Latest Portrait

Here is the latest portrait sketch of a girl named Sammy.  I never met her but she is adorable.  This is a friend of a friend's daughter and she served as my portrait demo at the Clifton Art Show a few weekends ago.  The first picture was my demo and I completed it in record speed, probably 20 minutes, but I didn't like the lack of depth of the skin tone, so I repainted it as you will see in the second photo.  I'm extremely happy with the skin tone, but it is not picking up in this ipad photo (the opposite of my son's painting).  I might take a picture with the Canon and see if it shows up better.  Once again my portrait sketch turned into a full blown effort.  I really enjoyed painting Sammy and was sad when I couldn't figure what else to improve and called it done yesterday.

I was going to crop this painting and make it a 6 X 8" because of the orientation of her on the canvas, but I really like the fact that there is a lot of space around her face, in fact I wish there was more.  I think more space would have a moody feel and I would reserve it for teens or older kids.  

I hope to do more of their portraits.    This is 8 x 10".   I'm taking orders :-)  The price is $250.

Hazard Pay?

How do you hurt your wrist painting?  I have been wondering why my wrist hurts so much over the last few days.   I figured it out tonight.  I went to open the large mouth jar of dirty turp I have lying around to dispose of my used gamsol and I wrenched my wrist trying to open it.  What?! Really?  Ridiculous.

I can barely type.  Luckily it is my left hand and I'm right handed.  Did I say ridiculous?  Argh.

Winter Class Starts January 17 2013

December sure went fast.  Not that we are quite done yet, but pretty close.  I haven't sent out a notice of my upcoming winter class yet, so I thought I would start here because it is so much easier than compiling my list.  I still have 6 slots left.  The class starts January 17 and runs for 8 weeks (except Feb 21).   Here is more information:

Still Life Painting Class
January 17 - March 14 (no class Feb 21)
Thursdays 7-10 pm
Herndon ArtSpace
750 Center Street Herndon VA
703 956-6590

Several students have asked about painting portraits.  I would be up for that if students want to paint from photographs.  I can't manage a live model.  So difficult to find and very unpredictable and costly.  Please contact me via messages here.  Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas.

Kid's Portrait Challenge

I created a portrait challenge for myself to paint small 8 x 10 kid's portraits.  I did this to coincide with the Clifton Art Show last weekend, which I participated in.  Here is one of the commissions I received.  I rushed to finish it for a friend who is traveling for Christmas tomorrow.  Pretty happy with it, but the edges.  Going back to the easel now to finish up a bit.  Have to recharge my ipad, which is what I'm painting from.

Apple and Pear Demo

I'm fixing or finishing some of my class demos for tomorrow's show sponsored by my home town of Clifton, VA and also sponsored by the Clifton Betterment Association.  I want to have work that is reasonably priced.  I did this demo in the Spring I think.   Fixed the background a bit and voila. Used lots of liquin so it will be dry by tomorrow.

I'm itching to work on that pear but if I continue to paint on it, I will defeat my objective.  This is 12 x 12.  Please come see me tomorrow.

Clifton Art Show 12641 Chapel Rd
12-6pm show and demos
6-8 pm free reception (Catered by Shirley's Catering and wine selected by Clifton Wine Shop)
We are in the town hall next to the fire station.

Onions

Here is another painting I did on my two day art vacation.  I haven't painted onions in a long time so it was fun to paint them again.  Unfortunately as the sun set so did the light on my easel and palette.  I have to correct the orange that mistakenly got into my permanent rose paint while painting in the shadows.  I would also like to put some lights on box and put words on the box.  I finished the background a bit more after this photo but left it brushy.  A bit wobbly photo here with all the light reflecting off the painting and the bad angle  (at least I hope its the angle of the photo).  Must tighten this up a bit.

Pumpkins and Kale - On the Easel

I'm having a blast painting today.  I have these fabulous pumpkins and couldn't resist.  My husband purchased this green beauty at the farmers market, which has been the in fridge for 4 weeks.  The large orange pumpkin came from a rogue pumpkin seed that bloomed this summer and took over our front yard (probably from two Halloweens ago).  That too has been the fridge and at my class several times and is at least three months old (still perfect).

