What are you working on?

[stlukesguild]

Also, that's a lovely tulip painting. The blue with the gold really stands out.

Primary colors… red 9in the linear areas, blue, and yellow/gold. My wife used to ask why I seldom ever painted any blondes… although she’s a brunette. I told her honestly it was because blonde hair didn’t contrast enough with the gold leaf behind.

Kushner is one of the contemporary painters who has had a large impact on my own work. Like myself, Kushner was profoundly influenced by Asian and Middle-Eastern art and came to recognize how elements such as pattern and “decoration” which are frequently dismissed by Western Modernist critics was embraced by these cultures.

 

[Grapes]

The old masters used a reddish clay or bole under their gold leaf and you can see it peak out from the gold leaf in many places.

Now this information is something I should consider to try - and I will!! Will start this week experimenting. Also, will post here what I get done with my gold leafs.
Thank you Stlukesguild for all this valuable information you wrote here in the previous posts. I feel I now have the final solution for my gold leaf troubles. TK H-H, thank you as well for bringing up the subject, talk and all the information.

Recently I made a pile of boards prepared with clay so this comes perfectly to the picture to try gold leaf on clay. I have been painting with oils mostly pleinair on the clay boards but I will do my gold leaf study on them as well. I think I will use the glue they sold me in an art supply store in Florence. Looks ok for clay and similar type of martials.

 

[john]

In an effort to make things as difficult as possible this painting was started plein air, with the French easel set up in a swamp. Sinking into mud wasn't difficult enough so I had this masochistic idea to use just a knife. I blame Wayne. I did have a basic sketch made beforehand from a previous year's photo which was a good idea except that last year there was water in the pond. Now drought had caused my scene to become half of what it was supposed to be. No reflections. Mud. So I started with what was there......the far shore.

So I have half a painting going. A classic technique probably taught by the ancient masters never. But now using brushes at least.

It's got me nervous because it's starting pretty well but essentially duplicating everything done already is going to be a challenge.

 

[Grapes]

John, I must admit I like these pleinair stories! I think the foliage is promising, very interesting.

 

[snoball]

Yes, I love the foliage too. If one squints, it could be a photo. Well done.

 

[Maybenartist]

Nice to see current work from people.

I'm painting a flowery scene on the top of a wooden box for my niece! She'll be lucky to get it before Xmas as I'm not really into painting flowers! Should look okay though, I hope!

 

[Terri]

Sinking into mud wasn't difficult enough so I had this masochistic idea to use just a knife. I blame Wayne.

And knowing @Enyaw, he'll be tickled pink.

This looks like a great start, John! Looking forward to seeing this one completed.

 

[TK H-H]

Still working on my acrylic spider painting. Slowly but surely.

Currently designing a pastel portrait of my kitty for a competition. It's almost ready to start actually painting. Just have a few final touches to plan out.

Also in the early planning stages for a few oil paintings. Unfortunately Canada Post is on strike so I can't mail my oil paints to myself (I'm away at the moment). So I either have to wait, or buy new oil paints. If I buy new ones, debating whether to stick with my usual Cobras or try traditional oils again. I stopped using traditional oils ages ago because they made me feel sick. Not sure if it was the solvents or the actual paints that made me sick... Kind of want to give them another try. Though I do like Cobra. So maybe not worth straying.

 

[PaintBoss]

TK, I can’t wait to see your pieces when they are done. Well, I would stick with paint that doesn’t make you sick, personally speaking. I’ve had a lot of problems myself. And oh yes, I would love to go back to regular oils, but no, spending that kind of money and within a few minutes you know you made a mistake. That’s just my opinion.
When will this darn strike end I wonder? Now even the other couriers like Purolator and UPS aren’t taking items because they’re too backed up. Hopefully it’ll be over soon. I’m thinking it’ll last at least a month. I’m waiting for a credit card. Mine got compromised even though I’m at home all the time and I hardly do any thing with it. I think it was from something a year ago because they were trying to use old credentials. It might be a while before it shows up in the mail.
I’m just trying to feel well enough so I can paint. Love seeing what you guys are all up to.
JOHN, that Wayne comment made me laugh! I tell you some people do some amazing things with knife work. Not me! Ha ha I haven’t done a lot with knives, but it is inspiring. I like your piece so far, have you done anything more with it?
St Luke, that Kushner piece is gorgeous!

 

[TK H-H]

I'll definitely share when I finish them or make some decent progress.

You're probably right on the paint. I know the Cobras work for me, so should probably stick to those. I tried Winsor/Newton and some other brand in the past and felt sick. Don't know if it was something in the paints or the solvents. I tried odorless solvents and still some kind of fume was getting me. I'd paint for 10 minutes and be not feeling so good. I can use Cobra and their thinner and I feel fine. I've used WN's Artisan paints and thinner before too and had no issues (only stopped using them cause they're kind of tacky/sticky).

I feel you on the strike. I have no credit card because mine expired and it still isn't being mailed. And my driver's license is expiring soon. So I'll be without an ID and credit card soon. Have to see if there's an alternative option for the license in the meantime. Cause I assume this is going well past Christmas... My pink slips for my car insurance never got mailed either, but they just emailed 2 days ago to set up an online portal so I can print my own.

