tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89193456301026321622024-02-19T14:40:28.478-08:00The Art of Maya Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-75387848586130804792016-08-26T19:14:00.001-07:002016-08-26T19:14:54.960-07:00September Grumbacher Instructor ScheduleIts been a busy few weeks gearing up for fall with my video projects and a<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/artofmaya" target="_blank"> brand new Cafepress shop with my work!</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg0ufrr1zjWfi-fLcIm8gnaKalQauzd8gvSZ-vuydRiexje9mG92umd4aPcNqRZt9-K8ZRX26LOmDNk_8yTCnofvnPAt_TqdroYd2lzqLsDpu40dnVHpxjr0FXMzyo6NWI-ix44wjgQ/s1600/THEEMPRESSKEYNOTEOFC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Illustration of Kathleen Ardelle one of the Ziegfeld Follies" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgg0ufrr1zjWfi-fLcIm8gnaKalQauzd8gvSZ-vuydRiexje9mG92umd4aPcNqRZt9-K8ZRX26LOmDNk_8yTCnofvnPAt_TqdroYd2lzqLsDpu40dnVHpxjr0FXMzyo6NWI-ix44wjgQ/s320/THEEMPRESSKEYNOTEOFC.jpg" title="Illustration of Kathleen Ardelle one of the Ziegfeld Follies" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep. I turned this watercolor and gouache painting into<a href="http://www.cafepress.com/artofmaya" target="_blank"> EARRINGS!</a></td></tr>
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And for those of you who are interested in taking private drawing classes or acrylic painting classes with a Certified Grumbacher Instructor, <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?categoryId=1004" target="_blank">my class schedule is up for September! </a><br />
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Here is an example of a still-life in progress from my Basic Still Life class done by one of my very talented students (whom was generous enough to permit me to show you).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuzGH67IWgum7bXuld5JKyNEoUJt6MNNyscZ8UVvAir8Mnp5TaA6R51DAaW8c4yiJk5cXvzK3EQhUfjbIBM5q8enad4lcsr4HdBkelCf655mu3J9Z0TYAVQG5vPMR7iurR5ipJdsHVA/s1600/STILL+LIFE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuzGH67IWgum7bXuld5JKyNEoUJt6MNNyscZ8UVvAir8Mnp5TaA6R51DAaW8c4yiJk5cXvzK3EQhUfjbIBM5q8enad4lcsr4HdBkelCf655mu3J9Z0TYAVQG5vPMR7iurR5ipJdsHVA/s400/STILL+LIFE.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His capture of the reflections was so gorgeous I had to show you.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5dqVQdqMwZdADRT1DQ6rbQv2WyA0HWuoMhZJ-CqmXhXNuosQKw_eyju4fJWt6MReBV1_90woBScIHTqUEu-SV6QXT0LtRcStKKAUYUULMhS_HoZjBNLjqSyQxTfzaKK568cEbSIhVA/s1600/IMG_20160702_195443454+%25282016-08-27T02_03_50.070%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5dqVQdqMwZdADRT1DQ6rbQv2WyA0HWuoMhZJ-CqmXhXNuosQKw_eyju4fJWt6MReBV1_90woBScIHTqUEu-SV6QXT0LtRcStKKAUYUULMhS_HoZjBNLjqSyQxTfzaKK568cEbSIhVA/s400/IMG_20160702_195443454+%25282016-08-27T02_03_50.070%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the reference object for his still-life painting.</td></tr>
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You may either sign-up online or in person at the Michaels location in Riverhead, NY. </div>
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How each class works <a name='more'></a></h3>
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Drawing Classes</h3>
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For drawing classes, we begin with the basics, mainly concentrating on shape and form. Then I teach you value and shading techniques (as well as some of my favorite 'out-of-the-box' techniques for getting proportions and values as close as possible. </div>
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<br />Painting Classes</h3>
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For each painting class (<i><b>except</b></i> for still-life), you will work from a photo. You have the option of using the photo I supply for you or bringing your own photo (MUST be a public domain photo or one taken BY YOUR OWN CAMERA) to class, which I will have to approve. Some subjects might be too hard for a beginner class so there is a possibility I will recommend it for a more advanced, 4hr Painting class. </div>
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<br />Each Drawing Class and Painting Class Is Customized to Your Skill Level</h4>
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Every class is geared toward your skill level so if you are completely new to painting or drawing, do not worry. Just let me know and I will be sure to show you the basics. If you are advanced and are looking to take your art to the next level, I can do that, too. Just be sure to let me know so that I can work with you to show you the more advanced techniques I've accumulated over the past few years. </div>
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<br />By Special Request: Now Offering Private Watercolor Classes </h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a watercolor painting in progress after masking phase.</td></tr>
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For those of you whom are interested in private watercolor classes, contact me at Mayasgallery@yahoo.com with your name and phone number.</div>
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I will get back to you within one week to setup our first class time slot. One hour is $45 and two-hours is $90. Materials are not included. I will send you the materials list after our first class is scheduled.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cafepress.com/artofmaya" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="Choose Happiness quote with white and purple flowers" border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq3PrfC5GWo2gWBOa_YLg6uuqsrQQPph0PW-n_25v7ghEwYrWNTzwCj4HKd3iyc83fMq2XJyXbz5yxTtxvtsuU4kDo2LO9DLCCxygIw0A14JCNR0X3MsjnO57dIQxjnnppygSjqpHpg/s320/ChooseHappiness.jpg" title="Choose Happiness quote with white and purple flowers" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished watercolor design I painted for some items in my new <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/artofmaya" target="_blank">Cafepress shop! </a></td></tr>
