beer steins for 10.00 each and then filled them with import German beer for 2.00.  The portions were large and the food was excellent.  For those people not into German fare, the typical selections of Puerto Rican food is available.  Although Germany has many wonderful tarts and pasteries, Casa Bavaria was definitely lacking in the area of desseert, with the only option being Flan or Tres Leches (definitely neither are German.)  My suggestion, skip the dessert and spend the money on the beer mugs and beer!! 

Schnitzl and Roulade

After a long lunch, we drove on into the mountains of Orcovis, which just a wonderful, quaint artisian town.  It was a beautiful day, and I highly recommend visiting Casa Bavaria in Puerto Rico!!! 

Cheers

Rejection

First rejection is under my belt.  Submitted my work for a juried site, and received a response that "we feel that your work is not ready at this time."  Ouch. . .I requested specific feedback and finally received that today.
1.  Contrast and rendering:  Many of the pieces did not show a wide range of value.  The graphite work did, but not the colored pencil and watercolors. 
2.  Composition:  While the compositions were lovely, all the work felt very academic.  We would like to see you in your work. 
Double Ouch. 

Okay, so now for my rant about this evaluation......it is WATERCOLOR.  I happen to like the soft qualities of watercolor.  Does everything have to scream vivid colors?  and....please, please realize that work is first scanned then downloaded and then uploaded - yes, folks, some color quality is lost in the process. 
Academic quality of work . . . really, really?????   I am at a loss of words for that critque, but then who am I - obviously I have no judge or taste as far as "art composition" goes.  So, with that off of my chest - it is back to the drawing board. . . in every sense of the word. 
But, being one not to be deterred, I am going to now recreate my portfollio and in a month resubmit again.  Most likely the evaluation this time will say "colors are way to vivid and composition is too artificial."  Okay, okay - I know, "sour grapes." 
The plan is to do a study in color . . . going to be working with blue.
Went to Luquillo yesterday and got some great shots of waves, water, and sea.  I think a great place to start with the color "blue."

n

It's Over, but it has Only Just Begun!

Collage watercolor painting of Afraican Tulip and Elephant Ears

Well, it was a long week, but an exciting one!!!!  Judi Betts' exercises are extremely challenging and at the end of each day, I was exhausted.  However, I have gained much from the experience and feel that many of the lessons learned can be applied to my own work.  So, what did I learn?????

Technocolor Goat

Lesson 1:  Think outside of the box.  My drive for perfectionism, and realism have definitely created walls around my creativity.  Unfortunately, there are many, many artists that can paint very realistic and beautiful pictures.  The trick is to stay true to myself, yet stand apart from the rest - to acheive that you must think outside of the box and be unique.  My assignment from Judi - do the graphite drawing "Pain and Comfort" and make it more "flamboyant" - give it some "ump"....she gave me 2 months to get that done : )

Lesson 2:  Let your name be known.  I always scribble my name real small in the corner or along some object within my art to make my name "blend" into the picture.  Well, I want people to know my name and associate it with my work.  So from now on, my name goes nice and bold on the art I create. 

Ink and Watercolor 5 minute sketch of Michele

Lesson 3:  Draw, draw, draw - paint, paint, paint.  I am so worried about getting a piece right, or screwing another one up, sometimes I don't do anything at all due to not wanting to waster the paper or the paint.  Hey - it's only paper (yes, expensive paper, but paper never-the-less.)  I bought a really nice Art Journal, and I made myself draw in it.....and now, I find I am doing something in it all the time.  I sketch in it (good sketches and not so good sketches) I journal in it, jot down ideas, scribble colors I want to remember, glued my tickets from El Yunque painting expedition, did a collage on one page - it really has opened me up to creating something....and that is ADDICTIVE.  I want to draw and paint so often that it becomes as natural and easy as breathing . . . you just do it. 

A Page from my Art Journal depicting El Yunque Trip

I worked some more on the Variation of a checker board with the shells.  I ended up really darkening up the surrounding areas....and I am satisfied with the way this has turned out.  In fact it does have an abstract quality to it, and I would tell you in a heartbeat - I am not an abstract artist, but I really am pleased with this piece. 

Finished Abstract Shell with Variation of checker Board

We did another underpainting at El Yunque called Mingling.  Basically, you really wet your paper in random areas leaving 1/3 of the center white.  Then you put color on the page making sure that your paper is tilted, and you let the colors run and mingle together.  Once this has completely dried, you have your underpainting and are ready to put your subject matter on, as you would on a blank piece of paper.  Mingling created beautiful backgrounds for my work in El Yunque. 

