September 29, 2018

The weather was crisp and cool today—it's definitely autumn! We're newly invigorated and eager to try new things. Elaine T., for instance, is a prime example. She opted for a background on this painting of a tree stump she saw while camping. We think it's a brilliant choice. It adds a distinct mood while not taking anything away from the focus.

Then, she revisits the subject (we do love our series paintings) with different media. Elaine T. used ink and watercolor for this monochromatic study...

...before beginning this watercolor version.

Looking forward to her next painting, Elaine T. is testing watercolor pencils. These are Derwent Inktense pencils, and the test results are very promising. We love to experiment, don't we?

Steve is still experimenting with his new color palette. Here, he continues spectrum lines between each of his six colors. Each swatch changes the proportions of the colors in the mix from the pure color at left to the one at right. The variety of colors is amazing, isn't it?

And here, Steve moves on to test the reds and blues. He's having so much fun (and gaining so much valuable information) that we're all inspired and tempted to do the same. Come back and see if any of us yield to the temptation.

Ken's calling this finished and we agree. While he's not planning to test any color swatches, this already looks like a swatch book on a page, don't you think?

Ken begins the latest in his series. We love the use of the turquoise—it's so cool and refreshing. But, knowing Ken, there's much more to come. Come back and see what we mean.

Speaking of  side eyes, Elaine O. has started this painting of an interaction that makes her smile. Admittedly, all you can see is the background, but come back and let us know if you find this as funny as Elaine O. does.

Susan's also working as colorfully as usual, but this time, she's also working big. She's re-doing the 9x12 painting of the Hanging Coffins of Sagada onto 18 x 24 paper. It's intended for a Philippine celebration in the Thompson Center, so it's large enough to be seen, and of a known tourist site.

We neglected to photograph Gabby's Grand Color Wheel last week, so we're adding it here. Like Steve's swatches, this is an invaluable resource. It features hues, tints, tones and shades of all her basic colors. Especially fun is the color testing confetti along the side and bottom.

Here's Gabby's homework. She grabbed colors from magazines and attempted to match them. These are not easy colors, yet she's managed to recreate the colors.

 

Here's one of our favorite exercises—the three-way fruit. Gabby chose this colorful apple (how appropriate for the season) and painted it in three different styles. We show them together so you can see the differences at a glance. Clockwise from top left are the combo style (wet or dry as necessary), dry (trying to use as little water as possible) and wet (painting with wet paint on soaking wet paper). Also, notice the shadows and the color test strip.

There's still time to see Ken's paintings at the Ten Cat and savor the last tomatoes of summer. Stroll by and see them in the windows—or you can go inside for beer and pool and a wonderful environment.

Mosaic Tomatoes.  Ken's exhibition at Ten Cat Tavern features his popular mosaic tomatoes series. Drop by to see the art...and maybe play some pool.

      Where:
      Ten Cat Tavern

      3931 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL

     When:
     August 22–October 15, 2018