Porcelain Tea Strainer Color Study

 The Strada Easel challenge has come to a close. Now the challenge is to keep going so I added color to the original oil sketch and post it as a followup. It isn't finished nor for sale, but I will be starting new images on materials that are better suited to be for sale.  

Thanks again for following along.

Porcelain Tea Strainer Color Study - NFS
5.25 x 6.5 oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 31 - Porcelain Tea Strainer Oil Sketch

 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.

Porcelain Tea Strainer Sketch
5.25 x 6.5 oil on canvas sheet
©2023

A huge thank you to everyone who followed along.

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 29 - Tetsukyusu - TeaPot Revisited

 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. 

Tetsukyusu - Oil Sketch
5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 28 - Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies

 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. 

Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies - Study
9 x 8 oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 26 - Teacup Color Study

 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!

Teacup Color Study - NFS
Oil on canvas sheet.
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 25 - Oil Sketch of Teacup

 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.

Oil Sketch of Teacup
5 x 5 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 24 - Hydrangeas and Copper Study

 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. 

Hydrangeas and Copper Study - $NFS
Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 23 - Poppies and Brass Study

 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. 

Brass and Poppies Quick Study - NFS
5 x 8 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 22 - Apple and Blossom Palette Knife Study

 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.

Apple with Blossom Palette Knife study - NFS
Oil on 5 x 5 Canvas sheet

Pink Hydrangeas and Porcelain Cup Oil Painting

 Pink Hydrangeas and Porcelain Cup - Intense Color

I grew up with Blue Hydrangeas and thought that was their only color. Things have changed, and Pink Hydrangeas seem to be leading the way lately. Went to my favorite nursery and could not find one blue version of the beautiful flower. I miss the blues, but decided to try pink. Such a warm painting will require a warm frame!

I love painting flowers, but they are one of the most challenging subjects because when you look close there is so much detail. The challenging part for me is editing the details. Since I'm not a hyper realism painter, I enjoy a looser style and prefer to suggest some things letting the viewer fill in with their perceptions while still keeping a bit more detail in the focal areas.

 

Pink Hydrangeas and Porcelain Cup
8 x 10 Oil Painting ©2020
 

Always check the values:

BW - Pink Hydrangeas and Porcelain Cup
8 x 10 Oil Painting ©2020

Thanks for checking in.

One Artist's "Creative Habit" Seminar Experience

There are so many good blog authors writing about technique, composition, color, and subject matter that I often wonder what I might add to the mix. In this post, and a few future posts, I will be sharing an experience that turned out to be quite enriching to my personal growth.

I recently attended an eight week seminar to engage with the book The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp. For those who do not know, Twyla Tharp is a successful choreographer.

Her book is dense with information and ideas; it also includes exercises after each chapter, and I'd like to share a few of the aha moments I experienced as a result of these exercises. The seminar included 6 attendees and one participating leader. Most of us are visual artists, but we also had a dancer, and an art instructor for young children. This mix added even more to this seminar - I'll share a few of the best moments in future posts.

One of the exercises (after Chapter 3) is to write a Creative Biography. This has a list of questions that I am actually still working through to completion. However, the early questions went like this:

1. What is the first creative moment you remember?
2. Was anyone there to witness or appreciate it?

I instantly remembered sitting at the kitchen table when I was about 5 years old doing a finger painting. It was a vivid memory with my parents busy with other things and I just loved the sensation of smooshing the paint with my hands all around the paper. No one actually made a big deal out of and and I don't recall that it was saved and mounted on the refrigerator like many of you might  remember doing as a kid to display some important creation. Nevertheless, it stuck with me all these years.

I decided to do another one shortly after the session without any idea what it might look like. I just let stream of consciousness take over. I squeezed and spread some color onto the paper, and scraped with my fingernail to make the drawing. It is not a very sophisticated image, but it connected me to the same feeling of pleasure I remembered all those many, many years ago.

Revisiting the Past in the Present
R. Campagna
© 2018

The image I finger painted as a six year old was of my family, but this one is just me, flowers, the sun, and a goose! I looked up the symbolism of a goose since I had no conscious insights about this choice of imagery, but after reading the symbolism associated with the goose, it totally fits my personal tendencies, and I bet I can tell you a story or two around it!! 😊

In my next post I'll share a moment of revelation from another past experience that caused a life long challenge.

