Pirate's Cove, 5x7, oil

I don't know why I enjoy pirate paintings - but I do... 

I just finished this little painting. Now it has to dry, be varnished, then it will go into my eBay Store.

What ever subject you choose, you will enjoy the painting process if it makes you smile. Pick something that you enjoy! 

Spring is coming, the red wing blackbirds are back. That's good for a smile, too....

Happy painting.

Pirate's Cove 5x7 oil

Celene

www.facebook.com/CeleneFarris.MaineArtist

www.CeleneFarris.com

My Ebay Store

A Very Special Valentine Story

Valentine's Day seems the perfect day to share this moving story...

I received this very special email on 3-27-2023.

Hello Ms. Farris,

My name is Richard Scovel. I reside in Wakefield Massachusetts but have vacationed in the Belgrade & Lake St. George areas for close to 40 years so I know the Belfast area very well. You have an amazing talent. 

This past September my wife Carole gave me a framed print named Bird Watchers which I believe is one of your works and I must say as soon as I saw it I instantly fell in love with it as my wife's hobby was feeding birds on an industrial scale, and in addition we are hooked on Brittany Spaniels of which we have had 4 of them over the years. First was Jimmy, then Sophie, then Morey and finally Max whom I have now... Sadly my wife passed away early in the morning on the day after Christmas and I am hoping that I can have the image of your print put on the grave stone which I will soon be purchasing. I see many grave stones at our local cemetery that have all kinds of color images added to them and since my wife was buried with Sophie and Morey's ashes, the print would be a beautiful touch and she would be so happy to know it was on the stone... 

I really don't want to take the framed print she gave me apart so I can submit the image to the engravers, so my question to you is could I possibly purchase another one of them from you ? The size is small, probably about 5" X 7" and I'm sure that would be a good example to go by, however I may opt for the image on the stone to be a bit larger than that. I have no idea where she actually purchased the print so I figured I'd start at the source. Please get back to me when you have the chance and let me know what you think... Also, photos attached, 2 showing your framed print and another one of a color image of a willow tree which is close to my wife's grave as an example of a color image on stone... 

Very best regards, Rick Scovel

Dear Richard,
I am so very sorry to hear about your wife. What a sad time for you all.

I do have copies of the print - The Bird Watchers. I will be very honored to have my work on your wife's memorial stone. If you send me your address I will mail them to you. They will be my gift in your wife's memory. Thank you for this honor.

Celene 

On 12/24/2023 7:02 AM, Rick Scovel wrote:

Hello Ms. Farris,
I'm sorry it took so long but good things do take time, anyway, the grave stone is finally finished and was installed at the cemetery a few days ago. My wife Carole was very patriotic and as soon as I saw the stone on display the decision was made! Also, if you ever want to put the images on your website or your facebook page please feel free to do so, Carole would be honored...

Initially I wanted your image to be etched in to the stone but unfortunately that method did not capture the beauty of your painting so a porcelain image of your artwork was created instead which captured the image perfectly. Due to the design of the stone and not having ample room on the front, it is on the back side but it really finished off the stone perfectly and I can't thank you enough.

Thanks again for supplying the print, this result would not have been achieved without your talent and your kindness. Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year!

Very best regards, Richard Scovel

Underpaintings

The reason for an underpainting. 

The back and forth corrections during the painting process often result in frustration, muddy colors and unsuccessful paintings. Breaking the painting process into two distinct parts greatly simplifies the process.

A painting can be broken down into two basic parts - 

• The Foundation (underpainting)- consisting of the composition, shapes and values. This is done as a tonal, monochromatic underpainting, creating the structure of your painting.

• Color - with all its subtle nuances and complications, added to the finished, dried underpainting as a separate step.

The underpainting can be done in either thin oil or in black and white acrylic. If I am outside painting I do an underpainting in thin oil washes that will dry quickly in the outside air. In my studio I prefer black and white acrylic. Acrylic, a water based paint, dries quickly, covers well, is easy to work with and has no odor.

For your underpainting, choose a dark, neutral color and white. You will be working in shades of dark, middle values and white. No other colors are used.

I ask my students to think of baking a cake. You cannot frost the cake until it is baked. And if the cake doesn't have good ingredients, no amount of frosting will make it better.

In painting, if you don't have a strong foundation, no amount of color will make the painting better.

First create your foundation (underpainting) (cake). Establish the composition, refine the drawing and create your pattern of light and shadow. This is the time to move objects, change shapes, adding and subtracting. Only when your foundation of shapes, values and the composition is completed to your satisfaction can you begin to think of adding color. 

With your foundation (underpainting) complete, you can now focus on color, with all its subtle nuances and complications. Your underlying structure has been completed and is correct. Now it's time to frost the cake. 

This is such a logical way to paint. Painting is difficult - so why not try to simplify the process a bit by breaking it into steps? 

Below is my black & white acrylic underpainting. I worked on it, making subtle changes until I was satisfied. The second picture shows the beginning stages of adding the colors.

Blue Bottle - black & white underpainting.
The composition, shapes and values are established.

Now I can begin to add the color.

Something to think about. Give it a try. Your questions and comments are always welcomed. Happy painting!

Celene

www.facebook.com/CeleneFarris.MaineArtist

www.CeleneFarris.com

My Ebay Store