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.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Auction for Animal Place

"Cocky"
10x8 oil on canvas
bidding starts at a $1 on Ebay

Some of you who have followed me for a while, know I did a similar auction for Animal Place a couple of years ago. I think I'm ready to paint a few more to help them out again. This is my first painting of one of their residents. I don't think I've done a rooster before but he just happened to catch my eye with his in command demeanor. All of the profit from the sale of this auction goes to benefit Animal Place directly. Learn more about Animal Place with this LINK.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy 2011 Fourth of July!

Path to Baker Beach
16x20 oil on canvas

I hope all of you are celebrating today with something fun and festive. This is an image from a day I and the kids went to check out Baker Beach in San Francisco for the first time. We were lucky to find a spot in the parking lot but some folks had to park their cars at the top of the hill leading up to the park and walk down this sandy path. I hope to paint another image of this beach from the location that is at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.