I would encourage anyone interested in self discovery regarding your creative inclinations to do the exercises in Twyla Tharp's book. It was/is inspiring!! 😍
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Painting in Italy 2017

St. Peter's Dome - Vatican

It's been ages since I posted anything; mostly because of a shift in focus, and working to reorganize my thoughts about my painting practice - more on this to come. But it's time to share again !!

Well, I finally traveled to Italy in September 2017. It was a dream trip on many levels. In fact, I still get 'high' when I think about the trip. There were so many wonderful people, and experiences it changed me in ways completely unexpected.

The first milestone was traveling alone and navigating a foreign country, flight delays, lost luggage and other the strange things that happen during a trip of a lifetime. Nevertheless, I survived! In fact I thrived!

First two days in Rome meant I had to see the Vatican. I knew there would be a lot of art, but had no idea just how much. It was overwhelming with eye candy everywhere, yes everywhere! I went early to avoid the afternoon crowds and it paid off. Later in the day crowds blocked the views.

I started at the Angel Entrance because it was so convenient to my hotel room. I spent the entire day at the Vatican from 8 am until late afternoon. Yes, there is that much to see!! I won't bore you with all my photos, but here are a few highlights of my day. The Sistine Chapel was terribly crowed by afternoon, but I still feel the emotion of seeing it in person. All very humbling. 

Angel Entrance

Fully sculpted statues above each column.

La Ghirlanda

On Friday 9/15/17, I walked from the hotel to meet the rest of the group heading to Umbria for a painting workshop. This workshop was arranged and organized by the Winslow Art Center on Bainbridge Island.

We stayed at the Villa LaGhirlanda. This villa has wonderful accommodations and staff. The estate is quite grand with olive groves and grape vines they use to produce their own oil and fabulous wines. I still cannot believe how spoiled I felt. I tear up even now just thinking about it all. 

We ate family style everyday.

There were so many wonderful people attending the workshop. Switzerland, France, England, New England and the Pacific Northwest were all represented. We played 'musical chairs' at each meal allowing new conversations with everyone. The group got along so well, you'd think we were hand picked just for this trip. Loved, Loved, Loved it!

Grape Variety

We had 6 days of painting with Instructor Mitch Albala.  Lots of demo's, and new ideas for painting. Everyone reported learning things that improved their painting skills.

Mitch and Shirley 

We took a couple of day trips to Todi, Lubriano, and Civita di Bagnoregio.

So many wonderful things to see, food to eat, and people to meet.

Did I mention there are beautiful churches everywhere???

Group visiting Todi.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Civita di Bagnoregio is literally collapsing. There are only about 6 families still living there permanently. The foundations are falling away from the earthquakes, but that church steeple is still standing strong and straight!

Civita di Bagnoregio - Sketch
© R. Campagna 2017
(I'll post more images in future blogs.)

The day before we left for Rome, we had a wine tasting luncheon on the outdoor terrace overlooking the fields that was all one could hope for. I still have to pinch myself to be sure I wasn't imagining this wonderful experience. Grazie, La Ghirlanda!!!

 

So after a week of wonderful food, company, and weather, it was time to go back to Rome.

I stayed at a new hotel near the Borghese Gallery where I could see more art of course!

The Bernini sculptures did not disappoint. The museum is located in a park that houses other museums, horse arenas, and even a zoo.  

Apollo and Daphne

Also, walked to the Spanish Steps with shops galore for tourists, but I was interested in the street artists, live music, and families enjoying their day. I admit that I cried at knowing I had to head home the next day.

Up at 6 am off to the airport and back to Seattle, WA!! 

So much more to tell, but this I hope gives you a taste of my wonderful trip to Italy.  I'd go back in a heartbeat, and seriously hope to do just that someday. 

Throwback Mannequin - Oil Painting

Why Throwback Mannequin? Well, it reminds me of the 70's! Gold and Avocado Green.

Another gem found at the Goodwill store that I couldn't resist!

Throwback Mannequin
6 x 8 Oil on Canvas Panel

© 2016

Poppies Maybe - Oil Painting

Found the little brass pot at the Goodwill. It's one of my favorite places to scout for still life items. This composition is becoming one of my favorite formats. Enjoy!

Brassy Poppies
5 x 7 Oil on Canvas Panel
Purchase Price $49.01
© 2016

SOLD

Lazy Orchid Blooms - Oil Painting

One of those subjects that just seemed to call out "paint me like this." If you decide to frame it, a warm colored frame (not black) does the most justice to the colors in this painting. If not, a table top easel works too!

