Free To Roam and Happy New Year!

Free To Roam, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2018

Available at Davis Gallery

I know I have been missing in action for the last few months, and want to assure you that all is well with me. I have had a couple of kind souls check in on me, and I so appreciate that love and care. My only excuse is that life just got busy!! So here we are. Happy "New" Year, all! ;)

This painting was a fun one for me. I met these audacious little goats several years ago, and have wanted to paint them ever since. They quite owned the land on this ranch outside of Kerrville, Texas, and didn't let anyone get in their way. I loved that about them, and could kind of relate!

 

You can see from my block-in that I added one more goat to the front of the pack as the painting progressed. I really wanted to portray how very UNDETERRED they were by my presence as they ambled by (although I did get the stink-eye from Billy Goat Gruff in the middle). At the time I was doing a plein air painting from that spot, and I am pretty sure they would have walked right through me if they could have! 

Desert Clusters - American Women Artists Exhibit at the Tucson Desert Art Museum

Desert Clusters, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2017

SOLD at the Tucson Desert Art Museum 

Under a Vast Sky

American Women Artists Annual Juried Exhibit

Tucson Desert Art Museum

Tucson, Arizona

Reception November 3, 5-8pm

This year, American Women Artists launched 25 in 25, a goal to secure twenty-five museum exhibitions in as many years. We are doing this because work by women artists makes up only 5% of permanent holdings of museums in America. Can you believe it's that low? Our group is determined to do something about this, and now has museum shows booked through 2020. This is the first show from this initiative and it's pretty exciting! Unfortunately, I am unable to make the reception this year, but I know it will be a beautiful show! If you are in or near Tucson this weekend, please stop by!

Click HERE to see show online.

For purchase inquiries, contact the Tucson Desert Art Museum.  

Exhibit is on display through December 3. 

Tilting Faces - Radiant Group Show and process shots

 Tilting Faces, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2017

SOLD

This is the third of four paintings that are on display in the Davis Gallery "Radiant" show. I have had several people ask for more details on the underpainting technique I used to achieve the glow in these paintings. SO... below are process shots of how I preserved the golden areas by laying in a stain of Indian Yellow. Unlike the cadmium family, this yellow is transparent and works well as an undertone without contaminating the layers above. (Cadmiums are opaque and tend to mix into and change subsequent layers, instead of glowing beneath them.) 

Below you can see how I went from my block in, straight to staining the "glow" areas. This allowed me to preserve those areas for later development AND provided a base tone that would glow through subsequent layers. 

Sketch and beginning of block in.

Block in with Indian Yellow applied to floral "glow" areas.

I painted the yellow in, then wiped it out leaving a stain behind.

Working dark to light, I return to the foliage... 

Darkest darks and highest contrast in foreground, muted and softer in background.

In the final stage, I add highlights to all the greenery and develop the flowers.

Perhaps the biggest development is how that front flower "tilted it's face" in these final marks. It's never too late to change things, and that was an important one. I thought it looked too rigid facing forward, so I used information from flowers behind it to change things up. I like the final gesture of that front sunflower so much better! It feels much more natural to me. :)

Personal GrandBaby Update: I am still in heaven with my daughter's family and their new baby girl, and so grateful for these days of bonding. Her name is Laurel Anne (she'll go by the double name), after me and her other grandma, whose middle name is Anne. What a great honor for us!

Urban Pinwheel - Radiant Group Show

Urban Pinwheel, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2017

SOLD

I love that sunflowers come in many varieties. They are cultivated as a farm crop but they also make wild appearances along country roads and city highways. These untamed beauties were especially captivating to me, as they shimmered in juxtaposition to the hard lines of the cityscape in the distance. That contrast greatly enhanced the brilliance of the delicate flowers. 

One painting technique I used to depict "radiance" with these sunflowers, was to use an undertone in the brilliant areas. I did my block-in as usual, but before building up the values and color, I added passages of Indian Yellow where I wanted the color to pop later. Indian Yellow is transparent and can easily be used like a stain (if applied thinly and wiped out it's unobtrusive to subsequent layers.) I then continued to work from dark to light, as usual. That intense undertone not only saved the place of the brilliant areas, it helped to cast a radiant glow. (For purchase inquiries, please contact Kevin Ivester, kevin@davisgalleryaustin.com.)

Initial Sketch...

Block in with splash of Indian Yellow to mark the brilliant areas. 

Baby Watch Update: Our sweet baby granddaughter was born early Monday morning (on her due date), healthy and happy! What a great blessing and honor it is to be here, and to see this dear new life as she meets her family and the world for the first time! Her big brother is pretty taken with his new baby sister! Such JOY!!!!!

