Practice Palm...Best of 3

Practice Palm
Original painting: oil, alkyd on panel

This week I finished painting the different versions of my neighbor's palm tree, and this is the best of the three. As you can see, it's far from a "Wow!" painting. (I'll spare sharing with you the other two versions.)

I was reminded of a few previous lessons in painting, such as...Grass really isn't just green...It really is better to be outside en plein air, rather than standing in the studio looking out the window...Attempting something new—even more than once—doesn't always work out. (I've had this lesson many times in the past.)

Now I'm going to the garage to sand off these three panels. That's a skill I acquired a long time ago that comes in handy, too. (Always wear a mask, since the paint dust is deadly.)

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.

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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Palm Series: Values

Left: Photo
Right: Value study painting

There are many lessons to be learned from art history. The lives of great artists are intriguing—how they struggled to create something new and visually exciting, what inspired them, who or what influenced them.

Artist Stuart Davis (1892-1964) is best known as an American Cubist painter. Although he started out on a traditional path of realistic painting, he decided to become a "modern" artist after seeing the work of Braque and Picasso at the 1913 Armory Show. He pursued this goal by mounting an eggbeater, electric fan, and a rubber glove to a table and painted only those items over and over for an entire year until he had mastered the lessons of European Cubism. Now that is discipline!

While working on the drawing of my neighbor's palm tree, I thought of several different painting "exercises" I wanted to try out. Rather than work up new subject matter, I am taking a lesson from Stuart Davis's methodology. I have underway three different versions of my neighbor's palm tree with the intention of doing something different with each one.

The version you see posted today is a value study done in black, white, and grays. The point of this exercise is to hone my skills in discerning and matching values. You'll also notice that I've changed the proportions of the various elements in the value study. I wanted less sky, so I made the house larger. There are many details that have been omitted too, since it's just a study. It's not too exciting yet, but we'll see where it goes.

Thanks for taking a look and have a good weekend.

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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air...from the Studio

Graphite & color pencil

With the temperature and heat index over 100 degrees here in Florida, working outdoors is out of the question. However, I do have a very nice view of my neighbor's house from my studio. And my neighbors do have a nice tall palm tree in their front yard. So, why not just paint the view of out my window, sort of working en plein air from my nice cool studio? Works for me!

As I've mentioned in the past, when I am unhappy about how a painting is turning out, the problem is usually the drawing. I find that drawing is the best tool for really observing an object, getting the details, and gaining understanding of how a thing truly is. I find that I discover the beauty of an object just by drawing it.

So, I've begun my study of Florida trees with this drawing of my neighbor's palm. I'll be working up a small painting that I'll show you in my next post.

In the meantime, thanks for taking a look and stay cool this week.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there, too!
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Branching Out

In the Shadows
Original: oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
6" x 6" unframed
To purchase contact Artist

The Florida sunshine is so inviting for plein air painting, but the summer heat and humidity have kept me indoors for the past several weeks. In the meantime, I've been drawing, reading, and trying out some "experimental" stuff in the studio...most of which I will refrain from sharing with you, my dear readers. Let's just say, that some days I can't believe I actually learned anything in art school!

I did complete the little painting posted today. As mentioned in my last few posts, I have much to learn about painting the multitude of leafy greens in the Florida landscape.

Thanks for taking a look and keep cool this week.

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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

More greens...

View of the Lake
Original: oil, alkyd on canvas panel
10 x 8"
To purchase contact Artist

My dad was from Minnesota, known for its motto, "Land of 10,000 Lakes." However, considering all the little lakes (and quite a few big ones, too), I think Florida could lay claim to that slogan as well.

A few weekends ago, I went out with the Central Florida Plein Air Artists again, this time to Lake Minnehaha Park, located in Maitland, a suburb of Orlando. It's quite a lovely city recreation site, with a boardwalk over a marshy area, winding sidewalks with manicured lawns, and nice trees providing plenty of shade throughout much of the park. I found a cool spot with a view of the lake.

Since I'll be staying in Florida for awhile, I have many opportunities to paint trees and water—views not readily available in the high desert of New Mexico.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
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Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Painting the Greens

Wekiva Footbridge
Original oil, alkyd on panel
5" x 7"
Contact Artist to purchase.

My plein air painting session on Saturday morning at Wekiva Island was quite enjoyable, with a cool breeze coming off the river, a shady spot to set up my easel, and no alligators around!

