Going Back to the Comfort Zone...

I'm sure fellow painters can all relate to having some moments when you feel you have forgotten how to paint. One feels down and depressed and that usually causes you to avoid painting some more. What a vicious cycle!!! It is not very different from trying to lose weight and then giving in and eating whatever delicious treat comes your way (believe me, I know...) So! I have discovered that one of the best ways to get back into full gear is painting a subject that comes natural to you, that gives you back the confidence you need to get back on the saddle (I have not discovered the strategy for the losing weight part, if you do, let me know). For me, bromeliads are that subject.

I named this one thinking that it was almost obscene to pack sooo much delicious color into one painting. My original thought was in Spanish: "Descarada!" Oh well! It was just what the doctor ordered. Especially, after having a horrible cold for the past week...

"Daring Bromeliad"
16"x20"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here

Le Chat

I had been wanting to paint a cat for some time. Since I don't own one and I recently discovered the awesome Paint my Photo website, the time finally came!!!
I really enjoyed this one, I decided to be "free" and not stress out with tiny details. It takes some effort and lots of practice to separate the control freak side of your brain from the creative one... I painted it with the idea that it should be viewed from afar to get the full effect of the light. I had the opportunity some time ago to see some of Sargent's paintings and it seemed to me that he used this technique, so I wanted to give it a try.

"Le Chat"
16"x20"
Oil on Canvas
Available for Sale Here

Painting Lotus Flowers

 

 

I survived the flu!!! I am currently on antibiotics and happy to report that I completed my first painting post-illness. Muse number four has been photographed and I even did a small pastel study for it, but I will save it for the next post.  I also posted the process of this painting for those of you that are curious about my technique. If you have any questions, let me know!

I thought these lotus blossoms looked like 3 girls gossiping while sun-bathing. You don't see it??? Well, it might just be the meds...

"Lotus Ladies"
11"x14"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here

Dog Portrait

Happy New Year Everyone!!!

I hope you spent the first hours of 2013 next to your family, friends or significant others.
Here is the first post of the year.  My subject: Yogi, my mom's new maltese pup. He came to the family 2 months ago and he has proven to be one hyperactive doggie. He has managed to steal my family's heart and of course, my own. I am now heading to my parents' house now for a delicious Colombian "asado" (BBQ).

Take a look at the process below...

I wish many blessings upon you and your family. Here is to a year full of painting and nice surprises!!!! Cheers!!!

"Yogi"
8"x10"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here

Color!!!

I follow several artists that have blogs just like this one; some of them paint in pastel, others in oil.
Pastel-wise I am drawn to (more like in love with) the work of Margaret Dyer (take a look at her paintings here). She paints in a gestural manner and has a wonderful way of handling color. I painted these pears thinking about her creations...

This pastel illustrates how the most important thing to make an object look realistic is the value and the proportion, not necessarily the color. Although you know pears don't necessarily have these hues, they still read as pears and have dimension. I had lots of fun putting lots of "unusual" color down!

"Multicolored Pears"
8"x10"
Pastel on Board
Available for Sale Here

How to paint an egg... -SOLD-

The most important ingredient needed while painting eggs (besides the actual eggs) is PATIENCE. Lots, and lots of it. After that, it is a matter of reviewing some of the basic principles of art and visual phenomena: value, proportion, light, reflected light, shadow, texture, color temperature and edges.
I know, I know, it sounds simpler than it is doing it. But, pardon the cliché: "practice makes perfect."
I think I still have a lot to learn, but I believe this painting looks very nice.

"Cracked Under Pressure"
8"x8"
Oil on Gallery Wrapped Canvas
Sold