Rockin Robin - SOLD

8" x 10" oil on linen. 

I'm Your Best Friend - Gifted

I came across this photo taken by Mary R. Vogt on MorgueFile (I know strange name) but I loved the expression on this dog's face and just had to paint him.  Thank you Mary for your wonderful reference photo. 

Flowers for You SOLD

This was a Daily Paintworks Challenge, warm and cool colors. The proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Oklahoma tornado victims. 

  This is a 8" x 10" oil on stretched artist canvas.  It was helpful to have something to concentrate on this weekend to paint as my husband had open heart surgery this week and it has been very trying.  Painting is so healing and helps to keep me centered.

My Little Shadow - SOLD

My good friend, Deb and I just returned from Cancun.  I loved taking pictures of little families on the beach.  This Mom and her little girl were sitting under an umbrella that Mom was holding to shade her little girl.  My friend said it reminded her of her own little girl when she was small and the way she was a "little shadow" always with Mom.

This is a 24" x 12" oil and was submitted to Daily Paintworks Challenge to the Paint it White Challenge.

OnyeOma - SOLD

This week the challenge on Daily Paintworks is to paint a friend. I have been waiting to paint OnyeOma.  She is the daughter of one my friends and I fell in love with her sweet face.  Her name in the Nigerian Dialect means "Good Person" and if she is anything like her father I know she is a good person.  This is a 8" x 8" oil on artists canvas. 

At The Farmer's Market- SOLD

This was a DPW Challenge - a painting of a Farmer's Market. 

Learning to Paint with Roger Dale Brown

I have great intentions of completing my summaries of artists I have studied with but somehow painting gets in the way and writing the summaries feel similar to writing term papers in college so I seem to get side tracked but I do not want to leave out Roger Dale Brown, Peggy Kroll Roberts, Dreama Tolle Perry, Qiang Huang or Colley Whisson. 

Roger Dale Brown believes, as the historical master artists, such as John Carlson and Edgar Payne, that "plein air" painting is an essential element in being a great artist.  His workshop was one of the best I ever attended.  Roger is patient, a very good teacher and he provides an excellent notebook full of material for his students.  In this notebook he provides exercises for practice, his own Philosophy, and his step by step approach to a painting.  In addition he describes the steps to a successful painting and he provides several articles and other resource materials.  Roger gave an important hint in one of his articles, "Keep control of your painting by mastering the art of comparison.  Find the brightest color and relate all other colors.  Find the sharpest edge and relate all other edges.  Find the darkest value and relate all other values to it."

A valuable lesson I learned from Roger was to set goals.  He stated that setting goals has been one of the most critical aspects of his development.  He has personal goals and business goals and he provides some very specific examples to get anyone started. 

Roger paints wonderful landscapes but also paints a variety of subject matter.  You can find his website here:

http://www.rogerdalebrown.com

Hello Spring - SOLD

I live on a lake and when I see the first baby ducks swimming by my pier, I know that Spring is on the way.  Swimming for children, going for long boat rides, canoe trips and fishing expeditions are just around the corner.  The days are longer and packed full of fun and memories.  This little guy let me know the fun is about to begin.

I'm A Redhead -SOLD

   The birds are coming around now and this one inspired me.....it is painted on a 6" x 6" 1'1/2 inch linen canvas.  Does not require frame... Spring is in the air. 

Red Bird in the Pines- SOLD

Red bird sitting in the Pine tree.  6" x 6" 1 inch wide stretched linen

Leftovers

The challenge on Daily Paintworks was to paint what is in your refrigerator.  This was hard for me on many levels.  Number one, as many who know me well, know I do not have much in my refrigerator so the options were limited and number two I really hate to paint things that do not really interest me.  I did find one lime that was cut.  I tried to paint the plate it was on but quickly realized I just could not get it right.  I tried using some of Julie Oliver's fracturing technique, if you are unaware of Julie's wonderful style of painting you can see it here

http://www.juliefordoliver.blogspot.com/ 

 and her ArtByte explaining the process here 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/ArtTutorials/ArtByteStore 

  My attempt does not even come close to her wonderful way of painting but it is a fun concept and I found I even liked painting what was in my refrigerator.  '

This painting is available for $40 by email at paintingbythelake@gmail.com

John Martin - Sweet Baby - NFS

This is a painting for a sweet Mama..........