Also have been trying to painting this kale for the last four week and haven't been able to find the right set up despite many attemps.  Been chillin' in the garage (thank goodness it is winter -- built in fruit and flower fridge).

Anyway, here is what I'm working on right now.  This is just the block in but I'm loving it and may just leave it pretty much the way it is.  Having a blast on my two vacation days!!  The top painting is the final.  Left it blocky and love it!

Silver Sugar Bowl

I ran across this oil  sketch of some azaleas and dogwoods I did in this Spring.   I'm trying to catalog what I have to bring to the Clifton Art Show this coming Saturday.  I had forgotten about this painting.  I think I will include it in the work to be shown.  It is 8 x10 in a rather elaborate frame.  I do plan to make most if not all of my paintings available with and without the frames.  However, I buy my frames from JFM Enterprises and they are rather nice.  I haven't been able to find another provider of quality frames for less.

On the Easel

I got up very early this morning (4:30 am) to paint.  I've done this twice now and it gives me about two hours before I have to get my son up for school and start getting ready for work.  I have really enjoyed these early morning sessions and plan to do this whenever I get enough sleep and have the time.  Here is how far I got this morning.  These are roses from my wedding anniversary bouquet.  My poor husband, I'm probably the only wife who gets a bouquet and immediately puts in the fridge until I can dismantle it to paint it.  I think it needs more of the large roses in the background, so I better rush before these roses are history. 

I'll be published in International Artist Magazine

I was recently notified that I will be published in International Artist Magazine as a finalist ? for their Still Life Challenge/competition.  My painting above will appear in the Feb/March issue.  I'm so thrilled.  I'm not exactly sure what happens next.  I know they award grand, second and third prizes.  I assume that I am not one of those winners but one of 10 honorable mentions or finalists (not exactly sure the title) that also gets published.  Given this is the first time I've entered, I'm not exactly sure what my title is in this event.  Whatever the title. it doesn't matter--I'm just honored. I will get a full page spread on my painting "Camellia, cherry blossoms and dogwood" and a write up of my inspiration and technique.  I'm so excited, but many more logistics to go  including concerns about whether they have received my photographs in the appropriate size which is a must to be published.  I'm still biting my nails and pinching myself.

Almost finished demo from fall class

I'm almost finished with this painting, which was my demo for my fall class.  I'm so sorry I didn't take a photo before this stage because I like to compare it to the unfinished painting as a form of tortune.  :-)   It's torture because sometimes my unfinished piece is better.  I hope that is not the case here.

When I put in more of the turquoise background the apples looked lonely so I added these berry things and leaves which added verticle volume, which was most need.

Since the demo I glazed more of the red part of the yellow aple and painted the berries and leaves, and of course the backgroun.  It's always helpful to take a photo and evaluate. I'm not sure I like that much red on what used to be a mostly yellow apple.  I think I'm going to wipe some of the red off.  Since I oiled up before starting, it should be really easy to remove.

If you don't oil up, you should consider it.  I use a 1:6 mixture of stand oil to gamsol.  I apply it to any painted surface that is now completely dry.  The benefit of this is that it immediately makes the darks rich as they appeared when first painted and wet.  It allows you to see what the true value of each object is, especially the dark colors that seem to get a milky look when they (and earth colors) dry.  Moreover you are ready to glaze any portion of the painting.  Finally, the layer of oil if you paint on top gives the new and old layers depth that you can't get with an alla prima painting.

Painting of yellow roses and blue thistle

I had a glorious weekend of painting and shopping.  What could be more fun.  I completed this painting, except for the yellow centers of the delphenia (sp?), which isn't even necessary if I don't get around to it.  This is a painting of yellow roses and blue thistle that was a student's challenge in my fall class.  She wanted to represent Scotland and Texas for friends getting married.  I'm so glad I took a picture of the bucket of flowers (or maybe a student did) they were so spectacular.  I couldn't resist.

