Joan Sicignano's Fine Art

Frank F. Penney Boat Builders

2012-02-08T12:17:00.000-08:00

Monday and Tuesday, Mike and I went to the Sayville Maritime Museum. I did the lower wc sketch on location at the Sayville Marina. The top was a more studied sketch from my photos.

The temps have been spring like, in the upper 50's, but today Jack Frost is returning and dusting us with some of the white stuff I love so much. To all my blogger friends in England, hope you are enjoying your winter wonderland.
As for Bruce Sherman, we know you won't see any ground until late spring. My daughter went to Plattsburg and it snowed from Oct. to April.

Happy Painting everyone.

WCpaper 300lb. rough, 140 rough

2012-02-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

On a runaway horse called Watercolor Painting.

Another day experimenting with various papers. Yes my blogger friends you are all so correct about different papers and their affect on wc painting.
Once again Miller's Pond painted on 350lb. rough. The second is actually a still life from memory. This was the set up on Wednesday at the library. The second was painted on 140lb. rough.

I'm actually enjoying all of these failed attempts, no longer playing safe and enjoying the adventure into the wonderful world watercolor.

Miller's Pond Snow Scene

2012-02-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Snow scene at Miller's Pond. This is a watercolor on a 140lb. watercolor paper , from cousin Sue. Love the texture of the paper, still some getting use to how it responds to the paint. Aint easy, but love it anyway. Yesterday I was with my art group. It's wonderful working with fellow artist. The temps reached 64, but we were not outdoors, we met at the Bayshore Library.

Time Travel

2012-01-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

Rainy day on Long Island, so I did a little time travel in my closet and finally came across a photo of Roxanne, portrait commission I did for Mr. Webster of Seatuk. It was a wonderful experience going to his estate once a week to do sketches of Roxanne, she was a very old King Charles Spaniel. This was a 16x20 oil.

The charcoal sketches were done in the 90's as well, I use to study by working from photos of models, something I no longer do. It is far better to work from life. I laugh when looking at these ladies, back in the90's before botox injections were used. It was strictly makeup.
Now I will return to my closet and try to organize, wow, just have collected so much junk. Have a great weekend everyone.

Miller's Pond

2012-01-26T12:03:00.000-08:00

So I had name of the road Maple Ave correct. , but the name of the pond, not lake is Miller's Pond. Mike and I were able to get over there while the snow was still on the ground. These are my studies using my Kuretake Zigg Pen with sepia ink. Great tool to have for quick sketches on location. What is great about this spot, aside from the water fowl, people come to feed these poor creatures. How they survive the winter is a miracle.

Once I decide on the composition I will do another 6x8 oil of this lovely location. Happy Painting.

Maple Avenue Lake 2

2012-01-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

It seems that the easiest way to learn about color and tonal values is to stay with the same scene. Couldn't resist doing this again. Thanks to Trudy, using her suggestion about changing the atmosphere. Lots of fun. Happy Painting everyone.

Maple Ave. Lake

2012-01-17T14:07:00.000-08:00

This is the 6x8 oil I did from my Maple ave. sketches and photo. Really want to go back and paint this on location and try to capture various weather conditions. Great fun. Happy painting everyone.

Watercolor studies

2012-01-15T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tools shed and hot house at Seatuk and a sketch done at Maple Ave. Lake. Don't understand this format and new design. So much to learn. I thought learning to paint was difficult but this new blog design is very confusing.

Happy Painting everyone.

New Blog Joan's Daily Journal

2012-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

Good Morning everyone. Still not able to respond or post comments. Until the problem is resolved I will be posting from http://jsicignano.blogspot.com/. I have worked so hard and long on this blog I do hope the blogger.com can fix this problem. Doreen, I did go into the design page and checked out other problems, that's another thing, no longer have the word Dashboard on top of my page, it's Design. Strange stuff going on in Blogger Land.

Cousin Sue is visiting later today, and Vic, I couldn't leave a comment on your blog either.
Happy Painting Everyone.

The Little Church at The Grange Park

2012-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

Watercolor from the sketch I did on location on Saturday. Still want to develop this into a larger painting, first I will make changes in the composition. More lead into the foreground.

Hope everyone is into this new year painting and sketching. Have a great day.

Fruit Still Life

2012-01-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, my dashboard has changed and really don't know what I am doing. Well this is a 6x8 oil on canvas of some of the left over fruit from Christmas. One good thing, just noticed the spell check icon, which I desperately need.

Sagamore Golden Grasses WIP

2012-01-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

These post are my paintings started before Christmas, Sagamore, and Meadow Farm house.

The two watercolors are from the other day, Mike and I did go to Maple Ave. and I painted from the car, took photos and finished at home.

Happy painting everyone.

Reflections

2012-01-02T09:07:00.000-08:00

Watercolor, from a photo that was taken at Blydenburg park, in November. Mike and I are going out later today. There is a little duck pond in Smithtown, we can park and I can sketch from the car. The weather is still above average in temps, so it's good to take advantage before the snow and cold arrives on Long Island. Happy Painting everyone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Can you believe another year on it's way out. Just wanted to wish all of my fellow bloggers a most Wonderful, Happy, Healthy New Year.

