Arboretum Shadows Study 1, Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

A few weeks ago I worked three oil sketches to test and play with design options before committing to a larger work. The larger work is completed and is currently in submission to a competition.

I decided to go back and play with the first sketch. I intensified the colors in a few spots and just played with it a bit. It was fun and I like the completed painting. ‘Nuff said.

October Zest, Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"

I had the pleasure of leading an Oil Painting Workshop last weekend at The Next Picture Show in Dixon Illinois. Ten students were enrolled, but a case of the flu took us down to nine students in attendance. I knew several of the people, which helps. Even had a fellow who is known in the area for his watercolor paintings joined us (I felt a little intimidated).

I utilized a larger painting (Kishwaukee Flare) for the inspiration of my primary work. The finished painting helped my students anticipate where they were going. The smaller studies (shown below) help to identify the steps to get to the completed work.  I discussed the small studies and attached them to a post in the classroom where they were in full view of most of the students. It was my goal to complete my painting before noon.

After some initial discussions concerning details such as the format of the workshop, my equipment, the additional paintings and block ins which were present, I started by showing the students a quick idea to help start the drawings on their canvases. The students jumped in and were quickly following my lead through the painting process. They moved fast.

I tried to narrate my way through my painting to explain items such as colors which I was using and why, where I was painting, areas that were a cause of caution and how I would address these potential problems, etc. I got a good pace going and was able to take several breaks to view the work of the students. Although I wanted the work to be their own, I still offered advice (and occasionally a few brush strokes), to help keep them moving in a positive direction. One student seemed especially happy with an “Aha” moment which she experienced during the block in of her work. I goaded her into setting this start to the side and keep it as a “How to” example for future reference. I challenged her to start another canvas and see if she could recapture that magic. She was a good sport and, although the second start was not as energetic as the first attempt, it was still very good and helped her complete a nice painting.

Several students were able to join me in completing this painting before noon and start additional paintings during the afternoon. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed the warmth of the studio before heading into the cold January dusk. My thanks to The Next Picture Show for their assistance and to the students for being open to new ideas and views on creating oil paintings.

October Zest - Initial Sketch, Oil on Gessoed Paper 8" x 6"

October Zest - Dark's Established,, Oil on Gessoed Paper 8" x 6"

October Zest - Block In, Oil on Gessoed Paper 8" x 6"

Students attending the January 2012 Oil Workshop.

Autumn's Palette, Oil on Canvas 16" x 20"

Hard to believe that 2012 is here already. The holiday season is past and a new year has begun.

First, thank you to all that have read and followed my musings during 2011. A few days ago, I received a summary about the activity at this blog. A San Francisco cable car holds 60 passengers. This blog was viewed 2,400 times in 2011. It would take about forty trips to move that many people. 105 new posts were added during 2011 bringing the total archive to 203 posts. 221 pictures were added, that’s about 4 pictures per week. The blog’s busiest day was April 13, when 45 people visited the post Art Competitions – 2011. Other popular posts included, Anderson Japanese Gardens (June), Rockford Spring ArtScene (April) and Illinois Watercolor Society Demonstration (October). Many of my visitors came through my website (www.tomlindenart.com), my e-mail, facebook, and wordpress.

Into the first week of the new year and already I feel as though I am behind. The submission deadlines for several competitions are quickly approaching. Although I seem to have a sufficient number of works, I want to ensure that I have enough really good works for all of the contests I wish to enter. I have more ideas for paintings in both oils and watercolor than I can create (I suppose that is a good thing). Okay, that last one may also fall under a time management thing. When, or if it snows, I want to get out on location to get some small paintings and photo references for more, large design. Enrollment is already underway for my spring classes at Rock Valley College (nice to report that a fair number of students have already registered – thanks for the confidence).  The RVC classes begin in less than six weeks. I am hosting an oil painting workshop next weekend and am scheduled for a four day watercolor workshop at the beginning of June. A watercolor demonstration in early March.  I need to ensure that I have a variety of good works, in various sizes, to forward to Woodwalk Gallery this spring. Oh yeah, Rockford Spring ArtScene in four months. Yikes. I have got to get to work…Now!

Here’s working towards a happy, healthy, productive and profitable 2012. Happy New Year.

Open Hearth Pond, Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"

After playing (and I do mean playing) with a couple small studies, I decided to revise the design further and take it to a slightly larger size. I find a great benefit to playing with a design or technique. Each time I work it, I expand or improve upon something which I learned during the previous struggle. Each struggle, or moment of difficulty (or even frustration), once worked through, allows me to have learned something new (about myself, my subject, the medium, etc.). I carry that new found knowledge onto the next painting and beyond. This is why, when someone asks, “How long did it take you to do that paintin’.” I can say, “All of my life!”. A lot of people hate that response, but it’s true.

Open Hearth Pond 1, Oil on Gessoed Paper 8" x 6"

A couple posts earlier, I mentioned the purging of unsuitable paintings. Taking completed paintings which are considered inferior and will never see the light outside of the studio. I  apply gesso (an acrylic primer)  so that I can reuse the canvas (my Dutch blood coming through).