This is a new direction I want to explore because of a personal self assessment (and criticisms about me personally, not my art).  That has transcended into painting quickly with less detail.  Boy was that fun and I don't reach the boredom stage.  I hope people like this because I want to do more of these.  The color in the original is so much more interesting.  A lot of turquoises and cobalts that are just not registering in the photo.

R.E. sketch

 Okay here is the latest example of a quick portrait sketch.  This actually took about 2 1/4 hours.  The second picture is after about 1:15 and the first picture was at about 15 minutes.  I actually like the sketch after about an hour better than the finished, but the face shape was off.  I didn't change much after the hour was up but the hair shirt and background.  Maybe a mistake.  I'm going to change it back to simpler shapes.  I like the brush quality better after an hour.

I know the highlight on the nostril in the shadow is too light, but I'm going to let it dry before adjusting because I think the drawing is good and the shape is right.   

I think I can proceed with the quick sketch for the Clifton Art Show on December 15

Another portrait sketch -- not so quick

Here is another (not so quick) portrait sketch.  Despite its sketchy quality, this has been repainted twice.  I can't get the eyes to look like hers.  I was almost done but had to tinker and ... disaster.  Turns out it was for the best, the eyes were too low.  I think they are appropriately placed now but they need to be reshaped.  I'm going to let dry since I've go it at a place I'm feeling okay about.  I'm not sure I can do these demos as anticipated.  I am taking the same amount of time as my regular painting. I guess I can't fight my own nature. I should take a bit longer with the drawing. It would save me time in the end.  

I painted in the garage and it is freezing.  My toes are numb.  I still have to go back out to clean my brushes.  I'm not looking forward to that.  Have to warm up.

Sample portrait sketch

Here is my sample quick sketch of my son.  I plan to demo 4 of these quick sketches at the upcoming  Clifton Holiday show December 15.  The creation of this sketch was strange and anything but quick. The first pass took about 30 minutes and I was happy with the painterly effect.  When I tried to take a photo with my Canon, the photo showed very high light and dark contrast; not at all what I saw with my eyes. So I went back to the painting to lighten the darks and knock down the highlights to get the photo to read like the painting.  Crazy.  So it was back and forth and back and forth between the painting and taking photographs.  Very time consuming but I wanted a good photo of the sample.  I was finally getting almost "acceptable results" with my Canon; but had to run to dinner, so I left frustrated.  When I got back I decided to take a photo with the ipad.  That solved the problem.  Perfect picture of what the painting looks like, with all the subtleties I was seeing with the original oil painting.

Anyway, I plan to take the first 4 patrons willing to commission a quick sketch of their child or grandchild but I ask that you sign up ahead of time. In fact, you can sign up now if you want. The patron can come and watch me demo the portrait at the Show, as can anyone else interested in watching.  I will demo from 1-5pm (I think).  I ask for a good quality (non copyrighted) electronic image of the child in advance of the Show and I will paint from the ipad.  Wiggling and boredom avoided!  This is a one time discount pricing.

The size is 8 x 10".  I haven't decided on price.

Participating in Clifton Holiday Art Show - Please come visit

My lovely town of Clifton is hosting a holiday art show on December 15.  I will be participating so please come and visit me.  Above is the flier for the show.  I hope to be demonstrating and sell quick portrait sketches.  I'm going to practice first to make sure that I can complete a quality sketch in 20 minutes (my goal and probably the limit of someone sitting for a portrait sketch).  It will be "watercolor" like I anticipate and very impressionistic.  I'll post after Thanksgiving to let people know if in fact I can accomplish this feat in the desired (or less) time.  There will be other demos and possibly someone demonstrating monotypes and having one on one sessions with participants on how to start a book/short story e.g. how to get your ideas on paper (two things I would love know how to do).   Our very popular wine shop is also hosting tastings and will be the source for the wine at the reception.  Catered reception from Shirley's catering!  Bring friends, family and general art lovers.

Thanks to My Students for a Great Fall Session.

A thank you to my students for taking my Fall painting class.  It was such a great group that I'm sad it is over.  Once again, everyone did great paintings!  I don't know why I can't remember to take pictures of some of them.  I even brought my ipad so I could, but got so involved I forgot.

