Shooting Subjects Of Interest

Rock and Mississippi River Photos

      

 

Portrait Pitfalls

When I embarked on my journey of painting portraits, my primary aim was to capture the likeness of my subjects. However, I quickly realized the limitations of my skills, particularly in achieving realism, a feat that demanded abilities beyond my current amateur proficiency.

Reflecting on a piece I completed eight years ago; I acknowledge the significant growth I've experienced through subsequent portrait projects. One invaluable lesson learned was the importance of creating a grayscale underpainting to better perceive the play of light and shadow on the subject's features before introducing color.

Despite my efforts, I encountered challenges during the process, notably in achieving a natural skin tone. Overworking certain areas resulted in a muddy appearance, leading to feelings of frustration and defeat. Despite these setbacks, I persisted, refusing to abandon the piece until I deemed it complete and affixed my signature.

This particular painting holds sentimental value, depicting my daughter Natalie and my grandson, intended as a Christmas gift. The pressure to deliver a satisfactory outcome was palpable, especially as I struggled with adjusting the paint colors to achieve the desired skin tone.

Consequently, I didn't deem the piece satisfactory in my own estimation. However, my grandson's reaction far outweighed my own feelings. His delighted smile upon receiving it was all that truly mattered.

Painting, I've come to realize, is an ongoing learning process, irrespective of one's initial skill level. Success hinges not only on talent but also on the dedication to cultivate patience, passion, and practice, essential elements in mastering the art of refining one's craft.

Thoughts

Keep moving forward

Climbing towards the top

A harvest is bountiful and life is too

Enjoy the simple things, they mean the most

Painting Grey Scale

As a self-discovering artist one learns at their own speed. Since I tend to drive in the slower lane I also learn at a snail’s pace. So when I found out what greyscale values were and how to apply them to my painting…Whoa, game changer. 

 

Monochromatic Peeps

When I opened my hair salon five years ago. I wanted to fill one wall with photos of hair models. My salon colors were gray with black and silver accents. I chose a monochrome look for the paintings. But had an idea to create a few paintings of celebs. After finishing these pieces, I added a couple clients to the mix which lead to the beginning of my art commission business. 

          Bradley Cooper is one my favorite celebrities. 

 

 

 

This Blog is Boggy

After 15 years, I had hoped that writing would become more effortless. I anticipated that blogging would no longer feel like wading through mud, yet my content remains sloppy, murky, and occasionally redundant.

Originally, I created this blog in (2009-My Artful Journey) to share photos, thoughts and art with family and a few friends. Once Facebook gained popularity and friends began sharing lifestyles and family photos. I jump onboard and eventually lost interest in blogging.

Now, I am back, wading through the marshlands of muck again. Oh, well. And yet, here I am, still working creating this blog. 

Searching the web for ideas and watching; "How to videos" all great ways to suck time and get little accomplished. In a nutshell, write what you are passionate...blah, blah, blah! 

That is exactly what I was hoping to create with Recreational Art. All those happy family photos. Until a darkness settled in and family troubles began. Consuming my creative energy draining the color from my life.

Once I discovered how much I enjoyed painting; it became my guiding light. Which helped push past those dark days of self-pity and turning my perspective into a positive experience. Learning a new skill, acrylic painting.  

Art has become my passion and creates a true happiness in my heart. I may not be a known artist like one of my favs, Van Gogh, but I can relate to his struggles, with the loss of his family, mental illness and passion. 

Every day is a journey out from the muddy bogs but I force myself to rise up and go forward searching for the color in the sunrise. Hoping to collect more memories to paint for inspirations to leave behind the sadness.

Thank you for looking through my blog. May you find some inspiration; especially those that may want to start their artful journey. Just begin and feel your way through. 

Happy Day!

Where? Oh! Where? Is This Painting Going To End?

Do you remember this painting I posted in 2012? Well, I had this painting tucked away for nearly a decade before deciding to repaint portions of this piece. Below, show the changes. Yes, there is a creepy silhouette peeping photographer hiding in the lower left corner of painting. 

Why? When I work on problem pieces; often times, I add silly or weird images for interest before totally painting over the whole thing.

Still, I am not satisfied and most likely will repaint in the future. As it is now, the paint is very thick and will most likely crack, eventually. I began this piece in acrylic then changed over to oil. There are textures added from a palette knife also heavy brush strokes. The canvas weight is heavy due to the many layers of oil. I enjoy running my hands over the rough textures of paint created through the years. Like scars the texture adds interest to some or a mess to others. 

Maybe, I will post again in another decade to more changes I will make to this painting.  It needs a name. Any ideas?