Looking forward to painting and just enjoying every day. So once again my friends. Happy Painting to All

http://www.flickr.com/photos/joansicignanosart

Christmas Break

2011-12-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

I want to wish all of my fellow bloggers a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year. I should just say Happy Holiday to all. Because we are all so very busy with family and shopping and etc. it's a good time just to simply take a break.

These are a few of the sketches from this past week.

Mr. Webster and Seatuk

2011-12-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Mike and I went searching for the Seatuk , know as the Scully Manor. I first became aware of this beautiful place from my friend Joan who posted her lovely painting on her blog. Later I spoke with Sue, another fellow painter and she gave me directions on how to get there.

Long story short, I did this on location, sun in my eyes could not do it justice and will return. As for Mr. Webster, in the 90's he commissioned me to do a portrait of his St. Charles Spaniel, Roxanne. I would go to his estate and sketch Roxanne, and then later painted her portrait. Mr. Webster was the founder of the Seatuk Environmental Society in which his property and that of the Scully Manor are all one. Happy Painting everyone.

Memories from Christmas Past

2011-12-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

These are a few of my family treasures. Old Christmas ornaments that my mother in law used to decorate her tree. My grandchildren hung these with great care.
Journaling is bringing such enjoyment and is just what is needed after my family returned to Virginia yesterday.

Happy Painting all.

Sagamore Hill

2011-12-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to go to Sagamore Hill, the home of Teddy Roosevelt. It's located in Oyster Bay. Mike and I had a great day, we hiked down a steep wooded path to get to the beach.

Not wanting to take all of my equipment, all I had was a watercolor sketch pad and my brush pens.

The first sketch is with the brush pens on location. The second is a pen sketch and then watercolors.

I started a 9x12 acrylic painting yesterday, still working on that one, will post next week. My little chicks are coming home for a visit tonight.

Happy Painting everyone and have a great weekend.

Acrylic Minatures

2011-12-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Thought it would be fun to do some mini's, to get back into acrylic painting. Happy Painting everyone.

Sketches from this week

2011-12-04T17:05:00.000-08:00

Starting with today. After getting the call I was wishing for , my daughter and the family will be visiting us on the weekend. Now I have Christmas spirit. Mike and I went to Sayville so that I could sketch some of the shops and then we proceeded to the water and a little more sketching.

The tops sketch is of the Main St. Italian Bistro in Patchogue.

The second is a composite of some of the places I went to with PALS, our plein air group. The coffee pot was last Sunday morning. I just want to start my day with a little fun sketch. The last is Sayville, behind main st. These are all great fun to do, without the stress of getting into anything to complicated. So hence, sketching it is for awhile. Happy painting everyone, or sketching. Enjoy.

Back To Work

2011-11-28T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have a new addiction: No, not drugs or smoking or alcohol, it's Kuretake Zig pens. Thanks to Nikira. What a great way to approach a painting. This is one of the shacks on Paulston's farm. I chose to do a study first before the actual painting. Using my new zig pen, and a little bit of a watercolor wash. Great fun.
The second is just various shades of blue ink also using Kuretake Zig pen.
The third is the Meadow Croft estate, in sepia ink. Whether or not these turn into a painting is still undecided, but it takes me a step further than the usual thumb nail studies, while trying to improve my drawing skills. Yep a little bit of sugar helps etc. etc. Drawing has never been my strong suit, so the pens do help to motivate me. HAPPY PAINTING EVERYONE.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL

2011-11-23T14:41:00.000-08:00

I would love to take this moment of peace and quiet to wish all of my fellow blogger a very safe and healthy Thanksgiving. For all who do not live in the US. I will simply wish you a very Happy Thursday.

As for my painting, it was juried into the Vineyard show in Greenport. Very excited about the show and just thankful for the is amazing joy that I feel every time there is a brush or pen in my hand. Happy Painting Everyone.

Sunday Morning Sketch

2011-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I have crossed over and joined some of my fellow bloggers who enjoy sketching with various pens. There are several post on my side bar of the groups or artist who enjoy sketching on a daily basis.

In the picture are some of my latest toys. John W J. you are so right about treating yourself to art supplies for you special day. My latest is the Noodlers fountain pen. I am also expecting a delivery from Jet Pens. Reading Nikiraart blog I wanted to try the Kuretake pens, can't wait to get them. Happy painting or drawing everyone.

While White Christmas Plays on the radio

2011-11-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

I have been still trying to do David Dunlop's watercolor with acrylic gloss medium paper prep. In my previous post I mentioned gesso as the preparation , well both can be used. Gotta say, it aint easy. This is actually a very old technique used by the masters such as Turner and others. It gives us a chance to treat watercolor as an oil painting. The paint can be applied and then either taken off with a brush to either correct or add highlights. It gets tricky. It's fun, but I prefer watercolor painting being just that a watercolor with all the spontinaeity that comes with that medium. It's a quick kill or very successful. But as you all now I do love trying new techniques. Happy Painting everyone.

Meadow Farm

2011-11-16T10:43:00.001-08:00

Yesterday we went back to Meadow Farm. A lovely place to paint. I used the opportunity to do some sketching rather than paint in oil or acrylic.

