Mary B Spires Watercolor & Art Stuff

                 6x6 Transparent Watercolor Well I did it!!!! Signed up for Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days.  I did it a year ago .... It truly motivated me to painted first thing every morning.  This was painted from a photo that I took this summer in Steamboat Springs.   

7" x 7" Collage on Paper What a fun projcet!  I can't remember the last time I had sooooo much fun with tearing paper and glue!!!!!  As most of you guys know I have been playing around with collage for a few years......Like the one of Georgia O'keefe that I did in Sante Fe about 10 years ago......WOW....how time flies!

Still Life Set Up When setting up a still life I usually take a picture, this give me a different view.  If I'm not sure if the design looks good, I look at it upside down on my camera or look at it with a mirror.  I've heard many teachers say it really is about design and/or composition. The Sketch with Brush I usually sketch the design with a #4 filbert brush and a little burnt sienna diluted with turp.   If you sketch with this method it is very easy to correct mistakes.  I also use a view finder.  Scumbling the darks and mid tones. Three Apples 8" x 10" oil on canvas board.  

Apple Still Life Set Up  While surfing You Tube a few months ago I found a video by Impressionist Jerry Fresia.  Of couse I had to purchase his book from Blurb.  It's a great book and I have read it cover to cover several times.  He really breaks it down how to paint like the impressionist.  Today was my day to try it.  Above is the set up.  He has 5 stages and 10 steps.  "Scumbling" Once you decide on composition and do the sketch you "scumble" your darks and mid tones.  In this stage you leave the white of the canvas open. Apples 8" x 10" Final

Click Here to Place Your Bid 6 x 6 oil on Gesso Board Of course I had to do these guys again......just love the way they look when they are wet, but as they dry, they get a dull frosted look.....think I may have to do them again tomorrow.

6" x 6" Oil on Gesso Board Well, I have my verizon up and running.......it's almost as good as Florida. These were placed on a shiney surface, but I didn't quite get the reflections I wanted. I can't believe how rusty I feel after not painting for in oils for about 3 weeks. Daily Painting is more important than ever!

6" x 6" Oil on Gesso Panel

Click here to place a bid on ebay. 6" x 6" Oil on Gesso Panel The cherries were a real challenge.......getting that transparent glow of the skin took about three wipe offs! Sometimes you just have to walk away for a few hours, I ended up working on this one the yesterday morning.

Click here to place your bid on ebay 6" x 6" Oil on Gesso Panel With the price of produce this was an expensive still life........the cherries were $6.99 a pound! These babies need to last a few days. I love the blue green with the red orange .......