Lazy Orchid Blooms
8 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2016

A Little Mantel Piece - Oil Painting

This was one of those subjects pulled from things just sitting around the house. The hydrangea do not  always dry in a way that is pleasing, but I found a few heads that should find their way into future paintings.

Hydrangeas in Copper
5 x 5 Oil on Canvas Panel
Starting Bid $39.01
© 2016

Can be purchased at Auburn Creative Arts Center

The Illusion of Space in Painting...

Here it is the end of March 2015, 1/4 of the year already behind us.

I recently challenged myself with the idea of conveying more space in my paintings. It came about because my daughter mentioned that some of the images I've done tend to look more dimensional than others so the analytical side kicked in to discover why - my left brain had something interesting to do that supports the right side!! Holistic brain functioning should keep it happy, don't ya think?

This image is still on the easel for ongoing work, and I will not say this grouping is the most beautiful I've ever done, but it did teach me something about texture, and the illusion of  'space'. One point being the background value in relation to the foreground.

It also taught me the importance of choosing the right objects to support the idea I wish to demonstrate as well. This is a great exercise, and so happy about the newly developed  understanding.

I will be adjusting the background, and the value relationships to the foreground. My focus on the texture of objects got me off track a little so will also soften up some edges.

Obviously, this point of view is halfway between eye level and looking down on the table top for a basic starting point so I will be adjusting the height of my table to be higher and/or lower for continued study of spacial relationships in a painting.

Untitled
9 x 12 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2015

Mozart's Music - Health Benefits!

A little segue to another art form that is good for you! Like me, not everyone grows up on classical music, but I do still like to listen to it. Even better, it is now proven to help with memory and learning.

I can only think that more arts in the schools and everyday experience would truly enhance everyone's quality of life.

Classical Music’s Surprising Effect on Genes Vital to Memory and Learning

Enjoy!

Thoughts on the Structure of Roses... and Artificial Props

This week, I'm interested in a series roses, single blooms in various stages and colors to brighten my easel, and continue to work on values. It is sunny and warm for February here  in the NW, and roses are not yet blooming. So I decided to invest into some study time on the structure of roses. Why you may ask?

Well, I will be using artificial props, and there is something usually 'off' about them. It turns out that most real roses have 5 petals in each whorl, so if you are using artificial/silk blooms to study painting, this may not be what you will see. There are rose species that have 4 petals, but not many, and the number of whorls seems to vary as well.

The green 'thingys' that sit at the base of the bloom are called sepals, and match the number of petals in one whorl, and can be seen surrounding the bud. The sepals protect the buds, and later support the blooms.

The stamens produces pollen (male), and the pistil topped by the stigma (female part) is where the pollen is deposited.

At the end of the season, you might see rose hips, the fruit, depending on species. The actual leaves grow in groups, and I left off the thorns too. ;o)

If you would like more detail, the wikipedia can expand on this information, but for purposes of the artist learning to paint this beautiful flower, this short explanation should suffice and point you in the right direction when using artificial props.

I am not going for a photographic look just because I know the basic parts of the rose, but I think it helps to have some understanding of a painting subject. Both paintings are done on linen sheets.

The first is full bloom and clearly a value study. No mystery there, but with this particular silk prop, the petals are distinctly rolled over a bit as if it is wilted.

I decided to use a bright synthetic brush, size 12, to give a sharper edge to some of the petals rolled edges.

Rose Blk/Wht Study
© 2015

The smaller bloom below did not have the correct number of petals of a live rose, but went for it anyway, and hoped to give it the illusion of a natural rose. Knowing it should have 5 actually was helpful. Used various brushes on this one.

MidBloom Red Rose
© 2015

I have now added some new words to my vocabulary, and I don't have to say 'thingy' anymore when talking about roses!

Thanks for reading and hope this helps if you also need to use artificial props.

Fractured Pear and White Berries

During the January 30/30 Challenge I attempted a process called fracturing and painted an image called Fractured Apple. I thought I'd try again because of experiencing an interesting sense of creativity that was loose and somewhat abstract while exploring the process.

So here is the second attempt to play with this process, and I experienced the same feeling in the process. The only changes were the pear and the berries.

Fractured Pear and White Berries
Oil on Linen Sheet 9 x 9
© 2015

After looking at this for a couple days now, I think I see this process as a metaphor for creativity because out of the chaos on the surface markings there is still an order to the image. It feels expressive and freeing to do something like this after so many years of more formal efforts.