How Photoshop Helps Me Paint

___________________________________________________

My love of watercolor painting started a decade ago when I finally pursued a long time desire to paint and attended my first watercolor workshop. Learning how to use the medium was challenging but the biggest hurdle for me was drawing.  I struggled with all aspects of drawing & could not fully comprehend how to make the correct lines & shapes to make images seem real or accurate.

I started to photoshop my photos so I could see the shapes I needed to draw and discovered a terrific way to help myself draw.

____________________________________________________

Now I can clearly see the shapes of the clouds & the grasses.

__________________________________________________

In this photo it’s easy for me to see the layers of mountains & trees.

________________________________________________________

The shapes stand out and values are also more obvious to me now.

________________________________________________________

Once I discovered how to do this to my photos I lost my fear of drawing. This technique freed me and I no longer shy away from a specific painting because I am afraid of the drawing that’s involved. It also helped me see the shapes when I’m on location plein air painting.

_______________________________________________________

Paint with Me

_______________________________________________________

Guest Artist at the Theater

_________________________________________________________________

The Patchogue Art Council invites artists to exhibit their art in the gallery space located in the Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts. The theater is a cultural center for Long Island showcasing a broad spectrum of the arts. It is a multi-use venue, offering a variety of events including live performances, film, music, education and commercial presentations.

The “LOBBY GALLERY” has a dual mission to introduce the public to art of distinct vision and to promote regional artists of professional caliber.

After being reviewed for consideration I was invited to exhibit my art from Jan 5th – Feb 5th. An opening  reception was held on Fri Jan 13th which was attended by the Village of Patchogue’s Mayor and several Trustees, Members of the Board of the Patchogue Art Council and numerous friends & artists.

_______________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the various compliments about my artwork. I am very honored to have this opportunity to exhibit my paintings and share my passion for painting with everyone .

______________________________________________________

Paint with Me

SKY WASHES

________________________________________________________________

I’m spending time in the studio working on painting skies. Using only 3 colors, Holbein’s Aureolin Yellow, Bright Rose & Ultramarine Blue I can mix them on the paper to create many colorful washes.

________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

The combination of the colors dictates the warmth or coolness of the painting. I’m careful not to wash a blue over a yellow because I do not want a greenish sky. I’m using a 2″ or larger brush to help spread the water & pigment to avoid streaks.

I’ll have to use dozens of pieces of paper to practice this technique. Each time my results change and I create a different mood or time of day.

I don’t consider this work, It’s playtime which is the best time for me to have fun in my studio.

_______________________________________________________

Paint with Me

_______________________________________________________

 

Making My Own Gifts

________________________________________________________

Finding the perfect gift is never easy. This year I decided to make my own gifts and I had a wonderful time playing in my studio creating these mugs.

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

I purchased the mugs at a local dollar store. They unscrew and a template can be removed from inside a clear sleeve on the outside of the mug.

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

I outline the template onto my watercolor paper and paint whatever I want.

________________________________________________________

______________________

I cut out the painting and insert it into the clear sleeve.

Place the cup back into the sleeve and screw to tighten it so no liquid can get in.

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

I fill them with candy, flavored coffee, tea bags.  I can add a gift card to a coffee shop or any store I feel would suit the person I will be giving these gifts to.

____________________________________________________

Paint with Me

____________________________________________________

The Gift of Art

_________________________________________________________________

Brandon Vermont held its annual auction to raise money for the library. Dozens of people create art & craft items which are auctioned off in a fun & friendly event.

________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Wine and refreshments are served while everyone browses the shelves looking for the special items they will bid on.

________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

This was the fifth year I donated a piece of art to this worthwhile cause.

_______________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Each year I wait patiently for my art to enter the arena of bidding. I get nervous wondering if someone will raise their hand accepting the starting bid.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As they walk around the room with my painting the auctioneer continues accepting bids from the floor. The bids climb higher & higher & I am relieved to know that my painting was a part of this exciting fundraising auction.

___________________________________________________________

Paint with Me

_________________________________________________

Seeing Shapes

_______________________________________________________

Colors & shapes are what inspires me to create a painting. I find lines & contours in many objects. I photograph items that attract me and using my photo shop program in my computer I can enhance the image until I see the shapes I want to paint.

_______________________________________________________

Roses

____________________________________________________________

Changing the photo to Black & White helps me see the shapes of the petals. Here’s another example.

__________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

A single flower shows me the structure & body of the flower.

