40 minute, Exaggerater color II, 4

I really like this one. I do think the figure could be anchored down a bit more but overall it is a success. In the shadows there are bits of green and purples. These figures are fun to paint. I really do not like trying to imitate a camera. These feel like paintings. Have a great day.

25 minute, exaggerated color II, 3

I found the black model more challenging to locate the exaggerated color. The figures with darker skin have so much wonderful color in them naturally that I struggled to exaggerate enough. I made the darks more Alizarin Crimson and the lights toward yellow but even yet...it does not feel exaggerated to me. Sorry about the glare.

25 minute, exaggerated color II, 2

I really like this one. It does not feel stiff. Well, today and tomorrow then high school is out for the summer. I am ready for some time with the dogs and the garden. My summer goal is to work on painting corrections and of course my directed study with Gill Dellinger in pastels. I think I will learn a lot. I have to remember that an unfinished painting is not precious. Until it is finished it is just an unfinished painting. Here the reds are brought up on the toes, knee, elbow, shoulder and ear. These are areas where the blood is close to the surface of the skin so they feel more red. Enjoy the moment!

25 minute exaggerated color II, 1

This is the first 25 minute exaggerated color figure painting in the second set of 5. I like the color but the proportions maybe a little off. I like the gesture of the head and breasts.

40 minutes, exaggerated color 5

I beleive this one has distortion and proportion problems. Her head seems to small, even in the photo. Oh well.
I like her feet! Have a great day!

40 minute exaggerated color 4

Well, I don't have my final grades for my Quick Studies Class yet but I am satisfied with the progress I made durring the class. It has been the most demanding class I have ever taken. I think the allergies are getting me. I have a mean cough. I have had it about a week now.Have a great day.

25 minute exaggerated color 3

Sorry I missed yesterday. I was trying to get the last commenting and criticing done for my online class. My class was officially over yesterday and there is always a let down when the class ends. It is a kind of loss, almost like a death. Now I need to order art supplies for my summer class. It starts in 2 or 3 weeks. Enjoy the sun today!

25 minute, exaggerated color nude

This nude is done in 25 minutes as a quick study. The cool areas are pushed to greens or purples the lightest lights toward yellow and the ear, hands toes and knees are warm reds. I have tried to keep the values correct and only exaggerate the color. These are fun to do. I usually do not have the warning on my site but with my nudes I really wanted my viewers to know that my posting is adult content for at least the next 10 postings. I just really want to share them with those that are interested.

90 minute nude torso

This one is a 90 minute timed quick study. I am still not completely satisfied with it . I think it has to do with the face and the edges of the face. When this class is over I will try and resolve some of these issues. The next 12 paintings are all nudes using exaggerated color. That is why I have the content warning on my site right now. I do not normally do nudes but these have been fun! Today is a day that I would love to stay in my pajamas and putz in the garden. That will have to wait for 2 more weeks. Later!!!

60 minutes, David

Well, one of the assignments was to paint a nude male torso and I could not find a model for this soooo I used the photo that I took in Florence of Michalangeo's "David" and used him as my model. It worked for me. No it isn't perfect but he is the most perfect male I know! Have you ever seen him in person? He is impressive! I must go. Enjoy our late spring showers.

25 minutes, on the way home from Santa Barbara

This was the early morning light as we drove home from Santa Barbara. The light was so beautiful that time of day. I simplified the scene and eliminated the exit that was to the right.I really like this one Well, all my quick studies are done. I still have quite a few to post but I am down to my final large painting. Honestly I am not sure if it is due on the 17th or the 20th. Both dates are posted.I played yesterday and went to the Gourd Festival with a friend and soooo enjoyed myself. She likes the cutsy gourds and I like the artsy gourds. They were amazing. I could see how people get hooked on them. I guess...I am hooked on painting, how big a difference is there....just a different surface.

60 minute, In Front of the House, oil

This is what I see as I pull out of my driveway each morning as I go to work. It changes with the seasons and time changes but it is an inviting start to the day. My Quick Study class is almost over. I have only my final long term painting to finish and a few more corrections. Class is over May 22 but the last deadline is May 20th I think. Another beautiful day! Oh, my body is recovering from last weeks fall. My foot is back to normal and everything else is better. Enjoy!

60 minute, My Grandson, Ezra

This is a 60 minute quick study of my grandson, moody and relaxing. Well, I turned in the last of my quick studies today now I still have my final long term painting and corrections to some quick studies that I did not get to yet. I am not sure if the 17th or the 20th is the due date. Due dates have been a little hard to decipher in this class...so I try to stay ahead all the time.

40 minute, plein air 5

Well, this is my driveway on one of those very rainy days. It was a perfect day to curl up with a good book under a warm blanket. I sure love the sky when it is dotted with blue sky!!

60 minute, Gideon Road

This was painted plein air out on the Mackville Ranch. I had an idea and do not feel this was successful. The reason I chose this was that I liked how the road gets smaller as it goes over each hill but the weather was very changable and I was not able to get a strong sense of light because there wasn't one. I do not consider this to be a strong piece, it is mushy, however it was great to be out there painting in the fresh air!!!  Good Morning!

30 minute 2 friends, 2

This is on Peltier Road and painting the same trucks from a different point of view. Must go. Later!

45 minutes, 2 Old Friends, 1

This is a plein air oil painting that I did out on Peltier Road. I think the background is not pushing deep enough in space yet. Enjoy this day.

40 minute, unusual lighting 5

I am better today, not perfect but better is progress!!! To all Mothers have a great day.

40 minute, unusual lighting 4

Well, despite everything it has been a good day. I had a bad fall this morning and may have broken or badly bruised my tail bone. OUCH!! I twisted my ankle and a few other bruises. A friend brought me a great ice pack and with the ice pack strapped on I got my 5 quick studies done and started one other painting. A few anti inflammatory drugs to keep the swelling down...I am doing better than I had hoped for. My sweetheart and I made a great dessert...bananas and pineapple on the grill with warm butterscotch sauce over the top. Oh, BABY!! It is good and the bananas are to die for!

25 minute,Unusual lighting 3

Well, today is the submission date for my A.P. students 5 best pieces...then I can breath again and refocus on my own homework for the Academy of  Art University. If you did not know, I am doing my M.F.A. completely online. So far in this Quick Studies class I have done 84 paintings in oil, mostly 9"X12" or 11"X14" and one 18" X 24" since February 1st 2010. Between now and May 20th I still have 10 more 11" X 14" and one 18" X 24" to complete.

25 minute,unusual lighting 2

Well, the A.P. Art Exams are almost over. My students have the online portfolios submitted now tomorrow they will submit their 5 best pieces and make them presentation ready and send them off to the College Board.

25 minute,unusual lighting 1

It is very interesting to paint the face with lighting from below. All the lights are in unexpected places. It is like doing an abstract painting and you are just looking for color spots. I am beat tonight. I have 8 Advanced Placement Art students. All their online portfolios are due by tomorrow afternoon. Then by Friday each needs 5 pieces presentation ready for the exam. I think I am stressing more than my students. 2 of my students are totally finished but the other 6 have me worried to the last second.

40 minute, unusual composition 5

The camellias were just beautiful this year. They lasted longer than I remember.

45 minute unusual composition, 4

This one I got the egg scale and the table from my garage sale adventures.