In the process of returning these gessoed canvases back into inventory, I realized that my floor space is getting overrun by blank canvases. Time to reorganize the studio. My youngest, home from college, was recruited to assist me. We went to Lowe’s to purchase some shelves. After returning home, we moved a couple pieces of furniture around and removed one piece from the studio. Within a couple hours of mayhem we had the shelves assembled, in place and stocked with canvases. The shift of furniture and canvases opened up floor space in the studio and gives a more spacious environment. Getting set for the new year.

The shelves seem to be too full of blank canvases. With some luck and time management, I plan to spend a lot of time painting over the next couple months. Some competitions are coming up, I need to ensure plenty of good works for Woodwalk Gallery and Spring Art Scene will be here before I know it (mid-April). Hopefully, I won’t be returning too many canvases back to the shelves.

Incidentally, the paintings shown on this post were created utilizing a palette knife.

Open Hearth Pond 2, Oil on Gessoed Paper 8" x 6"

Farm Study, Oil on Gessoed Paper 6" x 8"

I realized that it was time to start coming up with an idea for this years Christmas cards. Although I had a couple of paintings available which would work, I decided to see if I could come up with a few additional options.

After shuffling through several loads of reference photos and creating numerous thumbnail sketches, I settled on these two designs. As I began to sketch each one onto some gessoed paper (remains from my watercolor classes), I  idea came to mind. I decided to try something really different for me and work the paint only using palette knives.

It definitely gives a different, juicy and impressionistic look to these subjects. It was challenging, at times difficult – but it was fun. Additional design possibilities came springing to mind. More to come.

Barn Study, Oil on Gessoed Paper 6" x 8"

Candle and Teddy Bear, Oil on Canvas 14" x 11"

As we move from autumn to winter, I find that I am spending more time in the studio. Over the summer and early autumn I spent more time outside and tended to neglect housekeeping  in the studio. A week ago, I  decided that some organization and clean up was in order. In the process, I opted to clear the studio of a few paintings. A few “clinkers”. Paintings that I realize are not good enough. About couple dozen such works.  The nice thing with oil paints is that you can apply gesso over old, unsuccessful works and start afresh. For now, each evening before leaving the studio, I grab a few paintings, apply gesso and leave them to dry overnight. Within a few days, I will have less inventory of paintings and a greater inventory of “blank” canvases ready for me to paint.

As I was clearing out the clinkers, I came across this work. I created this from life last year during the Christmas season. Before destroying this work, I decided to take some time and play with it first. A few touches of paint to the front side of the table. Brighter, more intense colors to the ornaments, greens and candle. Then, darken up the background. I have attached an image of the original design for your comparison.

Candle and Teddy Bear - Original

October Patterns, Oil on Canvas 24" x 36"

After working three studies of this subject, I decided it was time to take the design to a larger format. Moving from the 11″ x 14″ studies to a 24″ x 36″  canvas had its challenges. Besides the drawing, I found that there were several areas that needed additional attention.

To gain the essence of depth, I decided to capitalize on the indication of the the woods (on the left) and added a section behind the foliage on the right. To gain the feeling of the sunlight coming through the foliage in the center, I relied on my watercolor experience. Rather than apply impasto stroke’s of paint, I left the original wash of paint and applied the sky around the leaves. The leaves maintained a more transparent appearance. I also had to rethink my approach to the foreground grasses.

Took me a little longer to complete than I had expected, but that’s okay.

When It's Ajar, Watercolor on 140# Arches CP 21" x 14"

Plein Air July 21 #2 Malibu Moo's, Oil on Canvas Panel 6" x 8"

Before the Entrance, Oil on Canvas 24" x 18"

Three of my paintings, When It’s Ajar, Plein Air July 21 #2 Malibu Moo’s, and Before the Entrance, have been accepted into the “Architecture and More” juried exhibition. The exhibition is hosted by The Next Picture Show in Dixon Illinois and runs from December 2, 2011 through January 7, 2012.

Arboretum Shadows Study #1, Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

Arboretum Shadows Study #2, Oil on Canvas 11" x 14"

My fall watercolor classes have finished. Thanks to Rock Valley College for allowing me to use their facilities to conduct my classes. Once again, I was blessed with a lot of fun people who were not afraid to try new methods and were open to new ideas. I am flattered at the many students that return semester after semester. It is a challenge to find new ways to stimulate their creativity and tackle their apprehensions.  I am happy for the many new students that have started my classes and given me the chance to help them uncover and discover the joys of this challenging medium.  They were also kind enough to share their ideas to help as I continue to define and refine my ideas about teaching this tricky medium. Another thirteen weeks and a few snow storms until we start the spring semester.

For now, I have plans/ambitions to complete several oil paintings for exhibitions/competitions and Rockford Spring ArtScene. I also aim to complete watercolor paintings for upcoming watercolor society shows.

I am currently working on an idea for a larger painting. I thought it best to play with a few smaller interpretations first. The inspiration came from a visit to a local park. I was fortunate enough to capture some sketches of this scene. I settled on one design which I have already transferred as a drawing to a canvas.  More to follow soon… I trust.