I'm taking a new class at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) here in Boston. It's called "Painting Intensive" and is co-taught by Bill Commerford and Sharon Avakian. The class is another one of these no-instruction-paint-what-you-want-at-your-own-pace-open-studio kind of classes. I've been longing for instruction, but I've come to terms with the idea that time and experience are the teachers and the physical instructors are the guides on the journey. Keeping that thought in mind, I'm viewing class as a commitment I'm making to spend every Thursday (when I'm in town) for the next 10 weeks painting stuff just for me from 10:15am-3:15pm.
I went into day one wanting to do something different. Something I hadn't done before.
Let me clarify that statement.
- I believe that artistic growth is not about abandoning everything that came before and magically turning into a different artist. Rather, it's about taking risks that build on the work that has come before.
- I have a clear style that will always be my style, even as it evolves.
- I have certain techniques and motifs that I like and use.
Keeping that in mind, I didn't go into class wanting to paint a Frank Stella abstract. That's just not me. Rather, I wanted to try a new approach. I wanted to push myself to make choices that felt risky.
And so I did.
And it was good.
These are the two pieces I created:
I love working in a series (and this will probably become a much bigger series) because it gives me the opportunity to try different things and see how the results differ. For example: I started using my usual beloved primary palette…
…and then I tried using a more muted and somewhat monochromatic palette.
In case you're wondering, I'm working on large sheets of drawing paper (19×24) taped to a black foam core board. This is an easy way to paint on paper on an easel. Very cost effective too.
The first face is acrylic paint, oil pastels, and a water soluble pencil:
The second face is acrylic paint, water soluble pencil, oil pastels, and collaged deli paper:
One of my favorite tips from Bill was related to framing. He gave me several different colors of poster board and told me to try placing them behind the paintings to see how they changed.
I've changed my mind about 50 times in terms of which color border I like best for each painting. It's amazing how that little strip of color can totally change the painting by bringing certain colors forward or pushing other ones back.
Which is your favorite color border for each painting and why? I'd love to know!
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. Hope to see you at WhimSoDoodle in St. Petersburg, FL in two weeks for the classes I'm teaching!
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
Fantastic! I’m liking the red frame on the face with the primary colors.
Love all the pattern in the muted face…torn between the brown and green frame for that one.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
For the first painting I like the green the best. The colors pop more and it adds an interesting element. For the second painting I like the blue best because it not only adds color but the rest of the others colors feel more harmonious. Great paintings, thanks for sharing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
Love the red on the first painting. It provides a nice contrast to the monochromatic feel of the palette used and creates a focus on the colours in the painting.
For the second one, I like the more neutral background. I think it is because it does not distract from the bright colours in the painting – somewhat the opposite of the border I chose for the first one. The other borders are more distracting rather than complementing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
My Fav was the monocromatic face with purple frame.
It was a step outside your box of primary colors & seemed a softer hue.
I realllllly liked it alot !! But then I like purples, blues, lime greens together !
As always thanks for sharing.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
I like dark background paper so black or dark blue… I have always believed in not being distracted by what should be the main focus… in this case your paintings.. but it would pertain to photos too… although in scrapping I will use a variety of backgrounds but always trying to maintain that focus on the photo.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
Love the abstract nature and freedom with which you are doing your faces. How wonderful to be able to have a course available to you. I remember in undergraduate art school, I too was so disappointed with the lack of direction or teaching. The professors would encourage us to find our own way, to do a series and were great with critiques. I usually left feeling disappointed. So it is interesting that you are also questioning this type of teaching almost 20 years later. Thanks for sharing your process.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the teal on both of them. It seems to make the faces relate within themselves.
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
I like the green with the first one cause it makes the green in the face pop.
I like the beige with the second one to help calm it down
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
Dearest Julie…this is not my type of art BUT I love watching YOU develope and enjoy the process.
I love your trips, most of them, and the fact you take us along.
I watch you devotedy as a rep for Brother ScanNCut.
So, there you have it and can probably care less, but I wanted to write anyhow.
Dolores
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
On the first painting I went back and forth between the tan and green and I think I like the tan the best. On the second I had a hard time. I knew I didn’t like the black border. After looking for a long time, I think I like the red the best. I can’t tell you why in either case I just liked the way all the colors played off each other.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
I like the red the best for the more muted face. It makes the most of the colors you used. There’s a lot of green in that one so the complimentary color to that is red to make it pop. (not sure I am using the right term when I say complimentary.) For the second face with the primary colors I am really torn between the royal blue and the black for the frame. They both look awesome, but I think the black gives it a more “I am a serious painting” vibe; the royal blue lets it have a more playful vibe. Guess it depends on what you’re going for.
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
Ha. I just went back and read what all the previous respondents said and it’s so funny it seems everyone likes something different! Almost doesn’t matter what frame you pick, they all do something unique for the artwork. The frame really is part of the artwork. I’m curious what you ended up going with and I hope you’ll share! 🙂
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!
I would take the time to count but I’m just going to say I think there’s every color in the rainbow in that picture and I can almost get a glimpse of a surreal world within the face whenever my eyes glance across it. Please keep doing this! I wonder what a landscape would look like in this style. Great painting!