Contemporary Art
Here are a couple of good links as to how to mix and use mediums:
1. Oil Painting - Mediums
2. Wet Canvas
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
ART VIDEOS #5
Contemporary Art
LAURA CHAMORRO
1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
MALCOLM PALMER
So you can´t draw...#1
So you can´t draw #2
IF ELEPHANTS CAN PAINT...
1. Elephant Painting Elephant
2. Elephant Painting Poppies
3. Elephant Painting Tiger
4. Elephant Painting Self-Portrait
LAURA CHAMORRO
1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
MALCOLM PALMER
So you can´t draw...#1
So you can´t draw #2
IF ELEPHANTS CAN PAINT...
1. Elephant Painting Elephant
2. Elephant Painting Poppies
3. Elephant Painting Tiger
4. Elephant Painting Self-Portrait
SO CAN YOU!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
EVERYONE CAN PAINT...
Art Lessons
Contemporary Art
As I have said before, I believe we´re all born with the ability to paint. Before we can even write, we already know how to paint. It´s an innate ability.
ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS...THE DESIRE!!
Even the cavemen knew how to paint even though they didn´t know how to write.
I remember that as far back as kindergarten the nuns used to give us tracing paper and we would first trace the image and then paint it.
It wasn´t until age ten that I began to learn about proportions, perspective, light/shadow and how to draw without using tracing paper. But who is to say that when I was tracing in kindergarten, I wasn´t already learning how to draw? The mind is an amazing thing...
So, if you can´t draw right now...trace...or use a grid.
You think that´s cheating?
Years ago, I met an artist who would do pastel portraits at a 5 star hotel. He would take a Polaroid picture of his clients (some of them were members of royalty) and then he would take the photo to a backroom and put it on a projector. He would then trace the photo, after which he would return to the hotel Lobby and sit and work with his pastels. He used to charge US$ 80 per portrait in 1980.
His dominion of pastels and the quality of the final result made you overlook the fact that he used a projector.
You still think this is cheating?
Well, let´s go back in time...
Da Vinci used to place a glass on two easels to trace the landscapes and he, as well as other Master Artists used the camera obscura (a projector).
To find out more about the camera obscura, go to: Camera obscura
So, do you still think it´s cheating?
If you´re not comfortable tracing, then use a grid. Many artists do. Even I use the grid, on occasion, when I don´t want to spend too much time sketching a subject.
Van Gogh used a perspective frame (similar to a grid that also aids perpective). To learn more about the perspective frame go to:
Van Gogh Museum
I prefer not to make a habit of using a grid because I don´t want to lose the ability of drawing freehand, on the contrary, I want to improve.
However, if you´re just starting and you´re having difficulty with your sketch, I highly recommend using the grid until you can draw freehand.
To learn how to use a grid go to: Drawspace.com - Grid
You still think that´s cheating?
Then try "Naive Art". What is Naive Art? Draw and paint...like a child.
For a more detailed description go to: Naive Art
Also go to Google images and search for Naive Art and you will see exactly what I am referring to.
While I was surfing the web in search of some quotations for my next blog, I came upon this one:
When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw.
She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?"
Howard Ikemoto - Art-Quotes
You still doubt you can paint? Well if elephants can do it....so can you!
Watch these videos of real elephants... painting :)) :
ANIMALS PAINTING
I hope this has been helpful.
God Bless and Happy Painting!!
Contemporary Art
As I have said before, I believe we´re all born with the ability to paint. Before we can even write, we already know how to paint. It´s an innate ability.
ALL YOU REALLY NEED IS...THE DESIRE!!
Even the cavemen knew how to paint even though they didn´t know how to write.
I remember that as far back as kindergarten the nuns used to give us tracing paper and we would first trace the image and then paint it.
It wasn´t until age ten that I began to learn about proportions, perspective, light/shadow and how to draw without using tracing paper. But who is to say that when I was tracing in kindergarten, I wasn´t already learning how to draw? The mind is an amazing thing...
So, if you can´t draw right now...trace...or use a grid.
You think that´s cheating?
Years ago, I met an artist who would do pastel portraits at a 5 star hotel. He would take a Polaroid picture of his clients (some of them were members of royalty) and then he would take the photo to a backroom and put it on a projector. He would then trace the photo, after which he would return to the hotel Lobby and sit and work with his pastels. He used to charge US$ 80 per portrait in 1980.