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Wishing everyone a happy and inspirational month!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-74525143388774129322016-06-16T12:44:00.002-07:002016-06-16T12:44:18.141-07:00Exhibiting in The Contemporary Portrait Its funny how life is. You go into things knowing you have to do them or maybe you intuit that where you're going is exactly where you're supposed to be.<br />
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A little interesting story: Two weeks ago, I tried to sell a drawing. Not just any drawing, but a charcoal portrait I completed after a sketch night with a live model named Julia (see next post to view it).<br />
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I was putting several items up for sale and this piece was the fourth, however, the submit button wouldn't work. I must've tried four times and even reloaded the page. At that same moment, a flash of an exhibit with this piece framed flashed into my head, but I disregarded it as wishful thinking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkDlJTv1Yh6T3kqqz3VHW0Pdonmh0b41YN88NeMoV-FpqRVdZwJEq70Q56BfuFCkq66ZoIpWc8SZAbOpWKXGBI8uaesLpS4s6NP-sPCLB0m5waGRs2K1gG-JvNXu_N0BUPdcO9kMjNw/s1600/presence-904563_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkDlJTv1Yh6T3kqqz3VHW0Pdonmh0b41YN88NeMoV-FpqRVdZwJEq70Q56BfuFCkq66ZoIpWc8SZAbOpWKXGBI8uaesLpS4s6NP-sPCLB0m5waGRs2K1gG-JvNXu_N0BUPdcO9kMjNw/s320/presence-904563_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But as I learn time and time again, those flashes of insight mean <em><strong>pay attention and breathe</strong></em>. With the 'submit' button not working, I was literally being blocked from selling this piece. Something I've come to realize is that sometimes things are harder for us for a reason. And ultimately, a much more amazing reason than we could possibly comprehend at that moment.<br />
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This week, I found out she was accepted into The Contemporary Portrait exhibition curated by Deanne Shashoua and Michael Lyons Wier of the Lyons Wier Gallery in New York, NY. <a href="http://www.eastendarts.org/gallery/2016-contemporary-portrait.html" target="_blank">You may read more about the month-long exhibit and reception details for 6/17 here.</a><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />I will add more to this post once the reception is complete. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-9014001542229398252016-06-14T07:26:00.002-07:002016-06-16T12:20:47.034-07:00Why Do You Create? Everyone has a different reason why they draw, paint, write, create or do anything. Just like anything in life, the reasons you do it have more of an effect on your creations than you may realize. <br />
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Some people do it because they're good at it. Some people do it just for the joy of it (RIP Bob Ross).<br />
Some do it because it pays the bills. And others do it because it brings them a feeling of accomplishment. <br />
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None of these reasons are wrong or right, but whatever you're doing, it will either move you forward or hold you back. <br />
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Many people don't create because they believed lies they were told in the past. They might not have had a steady stream of motivators or people in their lives who inspired them to fulfill their potential. You might have had these people in school...maybe yours were certain teachers. Or maybe you have a relative who put you on a pedestal and made you believe you could be or do anything. And you believed it. But now they're gone and so is that piece that believed it.<strong><em> Get it back.</em></strong><br />
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Once our cheering squad is gone, we are alone. But are we, really? Or has someone been watching over you this entire time, waiting and hoping for you to see who you<em><strong> really</strong></em> are and what you're capable of?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Mo3E4BOW-4sCSIh7ZZNqFeiwphh41OrN4ZY9s4NctP-st9D8e-X9a5VMO75BG0WFL5DZs54k946RQ0X7DPsyO-8qradk3MKs8BlyJ51rhvbvIAQrAxv96cQWKiiC4UsWhXSf6wAbw/s1600/balance-110850_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4Mo3E4BOW-4sCSIh7ZZNqFeiwphh41OrN4ZY9s4NctP-st9D8e-X9a5VMO75BG0WFL5DZs54k946RQ0X7DPsyO-8qradk3MKs8BlyJ51rhvbvIAQrAxv96cQWKiiC4UsWhXSf6wAbw/s400/balance-110850_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes drawing or painting can help one find balance.</td></tr>
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There is no right or wrong answer here, because everyone has a different path. We all carry with us different experiences and truths, which it is up to only each one of us to find.<br />
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But one thing is for sure, if you are creating out of love and taking action out of passion, you are stepping forward. Let go of taking actions out of fear and learn to trust yourself. For some, this is no easy task and takes some deep introspection and inner child work.<br />
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About two months ago, I went to a live drawing demo not expecting to do anything but get some practice in. Two and a half hours later, I had a charcoal sketch. When I draw, I feel like I'm no longer thinking. Everything becomes pinpointed focus and observation. The lively chatter in the room becomes like a steady drone in my head and all I see is the many forms of the subject, all linked together in one, cohesive and beautiful melody.<br />
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Here is what was drawn in five hours. First two and a half with the model and then I was permitted to take a couple of reference photos to use for my two and a half hours later.<br />
