Artists Sketches
Portrait Refining my drawing skills has become one of my most important goals. It is crucial in my painting for a spontaneous and accurate representation.
Last week, I painted the figure using oil paints. I would have enjoyed refining that study but my oil painting gear is in Colorado for Victor Celebrates the Arts, so instead I did a few pencil sketches.
I started with a portrait of the model. I placed in the features with a light charcoal and then built up the details. Highlights where added with a white pencil. Her slight scowl is a trademark of hers.
Last week, I painted the figure using oil paints. I would have enjoyed refining that study but my oil painting gear is in Colorado for Victor Celebrates the Arts, so instead I did a few pencil sketches.
I started with a portrait of the model. I placed in the features with a light charcoal and then built up the details. Highlights where added with a white pencil. Her slight scowl is a trademark of hers.
Girl with Champagne Glass I then did a full figure sketch. The trick for me is using different pencils for different techniques. One pencil is for fine lines, a charcoal pencil for smudging shadows, and a very dark wax pencil for accents. There are so many opportunities to sketch, that I am making it a point to keep a sketchbook with me at all times.
While I am in Colorado, I won't be able to post any blogs but I will have a lot to share once I return so till than, be creative.
While I am in Colorado, I won't be able to post any blogs but I will have a lot to share once I return so till than, be creative.
You can see all my painting at my website SharonWeaver.com and while you are there sign up for my newsletter at Sharons News. All my paintings are for sale or I can paint something especially for you.
Painting the Figure
Figure 1I have been having fun attending a figure drawing workshop on Tuesday nights at the Art Directors Guild in Studio City. One of the goals I set, was to paint the figure using oils. I had that opportunity this week when the model held the same pose for the entire three hours. It was reassuring to find that the same skills I use to paint mountains, trees and the sky, apply to painting the landscape of the body.
But the figure is much more specific. Small mistakes in proportion can cause major problems. The accuracy of negative spaces becomes very important. The different triangle shapes below her right arm, between her legs and at the bend of her left arm all define the pose. Shadows are pivotal accents that clarify the figure. The shadows under her body anchor her to the chair. Having the right side of her face in shadow defines the direction of the light and adds depth.
Next Tuesday I intend to do a portrait of the same model, but using pencil and paper. My paints and easel are being shipped to Colorado for the upcoming plein air event, Victor Celebrates the Arts.
You can see more of my paintings at my website, www.SharonWeaver.com and sign up for my newsletter at Sharons News. Comment on or Share this Article →
Artist by the Sea
A Local Takes a LookIt was a beautiful day at Redondo Pier for the "Artists by the Sea." The group of artists exhibiting at this sidewalk fair ranged from sculptors, photographers, watercolorists and oil painters.
It was warm, but not hot, as the sun managed to peek around the clouds in the morning until finally breaking through at 3:00 PM. I was kept busy talking to interested clients, who had lots of questions about my art. Many local residents came by to talk, along with tourists who were taking in the sites of the docks and pier.
Along the Artist WalkI had planned to paint a harbor scene but never had time to get to my paints. Maybe I will have a commission to do of the area from one of the many new friends I made at the show. I hope to hear from you.
The Redondo Docks Thank you to all the people of the King Harbor Association who organized the event.
Painting with a Palette Knife
Tropical PondThursday mornings I make it a point to get out and go plein air painting with a group of artists from the Pasadena area. I didn't even know about the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia and was pleased to discover this lovely 127 acre jewel. I painted the stand pond that was formed naturally by an earthquake.
For this painting, I decided to experiment with a few unorthodox ideas. I have been watching Passports and Palettes on KCOP which has highlighted several plein air painters. During one show featuring Kevin MacPherson, he mentioned that he will take off his glasses to block in the initial colors. I am pretty blind but thought I would give this a try. I also wanted to do most of the painting using a palette knife.
Without my glasses, the dark shadows were easy to see and I placed those in using a large brush. Who needs to squint? Using my palette knife, I then added the water and sky. At this point, I thought that maybe I should put my glasses back on to add details and refine the water. While painting, I used the palette knife to emphasize texture in the palm trees, shrubs and water reflections.
At noon, all the artists met for lunch where a mini art show was on display of our mornings work.
If you are interested in owning this painting, contact me through Sharon's Email or take a look at more of my paintings at SharonWeaver.com Comment on or Share this Article →
Painting Cliffs at Big Sur
Cliffs at Big SurWhen I was approached to do a commission of the cliffs along the coastline of Big Sur, I jumped at the chance. I have always loved the dramatic landscape along central California where the cliffs reach out into the turquoise blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. I had lots of fun combining photos and a little bit of imagination to create "Cliffs at Big Sur." I will be sorry to see this painting leave my studio, but I am thrilled that it will be going to a home where it will be appreciated.
If you would like a commission painting for your home, contact me through my email at sharon@sharonweaver.com or Contact Sharon. See more of my paintings at my website SharonWeaver.com
Today was a fun day spent with my talented artist friend, Marian Fortunati. We had lunch and then went to see the movie "Local Color." The story follows a young artist and his mentor through a summer as they learn from each other and battle their individual demons. Both Marian and I agreed that the movie was wonderful and worth seeing. It is only running in the Los Angeles area through Thursday at a few theatres so try to catch it tomorrow if you can. Even if you are not an artist, I think you will enjoy this movie. Comment on or Share this Article →
