Paint-Along-YouTube

This painting was created with help from an YouTube tutorial. Link: Y.V.N Art. 

Viktor Yushkevich Nikolavich's instructional video struck me as remarkably comprehensive, delving into slightly more advanced techniques than I'm accustomed to. Yet, I found myself enamored with his video production. His use of various angles coupled with music, rather than voice over, was a refreshing departure from the norm.

Upon completing my painting, I was pleasantly taken aback by the results. However, Viktor's prowess as an artist is undeniable. It's evident that reaching his level will require relentless practice and dedication on my part. His repertoire of nature tutorials is extensive, each one holding the promise of endless inspiration and learning opportunities.

 

Art Projector: The Good, Bad, and Helpful

In my artistic journey, I've evolved from doodling on paper to using digital tools like Procreate on my tablet for sketching, painting, and even animating. While digital is useful, I prefer painting with a brush and drawing with charcoal. But sometimes the subjects are too difficult for me to render proportionality. 

When seeking inspiration for my artwork, I often browse online or revisit past photos. For landscapes, I might start with a quick charcoal outline, while for portraits or complex subjects requiring precision, I turn to tracing paper or a projector to ensure accuracy. While some artists find the grid method effective, it hasn't quite clicked for me.

Navigating the ethical boundaries of art can be challenging, especially for beginners. Copying another artist's work is not only unethically bad but also runs the risk of infringing on copyright laws. However, I once recreated a painting from a stock wallpaper and screensaver ad. Despite my efforts to locate the original artist, I couldn't find any information. I did not sell the painting but used it as a learning exercise, aiming to match the colors and shading. It was akin to a paint-by-numbers experience, albeit with more freedom. The vibrant piece now hangs in my grandkids' bedroom, adding color to their space and serving as a testament to my growth as an artist.

 

Sky! There Are No Limits

Capturing the essence of a sky through painting proves to be a challenging endeavor. Despite my attempts at rendering simple and vibrant skies, I find myself falling short of truly encapsulating the vastness and beauty of what lies above. These attempts stem from photographs taken during my vacations.

One of the joys of painting lies in the freedom to embellish or simplify elements as desired. For instance, in the piece below, I introduced a surfer absent from the original photo. It's essential to seek reference images to grasp perspective accurately. However, translating this perspective onto canvas can sometimes prove daunting, yet the endeavor is always worthwhile.

Persistence and dedication form the backbone of painting. It's through continual practice and unwavering perseverance that one hones their craft.

 

Sunrise And Sunset: Discovery Of Living

Morning rituals for some are as simple as getting up before the rooster chokes out his wake-up call. Fumbling for the Folgers, I pull open the lid and heap coffee grounds into the filter. Coffee percolating fills the air with the aroma of a fresh brew. I grab the curtains and tug them open, exposing the dark night sky. Waiting and watching, holding and sipping, looking out across the landscape to glimpse that first ray of light to beam down from the heavens as to paint the sky a glorious shades of pinks, orange, and purples.

Sunrise over Chicago 

Sunrise over Lake Egypt, IL

In an ideal world, that would be a nice way of waking up. Instead, nightmares plague my slumbered thoughts, slashing around as the blankets wrap me up like a mummy. Feeling confined, I bolt out of bed and begin what feels like a wretched day lacking sleep.

Having lived with depression for many years, I find that dark thoughts mainly visit late at night. However, my most creative ideas are born during those hours. Even though ideas manifest from those tumultuous states, I still needed another way to cope. In the late, 90’s and 2000’s I sought professional help. I tried counseling here and there with different practitioners to help reduce my anxiety. Most prescribed pills and group therapy, but none of it help; in fact, I thought it made it worse.

Sunset along a beach in Panama City, FL

Around that same time, I was contemplating college. As a middle-aged woman going back to school, it was a struggle for sure. However, I loved the routine and being around youth with their creative minds. One course I remember, composition class, required us to journal every day for a grade. Initially, my reaction to journaling was negative, and I thought it was a waste of time.

After several weeks of writing in the damn journal, I began to notice my anxiety diminishing and creativity increasing. I actually looked forward to the classroom journal sessions. Once in a while, we had to read our meanderings aloud to the class, which I loathed, but it was part of the grade.

By the end of the school year, I felt remarkably better and had gleaned a wealth of knowledge over the span of two years, learning not only academic subjects but also more about myself. It was a transformative journey, brimming with a renewed sense of achievement, perspective, and gratitude.

In closing; the metaphor of sunrise and sunset for living encapsulates the cyclical nature of life. Sunrise represents new beginnings, hope, and rejuvenation—a fresh start with each dawn. Sunset, on the other hand, symbolizes closure, reflection, and the passing of time—a moment to pause and appreciate the day's experiences before preparing for the next chapter. Together, they illustrate life's continual journey of growth, change, and revitalization. And a vast ray of creative inspirations.

Sunset in my hometown of Quad Cities, IL

One of my favorite pastimes is to capture the magical moments when nature paints the sky. 

 

Feeding Frenzy

Here is another example illustrating when a painting veers off course. If you're new to my blog, you might not fully grasp what I mean.

Whenever I find myself working on a project that isn't progressing well due to either a lack of understanding of the subject or simply not connecting with the project, I opt for a complete transformation.

