Yes. Yes, I did miss a day. I don't like to post on the weekends as that is when I get to spend quality time with my parents, so I would usually queue two posts for the weekends. However, on Friday, I failed to do so, and yesterday, I thought I could head down to my local library, borrow a couple of books, then head back home and post.
However, that was not the case. I came home, and my parents wanted to go out. Thus, we decided to go to Singapore's ever-so-busy Orchard Road. Orchard Road is the shopping district here, and we had loads of fun out. We came back really late, so I didn't have the energy to post.
Thus, today, I will post two posts just for you, to make up for yesterday. :)
Now, back to the normal schedule.
Sunday, 10 June 2012
Friday, 8 June 2012
Recommended Artist: Julian Merrow-Smith
Also, because he draws landscapes, here's "Mill House on the Sorgues"
8" by 5" (20cm by 30cm), Oil on Board.
Julian Merrow-Smith is a brilliant daily painter. He and his wife jointly run "Postcard from Provence", a blog featuring his Art. They currently live in South France, on a farmhouse, with three cats. He has been producing and posting his beautiful paintings, usually small, for eight years now.
He paints still lives (objets trouvés), pottery, and seasonal produce from the local markets. Whilst many of his landscape paintings represent scenes within walking distance of his studio. The blog sends 30,000 e-mails a week, and you can help support them by buying an original, a print, or by donating to them.
Here's his website; http://shiftinglight.com/
Thursday, 7 June 2012
Book Review: Dramatic Light
"Dramatic Light" by Patrick Howe.
I've featured Patrick Howe's "Five Jars" in my Painting of the Day segment before. (Click here to view that post.) Just recently, I've finished reading his book, "Dramatic Light", which focuses mainly on watercolors and oil.
The layout of the book is good, and easy-to-follow. The first chapter covers tools that you should have, the kind of papers and canvases that are available, basic color theory, and basic techniques in watercolor. I especially liked the little lesson he gives on pages 24-25 about how to enlarge a photo. There are also practical techniques for composition, using photos and reference, and how to subjectively analyze your work.
The next chapter covers "Transparency". Patrick Howe, in this chapter, breaks down the rules on what makes things look transparent and how to convey a sense of transparency. He has a mini demonstration on page 41, which I found very helpful, and the preceding pages are all demonstrations in either oil, or watercolors.
Chapter three covers "Translucence". (translucency) Semi-transparent objects, like, paper bags, silk, and stained glass are used in the demonstrations. While chapter four covers "Luminosity". I liked the last demonstration of this chapter very much. It was a landscape in oil, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and I would have never thought to use bright orange as an underpainting. To find out how he does it, I guess you'll have to read the book yourself.
Finally, he covers the all elusive "Light and Reflection" in the last chapter, teaching his dear readers about how to paint water in a convincing manner. At the end of this chapter, he gives good, sound advice to artists. Like, where to find inspiration, the business of Art, things you should consider when dealing with a gallery, and of course, how to price your Art.
I especially liked the way he broke down the so-called formula to price your Art, because most Artists will say, "Oh, it's up to you to price your Art.", or, "It's a personal choice." I'm not saying that isn't true, but new budding Artists need a price system to at least begin with, and Patrick Howe's guide was well thought out.
All in all, "Dramatic Light" is a good book. I would recommend it to those who like to follow step-by-step demonstrations. (Keeping in mind the restrictions that printing has on demonstrations.) Even though I felt the works that he has on sale are far better than those in the demonstrations in the book, it is a book that covers tough subjects such as transparency, and water. Thus, I commend you for taking on such difficult subjects Mr. Patrick Howe.
And as always, visit the artist's website right HERE to see more of his works.
I've featured Patrick Howe's "Five Jars" in my Painting of the Day segment before. (Click here to view that post.) Just recently, I've finished reading his book, "Dramatic Light", which focuses mainly on watercolors and oil.
The layout of the book is good, and easy-to-follow. The first chapter covers tools that you should have, the kind of papers and canvases that are available, basic color theory, and basic techniques in watercolor. I especially liked the little lesson he gives on pages 24-25 about how to enlarge a photo. There are also practical techniques for composition, using photos and reference, and how to subjectively analyze your work.
The next chapter covers "Transparency". Patrick Howe, in this chapter, breaks down the rules on what makes things look transparent and how to convey a sense of transparency. He has a mini demonstration on page 41, which I found very helpful, and the preceding pages are all demonstrations in either oil, or watercolors.
Chapter three covers "Translucence". (translucency) Semi-transparent objects, like, paper bags, silk, and stained glass are used in the demonstrations. While chapter four covers "Luminosity". I liked the last demonstration of this chapter very much. It was a landscape in oil, with the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and I would have never thought to use bright orange as an underpainting. To find out how he does it, I guess you'll have to read the book yourself.
Finally, he covers the all elusive "Light and Reflection" in the last chapter, teaching his dear readers about how to paint water in a convincing manner. At the end of this chapter, he gives good, sound advice to artists. Like, where to find inspiration, the business of Art, things you should consider when dealing with a gallery, and of course, how to price your Art.
I especially liked the way he broke down the so-called formula to price your Art, because most Artists will say, "Oh, it's up to you to price your Art.", or, "It's a personal choice." I'm not saying that isn't true, but new budding Artists need a price system to at least begin with, and Patrick Howe's guide was well thought out.
