In case I didn't state it in my last post on this new painting, I'm still thinking g of making this mostly monochromatic... mostly meaning it will be deeply layered overweigh greys and whites... we shall see if I change my mind, but for now, I started as I intended ... with some undercoats of colour. … Continue reading Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
A few years ago I painted an elephant for my wife, Sawsan. It's her favourite painting. It forced me out of my comfort zone to paint in that style and I've wanted to return to it ever since... plans for finishing a teaching degree, relocation to another country, selling house, moving around, and finally settling … Continue reading A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
I feel that I became interested in Picasso's Guernica way before my time living in Spain. However, that might be where my obsession with it began, as I spent nearly every other Sunday in the special gallery for this painting at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. I believe it was there in 1996 … Continue reading An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
No Regrets – Stepping Forward on Blank Canvas
Yesterday, I posted about the bittersweet nature of this past year. I had intended to talk about letting go of old work I don't like anymore and using those canvases to try something new. The idea came from an Instagram post reminding me that my undo-redo shortcut (Ctrl-Z), in regard to my painting is my … Continue reading No Regrets – Stepping Forward on Blank Canvas
Jubilation – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
It's amazing to me how often I forget to what extent I love drawing expressive faces and just how much it scares me to start new ones at the same time. Ahhh, that imposter syndrome is deeply ingrained in me! I started this with the blue background and red-orange hair. On a side note, I'm … Continue reading Jubilation – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Colourful Pastures – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I started worrying about the3 angles and perspectives of this odd bull-cow thing, then let that go when I knew it was going. to be about rendering a fun Southwest colour palette. here are not really the traditional oranges, reds, yellows and browns I associate with Southwest art, but the warmth of my pastel crayons … Continue reading Colourful Pastures – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Candy – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I'm not sure what inspired this simple cat. Perhaps it's those moments when you cat wakes up and does their weird stretch. that feels like they are actually scrunching up their whole body and pushing their spines upward. I'm thinking the original impetus for this one disappeared when I started to enjoy the colour play … Continue reading Candy – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Bone Tired – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I think my favourite aspect of using messy oil pastels is that when you rub them, they develop volume, tonal changes, and textures similar to the painted glass one finds in great cathedrals. I tweeted the lighting. on this one a little and it looked like it's lit from behind. I'm not sure if I … Continue reading Bone Tired – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Big Dog Mindset – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Here we can imagine a clearly tiny dog, but feel that it might be massive. in my experience, many small dogs often seem to feel like they are giants: they stand tall, proud, fierce, and full of attitude. What makes such fragile creatures seem so big? Perhaps it's attitude, personality, and a choice to believe … Continue reading Big Dog Mindset – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
Notice how he is creeping across the bottom of the page, eyes barely raised to engage you and say how sorry he is for invading your view of the simple and unremarkable background. His shrinking attitude screams volumes of insecurity and feels rather annoying to the viewer. Is this an intended affect? Did he hope … Continue reading Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
The New Renaissance Mindset 