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Illustrations, Pen and Ink Drawing

Illustrations for fun

secret-place-webI have been illustrating since I was 10.  It is just something that I have always done; like cooking.  Many people told me that illustrating was not as legitimate as painting. ugh.

Now, fast forward many years later and I  realize I was on target after all.  Don’t believe what you hear and little of what you read.  I will always illustrate and it’s fate that I combine several styles. I am a mix and have always been a mix.

Here’s a work in progress.  Check back to see  how she goes. wip-colorbook.jpg

step by step, how to

Rachel’s value study from the refrigerator

rachel-value studyA jug of maple syrup, a jar of capers and a fresh pear.

A value study using pencil sketch, neutral tint in light, medium and dark mixes.  Then a few touches of glazing with transparent colors once the preliminary was very dry.

Continue reading “Rachel’s value study from the refrigerator”

flora and fauna, Plein Aire Painting, step by step, how to

Coto pool and painting outside plein aire style

W-N-travel-paletteLovely sunny day. Quiet here and wanting to be outside, coto-pool-webmy friend and I set out to spend an hour with our mini palettes and brushes and small watercolor pads. This is the wading pool in my (coto) community. It is complete with great healthy palm trees and singing birds.
It is important and joyful to paint outside. It is a liberating experience. Tiny brush, tiny palette, tiny view of a huge scene. Plein aire paintings are super honest. Perhaps because you have to be quick before the moving sun changes your view.
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AI Art

Notes on Drawing from Life

   Here are a few notes given to my students from my watercolor class. I have started teaching here in my little Mexican community in San Antonio, Mexico. If you are interested in this series of “Painting from Life”, feel free to email me at paintsdaily@gmail.com.

simplify<study line art

check out Picasso early line drawings

Stay loose, don’t worry about details.

Speed draw whenever you can.

Use the timer on your cell phone.