The only sketch I did was the wood shed. Today in the studio with the help of digital photos I have been working at different methods to achieve my desire to do justice to this enchanted farm. My favorite is the shed, still have to work on the roof line. Happy painting everyone.

Just Playing

2011-11-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

I received my new toys, SAI watercolor brushes and had a ball experimenting. The larger paintings are a David Dunlop technique that I learned. It's watercolor that can be erased by preparing the paper with gesso. Colors can be applied or wiped off with ease. It's amazing how it works, still haven't mastered the technique but great fun learning new things.
Must run, Mike and I are on our way out, but will return to visit all of you latest post and to thank you all for the wonderful comment on my previous post. Where does the time go?

MeadowCroft Marsh Studies

2011-11-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

Playing with some watercolor techniques. First I painted on Strathmore Windpower Watercolor paper 140lb. cold press, using my Schmincke watercolor paints, then I used the

Cottman watercolor travel watercolor paints. It never ceases to amaze me how paper, paint and brushes handle so differently. It's like riding a bucking horse. Needless to say, today I was thrown, but I will be back in the saddle tomorrow. Happing Painting everyone.

Plein air at the Aboretum

2011-11-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

We went to the Arboretum on Tuesday. Where or where are the fall colors. These are 2 6x8 acrylic paintings started at the aboretum and completed at home.

Happy Painting all.

My Sketches

2011-10-31T10:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend was cold and windy, yep, Central Park got 2.9"s of snow. We got to see lots of cold rain and some snow flurries. That being said, I would like to share with all of you a blog I came across it's Nikiraart. Her work is amazing. She has captured that old world charm in her drawings and sketches.

Inspired by her, I found myself in AC Moore yesterday looking for ink. It turns out that they were running a 50% off sale on all art supplies. I purchased Liquitex ink and a bamboo brush. Years ago I learned about the crow quill dip pens and bamboo brushes, and ink. Of course not having any of the pens that Nikira uses I managed to achieve the affect I wanted.

For now it's back to my paints. but this was a great way to recharge my artistic battery. Happy painting everyone.

Life Drawing Workshop

2011-10-27T11:48:00.001-07:00

What a great way to spend a rainy fall day. Today was my first day back to the life drawing workshop. What a joy it was to meet up with the wonderful artist who attend the workshop. Megan the model is wonderful, how she manages the pose and keeps it for longer thank a minute is truly amazing.

Happy painting everyone.

Pumpkin Farms

2011-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Last year we painted at the Harbes Pumpkin Farm. I was happy with this painting and remembered that the composition is what my main concern was, not the pumpkins. I proceeded to paint the dirt first then added pumpkins.

As you can see, I have changed my recent pumpkin painting, thank you all so much for the wonderful input.

I did away with much of those pumpkins, what was I thinking that day. I will continue to develop this painting. The colors in the photo aren't accurate, there isn't that much yellow. All in all painting is something I love to do, no matter how difficult it is at times. Happy Painting to all of my blogger friends.

Plein air at the pumpkin farm stand

2011-10-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago we painted at at farm stand in Patchogue. Here we are lost in the moment of total concentration.

I wasn't able to finish the 11x14 acrylic on location. The 11x14 shown is still a wip, unfortunately my interest in finishing this is gone. So it will be left for awhile, then I will try to finish, or maybe not.

Happy painting everyone.

Fall studies of apples and pumpkins

2011-10-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

The weeks are going by so fast. These are some of the studies I have done. Fall is such a beautiful time of the year. I am presently working on a 11x14 acrylic of the nursery we painted at last week. Happy Painting everyone.

Flowerfield last summer

2011-10-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

4x6 acrylic on RayMar panel. My friend Jeanne took a great picture of this location, couldn't resist doing the 4x6, of this scene. Happy Painting everyone.

Fall Colors Study acrylic

2011-10-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the sloppy perspective of the house. My intension was simply to study the various colors that blesses us in this magnificent season. In using acrylic paints my palette consist of t. white, ultra marine blue, indian yellow, napthal red and of course some opaque colors, cad. yellow light, cad. red, burnt sienna. A palette that Roger Bansemer uses. I have learned so much watching his dvds. Check his blog located on my side bar . Thoughts on painting and art.

October Rose

2011-10-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Picked this Rose bud from my garden, couldn't believe that it bloomed this late. The first is a watercolor and pencil sketch and the second pen and ink and watercolor in my sketch journal.

Just want to keep producing every day. Happy painting everyone.

Back to Work

2011-10-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

These are the latest , the pumpkin and duck sketch was done last night and the boat in an acrylic that I am working on, of course the farm stand was completed today. Gotta say it aint easy getting back into the swing of things. Hopefully it will get easier. The farm stand was sprayed with Damar Varnish for oils, oops, oh well don't really care for the painting it's on its way to the closet. Happy Painting to all.

Farm Stand Plein Air WIP

2011-10-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Trying to get back into the swing of things. Just returned home on Tuesday, great visit with the grandchildren. I began this painting at the Farm Stand , the Tuesday before and still needs lots of tweaking. It's 8x10 acrylic. Roger Bansemer a very gifted artist and is on PBS stations but not in NY. I have purchased his dvds and find them so inspiring. He and his wife travel to historic places in the States and he paints plein air in acrylic. Sarah visits with the local caretakers and is always packed with great historical facts. Roger then paints and returns to his studio for some more great tips. So for now, it's back to work and more studies.

Happy Painting to All.

Meadow Croft Tool shed

2011-09-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

6x8 acrylic on canvas. I did this from a photo I took at the Meadow Croft Estate last week. We went plein air painting this past Tuesday to a farm stand, will post that next week.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Mastic Beach Just a Test

2011-09-26T04:59:00.000-07:00

Good morning all my blogger friends, this was painted plein air two weeks ago at the Mastic Dock. It's an acrylic and still needs more work. Just wanted to actually download a picture from my new computer. And I love it, wow how easy compared to my old Dell, that was on it's way out. By the way Cathyann, took your advise and it worked all of it, deep breath, coctail stired not shaken, just what the doctor ordered. Now it's back to painting for me. Have a great day everyone.

Getting to Know My HP

2011-09-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Vic, you were so right, what a horror. Just started and don't understand how to navigate this thing. All my blogger friends hope you are all having a wonderful weekend.

I Shall Return

2011-09-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I will be picking up my new computer. Hopefully the transition won't be to difficult. I have been enjoying all of your latest postings. Vic, Lin, Bruce, Joan, Sue, Suz and Cathyann and Michael. My grandchildren are back home and Mike and I are once again adjusting to peace and tranquility. Hence shopping for a new computer and camera.

So I am wishing you all Happy Painting , I can't wait to have a brush in my hand it's going on to long without. Stay well all and I will be posting a few days.

Taking A Break

2011-09-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Thought I would post this one I did during the summer. It has been posted before the title Summer Lovin. My grandchildren are coming home this weekend and there is much to do, like stocking our pantry with lots of junk food.

Tomorrow I will be taking my computer to Staples for a check up, I might need to purchase a new one, oh boy, that's going to be a problem trying to transfer all of my files. Don't have a clue how that's done. I should be back posting early next week. Hope all is well with everyone and happy painting to all.

Stony Brook and Fire Island Light WIP

2011-09-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

I started these sketches yesterday. Michael, I used the water & wash graphite in my Moleskine and love working with the w&w graphite pencils. I also started the 5x7 StonyBrook sketch in acrylic and the Fire Island Light needs lots of tweaking, it's a 4x6 acrylic on mdf, and I attempted to paint the structure on the easel, hence it is slightly tilted. I'll worry about it tomorrow. Nap time, happy painting everyone.

Back In Time

2011-09-07T12:20:00.001-07:00

The first day the hurricane hit, I did these of the very necessary lamps that would be needed for the week. How fortunate we are to have so much of the modern day conveniences. I just noticed that Carole Marine lost her home during the Texas fire. I will read more about this on Cathyann's blog. Stay safe everyone.

From Nurcy's Garden

2011-09-04T06:10:00.001-07:00

During the hurricane, as you know there were 500,000 homes without power on Long Island. First and foremost I hope all that had to endure Irene are safe and well . We were without power for 7 days. Today I am changing my telephone, internet and tv service. I will have to navigate and make necessary changes with email and blog, and website.

During the storm my neighborhood rallied as it has always done for the 45yrs we have lived on this block. Most of my neighbors have moved or passed away, but there are a few of us that still remain. But all of us helped one another, either with food or in Nurcys case the produce from her garden. She came with a magnificent display of egg plant, peppers, cherry tomatoes , cucumbers and rosemary. Nurcy's gardening is what painting is to me, a labor of love. I did an 11x14 sketch, an 6x8, and a sketch of her house 8x10 in acrylic. Once I complete the paintings I will sign and spray the 11x14 and it is my gift to Nurcy. I don't know when I will be able to post again. In the meantime I wish everyone to be safe and well and happy painting to all.

While Waiting for Irene

2011-08-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

Good morning. Well we are about to have a visitor this weekend. Thought it would be best to post while we have the comforts of home, like electricity. The first is a painting of a corner house with a lovely Rose of Sharon tree. It's an acrylic 8x10. The other two are sketches, one using my moleskine, the mug isn't really painted tilted, it isn't really a good photo, the onions another addition in my veggie journal. To all living in the track of Irene, stay safe. Happy weekend to all.

Brookhaven dock

2011-08-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Last summer our group went to a dock in Brookhaven, don't remember the name. I took pictures and painted that day. Yesterday I did this 6x8 study on mdf board, from one of my photos. I worked in acrylic for a change and it definitely has its pros and cons. I love oils the best, but it was also so much fun working in acrylic. Happy painting to all.

5 Steps Forward, 5 Steps Back "Cha' Cha' Cha"

2011-08-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

The wonderful thing about painting, whether it's on location or home in the studio, it's always a mystery on how the painting will turn out. Well anyway, long story short, here we are Mike and me on location. My paintings needs tons of correcting, shape, tones and color, oh my what else , maybe the closet. In spite of all the trials and tribulations of being an artist. Mike and I are enjoying be out there. As you can see he is engrossed in one of his history books. Happy painting everyone.

