5/29/2021 7:54:42 AM
“Artists who live and work with spiritual values cannot and should not remain indifferent to a conflict in which the highest values of humanity and civilizations are at stake.” -- Pablo Picasso
Next to the quality of our artwork, it’s our relationships that give us mileage in the art world. In order to grow and be successful we need people around us that we can exchange and work with. Being an artist is a solitary activity and we get wrapped up in our own bubble. It’s important that we seek out relationships with like-minded artists to discuss shared challenges and support each other.
It’s unfortunate when we encounter artists whose values are not basic such as respect. This is probably the same as most work environments. However, since I am retired from the public service, an area guided by values and code of ethics, I seek to surround myself with artists who demonstrate good values. I am fortunate to have a small group of artists who I truly enjoy discussing with. There are also a few artists association that offer opportunities for artists to support each other.
I’m currently working on a painting with a silver teapot and sugar container and feeling the “groove”. Oh how much fun that is. This doesn’t mean that everything is perfect; it means that things are flowing easily and my mind is meditative when painting. Here is what my WIP painting is looking like so far. I hope to be finished in the coming days.
You might have detected a theme with my two latest paintings and this WIP. This is what happens when you combine a new softbox and set up to take better reference photos, numerous new silver tea sets and a joy painting reflective surfaces. There will be lots more to come as I enjoy working in series and haven't really done so in a while.
Have a great week
Danielle
5/23/2021 8:38:01 AM
If you're a watercolorist you may tolerate or hate masking fluid. For those who aren't familiar with the product, it's made from rubber latex and pigments. It is useful in blocking off certain parts of the paper in order to keep the white of the paper or protect certain areas.
I use quite a bit of masking fluid( aka frisket). Yesterday, I was trying to figure out how many bottles of masking fluid I buy a year and figured it was anything between 8 and 14 bottles per year. With so many bottles comes many learnings. Here are some tips I'd like to share:
- Dry paper: Always apply masking fluid to dry paper. If you apply it on wet paper, the paper will rip when try to remove it.
- Applicator: do not use natural hair brushes because you will ruin your brushes. You can use synthetic brushes, a ruling pen or a silicon colour shaper.
- Application: Apply masking fluid with beautiful strokes. Imagine that you are painting. Rugged edges or crooked lines will show on your painting.,
- Removing: You should not use your fingers to remove the dried masking fluid as you risk leaving oil on your paper and you will could end up ending up with blisters. If you use an eraser, you will lose the pencil marks. A rubber cement pick-up will quickly remove the masking fluid and be gentle to your paper.
- Amount: If you apply your masking fluid too thin, small holes will appear when it dries and you'll end up leaving paint where you do not want to.
- Bottle: Do no leave your bottle of masking fluid open as it will start to dry and clump. When I want to use it, I pour a small amount in a small container.
- Test: always test on a piece of paper if you plan on diluting it with water or drying it with a hair dryer. Each make of paper will behave differently.
- Applying on painted surface: Test before applying on painted surface to see if it will noticeably lift the paint. Note that all colours will behave differently.
- Staining paper: Some colored masking fluid may stain the paper when it is too old.
I'm sure I know more tips, but that's all that's coming to mind now.
There are also a number of options instead of masking fluid, some people use packing tape, others use drafting tape, gel pen, gouache or frisket paper. Some people use nothing and simply paint around the white areas.
Here is my latest painting. I demoed this one during my Thursday evening class with Kanata Art Club. Now I need to find a title for it. Any idea?
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| 16" X 12" |
There are still a few spots left for my upcoming barn workshop on June 6th between 1-4 pm. Check out my website (https://www.daniellebeaulieuwatercolours.com/workshops)
Have a great week,
Danielle
5/16/2021 7:48:26 AM
I am far away from being a professional who makes a living with my art. Luckily I do not need to make a living from my art. I can sit on the sidelines while perfecting my art and observe the challenges other artists experience and offer my support.
I see artists struggling to retain their individuality or dealing with the stress brought on by the realities of the art marketplace. Many are affected by the numerous rejections or when no one takes an interest in their artworks. This situation has only worsened during this pandemic.
It's important for artists to create a support system. Know what they will do when they get too sad or too anxious. Those wishing to live off their art must have clear survival tactics.
New class
Heads up that I'm likely going to teach a class for the Kanata Art club in the Fall. This one will be about cut crystal. During the six classes we will explore different aspect of cut crystal. Subscribe to my email to know when registration opens.
New painting
Here is my latest painting of Chateau Frontenac in Québec City. I love this building from almost any angle, but this view from the lower town is interesting.
Have a great week
Danielle
5/8/2021 7:43:16 AM
In the coming week, I start my 6 week class for the Kanata Art Club on Silver. A couple of years ago, I had purchased some silver items to paint. Recently, I purchased a couple of silver tea sets to give upcoming participants options to paint. You can bet that I'm going to have fun with the new props and my new soft box. Here are my new silver items.
I'm really excited to start this class.
Here is a painting I did a few years ago with my older silver props.
In the past days, I've been taking a workshop with Rex Beanland Blog. The workshop is about painting streetscapes. This is a topic that I know nothing about and my style of painting is far away from being loose. There is so much to learn. Here is the first of two paintings, it is of Piazza del Popolo. Is it loose, well not that much, but I tried.
I'm almost finished my drawing of Chateau Frontenac and should be able to start painting it on Sunday. Fingers crossed.
Happy Mother's Day
Danielle
