Alaska

Alaska, embraced by deep blue seas and towering, majestic mountains. Out on the water, fishing for clusters of salmon or halibut to sell at market. A solitary painter contemplates a planet squandering its beauty, losing sight of the abundance that surrounds us.

Stock Photo

The sea sustains both you and me, yet commercial enterprises act as scavengers, encroaching upon our escape. Alaska, reveal your beauty to me, and let the sea's creatures roam freely. May they explore without succumbing to conventional captivity and capitalism.

Completed Painting

My parents traveled to Alaska almost every year for nearly three decades. My mother took numerous beautiful photographs during their visits. The photo below is not hers but from a stock collection. I was particularly captivated by the varied shades of green on the mountainside and the light blue ocean below, accentuated by the subtle glow of red from the buoy trailing behind.

Blocking 

Adding details

 

Pool Oasis Awaits

In the quiet hush of morning's embrace,

Where sunlight dances upon gentle waves,

A pool awaits with its inviting grace,

A canvas of serenity it bravely engraves.

Teal waters shimmer, a radiant hue,

Reflecting the sky with a soft, glimmering glow,

Surrounded by foliage, lush and true,

Nature's embrace, a tranquil tableau.

Roses bloom with colors so vivid and bright,

Their fragrance whispers in the soft summer air,

Adding a touch of romance to the sight,

A garden of dreams, beyond compare.

In this painting of peace, where time slows its pace,

A cherished retreat, a haven so sweet,

Each stroke tells a story, each detail a trace,

Of the beauty and solace that make life complete.

Photo

Painting

 

Aspen Landscape On 3

This artwork was crafted using acrylic paint on three separate 12”x 24” canvases, all painted concurrently to ensure a harmonious color scheme across each panel. The process of working on them simultaneously added to the cohesive unity of the piece.

Engaging in this project was particularly enjoyable, and upon completion, the artwork was gifted to a cherished family member. The choice of acrylics allowed for vibrant colors and a dynamic texture that enhanced the overall visual impact of the piece. Each canvas was thoughtfully approached to maintain a seamless flow of color and theme across the triptych.

In a secluded valley nestled between towering peaks, a pristine wilderness unfolded like a painting on canvas. Along the trailhead, golden Aspen trees stood sentinel, their leaves shimmering in the morning light. Beyond them, the landscape opened up to reveal a majestic mountain vista painted with hues of purple, blue, and soft peach tones.

The valley floor was a mosaic of colors and textures. Lush green grass carpeted the meadows, punctuated by patches of lemon-yellow grasses swaying gently in the breeze. Wildflowers added splashes of color, their petals like tiny brushstrokes against the verdant backdrop.

Above, the sky was a clear azure expanse, framing the rugged peaks that stretched towards the heavens. In this tranquil setting, the only sounds were the rustle of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream.

As the day unfolded, the changing light cast shifting shadows and highlights across the landscape, accentuating its natural beauty. The scene was alive with an effortless harmony, where every element—the trees, mountains, grasses, and sky—came together in perfect unity, creating a breathtaking tableau of wilderness.

 

Visit Galena

 

 

Visit Galena nestled in the heart of Illinois. Galena beckons with its historic charm and vibrant offerings for a day of exploration. Strolling down Main Street, visitors are captivated by quaint boutiques offering handcrafted jewelry and vintage treasures. The aroma of freshly baked bread draws them into lively bistros for a delightful lunch.

Afterward, a visit to a local winery nestled amidst rolling hills provides a taste of regional wines and scenic vistas. Indulging in handmade chocolates at a nearby confectionery fuels their sweet tooth for the next leg of the adventure.

The town's art-inspired landscapes offer a picturesque backdrop for photo enthusiasts, with historic architecture and vibrant installations to capture. As the day winds down, a stop at an ice cream shop by the Galena River completes the experience, leaving visitors already planning their return to this hidden gem, bursting with endless delights for all to enjoy.

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