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Charcoal on Borden and Riley Pastel and Charcoal paper 18 X 24<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OkpcraI-d5smFi5xoaZEhDBVD506Fr9Wztmveugd70Vr95TgA7t5-NAovVitm9sIQC5kLv7jbjxeyEbHK482eDX0nNF77isx6nr2V8sz1Ebkc44RpPrjrG0VAzgL3D8SvOoGQ-iG2w/s1600/JULIE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OkpcraI-d5smFi5xoaZEhDBVD506Fr9Wztmveugd70Vr95TgA7t5-NAovVitm9sIQC5kLv7jbjxeyEbHK482eDX0nNF77isx6nr2V8sz1Ebkc44RpPrjrG0VAzgL3D8SvOoGQ-iG2w/s320/JULIE+1.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julia (charcoal on paper 18 x 24)</td></tr>
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A few weeks later, I went to another sketch night, which I am currently finishing and will post asap.<br />
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And for those of you who are interested in taking a class, the<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?storeId=3756" target="_blank"> JUNE and JULY Schedules at Michael's in Riverhead is now up!</a> All Grumbacher certified fine art classes (painting or drawing) will be taught by me. <br />
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Stay inspired!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-71737004651613624642016-04-13T10:14:00.005-07:002016-06-14T07:39:59.080-07:00Now Teaching: Grumbacher Fine Art Classes!Along with this really long winter, I've been hibernating indoors with my art, video and music projects! And it is all paying off.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyoHsOP-TjyDeOR7qCU9EecwlPPrb4lgmqY36fbn4RUMh3TUuDHJu_CHUPSBlCHxYfe7WraDM4skuQwuwOOkuOCSF-5B5RUMsXL6GFXl5mtb357cPoUlZazGPbNeiarz9JhNZ5x2KVw/s1600/man-505353_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="old man painting nude figure" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyoHsOP-TjyDeOR7qCU9EecwlPPrb4lgmqY36fbn4RUMh3TUuDHJu_CHUPSBlCHxYfe7WraDM4skuQwuwOOkuOCSF-5B5RUMsXL6GFXl5mtb357cPoUlZazGPbNeiarz9JhNZ5x2KVw/s320/man-505353_1280.jpg" title="old man painting nude figure" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see things as we are.</td></tr>
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I am officially a Certified Grumbacher Fine Art Instructor teaching classes in Long Island, NY. If any of you are interested, feel free to sign up or send those you know will benefit from them. If you are not familiar with my work, <a href="http://www.maxgrumbachergallery.com/galleries/mayasgallery" target="_blank">here are some examples.</a><br />
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My first LIVE painting demonstration is this coming Saturday 11-3PM at the Riverhead, NY location! ADDED BONUS: <a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?categoryId=1004" target="_blank">Anyone who signs up on Saturday the 16th for my Beginner Floral Painting class on either April 23rd FROM 1-3PM or my Intermediate Portrait Class April 30th from 1-5PM will receive 50% off the class rate!</a> <br />
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About My Drawing and Painting Classes</h3>
I have a zero comparison or talking down about your own work policy. Anyone caught doing this will be <strong><em>asked to leave. </em></strong><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2YNBHhnNrcpZ90QiqzSeLvQy0blHEdhb-8RbBiL2mci3sZ6mi9p2vwtA9qxc9F35h7QUhJrXHPZB83xsWl0xbyDQVc_7vrLxUmyEgerZ_94fiHV6TXqDWShBuoXJyhwoyaYCOnvSbA/s1600/frightened-1172122_960_720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="two plastic figurines that look frightened" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2YNBHhnNrcpZ90QiqzSeLvQy0blHEdhb-8RbBiL2mci3sZ6mi9p2vwtA9qxc9F35h7QUhJrXHPZB83xsWl0xbyDQVc_7vrLxUmyEgerZ_94fiHV6TXqDWShBuoXJyhwoyaYCOnvSbA/s320/frightened-1172122_960_720.jpg" title="two plastic figurines that look frightened" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fear is an illusion. Transcend it.</td></tr>
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Just kidding. Art is not about whose work is better. Creating your best work is completely subjective. But your own success does depend on how much you trust yourself. This class will help you to do that, by providing you with techniques and tools to make the journey a little easier.<br />
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Artists don't become advanced artists or professional artists by accident. They practice and keep learning. They gain more and more tools in their mental arsenal to integrate with their passion for creating. The more techniques and tools you learn, the more you grow. In a way, we artists are like scientists...experimenting with joy and determination and often failing, but growing nonetheless. The more you fail in art, the more you are practicing and one day you will see those failures become blessings and 'happy mistakes'. <br />
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The point is to have fun. Realistically, you cannot learn much from only one class. But you can learn <em>some things</em>. Each class will have a different subject and application process, so you will learn something different from each one.<br />
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In the 2-hour Beginner Floral Class, you will learn techniques that the Masters use to not only see things better, but to also gain a better understanding of shapes, relationships, light and shadow. <br />
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In the 4-hour Portrait Class, you will learn my exact process for portraits and the other options available to you and when to use them. You will learn canvas prep, then how to get the proper forms on the canvas. After this we will follow with detail.<br />