My winter class will begin on January 17, 2013 at ArtSpace Herndon.  Please contact me if you are interested in the class.  I'm in a mood to do flower set ups so we will definitely continue with flower paintings, but with much simplier set ups and a 50/50 split with vegetables.   This term was almost all flowers, which are much harder to paint in my opinion because of all the folds of the petals and leaves.    Here is one example of the set-ups we had this year.  The other is my bucket of flowers.

I loved this idea, which was to combine Scotland and Texas (a student wanted to create a painting for her friend who is getting married-and yes you guessed it she is a Scot he is a Texan).  It was so fun to find the symbols representing their two contries which are the yellow rose (texas); blue bells (Texas--okay it was Delphinium but close enought); thistle and heather for Scotland..    I have never seen blue giant thistle like that before.  Simply stunning..

Latest Paintings

Here is the second painting I did last weekend.  This is a 6 x 8 canvas keeping with my idea of painting quick sketches.  I want to add a warmer glaze to the gren table and then it is done. 

I purchased some amazing purple and white ornamental kale.  It is fantastic and I have to find a way to paint today in between all the other stuff going on.  I'm going to get super impressionistic (I hope) and see what happens.   Large brushes only and palette knife. 

Latest Paintings

Last weekend I got the opportunity to paint.  My son was in school and I had the day off.  I worked on two paintings.  Here is one painting that was an identical set up to one for my class at ArtSpace Herndon.  I like the simplicity and the no frills glass mason jar.   I think I'm going to stop here and not finish these spider mum's anymore.  The painting is actually larger than this and sitting on books that I have not finished, but I think I'm going to affix it to a 12 x 16 panel or stretcher and call it a day.  I like it cropped like this.  I'm also trying to make a few quick sketches for more affordable pricing for an upcoming show.  .That show is the Art Guild of Clifton's Holiday Art Show on December 15 at the town hall.   More to come on that. 

Sold!

I went to the Art at the Mill fall artist reception today.  Finally after years of entering the show, I didn't have a conflict and I had the energy to drive the 1 hour 15 minute drive there and back.  I found out I sold Camillias and Dogwood!  Thank you to the patron who purchased my painting.  I hope you enjoy it.

I ran into artist friends Tricia Adams and Dana Thompson, both fabulous painters who were very successful sellers at this event..  We decided to dine at Magnolias in Purceville afterwards.  Very yummy and I enjoyed talking about art after a long long series of very bad weeks.  Today was a great stress relief day and took my mind off of other troubling stuff going on in my life. 

Delivered My Paintings To Art at the Mill

I delivered my paintings last Saturday to the 2012 Fall Art at the Mill show in Millwood.  I love this show and the art is just spectacular this season.  When I dropped off my paintings I was able to preview the high quality work by all the artists.  There were so many pieces that I would love to hang on my walls.

On display will be the Camillias and Dogwood Painting (below) and Penns Grove Peonies as well as two studies.  One the yellow rose previously posted and an azalea and dogwood study I did over the summer.  These are specially priced (meaning more affordable) because they are studies. 

The Show runs from October 6-21 2012
Hours Sunday-Friday 12-5pm
Saturday 10-6pm

October 14 is going to be the Artist Reception and I think for once I don't have a conflicting business trip, so I plan to be there. The artist reception is 2-5pm.

Fall Class Starts September 27

My fall painting class starts next Thursday, September 27.  If you are interested, please send me an email at info@vickiblum.com.  My previously full class now has one spot open.

Beginning and Intermediate Painting,
Starting September 27 -- November 15, 2012
Taught by Artist Vicki Vidal Blum at ArtSpace
750 Center St, Herndon VA
Thursdays 7-10pm
Cost: $200

This class will teach students how to paint with oils. You can use your photos or paint from the teacher's set up. This class will focus on how to draw the subject to make it bold and realistic. Students will continue with layering light and shadow colors--the key to a three dimensional painting. Students will refine over one or two classes the value, color, and temperature of the painting in a series of thick paint and thin glazes. Recommended for artists who want to improve the realistic appearance of their work. Adults and teens welcome.

