On the Easel Today

12x9 Color Study 

I am getting started on the underpainting for "Mill Stream Fishermen," a 48" x 36" canvas which will hang in a dining room here in Orange County. I have done a composition in PhotoShop, and a quarter-scale color study. I've sketched the shapes on the canvas with thin paint.

Digital Color Wheel

Gamut Mask

Recently, I bought James Gurney's book, Color and Light. Following his guidelines on Gamut Mapping, I created a digital color wheel in Illustrator that mixes twelve colors with each of their complements to reach neutral gray in the center. I then placed a Gamut Mask over the wheel that limits the colors I will premix and use on the painting. The purpose of this is to create color harmony in the painting, and also stay in harmony with the surroundings where the painting will hang.

It will be fun to see how the painting progresses... stay tuned!

Why do We Love Pets so Much?

Is it those eyes looking up at you with pure adoration? Or the warm softness of their snuggly body? I think we have a loving connection with our dogs, cats, birds (fill in the blank), as much as we do with our families. What do you think?
Learn to paint your pet: Pet Portrait Workshop

"From Heart to Art"

Marley, 2010

I believe in magic. There is something intangible about creating a work of art that thrills my soul and brightens my day. Whether it's a commissioned portrait or a landscape, oil painting starts within and ends up on the canvas. That's what I mean by "from heart to art."
If you're an artist, I'd love to hear how you feel about your creative process.
If you are an art appreciator, what is it that draws you into a work of art?