His dominion of pastels and the quality of the final result made you overlook the fact that he used a projector.
You still think this is cheating?
Well, let´s go back in time...
Da Vinci used to place a glass on two easels to trace the landscapes and he, as well as other Master Artists used the camera obscura (a projector).
To find out more about the camera obscura, go to: Camera obscura
So, do you still think it´s cheating?
If you´re not comfortable tracing, then use a grid. Many artists do. Even I use the grid, on occasion, when I don´t want to spend too much time sketching a subject.
Van Gogh used a perspective frame (similar to a grid that also aids perpective). To learn more about the perspective frame go to:
Van Gogh Museum
I prefer not to make a habit of using a grid because I don´t want to lose the ability of drawing freehand, on the contrary, I want to improve.
However, if you´re just starting and you´re having difficulty with your sketch, I highly recommend using the grid until you can draw freehand.
To learn how to use a grid go to: Drawspace.com - Grid
You still think that´s cheating?
Then try "Naive Art". What is Naive Art? Draw and paint...like a child.
For a more detailed description go to: Naive Art
Also go to Google images and search for Naive Art and you will see exactly what I am referring to.
While I was surfing the web in search of some quotations for my next blog, I came upon this one:
When my daughter was about seven years old, she asked me one day what I did at work. I told her I worked at the college - that my job was to teach people how to draw.
She stared at me, incredulous, and said, "You mean they forget?"
Howard Ikemoto - Art-Quotes
You still doubt you can paint? Well if elephants can do it....so can you!
Watch these videos of real elephants... painting :)) :
ANIMALS PAINTING
I hope this has been helpful.
God Bless and Happy Painting!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
ABOUT ART CRITICS
Art Lessons
Contemporary Art
ABOUT ART CRITICS
Keep in mind that the art critics of the time ridiculed and rejected the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. They cut them and their art to pieces.
Fortunately for us, the impressionists didn´t listen.
I wish I could go back in time and listen to what they had to say about them then, specially Van Gogh. They must have put him in a shredder...
I will now put on my "Art-Critic-Hat" and give you my opinion:
If a work of art "speaks" to you and/or "stirs" something in you, by all means, take it home. It belongs with you.
If it doesn´t...let it be.
Truth be told: the best art critic in the world is YOU.
Keep in mind that there´s a huge difference between an Art Critic and an Art Consultant.
When buying a piece of art that´s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and up, such as a Van Gogh or a Da Vinci...you obviously need to have it evaluated and verified by a reputable Art Consultant or someone who is very well versed on the subject and whom you can absolutely trust.
Here are some good links about art critism:
1. Blank Canvas
2. Markel´s Rules for Buying Art
3. Art Criticism
4. What Makes Good Art?
5. The Future of Art and Art Criticism
Contemporary Art
ABOUT ART CRITICS
Keep in mind that the art critics of the time ridiculed and rejected the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. They cut them and their art to pieces.
Fortunately for us, the impressionists didn´t listen.
I wish I could go back in time and listen to what they had to say about them then, specially Van Gogh. They must have put him in a shredder...
I will now put on my "Art-Critic-Hat" and give you my opinion:
If a work of art "speaks" to you and/or "stirs" something in you, by all means, take it home. It belongs with you.
If it doesn´t...let it be.
Truth be told: the best art critic in the world is YOU.
Keep in mind that there´s a huge difference between an Art Critic and an Art Consultant.
When buying a piece of art that´s worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and up, such as a Van Gogh or a Da Vinci...you obviously need to have it evaluated and verified by a reputable Art Consultant or someone who is very well versed on the subject and whom you can absolutely trust.
Here are some good links about art critism:
1. Blank Canvas
2. Markel´s Rules for Buying Art
3. Art Criticism
4. What Makes Good Art?
5. The Future of Art and Art Criticism
Thursday, October 13, 2011
GAZANIA - OIL PAINTING DEMO
Oil Painting Lessons/Demos
Contemporary Art
To see the photo I used as a model for this painting, go to: Free Photos Gazanias
STEP 1
If this is your first visit, I recommend you read, at least, through the first 3 demos as well as read Painting Tips and Art Notes. Also look through the archives for additional information.
