Decided

I asked myself what I wanted to accomplish. I also listened to my heart to hear what it was telling me.
1. Loosen up. By that I mean get my head out of must look like/ubber tight
2. A consistent or progressive direction.
3. Use supplies I already have. Money being tight and having a gazillion art supplies already. To use what I have on hand.
4. Storage is an issue for canvases. So paper. I have 2 drawers full in my flat file with acid free folio paper. 22x30

A few months ago I bought Steven Aimone's book expressive drawing.

So here is my plan. Using folio paper taped to a large canvas or other support I will work my way through Steven's book.

My month of 30 paintings and exploration into expressive drawing; a departure from realism while refueling my creative soul.

Cheers
(I am sure my fingers may find their way into the application of medium)

Defining and planning my 30 paintings in 30 days challenge

Yikes. What did I agree to? Was this in a weak moment after a busy Christmas season when I have been estranged from my studio and feeling in need of a creating fix? Really a crazy time to start this. I will be starting full on costume building for theatre this month. I also have some big big art goals. Will this help me or take me away? The last time I commited to painting daily,I felt my work got dilluted and unfocused. Could this happen again? Should I not do this challenge? Or rise up to it and use it towards my growth in art and as an artist?
I have been doing a lot of thinking and planning on paper. I am both clearer in my dreams and more muddled.
The challenge still needs to be defined and contained within boudaries that I need to impose. More thought is needed. I will let you know.

30 Paintings in 30 Days

I have agreed to participate in the January 2014 challenge to create 30 paintings in 30 days. I will spending the remaining days of 2013 preparing for this challenge. Thinking about style, size and medium but most importantly what I want to paint. Stay tuned.

Colour Start

What  a busy time of year. A lot of things are pulling me out of the studio. So it has taken me awhile to get back to this painting.
Here is the Nicknack painting with the beginning colour layer. Before I added local colour I stained the tonal drawing with a thin coat of transparent red oxide giving it a warm orangy glow which I hope will peak through.
I will  punch lights and darks as the painting progresses. Trying to not get fiddly yet as this is only the colour mapping and thinking about edges. I am working with some of my scruffy hog hair bristle brushes and leaving my fine sables alone.
Well it is another busy day so I must leave this painting at this stage and hopefully find time over the weekend to continue.
Happy Painting