Color studies made me pull out this portrait of Lolita, (not her real name, but it fits the come hither look in this eleven year old's eyes). The under painting was laid in. The values were wrong. In an hour, armed with my new understanding of oil color saturations, I brought her up to where she should be using Vianna Szabo's premise that fewer colors are needed as long as they derive from the three primaries. For Lolita, I chose four colors--Cad. Yel. Med.; Cad Red Med; Red Oxide; Ultrmarine Blue. For black I mixed the blue, the red oxide and a bit of cad red med. For the white, I stuck with Frake White. Unlike Schmid, I don't count white and "black" as palette colors. They are common denominators for making harmonious tints and shades from basic hues. The hour or so I spent last week making Schmid's color chart was--now wait for it--VALUABLE! :-))
0THER NEWS: I DID IT! I entered the Michigan Artist Competion. I decided it was time to collect my first late-in-life rejection slip, but at the same time let the art crowd know there's a new wannabe in town. The prize is 5 k and would buy a lot of supplies, but the odds of winning are like the lottery, a zillion to one. Only two entries are allowed for a fee of $40. When I get the rejection notice, I'll chalk that off as another charitable contribution to the arts. I entered
Cake Shop and Cherry Torte, two of my pastry paintings. I figured what the hell, landscapes, flowers, portraits, abstractions will be in abundance, cakes and tortes will not. The difference may make the difference? Variety is the spice of life.
Well done, and good luck. The painting are truly outstanding, classy. You get my vote. I think you have the right idea in going for something completely different. My guess is you will blow their minds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the atta boy Sharon. We'll see what we will see. Dues must be paid, but I'm willing. And if I continue to follow this path, I have to shut up about areas in which I lack skills. Acrylics isn't one of them. Oils are a different story--particularly when aiming for a gestural style. I am enjoying educating myself though.
DeleteI love the painting of the young girl. She does look pleased with herself...you caught that! I have every confidence that you'll get one or both of those sweet paintings into the competition. The are both fresh and enticing!
ReplyDeleteI would fall over from shock, but thanks Celeste. --Yes Miss Bess does have a look in her eye that is intended to charm. It did me. I am glad I caught it. Now to finish the painting as I'd like it to be: not as stiff as the guys.
DeleteYour portrait is stunning! I really love it- her eyes are glorious and the name Lolita is perfect.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you took the chance and entered your two paintings. They are superb and I think you are a total winner!
I've signed up again for your email updates using another email address. Third times the charm. Fingers crossed.
I understand email problems, but what we don't understand is why Ellis can only book outgoing flights online at Delta and not homecoming flights after years of doing that via Google. He complained to the airline and they said it was his computer's fault. Eventually, we learned it was Google's fault, for he had no trouble with Firefox. These are the petty aggravations of life. What would we do without them? Paint of course. Thanks Pam for the attaboy. I would be shocked if I got accepted and a bit miffed. I'd lose a loved painting on my wall and /or would have to go to the expense of framing the other. I don't know what is making me do these things?
DeleteI feel so happy that you entered these beauties in the show! They are most definitely going to make an impact - and wouldn't it be wonderful if you won a prize?! I think it is a grand possibility and I wish you the very best!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I run hot and cold on shows. I enjoyed entering and competing for several years then lost interest and took a hiatus for about two years. Now, once again, for reasons unclear to me, I have re-entered the fray.
I am crossing my fingers, I hope you get in. I like those paintings, especially the square one with the big cakes. Would love to see it in person or in a better photograph, I know the pictures doesn't do them justice.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you paint portraits Linda. As for the contest, I sure hope the jury falls in love with your delicate pastries. They lookrery appetizing. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHappy to read you entered these two paintings in a competition. I love them both, and I wish you the best!!! DON'T start counting your rejection slips now - the pastries are different, so beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteKathryn.