Art Blog - What Makes A Painting Work

Robins must be one of the best loved birds. They find their way into our folklore, into our songs, and into our hearts. They also find their way into our art. I'm happy enough with the result that I've given some thought to why it works so well. It think the greatest strength in this little watercolor is the way the bird's bright eye provides an exact focal point for the painting. This is a gift from nature, where close observation shows that the eye is surrounded by a thin white edge. The glossy surface of the eye reflects light to provide a white pinpoint in the center of the black eye. Notice that the white flower in the background is muted and is surrounded by a medium value green so that it does not distract from the focal point… Continue reading… 2 comments

Celebrating What You Value via Your Art Ideas are everywhere. You can't begin to paint all of the paintings that are lined up_no, they are pushing and shoving one another-- for your attention. Except, sometimes... Some days the inspiration center wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. You are caught in doom and gloom and a drab landscape of the mind, the creative side of your is just grousing around. In other aspects of life when caught in such a mood, it helps to act like a happy energetic person. Behavioral scientists tell us that when we act happy we are more likely to become happy. When we behave with energy we create energy. The brisk walk, the run, the dance session, energize instead of exhausting us. Uninspired? Act inspired… Continue reading… 2 comments

"Nothing but blue skies from now on," is marvelous as a song lyric or as a description of perfect vacation weather, but rather risky as a painting strategy. Solid blue skies shout. They make statements. They take over. Avoid them as you would avoid a pushy but boring guest at a social gathering. Skies can add to the harmony of a composition. Color and pattern are both important. When you look at sky in a photograph taken on a clear day, it presents a rather solid even blue. The real skies overhead send all matter of colors bouncing back at your eyes. Thus skies can benefit from touches of other colors in the palette that you use for that particular painting… Continue reading… 2 comments