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.