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Mnt5T

Mike Svob

Cheryl
Canadian artist Mike Svob was originally from Ontario. He now resides in B.C., which seems to have a strong call – beauty? tourist dollars? – for many of the finest Canadian artists. His colourful paintings breath with the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. I have taught art classes based one of his books and it was fun and challenging to work through some of these dynamic paintings! Here is his website gallery – Mike Svob – enjoy! (Find the link on my website, if reading this on facebook or elsewhere.)  
SchoT

The Most Terrible Words

Cheryl 1 Comment
There are 2 terrible words that strike me through in a way that no others can. They are: “too late”. We’ve all done it. Missed opportunities with those we care about. Missed chances for making the lives of others, and our own too, better. Yet I don’t want to be consumed by regret – that’s no way to live. So instead, I take hold of those “too late” memories and try to use them as high octane fuel to power my life in a better direction from now on. It’s a new day, every day. On a happier note, it’s not too late to follow your dreams. Have you always wanted to learn to play the piano? Why not now? Have you always wanted to learn to paint? You can do it. It’s never too late to unleash your unique creative potential, and make the world a richer place for us all. 
LotusT

Procrastination

Cheryl 3 Comments
“The writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work, will die without putting a word to paper.” E.B. White – The same could be said of painters. And how do we apply this practically? I’m siding with Phyllis Diller who said, “I’m 18 years behind in my ironing.” Either quote works to inspire me to get the brush out. And you? 
EaglesT

Arthur Melville

Cheryl 3 Comments
Here’s a link for you to see some of the paintings by Scottish artist Arthur Melville. Watercolourists – I think you will love his work. Melville was born in 1858, died in 1904. He was not afraid to use white gouache in combination with his watercolours. “The Gate of Justice” is wonderful – but I had a hard time picking just one favourite from his marvelous paintings. Do you have a favourite? – tell us which one. Here’s the link – Google Images for Arthur Melville (find it on my website blog, if you are reading this on facebook or elsewhere.) 
Iris2T

Brain Surgery – or Not

Cheryl 2 Comments
I have no idea historically where the idea came from that it is bad to combine white paint with watercolour. As far back as the early 1900’s, famous watercolourists were not at all shy to combine white gouache with their watercolour paintings. I think it is a modern, and in my opinion, misguided practice to teach people that using white paint is ‘cheating’. I get riled up when someone says that. By golly this is art, not brain surgery, and I say – if it works use it! What’s the alternative? You have this beautiful painting and one small area has become too dark. You’ve done all the lifting you can and it’s not going to work. It would be such a waste to throw it out. Why not get out the white paint and fix it? What do you think? 
FishT

Wet Behind the Ears

Cheryl 4 Comments
I’m really new to this blogging thing; my semicolons are still wet behind the ears. You can help me out with some feedback. For example, you could let me know which of my blog categories is your favourite by leaving ‘comments’ on my blog under this entry. Any other comments or suggestions are most welcome too. 
DaisT

Not Doing Dishes

Cheryl 3 Comments
I don’t invest in expensive palettes. I’m very happy with a piece of white cardboard that has been covered with wax paper. Two gobs of that sticky stuff that they use to hold posters onto the wall, placed on the back of the cardboard, holds the wax paper in place. The disadvantage is, you can’t judge the value (how light or dark a colour is) by pulling it out over the palette with your brush. It beads up. This is not an issue when using thicker acrylic paint or oils – only for watercolour or fluid acrylics. My workaround is to have a scrap piece of watercolour paper nearby to try the colour on before putting it onto the painting. When my palette gets too messed up to work with any longer, I simply peel off the wax paper, throw it out, and put a fresh piece on. With this method, I never have to wash a palette! 
BoatT

John Lovett

Cheryl 5 Comments
Here’s the link to another contemporary artist whose paintings I really love. Much of his work falls into the category that I would call ‘line and wash’ – wonderful free flowing colour and lines that skip about playfully. The thumbnails on the gallery page are small, so you will need to click on them to enlarge and appreciate his work. John Lovett’s website gallery (Find the link on my website blog, if you are reading this on facebook or elsewhere.)