You will notice that some of the photos differ slightly in color. This is because I usually like to work through the night (when I don´t have as many distractions) and, therefore, have to take some of the photos with indoor-lighting. The true colors are the ones that you can see on the last photo.
First, prime the canvas with a coat of white acrylic paint and allow it to dry. See ROSE DEMO 1 to see how it is applied.
Once the acrylic paint has dried well, transfer your sketch to the canvas.
On your palette mix three different shades of Cadmium Red Deep + Cadmium Yellow Pale.
Since, at this time, we´re not doing an under-painting, we don´t want the paint to be too thin.
Start with a medium mixture of: 3 tbs Turpentine + 3 eyedroppers Damar Varnish + 3 eyedroppers Linseed Oil.
For the Maroon color under the flower, mix: Magenta + Ultramarine Blue.
Please review the section: Fat-over-Lean in Painting Tips
Even if you have already read "Oil Painting Tips", I suggest you check it out every-so-often, since on occasion I add new info to it.
Fill in the background.
STEP 2
On your palette, blend two different shades of Orange + Cadmium Yellow Pale.
First, fill in the center of the flower with the darker shade of orange.
Next, study the pictures below to see how the paint is applied to the petals.
Notice that I have left a small space between the two shades of color and also left a small space between each petal.
***
Next, gently and softly blend the edges of the two different shades of color into each other.
On your palette, mix two different shades of green and follow the same procedure for the leaves as you did with the flower.
STEP 3
Once the paint has dried well, add Cadmium Yellow Pale to the tip of each petal.
Remember to add the appropriate medium.
In the photo below, the petal on the right shows how the paint is applied before it is blended.
The petal on the left shows what it looks like after being blended.
At the very edge where the orange meets the yellow, what we want to do is more like "scumbling".
We want this area to be a gradual transition between the two colors. When nearing this area, I used a stiff flat and a butterfly brush. This allows for the under color to show through.
Do this with each petal.
***
STEP 4
Using the same colors as you did with the leaves, on your palette mix a lighter and a darker shade of green.
Enlarge the photo to see how it was applied to the center of the flower.
Using lighter and darker shades of the same green, add highlights and shadows to the leaves (where needed) . Scumble the highlights and the shadows. Use the same scumbling method as used in ROSE DEMO 1
STEP 5
Use a lighter shade of orange (mix Orange + Cadmium Yellow Pale) to add the stamens to the center of the flower. Enlarge the photo to see how this was done.
For the yellow spots in the center, use Cadmium Yellow Pale + a touch of White.
This time I applied the yellow spots in the center with the smallest round brush I own, instead of the paper clip. Use whatever works best for you.
Enlarge the painting below.
Notice that under the yellow highlights on the flower bud, I first outlined where the highlights will be with a thin shade of orange.
Do likewise. With a light shade of orange, outline where your highlights will be.
Then, with Cadmium Yellow Pale, add the final highlights. I find that a soft flat brush works well for applying the thin lines.
I am not sure as to whether or not, later on, I will add a light orange wash over the bud or maybe even lighten up the highlights on the bud or just leave it the way it is.
If I do decide to make any changes to the bud, I will post it here.
But remember, we need to know when to stop...
We´re done!!
I hope you have enjoyed this demo!
God Bless!
Beatriz Socorro
Contemporary Art
 |
| Oil Painting on Canvas by Beatriz Socorro |
To see the photo I used as a model for this painting, go to: Free Photos Gazanias
STEP 1
You will notice that some of the photos differ slightly in color. This is because I usually like to work through the night (when I don´t have as many distractions) and, therefore, have to take some of the photos with indoor-lighting. The true colors are the ones that you can see on the last photo.
First, prime the canvas with a coat of white acrylic paint and allow it to dry. See ROSE DEMO 1 to see how it is applied.
Once the acrylic paint has dried well, transfer your sketch to the canvas.
On your palette mix three different shades of Cadmium Red Deep + Cadmium Yellow Pale.
Since, at this time, we´re not doing an under-painting, we don´t want the paint to be too thin.
Start with a medium mixture of: 3 tbs Turpentine + 3 eyedroppers Damar Varnish + 3 eyedroppers Linseed Oil.
For the Maroon color under the flower, mix: Magenta + Ultramarine Blue.
Please review the section: Fat-over-Lean in Painting Tips
Even if you have already read "Oil Painting Tips", I suggest you check it out every-so-often, since on occasion I add new info to it.
