Painting Sunsets

I’m in the beginning stage of painting a lighthouse with a beautiful sunset backdrop. The inspiration for this piece came from a photo I found online and wanted to recreate this subject using acrylic paint. 

Where do I start? Was my question as I studied the photo. At times, I have to study other artist’s paintings or follow along with a YouTube tutorial. However, I decided to get started and see what happens. I began with painting the entire canvas a light yellow hue diluted with water. Then I preceded with painting the top portion of canvas with a pink (magenta) tone mixed with white. The bottom portion I used a darker pink tone mixed with crimson red, orange, magenta and white. I did not gradient the paint in with the yellow because I waited too long since it had dried. 

Next, I used a mixture of crimson red, orange, magenta ultramarine blue and white until I was satisfied with the color for sky. When I begin a painting project on my own without help from a tutorial I often make many mistakes and try and learn from them. That is what I call a working experience or just plain luck if my subject turns out.

For the center color I use raw umber, ultramarine blue, crimson red, orange and white. Basically, the same colors I used for the sky but added more raw umber to create the land stretched across the center of the canvas.

The fun and most challenging part of a painting is when it’s time to blend or get rid of hard edges. This helps create a more realistic sky. This takes practice and after 20 years I still have issues. Recently, I purchased a mop brush to help with this technique and find it does help. Learning how to paint is the “why” I love most. It also is satisfying when a painting takes on a life of its own. 

Lastly, I use a cut out shape of the lighthouse to see where I will eventually paint my main character. It helps me see visually instead of instinctively knowing where to place this shape. That way I don’t begin painting and say, “whoops”; it doesn’t look right and then paint over my error. 

I will post more photos when I get further into this painting. 

Sunset Cruisen

Living near the Mississippi River, you're treated to an endless variety of sunsets—each one unique and fleeting. Capturing the perfect sunset with the ideal subject, like a paddleboat, feels nearly impossible unless you have a camera ready to shoot at just the right moment, every evening.

This painting was inspired by a photo taken by an unknown photographer, someone whose work I would love to credit if only I knew who they were.

 

Tortoiseshell Cat

When starting an animal portrait, my process begins with selecting reference photos that clearly capture the pet's unique expression, particularly focusing on the light and emotion reflected in their eyes. While fur texture is important, I believe the essence of the pet is conveyed primarily through their eyes and facial expression, which helps owners immediately recognize their beloved companion in the artwork. I decided to incorporate a green background to accentuate the pet’s eye color, creating a balanced and harmonious composition that draws the viewer’s focus to the most expressive features.

Santa Silhouette

As Fall approaches, I start seeking out Christmas inspired subjects like the one below.

I use bluish-purple tones on one side, balanced by a soft salmon-pink hue on the other, to create glowing undertones reminiscent of moonlight. Adding subtle touches of the pinkish tone throughout brings harmony and intrigue to the composition. For the finishing touch, I add a silhouette of Santa and all of his reindeer. 

 

Haunting Hollow Eve

Painting seasonal themes, especially those featuring spooky characters like 'Pumpkin Man' and his eerie sidekicks, can be incredibly fun. Using blue monochromatic tones set a haunting mood, while bursts of complementary orange, along with accents of lime green, light blue, warm yellow, and hints of red, create striking contrast and vibrant focal points. This interplay of colors adds both tension and depth, bringing the characters to life in an unsettling yet captivating way.

 

 

A Reflective Journey

“Sometimes, when life feels monochromatic, it's time to walk along rainbow-colored hills. With the sun warming my face and moonlight guiding my side, I speed down a golden path of youthful freedom until it narrows, slowing my pace along a silver-lined trail. A gleaming forest in the distance—my sanctuary, my valley of rolling hills—urges

me forward, preparing me for the climb to a tall mountain's peak. There, I stand, reflecting on the beauty and challenges of the journey, grateful for the path that led me to this moment.”

When I began the sketch of what would later become this painting. I wanted to create a social commentary art piece. My thoughts were to show a timeline through rolling hills and valleys. Placing elements using various of events that resonate with me from the early 1960’s until now (2024). When my sketches did not illustrate what I wanted. Then I continued on with the rolling hills and added interesting colors. Afterwards it hit me, what I had been unconsciously thinking while painting. The beginning of life and the hills and valleys along the way. 

 

Haunting Hues of Autumn

Halloween and fall are my favorite times of the year. The crisp air, the scent of autumn leaves, and the festive decorations all contribute to a magical atmosphere. One of the most inspiring aspects of this season is the vibrant palette of colors. The bright hues of orange, gold, rust, red, and purple create a stunning display that I love to capture in my paintings.

When I began this particular painting in acrylic, I opted for a monochromatic style. Initially, I thought the shades of blue would evoke more of an eerie essence. However, as I stepped back to evaluate my work, I realized that the blues felt dull and lacked the vibrancy I associate with Halloween. The painting didn't convey the energy that I wanted.

So, I decided to make a change. I started introducing more intense and varied colors, layering rich oranges, deep reds, and warm yellows over the blue base. This transformation brought the painting to life, adding depth and interest. The new colors captured the substance of the season much better, reflecting the dynamic and lively haunting spirit of autumn.

This process highlighted the importance of flexibility and creativity in art. Often, initial ideas don't go as planned, but with experimentation and boldness, they can transform into something more captivating. Each setback became a chance to learn and grow, encouraging me to explore new techniques and perspectives.