Day 3 Kira Residency

Today was my third day at KIRA (Kingsbrae International Residency for the Arts). It was another glorious summer day.

Yesterday I started an 11x14in canvas of the lower pond with a cream coloured rhododendron in full bloom and patches of lupins blooming. I was smitten by the dappled shade and the backlit birch trees.
The canvas texture was pretty rough, so I struggled to achive a soft, faery-like feel. I gave up yesterday due to red ants, struggles with the canvas texture and the light changing. I didn't want to give up so easily! This morning first thing I trecked down to the pond again- yesterday's canvas in tow and gave it another try. I was amazed how much smoother it went today. I moved the easel, so there were hardly any ants, I stood up to so to easier move back and forth from the canvas and I arrived earlier then I did in my first session, so I had extra time to observe values, shade and light.

Here is where the it stands with the lower pond painting. Not quite done, but the overall done. I might simplify a few shapes, tweak some edges and adjust a few value bits (tomorrow, haha).

Dappled Light by the Pond, 11x14in, oil on canvas

As my daily flower portrait I had something different in mind, but couldn't resist to pitch my easel when I saw these dandelion seed heads (is this even the right word for them?).

Anyhow, here it is.

6x6in, oil plein air, dandelion seed heads

Behind the scenes:
I was so frustrated with this rough textured canvas that I decided to prime my other canvasses with oil ground in the hopes of yielding a smooth(er) surface.
This afternoon I prepped these panels with Gamblin oil ground. I put on a first layer, now I'll let them dry and put on a second layer tomorrow. They will have to cure a full week after that! Glad I read the instruction label so to plan for the curing time! Yey me (it's the little things;)
Also, I toned the large canvas a bright red.

preparing canvasses outside my studio

All in all, that was my day. Productive- behind the scenes mostly... but pleased to be chopping away on preparatory chores.

Until tomorrow again! Thanks for stopping by!

Simone

Studies in White- Eggs

Cracked Egg #1, 6x6in, oil on hardboard panel, available here

Last post I shared with you my white mushroom paintings, today I share with you my white eggs.
Yes, I always had wanted to paint a raw, cracked egg. The translucent white in contrast with the bright yellow yolk fascinates me.
To give it a try was the start to my January theme of painting all yummies that could go into an omelet.
I cracked the egg onto a white plate to forgo the mess of cleaning up, haha. Here's a photo of one of the egg paintings on a tray with some of the other veggie paintings. If you have been following me on my Instagram or Facebook feeds, you have seen my 'in situ' shots and studio shots frequently.

As mentioned before, my Valentine's Outreach:
Each of these 6x6in paintings is available for sale. $100 incl. shipping. Also, $15 from each sale will be donated to 'Backpack Blessings and Beyond' who help local school children that face food insecurity. They have backpacks filled with food waiting by the school entrance each Friday as they head home for the weekend. What a wonderful world it would be if every child would have a belly filled and no worry if there's food in the fridge.

Cracked Egg #2, 6x6in, oil on hardboard panel, available here

Creating House Commission Paintings

Augustus Hall Commission 8x10in oil painting, sold

'It's not just a house, it is a home'. Homes are personal cornerstone places in our lives, mark special events, people, family members and loved ones, history important in one way or another. Many people build or lovingly restore homes. Houses hold memories of happy times spent and special people met.
Everyone has places that are special to them in a personal way.
It is a special honour to be invited to capture a keepsake painting featuring a special house in someone's life. This painting is such a commission. I was actually very surprised when the collector contacted me asking if I'd be interested in creating a painting of his beloved historic home. He is designing, building and also renovating custom luxury homes.
As you know, I'm more an impressionist, meaning that I'm more interested in colour than correct angles, haha. So, this one was going to be a challenge and I knew it! As an added level, the collector asked for an oil painting. So, I knew I had to put aside extra time to not feel rushed. Also to give myself sufficient time to tip-toe into this commission piece.

Creating the Painting:

And time it took- this little 8x10in oil was occupying my mind and brush for almost a month!
What proofed a challenge was that white clapboard siding, few shadow areas, working from multiple photos taken at various times of year showing various sunlight at various angles.
My aim was to keep correct the angles of the architecture (well, as good as I could manage that is). Also to keep colours crisp and clean while playing with pushing the white towards different tints such as pinks, yellows, blues, purples and so on. Just the tiniest smidge of yellow warms pure titanium white to look sunny and friendly. On the other hand, just a bit too much makes it appear like yellow siding. Also, if a warmed white is put next to a cold, blueish white, the contrast between both colours shifts the cold colour backwards and lifts the warmer colour to the front.
I went back-and-forth. I adjusted angles, whites- and scraping off again. Yup, and I applied paint again and eventually got a pretty good feeling of the home. Yes, I was glad when I could finally say: yes, this painting is finished, I'm OK with it! I learned so much like applying layers, adjusting temperatures and adding pops of colour and I really have to say it has grown on me and I had fun along the way.

What a surprise when the collector came and not only picked up the commissioned oil painting, but the (below) watercolour as well. I hope both paintings will be a sweet memory of their beautiful home! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to capture your special place!

Augustus Hall Commission 8x10in, watercolour, sold