It'sTurned Cold

Even the eight foot Lincoln statue in the South Park blocks has dawned a winter scarf. It's just a matter of time till some big winds come in and strip the fall colors down to bare trunks. A change of season is good or how would we ever appreciate  the return of spring green and summer sky blue?  And with that, I've had a cold  and fever since Monday and feel like crap.  I'm getting a little house bound so will plan on meeting the Portland Urban Sketchers today for a couple hours in Hollywood district.  Just to prove I have done something this week, here's a sketch book page from the weekend. While you're out today buy a box of tissues and cough drops.

First Friday in Multnomah Village

Yesterday I stopped by O'Connors to place the printed cards on our new monthly show(Eight+ @O'Connors in Multnomah Village) which is our last turn till after the first of the year. I like the new direction some of our group is moving .  It was such a beautiful sunny day I hung around out on the deck and sketched some of the potted flowers out for their last hoorah! Got some good feed back on our show too.

Frank Webb Inspired

This was drawn after watching the DVD by Frank Webb, 'Painting Enjoyable Color'

Break out all your big flat brushes and enjoy painting along with Frank Webb, big chunky shapes and charge in colorful animated pigments.  This DVD is chalk full of design and ideas to make your paintings dance. I recommend watching a couple times then head for your paper and paints while your creative juices are revved!  There is no production date but indications make me believe sometime between 2006-9 and created in North Carolina.

Top; Webb Inspired Drawing- 'Fisherman's Pier - Red Wax Lead

Honey Crisp

Brushing up on some fruit this month.  Painted in natural light on the window sill.

Painting Pear

From my sketchbook; bought a pear just to paint it. It had a funny unexpected shape and lots of color and texture.  Set on a kitchen towel with side lighting. Good exercise in seeing.

Color Scheme

Today I painted with Karen Joy and we decided on Landscape with buildings.  I also wanted her to try a different color scheme of her choice; used more of a split compliment.   We worked from an idea in one of the Steven Quiller books and also some sketches.  This is how I finished up. For a first lesson, I think she was happy.

Naito Drive

Watch for the 10 x 10 show at Art Media Gallery@928.  !00 artists; all art $100 or less.
Oct 31 - Dec 3rd.

'Naito Dr.'
Watercolor
10" x 10"

Life Drawing Exhibition

 

 Image Detail

Photoshop - 4 Layered Sketch

This was a drawing with a number two pencil that I pressed a little too hard on the paper and could not get a good photograph.  Couldn't fix it with levels or curves so I decided to make four duplicate layers and run them through threshold at four graduated spots on the slider.The Layer on the bottom will have the most paint /color - the lightest value. The fourth layer being the least area to receive color will be the darkest value.  I think of organizing printing plates or silk screening; any color is game as long as they keep getting darker as you add layers.See example below of image next to Layers palette in Photoshop 7. (click to enlarge)

I'm not sure if you can do this in Photoshop elements.  I would have to check with Linda R. Ollis. She is teaching Basic photoshop on her blog here.