Art Blog - A Painting Journey

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Art Blog - A Painting Journey

My Matisse Painting invited to a National Juried Show

Posted by Ann Tucker at 7/15/2010 10:09 PM | Add Comment

Batter Up

I was at a Cubs game last week and had the good fortune to have really good seats.
I used one of the photos I took as a reference for this painting.

Although the Cubs lost in the 9^th, it was still great fun to see the action up this close.

“Batter Up”, 8x10”, gouache (opaque watercolor)

Posted by Ann Tucker at 7/3/2010 9:46 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

A while ago, I saw a Matisse exhibit at the museum. Though his style is not how I prefer to paint, there was something that intrigued me. I wanted to try copying one of his masters but in a way that was still mine. I decided to create my copy in a museum setting.

I was intrigued by how much people were studying each painting. That was part of the inspiration for this painting. Also I wanted to try copying the style to see if I could get any better understanding for his work.

I was proud of myself for thinking of the idea. Then as I sifted thru images of Matisse’s work. I found that he had done it himself! He did a scene of the inside of his studio with one of his own paintings leaning against the wall!

I had to combine several references as photo taking was not allowed in the exhibit.
And the two painting I wanted to use did not appear together in the exhibit.
The two paintings "on the wall" are Bathers by the River & The Dance. The composition took a lot of playing around. It seemed that for all the busy-ness of the “museum wall” that the “viewer” needed to be simpler.

I analyzed the reference a lot before painting each shape. I'm not looking to make an exact duplicate. But I do want it recognized as a reference to Matisse's painting.

”Museum Series- Matisse”, Acrylics. 30"x40"

I’m happy with the finished painting. I finished it with 2 days to spare before the show entry cutoff. Yeah!

Fingers crossed that the judge likes my painting and it gets into the show!

Posted by Ann Tucker at 6/27/2010 9:27 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Canoe Shed

Finally on Monday (our last full day at Dillman's) we had a sunny, summer day. What a difference! The scenery went from nice to beautiful.

They have canoes & kayaks available for the resort guest to use. We didn't take them out but I was intrigued by their shapes and colors and the shed that had all the life vests hanging on it and paddles resting against it.

I'm very pleased with how this painting is progressing. I think it is about halfway done. After two hours, the sun had changed the light too much on me so I had to stop working on this painting on site. I like this one enough that I will continue working on it in the studio.

Canoe Shed, 8x10", oils

Posted by Ann Tucker at 6/9/2010 11:10 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Birch at Lakeside

In addition to my oils, I brought a watercolor & gouache kit on our mini vacation. Gouache is an opaque watercolor. In my search for the perfect sketch setup, I tried a sample set of gouache I was given recently. With regular transparent watercolor if you want light colors you have to plan ahead and reserve them. Since gouache is opaque, I could add the light colors at any time including near the end of the painting. I like the forgiveness of this medium. And as with watercolors, it dilutes and cleans with water.

This painting was done in early evening. The sky was still filled with heavy rain clouds. But since I was in a happier mood than the clouds, I took some artistic license and painted as if it were a sunny day.

This was painted while sitting on a bench on a dock and listening to the birds and chipmunks. Very peaceful...

Birch at Lakeside, 5x4", watercolor & gouache

Posted by Ann Tucker at 6/9/2010 10:53 PM | Add Comment

Gloomy Day at the Lake

We just came back from spending 4 days at Dillman's Bay Resort in the North Woods of Wisconsin. Dillman's is a nice, well-run place on a quiet lake. We were greeted when we opened the car door by a very laid-back Golden Retriever who escorted us to the check in desk. He took his job as official greeter very seriously!

I had heard about Dillman's because they run week long artist workshops all summer. We weren't there for a workshop but were invited to the welcoming reception they had for the students. During the reception, a brief rundown of the week's schedule gave the impression that they put a lot of effort into making sure the workshop students have a good week.

Although we weren't there for classes, we were there for the artist friendly atmosphere. Despite the rain which kept trying to dampen our vacation, I was able to do 3 plein air paintings. And when it was raining, I spent my time reading some of their large library of art instruction books.

This first was done during a few hour break in the rain. The sky was filled with large gray clouds.

Gloomy Day at the Lake, 8x10", oil

Posted by Ann Tucker at 6/9/2010 10:29 PM | Add Comment

A group show at the Schaumburg Library

This evening we hung a small group show at the Schaumburg Library.

I have "The Magic" in the show.

The show will remain up through the end of the month.

Posted by Ann Tucker at 6/1/2010 10:29 PM | Add Comment

Schaumburg Plein Air workshop - Final day

We were in Busse Woods near the boat ramp. It was 90+ deg, not the best day for being away from air conditioning!

I did 2 paintings today. The first was a nice tranquil one looking over the lake. Worked on this for about 3 hours.

Lake Study 024, 8x10” oils

The second was after lunch. Challenged myself to do this one in 45 minutes with a palette knife.

This sky study was interesting. Each time I looked up, the clouds were in a different formation!

Sky Study 024, 8x10” oils

Posted by Ann Tucker at 5/24/2010 5:58 PM | Add Comment

Schaumburg Plein Air workshop - Day 3

This is the corner of a commercial bldg in town. I was standing on the sidewalk of a busy 4-lane road. The straight wide road was often acting as a wind-tunnel so my pochade box was doing a lots of moving!

I was attracted to the way the sun hit the face of this building and the streetlamp in the parking lot while the front flowers were in the shade of a tree.

I’m happy with this painting. I particularly like the loose way the lamp, purple flowers and window turned out.

33 Roselle Rd, 8x10" oils

Posted by Ann Tucker at 5/23/2010 5:38 PM | Add Comment

Schaumburg Plein Air workshop - Day 2

Day 2 of my local plein air workshop.

Today we wandered thru a very old neighborhood and happened upon a wonderful old cottage garden. Lots of well established old-time flowers like red peonies, purple flocks and orange poppies.

Luck was with us, we got permission to paint in that garden.

What drew me to this subject was the way the peonies seemed to glow in the sunlight.

Here is today’s painting while still in the garden.