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<strong><em>You will have to purchase your own materials.</em></strong> A materials list will be provided to you upon signing up for the class. Register at the Riverhead, NY Michaels or<a href="https://classes.michaels.com/OnlineClasses/control/dateView?categoryId=1004" target="_blank"> through this link!</a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-40348434184267839152015-12-11T06:38:00.003-08:002015-12-11T06:50:00.795-08:00Masking Tips and Tricks For Watercolor Still-Life PaintingsTen years ago, I absolutely was terrified of watercolors. They were so permanent. And I was so impulsive. These two forces contrasted into terrible, overworked, muddy messes.<br />
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But then, over the past couple of years, something happened. I became less impulsive and started to work on trusting myself. I went back to basics and did the very thing my first and greatest teacher told me to do. I was four years old.<br />
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"How do you draw, daddy?"<br />
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"Well..." he looked at me with a light in his eyes and placed an orange-flavored Tang bottle in front of me along with a piece of computer paper and a pencil. <br />
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"Draw exactly what you see," he instructed. And that I did.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmBd8HBTHdaZm-VdMO1rYMLhIyKUO8eDGEdzGw9FkJH2fnM0OItc98EPQJtcAnd9yeJHxni6EfKMyPcv3USqh9pBDs-oXueHWz-sZ77ATwUCE_1kor540T-27Dj-XKCwaXKXqdp47_Q/s1600/child-801743_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmBd8HBTHdaZm-VdMO1rYMLhIyKUO8eDGEdzGw9FkJH2fnM0OItc98EPQJtcAnd9yeJHxni6EfKMyPcv3USqh9pBDs-oXueHWz-sZ77ATwUCE_1kor540T-27Dj-XKCwaXKXqdp47_Q/s400/child-801743_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we see truth without filters, creativity becomes natural.</td></tr>
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My family was astounded to see I drew not just the outline of the bottle, but the label, the different parts to the lid and every detail I could see. To me, it was like putting together a puzzle and I was completely immersed in it for two hours. The fact that it impressed my dad made me so happy because I was in awe of the two paintings I saw of his. To me, he was the most amazing artist alive.<br />
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<i>Draw exactly what you see. </i>Those words still echo in my mind every time I draw or paint.<br />
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So I did it again, but this time with a watercolor.<br />
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<i>And</i> I used a simple process called <b>masking</b>.<br />
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If you're a watercolor artist and haven't tried it, then it is something you <i>must</i> try, asap.<br />
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Masking fluid allows you to create different textures in specific areas of your painting. It also allows you to create dramatic highlights and effects you wouldn't normally be able to achieve without it. It basically makes the process much easier and keeps you from fighting against the forces of nature. I happen to use <a href="http://amzn.to/1HYzccZ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Windsor & Newton Masking Fluid.</a><br />
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We all know by wetting watercolor paper, the paint will run. This can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on what you're trying to do.<br />
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Masking turns running colors into a blessing. If you use masking on a specific area, the colors running around it will simply stop at the masking area.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Paint the masking fluid on the object</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Usually, you can simply paint the frisket onto the area you need blocked out using a tiny brush. But since liquid masking can become pricey, that is only recommended for smaller areas. For this piece, I decided to use my<b> <a href="http://amzn.to/1HYzArP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">frisket film</a></b> to cover the larger area and then use the liquid frisket <i>to seal the edges and tinier areas of the piece.</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was using an 0 size cheap brush (since liquid frisket ruins brushes) to seal the edges of the frisket film in the shape of a butterfly, which I had simply traced with a thin sharpie then cut out with scissors. Some people use a blade directly with the frisket film already stuck onto the piece, however, I haven't tried this yet because I probably should practice first so that I don't slice the object right out of my painting.</span> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4v4WhbHeVcjz3mCM5mWCYUZO667kQcJTfjwVm4Rw4v5lLjB4GMqeAlmF8JNOsSY7Rg7ewE4W-pxWd8gYmBwc6nbaxRM8qPhDjBqx0AmpWEX-GOu1Jc1jigwjXv9dpg7Hc22-1GzrMQ/s1600/Maskingbutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4v4WhbHeVcjz3mCM5mWCYUZO667kQcJTfjwVm4Rw4v5lLjB4GMqeAlmF8JNOsSY7Rg7ewE4W-pxWd8gYmBwc6nbaxRM8qPhDjBqx0AmpWEX-GOu1Jc1jigwjXv9dpg7Hc22-1GzrMQ/s400/Maskingbutterfly.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here, I covered the butterfly with frisket film then sealed edges.</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Why do you seal the edges with liquid masking?</span> </b><br />
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To prevent the paint from seeping under the masking and allow for sharper, cleaner lines.<br />
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Here is the final result. The final piece was sold last week and prints (without the copyright stamp) are <a href="http://fineartamerica.com/featured/butterfly-kisses-maya-trimner.html" target="_blank">now available through Fine Art America. </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQmIN9mS1kVTsZlLofHP3DlW2PTHEjso0ZMTKwfsrCij0yWjoNkkVqNiruXCnv1UAJWnc59Nw9GN3v3BpTYfLUNudJr0KGyxYVvhwFJPHZv9E77j4Gei_19jgfuUjs2SG-yKqn1rTLg/s1600/butterflywithcopyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQmIN9mS1kVTsZlLofHP3DlW2PTHEjso0ZMTKwfsrCij0yWjoNkkVqNiruXCnv1UAJWnc59Nw9GN3v3BpTYfLUNudJr0KGyxYVvhwFJPHZv9E77j4Gei_19jgfuUjs2SG-yKqn1rTLg/s640/butterflywithcopyright.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: copyright does not appear on prints or original.</td></tr>
