"Interspecies Love" & BOOK

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My painting book is finally ready! See all 102 pages and order it here.

To answer some popular questions: I used Blurb to create my book. I was going to order a bunch and ship them myself, but then I found Blurb has an online store and they will do all that for me! Which is good because we are driving out to Sedona next week and will be gone for 2 weeks ... this way there will be no delay for those who order. The book is $30 for softcover. I am going to order a bunch myself to sign and sell at workshops (and for gifts). Blurb will ship to lots of places outside the US - check to see if your country is on the list.

"Four Bits"

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Wow, I got quite an overwhelming response about the book! Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and support. I decided today, that to make this book more substantial, I am adding 50 more paintings, to make it 100 total. It'll cost just a little more, for twice the content. I spent most of today on that, and tomorrow I hope to give you the ordering information. I just need to work out one little detail.

"Two by Two" & book!

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Recently I put together a little book of 50 small paintings I've done in the last 3 years. I ordered just one to see how it would turn out, and I got it today! It's 7x7in and it looks reall good! My husband took a picture with me in it so you could get a feel for the size. (see below) Please let me know if you'd be interested so I can get a feel for how many to order - the more I get the cheaper they'll be for you guys - thanks!

"Apple Bowl"

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I am quite happy with this one. Another that seemed to paint itself. The title ... a little less inspired, I admit.

"On the Green"

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So, finally, I have the air time for our Dr Phil episode! It'll be Tuesday, Dec 1st. Here in Austin it plays at 3pm ... not sure if it's the same elsewhere. I'll actually be teaching in Sedona at the time, but someone will tape it for me. If you see it, since I can't remember for the life of me, please let me know if I made a fool of myself!

Also, in reference to frames, another good source for floater frames (that I got A LOT of emails about) is Frankin Frames.

"Among the Folds 3"

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I won't say I've figured out folds, but I have figured out why they're so gal-darn difficult to paint. Well, especially white cloth. It's because they have such subtle shifts of color and value. This part over here is a light orange grey, and this part over here is slightly darker and bluer. But just SLIGHTLY. And these subtle shifts are really hard to capture accurately. Not that I'm making excuses ... I swear! : )

Some of you asked about places to get floater frames after my frame post yesterday. I've never used them, but I've heard really great things about www.metroframe.com. They even have frames for panels (vs. canvas).

"Among the Folds 2"

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I've heard from a lot of you that 6x6 frames are hard to find, so I've teamed up with a framing supplier, King of Frame, to offer some really nice frames with my paintings. They will be optional - no obligation. I've got 9 styles on hand at the moment, will try out more later, and as soon as I find out what the most popular ones are, I'll have a stock of them. They'll each be $35, including any extra shipping, and will be shipped directly with the painting.

"Among the Folds"

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I can draw folds in fabric like nobody's business, but painting them is a whole other matter. This was my second attempt, and believe me the first was a serious wiper. I am considering a larger painting with folds so I thought I'd do a few with these little paintings first and experiment some with my approach.

"Garlic Juice" & "Anticipation"

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I got this little polka-dot vase from my husband's birthmother in Germany - she said she had too many nick-nacks, so I kindly took it off her hands. : )

Below is one of my "feast" themed paintings - a terrible photo - sorry about that. I'm calling it "Anticipation". My main problem was getting enough stuff into the composition. I kept taking things out one by one until it didn't look like a feast anymore ... so I decided it would be just a glimpse of the feast ... a suggestion of one. I do like the piled look and may try something like this again.

"Order by Size"

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I got busy with other things today and didn't get to take a picture of the "feast" painting. Sorry about that. More garlic instead.

"Mini Me"

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I've been on a bit of a garlic run lately. I peeled a clove off today and it had this perfect little "tail," for lack of a better word. Today I also worked on a larger piece for a group show coming up. The theme is "feast," which is open to interpretation. You'd think with me and food I'd have a perfect opportunity here, but I've had a bear of a time with it. I've done 2 now and I am much happier with the one I did today. I'll post it tomorrow.