Paint Herndon - Second Place

I participated in the Herndon Plein Air Competition that started on Friday and ended yesterday.   I painted this house on Park Avenue in Herndon.  The afternoon light was hitting it perfectly to cast long shadows.  I took a lot of artistic license and removed the large tree in front of the house and the very large industrial garage in the back.  In any case, I was pleased to win second place.  

More on Soccer Son

I continued to paint on my son's soccer portrait, but I can't say I'm happy with it.  These photos represent session 2 & 3.  I much prefer session 2.  I might sand some of it down because there are substantial ridges in the paint that are extremely bothersome.  I will also lighten the background as it is very dark and flat.  Too sharp edges on the horizon line.  Too much green.  Too muddy a face on the competetor.  So many problems and now I'm bored with the painting.  :-(

Yellow Rose - Practice Demo

I painted this rose as a practice in anticipation of my demo at my flower painting workshop at the Vienna Art Society.  I like the fact that the background is mostly unfinished with just the tone showing through.  I also like the simple set up.
After many practice paintings, I realize that I can't live without Liquin.  Liquin makes the paint so smooth and free of brush strokes.  It also allows the paint to mix so thoroughly that the color is extremely even.  You can make the paint opaque with very little pigment or transparent with almost no pigment.  And while it dries fast, its not as fast as alkyd gel.  Very versatile product

In any case, I used Liquin to paint the leaves of this rose and it allowed me to make the sharp jagged  edges of the leaves that are so distinctive of this flower.   I'm not sure I would have been able to get the detail without Liquin.  I also think the effect of the leaves if very different from the petals, which are thicker more scumbled. 

I have to praise the Virginia Florist-- a florist in Belle Haven Alexandria.  The owner gave me this rose and it lasted 2 1/2 weeks.  I didn't think it was possible for a rose to last that long.  It also made it to and from the Art League twice and to and from my office and home as well.  That was one excellent rose specimen and I must compliment the Virginia Florist shop for having such high quality flowers.

Painting of the Well House

I forgot to post my well house painting from this weekend's painting extravaganza at Jean Ann's house.  Now mind you I'm not a landscape painter.  I can never seem to get architecture in landscapes to look like they belong.  I better go study paintings by Richard Schmid - the master -- and try again.

Fabulous Afternoon of Painting

 I had a most glorious day yesterday thanks to my friend and fellow artist Jean Ann.  She invited a group of artist friends to her gorgeous home and property today.  When we arrived she had a fantastic spread of food, including very delicious prosciutto and brie sandwiches, fruit, hummus, luncheon meats etc.   The cake pops brought by friend Kathleen were excellent and worth the calories.  

Half of the group painted inside in her barn's kitchen (which has A/C) and the rest, including myself, painted outside.  There was so much to choose from, her unbelievable barn, pastures with horses grazing, the house, the gardens, so many places.  We all agreed that the quaintest building for painting,  however. was the well house.which must be original to the house and thus built in the 1700s.  There was a lovely breeze and shade to offset the scorching hot day, but we all wilted just the same. 

I'm still blown away by Jean Ann's barn.  It was so beautiful with hardwood floors and a kitchen, living room and exercise room that are more beautiful than most houses.  Below that floor are the stables, with a hot shower for the horses!!!!  I'm so lucky and honored that Jean Ann shared such beauty with us.  What a gracious host.  Everyone didn't want to leave--certainly I didn't--and can't wait for the next visit.

Flower Painting Workshop

Here are a few pictures from the flower painting workshop  I taught last weekend.  I had the event at the Vienna Art Society on Pleasant St in Vienna.  It was a fantastic venue and the President of VAS was so helpful and accommodating.  She even arranged volunteers to help me set up!!  I would highly recommend the venue to other artists looking for workshop or class space.  The space was large and comfortable and each bank of lights could be turned off individually allowing for decent shadows to be created on the set-ups.  Thanks to all the students for making this a great workshop.  Everyone is so talented and it was such a great experience to see the styles of each artist.  There were so many good paintings.  Also, it was fun having many good friends in the room too.  We laughed a lot.