Painting and the Meaning of Color

The second year I attended the Art Colony I was in the workshop of Patt Odom.  Patt  paints in acrylics and oils and also is a master of collages.  I consider her a "painterly painter". 

 You can find her  work here  

  http://www.martinsframingandgallery.com/Patt_Odom.html

I learned a lot from Patt about the personal side of color preference.  She provided us handouts on color that explored the meaning of color as expression in painting.  This was not really a new concept to me (the fact that it is natural for different individuals to prefer different colors) but I had never consciously thought about it while planning a painting.  The referenced material gave a description of each color and how that color related to the individual who preferred it according to character and personality studies.  It was noted that blue, red and green are the colors most people prefer and in that order.  Red is positive, blue tranquil and green a balance between the two.  The book excerpt went on to say that if you like red, the interest of your life is directed outward.  Through red the human spirit finds release for it's more impassioned emotions.  

Additional colors are each described along with their relationship to emotions. (Unfortunately, I could not find a reference in the handout to the particular textbook but if anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of the material I have, please email me and I will scan it to you.)  Patt taught that color and form should be worked hand in hand with the painting.  Shapes have expressive qualities that relate to color.  Again, I had an "ah ha" moment.  I should not try and paint each stroke the very same as in painting a real house but to try and make the viewer feel something the artist feels.  The feeling being more important than the visual subject.  An article by Charles Movalli entitled, "In Praise of Painterly Painters" was included in the handout and I found it very good.  In the article the author said Sargent searched for the brushstrokes that gave the most expression with the least waste of energy.   In addition the author stated "the brushstroke is like a piece of the painter's handwriting".  

Another way this was stated by Patt was that movement creates LIFE and brushstrokes create motion and livingness.  Patt's work reflects motion and movement and Life.  She makes the paint the "star", at times, even leaving drips of paint in the finished work.  In an effort to create more life in my own art, I learned to use BIG brushes.  That was a hard lesson, and still is at times.  I also learned that the way to become a better artist is to paint, paint, paint.  Patt stated that there is no bad art but there is unlearned art. To illustrate this, one can use a ladder to explain the process.  It is determined by how many steps you have climbed on the ladder.  All artists are somewhere between the first and last step.  We should all be striving to climb the next step.  One step at a time!  You never arrive; you are always climbing.  My goal is to continue to climb.  I hope this blog post helps you in your climb as well.

Color and Value in Painting

Dot Turnipseed Svendson is a master teacher of color and values.  While studying 

under Dot, I learned the true importance of values.  Dot stated that 80% of painting is

correct if value is correct. She opened my eyes to the need to place my darks first 

in a painting and then add the lights and to always keep your colors clean and your

values correct. We spent a lot of time mixing colors and comparing values and these

exercises were invaluable.   Another major lesson I learned from Dot was that there are

usually 4 planes to a painting:  (1)  the sky is the lightest, (2) the ground is next in

value (3) slanted objects next value and (4) uprights are the darkest.  During Plein Air 

Painting, Dot encouraged us to write down what we were feeling when we found a

scene so that we would remember when completing our painting.  For instance, was

it a grey day, sunny, warm,  did we feel peaceful, etc. and try and incorporate our 

feeling into our painting.  Dot referenced Carlsons Guide to Landscape Painting by 

John F. Carlson.  In his book, Mr. Carlson states “We have heard a great deal about

“simplicity” and “elimination” about “design” in painting, but we have heard little

about the how or why of it all.  It is easy to say to a student, “see nature simply” but

that means nothing to him. It is a difficult task to explain logically why or how he should

see it simply.  It is not a question of helping him to paint it simply, but rather one of 

helping him see it simply.  If he sees it simply, he will readily find a way of painting

it simply.”  Dot “sees” the painting simply and is able to tell a story without overloading 

the viewer with details.  I find that when I study with someone as great as 

this teacher I do not always come home with a finished painting but I use the opportunity 

to experiment, learn and listen  to her critiques and then I try to incorporate what I

have learned into future paintings. 

I attached an example of the four planes here that I did in the workshop.  I apologize that 

the quality is not very good but she stated it was a good example. 

