Off and Runnng, Playing with Glazes,Hot Beef Dip

Painting of the Day




Salt Springs Run
4x6 inches
Mounted to 5x7 inches for easy framing
Gouache

40.00
2.00 shipping

Next stage



I have done quite a bit on the painting now and I'm still waiting to get feedback from my client. I may need to do some alteration on it for her but I like it pretty well as is. I was able to mix some transparent white with the blues and over paint the cloud and sky area. I always love the look of the transparent white mixed with the opaque blues. The combination adds a rich luminosity to the color. I often use the transparent paint to glaze over opaque areas. The color is so rich. It can't be duplicated with opaques alone.


I started playing around with the classical painting methods a few years ago. Mine strays from the methods most painters use. Most use a grisaille (a gray under painting, laid for subsequent color glazing.) I sometimes do that too but usually I am just laying areas of glazing over parts of my finished or near finished opaque painting. It simply enriches the painting without drastically changing it.


The traditional method is to use a three color combination of white, an umber and a blue to paint the entire painting with full value range. After it dries, thin glazes of transparent color is scumbled onto the under painting in minute portions, drying between layers of glaze. That's the way I was taught to do it. The traditional method takes weeks or months to complete and I don't have that kind of time to devote to a single painting, so I have modified the glazing technique to suit my schedule.


If you read my blog regularly, you will recall that I was using transparent oil last summer over casein paintings. They were lovely in color, but the varnishing was uneven, a problem with casein. This summer I plan to go back to my experiment, this time using gouache as the under painting on panel and seeing what happens when I add the glazes. It may not work, but it will be fun, none the less. I might gesso some paper panels to see what happens with that too. I could frame those behind glass.


Summer is the only time I have in the studio for long uninterrupted study of new techniques and writing about them. I look forward to that each year and never fail to get some little tidbit of useful information from my studies.



I've been thinking about why some artists "make it" and others don't. Some artists who have great skill and natural ability are not successful in their careers and must have a day job while others who may not be as talented, seem to succeed or at least survive.



Some think it is discipline. It takes a lot of discipline to be a successful artist. Others think it is courage, in being willing to get your self and your work out there where you are vulnerable. Organization can be important too. Throw in research, knowledge and skill. All of that is important for a successful artist.


I think the real reason some succeed and others fail is the love of it. Let's face it. We all do what we are good at and what we like. I hate snow, so I could never do winter sports, even if I were a great athlete.


I love art. I love the process of art. I love hanging around in my studio, looking at paint,brushes, and so forth. I love the way the paint slides across the surface of the canvas. Each day I can't wait to get up and go to the studio. I can't wait to get out to the park and paint next week. There is not one thing I would do differently than be a painter. Because of my obsession, I will do whatever I have to, to succeed. if I have to paint miniatures to make a living, I'll do it. If I have to do commission work, I'll do it. If I have to teach now and then, I'll do it. If I must travel for months at a time, I'll do it. If I am asked to paint little green men, I'll do it. Don't misunderstand me, I like doing miniatures, teaching and traveling, but even if I didn't, I would, to survive and continue to paint.


I truly believe that is the key to success for a painter. Those who are more concerned about their brand name or their status in the art world are not going to be willing to paint little green men when times get hard because they don't love what they do enough to sacrifice enough to survive. They love status more than painting. I know several painters who turn up their noses at showing in shops, restaurants, using mediums that they consider to be inferior to oils and who will not show in non traditional galleries. That's fine, no problem, but many of them also have to have regular jobs to survive. They have made the choice and I respect their choice, but I believe that is the reason some can survive on art and others can't. At this stage of my career I couldn't care less about my status in the art world. I just want to paint for a living.



Today will be my last post until March 9th. I need to focus on finishing up some studio chores, paintings and loading my car. Please don't abandon my blog. I promise to return toot sweet!! I'll have lots of paint out photos and stories to share with you.


Today's Recipe:

This is a classic. I've made it so many times for parties. It is always very popular.

Hot Beef Dip


16 oz Dried Beef
(2) 8 oz Plain Cream Cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Sour Cream
2 Tbsp Worchestershire Sauce
1 T butter
dash fresh ground pepper

Saute chopped dried beef in butter with onions in a deep pan. add cream cheese, milk,Worcestershire sauce, and pepper stirring until smooth over low heat. When smooth, gently stir in sour cream. Serve in a fondue pot or small chafing dish with French toast rounds or crackers.