Painting at my cigar box pochade box on tripod easel
This photo was taken during my previous life where I painted every single day, sometimes numerous paintings; sketched, framed, hung paintings, taught classes, lectured, juried, curated and demonstrated.
Still life set up and outline for study
So in September 2009 decided to become the student again! This still life above was done during a workshop with a good friend in her studio in Northern California. We were inside an apple barn converted to a house and studio; completely paneled in wood, hung with fresh paintings, carpeted with old rugs, kept warm by a pot-bellied stove. In the top photo we were painting horses…… It shows my Guerrilla Painters cigar box pochade box on a tripod – my favourite painting set up for plein air, or visiting someone’s studio, because the height is adjustable for tall people!!
Pear Study, Sept 2009
The pear study was begun in order to test out using a painting medium made of a high proportion of stand oil. It created VERY juicy looking paint which took about three months to dry completely, but which still retains its “wet look” after two years. Love this series.
Looking over my shoulder at my cowboy painting
The cowboy and horse study turned out okay for a first one….and that type sells well in the ranching/gold rush town/area where my gallery was located.
My easel with Persimmon/Garlic still life started
This week we worked on still life of our own choice – persimmon and garlic were the stars of the canvas.
Persimmon & Garlic, before completion
Persimmon & Garlic #2, before completion of the cloth.
My Chickens during the critique
Having a ranch full of animals – horses, llamas, pigs, goats, chickens, roosters, etc., one of Diana’s specialties is naturally – animals! We were practicing chickens, roosters and cows!
Cows Outstanding in their Field
Cows painted on 8″ x 10″ piece of gessoed watercolour paper. The background near top of painting is left open as Diana demonstrated, in her loose drippy style!
Diana’s Apple Barn, Tuolumne, Calif.
A photo taken outside the apple barn…..great subject itself for painting, but the sun was going down fast…..
On Diana’s Ranch, Tuolumne, Calif.
Diana demonstrating
Diana’s drippy demo of pears
Diana’s drippy pears in the middle of her demonstration. They started out as drips and gradually emerged as pears! Fascinating to watch!
Diana doing a demonstration of painting horses
Below is a shot of the Cute Cows still on the easel…not quite finished as the stage in above larger photo. This was a major turning point to be able to grasp the solidity of larger animals in my painting. I have more practice with fruits, vegetables and tea pots!!
Cute Cows in process while still on the easel
Was sorry when this workshop ended – but learned so much from being a part of it!!! Thanks Diana!
