Ink World

Well it looks like I'm in for it now.  While Kristen Dukat was visiting Portland she generously introduced me to the world of alcohol inks.  It is a beautifully vivid and extremely fluid medium.  I thought watercolor had a mind of its own but these inks can quickly get wildly out of control.  The Yupo paper that is used allows the colors to glow, but the price for that glow is a monumental loss of control by the artist.

Here are some of the starts I made to try to get the feel of this medium.  Actually, some of what she taught me is beginning to sink in.  Now the time is fast approaching where I will have to produce.   Kristen is holding my feet to the fire.  She demands that I paint some finished pieces in return for the knowledge she has given me.  Okay Kristen, practice time is over and I'll do my best.  Back to the studio now!

Singing in the Studio

I feel more energized now that I am painting more often.  Boy, I just don't know what happens to me sometimes.  For a while, pulling out the paints was agony.  Even today it was a little tough to get started, but once I did everything seemed to flow.

I even hooked up the music so while the paint went on I did some singing and rocking.

Two minute sketches are still the most fun for me.  They are the biggest challenge.

However, lately I've noticed that my confidence has dropped and instead of one sure line I may have three or four hesitant ones.  I think I was measuring too much.

Measuring is okay for the longer poses, but it's a bit of a waste on these short ones.  Like I said, it looks better to put down a few bold lines that are wrong than some wimpy ones that are carefully placed.

In my opinion attitude means a great deal in the way a drawing turns out.

30 Day Marketing Challenge- Day 2&3

Well I lost my Web Browser all day yesterday so I am behind on the challenge.

What!!! You mean I'm supposed to try to sell a painting?  Already I'm out of my comfort zone.

Life got in the way a while ago, so I had to forgo painting.  My inventory has dwindled.  My plan is to be current with marketing strategies while building my stash of paintings. 

Oil    11 X 9

This rustic looking gentleman was with the Voyageur fur traders group in Michigan.  Every year they dress in authentic costumes and reenact those beautiful bygone days.

Day One Thirty Day Marketing Challenge

 The Leslie Saeta  30 Day Marketing Challenge starts today.  Am I ready? NO!  Do I care? YES!

Today's challenge is to start an art marketing group.  In a way I am already doing this. We meet every Thursday in Multnomah Village with a group called Alla Prima Portland.  The topics are varied (not necessarily marketing) but all relate to art, and generally focus on art that can be accomplished in one sitting.

You can bring some examples of your work to share with the others.  Everyone is able to add his or her comments in turn.  And since the setting is in a restaurant you can have some breakfast at the same time!

It's a great group of artists and I'm lucky to be able to sit next to them and absorb some of their wisdom.

Three Color Pencil 13 x 10
After Robert Liberace

I drew this one from the Robert Liberace (what a great artist) reference on his DVD.  I would love to take a workshop with him some day.

This is a three color pencil on watercolor paper.  It was sized first with shellac and then toned just as Liberace instructed on his DVD.  I think the background could have been cooled down a bit and lightened.

If you get a chance to view any of his DVDs, I highly recommend them.