Robert Henri - The Art Spirit

Recently I have been quoting Robert Henri on my blog and lo and behold I find that Michelle at  http://followingthemasters.blogspot.com/
has already chosen it for a reading group she has started.   I started this book just about the time I started my Art journey.  It took about three years to complete the book.  I would frequently pick it up, read some, then digest it.  I finally completed it last month.  In the process, I learned that as a newbie to art the message he had was under appreciated.  As time went on, I found his message resonate deeper in my soul.  I fully intend to keep this book at my side and reread it when I seem to hit a dry spell.  If you haven't read it, I would recommend you take up Michelle's challenge.  If you have read it years ago, it may be rewarding to reread it.  I think the more knowledge you have about art, the more meaningful it becomes.
I am so grateful for all the books that are availalbe today.  They help us on our journey.  The local library has been an invaluable resource for me.  It helps to be in a local community that has a strong arts awareness and appreciation.  I am posting the picture I mentioned yesterday that I had revisited and redone.  I think it improved the composition.

Ruakaka Beach Australia

Thanks everyone for your comments. My back is back in full working order. I tried a new technique, at least, for me it is new. I downloaded and watched Richard Robinson's http://www.newzealandartist.com Master Class on Ruakaka Beach in Australia. He recommends establishing the values and premixing them before painting. For example, the dark, mid, and light values of the sky, then repeat with the clouds, the mountains etc. I know I have seen it done by other artists on their blogs so I gave it a try. Lo and Behold it did make it easier!! I tend to get lost in all the color mixing when I try to do it one at a time. This simplified the values and also allowed me to adjust as I went along if I needed a warmer or cooler. I was pleased with the painting. This was done on a 5x7 canvas panel. Will try more of his master classes and force myself to premix.

St Augustine Sunrise

Before I start on finishing my painting I started yesterday, I wanted to post this little 5x7 that I did from a photo I shot on St Augustine Beach. I used my sunset setting while shooting and it almost looks more like a sunset, but I liked the vivid colors and decided it was still interesting. I am practicing self-control on my new painting. I like to finish in one sitting and yesterday after doing the initial lay in , the sky and middle ground, I decided to let it be, as the foreground will be the focus and I wanted to take my time. I read a lot about painters spending day even weeks on one painting and decided, maybe, just maybe, it might be good for the painting to take more time and think things through before I slap on my paint.

Putting in my 10,000 hours

Hi, Haven't posted lately as I have been doing a lot of painting. Finally convinced myself that reading about art and colors just doesn't cut the mustard...unless it is followed by actually painting. So I am focusing on brush miles in order to achieve the next level in my paintings. Here are two small paintings I did this week. Am still not quite happy with how in the "Wooden Model" the sketch book does not quite sit down so if any of you have suggestions they are most welcomed.

Finally!!

Have been meaning to do this DSFDF challenge but things kept interfering. I had a big break through two days ago when I realized I was creating all sorts of barriers to actually painting; such as it's too complicated; I don't have the time to do it justice. A long time ago I intensely disliked emptying the dishwasher. I had convinced my brain that it took so long etc.. So I timed it and it took 2 minutes!!! My attitude sure changed fast. I did the same thing with this painting. I decided to time myself and lo and behold I had overestimated the time and effort. I had used faulty logic to procrastinate and not get started... I feel I have removed some major barriers to my painting more frequently. Now I can squeeze it in with a free conscience.

Oriole and Orange

Birds have always been a wonder to me. They seem so at peace with nature and to see an eagle or osprey soar on the currents is fascinating. I was at an outdoor jazz concert last week and an osprey soared for overhead for 4 minutes never flapping his wings against the cloud free blue sky. What a treat! I finally finished my birds but the blue bird didn't turn out as well so decided just to post this one. I wish I could say I took the photo but it came from the wet canvas reference image library which artists may access for reference photos. http://www.wetcanvas.com. I still have another painting of peppers but it will have to wait for another day or until I can get a good photo of it. I think I can detect an improvement in my photo skills but then a snag occurs and it is back to the beginning. Have an enjoyable day. Honor