Field of Orbs - Radiant Group Show

Field of Orbs

SOLD 

Radiant - A Group Show

Davis Gallery, Austin, TX

July 15 - August 19, 2017

Reception July 15, 7-9 pm

This weekend, Radiant opens at the Davis Gallery in Austin, TX. A description from the show curator says it best... "This group show is focused on radial compositions, luminescent surfaces, and all things Radiant. The goal of the exhibition is to invite our audience to explore the importance of form, composition, and tone, by studying how each piece fits into the show's parameters. Each artist created new work specifically for this exhibition, or carefully chosen work from the past, which uniquely recognizes the Radiant concept."

As I considered this challenge, sunflowers seemed like one of nature's perfect examples of radiating forms and luminosity. They became my personal focus (and obsession!) as I prepared for the show. I am pleased to have 4 pieces on display, and will post the others in the coming days and weeks. Please stop by the gallery to see the work if you are in town! For purchase inquiries, contact Kevin Ivester, kevin@davisgalleryaustin.com.

On a personal note, I will not be at the show reception, as I am off to Italy for the birth of my 3rd grandchild! Hard duty, I know! Grandma duty is the best! More on that as well! ;)

Bedroom Nook - Show Tip #24

Bedroom Nook, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Available 

What is it about little nooks and homey stopping places? They give me visual rest and physical rest in the busy flow of life. This charming little corner graced a beach cottage we rented a few summers ago. We stayed long enough to put our stuff in the drawers and loved every minute. (That's the trick to feeling at home you know... put your stuff in the drawers like you're never leaving!) 

Show Tip #24 - Stay the Course
When the last paintings are finally drying, I feel both elation and letdown, and a huge desire to put my feet up. However, there is still work to be done and now is not the time to rest on my laurels (so to speak). It may not be as fun as smearing paint on a canvas, but pulling the last details together is really important. So after taking the weekend off, it's back to business until the last i's are dotted and final t's are crossed for my show. This week I'll be framing the last paintings and cataloging. I don't want to reach the end and be panicked about any of those pesky details! The goal is to finish well!

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Tip #16 - Step Back 

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot

Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Tip #21 - Frame Incrementally

Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts

Tip #23 - Get the Word Out

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Winter Berries - Show Tip #23

Winter Berries, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Available, Davis Gallery

Red berries of many different varieties are prolific in Texas in the winter months. They bring pops of delightful color into an otherwise grey landscape. They are also a reminder that spring is just around the corner; and I like being reminded of that! 

Show Tip #23 - Get the Word Out
I think long and hard about how to let people know about any upcoming shows. Of course, if you follow my blog, you know I have been talking about this since January (alright already!) In addition to that, 4 weeks before the opening I mailed postcard announcements. Three weeks out, I sent my first email blast (which will be followed up with email reminders 1 week out and the day before). Finally, I use Facebook to get the word out on social media. My hope is that this combination of efforts will reach my world with news. We have so many avenues for sharing information these days, and finding the right balance is probably a little different for everyone. 

Postcards printed at Vistaprint.com

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Tip #16 - Step Back 

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot

Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Tip #21 - Frame Incrementally

Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Fruit Bearing - Show Tip #22

Fruit Bearing Loquats, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

These pretty little fruits are Loquats. We have several Loquat trees in our backyard and they produce lots of fruit every spring. I am always attracted to their shapes and often paint them. And yes, you CAN eat them (squirrels love them too). They have several pits and taste a bit like apricots. Yum! 

Show Tip #22 - Deep Six Your Doubts

Somewhere along the line, and often as the big reveal of all my work draws near, a case of the "doubts" sets in. I begin to wonder... What I was thinking? Is any of the work good enough? Why did I think I could paint at all? I've come to expect this stage, but it's never fun. Combatting it requires digging deep for hidden courage reserves and keeping a level head (having a trusted friend or spouse who can talk you in off the ledge is very helpful too). It's all related to the fact that these paintings are very personal expressions, and let's face it, the possibility of rejection is scary. I share this tip not because I have a foolproof solution, but because the feeling is pretty universal. Somehow it helps to know that we ALL feel it at some point. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Tip #16 - Step Back

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot

Tip #19 - Celebrate Growth

Tip #20 - Varnishing Day(s)

Tip #21 - Frame Incrementally

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Let There Be Songs - Show Tip #18

Let There Be Songs, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

SOLD

You may find it interesting that music was the artistic path in my family of origin. As soon as my sisters and I learned how to read, our parents signed us up for piano lessons. We also all played a second instrument, sang in school and church choirs (our dad was the choir director), and participated in school musicals. It's a great legacy, and I learned a lot from those lessons even though I eventually moved on to the visual arts. The biggest lesson? Practice, practice, practice! I discovered the correlation between practice and mastery (and vice versa), and it's a lesson that crosses over all disciplines. 

