Evolution of an Artist #3...So now I'm technically coming together through practice and persistence.  My creative passion is still the gas that runs this engine!  I have to tell you, making art is sometimes delightfully messy and surprising.  I think of that as playtime.  
Where I am  taking myself is where the Masters have been:   working with the basic elements of art, before their genius  expands and creates masterpieces! 
Now, I am nowhere near the genius expansion part of this story,  but I am enriching my understanding and working knowledge of values, color, shapes and  line work.  I navigate creatively towards my painting's focal point and compose compelling designs using texture and form.
Whew.  
When many of these elements are utilizes by the artist,  the viewer is led into the painting and expertly guided their way to the focal point relaying the story, emotion, or meaning to the viewer.  Art that moves people.  Art that makes a difference.  This, by the way, is the secret sauce all artists desire.
Talking about the Masters makes me a little nervous showing my paintings but images make good teachers.

​The color temperature is predominantly cool with a warm  focus in the chairs.  The dark values make interesting shadows and curious background. Look at all those circles and swirls.  The green is enough interesting color to indicate old iron and strength.
Shapes, value, and form.

​Who doesn't think old fashion Christmas?
This composition has heaviness on top following the dark line down the right to the last vertical bell...and look, those two twines take your eye right back into the painting.  Blue and orange are complimentary colors which are strong and soothing.
Color, shape, and movement.

The dark and light values in the pinecone and diagonal branch give a strong presence on front of the pale blue sky.  Look at the shadows lines on the pinecone, interesting, yes?  Lots of line work in this painting yet the sky gives plenty of space for the eyes to rest.  Line, texture, and value.

​Next week I'll have a beautiful technique to show and tell you about, Painting with Pours.  When you pull it off you are blessed with incredible paintings.

Thank you for your continued interest.
Patrice
www.patricecameronart.com

Evolution of an Artist #2How do I create a painting?  Do I go into the studio, gather my supplies, and begin?  No.
My projects start with:   a need...whether to learn, to experience, to explore. I spent two and a half years painting feather, fur, and wood subjects, mainly because I wanted a realistic look on birds and animals and wasn't sure how to paint these.  It was a fun time.

I plan my paintings with a value sketch and pay attention to where I "would like" my light values to be...I say this this because watercolor painting has a mind of it's own and no matter how skillfully I plan...well, it's doesn't always happen.  I DO know that without a plan I would get inconsistent and uncontrolled outcomes.  Okay:  I'm a control freak. I've said it!  
Take a look at some of my planning sketches for a better idea of what I'm talking about.

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Here's an example of taking a photo (I still don't know what that interesting piece of Hawaiian wood is called), adding a  bird focal point, and adjusting values to make it view better.  I plan all this up front so when I start to paint, I can paint deliberately.  You like?

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I wanted to paint four different seasons of birds and designed the backgrounds all to be somewhat consistent, thinking this would tie them all together.  The bird is the focal point and I planned the values accordingly.

So planning is a strong tool in my artistic arsenal.  At this point I was becoming more confidant in my watercolor skills. 
Next week I'll show and tell you about adding more elements of art into  my paintings.  Hmmm.... what's that?
Thank you for your continued interest.
Patrice

Drawing, drawing, drawing....am forever seeing, studying, and drawing.  This is the basis of how I create.  Some artists dream and incorporate those images into their art.  Some paint images so often in their work they can access these and alter their own creative ideas.  Early on I would draw and paint what I saw with personal focus on realism.  You can see how my animal sketches progressed into miniature paintings.
Back then, as now, it didn't matter how many times I would get to a certain point then mess up and start over.  Would study the area and practice before attempting again.In this manner I would teach myself how to paint.  Eventually I would acquire a certain expertise then move onto something more challenging again.  You'll see that in next week's newsletter.
So at this point I acknowledge that patience and consistent practice is necessary to progress.  My piano is looking at me from across the room!  Oh dear.

Thank you for your continued interest.

Patrice
www.patricecameronart.com