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I used a few little techniques to achieve the textural effects you see in the wings.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Texture Tricks For Watercolor Paintings </b></span><br />
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Please note: I am including links in this post to exact products I used for this piece. As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a very small commission on whatever you purchase through my links. Prices remain the same whether you purchase through me or not, but by purchasing, you help show your support!) <a href="http://amzn.to/1RIsQjV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Micron pen size 005</a> is my absolute favorite tool for enunciating blacks and thats what I used to create the stippled effect in the 'veins' of the wings. For the white stippling effects, I used a <a href="http://amzn.to/1RIsKbT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sakura white gel pen!</a> Gel pens are amazing for adding tiny highlights (such as the shine in an eye pupil or for tiny dots or lines for whatever your project calls for).<br />
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Never limit yourself. We have so many new tools in this world for artists, nowadays. At the same time, limiting the palette can create beautiful effects as well. It's all up to you to see things clearly, through not only observing others, but observing and becoming aware of yourself.<br />
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Until next time, hope you all have an amazing holiday season and please <a href="https://twitter.com/mayasgallery" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">add me on Twitter</a> if you haven't yet for up-to-the-minute waves of inspiration, exclusive auctions and much more! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-62568638873344521312015-06-04T13:14:00.001-07:002015-06-04T13:15:39.375-07:00CSOPA 'Faces of Children' Exhibition at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you follow me on Facebook, you already know this story, but the past two months have been a whirlwind of activity, both creatively and spiritually. Even though I did encounter some health challenges, I overcame them with a vengeance and focused on the positivity and gratitude which permeated every fiber of my being whenever I simply thought of the opportunities and experiences I've had since 11/11/11, my first exhibition.<br />
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Of course, I will include my work in progression for the <a href="http://csopa.homestead.com/childhoodportraits.html" target="_blank">Childhood Portraits Exhibition by the Connecticut Portrait Society (CSOPA)</a>, since it gives you a glimpse inside my often chaotic mind. I offer no apologies for this since I've come to accept that it is after the chaos that things always seem to fall into place. It's the nature of the ebb and flow of the Universe and without it, we wouldn't learn or grow. This progression was definitely a learning process for me just as all my more messy configurations tend to be.<br />
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I was honored to be matched with a beautiful 3-year-old boy. I started the piece in March and didn't finish tweaking until the night before the exhibition. I cannot be trusted to leave a painting alone before a show because of course, an artist's work is never done...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrNPy2OQkPVKPhW9LSh98iHkPhfXCfVlcTYsSRmSV2q34agCC3YHQzHXJ3J7O2mn64SlwhXWUQQa1P61hVjQekfCoN1wdqKOzAXpp7Mb8Pweltf-GArAZyAWZzyRbARoLMXl7H6BMow/s1600/Landon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrNPy2OQkPVKPhW9LSh98iHkPhfXCfVlcTYsSRmSV2q34agCC3YHQzHXJ3J7O2mn64SlwhXWUQQa1P61hVjQekfCoN1wdqKOzAXpp7Mb8Pweltf-GArAZyAWZzyRbARoLMXl7H6BMow/s320/Landon1.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
I decided to begin the acrylic painting in grisaille in order to increase the dimensionality of the translucent color effects within the skin and expression. I also started using the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176H46E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00176H46E&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=SMKIM7XINQKNSW2S" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Masterson Sta-Wet Palette </a>which keeps the acrylics completely fresh as if you just squeezed them out of the tube...for days. You simply soak the paper in hot water for 20 minutes and saturate the sponge. One trick I've found online to keep the sponge from developing mold or bacteria (which, for the record hasn't happened yet but I'd rather not experience it) is to add a few drops of clove oil to the sponge saturation. However, knowing what I know about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028QAVS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00028QAVS&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=C5EV3D4LWH55OOPA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tea tree oil </a>(it kills MRSA if undiluted and at only 5% of any solution it kills staph), I like to use only 2-3 drops of that which so far seems really effective. <br />
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The consistency of the paint on the Sta-Wet palette after a day or more becomes much thinner, so I mainly use it for layering techniques, especially within the skintones and hair. For detail, such as hair strands or detail on the outline or within the eyes, I use a tiny 00 brush and paint at full concentration using a simple paper plate palette. Why do I use a paper plate? Well, I hate having a mess on an old palette. And I feel the need for a 'clean slate' energetically every time I embark on a new piece. <br />
