Monday, January 27, 2025

Tell your own story.

Waiting for Spring, 9x12, oil. SOLD

January's 
cold, snowy days are a perfect time to sit in my studio with a cup of hot tea and pull out my art books. No matter how many times I read them, I still find something interesting to think about. Today it was landscapes.

Landscape books often recommend beginning with the sky. The inference is that the sky's coloration and mood set the key for the whole painting. It is also suggested that we paint from the top down, working back to front. Supposedly when we reach the foreground, the painting should be complete. Maybe yes, maybe no.

To me and my way of painting, it make more sense to begin with the most important aspects of my painting - the focal point and the story I want to tell - and key my painting to that. I don't want to be hindered by trying to force my painting into a certain structure. I would rather just paint and see where the painting wants to go. 

Because my paintbrush often has a mind of its own, a sunny day in my reference photo might progress into a stormy day or even a night scene. Starting with the sky doesn't work for me.

So when you start a painting, decide what you want to show and the story you want to tell. Establish your focal point and then just paint. Put the photo aside and enjoy the process. Tell your own story - in your own way.

My thought for the day. Happy painting.

Celene


My Website -  CeleneFarris.com

My eBay Store -  eBay Store Celene Farris, Maine Artist

Email me at - mail@CeleneFarris.com

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The Virtual Hike - Somewhere in Greece


The Virtual Hike
Somewhere in Greece, 8x10, oil on canvas panel.



Our first destination in Marla's new virtual paint-out group (The Virtual Hike) was Greece, along the route from Athens to Marathon with side trips allowed. It was very interesting to explore this area, a region that I probably would never have visited. There was a lot to see but I had difficulty in finding something to paint, so I took a side trip to the coast. There I found this old, abandoned chapel, all white and blue in the sunshine. I don't know the name of the town, but it was south-east of Marathon. An enjoyable painting adventure.

How the group works - Every month Marla will choose a new destination and post it on her blog. Using Google Street Views we explore the area looking for a scene to paint - without leaving home - a virtual paint-out. 

You then email a photo of your finished painting and it's Google Link to her and she will post them on her new site as part of a monthly display. It will be a lot of work for her. Thank you so much, Marla.

It's a great concept - from exploration to finished painting. I hope you'll join us. It's free, fun and no strings attached.

If you'd like to join us, click below to meet Marla and read about the group and how to post your work to the site. 

 https://marlalaubisch.blogspot.com/2024/12/greece.html

Check out her blog for our new destination on February 1st. 

I hope you'll join us. It really is great fun.

Celene


My Website -  CeleneFarris.com

My eBay Store -  eBay Store Celene Farris, Maine Artist

Email me at - mail@CeleneFarris.com