________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

I launch into my painting of rose shapes by dropping color onto wet paper, When dry, I start the fun process of finding the shapes of rose petals within the configuration of colors.

_____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Paint with Me

__________________________________________________________________

Simple Painting = Huge Relaxation

________________________________________________

Whenever friends come to visit I always ask if they would like to paint with me. Everyone says “sure but I don’t know how to paint”. I offer them a project that I know will net them good results & be enjoyable for all.

_________________________________________________

Eileen painting while Porsha watches

_________________________________________________

The project always starts with having them choose a few colors. I ask them to sample 2 different blues, reds & yellows and ask them to pick their favorites. I have them mix a few secondary colors to allow them to see what colors their choice will create.

Next I have them wet the paper and drip, splatter, pour or brush the paint onto the paper.

__________________________________________________

Eileen added color by dripping & brushing the paint.

_____________________________________________________

Using a pencil I have them draw tree shapes so they can paint the negative shapes to form the trunks & branches.

______________________________________________________

Eileen's first & second layer of trees.

__________________________________________________

When completely dry more tree shape are outlined and the negative shapes are painting again using a darker color.

____________________________________________________

Eileen's completed painting

________________________________________________

The idea of this project is to have my friends relax & enjoy themselves. I make sure they have fun and feel good about their experience playing with watercolors. They are usually pleasantly surprised by their finished painting, I am not. I have done this with many of my friends and every time I am thrilled by their reaction to their artwork.

_______________________________________________________

Lorraine's Painting

___________________________________________________________

I paint along with them and we laugh & talk & drink the entire visit. I truly relish the time I paint with each of my friends.

_____________________________________________________

Paint with Me

_________________________________________________________

The Bellport Village Art Scene

__________________________________________________________

The quaint Village of Bellport has an active art community and on most weekends you can stroll Main Street and visit the local galleries to see the brilliant paintings created by LI artists.

Saturday November 5th was a great evening to meander through the village enjoying several art receptions with my artist friend Ted Stamatelos. Our first stop was at The Village Silversmith where you can find unique pieces of sterling silver jewelry. Dwight, the owner & jewelry designer along with his wife Gail run a charming, friendly and hospitable shop. The display cabinets are filled with exclusive pieces of jewelry, many handmade by Dwight. One of a kind bracelets, necklaces, earrings and charms can be purchased here. This is a shop you must visit while looking for an affordable yet special gift this holiday season. And, did I mention that he has paintings displayed within his shop? Several of my watercolors along with Ted’s paintings are being shown throughout the shop. Stop by and say hello to Dwight & Gail from me.

Next stop, on our walk was  Bellport Arts & Framing Studio owned by LuAnn. This was the opening reception of her new location. She had been framing art in a tiny storefront but now she is proudly working in her own larger building. LuAnn will custom design the perfect frame to match your decor with hundreds of moulding styles to choose from. She also does photo restoration, fine art restoration and she repairs old frames. Anytime I’ve stopped by LuAnn’s I feel at home with her and her wonderful assistant, Chris Taylor. They are always available with the perfect ideas to make my artwork look magnificent.

Our final destination was The Annual Group Exhibition at Gallery 125 located at 125 S Country Rd in Bellport, NY. This prestigious gallery, owner by Thomas V. Schultz is a clone of a fine art gallery in Manhattan. Spacious yet cozy this gallery was filled with art & artist from the local art community.

________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Christopher Wilde with his painting

__________________________________________________________

Dwight from the Village Silversmith Shop with his metal sculpture.

_____________________________________________________

Eddie Rehm, Ted Stamatelos, Mike Maas & Gregory B Barbera

______________________________________________________

LuAnn Thompson artist and owner of Bellport Arts & Framing Studio

______________________________________________________

Richard Edstrom MD with his painting

_____________________________________________________

Kenneth Ian and his paintings

_______________________________________________________

These are just a few of the talented artists participating in this group show. The show continues through the end of the year and it should not be missed. Public viewing is   Fridays 4-9   Saturdays 10:30-9   Sundays 10:30-1:30 (631-880-2693)

_____________________________________________________

                                                       Paint with Me

____________________________________________________

North East Watercolor Society

____________________________________________

One of my paintings has been accepted into the North East Watercolor Society 35th Annual International Exhibition. This is an exciting honor for me, especially since I have submitted my art for consideration many times in the last few years and have never had a painting accepted before.

