It’s always a good day in the studio!
Day 31 #stradaeasel
This is the final day of the Strada Easel Challenge and I'm feeling both relieved (because I succeeded painting each day) as well as sad that it's over (because it helped keep me engaged with my painting).
Now the real challenge begins to keep it going. I'm getting my 'see legs' again and it is wonderful.
I plan to follow up with this little sketch and add color.
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| Porcelain Tea Strainer Sketch 5.25 x 6.5 oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 30 #stradaeasel
Wanted to try this tea pot in color, so I went for it. The design on the teapot is pretty detailed and the painting shows only the impression when my eyes area blurred. I will do this several more times to see how I might improve on the detail without going crazy or overworking it. All in all, I'm happy I tried and have no problem with the result at this stage.
I see where to improve on it, and that's what counts when doing studies.
It may seem odd that I have posted everyday this month and none have been for sale. The whole exercise it to help myself establish good habits as I work on my skills and prepare to do completed paintings that will be for sale soon.
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| Tetsukyusu Tea Pot Color Study 5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 29 #stradaeasel
Decided to revisit the Tetsukyusu Tea Pot. It's so beautiful in person that I'm determined to figure out the best way to paint it and do it justice. Starting with a drawing and an oil value sketch is always my way of exploring and getting familiar with a subject that seems difficult to translate into paint. I also like studying the values.
Note to self: I must start earlier in the day to begin working on a painting.
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| Tetsukyusu - Oil Sketch 5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 28 #stradaeasel
Another flower grouping. I'm feeling less stressed about the results in my studies. There's definitely more work that could be done to call it finished, but the freshness is appealing. It may not show in the photo, but I'm getting better at seeing the values (I think).
I must also learn how to photograph paintings to reduce the glare. I like texture, but the little flecks are distracting to the actual brushwork.
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| Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies - Study 9 x 8 oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 27 #stradaeasel
Not feeling well today with headache and several problems to solve outside of painting today. I did manage to get something out, but I think it was more ambitious than it should have been under the circumstances. I had trouble harmonizing the colors I wanted to use, but I carried on so I could meet the challenge requirements. Only four days are left until the challenge is complete.
Something else I've been experimenting with is how I start a painting. It could be a charcoal sketch, it could be an oil sketch, or I might tone the entire canvas and wipe out areas or maybe I start with a spot of color and move over the canvas with other spots of color that are easy to recognize - this last one doesn't work well for me because I cannot judge the value, color, or temperature next to the value, color, or temperature of the next brush mark.
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| Tall Brass and Blossoms Unfinished 6 x 9 Oil on oil primed linen sheet ©2023 |
Day 26 #stradaeasel
Well I went for color today and almost scrapped the entire thing. Still might so I can do a better job. I've learned something new each day of the challenge and plan to select at least 6-8 of the paintings and start fresh when I don't have to have something posted everyday. Anyway this is the countdown week!
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| Teacup Color Study - NFS Oil on canvas sheet. ©2023 |
Day 25 #stradaeasel
Tool a break from full color today after working a long day, and decided to work on just values. Glad I did because it is easier to see drawing flaws. This could have been further simplified, but I really do enjoy the zen feeling I get when working with brush and oils.
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| Oil Sketch of Teacup 5 x 5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 24 #stradaeasel
Another study with a metal container. I got further than I thought I would - The hydrangeas are dried and really old, but haven't been ready to toss them just yet. I'm still enjoying the strada easel challenge and so glad I joined.
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| Hydrangeas and Copper Study - $NFS Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 23 #stradaeasel
Well I moved on to something different, and it was a good day mostly. This is done with both brush and palette knife. The values could use more work, but the shapes in this are easy to do with the palette knife.
I started out thinking the bras would be the subject, but got curious about some artificial poppies I've had for awhile and they pretty much asked to stay. Anyway, glad I did this one and still experimenting with tools. I think this is a great way to learn painting. Having the information is one thing; making it work is the bigger challenge.
One other thing - today I found myself begin to get tired while work on this and felt like I was going to loose the freshness if I didn't stop immediately. For some reason, this is the first time I was aware of that.
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| Brass and Poppies Quick Study - NFS 5 x 8 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 22 #stradaeasel
Yes, another apple, but decided to experiment with a palette knife. It isn't easy IMO if you still want to get any rounded edges. Nevertheless, it was a break in the routine and fun to try so I wasn't annoyed when I failed to get the perfect edge. I confess, I did use a small brush for smaller shapes in the blossom.
