Paint Lab 2

 

Paint Lab 2 began with pouring fluid acrylics but my initial result didn’t look anything like the book’s example. I’m not sure where I went wrong, but I went with it. After I filled in the spaces with watered down paint and let it dry, I saw creatures beginning to emerge. The one on the right was initially hovering upside down, but I realized after stepping away from it for awhile that it didn’t really read that way. I made a couple of changes and then it felt done!

Exploring Paint Lab

I've had this book called Paint Lab by Deborah Forman for six months or so and finally decided to get it out and try some of the 52 different exercises to explore new (to me) methods and techniques. I have very limited experience with acrylics so I think this will be a good starting point for me. I already can see from the very first Lab that I will be changing things up and expanding upon an exercise to reflect more of what I want to paint.

In Lab One, I was instructed to begin with a circle and some intersecting lines, and then fill in the spaces with a different field of color. Once that was dry, I was to layer on mark making with different colors. I did the first part (sorry, forgot to take a photo of it) but then altered the "mark making" part as I'm not interested in creating abstract art. I used the opportunity to just play with layering the paint, and this is what came out of the process.

I really enjoy drawing without a plan and letting the images appear as I go, so painting in this way really appeals to me. I'm looking forward to the next Lab and will continue to share what I am creating!

Framed Cat Painting

I love this wooden off-green frame I found for my new little painting! You can see from the photo below that I started with green and I didn't veer too much from my initial sketch. By the way, I just discovered how wonderful watercolor pencils are for drawing over the dried paint. So easy to just wipe away with a damp towel until you get it just right!

Sleeping Cat Painting

 

Another little painting I finished for the Goleta Valley Artist Tour last month.  Acrylics on sassafras wood, 5x5".  It was inspired by the sleeping cat I painted for Pianos on State.

Purple and Yellow Cat

 

I finished this cat in time for the artist studio tour last weekend!  It's 5" in diameter and was painted with acrylics on a sassafras wood slice.  It's interesting to me to see how it began as an unidentified creature and with a very different color scheme.

 

I never have a plan for my art.  I just start and see where it takes me.  Painting is still relatively new to me and I am trying to get a feel for painting in layers, while at the same time, trying not to stress about what feels like wasting paint!

 

 

GVAA Artist Studio Tour

Art by Christine Brallier

 

This weekend I participated for the first time in the annual Goleta Art Studio Tour where members of the Goleta Valley Art Association (GVAA) open their studio doors to the public to share and sell their art.

Art by Christine Brallier

This year more than 20 artists participated at five locations. I was grouped with three wonderful artists, Marie Arnold and Judy and Warner Nienow, at Marie's home. Marie showed her fabulous abstracts in acrylics as well as her super adorable knitted cactus pin cushions!

Art by Marie Arnold

Art by Marie Arnold

Marie Arnold and her knitted cacti

Judy brought her beautifully expressive animal paintings and still lifes in oils and Warner, his wonderful atmospheric urbanscapes, nocturnes and still lifes in oils.

Art by Judy Nienow

Art by Judy Nienow

Judy Nienow and her art

 

Art by Warner Nienow

Art by Warner Nienow

 

Warner Nienow and his art

 

My artwork included some of my stained glass mosaics, my newest paintings, and a few embroideries.

Art by Christine Brallier

Art by Christine Brallier

We had a steady stream of visitors with lively conversation about art, cacti, travel, and more art! I made many new friends and sold one of my mosaics (thanks Warner and Judy!) as well as some of my books and cards.

Sold! To the Nienows

I haven't been very active with GVAA for the past few years, but I am excited about participating much more this year and in the coming years!

Painting Animals With Brad Nack

Art by Brad Nack


For the past couple of months I have been playing with acrylic paint and not feeling like I was making much progress. I wasn't planning on taking a class, just experimenting on my own; but when I saw that one of my favorite local artists, Brad Nack, was going to be teaching his layering technique of painting animals, I was inspired to sign up.



Art by Brad Nack


I first discovered Brad's art years ago at his annual 100% Reindeer Art Show (Going 20 years now!) I was instantly drawn to his colorful, quirky reindeer with crazed expressions and began following along on his artistic journey. So I was excited when I discovered he would be teaching a two hour class at my local Art From Scrap (his artwork is currently on exhibit there so go see it while you can! 302 E. Cota, Santa Barbara, CA)

Brad was a lot of fun and I'm newly inspired to continue my exploration with paint!



Getting ideas for an animal




Was there ever any doubt I would choose a cat?


 

First and second layers of paint



Student work with Brad's art above

Student work with Brad's art above

It's not finished yet, but Raymi approves!