Dead Comes to Life, Much Much Better

Oil Painting AUTUMN - Time for Fall Colors - Scenic

Painting From Your Own Photographic Images

A Feeling of Complete Ownership

     It was such a beautiful Fall day, the sky was blue and the yellows, oranges, and red colored leaves looked vibrant and spectacular! I was walking my routine brisk-walk and stumbled upon a gorgeous creek with just the perfect framing of tree's Vs blended colors. It was one of those hands up framing moments, I had to take the time to snap a picture, this is what I got. I knew immediately I would oil paint this one, and it would be wonderful. When you work from your own photography, there is a feeling of complete ownership. I have worked from other's photo's and it doesn't feel the same. I guess that's why I hear many say, work with what's around you. Paint what you know. 

Creek in Lincoln, CA

     

       As you can see the sun was on its way down, so this in the film industry is called the magic hour when everything seems aglow. Someday I'd like to do some Plein Air painting, (a fancy term for painting outdoors). I don't think I could handle the passersby, but I know there is always room for growth and it's true we need to challenge ourselves. 

     

        It felt good having both the photo and the painting the way I wanted it. I often put the photo on the back of the painting for reference when the painting is complete, then when I look back at both I compare the current views with past renditions. Sometimes I'll say to myself, "oh I should have done this, or I shouldn't have done that, but it is what it is, our growth and moods can shift, and change from day to day. Artists are discoverers!

Lavender Iris Project - Mixed Media - Prisma Pens -

Doing Art on a Rainy Day 

Helps Lift Up Spirits During Covid!

    Ok, I admit it my emotions have been all over the map these Covid months and I'm sure we are all in the same frustration at times. The thing is we need to find some things that help us to cope with that frustration. Keeping a positive attitude is not easy when so many things are working in the opposite direction. Here are my suggestions to keep from falling apart: 

        One, realize your not the only one going through this pandemic, we are in it together.

        Two, "this too shall pass!" It's not going to last forever and we are gaining some headway, hallelujah!

        Three, take a big breath and let it out very slowly whenever you feel overwhelmed,                                  (do this in 3's and when I say slowly, I mean slowly).

        Four, do something you know will make you feel good once you have accomplished it.

    I took my own advice and created this video for you. The art part was the most fun, but for me if I can't share it with someone...you get the idea. Spring is just around the corner and soon the iris will be popping open and helping us to smile.

     Pray for others who are worse off than you, help by giving in some way, giving always gives my heart a joyful big boost. Count your blessings.

        Six, (extra thought) take a picture of your art and do a four up copy on some 40lb paper, cut them out and snail mail as postcards. This will pay the love forward. 😀 

Self Portraits Are More Difficult Than You Think Ask Van Gogh

Van Gogh Did Several Self-Portraits!

It's a Challenge to Draw and Paint Yourself!

All of these Van Gogh self-depictions were done in the same year 1887

Van Gogh, by Frank Elgar, FA. Praeger Publishers, NY. 1958

        I believe self portraits are some of the hardest work to do, but every artist who calls themselves an artist should make an effort to do one.  Start off with a photo that you really like. I like to see some sort of emotion taking place because it is more interesting to the viewer in my opinion. 

    Van Gogh probably had to use some sort of reflective devise (mirror) in order to do his rendition. That would actually be another challenge in itself and might have a better 3D quality you miss in a photograph. I remember a professor at Chico State always encouraged his students to draw or paint from a live subject if possible, and I quite frankly agree.

    I would have loved to watch Van Gogh paint live. Here is my attempt. If you enjoyed the video, please consider subscribing to GoGo Daat channel, it's totally free. Thank You!

Video of my self portrait