Painting from Drawing

Acrylic on canvas from one of my drawings. I painted it in burnt umber and white; it looked like an old photograph. Then, I added some ultramarine blue and ochre glazes. Not quite finished, but getting there....

Still Drawing to Improve My Painting

Monday and Tuesday:  Using this drawing from last week, I created an acrylic painting on canvas (16" x 20").  I worked on the painting for two days, but that is still much faster than usual.  The two-hour drawing made the painting flow from my brush.

Aside:  The frog in the drawing is part of the dark green ceramic vase.  I decided to bring him to life in the painting. 

Wednesday:  I went back to last Wednesday's drawing of the Chinese junk.  Observing this model at night with a light from above made me want to capture more drama.  I think I may paint this in sepia tones like an old photo since Chinese junks have disappeared from the Hong Kong harbor where they were once prevalent.

Thursday:   Today's drawing is a quick study for a painting--less than 45 minutes. I have painted this bird of paradise before, but want an even looser version.

I prepared the drawing area by applying a fairly dark coating of graphite overall. Then, I used the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain technique of turning my photo upside-down. Using an ERASER as a drawing tool, I lifted out the lighter areas. Then, I used the graphite pencil to put back in some midtones.

Friday's drawing: This is a REALLY quick study done from a photo I took at Selby Gardens in Sarasota. (I have painted from this photo before.) It needs some whites and blacks added to make the midtones pop. Where the whitest white is next to the blackest black should be at the focal point.

Saturday:  I added more values to Friday's drawing.  Using white and black charcoal, I put in the whitest white against the darkest dark.  Then, I used white charcoal and my eraser to lighten other parts of the drawing.  Still more value changes will be used in the upcoming painting.

Sunday's drawing: I have painted this before, but have never been pleased with that painting. So, here is my Sunday drawing. I'll work from it to paint a redo.





New Studio in the Historic Santealla Cigar Factory Building

On June 1 I started moving into my new studio at 1906 N. Armenia, Tampa, Florida, in the historic Santealla Cigar Factory building.  The hallways are lined with paintings, sculptures, and photography by West Tampa Center for the Arts artists.   So exciting to be with so many other talented artists.  Just walking to my studio, I pass the work of over a dozen artists' works. 

Kathy Collins of the Osprey Observer came by for an interview.  Her article is in the Riverview/Apollo Beach issue (page 42).  Thanks, Kathy, for the great job.

Floor paint is still wet.

Can't wait to get in there!





Architectural detail.



Drawing Improves Painting

I am preparing to teach drawing this fall at my studio using Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain techniques and skills.  I have heard that improving one's drawing will improve his/her painting so I have made a commitment to draw something everyday.  Here are this week's drawings:

Monday - Self-portrait using the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain directions. 

Tuesday - Portrait:  Doesn't really look like the person in the photo, but working on it.

Wednesday - Chinese junk from a model.  I filled in the background.



Thursday - Portrait from an upside-down photo.  Title:  Handsome Devil.

Friday - Friday's drawing: An eraser is a drawing tool. This drawing was done by covering the area with a mid-tone. The image was lifted out using an eraser and the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain skills of seeing edges and creating negative shapes. Graphite was added and taken away to get to this point. Finished? Not really, but this would be a very helpful study if I chose to paint "Mom Bess's Rocker."

 

Saturday - I had a difficult time getting started today, but once I selected a subject, I really got into the zone.  This could well be a study for a painting.

 

Sunday - This bronze statue was a real challenge.  Once into it, it became quite satisfying.  Needs more real darks, but a good start, don't you think?

Very happy!  I have drawn everyday for a week!  AND I have gotten back to yoga--at least 30 minutes each day for a week!  Feel so much better on so many levels.





Shows, Mural and More...

Busy with art lately...

Winthrop Art Festival just before leaving for six weeks in Atlanta.

Painted a mural in our granddaughter's nursery.  They are big Kentucky Derby fans so horses, of course, of course.

Detail of Kaitlyn's Nursery Mural

Tropical Heatwave art show in the Cuban Club on Saturday, May 12. 

Rented a studio in the historic Santaella Cigar Factory building at 1906 Armenia at Spruce.  (Come visit, but call first to be sure I am in that day.)

Created a facebook page for my art:  http://www.facebook.com/GraceMcKeeArtist.

Painted live at the art social at Wimauma Restaurant on South MacDill sponsored by Pat Sanchez, Everything Eclectic.  My painting: 

Wimauma Restaurant slogan:  Where Cracker Meets Cuisine

Whew!  Think I will take a break!

Studio at Santaella

Visit me:

Contact my Agent:

Moira Shiver

813-505-8802