From the market

2011-08-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Mike and I went shopping for groceries. I wanted to start a new series of fruits and veggies in my journal. Of course I also thought of healthy foods to eat. These studies are done in watercolor in my journal. The radish leaves began wilting, it's truly a challenge working from life, whether plain air outdoors or still life set up, but all great fun. Happy painting everyone. It's time to give Mike a hair cut.

Home Grown

2011-08-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I started painting at 9 am. Mike is growing basil and tomatoes. What a perfect subject to study, not to mention the wonderful aroma of fresh basil. The first tomato is a 5x7 oil on ramar panel, the second 6x8 on mdf and third 8x10 on canvas panel. Happy painting everyone.

Floral Still Life

2011-08-05T05:05:00.000-07:00

8x10 Oil. Now that we are in August my thoughts are turning towards still life paintings. In the meantime I posted this still life painted last year.

Chasing The Blues Away

2011-08-03T10:15:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, my grandchildren are moving to another state. They are moving on Sunday. I am happy for them and it is a good move. Now what does a grandma do? Paint and experiment with another medium. That is what I did, this is an acrylic on 6x8 mdf board. It's just a sketch, just something different, to prevent me from wallowing in self-pity. Happy painting everyone.

Summer Abstractions

2011-08-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

My Rose of Sharon, 9x12 oil on board. Just painted this sketch. The lily pads were at Brookwood Hall lake. I must go back and paint on location, so Monet, please don't turn over, I will try to do better. The third is what I started last Tuesday, another reason to go back to Brookwood Hall.
Hope everyone is staying cool.

Bayard Cutting Aboretum in Oakdale

2011-07-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

10x12 oil on mdf board. When my friends painted at this location I was unable to join them. Mike and I went there a few days later, I did a few watercolor sketches and took photos. This was done today from one of my photos. Still a little more tweaking to do, I enjoyed painting this one.

Happy painting to all.

How toSurvive a Heat Wave

2011-07-23T13:04:00.000-07:00

This past week we have endured temps well into the 90's. The last two days we hit the 100 mark. The first painting was done on location Stony Brook again. The second was done today in watercolor. The rest of my studies , the peach I ate before completing the study. It was delish!!. the hydrangeas are incomplete, the red roses plucked from my garden this morning.
Have a great weekend and stay cool.

Paint!! That's how to survive a heat wave.

Plein Air

2011-07-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Painting with friends is one of life's joys. On Tuesdays PALS meet and paint at various locations on Long Island. The odd shape oil was done on location. It was from a mdf board scrap piece. It was fun and exciting to create a composition on the odd shape. The second was painted from my plein air sketch and digital photo in the studio.

Now I am off to the back yard to paint in watercolor. I have a strawberry plant that I want to paint. Thanks to Lin Fry, who just painted lovely plums picked from the farmers market.
Happy Painting to Everyone.

Playing with Paint

2011-07-08T10:21:00.000-07:00

Two more oils, the first 9x12 of Sands Beach Stony Brook, the second was at one of the marinas from last summer. The Stony Brook was sketched on location and then painted at home. The second was from a digital photo.

It helps to make studio studies and prepare for plein air. Gotta say, once painting outdoors it's pray, paint, and hope for the best. Happy Painting Everyone.

SUMMER LOVIN and SANDS BEACH WIP

2011-07-06T08:57:00.000-07:00

Two oils wip. The first was started last week, 10x12 the second 11x14, started 45 min. ago. Mike and I went back to Stony Brook. I did sketching on the beach and took some photos. We then went to Avolon Park, took a hike through the park and took more photos. I do want to go back and paint on location. Happy Painting everyone.

SEA HUNT

2011-06-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

Oil, 10x12 mdf board. Yesterday was a plein air day. We met at the Maritime Museum in Sayville. I started this painting on location and finished it at home. It was incredibly difficult, which delights me totally. Realizing that it isn't always about color, more importantly it's about the tones. My good friend Vic is wonderful with the tonal quality in is work. Bruce, you were so right, love working on a larger piece ( 10x12), very freeing, however I forgot to KISS ha ha!
Happy Painting Everyone.

Brookwood Hall

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Watercolor, study.
Brookwood Hall in East Islip is one of my favorite places to paint and of course do life drawing workshops.

After one of the workshop I noticed the Carriage House and just had to paint it, on location and from a photo. This is one from the photo I had taken. I will go back to do an oil, using a 10x12 prepared mdf board. A larger format suggested by Bruce Sherman, thanks Bruce.

Life Drawing Workshop

2011-06-23T11:53:00.001-07:00

Today was the last workshop, we will return in Sept. Once again it was totally enjoyable. Some of the poses I used my Rotring artpen and I also worked in pen with a watercolor wash. To my surprise, the craft paper notebook I purchased from Wal mart served me well. It took the pen and wash work beautifully. The model was great, she is also an artist and knows exactly which pose to use while artist warm up and leaves the difficult poses for the 20 minute study. Great fun.

