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"Snow Day!" 10 x 10 oil on panel SOLD
Another bike painting for you. During the winter months, I become obsessed with capturing the variations of grays around me. Here a painting of a dedicated cyclists traveling in a snow storm with style. If I could be so dashing on my bike!
I have room for one more in the Wed morning class and 1 for the 5 week session on Tuesday nights. Join me if you can. Classes start this week!
I love painting scenes of cyclists. I guess it makes me feel the joy of being out on two wheels while working in the studio! Here I'm using a photo by my friend and great photographer Kevin McPeake for my inspiration. You can check out his work on Facbook
I loved this photo when I saw it: love the diffused light and the mystery in the fog. I painted this image about a year ago ( middle image ), but decided to give it another try and work on the grays a little differently. Here's the second attempt ( the image on the right). I was a little bolder with the reds. Although it similar to the first painting, this one feel more like night time to me.
Weekend Getaway 24" X 36" oil on canvas
The frame just came in and I'll be able to deliver this commission tomorrow - Yay!!! We were down to the last minutes, but I'm so happy I'll be able to deliver before Christmas.
I've been working closely with the family on this projects, but it just took time to get all the decisions ironed out. It's always worth taking it slow to make sure it's a painting they love and I'm glad we didn't rush.
Now I look forward to taking a few days to spend with family.
Happy Holidays!
Dawn
Phase 1 - Out with the old sink cabs and in with the new! Over the holiday break I decided to finally redo our kitchen. We've had a plethora of plumbing problems and just couldn't put it off any longer. ( The water was coming out the back wall!) I decided to build the cabinets using palette wood. I like the character of reclaimed wood and at free, the price is right!!
Now to build the wall cabinets! They are a basic box with a facing and shelves. Once built. I filled the cracks and gaps with a wood putty, then sanded everything with a belt sander. Since I'm using various types of wood, I put on a white wash to even out the variations of color. When that dried, I coated them with a stain and several coats of polyurethane
On the wall! Building the wall cabs first meant I could stand on the sink to install these and not worry about messing anything up. Making separate units meant that I could actually carry them and get them on the wall, adding the doors and hardware later.
Next up - the sink and counter top.The sink cab and counter top took about a week to make. Drawers are hard!!! It was pretty much the same steps for the cabinet. Putty, sand, white wash and stain, but the counter top was a little different. I cut down a 1/2 inch piece of plywood to size and cut the hole for the sink. Next, I glued and nailed down wood that was the same thickness to the plywood. For contrast, painted the top white with just a touch of the grain coming through. Then 5 coats of urethane gave it a smooth aged character.
I did the back splash just like the counter top, but without all the urethane coats. This made it a little lighter and you can see more of the grain. I don't EVEN want to get in to all the plumbing problems. That was the real headache of the job!!!
And here we go!! Except for the trim, phase 1 of the new kitchen. Leak free with new sink and faucet! Even put in a filtered water faucet. For phase 2, I'll build other cabinets to go around stove, but for now, I can't wait to get back in the studio to paint.
The weather is just about perfect right now, so come out to the Brookhaven Arts Festival this weekend and check out my new paintings. There will be a lot of great music, food and fun activities for kids as well.
Saturday, October 15, 2016
10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, October 16, 2016
12 PM – 5 PM
Location: 4047 Peachtree RoadNE
Behind Brookhaven MARTA (Apple Valley Road side)
On October 15-16, 2016, Brookhaven will host the 2nd Annual Brookhaven Arts Festival through the Brookhaven Community Foundation. More than 100 participating artists will feature works of fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture and more. Musical performances will take place over two days with featured performers. It’s a great time for individuals and families to enjoy the beauty of fall while enjoying terrific food, music and art. Join us!
Alexandria was a fantastic show, but it's nice to be home. A great way to wrap up the eastern art tour. These are a few paintings that found new homes. A big thank you to my new art collectors!!
This course emphasizes artistic development in a relaxed and fun studio environment with a variety of music to keep you motivated. Regardless of your level of training or ability. Any Missed classes can be made up next session. You have one year to make up classes.
Shady Side Art Festival on Walnut Street - Booth #57 at Walnut and S. Aiken
When:
10:00am to 7:00pm
10:00am to 5:00pm
Where: - Find me in Booth #57 at Walnut and S. Aiken
739 Bellefonte St in Pittsburgh, PA
Cost: Free Admission
RSVP:
The 20th Annual Shadyside… The Art Festival on Walnut Street is a proven summer weekend art show located in the Shadyside area of Pittsburgh, PA. On August 27th and 28th this popular neighborhood of tree-lined streets, historic homes and trendy businesses will again be transformed into an outdoor gallery of fine art. The Shadyside locals look forward to this fine art show each year. Walnut Street offers something for everyone – national retail stores, unique locally owned shops, numerous restaurants, bars and eateries featuring a vast variety of cuisines. Hope to see you our there!!
