Value Studies

For homework for my figure painting class we were asked to pick a photo (one of our own or from a magazine or whatever) and do a simplified study of it, concentrating on value and structure. We could only use black, white, yellow ochre, and cobalt blue. I did the yellow one first, but wasn't totally happy with it so then I made the blue one, which I like much better.

Figure Drawing

Here are a few things from one of my classes earlier this week. The photos of the charcoal and newsprint drawings are a bit dim, but that's the best I could do for now.

Three Trees in Highland Park

Zoo Sketches

I went to the Seneca Park Zoo with Jeff this weekend to do some sketching. It was pretty hot, so the animals were mostly hiding or sleeping. However, since the animals weren't moving around so much, it provided some good drawing opportunities. The rhinos very conveniently laid down for a nap just as I pulled out my sketchbook, so it was fun to be able to study their faces without them moving around too much.

MV Times article about the Children's Art Show

A few weeks ago, my kids' art class had their annual art show at the Old Sculpin Gallery. The Martha's Vineyard Times sent a photographer to the show to do a small story about it. I left the island for the summer shortly before the article was published, but I got my copy of it in the mail today. It came out well!

Edgartown Lighthouse

Saltwater Ponds

All of the watercolor paintings tagged martha's vineyard that I've been posting this summer are from my travel watercolor sketchbook that measures approximately 4 1/2" by 6". My goal this summer has been to practice more with watercolors since they're a weak point of mine. I find my small travel sketchbook that I picked up in London far less intimidating than a larger size of paper. I don't feel as bad about messing up a smaller picture as opposed to a larger one. I've been trying to make myself paint with more saturated colors, as I find that too often with watercolors my pictures are too washed out, with things being too much of the same value. So like I said, this summer I've been aiming for more painting, with brighter colors and higher levels of contrast. I don't know how successful I've been, but I do know that it definitely feels good to just sit down and paint.

Philbin Beach Boulders