The real challenge of the day was painting all those greens in the Florida landscape. I was grateful for the white footbridge, which I used as the subject matter for this little painting.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
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Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air...Florida style

When I have the chance, I usually like to preview the site where the plein air group is meeting—partly, so I know where I'm going, and partly so I can pick out a good view and comfortable site to set up.

This weekend, I'll be painting en plein air at Wekiva Island, a commercial recreational area located on the Wekiva River, The location offers a boat launch, along with canoe and kayak rentals, a sandy volleyball area, lots of shaded spots to enjoy a beer, glass of wine, and socializing, and many lovely, relaxing views of the river.

So, this morning I took off for a leisurely drive to check out Wekiva Island in advance of the painting session. After about a 30 minute drive from the house, I arrived at the site, which is unpretentious, laid back, even quaint. Since it's gotten much warmer this week in Florida, I was looking for a shady spot. And because everything is so full and green, I wanted a river view as a contrast to the all the vegetation. I spied a nice spot across a field, and headed over in my car.

I wasn't the only one who thought this was a good place. When I pulled my car up to the river's edge, there was an alligator sunbathing on the grassy shore. And he wasn't giving up his spot just because I showed up!

Maybe he'll have something else to do this weekend, and I'll get to use that spot for painting.

Hope you have a good, alligator-free weekend, too.
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Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Winter Apples

Winter Apples
Original painting
Oil on stretched canvas • 5"x5"
SOLD

Today's post features a 5"x5" oil on canvas painting I just finished up today. The title is "Winter Apples" inspired by a photo I shot in my Albuquerque backyard well over 10 years ago. It had just snowed, leaving wet clumps clinging to the withering apples on my next door neighbor's tree. I always thought that the fading rosy apples contrasted beautifully with the cool icy fluffs of snow; but I didn't get around to painting the image until this week.

It's funny to me how I can hang on to a photo, sketch, or image for years; and then one day, that's just what I want to paint...and it comes together as a painting.

As a Lifelong member of artCentral—an artists organization I've belonged to since my days in Joplin, Missouri—I am pleased to be sending this painting as a donation for their Silent Auction fundraiser which runs April 25 through May 15. The bidding opens at $25 for any 5x5 artwork. Knowing how many wonderful artists are members of artCentral, I certainly do wish I could be present to place my bids on my favorites. I know there will be some dandy pieces to choose from.

If you live in the area, you might want to drop by artCentral to catch this event. For more information, contact Sally Armstrong, Director, via email: artCentral@suddenlinkmail.com or call 417.358.4404.
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Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Back Among the Palms

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the long lapse in posting, well over a month now.

I have left the Land of the Cacti and returned to the Land of the Palms. I am back in the Orlando, Florida area taking care of my mother. I packed up my studio in Albuquerque and have been setting it up here in Florida, getting ready to paint again.

Last week I contacted the Central Florida Plein Air group; and I am hoping to get some outdoor painting in before the days get too hot. Considering that when I left New Mexico there was snow in Tijeras Pass, I am enjoying the pleasant, dry 75 degree days in Orlando.

Happy Spring to all!
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Text ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Big Night at Harwood on Friday

Once again, all the Harwood artists, including yours truly, will be throwing open their doors, welcoming the general public to venture into their studio spaces for this year's annual Open Studio Night, on Friday, March 5, from 6-8pm. This is a big event–with music and openings in the Harwood galleries. It's a fun evening, open to the public, and FREE!

So if you're in Albuquerque or the vicinity, please know that you're invited to drop by. My studio is upstairs on the Main Hall, #3. The Harwood address is 1114 7th Street NW, ABQ 87102, located on the southeast corner of 7th and Mountain Road.

Have a great week. I gotta go hang up my paintings!
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Text ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Virtual Paintout: San Francisco

View of the Bridge
Original oil, alkyd on archival canvas panel
6x8" unframed • N/A

It has been a hectic week and I am posting on Friday, instead of Monday. I am hoping that next week will be more "normal"...whatever that is!

Last month I participated in Bill Guffey's "Virtual Paintout" when the selected location was Corsica. I received some nice comments about "Le Fondago." (Thanks to those readers who emailed me a note.)

This month's location was San Francisco. I visited California—in particular, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Morgan Hill, San Juan Bautista, Sacramento and some of the coast, for the first, time just a few years ago, and found the light as beautiful as New Mexico. Of course the landscape was much more lush and green there.

