6/24/2022 8:08:54 PM
My creative day runs the gamut from the trivial day to day tasks that are necessary but rather shallow, to redesigning the garden to make it more pleasing to look at and walk through and challenging myself with every new painting.
Where I think I get into trouble is when I take on too many classes (teaching and participating) which requires creativity from the real work of making my art. I am pleased that this summer I am focusing on creative activities that matter.
A few weeks ago I applied the first wash on my painting of Palais Garnier. Then, a number of activities got in the way. I'm now back at work... snail pace work.
As usual, I'm sniffing around, deconstructing the colours and looking at texture in the reference photo. There is always a lot of observation and planning that goes into a painting.
I've made some progress on the ceiling of the bottom floor of the staircase.
Have a creative week,
Danielle
6/19/2022 7:47:57 AM
Recently I was looking for photos of a site I visited a few times. This meant finding and going through a number of old physical photo albums. If you're like me, it's not something that can be done quickly because as soon as you open a page you start looking a photos you weren't looking for and letting wonderful memories come back to you.
Things have changed with digital cameras and phones. We take and look at photos differently. Back then we didn't take hundreds and even thousands of photos when on vacation, so going through a photo album of a trip with friends is doable. Today people take thousands of photos, a number of them with new subjects such as meals. Will we even take the time to go back and go through those photos in a few years?
I must admit to taking hundreds of photos when I set up a still life. Every one is slightly different which allows me to find a set up that I'm satisfied with.
For this particular scene, I didn't take hundreds of photos because I was simply testing the natural light from my husband's office. It just happened that I love the prism effect of the crystal on this old tablecloth. This painting is sitting on my easel waiting to see if I'll add anything to it.
Now I will return to my painting of the Garnier Opera.
On Tuesday evenings, I hold an open studio for my students. This week we'll finish a beautiful swan and a rustic old door with paint peeling and some rust. Stay tuned for the progress from those sessions.
Happy Father's Day and have a creative week,
Danielle
6/11/2022 9:14:05 PM
The grand reopening of Niche Ottawa Gallery was yesterday. How excited am I to have five painting including in their current exhibit entitled "Anew". "Anew" explores the inflorescence, verdure, and growing of coming Spring .
Do stop by the Niche Ottawa Gallery to admire all of the artworks and enjoy a delicious coffee and pastry.
Danielle
6/4/2022 8:47:06 PM
Are you often considering a choice of different compositions. Let me suggest that instead of going with your first choice in a composition, why not go with your second choice. It is highly likely that your first choice will be in your comfort zone, while it is possible that your second choice will stretch your capabilities and expose new creativity.
Today I do not have a WIP or completed painting to show you, but I can show you the reference photo that I'm working on. I've had the pleasure of visiting this area four times, not counting the number of virtual tours.
The Palais Garnier is probably the most famous opera in the world. It features a large ceremonial staircase of white marble , which divides into two divergent flights of stairs that lead to the Grand Foyer. Its design was inspired by Victor Louis’s grand staircase for the Théâtre de Bordeaux.
On Sunday I will be applying the first washes. With the number of details, I have no idea how long it will take me to paint this scene.
Enjoy the sunny weather we have been having.
Danielle
