One Of 8 Great Paintings . . . .

I started this 16 x 20 canvas yesterday and am loving it so far.  These are new techniques for me but one of my favorite color palettes.  I am using payne's grey, raw umber, titanium white and buff.  The titanium white is one of  Golden's new OPEN paints which is giving me extra working time. 

The techniques I am using to create this piece are from a great online class with Julie Prichard  titled  "8 Great Paintings".  If you have never taken a class with her you need to put it on your "to do" list!  Julie and Chris Cozen host a network where they teach multiple classes in mixed media techniques and have also just released a new book "Acrylic Solutions: Exploring Mixed Media Layer By Layer"  also fabulous and a must buy for your collection!  

I have taken many of the classes Julie and Chris offer and have yet to be disappointed.  Actually of all the online classes I have taken (and believe me there have been many) in my opinion they offer the best.  A couple of the things I love is that you have unlimited access to the content (not an easy find these days)  and instructor support and feedback on your work.  Within 24 hours there is a response.  It is truly an interactive learning experience.  The classes are super affordable as well.  

For more info on all the classes they have to offer 

CLICK HERE.  

I will be sure to post the finished piece soon.  I was not sure where to take it next but thanks to Julie's feedback I will be stepping it up a notch and creating more contrast!

See you soon!

xo

Texture Town And A New Work In Progress . . .

Don't have too much to show you this week as far as painting.  Have been stressed out yet again this time its because Lou's german shepherd Toby is failing.  He was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago but he is 13  years old and his back legs are no longer working.  It is just so sad to watch it all unfold.  It has not even been a year since we lost Bosco.  No matter how old they are it is still so heartbreaking.  

Anyway, I was able to get a new canvas started the other night.  I am taking yet another online class, my third with Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen over at the Land of Lost Luggage.  This one is called "Texture Town".  How cool is that name!  I am having fun watching a marathon of videos as they are all available when you sign up.  The classes are so affordable and there is never a time limit and you always get very prompt instructor feedback no matter how long the class has been up.   You can check out the available classes they offer HERE.  If you have not taken a class with them I highly recommend  it!  

Not sure where I am going with this canvas but wanted to share where I am at so far!  I got frustrated and stuck so this is where I am at for now.  I love brown and dark blue's together.  I am thinking that is the direction my colors will be heading.  

I will keep you posted on how this progresses!  

Sharing over at Paint Party Friday.  

xo

Abstract Turns Into A Flower . . .

Acrylic on 6x8 canvas board

This started out as another attempt at an abstract and somehow a flower came out! I was trying another monochrome piece this time using quinacridone magenta with only white and black to vary the shades. As I started blending the shades together I saw a flower in my head and decided to add it.

I am very uncomfortable painting this way with no reference except whatever is in my head. My mind is so crowded all the time there is no room for imagination sometimes! But I will keep working nicely with my left brain and hopefully find a more comfortable place in abstract mixed media.

This piece and my first attempt at abstract piece are inspired by a new class I am taking with Julie Prichard and Chris Cozen over at Land of the Lost Luggage. I love their abstract art and am learning alot so far about color in the Color Beyond the Basics class.