In My Own Backyard

2011-06-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

I had to stop painting because of rain. I did manage to get an hr. in painting my shed. My shed, the one Mike built is falling apart like Mike and me. But it is one of my favorite subjects to paint, especially when the lilies are in bloom. Couldn't resist adding the clothes line and clothes pins, even though it is seldom used. The second painting was done yesterday. A 5x7 oil, one of the historic building in Sayville. Had a difficult time pulling together, composition and everything about this little painting wasn't to my satisfaction. But all in all bad days painting plein air are just as valuable as good days.

Tomorrow is another life drawing workshop. The ladies that do this workshop work in watercolor as well as those sketching in pencil or charcoal. I would love to achieve figurative painting in watercolor. Practice, Practice, Practice!!! Happy painting everyone. Thank you Bruce Sherman, your tip on painting greens, by adding structure makes the greens easier to paint.

Life Drawing Workshop

2011-06-17T05:40:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a great adventure and change for me. I went to a life drawing workshop. These are the 1, 2, 5 minute poses. The angle was incredibly difficult. Especially the first with the angle of her bent leg. I will go back next Thursday. It was a 3hr. workshop, these were the best of my efforts.

Stonybrook Inlet WIP

2011-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

Two 8x10 oils. Stonybrook was done from one of my photos. The East Islip Marina was done from a sketch done on location. It was a dull overcast, hot and humid day. Looking forward to plein air painting tomorrow. Happy Painting Everyone.

Oh Woe Is Me, Them Terrible Greens

2011-06-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day at Flowerfield. I worked in oils, using my primary palette on canvas board that was primed with gesso and texture paste, I digress. The second painting was done on location and worked on at home, just couldn't pull it together. It's headed for the closet. The second was done in 45 minutes, a quickie.

Greens, not using the color green, but mixing various shades and tones of greens with the primary colors. It aint easy! All in all it's just part of the process, and I love a challenge. Happy Painting everyone

Flowerfield WIP

2011-06-06T15:28:00.000-07:00

Last week our plein air group went to Flowerfield to paint. It was a glorious location which we plan to return to tomorrow. The first watercolor is a sketch using a bit to much frisket. I started another watercolor in the studio from my sketch. It's pretty tricky business using frisket. It's all so difficult, but all so wonderful. Tomorrow I will gather more information on site and eventually do an oil. Happy Painting All!!

Torn Between Two Loves

2011-05-31T06:21:00.001-07:00

Happy Tuesday morning to all of you. Today is a plein air painting day. Looking forward to meeting up with my friends. These are my watercolor sketches from the last few days. The beach scene is a wip. I love working in all mediums, my favorites are oil and watercolor. Hence the title two loves. Happy Painting.

Avalon Park Stonybrook

2011-05-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Finally the sun came out and I took advantage of the glorious day. My friends painted at Avalon Park three weeks ago. It's a great place to paint plein air. I chose this angle, however everything was so green including the water. So this was just my short hand notes for a future oil painting.

Rain Rain Go Away

2011-05-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

While waiting for the sun to shine, it was necessary to resort to partially paint from a photo and sketch of Stonybrook. Today was to be a plein air painting day at Smiths Point , I opted not to go. There is so much to learn from studio painting, that can be applied to plein air. In studying Robert Brindley, I did this on textured mdf board, using just the primary colors red, yellow and blue. It just felt so good to be back painting in oils. Happy painting everyone.

Pen & Ink

2011-05-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

Once again time is limited so I have done some pen and ink sketches. I love my Rotring Artpen. I did these sketches while waiting for my grandson's school bus.

The floral was done the next day.

Plein air studies

2011-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

Don't think the blog is working, but this is my latest studies. Using watercolor, just quick sketches.

May Flowers

2011-05-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

My Son and his family are returning home today. This is the first day I actually had time to do some painting. These are two watercolor sketches and one graphite. The tree is surrounded by beautiful azaleas not fully in bloom. Depending on the weather tomorrow , I will go out to paint this magnificent array of beautiful colors. The little tulip study is a gift from my son and his family on mothers day. Happy painting everyone.

Virginia and Gabriella

2011-05-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

Mariano, is an artist who is not afraid to go out on a limb. He is a very gifted artist. Determined to do portraits and to be proud of each one that he does is
a gift in of itself. He is eager to master the art of portraiture and does not sabotage his early attempts with harsh self criticism.

Inspired by him I have done these two sketches of my grand daughters.

Back to Stonybrook

2011-05-02T10:45:00.000-07:00

11x14 oil on canvas. Just did this one this morning. Using the texture paste to prepare the canvas , then toning it with a wash of ultra marine and cad. red. Thanks to Robert Brindley. This does need more work, I will give it a day or two. Eventually I will go back to my own way of painting, it's just so much fun experimenting with these different methods. I never heard of texture paste. Robert Brindley was kind enough to answer my email inquiry. I hope all of you are enjoying this wonderful day. Especially knowing that that horrible man was finally taken out, maybe we can live in a world free of terrorism. With the help of brave men and women and of course God.

Mamma Mia Here I Go Again

2011-05-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

A week of life's little surprises and not really being able to paint I started studying a new technique. Just a study in color possibilities not composition or even accurate drawing of subject matter. That's what I find so intriguing about art, little bits and pieces in the learning process.