Soccer Son

Here is the latest start of my "kids having fun" series.  This is my son David playing soccer in his final game this Spring.  My husband has encouraged me to paint my son playing sports for several years -- sort of my version of Leroy Newman.  I got my son's likeness pretty quickly, but I have to paint over it because I really don't have any paint on his face yet. 

Today, was the last day of my flower painting workshop.  From my perspective the class was great because the students are just the best.  It was so enjoyable to be around them.  What a pleasure!  I hope they had as good a time as I did.  I'll post pictures from the workshop tomorrrow.  I always find I don't have a lot of time to take the pictures during these type of events, so I hope the few I took come out.  I wish I had gotten a group photos, but I didn't.. :-(

Tip

Put wet paintings in a dust free box to dry.  This way dust and other particles will not land on your painting and set with the paint.   This was a tip from Danni Dawson.  It never occurred to me despite several fuzzy paintings. I am now fuzz-free.

David at Cox Farm

Here is a painting I've started of my son at Cox Farm last fall or fall of 2010 (can't remember).  That was one big pumpkin and we considered buying it, but it was something like $150.  For any concerned parents, my husband was literally right next to him to grab the pumpkin after a few seconds and click of my camera.   

I may have mentioned this in a previous blog, but I'm very interested in doing a series of paintings of kids having fun.  This fits right in.  If I can ever get to the pool, one series will be of kids at the pool, kids at the beach, kids fishing, rowing, playing sports and other summer fun activities.  I'm not getting very far, but hope I can change that.   I'm taking a class with Bobbi Pratte who is going to demo people in scenes next week.  Can't wait.  I've already wasted 3 classes painting flowers, which has to stop because I'm missing my opportunity to accomplish my goal in the class - kids in scenes--Bobbi's forte.  I think there are only 3 classes left.  Chop chop.

Peonies Demo #2

Here is the actual demonstration I started for the Fairfax Art League back on June 2.  I loved the light on these peonies that I hopefully captured.  Very warm light that made the flowers look like cotton candy--well sort of.  I finally finished this a couple of weeks ago and now all it needs is a coat of varnish.  Speaking of, I got some Gamvar already pre-mixed through Judsons Art Outfitters (it's a pretty tiny bottle though).  Love that store.  They sell Miracle Muck too, but be aware that another e-store sells a half gallon for $4 dollars more than the 8 oz bottle Judsons sell.  My only beef.

Not sure where I will display this painting, but I'm thinking I will enter it into the Gallery 222 "Something Hot" show.  Also Art at the Mill deadline is coming up, so who knows.

Canvas on Panels - Cheap Panel Quest Solved!!

I am taking a summer class with Bobbi Pratte.  I always learn something when I study with someone new.  Bobbi told the class about Judson's Art Outfitters.  They have a lot of great surfaces to paint on or apply canvas to, which I have not seen elsewhere. 

In particular, Bobbi likes the "do it yourself" gatorboard.  You slap some miracle muck on the gatorboard and attach you canvas to it.  Use a bray to get out the air bubbles then put tons of books on top for a few days.  Bobbi had a few finished samples, including gatorboard with canvas.  It creates a light weight painting surface.  I think these are ideal for the Art League Bin Gallery which requires backing and mat; plein air events; and especially traveling workshops.  What I also learned from another student was that Centurion makes a linen canvas pad--e.g. pre-cut canvas in different sizes.  And it's cheap!  How did I not know this???  One thing to remember is that if you buy a 12 x 16 gatorboard and paste on a 12 x 16 linen sheet from Centurion's pad, the canvas is going to shrink when it dries.  It shrinks about the amount of space that a frame covers.  This could be a problem.  So, I'm going to try a sample and see if the shrinkage is visiable once framed.  12 x 16 canvas on gatboard probably costs all told $8.  Not bad.

In any case, I decided to buy a sample pack of Judson's surfaces.  They have this wood composite that looks awesome.  They also carry dibond, which I LOVE.  I'm not sure how you attach linen to dibond, but I plan to find out. 