____________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

The show is being held at The Gallery in Kent, located in Kent CT Oct 23rd – Nov 5th. I attended the opening reception and I was overwhelmed by the paintings hanging in this prestigious show. I was extremely proud to see my painting included among the other works of art.

_____________________________________________________

Paint with Me

________________________________________________

Vermont Fall Foliage Studio Tour

__________________________________________________

Over 143 artists & craftmakers opened their studios this past weekend for this first  Vermont Foliage Studio Tour. The artists featured during the two-day event included jewelers, printmakers, potters, weavers, glass blowers, painter,s sculptors and wood carvers. This event was free & anyone could visit with artists and experience their working life.

___________________________________________________

A detailed map & yellow signs lead the way making it was easy to find the individual studios.

______________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Joan Curtis’ studio felt warm and friendly on a very dreary afternoon.

___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Joan Curtis made me feel very comfortable in her studio and shared with me her collection of art & sculpture.

__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Warren Kimble

I visited Warren Kimble in his newest location located in the middle of Brandon. The front half of his storefront is a charming gallery filled with his beautiful folk art and his latest collection of original paintings. I was fascinated by his current artwork and he was happy to share with me some of the techniques he’s using to create these unique paintings.

The back half of the building is his working studio and anyone who stops in can see this master artist as he composes his paintings. Warren currently has a young artist, from NJ staying in Brandon and painting in his studio. Elena Curcio, his protegé, is a college student who decided after visiting Brandon and meeting Warren that her painting abilities would develop and blossom under the guidance of her new-found mentor. As I watched Elena painting I saw a very talented artist working and developing a lovely oil painting. She has exceptional command of the medium and a desire to continue her education in the arts by living her life as an artist. Warren is also benefiting from this union. He has the opportunity to share his knowledge and the joy of watching Elena grow.

__________________________________________________________

Elena Curcio

___________________________________________________________

Next I visited “The Granary” an old building in Brandon that has been converted into individual artist studios. While chilling rain fell, I stayed warm & dry as I traveled through each studio meeting the artists and enjoying their hospitality.

__________________________________________________________

Patty Sgrecci

 Patty Sgrecci was working on her amazing mobiles & kinetic sculptures. Light & color bounced off the walls. Even her rug is a fun piece of art.

_________________________________________________________

Linda Durkee

Linda Durkee‘s studio was filled with colorful paintings & collages.

________________________________________________________

Jackie Foley

Jackie Foley’s studio felt like home mostly because of her warm smile. Her collection of art impressed me. She has many unique styles of painting yet each piece feels so fresh & new.

___________________________________________________________

Patt Cavanagh

Patt Cavanagh divided her studio into part gallery & part workspace. Her collection of rock paintings was wonderful.

___________________________________________________________

Don Ross

The photography of Don Ross totally blew me away. His photos were captivating & enchanting. He also specializes in fine art reproductions.

___________________________________________________________

Linda K Evans

 Linda Evans had a distant approach to her art. Because of her love of Greyhounds, Linda has devoted an entire collection of paintings to her “Hidden Hounds” series. Numerous greyhounds are hidden within the paintings. Very clever & fun to find the dogs painted into her artwork.

Linda also creates art using her cell phone. Yes, she actually uses a drawing program and paints the art right on her phone.

____________________________________________________

Jill Listzwan

Jill Listzwan designs whimsical jewelry combining a variety of material including pearls, watch parts, seed pearls, jewels, feathers and ribbons. These items gently melted within a colorful plastic form vivid characters with unique expressions._______________________________________________________Judith Reilly

Judith Reilly is one of the most accomplished quiltmakers I have ever seen. Her art is refreshing and full of delightful colors & shapes. Visiting her studio, in her 200-year-old house was one of the highlights of my day.

________________________________________________________

I did not plan on spending an entire day visiting artist studios while I was in Vermont for the weekend. But when I read about this event taking place while I was in town I knew I had to take this opportunity to meet the people who have created the artwork I’ve admired every time I stopped by the Brandon Artist Guild.

At every studio I entered I was greeted by a friendly person who wanted to share their love for art with me. It made me think of my experience working in a communal studio back home in NY. Being around creative & vibrant artists is like taking a shot of energy, it stimulates and inspires me to want to immerse myself in the joy I have for painting.

I want you to be able to see the varitey of artwork I had the pleasure of seeing during my day. I have added a link to each artist so you can visit their art on-line. Please take the time and enjoy a visual trip into the galleries of these innovative artists. I promise you it will be worth the time and cost you nothing.

_____________________________________________________

Paint with Me

________________________________________________________