Watercolor is a wonderful medium to study., while preparing my panels for future oil paintings. Hopefully this week won't be so hectic.
Do hope everyone in enjoying life and spring weather.

Blinded by the light

2011-04-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sayville waterfront. Last Wednesday evening the Patchogue sketch group met at the Sayville waterfront. Unfortunately I was at the wrong side and missed my artist friends. I did the watercolor sketches from my car. There really wasn't much sun light, but the glare of the sky blinded me to everything in the foreground. I continued to sketch and then decided to look to the right and sketch the scene away from the light. Great idea until a car pulled up and blocked my view.
Determined to do an oil from my watercolor sketch, I didn't take a digital photo. The only thing I can say about this painting , is, I kept my promise and didn't work from a photo. In doing this I learned that the first impression is the best. My oil is lacking in so many ways. I tried to recapture the scene that I remembered from that evening. I didn't succeed this time, but I will eventually. All in all I am loving this new adventure that is before me and it is great fun. Happy painting to all. I wish you all a very Happy Easter.

A Promise

2011-04-20T09:56:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Paul Bachem. My studies has taken me to a fork in the road. Do I continue to depend on digital photos taken during my plein air trips last year or do I simply work from memory or my plein air sketches.

Paul is one of the gifted artist I follow. The list is quite long and I am always in awe of the their work. Paul writes in his blog that he works on location and when the weather doesn't cooperate he paints a still life. Bruce Sherman works outdoors in all kinds of weather.

I made a promise to work only from life. This is a painting I just started today, it is a 16x20 on mdf board. Which was primed with Brian Ryders recipe of pink and raw sienna mixed with gesso and spackle. Using a previous sketch and little from my memory of what was seen last year, I began playing with the application of paint. My work will probably be very redundant until the weather improves. Happy Painting Everyone.

The Sky Isn't Always Blue

2011-04-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Today was just a study in color. I am still using the 3 primary colors and white. It is still to cold on Long Island to do plein air painting. So I am taking this time to do color studies. The atmospheric conditions on Long Island can vary from very gray dull days to brilliant colorful skies.

Using only the three colors it will be so beneficial to me not to feel like a pack horse when we do venture out. It will lighten my load, 4 tubes, blue, yellow, red and of course white and turps. I am not concerned with composition or structure today, that will come later.
Happy Painting to all.

Robert Brindley Tech,

2011-04-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today it was back to my studies. The tulips were purchased yesterday and this is just my first blocking in stage.

The beach scene is a second attempt of Sayville beach. This time using the Robert Brindley Tech. of painting in just the primary colors. The panel is textured with a paste.

In learning various techniques it always amazes me how difficult painting can be and I find that challenging and motivating.

Happy Painting Everyone.

Boat Studies

2011-04-12T09:24:00.001-07:00

Boat studies, the first is the graphite water wash pencil, the second a water color study and the third a 6x8 oil on canvas that still needs work. The angle of the boats are very difficult and as you can see they aren't quite right. That will come in time with more practice. The oil , was more of a study in using a limited palette of the primary colors. All in all a productive day for me, now I am off to Home Depot to buy mdf board and have it cut into larger panels, 16x20 and 18x24.

Gilette Park The little house sketches

2011-04-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning sketches in pen and ink, graphite waterwash pencils, and pen and watercolor. Just to start my week with a few sketches.

Cigar Box pochade

2011-04-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well these are my cigar boxes that are great little pochades without the expense. My husband Mike used a chain and small nails to keep the back cover in a position to be able to paint.

I purchased 3 boxes and I find them great for little still life painting at the kitchen table.

I have learned so much from other artist. If you look at my side bar, there is an artist who makes their own pochade boxes as well.

Happy painting everyone.

Sayville Beach WIP

2011-04-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Still working, just did a little more on the beach scene. More tweaking needed on the building. Now I am going to play with my new cigar box pochade. Went to the local smoke shop and bought the cigar boxes, my husband made it possible to use them as my little pochade box. I will post it tomorrow.

I started this beach scene yesterday. It's an 11x14 on mdf board. I am using Brian Ryder's technique.

You can see the acrylic under painting. In the second stage I began adding more colors. I am hopeful that I can pull this one off, if not. I will do another.

Happy painting everyone.

Sayville Beach Update

2011-04-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

Still working on the Sayville Beach scene. In learning new techniques, it's like riding a wave. These recent post I used David Dunlop technique. Very different from Brian Ryder.

In studying various techniques it's so true what they say " The more you learn, the less you know". Oh, well it's all fun.

Even though my actual age is way up there, I feel like a toddler taking my first steps.

Happy Painting everyone.

Sayville Beach

2011-04-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

8x10 90 minute study of the Sayville Beach. Yesterday I finally got out to sketch and take some photos. Today it was a study in oil, that is still on my easel.

Meadow Croft WIP

2011-04-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

This is closer to what I am trying to achieve. I still need to tweak the colors. I like this better than the first but still needs more work.

You know what they say about 20 20 hindsight . After a few days I will take another look at this and see what else I can do.

