Painting a portrait with only one color
For today’s class, we had to bring in a picture of someone. Anyone. We had to paint a portrait of the picture using only one color — burnt umber. Read More
Learning to paint the human figure is hard work, but I’m up for the challenge
The 2016 fall semester has begun. I’ve been waiting for this day!
My one class this semester is Intermediate Painting. The focus will be on the figure. I love painting or rather, trying to paint, people. Read More
Where two colors meet: That’s where all the action is
Our assignment:
Make two identical compositions, each at least 10″ x 12″. Use the exact same colors in both compositions. You want to have clear foreground shapes and clear background shape. Read More
I never realized how much influence one color could have over others
I’m learning so much in the Color Theory class I’m taking this semester. The instructor is Jim Flahaven at the University of Southern Maine. These images are from an assignment designed to help us better understand simultaneous contrast. Read More
84 shades of gray: Exciting, beautiful, rich and yes, lusty shades of gray!
I spent a lazy Sunday mixing shades of gray. And you thought this was going to be an erotic post!
There is something sensual about playing with paint, I think. Read More
The final drawings: Building on our own momentum
As usual, it’s hard to believe another semester has whizzed by. We exhibited our final drawing projects at an open studio reception, which was fun.
I was blown away by the work my fellow students did, so decided to focus on some of their projects instead of mine. These are images from the reception and some excerpts from interviews I did that night. Read More
Learning to be an artist. Making progress and works in progress
On the way to class the other day, I passed a much younger fellow student on the opposite side of the street. He called out, “Hey Diane, how’s it going? On your way to painting class?” He mentioned seeing my fractured self-portrait on Facebook and how much he liked it and I said I also liked the work he’d been doing lately. Read More
It’s right on the tip of our pens
No commentary with this post. Pictures only. Exquisite little pen and ink drawings that we did in our Drawing: Media and Strategies class with Michael Shaughnessy. Read More
How to be inspired by apple trees and abstract art
En plein air. A French expression that means “in the open air.” A plein air painting is done outdoors. Read More
Learning to understand the value of values in a painting
This picture was taken a year ago at my daughter’s wedding. It was supposed to be outside, only it rained. She was a beautiful bride. Don’t you love the boots!
I want you to squint your eyes when you look at the picture, What do you see? A blur of shapes? Keep squinting and you should notice that some of the shapes are dark and some are light. Read More