challenge CHATTER - 2013

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 9:11 AM

Good morning, all!

Oil pastels are a topic of conversation here now, so I’ve resurrected two old ones. The first, pears, is done in my very favorite colors. Now, however, I would put the left-hand pear on more solid footing so it looks as though it is actually leaning down on the table and would also create a wider value range between light and dark.

The new avatar is an OP detail drawn from a Los Angeles County Art Museum painting done in one of my art classes there. Those classes included pencils, oil pastels, and a sketchbook for each student, and that was where I discovered OPs.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 10:37 AM

Alex, so you are an expert with OPs as well as all your other talents!!!   Color is your forte and you don't fail us with these two.  The pears look fantastic and extremely interesting since one doesn't usually see purple pears.  I love that artistic license.  The colors in the fan are also beautiful.  I think the left pear is fine but understand what you mean about using more darks to ground it if it were tilted so that the top of it touches the table.  Thanks for sharing these.  They are wonderful.  I hope you post them on The Member Gallery.  

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 10:42 AM

Jen, thank for the compliments about the handsome men in my family.  I agree that they are.  That photo was taken seven years ago when my hubby was 73.  You would never know it, would you.  And he still looks good at 80.

C. Brown wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 4:54 PM

Alex your new avatar picture is beautiful!

Thank you everyone for tolerating my melt down last night. I decided that I am not parting with the chick picture and certainly not for 2 bottles of oil soap. What was I thinking??  I've come to the conclusion that in the future I'm the one who ultimately controls when and who sees my art and whether or not it's a candidate for a give away or for sale.  I'm really not a hot mess of a person but felt totally out of control when I had two people standing there wanting the same picture at the same time and then one of them, bless her heart, feeling that she would be furthering my art "carreer" if she commissioned paintings and litteraly taking me to her beach house so I could paint for her. She meant well I know. I think part of owning who you are as an artist means accepting the sort of artist you are and then being ok with it while at the same tiime being polite with other's while staying true to who you are as an individual.  I do love to give friends and coworkers little paintings so from now on I'll decide ahead of time what ones I want to keep and what ones I'm ok giving away or even selling. At least people WANT my work and aren't struggling to stand there trying to find something nice to say about it. Funny how one loses perspective sometimes.  Ok.now back to painting for me as there are so many bird houses and so little time ;)

Berkenstock wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 6:39 PM

Catherine I didn't notice any meltdown just someone with a problem that needed someone to talk to.  It will come easier with time.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 6:58 PM

Catherine, good for you.  You've been doing a lot of thinking and you came out right on top.  I find that I do better if I paint what pleases me, therefore, I do not accept commissions.  I had a man literally beg me to do portraits of his children.  I said that if I start taking commissions, I have a job and I don't want a job.  Enjoy painting and let us enjoy seeing your work.

Berkenstock wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 7:14 PM

My feelings exactly Sam.  I may be inspired by what they want me to paint and go ahead and paint it the way I want it.  He or she can buy it then if I choose to sell.

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 10:19 PM

Catherine, it was so moving to read what you wrote. I'm with Sam and Geri and you all the way. Creating art must release seratonin or dopamine inside my brain because it makes me so happy, and I want to enjoy it, not feel that it is a chore in any way. Although I'm interested in seeing what I do that people respond to and whether or not my work is saleable, it is a rewarding labor of love, not something I have to do. 

It is great that you know people respond so positively to your art and want to own it.

Alexandra Spencer wrote

on 10 Jan 2013 10:24 PM

Thank you all for your comments on my pears and avatar. Oil pastels are my favorite medium although I'm in a phase of learning how to use WC pencils right now.

Kim513 wrote

on 11 Jan 2013 12:38 PM

Alex, The avatar is gorgeous and the pears are so colorful...inspiriing.

Catherine,  bottom line is that you're comfortable with your choice now, and that's great. Glad you have your confidence back.

J.V.Schaffer wrote

on 12 Jan 2013 2:16 PM

Thought I would get on the chatter line for a bit   this is prelude to a kiss