So I think I solved my cheap panel quest!!

Participating in Del Ray Paint Out August 2 / Other Shows

If you are not familiar with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, you should get to know them.  It's a group of artists that gets together (mostly on a whim) to paint outside. There is no cost, but you have to be a member of the Art League.  I'm always getting good information from the group, like the information below:  Anyone interested in joining the Art League Plein Air Painters can contact Susan Johnson at toleart@earthlink.net or Jean Schwartz at JKSland@cox.net.

I plan to participate in the Del Ray event so come down and visit me.  Not sure how you will know it's me, but I'll put up a sign or something.  Artists interested in participating can check out the website below.

Del Ray "Art Walk On The Avenue". 
The only requirement is painting outside and talking with folks about what you're doing
Thursday, August 2 2012
6-9 pm,
Mt. Vernon Avenue in Del Ray
http://visitdelray.com/event/august-first-thursday

The Fall 2012 GREEN SPRING GARDENS ART SHOW AND SALE
Presented by the Springfield Art Guild & Friends of Green Spring Gardens
August 28th - October 28th
The Green Springs Show and Sale is an annual event sponsored by Springfield Art Guild and Friends of Green Springs

Painting at Fountainhead Park

I got out of the house this morning at 6:30 am and started my trek around the general vacinity to find a good landscape painting spot.  This was day two of my attempt.  Yesterday I spent two - three hours driving all over creation and never finding something just right.  I started with Occoquan Town and while there were many options (waterfall, bridge, quaint houses, boats), nothing in the shade, so then I went to Occoquan Regional Park (looks over the mansions on other side yuck)  and then the Occoquan wildlife reserve (too far to walk to the water). I even went to the Vulcan Stone Co, because I was convinced I could look down onto Occoquan town and the River.  I couldn't find such a spot-too many trees again.  In the fall I want to check out Vulcan again, because there is a huge waterfall that you can hear, but can't see.  There is also a huge quarry with water, but too many trees in the way at this point.  I'll have to wait until the leaves drop.

In any case, this morning I started with Bull Run Marina, but it is now blocked by a large metal gate and only accessible with a permit key.  For real?!!! Ugh. A nice guy entering however reminded me of Fountainhead Regional Park.  PERFECT.  It's a popular fishing spot and they have a nice boardwalk and pier.  Lots of folks in kayaks and row boats and fishing off the pier.  I tried several times to capture a boater in my painting, but they were moving too darn fast and I had to wipe them out over and over.  In any case, here is my attempt of the day.  I have to fix the sky reflection because there is no way  the sky is reflecting that low.  Sky reflection just seems misplaced.  I should fix it now while it is wet. 

I do want to put a row boater in this painting, so I might go back soon with the camera this time.  Next month is the Art League's Landscape show and if I can pull this off, perhaps I have a shot at getting juried in.  The only disappointment (besides the heat) today was with my Soltek easel.  I can't seem to tighted the arm that holds the canvas and every time I put pressure on the painting with my brush or palette knife it moved backwards drastically.  So annoying.  I tried to tighten the arm, but it is as tight as it gets.  Don't know how to fix this.  I wonder if the heat has something to the "screw loose" situation.

Peonies on Location

Back in May, I did this demo painting of the few remaining peonies still blooming. The peonies bloomed so early this year and lasted so little time that I barely made it.  For the last two years I have tried to make peony season and failed.  I almost did it again, but thanks to my friends I made it a priority.  A special thanks to my neighbor who allowed us to decend on her amazing garden.  These beautiful flowers are a masterpiece of nature.  I think I could gaze at them for hours.  At this point however, I think I have gone overboard and now have three new peony painting.  I need to think of other flowers to paint.  This painting was done partially alla prima and au plein air and partially in the studio.  I cannot last long outside with bugs and heat, but I wanted to finish it since it was so close to be done.  

Also you can see my painting "Carnations in Oil Jug" at the Art League Gallery (Torpedo Factory) this month (July). 