Venue: Walnut Street in Shadyside (Pittsburgh, PA)
Summer in the Mountain 10 x 10 oil on panel - plein air
A good friend had us out to paint in the North Ga Mountains last week and everything was just so green. After piddling around a little bit, I decided just to have a little fun with it and just go bold. Below is the actual scene I was working from. I think you can find the stairs but see if you can find the Adirondack chair in my painting....just kidding : ) - Dawn
White and Blue 11" x 14" oil on panel
I have been teaching still life classes the past few weeks and that has be back painting florals. This was from todays class. I was thinking a bout a red, white and blue theme, thinking about the 4th of July. So I used warm colors in the red family for the background and the wonderful hydrangeas from the yard.
Everyone did a great job, but it was a little more challenging than I anticipated for a beginning class. I'll have to simplify the next assignment.
Happy painting - Dawn
Welcome to Midtown! 9x12 oil on panel - plein air
I've lived on Midtown, Atlanta for years, but haven't taken the leap to get out there and try to paint it. My comfort zone really lies with nature scenes. So while I am plenty happy to take my gear and paint in Piedmont Park, I have shied away from the streets and cars.
Why you ask? Because it's hard!!!
Early Lunch Break 12 x 12 oil on panel - plein air
Well, now I'm ready to give it a try. I'll never get any better trying to capture the people walking down the street or bikes and cars zipping along if I don't just get out there and give it a shot.
Study for the Skate Escape (across from Piedmont Park on 12th) 9x12 oil on panel - plein air
Right now, I'm working at street level. Next, I'll have to capture the skyscapers. I'd really like to see if I can get that reflected light ...but that a whole other can of wax.
So, I'll keep it up and maybe before long I'll get there!!
Happy painting,
Dawn
A cautious beginning 9x12 oil on panel. Now where do I go from here?!?
I had a little bit of a break in my schedule today, so I decided to get out and paint in the neighborhood. This new sign has just been installed just around the corner on Colony Square, and I just love it!
So, I gave it an attempt. It still needs a little work and I hope to get more people walking around in it, but I'm liking it! This is one of the things I like about being an artists in Atlanta, there are so many cool things to paint with in walking ( or biking ) distance.
I went back on Thursday to try a different view. love this little park across from the Hight Museum!
Ahhh, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the start of spring and my first show for the year. I have been working like crazy in the studio and should have some interesting new paintings for you to see. You can find me in Booth 119, close to the 14th st entrance. Stop by, say hello and tell me what you think. Cheers, Dawn
Monday in the studio!! Untitled for now, 24 x 36 Oil on canvas - palette knife.
24 x 36 Oil on Canvas
Last weeks efforts.
This one started as a plein air study in Olmsted Park
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Hope to see you out there,
Dawn
Questions? Get in touch
I was tired of wasting paper towels in the studio or being to cheap to get a clean one, so I thought I'd try cutting a role down in the shop. By cutting the roll into three sections, I have the perfect size to clean my brushes and knives without waste! Hallelujah Why did it take me so long to come up with this??
Cheers, Dawn
Check out all classes available online: click
.Hope to see you out there,
Dawn
Questions? Get in touch
I went back around the corner today to see if I could finish this one. Right at 4:00 the light hits the buildings just right. Now if only these people would hold still!!
9 x 12 "Headed to the Park" oil on panel, plein air
Here's my start. Too bad I couldn't get that tandem bike in there. Such an unwilling model . : )
Questions? Get in touch
Returning to Nature 12 x 16 oil on panel
With all the rains, it's a good time to try to capture the force of a fast moving water fall. This is the finished plein air painting from Victory park train. This is the ruins of an old factory. The water has cut a path through it, so I call this one " Returning to Nature" I have to admit, I like the way this one turned out. I have been working on city scenes here of late, and they not my strong point, so it's nice to get back in my comfort zone for a little bit.
Cheers,
Dawn
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Painting with Carol at Victory Creek
I talked about painting starts and working with the palette knife last week in class and a few folks wanted to see how the painting progressed. This is where we left off after class.I know these are not the best photos, but I stopped to take photos of this 24 x 48 painting while it was up on the easel. I didn't take the time the set up a good shot, but I hope you get the idea.
After laying out my composition, I started making color notes.
Decided to change the boats a little bit. so I pulled out left over paint to adjust my drawing.
Still trying to decided my color palette and blocking in areas.
A little more progress, starting defining my horizon line and adding color to my boats.
That's all for know. I think I have a good idea of the direction to take it and hope to finish soon. I'll keep ya' posted
Sorry for the horrible photos and have a great time over the holiday season - Dawn
Last weekend I taught a two day workshop on my favorite subject - color! The first day we worked with color mixing, specifically, using the color wheel to make your colors lighter or darker. Working with the color wheel will keep you colors, vibrant and fresh. The next day we tackled making neutrals by working with compliments, and make them recede in space in your paintings.
It was a lot to tackle in a weekend, but everyone did a great job and left the class with a lot more knowledge about paint mixing. It's easier than you think!!
Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving,
Dawn