From Photo to Painting

Doing a detailed value sketch is a great way to start a the painting process.  It is the time to can work out any design problems, simplify and study the value patterns.  Here is one of the little paintings that I did from my recent trip to Italy.  The value sketch and watercolor painting were done in my little moleskin watercolor journal:

Value Sketch using a soft pencil

This is a tracing of my value sketch done on tracing paper so that I did not have to redraw it for my watercolor painting

Final Painting in my Moleskin Journal

This is the Photo that Inspired my Sketch and Painting

Happy to Announce...

My painting, Staying Afloat, was accepted into the Watercolor Society of Oregon’s 47^th Annual Transparent Watercolor Show.  The juror, Chris Van Winkle, chose 80 paintings from 268 entries.  The show opening will be held at the Resort at the Mountain, Welches, OR on Oct. 6 and the paintings will be on display until Oct. 26, 2012.  

The inspiration for Staying Afloat came from a photo I took of a tree draped with lobster buoys on the quaint island of Isle au Haut, Maine.  The island, which is part of Acadia National Park, is only accessible by boat.  The buoy tree is located near the Town Landing where the ferryboat docks and is a colorful, welcoming site.  The buoy tree is much like the shoe trees that have spread along Oregon’s highways and beyond but I think the lobster buoys are more lively and charming than the shoes and thought it would be a fun subject to paint.

New Local Classes

Here are the classes that I am teaching locally in Bend, Oregon this fall:

NEW CLASSES at Tumalo Art Work in Downtown Tumalo (Bend, Oregon) - Call 541-706-9025 to sign up

Watercolor Toolbox: Sept. 21, 28, Oct. 5, 12, 2012.  1:00 - 4:00 pm.  This class is for beginners only.  We will cover lots of information and make some fun watercolor studies that will get you started on your artistic journey!

The Elements of Design: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 2012.  1-00 - 4:00 pm.  Are you a value painter or a shape maker?  What kind of painter are you?  Take your paintings to the next level by discovering your painting style during this fun series of classes by exploring the different elements of design.  Some experience helpful.

Doodling as an ART Form:  Oct. 4, 11, 2012.  6:00 - 9:00 pm.  Learn to use markers, different papers and various designs to create interesting journaling pages

Trip to Provence, France:  MAY 2013  - full, waitlist only
This is the perfect time of year to catch the beautiful red fields of poppies gracing the countryside of Provence.  Let me know if you are interested in this painting trip.  

Views of Italy

Ponto Rialto, Venice

Hiking in the Dolomites

Self-Portrait

New Friends

How far to the next plate of cheese & sausage

Italy, Every Corner Inspires a Painting

We are having a wonderful time in Italy, exploring, hiking, eating good food and drinking good wine!  I are now in the Dolomite Mountains and hiking everyday.  I have found very little time to paint but have so many photos can be used later.  Here is one painting I did get started of the vineyard view from our bedroom window at a little B&B high in the foothills of Northern Italy.

Second Morning in Italy - I couldn't sleep so I started this painting

Finished Painting of the Italian Vineyard, View from my Window