DAY TWO PAINTING CHALLENGE

"Sunflower Jungle" acrylics 8 x 10"

After the Black and White of yesterday's work,

I am happy to use some of brightest colors

on today's work!

30 PAINTINGS in 30 DAYS Challenge

Day #1

"Goldie" 6 x 7" acrylics on wood. 

..took me all day, part of which I babysat 2 grand-boys!

But at last: results!

Mine is #445; one of many that were uploaded onto this site today: http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/   

Stay tuned for more, 29 to be exact!

HOW DOES MY GARDEN GROW?

stage Two

stage One

Last year I began a 30" x 30" canvas, not quite sure of end result, including composition. Using acrylics over texturizing with modeling paste, I mainly wanted a pleasant garden feeling.  Not  quite pleased with it, though had fun nonetheless.  I kept it on the easel roughly 4 months till finally satisfied and title is "Garden of My Heart".

Final Complete!

LAST WAR DANCE

SOME roughly 25 + years ago I painted a huge picture of this American Indian dancer, complete with feather shields, ankle bells & the whole bit.  I happened to hate the thing and wondered: "what am I to do with this monstrosity?" (Was approx. 24 x 36")
 I was talked into doing it by my at-the-time controlling husband. 
It sat in my studio for years amongst other works, so I one day covered it over with another painting.

 Glad, though to still have this small photo of it.

Native Art by Karen Roncari

COSMIC WORKS in PROGRESS

Cosmic Works in Progress

TREASURE ISLAND  oils & goldleaf

  I was going to use my drawing table to "draw" but could not bear to disturb the pieces stored on top of it.  Guess I'll just use my lap for my sketchbook and sit on the couch.  One by one they will be finished. Meanwhile, got these all titled..  :)

NEW MOON  gessoes & charcoal

LUNA MOONA  oils

NEZ MOON  gessoes, pastels

PLEIN AIR in the PARK

"Lake Cadillac"  16 x 20 oils

edges painted black

Late in July after 4 sessions at the local
park I completed this oil; details done at home in the studio. As can be seen in photo I chose to exclude the dock and people fishing. These sessions were happened during Jazz In The Park on Thursday evenings, adding to the enjoyment I had while working on it and talking to friendly locals. 
Available through my Etsy shop.
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/182220399/landscape-plein-air-oil-painting?ref=shop_home_active_10

left upper detail

Lake Cadillac

SCIENCE In ART

Spirit Wind in progress

As of lately I have discovered a world of easy techniques for softening what I consider too-hard edges on an already painted surface.  The painting must be dry and totally matte [achieved with matte spray and/or brush-on matte medium], the soft pastels are applied and sprayed. The process can be repeated til desired results, then a final brush-on or troweled on varnish or glazing medium is needed.
Done only on my acrylic pieces so far, I discovered it works for oils too, as this one is. 
The jist of this revelation is: as long as it works, it can be done.  I shall not forget, however the panic experienced upon applying acrylics over oils! That was something that did Not work, and lesson not to be forgotten!

My Review of World's Greatest Gesso

Originally submitted at Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies

This wonderful gesso provides incredible coverage and the highest level of brilliance of any Gesso on the market today. It also has extra flexibility so it won’t crack even in the most adverse conditions. Simply put, it’s the best!

World's Greatest Gesso

the "Best" yet

By paintlady from Michigan on 2/23/2013

 

4out of 5

Pros: Nonyellow, Matte, Glides Smoothly

Cons: Covers Well

Best Uses: Art, Artboard Primer

Describe Yourself: Artist

Primary use: Personal

Was this a gift?: No

I have tried different brands over the years, searching for a gesso that will not dry with a shine and take several coats to cover. Another gesso stipulation is to be as white as possible. Jerry's Greatest meets these demands: primes with a good white tooth that is matte.

(legalese)

Doing a MIXED MEDIA PAINTING

"My Reflections"

The media used 
this time was: gessoes, [both black & white] pastels, colored pencil,  acrylic paints, polymer sealers [matte & gloss]..done on recycled plywood, 10 x18".
As reference a photo I took of my sister was used; though more impressionistic than a portrait, I was striving for more a dreamy, emotive  kind of effect. 
Initial stages = watery applications of the gessoes  dried overnite. 

drying glazes near infared heater

Pastels & acrylic paint next day, using  fingercots, dabbing at the cosmic pattern & background.
Additional wet glazes set near my infared heater quickened drying time.

More info on the sectioned paintbox in my post of 7/29/12.  The comb brush is great for hair strokes; as well in landscapes, etc.

finger-painting IS fun

Royal 1/2" filbert comb brush