Small Iris 4 -- the scale of things

I told you it was tiny ...

Peace.

Linda

Small Iris 4 .. finally and update!

It's been a few days but the painting is progressing nicely! I've decided what the main colors are and started placing them about , just as a bit of a roadmap.

I'll write more on this process in a bit.

Peace.

Linda

Still working on the small piece..

I was hoping to finish this piece by the end of the weekend. But, a few issues came up that I was forced to deal with, and I couldn't split my time. I am now back to my safety zone (in front of the easel) and will pick up and continue. This is probably the MOST important aspect of tubing (or syringing) some of your main basic colors. Also, using the clove oil chamber to extend the time that the oil stays workable. I DON"T mix the clove oil in the paint, but let the fumes do thier job.
The painting has really taken some wonderful turns. I've been working on 'breaking up lines', refining the palette and just viewing it in a new direction. At this point, I believe it is a keeper.. I'll know in the next few days. I will post a new image in a few hours.
I hope you're having fun keeping up.. all opinions welcome!
Peace,
Linda

Later - Day 2

This morning was all about mixing a workable palette. I worked primarily in the upper right quarter of the canvas... some of the drawing is a bit off.. but I am working that out as I get away from it a bit.

This piece is now at the "Make or Break" stage. But, I think I'm liking the palette. I will work more tonight, then repost.

Peace.

Linda

Day 2 - Reviving the Iris

After looking at this piece pretty closely, I found that what I really disliked about it was the overload of information. With all of the veiny, colorful detail in the petals... that background was just too much. In this image, you can see where I've removed the background and replaced with a very light, neutral gray. I think this is much better... but still not a keeper.

Reviving a Little Canvas

As I was finishing organizing my studio, I came across this small canvas I had started a while back. It was over a year ago, and it really felt like a "throwaway" piece. But, as I look closer.. there may be something here. This is a very small piece (my smallest) 12" x 12". At this stage of reviving it, I washed it down lightly with turps, when dry - lightly sanded then sprayed a light coat of retouch varnish.

Back to work... almost

Well, it's been a bit since my last post, but there really isn't much to catch up with. I have been working on doing a thourough cleaning of my studio, before I start putting everything from the residency back.
It's been quite overcast, and then with daylight savings time... I have just been tired.
Well, that's one very good purpose for this blog! If I continue (as my goal is) to post daily, I feel sort of obligated to be doing something that I can share.
I have been on the Internet quite a bit, and have been getting very inspired by some pretty incredible artists. That, I must admit, is an incredible motivator for me.

Some that stand out are:
Alyssa Monks - http://alyssamonks.com/index.html
James Hollingsworth - http://web.mac.com/hollingsworthjames/neilart/Home.html
Todd Ford - http://www.tford.info/

As I rearrange my studio, I am setting up an area to do some "Sight-size" drawing. This is such a fullfilling exercize that requires total concentration, and so I will be attepting to complete one per week. It's so wonderful to escape into your mind, when all of the distractions of life have no chance of breaking that bond between artist and work.

More information later, and maybe a full description of sight size drawing... see you tomorrow!
Peace.
Linda