My Mud Jar

I love so many aspects of painting.

When I start to paint a picture, I'll catch myself saying

...this is one of my favorite things...

Well, truly one of my favorite things is

...my Mud Jar :)

I've learned ~ when you finish painting for the day

to scrap the used paints 

into your "Mud Jar".

What fun!!

I don't understand

but, every time...the color that is blended

is ALWAYS green ;-/

FUN, FUN, FUN :)

Totally On My Own

Well ~ here goes nothing...YIKES !!

As I said before ~

In an endeavor to remember as much as I can,

...I'm painting projects over the 

Christmas Holidays...

I've already posted day 1 of this picture.

I feel I need to:

* increase the bridge's shadow.

* fill in the background.

This is after 2nd. day of painting.

Yikes...it looks like it has the chicken pox :(

* I still need to increase the bridge's shadow.

* I believe I need to define the lighter trees.

* I need to reclaim the top railing of the bridge.

* I need to better define the river banks.

This is after 3rd. day of painting.

* I need to make my bridge's shadow more parallel.

* Still looks like it has the chicken pox :(

*I need to reflect in the water, the bridge rails & trees.
*Maybe embellish the lower right river bank.
*Better blend the background.

Well ~ I declared it finished
and...it's signed :)

Annnd ... I'm Hooked

For my birthday ~ to celebrate, my friend Judy arranged for us to go to...
 Sips 'n Strokes :)

Oh My Goodness...

I'm hooked on painting :)

Shortly there after,

I contacted my friend Sherry about joining

her art class.

As of this past Monday,

I've just completed my first 6 weeks of art instruction.

Andrea ... my instructor
suggested I keep a journal
to help me remember
what I learn ~ as I learn it.

I actually think this is a very good idea.
But, you know me ~
I have to do it
blogging style :)

My 1st. day of class,
Andrea had me make/paint a color wheel.
This has proven to be very helpful.

I'm trying to make any color I want
~ using these 4 colors :)
...plus...

This is challenging, doable and helpful to have
my color wheel.

WOW ~ I'm S-H-O-C-K-E-D !!
Now ~ I had a LOT of help;
but, I'm very pleased & hopeful & motivated !!

Sherry ~ taught me how to divide the picture into 3rds.
Andrea ~ taught me to look for the Crucifix & the triangles.

In October, we went on a family Florida vacation.
It was 3 weeks before I got back to class :(
During that time...I think I almost forgot everything I learned.

My homework assignment ... to take pictures.
I can do that :)

I took LOTS of shots; but, I believe the best picture for me to paint...

was taken by my son Jason.
I started the painting...worked on it the last 2 weeks of class...

I'll finish it in January when class resumes.

Andrea ~ taught me to think about proportions ~
if this is to that, what is that to this?

At the end of each art class, we show what we've painted that evening;
and, have a critiquing session.

Gene cautioned...he liked my tree as it is; I'd maintained my "sky-hole".

Andrea pointed out ~ the back of my swing needed
 3 equally diagonal lines.
And, she asked me...
"What thoughts do you want provoked when someone sees your painting"?
My answer..."I want someone to imagine themselves sitting on this swing
and, becoming very Peaceful.

Thank you...Great tips :)

During our Christmas holidays,
I don't want to forget...again ~ everything I've learned.
I bought a book...

This is actually supposed to be watercolors.
I'll make adjustments.
Here is where I am so far...

I'm enjoying art very much.
It truly puts me in my Happy Place :)