You can find Dot's website here:

 http://dotturnipseedsvendson.com/about.html

 

Learning How to Paint

I started out at the University of North Alabama years ago as an art major but somehow 
left that first love and became a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner.  In the last 10 years I
have gone back to my first love and have spent time trying to grow and become a better artist.
My goal is to be able to paint every day.  That is not happening at this point as I continue to
be employed as a Perinatal Clinical Specialist and that job keeps me on the road (or in the air)
most of the week.   I do try and visit art galleries in each city I visit if the time allows and I
find this a very wonderful educational experience.  I have also had the privilege to study with
some amazing artists over the years who have influenced me in so many ways and I feel
like I have gleaned a certain thing or two from each one.  My goal here is to try and record
the top  take-aways from each one.  

I am very fortunate to live in a very artsy community on Lake Martin in Alabama.  Each year
the Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony hosts a 5 day event where the attending artists can 
attend classes with one of the visiting instructors.  You can find information regarding 
the Art Colony here http://alartcolony.org/   One of the first artists I studied with at The Colony
was Randy Moberg.   (You can find many of his paintings in   J. Alexander’s restaurants.)
Randy is amazing. On his website you will find this comment that truly describes his work:   

 "I express ideas using colors and shapes to create images 

that cannot be otherwise described".  

His style opened my eyes to Impressionism in a new way and freedom in painting. 
His paintings were very large and when I walked up close to them, I saw only patches of 
color and light, as I moved back across the room I saw Jazz Players and Portraits and
Scenes .  This sparked something in me that I fell in love with – the ability to allow the
paint to speak without being so “tight and structured”. I also recognized that he had a gift.  
I watched him work and he never seemed to have a plan (maybe he did in his head) but I 
saw him throw color on the canvas and walk back and assess it and it seemed he waited
for the canvas and paint to tell him what he was painting.    I really did not paint anything in
his class that I feel worthy of showing here.  It seems I am so focused on learning new 
things in each workshop that I tend to "experiment" during class and then try and incorporate
what I have learned in future paintings.  However, I feel like my experience in

his workshop created a new journey for me. 

 You can check out his paintings at http://randymoberg.com/

The Dinghy - NFS

I am a member of The Complete Artist group created by Richard Robinson.  This is the first entry I have submitted to one of his workshops that he offers each month.  The workshops allow the artist to view a demo by Richard, select a photo to paint from and then enter the photo into a contest and also the opportunity to receive critiques and comments from other members.  Some lucky participants will even have their paintings critiqued by Richard.  This was a fun, learning experience and I look forward to participating again.

This 8" x 10" oil on canvas.

Rasta Child Portrait - SOLD

This painting is my impression of a small child who was in a Rasta Parade in Jamaica.  The reference photo was provided by a photographer named Li Newton.  She stated that  the Rastafari movement is a "messianic religio-political" movement that began in the Jamaican slums in the 1920s and 30s. The most famous Rastafari is Bob Marley, whose reggae music gained the Jamaican movement international recognition.  Even though this little person had a serious expression on his face she said there was a lot of singing and dancing and celebrating going on.  This little child in his colorful turban touched something in my heart.  

The Wedding Couple - GIFTED

It is so wonderful to see the love and hope reflected in newly married couples.  Many weddings  are full of fairy tale beauty, pomp and circumstance.  The couples are full of love for each other and it is so evident in the way they look at each other and interact.  The beautiful brides rival Cinderella's loveliness and the grooms all become versions of Prince Charming.  Those of us who walked down the aisle many years ago know that the fairy tale that is created on the wedding day is full of twists and turns, some good chapters and some bad.  We are tempted at times to run away, end the story and look for another fairy tale.  But if we can take each chapter and  learn to forgive, to be the best we can be and love anyway,  then the story actually unfolds to a new fairy tale and it is even a deeper and more meaningful one as we find love and hope reflected in our lives again.

The Tango - SOLD

This painting was created from a photo that was supplied by Donna Sommer.  I tried to create the persona and the energy in the Tango.  This was fun to do as I was able to use a palette knife on parts of it and I love to see how the paint can make decisions that I had not intended.  I realize I will never be a realistic painter but probably lean more toward impressionism.   Thank you for visiting!

Papoose Baby - SOLD

One of my sweet friends recently went on a mission trip to India.  I feel in love with a picture she had of a little baby riding in a papoose on someone's back.  This is my interpretation of that picture.  I loved hearing Megan's stories and so thankful for the difference she and her team members made in the lives of others.



For a larger view click on the image.

Pink Rose for You - SOLD

The challenge was to paint glass.  Painting glass is very hard because you must forget about what you think you see and what your mind tells you a glass looks like and try and paint only the colors and images that you actually see.  I have been painting with a pallete knife as an experiment and I love to see the little unexpected things than can happen with the paint.  It is easier to apply more paint to the canvas but not always easy to tell it what to do so you have many "happy surprises". 