All in all, "Dramatic Light" is a good book. I would recommend it to those who like to follow step-by-step demonstrations. (Keeping in mind the restrictions that printing has on demonstrations.) Even though I felt the works that he has on sale are far better than those in the demonstrations in the book, it is a book that covers tough subjects such as transparency, and water. Thus, I commend you for taking on such difficult subjects Mr. Patrick Howe.
And as always, visit the artist's website right HERE to see more of his works.
Wednesday, 6 June 2012
Recommended Artist: Denise Garner
Denise Garner– she's a brilliant artist, and her watercolors sing in harmony.
I like "Dragonskins" best. However, the picture that shows on her website looks slightly different than the one that is in the book that I found her through. ("Fantasy Art Now") In the book, the background looks more of a raw sienna. Her clothes are also of warm browns instead of blue, but that just might be color correction issues. Denise Garner states in the book, Fantasy Art Now, "... The purpose of the painting was to experiment with various textures, and to juxtapose the feminine with the somewhat violent."
Her website contains more of her works.
From "The Seasons" series, "Summer" 8" by 10"
Medical Legends, "Fare Thee Well" 11" by 14"
"Dragonskins" 11" by 11"
I like "Dragonskins" best. However, the picture that shows on her website looks slightly different than the one that is in the book that I found her through. ("Fantasy Art Now") In the book, the background looks more of a raw sienna. Her clothes are also of warm browns instead of blue, but that just might be color correction issues. Denise Garner states in the book, Fantasy Art Now, "... The purpose of the painting was to experiment with various textures, and to juxtapose the feminine with the somewhat violent."
Her website contains more of her works.
Tuesday, 5 June 2012
Painting of the Day: Lady of Shalott
"Lady of Shalott" by Yvonne Gilbert
It's done in colored pencils, and her touch is so light that it makes the entire painting so translucent. I like how the girl's feet are pressed up against the edge of the paper, whilst her head is partially out of view. Wonderful use of tone and colors, and I love the detail of the painting behind the girl. The gold is also very, very well drawn.
You can visit her website at www.yvonnegilbert.com
Monday, 4 June 2012
Book Review: Cool Croc
"Cool Croc" is a book featuring a compilation of green-oriented cartoon strips by Cheah. The comic features Billy, an Aborginal boy, and his salt water crocodile friend, Saltie.
Join Billy and Saltie in their daily adventures as they tackle issues on life, wildlife, and the environment, with a good dash of humor and wit in the tropical waters, mangrove, swamps, and rainforests of northern Australia and Southeast Asia. It's 119 pages filled with many interesting characters, fun and humor, done by the ever witty Cheah, who hails from the northern state of Kelantan in Malaysia.
Going at just SGD$13.90 per copy, it's a great book filled with well-drawn animation. To order, simply contact Cheah at sinann62@gmail.com.
You can also visit Cheah's website at: http://www.houseofcheah.com/
Going at just SGD$13.90 per copy, it's a great book filled with well-drawn animation. To order, simply contact Cheah at sinann62@gmail.com.
You can also visit Cheah's website at: http://www.houseofcheah.com/
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Recommended Artist: Gary Greene
If I remember correctly, I got to know Gary Greene through "The Complete Colored Pencil Book", which, by the way, is a brilliant book that is worth the read.
Gary Greene does high-key paintings full of wonderful details.
He sells prints of his works here.
Gary Greene does high-key paintings full of wonderful details.
Matchstix
Individuality
Ribbons
Water-color
He sells prints of his works here.
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Recommended Artist: Banksy
We're back on Street Art. Banksy has an awesomely made website that you should really check out. Click here to view it. A large picture will appear. Just click it, and you're in. And now, for his Art.
Other paintings of his are politically inclined, and have messages in them, but I'll leave you to find them on his website.
Who says Street Art isn't Art?
Other paintings of his are politically inclined, and have messages in them, but I'll leave you to find them on his website.
Painting of the Day: "Clara"
"Clara" (Kinda) by Mark Glover
Thought I would go for something more stylistic today. Done in Colored Pencils. It's the first painting you see on his site, so he must obviously like it, and I do too. The tones used. Her expression. It's a simple, beautiful, elegant piece.
You can find the Artist's other works, here.
Thought I would go for something more stylistic today. Done in Colored Pencils. It's the first painting you see on his site, so he must obviously like it, and I do too. The tones used. Her expression. It's a simple, beautiful, elegant piece.
You can find the Artist's other works, here.
Friday, 1 June 2012
Painting of the Day: "Five Jars"
"Five Jars" by Patrick Howe
Brilliant use of colors, isn't it? Love the transparency of the jars, and the warmness of the light. I'm currently reading a book written by him. I've glanced the pages over and it seems like a good book. So, hopefully you'll be seeing a book review soon enough.
Visit his website here.
Watercolor. 28" by 22" (71cm by 56cm)
Brilliant use of colors, isn't it? Love the transparency of the jars, and the warmness of the light. I'm currently reading a book written by him. I've glanced the pages over and it seems like a good book. So, hopefully you'll be seeing a book review soon enough.
Visit his website here.
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