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| Apple with Blossom Palette Knife study - NFS Oil on 5 x 5 Canvas sheet |
Day 21 #stradaeasel
Today is an apple as you see - it's one of those things I always fall back on when I'm out of ideas and time. William F. Reese said when he was getting serious about becoming a full time artist, he started by painting an apple everyday until other ideas started to come to him. I admire that. I actually thought about doing an apple everyday in some form or arrangement, but was out of apples when the challenge started.
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| Apple and Blossom Study - NFS 5 x 5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 20 #stradaeasel
Went with the orange one more time to exaggerate surrounding colors. The first two were done out of context for a larger piece I was considering I'm convinced that things from nature go best with a variety of greens and blues. In this one the main color in background was medium violet, but my eyes were seeing much more depending on where I was focused which often happens so I exaggerated what I saw in the corner of my eye. Wanted to work more, but running on a deadline for another commitment.
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| Orange and Secondaries Study - NFS 8 x 5 Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 19 #stradaeasel
Had less time today so revisited the orange with a different colored cloth just to emphasize color contrast. The Strada Easel challenge continues to be worth the time as I'm learning more about my weak areas so I am able to put together a study plan for myself. I'll probably get more painting done that way and hopefully improve this girls skills along the way. Hurray!!!
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| Orange BlueGreen Study - NFS Oil on canvas sheet - 4.5 x 6 ©2023 |
Day 18 #stradaeasel
Thought I'd take a break from all the green today. I've been working with a flat brush, but I think I'll go with a filbert on the next round object I paint.
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| Study with Orange and Reds - NFS Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 17 #stradaeasel
Had some fresh lemons and wanted to work with greens again. It's the hardest color for me so several of the challenge painting have a green background. Kinda like eating the frog first idea, and hopefully it will get easier as I move along.
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| Block In - NFS Lemons in a Row Oil on canvas sheet - 9x6 ©2023 |
Day 16 #stradaeasel
Hump Day for the Month of January!! Shifted gears a bit today and painted something more familiar. Apples!! These have been sitting awhile and honestly ready for the trash, but thought they needed a reason to exist since they are no long edible. Glad I did the painting.
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| Quick study - NFS Old Acquaintance Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
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| Unfinished - NFS Blue Floral Teacup Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 14 #stradaeasel
No special history on this cup and saucer. It's just a new start for the challenge. I took a bit more time to do the setup today, but kept it simple. Another benefit of doing this daily challenge is I'm finding the skill areas that need the most work. Gives me something to look forward to when I'm working on my painting skills after the challenge. Actually looking forward to it - love learning!
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Blue Floral Teacup Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 13 #stradaeasel
Today, I just swapped out the teapot from yesterday and left the background - not good. I honestly need to work on a better setup with more color harmony, but I got a late start and had to get something posted to stay in the challenge. I'll do this one again, just not sure when.
This teapot is older than I am. It's a Price Kensington from England and belonged to my Grandmother.
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| Unfinished - NFS Grandma's Old Brown Teapot Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 12 #stadaeasel
Today was a very l l o o n n g g g g day. Doctor's and helping daughter along with usual house todo's. So the value study was all I could muster. I'm glad I did it though because I better understand the challenges I'll face when I actually get to paint it.
Another unexpected benefit of doing the strada easel challenge is I haven't been obsessed or overly concerned about making mistakes like I use to be. I know I have to work for a couple hours (at least) and get the result posted no matter what!!
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| Value Study Pastel - Unfinished - NFS Tetsukyusu Pastel on drawing paper ©2023 |
It's a new Japanese teapot that I bought for myself because it is so cool. It's called a Tetsukyusu - made of cast iron and lined with enamel. The decoration is embossed and it is heavy. Inside is a removable tea infuser and I thought the trivet was a nice addition.
Here's a photo of the set up I threw together because I was running out of time. Need more contrast when I attempt the actual painting.
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| Tetsukyusu |
Day 11 #stradaeasel
This was not an easy task and one that will require a do-over, but I learned something from the effort.
Process on this one was rushed so I didn't make a grid before beginning - the vase is 2.5 in. in life, but in the painting it's 3.25 in. so keeping all the little facets in the vase in proportion was the challenge. If I'd done a drawing in conte' first to see what I could edit out and still do it justice might have made my life easier. The detail looks a little fussy and the flower is larger than I'd like, so it is another area that I'd like to take more time with now that I am familiar with the arrangement. I think it will go easier when I attempt it again.
Tomorrow will be a busy day, so I will choose something less detailed to paint.