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I decided to block in the warm background which I decided would be yellow-toned, which imparted a happy, positive vibe<br />
. I also felt like it contrasted perfectly with the blues in his shirt and eyes. Even though I knew in my mind's eye the hair would have a lot of reds, oranges and golden tones which could blend, I would also include enough cool, dark tones to make certain areas appear further away.<br />
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Here is where I began adding more depth, shadow and detail to the hair, facial structure and textures. I went from dark cools to light warms with the hair. Although I was satisfied with the 'essence' of my subject, there was a luminosity missing. This wasn't a simple matter of adding white....it was creating light and reflection wherever I felt it was needed.<br />
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This was the end result! The reception at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion was a hauntingly beautiful experience with the charms of being in a grand structure with <a href="http://lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">so much history.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM0SUsT7RzEYLgfvnQjb2cpRq-outRxIkC3BYCf1Ph-mLfl41fe_ErLrSvyfAjxb-Lxb0RCHeeFaRssVPgalD0ULylzFkRE0-WLyq8g1KcQHlJB5tX_dlHN0rkaz8ZSx5Ep5xegLfYg/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Maya Trimner at CSOPA Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Child Portrait Exhibition" border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTM0SUsT7RzEYLgfvnQjb2cpRq-outRxIkC3BYCf1Ph-mLfl41fe_ErLrSvyfAjxb-Lxb0RCHeeFaRssVPgalD0ULylzFkRE0-WLyq8g1KcQHlJB5tX_dlHN0rkaz8ZSx5Ep5xegLfYg/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" title="Maya Trimner CSOPA Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Exhibition" width="320" /></a>This Victorian mansion was breathtaking, with it's cathedral ceilings, stained glass windows and marble floors down to the stoned cellar which led down to the restrooms which made you feel like you were walking through the hallways of Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast'.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuMwLEHsU-sbcDgp466q_MeixlBaygRISCoTa6QFwLKn16RTugrkhWDeRqRRMF7TLyNpsmCpI8qW9YyI3l_YVwEVmS-eagxzSRy-aSAHpUvemPgQ5ljp7pqd67NV0MrQcdFLjwFO1Fg/s1600/IMG_1383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuMwLEHsU-sbcDgp466q_MeixlBaygRISCoTa6QFwLKn16RTugrkhWDeRqRRMF7TLyNpsmCpI8qW9YyI3l_YVwEVmS-eagxzSRy-aSAHpUvemPgQ5ljp7pqd67NV0MrQcdFLjwFO1Fg/s320/IMG_1383.JPG" width="240" /></a>As <a href="http://mayashappyplace.com/" target="_blank">someone who grew up with food allergies since birth</a>, I reached out to Enjoy Life Foods about the art exhibition opening reception that took place on May 9th, 2015 in Norwalk, CT. I knew that the museum was a completely nut-free environment for the children so I figured this was a good opportunity for my favorite Top 8-free gluten-free allergy-friendly snack company to introduce their stuff. Enjoy Life Foods was generous enough to donate 300 pieces for the children or adults with food allergies!<br />
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I try to avoid crowds and need a certain amount of personal space, so here I was in the room's corner pocket. I was passing out <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012SHTYY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012SHTYY&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=2UIRIULMNLQOSXPR" target="_blank">apple caramel granola bars</a> and their infamous <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004SEOUU0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004SEOUU0&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=X4NJRF4Q4RHUZW5A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chocolate chip cookies</a>, which disappeared pretty quickly, since they were so delicious people couldn't even notice they were gluten-free and free of the Top 8 allergens until they read the package. <br />
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After the exhibition, of course we were really hungry so we stopped at my new favorite Indian spot in CT...<a href="http://www.norwalksaffron.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saffron</a>. Pinky is the owner and matriarch of this family-owned establishment. She was very accommodating to all of my requests and made me a special plate of chicken tikka masala and steamed white rice without the vegetable oil, which was absolutely delicious! They were very careful not to cross-contaminate with nuts or oils that I could not have and also made sure there was not a speck of gluten in the food. Although the establishment is small and modest, the food is absolutely phenomenal and my mom who is an Indian food aficionado was highly impressed. I will most definitely be back there again.<br />
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My next paintings are going to be ultra special and close to my heart; one of which will hopefully make it into next year's CSOPA Spring 2016 exhibit and the second which is going to be a tribute to my grandfather...stay tuned!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-32990715838558272752015-01-24T14:47:00.000-08:002015-02-23T06:30:27.021-08:00Upcoming Exhibition - March 2015 I know it's been awhile. And if you follow my <a href="http://www.mayashappyplace.com/">food allergy blog</a>, you'll understand why. However, deadlines seem to light a fire under my butt faster than anything else and this past month is no exception.<br />
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Ever since I began portrait art, I avoided acrylics like the plague. It just seemed I could never control them the way I could with oils. So I never gave them a chance. It seems I did this with many mediums. I avoid until I force myself to use it. Lo and behold, I came to a startling realization.<br />
