Learn to Capture the Concept of your Painting....

"Apple Bouquet"
Oil on Canvas   12x12x1.5"
Available Here

Yesterday class resumed at Studio Blasquez. I wanted to start the year off with a demonstration and give an overall question and answer opportunity before we start with the weekly mini lessons - the basic elements of oil painting.

I was happy that the class wanted to see me paint using my "color wash technique' and "the sauce". This technique was adapted from what I learned studying with Ovanes Barbarian. I washed in the underpainting with this thin wash, and followed with the opaque layer while leaving a lot of the underpainting showing through. This makes for a loose and glowy painting.

For this piece, I textured the canvas with gesso and then varnished it. The varnish helps a little to keep the paint from being sucked into the gesso, leaving a nice surface for the brush.

The Concept

I spent a lot of time the day before the demo setting up the still life. I started with a lot more flowers and fruit. I kept moving things around and ended up removing most everything until I could find inspiration. I also changed the lighting around a lot. After each change I used my view catcher to see if there was something special about what I seeing. 

It wasn't until I removed most everything and simplified the set up that I found the concept. The concept is what the painting will be about. It is what you want to say. This is an important part of painting, but it takes time. 

For me it was years really, until I understood this. My brain just wanted to see things. A concept is not usually a thing. It is an idea that you are attracted to. It is what you love about what is in front of you. It can be about the time of day, the mood or a story, balance, imbalance or almost anything. It is the emotional content of the painting. Perhaps it will help to read a few quotes:

A painting is good not because it looks like something but rather because it feels like something. (Phil Dike)

Never lose the first impression which has moved you. (Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot)

A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art. (Paul Cezanne)

I want to touch people with my art. I want them to say, 'he feels deeply, he feels tenderly.' (Vincent Van Gogh)

For this piece, by the time I finally saw something that I liked a lot, I had removed a lot of the clutter.  Once you feel inspired you know you have a concept. Then, you must identify it and name it. So here I wanted to describe the beautiful shadow shapes in front of me. The concept was the simple and lyrical shape of the middle value shadow shapes. I went into it hoping to communicate this idea. The idea came while I was looking through the view catcher. 

Although I rarely get the result that I imagine through my visual inspiration, I feel good about the fact that I can now find inspiration through "concept". It's progress right? I will just keep at it, that's all we can do. It's the journey ya know? 

So, go ahead and give this idea a try. Ruminate on what your concept will be, and what you want to say. Keep at it and you are bound to get good at getting closer to saying what inspires you, and the viewer will know it when this happens. The painting will communicate to the viewer and he/she will get the concept, even if it is subliminal. This is a good thing!

A New Year Already and Covering the Basics

"What was any art but a mold in which to imprison for a moment the shining elusive element which is life itself---life hurrying past us and running away, too strong to stop, too sweet to lose."

Willa Cather (1876-1947)

"The Branch"

Oil on Linen   8x16" 

Available Here

I just wanted to send out a post this morning and wish you all a Very Happy New Year. It is also a good time to bring you up to date on upcoming classes and events.

Classes will be starting up again in the Studio in Truckee this week, kicking off with a full demonstration while covering the basics of Oil Painting. Composition and Design, Value, Color Mixing, Observation Translation, Edges, will be addressed, as well as the

 three ways to start a painting and a few studio tips. We will start at 10am and go until the painting is finished, about 2pm. I will be happy to answer all of your questions about the way I paint. Bring a snack and I will provide water and coffee.

Here is the thing: Every artist has his or her own way of doing things, as do I. But when it comes down to it, the basics are the basics. This is what I will be focused on teaching in the studio. We will tackle them one at a time over and over again. Artists at any level needs this practice, just like a tennis player or golfer needs to keep sharp on their skills. 

Send me an email if you'd like to attend this demonstration on Wednesday January 7th. Classes are $50. or 4 for $185. Call me with any questions. (regular class times are 10-1:30 on Wednesdays) ranblaz@hotmail.com

I will be in Truckee most of January and February, so you can plan to attend these classes if you choose, after that I will be moving around some. I plan to teach at Patris Studio a couple of times on Tuesdays in March (Sacramento) and then I will be attending the Plein Air Convention in Monterey (one last time) in April. That means at least two or three Wednesdays in the studio in March and at least two Wednesdays in April. 

