Challenge 28. February, 2013

Hearadh wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 11:26 AM

Hello to:-

Sam, Bonnie, Kim,,Geri,, Alex , Jen and JV...many thanks for your kind comments about my old paint box...been using it today but I prefer tubes nowadays.

I have posted a 'photo of me using it in France...

NOT Paris Sam but on a course studying Lascaux (and other French) cave paintings.

 I have been to Paris on a number of occasions but didn't like it much...prefer Italy. More friendly and cheerful.

J.V.Schaffer wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 3:22 PM

Bonnie your kingfisher is absolutely gorgious I love the background  the bird looks as it  could just fly away

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 3:23 PM

Okay, I'm going to post this in spite of my better judgement not to.  This is a feeble attempt at pointulism.  I meant to change the color of her sneaker since it is the same color as her jeans but forgot and am not going to bother since I'll never do anything with this.  It was fun to work so loose but I'm ready to start a serious piece.

These are two of my great grandchildren, Haidyn and Nathan.  They are cousins a few months apart in age.  This is 6x9 using oil pastels on Uart paper.  I can see that I should have used some darker darks in the foliage.

Berkenstock wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 6:05 PM

Sammy I think your pulling our leg here you don't look old enough to have grandkids this big.  The painting  has a lot of color variation  and is well done but I think the composition is lacking.  The road goes one direction the kids go another.  There is no path for them to go down into the woods.  I keep asking myself  what this painting is about.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 7:10 PM

Geri, I just painted what I saw.

A Gal Named Sam wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 7:16 PM

Jen, thanks for your kind words.  Yes, I do like Haidyn's hair and the road.  It actually was fun but out of my comfort zone.  Nex week I'll be starting a colored pencil piece of Haidyn's older sister playing the guitar.  It will be realistic and will take me a while to get it done.  I have two great grandchildren portraits done and five to go.

B.J. Bailey wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 8:02 PM

Sam, I love your pointulism ptg of Haidyen and Nathan walking hand in hand. All the different colours are wonderful. You have really captured Nathan's movement. I agree with you in that some darker values in the background would be good but I think it is also fine the way it is.  This would be fun to try but I would need something much simpler.

wetpaperfan wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 8:32 PM

Jen,  I love the picture of you in your space with Harold in your arms....   What a wonderful place to have.  The small one is coming along....  I'm watching your WIP.     I love your beautiful swans .. interesting what you said about the robin in England....

Sam, I LOVE the pointillism piece of your grandkids.  I didn't notice anything wrong with the road or path that they are on, but nice that you posted the photo reference.  I like that you took the sweater off from around Haidyn's waist.  This is exceptional styling,  keep in nearby and tweak when you feel it.   It is just different than what you are used to looking at , but from my perspective it is marvelous. I think it is a keeper.   ALSO, What a great style for your swans,  very unique and well done.   the water is great.  how about using a green to tone down the swans bills?    just a thought.  

Alex I still go back and look at the martini with the olives.    I would love to see that framed....  

Bonnie, what a beautiful Kingfisher.   I saw the suede paper at the art store it was on mattboard.   your piece is so soft and expressive,   great background.   

B.J. Bailey wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 8:44 PM

Thank you Jen on your comments. I agree his tail needs work. I also found it difficult to bring the background up to the bird and wonder if it shouldn't be done first but then you have to work on top of it all the time.

Jim, I'm glad you liked my kingfisher, I am enjoying working with pastels

Sam, thank you for your comments. I was not sure if I could find the info on the paper because I bought as loose sheets, but I think this is it. Colourfix Suede Pastel Paper, archival quality velvety paper ideal for pastels and other media. It was developed in conjunction with the manufacturer of PanPastel as a ground for its product. It is also ideal for use with charcoal, graphite, silverpaint, watercolour, qouach, acrylics, inks, oil colours and more. 8 colours heavy weight 500 gsm hot press watercolour paper. The sheets I purchased are 14" x 18". I shop at Curry's art suppy store in Toronto (they have a catelog and do ship supplies) when I have a chance to get there and that is were I got these. I have asked for the sanded paper but they don't carry that. Hope this of some helps.

Berkenstock wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 8:47 PM

Jen to answer your question about the robins.  In the US our robin is actually a thrush.  Our first settlers form Europe started calling them robins because that was a bird they were familiar with back home the name stuck so now we have a robin that isn't one.  The same holds true with the buffalo.  We do not have any buffalo in the Americas they are a different species aka the American bison.

Berkenstock wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 8:50 PM

Sam I see what you mean.  It does look like they are headed into the woods from the angle they are facing.

Berkenstock wrote

on 13 Feb 2013 9:02 PM

Bonnie I think your kingfisher is very good except for the problem tail.

J.V.Schaffer wrote

on 14 Feb 2013 9:13 AM

Well Sam since I do not know the meaning of pointulism I can only comment on the painting except for the shoes that are depicted correctly I love the painting especially the color of her hair red heads are my nemisis My own oldest gr grand is 8   I used one of my wifes extensive collection for this painting the pitcher is only 4 " tall I have shown it as 8"

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