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<b><u><i>A true artist can tame and even master almost any medium if you have a solid art foundation to begin with</i></u>. </b>What I mean by foundation is figure drawing from a live model or simply practice, from when you first could pick up a pencil. <br />
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What does this mean for you? Just because you fail trying out watercolor that one time doesn't mean you should avoid that medium forever. In fact, you are doing yourself a great disservice if you do! Trying different mediums adds to your portfolio and your technical skills.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P612A3En6DkrMu4NwX6FYtggDLhicjrUWSIZgOkmxNctaarECn2VBOVZcChsrmTtSd50Mw8LhQsXirBwffPrAXbpcCdvF9apAG1xdZjmyAUJgCob0KX5QvYhAX8ziIAqUfPbB05h4g/s1600/file571347376003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="watercolor palette" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P612A3En6DkrMu4NwX6FYtggDLhicjrUWSIZgOkmxNctaarECn2VBOVZcChsrmTtSd50Mw8LhQsXirBwffPrAXbpcCdvF9apAG1xdZjmyAUJgCob0KX5QvYhAX8ziIAqUfPbB05h4g/s1600/file571347376003.jpg" height="266" title="watercolor palette" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What medium or style of art scares you? That's the one that will teach you the most!</td></tr>
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And if you can't get a grasp on a specific aspect of the drawing or painting? YouTube has a ton of tutorial videos which can help you add art techniques to your arsenal. <br />
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So this month I had an almost impossible two-day deadline on a 30" x 40" oil painting I had started about 3 years ago. This was where it was when I heard about the deadline. And I couldn't find the original picture; I only could find another picture from the same session which had her in a completely different angle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGfCoXEXpiWA0hdiaa7vgc8uuAj_0T9dmKP3d4SsTx8zPQ6fYIXRVN2HqDbtYFNvQlpoPmprqYNRgKJiDAGWJmMveXrgTYlpj1p_AalZfQDDrrQX8NohZHXqzzrStPFnxQTbPU_l8bQ/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pic of Maya Trimner painting in progress 'Through the Veil'" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGfCoXEXpiWA0hdiaa7vgc8uuAj_0T9dmKP3d4SsTx8zPQ6fYIXRVN2HqDbtYFNvQlpoPmprqYNRgKJiDAGWJmMveXrgTYlpj1p_AalZfQDDrrQX8NohZHXqzzrStPFnxQTbPU_l8bQ/s1600/DSC00530.JPG" height="320" title="pic of acrylic painting in progress 'Through the Veil'" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Through The Veil' in progress</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Although I cannot state the name of the exhibition, it also turned out the theme of the exhibition was very fitting. This bridal portrait was meant to be a part of that exhibition and I was determined to make it in.<br />
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I looked at my mom and said, "Sooo...I have two days to finish this painting. Think I can do it?"<br />
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Needless to say, she just smirked and said, "Really? You've had it in your room for over two years and you're now going to finish it in two days?"<br />
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"Watch me."<br />
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And I did. I hardly ate. I worked all night and slept when the sun came up.<br />
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Sunday evening I was notified 'Through the Veil' was accepted! Although I cannot disclose details until after the exhibition is over, I couldn't be more elated.<br />
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This is what pure miracles and magic are made of. If I weren't flooded with this inspiration from some unforeseen source, I would never have gotten to that finish line. And although I'm not going to show you photos of the final piece until after the exhibition is over, I know that my subject would be proud.<br />
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Here are some sneak previews:<br />
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And another...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquv_yDyGAscGBYX-XXT2gYRFZvDk3Jxc2doygcX34ngY2Qo_2s__hbJbAiUOyMonZNyHknbY3y8PQSCeDEE98e3EfZ4eCCqxJ5mZg0kXlb6fVB6svhjZpwsAyPeB4PkA4jaBx-Am3Rg/s1600/ThroughTheVeilPreview1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquv_yDyGAscGBYX-XXT2gYRFZvDk3Jxc2doygcX34ngY2Qo_2s__hbJbAiUOyMonZNyHknbY3y8PQSCeDEE98e3EfZ4eCCqxJ5mZg0kXlb6fVB6svhjZpwsAyPeB4PkA4jaBx-Am3Rg/s1600/ThroughTheVeilPreview1.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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She was a mother, a wife, a daughter, an auntie and a friend to many, including one of my close friends. And although I never met her, I know I met her in spirit, during those wee hours of the morning trying to get her face 'just right' even without the original picture beside me. And when I shared the final acrylic artwork to my friend, her son...he and his father were both overwhelmed. That was the greatest compliment of all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16501243546157117511noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919345630102632162.post-84216902033801519272014-07-23T22:54:00.002-07:002015-01-24T14:48:29.587-08:00My Love Affair With Pastels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had used pastel pencils for charcoal work but had no idea of the scope of materials in this genre available to me. I noticed a white pastel pencil was Conte (Paris, France) brand and found the consistency perfect for getting details and the rich pigment I needed for highlights. <br />
