Tetra Pak Printmaking and the PCPA

 So what’s the PCPA, you might ask?  It is a Facebook Group from Ohio known as the Pretentious Cleveland Portrait Artists (who doesn’t want to be in that group?).  With such a funny name, I joined, even though I am in Vermont.  Why? Well, because every Friday from 7:30-10:30pm, they go LIVE on their page, so artists from around the world can join their Open Portrait Session.  

Although artists in Ohio are getting one long pose, they move the camera 4 times, so that the artists joining online get 4 different poses (4 different angles).

Since I am on a Tetra Pak intaglio kick, I stare at my iPad to see the pose, and I draw with my etching needles on the tiny plates made of old almond milk cartons (in this case roasted red pepper and tomato soup), and I try to print one (or two) during the session. 

Tonight’s session had some sort of technical problem, so in the middle of the 3rd pose, the video stream abruptly ended, and I just inked and printed these 2 little drypoints.  When I ink the plate, it is completely covered, then it is wiped (not scrubbed) carefully with special wiping paper by Akua (or tarlatan..sort of starched cheesecloth).  These were printed on my etching press.

Anyhow, if you like to draw people, give the PCPA group a try.  It is a lot of fun to see how different artists interpret the model, using a big variety of mediums.  Check it out.  Enjoy! 🎨

My prints are made using Akua Intaglio inks and printed on dampened Rives BFK paper.

It’s been a minute…

Another Plein Air Event in FL

3/29/14 - first plein air sketch of the day - Jupiter, FL

3/29/14 - the start

3/29/14 - 2nd plein air sketch of the day

3/29/14 - plein air sketches displayed outside of gallery for judging

3/29/14 - 3rd study of the day

One week after winning the Quick Draw competition for the Lighthouse Art Center, I enter another plein air event.  This one was hosted by A Unique Art Gallery, which was also in Jupiter, FL.  This was just a one-day event, and they did not have a Quick Draw category, so I just painted.   It threatened to rain all day, but I managed to do 3 studies before I had to return the work to the gallery for judging.  The paintings were displayed on the easels, which were lined up outside of the gallery.  Then, we all piled into the gallery for the awards ceremony and celebration, as the skies opened up with a massive thunderstorm.   I won an Honorable Mention!  :)

Plein Air Festivals in Florida 2014

3/23/14 - DuBois Park in Jupiter, FL - Quick Draw Competition

3/23/14 - in progress at DuBois Park

3/23/14 - Framed piece at Lighthouse Art Center

3/23/14 - Awards Ceremony at Lighthouse Art Center 

For the 3rd year in a row, I've headed down to Florida in March and April  to teach a few plein air workshops.  While I was there this year, I decided to participate in a couple of plein air festivals.  Because I was too late to sign up for the 4-day festival, the only thing open to me was the "Quick Draw".  In a "Quick Draw", anyone can register and participate.  At check-in, the officials stamp the back of your panel, paper, or canvas to make sure that artists are not pre-painting or pre-drawing, and that all work is done within the time limit.   Because I paint fast anyhow, the Quick Draw was very appealing to me.  The location was predetermined, and all artists began at the same time.  

Originally, I was going to paint the lighthouse, but I chose to paint a couple, instead, who were reading under some palm trees.  The way the light played on the trees and the figures was delightful.  When the horn sounded, all artists had to stop painting, go to the art center, and frame their painting, which would later be judged.  After dropping off my painting, I headed back to the beach to play in the waves.  

An awards ceremony was held later that day, and to my great delight, I took First Place in the Quick Draw!! I didn't realize that most of the people would be dressed up, so I was still in my painting clothes.  It was a lovely surprise, and it was great fun!  To make it even more magical, the painting sold at the opening!!  Hooray! http://www.lighthousearts.org/plein-air-festival.html

Note to self:  If I get to do this again, I will be sure to bring along a dress...just in case :)

Auctions

Well, I've never tried this before, but here goes... auctions.  In the beginning of February, I decided to try to sell a few little paintings on my own.  I joined Daily Paintworks, a site for artists where you can upload all sorts of paintings and drawings.  The site allows you to sell work using different methods, and one of them is the auction.  I've added works, at amazing discounts, using Buy it Now buttons and Buy on Etsy buttons, so I figured I would try the auction, too.  So far, it is really hard to get noticed.  There are tons (really) of artists selling on this site.  

The thing that is appealing about selling this way is you don't have to frame the painting.  Ah, for me, that's a relief.  I am constantly switching frames from one painting to another to avoid having to buy more.  Not having to frame something is great.  The buyer can frame it as they see fit...perfect.

Here is one little painting that I just put on auction.  It is a 6" x 8" oil on panel that was painted plein air in Deerfield Beach, FL.  I did upload a picture of me painting it on the DPW site, but I don't see it, so I will post that here, too.

I am heading down to FL again to teach a couple of workshops in landscape painting, so I am sure that I will have many more studies soon.  If you are interested in the class, let me know.  

Here is the link to my "gallery" of affordable paintings on Daily Paintworks.  Thanks for supporting living artists! 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/karen-winslow-4565

Girls with Curls

Sporadically, someone will ask if I ever make videos, so I thought I would  try out a little test.  Since I painted a couple self-portraits with curls and bows, I got out my ipod and filmed looking into the mirror, then showing you my painting in progress.  My thought was that I would take a couple of videos, and you could see the whole process.  However, I was getting frustrated with my first attempt, and wiped out the painting.  But, here's a 25 second video.  

The point is...never take yourself too seriously, and never be afraid to wipe out a painting.  Painting is a life-long journey of discovery.  Learn from mistakes, and keep the old adage, "When at first you don't succeed....try, try again", in mind.  In my experience, add a few more "tries" to that quote.  Happy Painting!

Alla Prima Self-Portraits...Again

I paint directly without drawing on the panel

Color notes start right away

Massing the shadows, massing the lights, and testing the value range

Thinking planes 

My daughter showed up for lunch, and she took this picture with her iPhone 

I have battled curly hair my whole life.  Normally, I wrestle it into submission with hair clips and a flat iron, and it looks pretty respectable.  However, neat hair makes for mundane  painting.  So, for the last couple of days, I have let the curls win and painted some fun self-portraits.  

To make this one more interesting, I tied a ribbon around my head and set the bow at a jaunty angle.  Corny, but effective.  I placed the mirror (I paint looking in the mirror) by the easel, and the skylight illuminated one half of my face.  The curly bangs formed a nice cast shadow across my forehead.  

  

Here I am looking in the mirror...ready to start

Alla prima demands quick decisions.  It allows me the freedom to react, build, change, and enhance the painting as I move along.  It is drawing with the brush, and the head emerges out of the background and into the background creating depth and mystery.  This painting is on a small gessoed panel (9"x6") that has a gray tone.