Wild Ginger with Mingled Underpainting

Our last day was spent creating another type of underpainting which basically resembled quadrants on the page.  You run one line horizontally across your page (not in the center) and then add 2 or 3 horizontal lines to create uneven blocks.  The next step is applying very light colors in the blocks. . . either red, yellow, blue, green or orange (not purple, brown or grey).  For once - leave no white at all.  After this has dried you sketch in your subject matter.  Then the fun begins.  You paint over the color blocks, only using that color's compliment.  So, if you have a green block, you can only use red on it, if it is an orange block, you use blue on it etc......It absolutely helps to write what the base color is and it's complement along the margins of your paper.  I created two goat drawings using this method.  Both need some more work, and unfortunately, I painted over my goats tail, and still need to correct that....but the end result is pretty interesting. 


Goat on Rectangular Underpainting


It has been an intense week, but so invigorating and exciting.  Planning on going out on the beach on Sunday to do some sketching and drawing.  Until then - adios.

Watercolor Workshop with Judi Betts

Art Seminar with Judi Betts

Day one of the workshop is done, and I am having breakfast prior to leaving for class on day two.  The majority of the morning on the first day was taken up with introductions of Judi and of the participants in the seminar.  However, even then, I took some valuable lessons away with me. 

First, I am so starting my Art Journal.  When did these come into existence and where was I.  Each and every person in the class had an Art Journal, of course, I had to peek into a few.  Everything is in them; notes, pencil sketches, ink renderings, full blown watercolors, a picture, a dab of color.....I just love these. 

Judi told a story of when she was in Japan taking classes.  She was drawing the sky, and her instructor said, "yes, you drew the sky but, now draw the wind in the sky."  Interesting dilemma! 

Judi demonstrates

I have read many, many books on watercoloring, watercolor mixtures, paints etc.  and a resounding theme is to work with a limited palette.  The suggestion from Judi (and again, I have read these in several different books) is to have a palette of 9 colors with a possibility of 11.  So in other words work in "triads" - each triad being made up of one red, one blue and one yellow.  Any additional colors, should be attained from mixing those three colors together. 

The first triad is called the Desert Triad and it is made up of Yellow Ochre, Indian Red and Cerulean Blue this is also known as the "earthy triad".  The second triad is called Transparent Triad and uses Cobalt Blue, Rose Matter, and Aurelian Yellow. The last and final triad is called the Staining Triad and it has Windsor Red, Windsor Blue, and Windsor Yellow.  In addition to these 9 colors, you may also consider adding a Black, Cadimum Orange and Permanent or Brilliant Orange. 

Today, was spent learning the Variation on a Checkerboard underpainting.  In essence you place uneven, slanting vertical and Horizontal lines creating a different size squares on your paper.  Or you can place wavey slanting vertical and horizontal lines.  Once this is done, you must decide whether your painting will be a warm painting (think fire; red, orange, yellow) or cool painting (think water; blues and greens) or grey (made by mixing the colors of your triad.)  Once this is determined, you then begin filling some of the outlying square on your checkerboard, with variations of the colors you have chosen always staying within the range of the traid.  Judi suggested you should aim to never duplicate a color.  As you work the colors onto your paper, you should leave the center of your paper white, and only paint diagonal squares.  You end up with something that looks very "abstract."  You can see the "checkered pattern on my work below.

Remember:  Start Light and Save White (in fact, I think I should have done my underpainting a bit lighter.)

Once this process is completed to your satisfaction, and everything is completely dry, you then paint your main subject right onto this checkerboard pattern.  I decided to paint shells onto my Grey Checkerboard pattern.  My biggest problem with this right now, is that my "subject" is totally blending into my background.  Today, I will try darkening my background to make my shells "pop" out a little more, and then do some detail work on the shells.  Then I have to pick subject matter for the "warm" and "cool" squares I am painting. 



First Stages of Checkerboard Variation Underpainting

 I have really struggled using this technique, I found it difficult to put my subject right on top of something already painted, and I found I would get "lost" within my painting. However, in looking at the "potential" of the picture, I believe this technique is going to bring movement, energy into what would ordinarily be a relatively dull painting.  I am excited to continue exploring this style of painting. 

Cup of Java

Cup of Java

Assignment 3 - your favorite cup.  Naturally, my favorite cup was in the dishwasher, and the only cup available was a glass one....arrrgggghhhh.  So, I made myself a nice pot of coffee and tackled the task of drawing a glass mug filled with coffee sitting on a glass wicker table.  It turned out pretty good, I saw after I was done that my dimensions are off slightly on the top rim of the mug, but again, I can live with it.  I really felt it important to do the entire background this time, to captuer the feel of the glass and wicker table.  One of my weaknesses is backgrounds and composition. 

I love doing these drawing assignment, they are such great practice and really make you "see" whatever it is you are drawing. 

I had to finish this drawing tonight, as my week will be busy with a watercolor painting workshop I am participating in.  A week of intense painting, I figure I will be pretty wiped out by the end of the day.  Class goes from 9:30 until 3:30, and Wednesday we will be painting in the Rain Forrest - El Yunque.  I will be posting about the experience and uploading my finished works. 

Again, your feedback both good and back is welcomed and appreciated.