My working palette...

One thing I always try to tell students is to try to arrange your paints the same way each time you work. This is my (current) working palette. I always keep the blues up at the top, but I put ultramarine next to burnt umber before I head to the reds/pinks. Mainly because that's my favorite way to make gray. I then round the corner of greens, then yellows and white is always to the far right with radiant blue right above it. Why this way? Mainly because that's the way I've always done it. When I go to mix or use a color, it's right there. Being consistent saves time. Happy Painting!!!

Way to go everyone!

Well, we had a bunch of newbies and some of my regular veteran painters this class and everyone did a wonderful job! As I have said before, I'm not a fan of the Bob Ross Barns..(Bob I'm sure you're rolling over in your grave!!), however, I feel like everyone learned something about converting what we see into simpler shapes so you can paint your own buildings. Fantastic job and Happy Painting!!!

Barn Class...

Well, after those beautiful seascapes last class, it will be nice to relax a little and do this simple barn. Both classes are filled but as always, let me know if you want to be on the cancellation list. I feel so "country" when I paint this scene! (Though, I'm pretty "country" anyway! LOL!) Happy Painting!!!

A few more students at work from July 23rd...

Next class is this Saturday! Can't wait to work on that seascape with everyone!!!

Recuperating!

This photo is from the second (3pm) class on Saturday the 23rd. You guys did amazing...but you wore me out! I was exhausted when I got home as I'm sure many of you were. Closest to us in the photo is young Makayla and this was her first mountain painting. Isn't she doing amazing work?! Congrats to all who attended and next class is August 6th. Whew! That should give me just enough time to recover!! Happy painting!

Blue Ribbon...

This was my entry in the fair this year. I got a blue ribbon! (Wehoo!) To encourage more of my students to enter paintings at the local fair next year, I'm thinking about having a bit of a competition. Maybe something like you get a free or discounted class if you can beat me. There was not nearly enough competition this year and I would like to boost it up a bit. How cool would that be if one of my students beat me! I'm just mulling it around for now. Happy Painting!

Great class this past Saturday.....

Wonderful job everyone...and of course I didn't take photos again! I get to talking so much at the end of both classes I end up forgetting. We had some wonderful waterfalls leave the building that day and you should be very proud!!!

This is a photo of the next painting for July 23rd. It's a 16 x 20 inch size, so you'll need a bigger frame than normal if you've signed up.

Thanks everyone again for a great class and Happy Painting!!!