Baby It's Cold Outside - SOLD

Several people have asked me to paint a red bird again.  On this cold New Year day I am sipping coffee and enjoying painting these two red birds and know he is saying "Baby, It's Cold Outside"  maybe we need to move on farther South.  My prayer is that each and every one of you have a wonderful 2013!  Life is full of surprises and love and hope - Enjoy every day!

Karter at the Pool - SOLD

Karter has the cutest face - I could not help but paint that too.

Where Did It Go?- SOLD

This is the little grandson of a friend of mine who was on a golfing outing with his father.  He seems to be looking for the ball.  I love his posture and the way his little personality shines through.  The wonderful story behind this painting is that the father of this little man was a good friend of my oldest son and now they both have children of their own.  I love watching our lives come full circle.

Charlie - NFS

 

This is a painting of my sweet grandson, Charlie.

Santa - Looking Over the List One Last Time- SOLD

Merry Christmas!

Blue Eyes

After taking the challenge on DPW I decided to experiment with portraits with more colors. This is no one in particular (I don't think :)  I just made her portrait up as I went to practice eyes, color mixing and lips.  After I finished the painting I did find her eyes speaking to me so maybe she just wanted to be painted. If you click on the picture you actually can see a larger version that I think is better to view.

DPW Movie Star Challenge

This was a challenge for a painting site that I am a part of.  The challenge was to paint a movie star and use only blue and purple in varying values.  This was really hard to paint and even harder to photograph and get the colors exactly right. 

Blame It On The Rain - SOLD

This is a painting I submitted to the challenge on Daily Paintworks entitled Blame It On The Rain.  The challenge was to paint rain.  I could not paint actual rain so I attempted to paint a wet, rainy day, people with umbrellas and coats over their heads sloshing along a wet alley. 

War Eagle - SOLD

I saved this photo of an eagle supplied by Gary Jones, a great photographer and today I decided to paint him as this is the big Auburn vs. Alabama game and all the guys at my house and my neighbors are looking for inspiration.  Not sure if this will inspire them but I enjoyed painting him.

Twyla's Horses

My friend lives in Montana - a long way from me and she has snow,  something I do not see a lot of.  She posted a picture of her horses playing around in a snowy field and I fell in love with the way they seemed so free and happy to play together. The painting is an 8" x 10" on stretched linen canvas.  It can be purchased through paypal for $50 + shipping at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/marcia-hodges/twylas-horses/102459 

This painting can also be purchased framed and ready to hang for $125 - contact me through email at paintingbythelake@gmail.com

Blue Bird - SOLD

It is so frustrating to try and get the colors just right on the computer monitor. Three people have recently told me that their paintings were more beautiful "in person" when they received them.  I think the vivid color of oils are hard to capture online as hard as I try.  Anyway.....I hope you find Bluebird a piece that you like. 

Sweet Baby Girl -SOLD

I recently spent time working at a hospital on an Indian Reservation and I fell in love the children I saw.  This sweet baby girl is so innocent and I just had to try and capture her cute face. This painting can be purchased by clicking the link to the right.  The proceeds from the auction will be donated to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Thanks!  

Living in the Country - SOLD

An 8" x 10" oil on stretched canvas.  I felt something peaceful about this place. Today is cold outside on my deck so I have to paint inside but the sun was shining on this little red house. 

Red Bird, Red Bird - SOLD

I am constantly trying new things.  I did not want to paint this little red bird simply so I waited on him to tell me what to do and he came through.  I like the colors in the background.  I hope you do.....let me know. 

Out On A Limb - SOLD

This is a little fat bluebird out on the tip of a limb.  I have been there before!   This is a 6" x 6" gallery wrapped canvas (1" thick). 

Friends - SOLD

Round Robin - SOLD

I spent 5 days studying painting at the Sarah Carlisle Towery Art Colony.  I was so inspired by the wonderful artist, Peggy Kroll Roberts and also my friends and fellow artists.  We painted every day from 9 - 5 and learned a great deal - I hope to incorporate the information in new paintings.  Thanks for visiting!

Little Bird - SOLD

This is a little Lilac Breasted Roller - The photo was from a friend who lives in the United Kingdom.  This is an original oil 8" x 8".  God is such a great artist....I could not capture all His colors in this little bird but I tried.