Fill in the background.
ALLOW TO DRY TO THE TOUCH
STEP 2
On your palette, blend two different shades of Orange + Cadmium Yellow Pale.
First, fill in the center of the flower with the darker shade of orange.
Next, study the pictures below to see how the paint is applied to the petals.
Notice that I have left a small space between the two shades of color and also left a small space between each petal.
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 2 a |
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 2 b |
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 2 c |
Leaves: Viridian Green + Cadmium Yellow
ALLOW TO DRY WELL BEFORE PROCEEDING !!
STEP 3
Once the paint has dried well, add Cadmium Yellow Pale to the tip of each petal.
Remember to add the appropriate medium.
In the photo below, the petal on the right shows how the paint is applied before it is blended.
The petal on the left shows what it looks like after being blended.
At the very edge where the orange meets the yellow, what we want to do is more like "scumbling".
We want this area to be a gradual transition between the two colors. When nearing this area, I used a stiff flat and a butterfly brush. This allows for the under color to show through.
Do this with each petal.
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 3 a |
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 3 b |
ALLOW TO DRY TO THE TOUCH.
STEP 4
Using the same colors as you did with the leaves, on your palette mix a lighter and a darker shade of green.
Enlarge the photo to see how it was applied to the center of the flower.
Using lighter and darker shades of the same green, add highlights and shadows to the leaves (where needed) . Scumble the highlights and the shadows. Use the same scumbling method as used in ROSE DEMO 1
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 4 |
ALLOW TO DRY TO THE TOUCH.
STEP 5
Use a lighter shade of orange (mix Orange + Cadmium Yellow Pale) to add the stamens to the center of the flower. Enlarge the photo to see how this was done.
For the yellow spots in the center, use Cadmium Yellow Pale + a touch of White.
This time I applied the yellow spots in the center with the smallest round brush I own, instead of the paper clip. Use whatever works best for you.
 |
| Oil Painting Lessons/Demos - STEP 5 |
Next, fill in the spaces between the flower petals with a slightly darker shade of orange.
Once you´re finished with the flower, use a lighter shade of the same Maroon color that you used on the background (lighten it up by adding White) and fill in the flower bud.
ALLOW TO DRY
STEP 6
Enlarge the painting below.
Notice that under the yellow highlights on the flower bud, I first outlined where the highlights will be with a thin shade of orange.
Do likewise. With a light shade of orange, outline where your highlights will be.
Then, with Cadmium Yellow Pale, add the final highlights. I find that a soft flat brush works well for applying the thin lines.
|
| Oil Painting on Canvas by Beatriz Socorro - Gazania |
If I do decide to make any changes to the bud, I will post it here.
But remember, we need to know when to stop...
We´re done!!
I hope you have enjoyed this demo!
God Bless!
Beatriz Socorro
Monday, October 10, 2011
OIL PAINTING VIDEOS #4
Contemporary Art
While I still work on my own paintings, here´s another one of my favorites:
Sergey Zakutaylo
You will learn much just from watching (like when you were a toddler), as to how you can use your brushes, palette knives, fingers, rags, etc..
Sergey has over 30 excellent videos so I think it´s best if you just go directly to his site:
Sergey Zakutaylo Videos
Enjoy and God Bless!!!
While I still work on my own paintings, here´s another one of my favorites:
Sergey Zakutaylo
You will learn much just from watching (like when you were a toddler), as to how you can use your brushes, palette knives, fingers, rags, etc..
Sergey has over 30 excellent videos so I think it´s best if you just go directly to his site:
Sergey Zakutaylo Videos
Enjoy and God Bless!!!
Friday, October 7, 2011
OIL PAINTING VIDEOS #3
Oil Painting Lessons/Demos/Videos
Contemporary Art
Vladimir Volegov
Some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen and he makes it look soooo easy.....
1. Creating an Oil Painting
2. Speed Painting
3. Theme 2
4. Theme 3
5. Theme 4
6. Theme 5
7. Theme 6
Enjoy...
Beatriz Socorro
Contemporary Art
Vladimir Volegov
Some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen and he makes it look soooo easy.....
1. Creating an Oil Painting
2. Speed Painting
3. Theme 2
4. Theme 3
5. Theme 4
6. Theme 5
7. Theme 6
Enjoy...
Beatriz Socorro
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