July 4th Morning Outting

I decided on one of the hottest days so far this year to go plein air painting in the little town of Clifton.   Call me crazy, but I needed the mental therapy.   A shady spot was a must so I decided to paint Clifton Creek, which I have wanted to do for some time.  Knowing that I would be unable to handle the heat beyond noon, I decided to paint fast.  Breaking from my normal brush I used palette knife to create this painting, which is so unlike my style.  While I wish I had made the water greener or bluer, it really was orange due to the mud at the bottom. 

Announcing The Art of Painting Flower Workshop - July 27-29 2012

I will be hosting a flower painting workshop July 27 through 29 2012.  A few slots are left. 

Artists interested in capturing the beauty of flowers will enjoy this three-day workshop. Using the expressive medium of oil paints, students will explore, interpret, and simplify the intricacies of flowers. I will begin with a painting demonstration and discussion of flower painting techniques. Students then block in light and shadow masses followed by refinements to the drawing, value, color, edges and brush strokes to achieve the subtleties that are unique to flowers. Painting glass, metal, and ceramic vessels also will be covered. Vicki will provide one-on-one instruction at each step of the creative process. Recommended for beginning and intermediate artists. Adults and teens welcome. 

Location: Vienna Art Society, 115 Pleasant Street N.W., Vienna, VA 22180

Schedule:

• July 27 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
• July 28 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• July 29 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

 Cost: $200; $185 for returning students

To Register: Contact me at info@vickiblum.com

 

 

 

Practice Demo

Here is a practice painting I did in anticipation of my real demo for the Fairfax Art League last Saturday.  I had about 1 1/2 hours to do the real demo.  This painting took considerably longer because I liked where it was going.  The background actually took a lot of time as did the buds.  I'm very pleased with the result, however, and the looseness.   The real demo was the same set up albeit different (smaller) flowers.  I didn't get nearly as far as I had warned because I'm not able to talk and concentrate at the same level as painting alone in my studio.  The group from the Fairfax Art League was so nice and made me feel welcomed and appreciated.   It was a pleasure to be one of their honored guests.  It was really a fun and rewarding time.  I'll post my demo in the next post.  You will quickly see how far I didn't get.  

I hope to continue painting on the demo tonight (if I don't poop out) and make it available for a demo price.  If that doesn't work I'll probably put it in the bin gallery at the Art League in Alexandria when my privileges start in July. 

French Tulips

I spent the afternoon painting at Trisha Ratliff's house while the boys were at the Capital's game.  I continued painting on the french tulip painting I started in Robert Johnson's workshop.  As usual, it is unfinished but I'm very motivated to complete it because I love the set up and value distinctions. 

Of course the flowers are long gone and I'm painting from photographs.  Since all my friends are starting to buy iPads, uploading their source materials, and then painting from the screen, I've been very jealous.  So I purchased the poor man's version--a consignment store digital picture frame.  It works great and was only $25 but I do need an outlet (no battery).

Photos always wash out the colors and my photos were  no exeption compared to the real flowers.  As  result I had to change the entire value and saturation scheme compared to what I already had on the canvas (as represented from the first painting session).  Anyway, I prefer the photos because the value adjustment are so much easier to see.  The photos also seem to exaggerate the amount of dark and light values, so it makes the final painting much more dramatic. 

Camillias, dogwoods and cherry blossoms - Spring is BACK!!!

Here is my latest FINISHED painting. I painting this in Robert Johnson's recent workshop. What a great time and great group of artists. I have to say that was the most pleasurable workshop I've ever taken. There was tons of space, super nice people, and an abundance of material. In addition to Robert's flowers and fruit, one of the students was a florist and brought buckets of flowers. I bought my own too, so we were over flowing with great material. Same student also brought still life material, including this very nice bowl. It was perfect. I was not anticipating this set up (unlike the painting I will show you next, which was completely planned and severely thought out). This was spontaneous and an orchestrated throwing of flowers on the table. What fun.

Robert was so kind to also host a reception at his studio at the old Jackson school in Georgetown. It such an inviting studio with beautiful paintings on walls and easels, huge windows, tall ceilings. It was a pleasure and I hated to leave.