It is my belief that practice of consistent learning in the classroom is the best way to learn. In addition I believe in homework assignments and will be adding that into my classes this year. I will work with each individual at their own level and on the areas of their own weaknesses, along with keeping focused on their personal goals. 

Class size is limited.

I'm happy to announce that my painting, "Last Light over the river L'aude", was accepted into the California Art Clubs "Romance of Europe Exhibition". 

Oil on Linen  8x10"
$975
Available through CAC 

EXHIBITION DATES:

January 30 – May 26, 2015

LOCATION:

Altadena Town & Country Club 2290 Country Club Drive Altadena, CA 91001

"Last Day at Squaw"

oil on canvas, 10x10 $675
Available Here

Also on exhibition is the Small Works Show in Sacramento. You are welcome to come and enjoy all of these little beauties on Second Saturday January 10th 

Patris Studio and Art Gallery

3460 2^nd Avenue

Sacramento ca 95817

In February look for a group exhibition at The Red Dot Gallery in Sacramento. I will be one of twenty-one artists participating in the exhibition California Scape:Beyond the Snapshot, at Red Dot Gallery, in February 2015.  The premise of the exhibition is to showcase the work of artists who have a unique take on the regions, locations and/or elements of California, which go beyond the postcard imagery widely associated with our state.

"Ski Day" 

Oil on Linen   11x14x.15"

$875

See the show at the Red Dot Gallery, 2231 J Street in Sacramento, February 14, Valentines Day for the reception.

A Couple of Demo's and Holiday Shows.....

"I dream of painting and then I paint my dream"

Vincent Van Gogh

"Butterflies and Coffee"

Oil on Linen Panel   8x6"

Available Here

In Class this week at Studio Blasquez I painted a couple of demonstration pieces. We discussed how important it is to paint small and often from life. It is the best way to learn the art of observation. When an artist learns to "see" or observe, he/she will learn how to paint. I was inspired by Carol Marine's new book, Paint Small and Often. I highly recommend it!

"Green Apple, Blue Cup and a Mirror"

Oil on Linen Panel   8x8"

Available Here

I will be showing a few pieces this Holiday Season at two upcoming shows. The first one is at Patris Studio in Sacramento, "Small Works" Winter show. Opening Reception - December 13th, 6-10 pm. 3460 2nd Avenue, Sacramento 916-397-8950.

Additionally, I have entered one piece in the Holiday Treasures show in Southern California, at the Debra Huse Gallery on Balboa Island. Opening Reception is on Thursday December 4th, 5-8pm. The show will run through the holidays if you are in the area. 

Hours are OPEN 10-5 Friday-Sunday. 

Please call 949-723-6171.

Enter around the corner from Marine Avenue on Balboa Avenue

A Better Painting Every Time!

October Gold

Oil on Linen Panel   6x8"

Available Here

Above is an example of a quick notan sketch in oil paint. I used a photo reference for this, along with my little plein air piece that I brought back to the studio. I was preparing to paint a larger piece, and was showing my students how to use this idea, (I planned to use the little plein air as a color reference.)
Do yourself a favor and paint a little notan while exploring your subject. It's quick, easy and it will really get you into the discovery process that is so important with design. If you take time to paint a beautiful piece with extraordinary color and brushwork and the design is not right, the painting will not be great. Something will be "not right", and no amount of "fixing" will do it.
And don't forget, this exercise will get the creative "right" side of your brain in motion. It will free you up to explore and create your best piece yet. Use your pencil or brush for this preparation, or both!

Just thought I'd share with you the idea of working with values while designing a painting. Yes, I said "design". Composition and design are an essential element of preparing for a good painting. If you jump right into your beautiful scene before having a strong design in mind, well, it may not turn out to be as good as it could be.
I like to suggest to my students to draw a quick notan sketch or three. Look for the best rhythmic dark/light pattern (notan). Start here and then look for the value shapes by squinting a lot to allow the values in front of you begin to form larger shapes. Sketch them quickly, then name them. This is a decision process, you are looking for what appeals.
I suggest that you paint a large value scale with no more than five values plus black and white. Use this scale to find the value that you've decided on for each shape. Here is a trick, while mixing paint with your palette knife check each value by moving the knife over to your scale, hold it over the value you are going for and squint. If it goes away, the value is correct.
This will teach you to see value and after this consistent practice it will begin to go easy. Give yourself time and be patient. We are learning to see in a whole new way. Now you will have a better painting every time!
Trust me when I tell you that this is the way the Masters see! It is worth the time and effort.