In the meantime. Happy Painting everyone.

Back to work

2011-03-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

Correction: the first is a pen and ink wash.

Tuesday morning and it's still so cold outside. I started these studies on Sunday. Hopefully this week I will be able to produce a painting. Where does the time go?

The first study is done using the Rotring artpen, the second using graphite wash pencil, the third just graphite.

The other studies are both done in pen and ink and graphite wash.

Happy painting everyone.

Wonderful Surprise

2011-03-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sail Boat WIP

2011-03-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Being out ones comfort zone is an amazing experience. I am studying the Brian Ryder's technique of Atmospheric Painting. Vic, Brian's technique is no walk in the park.

First it's the prep work of priming the canvas or mdf board with pink toned acrylic mixed with gesso and a spackle powder purchased from Home Depot.

It gives the surface a very rough texture. The rest in applying the paint in a scrubbing in or scumbling.

When done correctly, it can be lovely.
I have been so comfortable painting wet into wet this is very different. But I am loving of minute of the learning experience. Like a toddler, one step and boom. But eventually the toddler does learn to walk.

From the Past

2011-03-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

5x7 oil. radishes, acrylic on canvas board.

I will be posting some of my earlier works while working on some new ideas for future paintings.

Happy Painting Everyone.

Paulson's Farm Lake in Oil

2011-03-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

8x10 oil study of the lake. Still studying Brian Ryder's technique. Very interesting and not easy for me.

The second is also an 8x10 on mdf board that has been primed with a polyfilla and colored gesso. It's all so new and exciting.

I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful spring like weather.

Have a great weekend.

Never Go Back

2011-03-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Well folks that's what I did. Returned to the scene, not a pretty picture. Unfortunately in my attempt to correct my country road it turned out to be down hill all the way.

Bruce, my bossies are growing. It's all okay because I will start another painting and hopefully it will be better next time.

Still having fun playing with paint.

Happy Painting Everyone.

All In A Days Work

2011-03-15T06:37:00.000-07:00

All in a days work. My studies for future oil paintings. Getting all my duck in a row!.

Paulson Farm Wood shed. Watercolor on 140lb. wc paper.

The two are mini's of the same wood shed. Trying to come up with a nice composition, studies from my previous sketches.

The two boat scenes are of the Stony Brook harbor. I did these studies on pastel paper using watercolor . Love this technique, it's all new to me. Of course the ducks and that goose look pretty strange, I did it holding my rotring artpen at the very top and not resting my hand on the paper. Hence the Funny Goose. Happy Painting Everyone!

Still Life

2011-03-13T06:54:00.001-07:00

Still life studies of pears and eggplant and other kitchen objects.

I will be doing a painting in oil this week.

Just a word on the devastation in Japan. Here we are in our safe world of drawing and painting while a catastrophic event is happening. May our hearts, thoughts, and prayers be for the people in Japan and their loved ones.

To my fellow bloggers, stay safe, well and happy.

Along a Country Road

2011-03-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

8x10 oil on canvas covered mdf board. I primed the canvas such as Brian Ryders technique using a pink acrylic under painting.

The colors I used were not Brians, but more of a limited earth tone palette. I did this wet into wet, and it was a one hour study. Vic Errington has also influenced me with his wonderful country side paintings. I am so thrilled I actually added a tree and cows that weren't there.

The first study was of course a pencil wash and the second a watercolor study. All in all a very fun morning.

Happy Painting Everyone.

Patchogue Lake

2011-03-08T10:41:00.000-08:00

I did this in pen and ink, then experimented with watercolor. Great fun. It is a little lake in Patchogue.

The next one was just a study in watercolor washes also using pen and ink.

The floral study I used my Rotring artpen and then a water wash.

When I didn't know what to do, I just sketch the baby's stuffed toys.

All in all it's been fun doing these little studies.

Possibilities

2011-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

Return to Harbes Farm. I have been so influenced by Brian Ryder and Edward Seago as you all know.

Edward Seago created paintings not only from plein air, but he would add things that weren't there. Hence the tree and the winding road. So this is just a study for a future oil, once the actual composition is decided.

This little boat sketch is also another study for a future oil.

The rest are pen and ink studies, using my new Rotring Artpen, I love it and oh what fun it is to play with new art supplies.

Happy Painting to All and enjoy your weekend.

Paulson's Farm

2011-03-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

8x10 oil of Paulson's Farm, where we painted plein air. I did this from my sketch. I'm going back to paint another from a sketch. Weather is still to cold to paint outdoors.

Method to my Madness

2011-02-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

February is coming to an end. I could say that everything posted this month was a way of keeping a journal.

My studies consisted of reading Brian Ryders watercolor book and watching his dvd's excellent. Isn't funny how learning is like a winding never ending road. While studying Brian's work, Edward Seago became an artist I wanted to learn about. In Brian's dvd he paints landscapes not far from where Seago lived and painted.

What I love most about his work, is the composition of the big sky. Of course it goes without saying that color and tone equally outstanding, after all Seago is one of the greatest masters who ever lived.

So, to the point, method of my madness is simply to learn and grow as an artist.

Now off to see my grand daughter.

Happy painting to all.