"Blue Plate Special"

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After yesterday's post about reflections, I got a comment suggesting what I said wasn't quite true. So I did a little research today, (basically looking at objects on glass from many angles and measuring) and found that ... well it's complicated. The width of the reflection is always going to be the same as the object no matter what. But the height depends on what angle you're looking from, and what shape the object is. For example, if you're looking at a cup, the height of the reflection is going to equal the height of the cup from the bottom to the front rim (not to the back rim, if you can see it). The best way to get it right is to simply measure and compare. Sorry for the confusion!

Also, here is the panel holder photo I promised. The white arrow is pointing to the edge you would apply rubber cement to if you're having any problems with it sliding. This is NOT meant to glue this piece down, only to provide more friction with the bottom, fixed piece when you slide it, so let it dry thoroughly before putting it back in place.

"Supporting Cast"

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A friend recently asked me to post about reflections. I think the biggest thing to remember is that the reflection should be a mirror image, size-wise, of the object. So, however wide/tall the object is, the reflection should be that wide/tall, and it should be DIRECTLY below the object. You should be able to draw a straight line down from the sides of the object, and that is how wide the reflection should be. As for getting the color/value correct, these are going to be different depending on each unique lighting situation, so it's another place where you've got to squint and ... say it with me ... paint what you see, not what you think you see. : ) Hope that helps. Oh, and tomorrow I'll post photos of the panel holder slider peice (that I mentioned yesterday) - stay tuned.

"White Bulb"

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For those of you who have bought a panel holder from me or Karen Rike, this post is for you. It has recently come to my attention that the slider piece slips sometimes while painting. A recent student of mine came up with an easy solution. Simply brush some rubber cement onto the bottom, narrow strip of the slider piece (where it touches the bottom, fixed piece) and let it dry for about 10 minutes. This should solve the problem, if you're having it. Let me know if you're not sure what I'm talking about and I'll take and post some photos.

"Disperse"

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Our trip to LA was fast and furious and lots of fun! They put us up in the Renaissance Hotel, which is big & fancy and right in the middle of everything, on Hollywood Blvd. We did a little shopping after we got there and saw a lot of stars ... on the sidewalk. Here we are: Jen (my husband's ex), me and my husband, David.



Here's a part of the view out the window of my and David's room. Do you see the Hollywood sign top right?



I wasn't nervous much in the green room, even though we had to sign something saying they could film us with hidden cameras and use it (yikes!), but when I got on stage I froze. Dr Phil is very tall in person, but I don't think it was that ... just all the lights and people and ... cameras. Afterwards I was telling David and Jen how scared I was and they said "but you answered all the questions." I said "I talked?" I honestly can't remember that part.

They still haven't told us when it will air, but I will post about it here as soon as I know. I will also post the photo they took of us with Dr Phil after the show, when I have it.

"Team Effort" - SOLD

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We are off tomorrow morning for 2 days in LA! I will let you all know when the airtime is for the show (Dr. Phil) as soon as I hear - it won't be right away.

I wanted to say something real quickly here about shadows. Shadows are one of those things our brains try to trick us about. We think of shadows as dark. But often they are fairly light. They are the darkest where the least amount of ambient light gets in, so usually right where objects touch (each other, or the surface they are on). It's one of those times that you've got to really focus on what's there, and paint what you see - not what you think you see (I need to turn this into a song).

"Apple Tea" - SOLD

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A very kind student of mine in Sedona this last spring gave me this cup and saucer (thank you!). I've done several paintings now with it. I love the subtle green and gray.

"Please Step Forward" - SOLD

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Well, I got done cleaning my house in time for one small painting yesterday. I figured it would be terrible as by that point I WAS nervous (about the interview at our house for the Dr. Phil show), but I ended up quite pleased with it. For those who asked, I did hang a few extra paintings on the walls because hey, how often do we get the chance to be on national tv?!

I recently ran into a new daily painter/blogger who I think is really worth checking out - Dan Robinson. He has a kind of understated style that appeals to me.

Dr. Phil Show

Some of you may remember me mentioning a book I co-wrote with my husband's ex-wife, called No One's the Bitch, about how a mother and stepmother CAN get along and we're here to prove it. Well, we got a call a few days ago from the people at the Dr. Phil show - they're interested in having us on! They've got a film crew coming to our house tomorrow to film us for a few hours, and then we fly to LA on Tuesday for the show. I am still in shock. In fact, I'm so shocked I'm not even nervous. Yet.