Blog Post Review

a photo of the smokey Truckee area and red moon last month

I've been a little under the weather this past month, so not a lot of painting these past few weeks. I also spent another week in Sacramento doing some family stuff.....

But I have not forgotten about you! I've concluded that with a condition like "chronic fatigue syndrome" and "autoimmune disease" that I cannot continue to try and live my life as though it was not a part of my life. I've finally accepted the fact that it will not get better unless I slow down. I'm not sure how that will all unfold, but we will see.

I didn't finish the 30 paintings from the Leslie Saeta challenge this time. Perhaps I will get it done, but again at a slower rate. Painting and teaching is also a part of me and I will continue with those things, also at a slower rate. (for now)

I've decided to re-post some of my old posts. I've been going back through them and reviewing some of the lessons I've shared over the past five years. I have many new students and I thought it might be a good idea to re-share some of these ideas. 

Yes. life is again a changin! Life is very good and I will just slow down a bit and look at where all this is going. In the meantime, I appreciate my readers, students, and friends. I appreciate all of you. Please let me know what topic you would like to discuss here on the blog. My desire is to post painting lessons on the blog in a "chapter" type manner, covering one topic over several weeks. 

Be sure to comment on them and also add your ideas about the subject matter. Enjoy!

Just a Few Tips

By doing a few things different while painting, you can save yourself a lot of trouble and who needs trouble when painting is hard enough?  (It's not that I"m an expert on these matters, but along the way I have learned ways to make my life easier.)

It may seem like a small thing but cleaning brushes correctly is going to save your brushes. This goes for me too! If you want your brushes to last, it's important to take the time to keep them clean and conditioned. There are many ways to go about this, and I'm not saying mine is the best but this is how I do it (with very good results):
When I'm painting in the studio I use my brushes starting with the large ones and moving to the smaller ones. When I clean them, I start with the smaller ones and move to the larger ones. When I'm finished painting, I wipe each brush and squeeze out the paint with a paper towel. Then I dip it into the mineral spirits. The first dip (and this goes for during painting also), doesn't touch the bottom of the can. It will get the brush wet enough to get more paint out of it with another squeeze of the paper towel. The next dip is the swish into the tray inside the spirit can. Try to  gently wipe the brush back and forth inside the can to remove the paint. Wipe again with a paper towel. Do this one more time. Now dry the brush with the towel as much as you can to get the mineral spirits off. Mineral spirits, when left in the brush will dry the brush and make it brittle. After a brush gets brittle, the hair will break, and you will be buying another new brush before you know it. If you are going to clean your brushes with soap when you get home, you can put them away. If you are not going to get to it, take another step before you pack up. Invest in some walnut (or other)  oil and dip your brush into it, wipe again with your paper towel. As you wipe shape it and put it away. This will keep your brushes conditioned until you can soap them. When you use soap, use a gentle soap. http://www.brushflush.com/
I use brush flush. It will get paint out of anything and everything, even dried paint. It is very important that you don't let the paint dry in your brush. When cleaning with the soap, dip it into the soap and a little water, suds it up in your (gloved) hand, rinse. Repeat this until there is no more color coming out in the rinse water. Now wipe a little bit of the clean suds onto the bristles, shape with your fingers and lay flat to dry.

I am always trying to find ways to keep my mineral spirits clean while I'm painting. This in turn will keep my painting clean because my paint will stay cleaner. Also, if my mineral spirits aren't too mucked up, my brush will be cleaner and I can paint a brush stroke with clean color.
So let's say I've been painting in my studio, as I'm painting I wipe my brush after every brushstroke or two with my paper towels. I use as many paper towels as I need in order to keep the paint from getting all over everything. It is well worth going through a bunch of paper towels in order to get good results. It does you no good whatsoever to continue to try to use a paper towel if it is covered with paint! So, don't hesitate to throw away your paper towel, even if it is not half way used. You won't be sorry and your paint won't be all over you and your hands. (And everything else!)