Side note: No, I do not still play the piano, in case you are wondering. I also learned that you just can't do everything. :)

Show Tip #18 - Take Your Best Shot (photo, that is)

Getting a really good photo of my paintings is really important. I need them for use on my website, to send to my galleries, and for advertising of any kind. Here is a quick overview of my method: I set up a tripod (every time), use a good SLR set on highest resolution, shoot work outside in the shade at an angle that doesn't catch the glare (experiment with this), make sure the camera lens is parallel to the picture plane, shoot three graduated exposures (called "bracketing"). The best time of day is when your shadow is longest and most protective - early morning and late afternoon. Overcast days are great when they coincide. After the shoot, I upload them to my computer, choose the best exposure, crop and format the images in Photoshop, and save them in special file folders by year and genre. Photographing artwork is a skill that takes practice, and I highly recommend learning it. If you know a professional photographer, consider offering to pay him or her for a lesson with your own camera; or find a class. It will be worth it. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks
Tip #16 - Step Back

Tip #17 - Sign As You Go

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Garden Girl and Show Tip #16

Garden Girl, 18 x 18, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

The dramatic light on this little garden girl statue caught my fancy for a number of reasons... the vividness of contrast, the layering effect of the light and shadows, and the way the subject stood perfectly half-in and half-out of the light. These were all challenges I couldn't pass up. I started in my usual fashion, but toned the canvas yellow so that the patch of light would have an inner glow. I also added some loose indications of red as a place holder/reminder for the roses that would come in at the very end. 

Block-in of Garden Girl.

Show Tip #16 - Step Back

In my painting process I am constantly reminding myself to step back. The reason? Getting away from it allows me to better see the overall image. I'm looking for overall continuity, any sore thumbs sticking out, and passages that need attention. The same goes for getting ready for this show, I have to keep stepping back to make sure I haven't lost my overall sense of how everything is fitting together; to help me figure out what needs more attention. Maybe I need more still lifes or to count my frames again. Or maybe I need to stop painting for a day and take care of the administrative stuff. The goal is for everything to happen on time and without stress, right? That is what I keep telling myself. 

Here are links to other Show Tips:

Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies
Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
Tip #3 - Determine Subject Matter

Tip #4 - Work in Series

Tip #5 - Establish a Schedule

Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU

Tip #7 - Follow your Heart

Tip #8 - Stay Flexible

Tip #9 - Whistle While You Work

Tip #10 - Fight Through Fears

Tip #11 - Take Notes

Tip #12 - Know when to Quit

Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease

Tip #15 - Assign Tasks

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Golden Pears - Show Tip #2

Golden Pears, 18 x 18, oil, L. Daniel © 2016

Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

Fruit that is actually growing on the tree seems somehow fruitier, doesn't it? It must have something to do with seeing it in context... how it's connected to the tree, how it grows and how it is nourished. This bunch was on a tree in California and the pears were quite sumptuous. I loved their plumpness and how they were tucked into the boughs. 

Golden Pears Block-In (ultramarine and burnt sienna)

Note that I added a third pear to the bunch as I painted. :)

Tip #2 - Set up Deadlines
I need deadlines to get things done. When I was a graphic designer, I often made appointments to show ideas to clients BEFORE I ever did the work. Having an appointment on the calendar forced me to actually do it. Deadlines just work for me, even if self-imposed. For my show, I need more than just an end date to get all the paintings finished. SO, I figure out how many new pieces I want to include, and divide that number by the number of weeks between now and my finish date (remember to include drying and framing time). That tells me how many paintings I need to finish each week, and I can set my schedule accordingly. Number of paintings / number of weeks = number of paintings per week. (Math is not my strong suit and I inverted the equation in my original post. Sorry. Hopefully you got the gist.)

How does this take away the stress? Well, first of all, it breaks down what could feel like a giant, daunting task into smaller achievable goals. Second, it keeps me from getting bogged down in any single painting and gets me into the flow way faster than if I noodle around on one piece. Third, when I meet my goal each week I can pat myself on the back, AND take a break (it's important to feel human). Yes, even a creative can benefit from keeping a schedule. 

Here is a link to my first tip... more to come and thank you for following along!
Tip #1 - Stock up on Supplies

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:

April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA

Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

Salon International 2013 - Exhibit in San Antonio!

Enchanted River Canyon, 20 x 24, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2013

This weekend, the Salon International Show opens at the Greenhouse Gallery. I am pleased to share that this piece was accepted into the show, along with incredible work by artists I admire greatly. I will be at the opening tomorrow evening and hope you will stop by if you are in the area. The art is always a feast for the eyes - you will not be disappointed. 

Salon International 2013 - Juried Show

Greenhouse Gallery

6496 North New Braunfels Road, San Antonio 

April 13 through May 3

Reception April 13, 5 to 8 pm