Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Larger Essentials...



Balsamic and Citrus, 8 x 8 oi on panel - 60 minute sketch
I enjoy a quick study in oil and the selective process involved with a 30 or 60 minute block of time. It forces me to simplify. Time is short with these exercises, so I make the best of the minutes I have and get straight to the point of things - shape, local color and value, refining only those elements time will allow.

This is not to say that all things work well or even as I'd like with each session, but confidence grows as skill increases and soon enough, I feel more in control of the painting. It's not unlike the act of creating form. By this I mean, the flat circle must become more like a sphere before it can resemble an orange. Whatever we do, our personal growth is very similar...one step at a time we get there.





The 45 minute study below is from summer 2016. It shows the bridge at Victoria Landing not far from my home studio in Woodstock, Georgia. I travel this bridge every day and love the area. Before starting the composition, I toned the panel with a brighter earthen color. This shows through in places and helps to balance and compliment the green foliage along the bridge. I used brush and painting knife to complete this painting.

Bridge at Cherokee Mills, oil on 6 x 6 wood panel


A recent study for a portrait commission. It's an honor to render this drawing...such a beautiful dog.
Thanks for stopping by. I invite you to visit me at donnashiver.com

Enjoy the day.
Peace and Health all -

Study of Bear for Holiday Commission, charcoal on toned paper



Monday, November 7, 2016


Loosing and Finding Balance...
Red Umbrellas, oil on 9 x 12 canvas panel - palette knife work

Ever lose yourself in something? You know...that feeling somehow that you may be on the cusp of a new way of seeing, yet dangerously close to losing all sense of what is up or down? Despite any uncertainty, for me hitting the wall this way can be a good thing.  :)


I'm referring to exploration and process....ideas and mistakes...taking a leap that feels good even though it comes with the occasional and probable skinned knee. Band aids count as a drawing and painting surface, right?  :)


Attached are a few things from the past weeks, demonstrations from oil and acrylic classes plus studio work. I've also attached a flyer for my PaperMaking Workshop which started up at the Cobb/Marietta Museum of Art in Marietta, Georgia this past weekend. We have four weekends of fun in November rather than the three listed on the flyer. I secured a make up day for all concerned. These are nice to have as a back up so we can get more accomplished, and have room to breathe some. Getting classes worked out for the coming months, Charcoal, Painting in oil by the lake and more PaperMaking too. Hope you enjoy and please visit me at donnashiver.com 


Thanks for stopping by. Peace and Health - :)
Value Study, 8 x 10 acrylic on canvas panel - 60 minute Class Demo


White Bowl, 8 x 10 oil on canvas panel, 60 minute Class Demo
Value study, 36 x 24 oil on canvas - studio work in progress



Holding, charcoal on leftover paper - about 12 x 16


Finding Balance, ink and charcoal on 9 x 12 paper