It is also very important to keep your palette clean. After I've laid in my painting, I clean my palette. Scrape it with your palette knife, save your piles so you can use them in your painting, and wipe it down. If you need to you can dip your paper towel into your mineral spirits and wipe. A baby wipe works well to, but be careful because it may leave a little residue on your palette. Now you are ready to continue painting. This will save you considerable grief! Repeat as many times as you need. At the end of a session, use your razor blade scraper and scrape down your palette. I move my piles of paint at this point, into a clean area, clean underneath the area where the paint sits, and them put the paint back in it's place. I am now ready for my next session with clean juicy paint (and brushes). Put a lid on your palette. If you don't have a lid, wrap it with saran wrap, tightly. When you get home, put it in your freezer. It will last longer and be fresh the next day.

Recent Inspirations - 30 Day Challenge with Leslie Saeta.....

"Colors of Laguna Beach"

Oil on Linen Panel    8x6"

Recent Inspirations - 30 Day Challenge

"Quiet Sunset - Laguna Beach"

Oil on Linen Canvas    6x8"

Available Here

On our trip to Southern California last month, us girls had a nice dinner on the cliffs of Laguna Beach at Las Brisas Restaurant. We enjoyed a lovely view, and then after dinner we walked down to the beach. I must have taken a 100 photos! It was the most beautiful evening. Very few people on the beach, and then a just married couple made their way down the steps along with a few friends and a photographer. 

Looking up the beach or down, the light was fantastic. We stayed out there for a long while, just enjoying the waves. 

Recent Inspirations - Ocean Colors - Painting 15

"The Magic Hour"

Oil on Linen Panel    8x8"

This piece is a total experiment/study. I wanted to play around with color. While in Pacific Grove last April for a month of painting, studying at the convention and teaching a workshop, I took plenty of photos. The evening light there is truly amazing. 

I've decided that I want to paint several studies so I can learn to capture what I remember from that area. This is the first one, and I tried not to get too picky with color and brushwork. I want to let things happen with the brush. I'm excited to paint more of these and explore different compositions while pushing color and lot's of paint!

It will have to wait until I get home from another quick trip to Sacramento this weekend. I'll see you when I get back.

Recent Inspirations - A Fun Little Study - Paintings 13 & 14

 Yesterday I had a single student in the studio and we worked on learning value, color mixing and brushwork. It was a fun little exercise. I enjoyed playing around with the brushwork on the little black and white study. As I told my friend, you can get away with almost anything when it comes to painting, as long as the VALUES ARE CORRECT.
 I use a value scale to teach my students this very important concept.  The value scale should be only five values, and we name them, starting with the MIDDLE VALUE - and to the right of that is MID-DARK, then DARK. To the left of middle is MID-LIGHT and the first one is LIGHT. You can paint your own value scale on a piece of canvas about 3 inches by 16 inches. Carry it with your painting supplies. Use it to compare each color you mix. If you mix a color, using your palette knife, hold the knife with the mix over the value scale while squinting. When the knife disappears, you have landed on the value of the color you mixed.
We design our painting with a notan, and NAME THE VALUE OF EACH SHAPE, (L,ML,M,MD or D), before mixing our palette to begin our color study.
If you want to learn more about values, paint lots of small studies, and maybe one or two before you begin any painting......

 A small sketch notan should look something like this (above). I did three of these as I was exploring my DESIGN. After this I chose the best one before I began my painting. (I like #3) In it there are 5 values - do you see them? Can you tell the difference between the mid-dark and middle value? Do you see the darkest value? Notice that the eye connects these value shapes. This is how you want to paint.

A small painting notan should look something like this. I ignored any detail here. I was deciding on how big to make the darkest value shape. This is the design process before you begin to paint. 

I know it will take patience to do these studies but it will pay off BIG. As you continue to do them you will find freedom in your paint brush!

ps, I'm leaving town for a quick trip to Sacramento for a dr's appt. so I'll be back in the studio next week. See ya then.

Recent Inspirations - Painting #12

"Marina Evening"

Oil on Cradle Board   12 x 12"

I made it back into the studio tonight, after spending the day in bed with a cold/who knows what? Feeling a bit better, but I was worried there for a while that I would be too sick to paint or teach this week. A day or two of rest really helps.

This piece from a photo I took last April in Monterey. It is a beautiful place.

Recent Inspirations - 30 paintings in 45 Days?

I haven't been to the studio these past few days. Life has been really full and fun, and I just couldn't take the time to paint. We have enjoyed a very special week with friends here in Truckee while my husband has played in the yearly Invitation Tournament at Tahoe Donner Golf Resort. It was fun to hang out and see how it all works.

