Sunday, July 17, 2011

Wanda Kemper Workshop and a little something

Pink in Pewter
14x11 oil on canvas

I took a workshop last Friday from a very gift artist who lives locally. Wanda Kemper specializes in portraits and still life oil paintings. I took a basic class on portrait painting several years ago and I adored her teaching style so I decided to sign up for a class she was having which was going to emphasize on the subject of shadows. Her class exceeded my expectations. Her positive and encouraging style bolstered by solid lessons and tips from her vast years of experience boosted everyone's confidence and abilities. I had to leave early [unfortunately for a doctor's appointment] and I finished the assignment over the last two days with the large photograph she provided all the students.

I think the most pertinent tip I got from that day was learning to use a bit of a complimentary color in the highlight to make it really pop against the surface color. I've always been challenged and confused with color choices so I am glad she squeezed me in next month's color workshop.

As a little aside, my daughter wanted me to crochet her a mom and daughter koala amigurumi so I thought I would share that with you.

17 comments:

Sandy Sandy Art said...

Wonderful painting Sheila! I love the shadows with the compliments. And the koalas are priceless!

Edward Burton said...

An absolutely beautiful job, Sheila, on both the painting and the koalas.

Autumn Leaves said...

Absolutely delicious painting, Sheila, and I do think those are some gorgeous lilacs (my favorites), yes? This class reminds me of one I took with another blogger online and it too was an awesome experience! Love the two koalas too!

Marie Theron said...

That must be the most perfect rendering of pewter I have ever seen, Sheila!

Diane Hoeptner said...

You knit koala bears too??!! Is there no end to your amazing talents?

martinealison said...

Une belle et généreuse peinture... Des nuances de couleurs magnifiques. Je vous sens heureuse de cette participation avec votre soif de progrès constants...
Bravo!
Je pense que votre fille peut être fière du bon travail de sa maman, ses talents sont multiples.
Gros bisous.

Unknown said...

So different! Lovely, too. And you can crochet too? So talented!

suzanneberry said...

beautiful still life! and your little bears are so cool! you are a woman with many gifts to share!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Isn't it great to do workshops? You take away something important from every one! Lovely painting - with gorgeous highlights and shadows - A+!
Your daughter must be T-H-R-I-L-L-E-D with her present!

David Larson Evans said...

You are a talented lady that's for sure.

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

Geez, I typed a comment for this painting - and now I see it's not here - Sorry Sheila - I must have left the page before the word verification!

Sounds like a good workshop! And thanks for sharing about the complements. Love the lilacs, and koalas! Reflections on metal are so hard - and you nailed it here!

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

You did a fabulous painting of the Lilacs. Right away, I noticed the complimentary 'bounce'. You go girl.
The Koalas are precious!

Dean H. said...

A very attractive and polished painting, Sheila!
LOVE the Koala family!

Ann Gorbett said...

Beautiful still life Sheila. You captured the light skillfully.

Mary Paquet said...

Sheila, you were certainly successful in your one-day workshop. Beautifully done. The metal just gleams. Color is such a major subject. Have fun in the class.

Your crochet piece is just a wonderful as your painting. Sweet!

Nina Jørgensen said...

Ahhh wow love the koalas!! And that is an awesome painting that is, very nice on the eye!

r garriott said...

You CROCHET, too??? There is no end to your talents!