OLD CAR

This is a creation with a combined effort of Karen (my teacher) and myself. We put both our heads together and this is what we came up with.

I've created a fall background for this cabin. The old car reminds me of going to Young's Turkey Farm in Prescott, AZ.  In fact, the whole picture reminds me of Prescott, with it's brilliant fall colors.

This brings back great memories and
again, is a painting that puts a smile on
my face when I look at it.

I'm continuing to paint this in oils, but this,
is also unfinished. (as well as my snow picture
listed previously), It's just another project I'm
working on. I will post the final when it is complete.

Feeding the Koi

One of our favorite things to do (my wife and I)
is go over to the Disneyland Hotel. They have
an awesome underground waterfall, that we've 
been walking through for 25 years. They also have
a beautiful koi pond with hundreds of koi.
The best time to watch these beautiful fish is
at feeding time. They slowly swim to their feeder
and surface. They are not aggressive with each 
other, just mellow and peaceful (but obviously very hungry!).
Watching the Koi bring calmness and tranquility
ending to your day, no matter how hectic or
stressful.

So, my painting is tribute to the beautiful koi.
Done in oils (of course), this painting brings
me that same peaceful feeling I get when
we visit the koi at Disneyland.

I've also added a picture of the actual
koi pond, plus a picture of the waterfalls.
Enjoy!

Lessons  (Continued)

Well, I'm still working on my snow painting. I'm not

familiar with this painting style and it is taking me 

much longer than usual. 

My family constantly encourages me, which makes me just want to paint more. 

My teacher continually inspires me and has taught me

to not be afraid to change things up. She has given me more than I could ever ask for, and I am ever thankful.

 

Needless-to-say, I've changed things up quite a bit. I've also added more hidden objects. Try to find an owl, a grey wolf, a howling wolf, and an Indian face.

This picture is still a work in progress, but one I (and

my teacher) will always cherish. 

I will keep you all updated with more pix, as I'm sure

I'll be making more changes. -Q 

Lessons ....cont.

Well, I've had my first lessons. I learned so much, I can't even begin to explain.

I'm using more detail, as I've learned many techniques and  color perspectives.
My wonderful teacher taught me about composition, underpanting, brushes,
keeping my hand steady, and mixing colors (to say the least).
She is a very experienced and precise painter  as she has been painting all her life.

She says my technique is surrealism. I really like the way that sounds!
Well, our time together, my teacher and I, combined my surrealist technique with her perfectly precise technique, and this is what I'm coming up with. (see pictures).

As you can see from my painting compared to the original picture I'm using as my model, that I've changed my mind as I went, because we all know that nothing has to be set in stone. I changed it from a house in the woods, to a snow scene. I've added many more trees, I'm showing the rocks and the grass make an appearance as the snow recedes. I've added a creek bed and keep adding more rocks. Plus, I've  added river rock to the face of the house. I rounded off the windows, added a completely different roof, and I may just add another fireplace, (rock, of course). Instead of acrylic, I went with my old faithful oils. What can I say? Oil has become my favorite.Well, I can't say my favorite, because I haven't tried acrylics yet, but it is safe to say that I'm very fond of oils.

There is so much information, and so much more to learn. This past week for instance, I've visited many, many art galleries. I've come to know many artists, one of my favorites being Bev Doolittle. She does most of her art in watercolor. She is know for her hidden pictures within a picture. I like her so much, she inspired me to hide a wolf in my tree trunk! (see the You Tube video I've added on Bev Doolittle).


Hopefully I will be finishing this painting by the end of the week. My teacher will be proud.
She is my inspiration behind my love for art and if it wasn't for her, I would not be painting today.
I am honored that she is passing on to me a great legacy. Her great legacy. I will never forget what she has taught me and I look forward to my next lessons with her. Posted at the end is also one of her watermill paintings. She's the best!

I've also added a couple scenes from my first art lessons.

My next post will show the final product. See you soon!

Painting progress.....

So, I've been painting now for exactly 3 months. I'm excited to report that I am having my first lessons this week. I've been given a ton of frames and canvases by my teacher. Just look at the pictures! It's incredible! For my first "lesson" painting, I will be doing a house in the woods, with a stream and rocks. From the picture, you'll see that I've already sketched it out, and will hopefully start painting tomorrow. I may try acrylic this time. I've only painted in oils so far. I will post more as I progress.

"Sammy"

"Sammy"

This is my tribute to one of the finest singer/dancer/entertainers of all time.
Mr.Sammy Davis Jr.

In this portrait, I tried to capture his vivid personality, his precise movement and his ever-
performing character. This portrays him singing and dancing. His love for life was apparent and
his ability to perform and wow an audience was none to be compared.
Sammy was born into a vaudeville family, Sammy Davis, Jr. was dancing onstage by the time he was four years old. He grew into a genuine song-and-dance man: an accomplished tap-dancer, crooner, impressionist and all-around entertainer.
One thing many people don't know about Sammy, is that he was quite the gunslinger! He could spin, twirl and draw his gun better than any western! He's best remembered for his high-energy years with the Rat Pack.
 

Sammy sometimes wore a patch over his left eye. He lost his left eye in a 1954 car crash while driving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles..
      
Sammy passed away in 1990 of cancer and his death sparked a sadness across America.

That day, the world lost a classic entertainer, but one who's legend lives on and will never be forgotten.