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Off I went to my favorite art store where I asked for the smoothest and richest pastels they had in the store. One of their staff, who is always so helpful pointed me towards <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=unison%20pastels&linkCode=ur2&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aunison%20pastels&tag=mayshappla-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=2MA6GSV5BOW5AZJU" target="_blank">Unison Pastels</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mayshappla-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />, but warned <i>especially if I was messy with them</i>, to wear a face mask and gloves, because one of the pastel artists who frequented their store ended up needing a blood transfusion due to cadmium poisoning <i>possibly</i> from breathing in the pastels. I am truly grateful for this information and keep an air purifier right next to me as I work. The Unisons, handcrafted in England, are known to be some of the best in the world, and for good reason. Their consistency is unparalleled for truly smooth, buttery applications, but what I do notice is that it creates quite a lot of dust. Big amounts of dust (in my opinion) have a tendency to 'fog' the rest of the piece with a thin layer of tiny lighter particles, which seems to dampen the saturation of the brighter or darker colors ever so slightly. To counteract this, I firmly <i>press</i> especially thick, rich layers into the paper and then spray the non-toxic casein-based <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00367HAV6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00367HAV6&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=6KO6LIGR67RUJAVT">Spectrafix Degas Pastel Fixative</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mayshappla-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00367HAV6" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
about 8 inches away to 'affix' those particles to wherever I put them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2gpELZBpSM3ItZq6qNsCImzlbtCNK_qh2LEp9gDilajvkW4bfypZpMeyY_E6-j4foTbLIeDFWzEnzpFRjwgk-993SZuhCi25KO5S3wBs4Ww1NE7AblqJJ6xE_Rw2Q-sRluKlhijcw/s1600/377274_10150400395858831_933354909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2gpELZBpSM3ItZq6qNsCImzlbtCNK_qh2LEp9gDilajvkW4bfypZpMeyY_E6-j4foTbLIeDFWzEnzpFRjwgk-993SZuhCi25KO5S3wBs4Ww1NE7AblqJJ6xE_Rw2Q-sRluKlhijcw/s1600/377274_10150400395858831_933354909_n.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Josie' 2012 Pastel on Paper</td></tr>
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My first large pastel piece was completed in 2012 and was a portrait of my grandma, aptly named, 'Josie.' <br />
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I used pink-toned Canson pastel paper which I felt would complement the warm, yellow tones I had an affinity for. I also used the grid method for this piece which I had learned in high school (Mr. D'Avino would be proud). <br />
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In 2011 I became a member of the Connecticut Portrait Society and was honored to exhibit this piece in 'Faces of Winter' 2012 at UCONN. <br />
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After this, I practiced on Canson papers and did some almost surrealist portraits, trying to seek out my style. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ3Zx9_noRknWnUHavuWxJF_7o0xfXlCKBlPPSNewvXL0-fAVws424y0B5WBuavNYI5G-pevC37o_lkYZonmMddB4om21eNioTddis65T80I6Vjrpd6afHojtBGuQVH8S1zTJ_NOFEw/s1600/momand14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ3Zx9_noRknWnUHavuWxJF_7o0xfXlCKBlPPSNewvXL0-fAVws424y0B5WBuavNYI5G-pevC37o_lkYZonmMddB4om21eNioTddis65T80I6Vjrpd6afHojtBGuQVH8S1zTJ_NOFEw/s1600/momand14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CSOPA Faces of Winter 2012</td></tr>
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I also bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZR1AC/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0014ZR1AC&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=BMAPERUPTBDAPF7B">Rembrandt Half Pastel Box Set</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mayshappla-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0014ZR1AC" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and noticed the texture of the Rembrandts creates much less dust and has an almost crayon-like feel, yet very blendable. Rembrandt products allow you to keep the colors vibrant and true to what they look like, with less dust than Unisons. I use Rembrandts for my darkest darks as well as areas I need more 'pop.' <br />
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Last but not least are Conte pastel pencils which I order online. They are hard to find in store because they have to be ordered from France. I find their texture to be the softest and highest pigment for a pastel pencil I've ever found. I order them by specific colors I use most. <br />
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I am not afraid to use <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MQ0T7K/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001MQ0T7K&linkCode=as2&tag=mayshappla-20&linkId=HPZ4SUV3XZKOYWMB">Winsor & Newton Designers' Gouache </a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mayshappla-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001MQ0T7K" height="1" style="border: currentColor !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
once the piece is mostly done for the tiniest details. I discovered this trick by accident when I realized from trying some painting with gouache, that it dries to a similar consistency to soft pastels. I use a 00 size brush and usually use gouache for things like highlights on the pupils of the eyes or strong highlights which cannot be created due to overworking with pastel. <br />
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Hopefully this post gives you some tips and ideas you can try for your own work! Until we meet again...<br />
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