One Artist's Journey

Abstract #4" - 12" x 12" Acrylic and colored pencil on Masonite - $150

These were really fun to do. I scribbled the lines and then filled in the color with paint that was still on my pallet.

I had a really fun way of painting with gesso while I was in school. I would paint color and then come in with gesso to make the color go farther. I remember when it started. Actually the first time I used it, I was painting over some pencil lines. It would grab a little graphite and shade the areas I wanted white. I like the effect and used it. Then before I knew it, I started adding a little color with the gesso and the rest is history.

Abstract #5" - 12" x 12" Acrylic and colored pencil on Masonite - $150

Abstract #3" - 12" x 12" Acrylic and colored pencil on Masonite - $150

After working on the “Dwellings” piece, I had primed boards and paint on my pallet, so I started working on a few abstract pieces. They went really quick and were very fun to do. The last one still needs to be reworked a bit, but I worked fast and got them done. If this week is going to be busy for me, that is great that I can get a little bit ahead.

Gessoed a few more boards tonight. I got a half gallon of Liquitex “Basics” gesso. I didn’t pay attention to the “Basics” and the gesso doesn’t really cover in one coat, so I am doing two coats of gesso on the panels and it gives it a kind of a linen texture which is nice when doing dry brush. It shows that texture.

"Dwellings Series #1" - 14" x 11" Acrylic and colored pencil on canvas board - $100

Went shopping today.

Went to Barnes and Noble and got an ARTnews magazine. Paid $6 so I can subscribe for $20 and get a whole year. I should have just take the subscription card! Oh well, it gives me something to read in the bathroom.

Then I saw another book, Expressive Drawing: A Practical Guide to Freeing the Artist Within by Steven Aimone and just had to get it. I am going to use his lessons in the book as my assignments and perhaps that will get me rolling. I owe Christina a new pair of pants now because this wasn’t on my shopping list.

Then I went to Michael’s and they were having a sale. 40% off stretched canvas. I almost bought armloads of them but then reminded myself, I paint to roughly to use stretched canvas. And besides, I don’t have that kind of money. You know, starving artist and all. I ended up with some woodless pencils, woodless color pencils and watercolor pencils. And a few of those canvas panel boards to get started with. I plan to get some masonite because it is cheaper and I can cut a bunch out of a 4′ x 8′ piece.

It is a 30 minute drive for me to go shopping, so I looked online and found a place called Dick Blick Art Supplies. They sell art supplies and will pay your shipping if your order is big enough. I haven’t compared prices yet, but it looks like they have some pretty good specials. If you want to check them out, you can here.

I went to Lowe’s to get the masonite or “hard board.” $12 bucks for 4′ x 8′ piece. I got two and had the guy chop them up into managable pieces that would fit in my car. I don’t know what sizes I will chop them up into when I get home. I guess I should look at standard frame sizes, so I don’t make it too hard for my customers and force them to get custom frames.

Got home and started painting. First time in years. It is slowly coming back to me, all the techniques I used in college. I really like some of what I did back then and I will try and incorporate that into what I am doing now. I will let you know how it goes.

My first piece is of a village in Italy. I am going to do houses for a while, using the forms in the house as shapes for an abstracted piece. What do you think of “Dwelling 1?” Please comment below. I would love to hear from you.

My "store room" studio

I cleaned out the studio today. Before today, the studio was known as the “storage room.” You can imagine what it looked like. It isn’t a large space, but it was filled waist high with camping equipment, old business magazines, several years taxes, odds and ends from working on our house and a lot of tools.

Three big trash bags and some creative storage techniques (in other rooms in the house) later, I have a studio. It used to be my office at one time, so it has a counter and shelves, so I think it will work out well.

I unloaded my art box and was surprised at the supplies I do and don’t have. Hmmm. I will have to go shopping tomorrow. And since this isn’t a money making venture yet, I will have to be careful and not spend a lot of money getting this show on the road.

I really should have taken a “before” picture, but alas, I didn’t. Here is what it looks like now, though.