 

[PaintBoss]

Well, if you go to the drivers licensing office, you can get them to write you out a temporary license that you keep in your wallet until your permanent card comes. My husband and I have had it done it waiting for drivers licenses.
Yeah I think the is pressure is building for the strike to end soon. It really holds up a lot of things and it’s really hard on the small businesses in particular. And that’s the last thing they need still recovering from Covid and then the high price of everything. They have a lot on their plate. What people don’t know is Purolator is actually connected to Canada Post. So they make a lot of money when there’s a strike. Because it’s next day delivery everything is a minimum..I think it’s like $24 now even if it’s across town.
I am like you with oils and even sometimes with acrylics, although they have gotten a lot better over the years. I just figured if you’re gonna spend the money, get stuff that works for you. I’m glad that you were able to find something in the oil that works.

 

[Artyczar]

I have been making no art. My show has been up since November 16th, and a lot of programming has been going on all the while: a VIP dinner, performances, and last Saturday, I did a walk-through and an artist's talk. All very nerve-wracking.

Aside from that, I've been building a dog run because my new dog will be arriving this coming Sunday. I'm not ready, but I'll have to be!

 

[BelowPar]

I'm working on this , 3rd one of the day/night

 

[PaintBoss]

Very cool BelowPar!
Arty, how is your show going? I bet you did really great with your talk. How was it received?
What’s this about a dog? A new family member! Do tell us more!

 

[Artyczar]

The show has been well-received, but I haven't sold anything but a few small trade-type books (20-45 bucks) and two embroideries for a few hundred dollars. It's pretty bad. It may be the area, or the work, or I don't know what. The feedback has been more than I could ever ask for. Probably better than any show yet, really. It just hasn't translated into sales. It's a non-profit, but they usually sell work there, and in the high price range. So, I don't know.

I'm trying not to think about it, or the amount of money and time I've put into it.

One more programming thing to go. The workshop, and more money to be spent on that. But whatever.

The dog is coming tomorrow, and I've been keeping occupied getting everything ready for her. We've been extremely busy building a dog run and dog-proofing the house, if you will. It's been complicated because of where we live and why I haven't been able to have a dog all these years. She could easily get injured or killed here.

Today, we are building a secure roof on the run and hoping we can finish it before she gets here tomorrow! It had a roof, but it didn't make it through the last windstorm. We live in the highlands, and you would not believe how windy it gets here, and often. ...many factors have stopped us from having a dog. Can't be a small dog, but Hannah didn't want a large one, so we compromised a bit. She's 45 pounds. Hopefully, most prey will leave her alone on walks. I will still carry a big "stick" with us. My cane is pretty deadly.

I'm very excited for her coming. It's been five years since we had a dog. My life has been empty ever since.

By the way, her name is Ruby.

 

[Terri]

The show sounds like it's been successful on a lot of levels, but of course you want to see stuff move. Isn't this your first solo outside of LA? Congrats anyway for getting the well-deserved accolades. It's not over yet!

Can't wait to see Ruby! You've been waiting a long time for this - she sounds great. We'll need pictures!! Very excited for you!

 

[PaintBoss]

Arty, I agree with Terri. I know it’s a disappointment. It’s always been amazing to me to see what moves and what doesn’t and it’s never what I expect. Now I know there’s a lot of people that have money but also right now at least where I am here in Canada, people are not spending. They’re struggling. Maybe not the audience you’re going for, but that can bleed into more affluent people too. I’m just wondering because we are having a lot of long time really successful stores and restaurants closing. Heartbreak on local chat forums where people say they really love these places, but they say they haven’t been able to afford to eat out or maybe they can do it once a in a very long time. They have never felt money so tight. I know the restaurants are having to jack up the prices to cover rising costs, that it’s been reported people can’t afford them anymore. So we’re losing beloved places. We are being asked to pay more for everything in every quarter every time we turn around. We can hardly believe the prices for any item now. Rent, mortgages, etc. So people have very clearly expressed they don’t have money for extras and this has definitely spilled over into more affluent areas. I think the market is very tough right now. But all the excellent feedback and accolades is fantastic and some consolation.
Still a bummer I know.
Well, that’s very exciting about getting the dog and getting it all put together. We can’t wait to see pictures!

 

[Artyczar]

Yes, it's a struggling market for art, I hear. Some friends that sell well in LA are telling me it's hard there too, but not all. Some are not affected. It's just a fickle market in general I suppose.

Last year, another artist had a solo show there (first time in this area) and sold nearly the whole show at similar prices as mine. Then, she recently did another solo in NYC and sold nothing. I don't know why. Her work is fabulous.

This is not my first solo show outside of LA. It is my second solo in this area, but the first one was at a very small, unknown space which was not promoted. It was last minute as well. That was the second year I moved here. I didn't sell or expect to sell. I don't think that little gallery ever sells.

I've had solo shows in Nashville, Houston, Marfa, PA, and a solo show in a different desert area at a museum. A couple of others a little outside of LA and 2-person shows. The ones in TX sold the most, especially Marfa (which is a desert community).

There's no rhyme or reason to art sometimes. I don't feel too bad about it. Maybe just about the investment.

My dog Ruby. She is making me feel better. I had to go in for a back procedure just before I got her. Then, after she arrived, I seemed to get a cold, then an infection, so I'm fighting that too. But Ruby is making all things better. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed though. First training lesson is today.

Oh yeah, she has magic ears!

 

[snoball]

Ayin, sorry the show isn't more profitable but what a beautiful doggy! She will be great companionship for you.
I sold my John Wayne drawing yesterday and am starting on a new drawing of the Duke for the same buyer. Glad to have work coming in, even though I am already busy.

 

[PaintBoss]

Congratulations Sno, that’s excellent! Does it have to get done before Christmas?
Ruby is gorgeous Arty. I hope you feel better soon so you can get out and do all kinds of things with your dog. Keeping him exercised will be a big part of helping with the training. Gotta get his energy down so he can listen. And you’re so right about the art market. It is very fickle.