I donated a painting to be auctioned off as well. I had so much fun with this that I've decided to paint another one for next year, and I had a chance to get out and take some photos. It is a beautiful course. And I am enjoying it now because I have recently started playing golf. I'm so glad I did!

So here is the deal. Because I haven't kept up with my paintings the last few days, I have made the decision to take more time and go ahead with the 30 paintings rather than painting fewer than thirty.

This is a personal challenge for me, and I want to continue on with my exploration of recent inspirations.

So I'll see ya when I can with my next piece. Looking forward to it!

Recent Inspirations - Day Eleven

"Waterfall Above Emerald Bay"

Oil on Linen Panel    6x8"

Purchase Here

This one is painted from a  reference photo I took at Emerald Bay, from the top of the waterfall. I wasn't all that happy with it but got a chance to go back into it later. I'd like to paint it again in a larger format. It was a good practice shot!

I am certainly feeling the pressure at this point with the painting a day. In fact, we have a huge event this weekend and company staying with us. It will be wonderful to connect with friends. 

Anyway, I may not get to the studio for a couple of days - so I will have to paint when I can, possibly on Sunday or Monday. These 10 days have been inspiring and more lately, maybe a bit too much. But I haven't thrown in my hat yet, and maybe a little break will get me going again. 

And as always, I thank you for stopping by!

Recent Inspirations - Day Ten

"Memories of Montmartre"

Oil on Cradled Panel  6x12"

I had fun with this little photo I took in Montmartre last Summer. Very good memories indeed!

"Truckee Love"

Oil on Linen Panel    9x12"

Available Here

I have lived in Truckee, California for almost a year now. I opened my Studio downtown last November and I am loving it. Life is different here. Slower. The people are incredibly friendly, caring, active. 
This view is right above where my studio is, at the top of the stairs. It is a beautiful view. I see it all the time and it changes everyday, as does the weather here. The light through our little town is beautiful, and I especially enjoy it in the late afternoon, when there is still a little snow on the mountain and it has a pinkish hue. 
This painting is from a photo taken a little earlier in the day, at the beginning of Summer. I'm hoping to paint this one again as the season changes this coming year.

Recent Inspirations - Day Eight

"Golf as it was Meant to Be!"

Oil on Linen Canvas   14x11"

NFS

For this piece I painted from a photo the Pacific Dunes Golf Course. Michael is playing in a local tournament this coming weekend and I am providing this piece for one of the raffle prizes. It was fun. One thing to remember with this kind of painting is that you really need a strong light source to bring interest and excitement to the painting. 

Now that I am learning to play golf, I suspect you will be seeing more of these types of paintings from me. In fact, I'm looking forward to our trip to Hawaii, my first ever golf trip next month. 

As the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge progresses, I am coming to a couple of conclusions. Number one, I am enjoying it and I love that painting is becoming a habit again. Number two, I can't believe I signed on to this challenge as I realize the upcoming events this month that will really make keeping up difficult! So I will just keep saying to myself, "One day at a time, one day at a time, one day at a time!"

Recent Inspirations - Day Seven

"Sunset View at the Keyhole"

Oil on Linen Panel   9x12"

Available Here

This is another beautiful spot that we painted en plain air last week. I can't believe i used to live near here in Southern California, back in my 20's. I appreciate it so much more today. It has so many beautiful places to set up and paint. 

This too, I had to paint a second time. Looking forward to planning another trip to this area...

New Inspirations - Day Six

"San Clemente Pier Palms"

Oil on Linen Panel

Available Here

Another photo from last week on my girl trip. I loved this scene and painted it once per "plain air", but wanted to paint it again. When I get out there and I'm looking at some beautiful scene that I don't often get to see, it is overwhelming. I need to study it, and take time to paint it again in order to understand what I'm looking at. So, attempt number two! I hope to paint it many more times. I really am enjoying this view with the palm trees lined up in a lyrical manner.. Really fun!

"Letting Go" - New Inspirations - Day Five

"Letting Go"

Oil on Linen Canvas    18x24"

Today I was fortunate to spend time with students in the studio. We studied the idea of letting go and letting things happen on the canvas. We began with a transparent wash of color and value, then layered on the paint thick. It was a fun experiment!