I didn't want to say anything until I knew for sure, but the airline tickets have been purchased! I will let you know when the airing will be as soon as I know. For those of you who know me (my kids and friends) you'll get a kick out of this next part - today I honestly felt like painting but I had to clean my house instead. : )

"Sacked" - SOLD

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Yesterday I mentioned 2 new workshops and completely forgot to post the info about them. Sorry about that! Here are the times and registration info:

July 30 - Aug 1, '10, Hudson Valley, NY - register with Hudson River Valley Art

Aug 20th-22nd, '10, South Freeport, ME - to register email Suzanne deLesseps

"Gathering Place" - SOLD

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It rained all day today and was, consequently, dark. I take my photos outside so I didn't get a good photo of this - but I'll get a better one and repost soon (done). I'm back to my comfort food - apples - until I get back in the groove again. It always takes me a few days after I get back from a trip.

I just posted 2 new workshops for 2010. One is in New York in July, and one is in Maine in August.

"Cracked Up" - SOLD

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Today we wrapped up the workshop here in Jacksonville. I'll be back to painting (and posting) on Monday. Below are 2 more demos from class (that's a fig beside the cup).



Below are some 10 minute studies from my students. They are not all left to right, top to bottom, but I think you'll be able to see how they get better. I told them to stick with one subject until they felt they really had it (or were sick of it) and then move on.



And last but certainly not least, my kids! This was another great group of great people, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love my job. : )

"Shell on the Side" - SOLD

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Below are 2 of my demos from class - not a great picture, sorry about that. And below that are some student paintings, also not a great photo ... some are sideways. I'll get some better ones later.

"Casual Times" - SOLD

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Today was the second day of my workshop here in Jacksonville, FL. I meant to say I was leaving for it, but I see that I didn't. Below are some of my kids at work. I promise to post some of their work this time - I've gotten a lot of requests for that. This is another great group, and as usual they are dragging me out every night and plying me with boose. I complain, and don't tell them this, but I love it. : )

"Hasty Escape" - SOLD

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Someone asked me to share how I do the polka dots (as in yesterday's rose painting). I think the key to getting polka dots to appear ON the cloth rather than floating, is to get the value as close to correct as possible. When you're working on a ground that isn't all the same value, this is a little trickier, but basically the dots need to follow the same gradient as the ground. So where the ground is darker, the dots need to be darker, and so forth. Also if the ground gets warmer or cooler, the dots need to follow suit. Also, as the ground gets further away, the dots get smaller and closer together. Mostly though, they just need to look like what you see. : )

"A Rose by Any Other Name"

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I've decided the best way to paint roses, and I may have said this before, is to really REALLY squint at them, and paint what you see when you squint. Then unsquint and put one or two more strokes down. If you try to put in every detail you'll drive yourself insane. That is, unless you're painting a really large rose (lg painting). That's my opinion anyway.

"Reflecting Together" - SOLD

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My husband said "are they apples or tomatoes?" Actually, they're plums. Argh.

Thank you all for the comments and title suggestions for the Iris painting I posted a few days ago! I got some really great ones. Among my favorites were "Slender Ladies," "Iris, I'd split before breakfast...said the Apple" and "The giraffe in the room." I love them all but settled on "Dutch Blues," suggested by Ginger Pena, since they are Dutch Iris. Thank you!

"Time Out" - SOLD

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One thing I am finding, over and over, is that almost every time I stumble upon something that "works", it never works again. There is a certain kind of magic that makes one painting work and another faily miserably. You can read every book and learn every rule and still find that magic frustratingly elusive. Happily, we can always wipe the miserable failures and try again.

"View From Behind" - SOLD

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Below is the hi-key painting with reflections I mentioned yesterday. I was also going for something simple & understated. I used two lights - one was just my overhead florescent for painting by, and the other was the daylight, spotlight I generally use. Together they create some nice light shadows, which I am really enjoying playing with. I don't have any title ideas yet ... any suggestions?

I'm not sure where this painting will go. I'm painting for a few group shows at the moment. It is 20"x28".

I just posted a workshop in San Luis Obispo, CA that will be next Februray, in case anyone is interested (look over to the right).

"Grapes & Bowl" - SOLD

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I've been really interested lately in doing something hi-key with reflections. I just did a larger painting like this and will post the results tomorrow.