For example; this transformation could involve changing the subject, adjusting the color scheme, experimenting with new techniques, or adding unconventional elements to the painting. As seen in the pre-finished piece below.

By the time I finish the painting, the original subject has usually undergone significant changes. While occasionally these alterations result in a better outcome, most of the time they end up in my collection of misfits.

The original concept was to be of a calm oceanscape.

The pre-finished piece turned into an illustration

 of surfers entering a shark infested feeding frenzy.

Beginning of beach painting 

Plotting and planning phase 

Planning phase not going as planned 

Changes begin in background and sky

Sea foam and wave splash not working out 

Watch out surfers the feeding frenzy begins 

 

Lavender Fields

Art tutorial by John Magne Lisondra is what I followed to paint the subject pictured. I found his tutorials easy to follow and apply. I also liked his no nonsense way of mixing pigments using only 5 colors including the primary of red, yellow, blue, also burnt umber, black and white. 

The tutorial link for this painting. Lavender Fields by John Magne Lisondra

This is my first painting after following along with John Magne Lisondra tutorial 

Screenshot of tutorial showing palette and painting simultaneously 

Blocking in color 

My second attempt 

Plein Air Painting: Wildcat Den State Park

Plein air painting, the art of capturing outdoor scenes on canvas, became an unforgettable experience during a visit to Wildcat Den State Park in 2003. Despite lacking equipment, a friend provided essential gear like the French easel and umbrella for sun protection, enabling us to explore the rugged terrain.

Armed with paint packs, paper towels, and garbage bags, we embarked on a creative journey amidst the park's breathtaking landscapes.

For nature enthusiasts traveling through Iowa, a visit to Wildcat  Den Park is a must. Tucked away alongside corn fields, this hidden gem offers a unique experience in the heartland.

Scan the QR code below to access the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website and plan your own plein air adventure in this hidden gem of nature's beauty.

 

Plein air painting 

Pine Creek Grist Mill

Short video clip of landscape near park. 

Unfortunately, I was not able to capture more before dropping my camera.

Hiking along rock formations

Discover the beautiful tranquility of nature

Unique rock formations.
A profile of a face nature carved from the earth.

Plein air set up 

Oil painting of the Grist Mill in Wild Cat Den Park 

 

Building Bridges

Residing in the heart of Illinois, nestled alongside the majestic flow of the Mississippi River, I've been privileged to call this vibrant region home for the majority of my life. Among its defining features are the bridges that connect us with neighboring Iowa, providing vital arteries for travel and commerce. While two main bridges serve as primary conduits between our states, the landscape is dotted with three additional bridges, offering diverse pathways for crossing into Iowa's embrace.

Having been a part of this community for years, I've found myself drawn to these architectural marvels, capturing their essence through my lens and immortalizing their grandeur in a series of paintings, a selection of which is showcased below. One significant event that unfolded in recent memory was the poignant spectacle of the former I-74 bridge being dismantled in 2023/24, making way for the construction of a new, modern span that now stands as a testament to progress and resilience.

Amidst the backdrop of these engineering feats, the surrounding wildlife flourishes, providing endless inspiration and delight for my artistic endeavors. From the graceful flight of birds to the playful antics of river otters, the natural world teems with life, offering a rich tapestry of subjects to photograph and paint. In this corner of the world, where man-made structures harmonize with the beauty of nature, every moment is an opportunity to capture the essence of our dynamic surroundings.

Former Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge
also known as Twin Bridges (I-74)

Building new I-74 bridge alongside former bridge

 Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge
also known as Mississippi River Bridge (I-80)

Centennial Bridge also known as
Master Sargeant Stanley W Talbot Memorial Bridge

 

Guiding Lights: The Symbolism of Lighthouses in Art and Life

The lighthouses depicted below have undergone various transformations over the past decade, each stroke of paint telling a unique story for its respective clients. As an admirer of the renowned artist Thomas Kinkade, I find his works to be a wellspring of inspiration, aspiring for my own creations to capture even a fraction of their magnificence. These iconic cylindrical structures stand not just as architectural marvels but as potent symbols of hope, resilience, and unwavering strength. Their steadfast beacons of light pierce through the darkness, guiding weary sailors to safe harbors amidst turbulent seas.

In the broader scope of life, the allure of the lighthouse extends far beyond its maritime context, resonating deeply with individuals on a personal level. Much like the steadfast presence of these towering structures, the symbolism of hope and perseverance they embody can serve as guiding lights through life's tumultuous journeys. May we all find solace and inspiration in the unwavering glow of our own internal lighthouses, illuminating our paths towards brighter horizons.

 

Birds Of A Different Feather

When I was a child, birds held a captivating allure for me, particularly after witnessing Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." The film depicts a tranquil town besieged by wild birds, leaving an indelible mark on my psyche, simultaneously instilling both fear and fascination.

Did you know that Birding is a cherished pastime for many? It involves the joy of observing, studying, and documenting avian species in their natural habitats.

In my artistic pursuits, birds initially captivated me as subjects before landscapes took precedence. However, I found myself hesitant to delve into the intricate details of feathers, fearing it might detract from the therapeutic nature of painting. After all, art should be a source of solace, not stress.

In my view, the finest bird portraits are those rendered in silhouette, where minimal detail allows for a captivating simplicity.