Friday, May 27, 2016



It Starts with a Long Look...


Sunday, oil on primed paper

At the start of any drawing or painting, I remind myself to look before I leap.

Those few minutes before laying charcoal to paper or brush to canvas can make all the difference. My eye is able to focus. Patterns become visible and I can better understand what interests me, where the light areas rest by comparison with darker values. I follow lines, run vertical and horizontal guides to help me establish relationships. When painting, I can access notes of color that need to be indicated quickly and I get closer to expressing the spirit felt within the subject matter. Outdoors, the air has personality - it's warm, cool and vibrant enough at times to knock over my small easel set up. :) Contrary to being in studio, no music is necessary. Birds chirp and sing, there is movement in the trees and quite often I can hear the distant voices of local fishermen.

A Walk, oil on primed paper

Fishermen, charcoal on paper


In the Kitchen, oil on primed paper


Boy by Fountain, oil on primed paper

Looking at and embracing objects from life does not necessarily give me perfection - whatever that is - but it yields a way of seeing. I can teach myself; try out and possibly learn new techniques so I work to capture mood and a sense of me in my work. Wonderful therapy for the cost of charcoal or paint on a surface don't you think... :)

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the day. Peace and Health all - 

donnashiver.com


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