Painting...my second love to bears
I have recently discovered that I love to paint. Funny how it all started...I went to Michael's Craft Store to sign up for their beading classes only to discover that they didn't offer them at that location. After letting out a sigh of disappointment, a very enthusiastic women said "Join my painting classes!" I laughed and told her that I have only ever dreamed of painting as I couldn't even draw a stick person! She said "Everyone can paint!" and she promptly shoved the sign up sheets in front of me! Well...it was one of the greatest things I have ever done! I CAN paint! Who knew? I would spend ALL of my waking hours painting if I could...and making bears too of course! I hope to get much better as I am still very much "in the dark" about what to do! I encourage you to pick up a brush yourself as it is very relaxing and rewarding! Here are some of my attempts at becoming an artist painter. I prefer using oils but there are paintings here in acrylic and watercolour as well. Some mixed media and palette knife work too. Unless otherwise stated they are painted by copying from a book, or from a photo or another painting found on the internet...Enjoy! |
My very first painting |
Classes-Paul Richard James AtelierI started taking serious lessons May of 2017 at the Paul Richard James Atelier in Hamilton, Ontario. Paul is a brilliant teacher and I have learned more than I could ever have imagined about painting. The course teaches students to paint in the style of the Old Masters. I call it a "forgery" class! It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.
Here is the link to the website. There is a video displaying many of the students' works which is very much worth watching. https://www.oldmasters.ca/ The picture shown to the left here is the first painting that I completed in the class. I chose a painting from the internet to copy...it is depicted below. Original by Arsen Kurbanov b.1969 makhachkala, Daghestan UUSR "Girl in White Shawl"
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Painting for Fun at Home...
Acrylic Pours
I initially got interested in acrylic pouring as a way to use up all of my acrylic paints! But...I discovered that it is a ton of fun...so my acrylic paint supply has grown. Here are step by step photos of my "Earth, Air, Fire, Water" acrylic pour.
My Aunt Rita absolutely loves the artwork of Tom Barnes. Mr. Barnes is self-taught and has been painting professionally since 1992...primarily in watercolours. When she asked me if I could paint one of his artworks for her, I initially said no because I can't paint in watercolours to save my life! But then I pondered the idea of painting the "long-necked ladies" as I call them in oils. Well...one painting led to another and my Aunt now has 5 displayed on her wall. I must admit...the vibrant colours and humourous subjects were a ton of fun to paint. Tom Barnes has numerous sites available to peruse his artworks...and is very much worth perusing! |