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| Unfinished - NFS Keepsake Japanese Vase 6x6 Oil on Canvas Sheet ©2023 |
Day 10 # stradaeasel
This miniature Japanese vase (2.5" high) has been with me since 1953 gifted to me by my 3rd grade teacher Ms.Trudeau. She introduced the class to Oriental culture and their art has been interesting to me ever since.
Will work more on this tomorrow. |
| Block in Unfinished - NFS Keepsake Japanese Vase Oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 9 #stradaeasel
Decided to work with this tea pot still life a little more today. Cleaned up the drawing a bit, but the tricky part was to get the design on without losing the volume. Still could use some work, but I think it's time to move on to the next object.
I'm actually discovering more about process going through this #stradaeasel exercise. I'm more aware of choices I am making.
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| Unfinished - NFS Tea Pot w/Bamboo Handle Oil on Canvas Sheet ©2023 |
Day 8 #stradaeasel
The Strada Easel January Challenge is having a positive effect on my attitude. Got up this morning looking forward to another day of block-in. That hasn't happened for quite some time.
This one I used the palette knife in a few areas. I really wanted to finish it so maybe will work on it again tomorrow. Whenever I go to a thrift store I look for still life stuff like this one.
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Tea Pot w/Bamboo Handle Oil on Canvas Sheet ©2023 |
Day 7 #stradaeasel
Decided to try something a little different today, but will be going back to the tea pot later this month.
This had a similar concept to the previous oil sketches working with light and how the arrangements work with lighter-darker, warmer-cooler, and intensity-greyed color backgrounds and foregrounds.
What I love about this painting challenge is that I'm getting back into a rhythm and feel productive again.
I made it a whole week!!!
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| Unfinished - NFS Oval Pot with Orchid Oil on Canvas Sheet ©2023 |
Day 6 #stradaeasel
Had to work on this tea pot again and change it up a bit. I am happier with the result as it has more visual interest.
Remember when you were learning your alphabet, and had to repeat the letters over and over again? Well, that's what painting is like as you go through the learning process, and why I choose to repeat the same subjects with different arrangements, lighting, color, etc. It also allows me to get really familiar with an object that has difficult lines, angles and curves.
So while still unfinished, here is today's result.
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| Block in Unfinished - NFS Tea Pot with Rust Mum oil on canvas sheet ©2023 |
Day 5 #stradaeasel
This is a continuation exploring light with the Beige Tea Pot. I changed the background in preference to a higher contrast to the foreground subjects giving deeper shadows. Will continue with this one and push some of the color notes in the subject.
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Beige Pot with Mum in Oil ©2023 |
Day 4 #stradaeasel
Finally working with this little tea pot. I had it for years thinking I'll put it in my paintings. I did these three little value drawing/sketches in soft charcoal to see it in different lighting sources - Top light, Room ambient light, Side light. Getting the value patterns was important, but a bit vague and very sketchy with the soft charcoal so I can easily brush it away before painting. I hope you can still get a sense of the light.
I usually paint with more dramatic color, but in this one the tea pot is beige with some darker markings, the backdrop is a greenish gray, and the flower is an artificial beige mum - so quite neutral without strong contrast.
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| Unfinished Sketches/Studies - NFS Beige Tea Pot with Mum ©2023 |
Day 3 #stradaeasel
I'm diligently working on ellipses - and related oval forms. It's getting a little better to see the actual shape of the oval - it's symmetrical of course, yet my eyes are not set perfectly so I'm learning to compensate; and my steadiness of hand will improve as I practice. Viewing things backwards in a mirror helps too - a lot!
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Ruby Red Vase ©2023 |
#stradaeasel
Day 2 #stradaeasel
I have to ponder a bit about how I've been trained to paint fast-Alla Prima, but actually prefer a slower more methodical approach as in a Direct Approach with a few layers, but not the Classical or Indirect painting that is highly technical. I love all three, but my temperament is somewhere in the middle.
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Dried Hydrangea in Gold and Brown Vase Oil on Canvas Sheet ©2023 |
My painting discipline has been waning for awhile now so going to start the new year 2023 with the January strada.easel challenge to get back on track. Strada runs this challenge a couple times per year and gives away 5 easels of choice via a random drawing from the qualifying participants. The ruless must be followed by registering, posting a painting each day of the month, January 1-31.
These posts will be short and used as a means to share and record the activity. Paintings and drawings may or may not be finished. I will also be posting on instagram at #studio.campagna .
If interested in their product, you can visit Strada Easel at this link.
Day 1 #stradeeasel - Hot Chocolate - block in:
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| Unfinished Block in - NFS Hot Chocolate 6x8 Oil on Raymar Canvas Panel ©2023 |