It wasn't easy to choose a "view" to paint in the San Francisco Bay area, since there is so much colorful and interesting subject matter. Although Google shows the Golden Gate Bridge in bright sunlight, I wanted a bit more atmosphere. I'm happy showing this tourist attraction, set in a landscape setting, in a soft, diffused light.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Stones & Sherds

Stones & Sherds

Original oil, alkyd on wood panel
12 x 12"
SOLD

Today's posted image is a painting I did for the Harwood Art Center's annual 12x12 fundraiser, held in November. The Harwood supplies the 12" x 12" blank wood panels and the artists supply the creativity.

It's amazing to see what each artist does on that format, which can range from traditional oil painting to contemporary photography, mixed media, collage, watercolor, and even sculpture!

The opening is quite an event, since many of the artists are very well known—locally, nationally, and internationally. Since every 12x12 sells for the same price ($144), it's a great opportunity to purchase an original for a very reasonable price.

Before the gallery doors swing open at 6pm, there's a long line of excited buyers hoping to get their first choice. However, it takes a quick eye and fast cash to take home the artwork you desire, since there's no preview and the sales are first come/first serve. By the time the evening is over, most of the pieces are sold.

I was very pleased to have Stones & Sherds purchased by a friend of mine.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Mexico Morada...Done?

New Mexico Morada, 2010
Original, oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 9.5" x 8"
Contact Artist for purchase information

I'm posting late today, as I just got home from Florida last night. Before all of you get jealous, let me tell you that it wasn't exactly sunbathing weather in Orlando last week....it was cold (for Florida), windy, and rainy!

Anyway, before running out the door to catch the plane, I finished re-working this painting. As you may recall, I started this painting almost a year ago, worked on it for a few months, and then set it aside. If you check back to the post on 5/18/09, you'll see the last version before this rework.

Most of the "new" painting is in the background, which is a reminder to me that all parts of the painting must work to create a cohesive image.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Virtual Paintout: Corisca

"Le Fondago" 2010
Original oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
Size: Approx 10.5 x 10"
Site: Place Bonaparte, Rue Fred Scamaroni, Bonifacio, Corisca
For purchase information, contact Artist

While web surfing one evening, I came across a site called "Virtual Paintout." Artist Bill Guffey came up with the idea to use Google street maps as a way for artists to paint "on location" anywhere in the world.

Each month Guffey selects a country or city, and artists Google that country and select a site to paint. Once the artwork is completed and emailed to Guffey, he posts the images on his Virtual Paintout blog. Artists of every level of experience can join in.

For January, Guffey chose Corisca. It was fun to zoom around Corsica and see the countryside, the coastline, and various towns; and I spent hours doing so! I finally selected this street scene, mostly because I liked the light coming down the street, that red sign in the foreground, and the name "Le Fondago." (Does anyone know the meaning or translation of "Le Fondago"? I'd like to know.)

It's interesting to note that there are no people on location as one Googles around...especially odd for a city view. Still, I enjoyed the armchair travel and virtual inspiration delivered by Google to my computer screen.

I'm looking forward to seeing which location Guffey chooses for February. It's quite amazing to see what artists pick to paint and how they translate a Google image into an artwork. I think I'll try it again myself!

Thanks for taking a look. See you next time.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Blue Gate: Winter

Winter Gate (WIP)
Oil, alkyd on canvas, 10x8"

Since last week's post, it has turned snowy and wintry in New Mexico. This change of weather has put me in the mood to paint snow.

Today's post shows the beginning stage of a new painting based on the photo posted a few weeks ago on December 31.

This image may also seem familiar since I painted a warm and sunny version a year ago, called "Blue Gate" posted on January 19, 2009. Already the new painting has a much cooler tone. It will be fun to compare the two paintings when this one is completed.

Have a good week. See you next time.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

New Mexico Adventure: Silver City

PHOTO: Historic Building in Silver City, NM

Hello, Dear Readers,

I'm posting midweek, since I was out of town for a long, leisurely weekend with friends on an RV trip to Silver City, New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment was just that, providing ideal travel weather and very mild temperatures for January.

Silver City is a modest sized town of about 12,000 inhabitants located in the southwest section of the state, about 240 miles from Albuquerque. The town and surrounding area is rich in Western history, starring notable characters such as Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, Cochise, and Geronimo, to name a few.

Although the fabulous Gila Wilderness is close by, we spent Friday and Saturday browsing and shopping the various antique shops and art galleries in town, and enjoying the historic buildings along Main Street.

We did take a side trip to the City of Rocks, a truly unusual geologic site of rock outcroppings, boulders, and columns. I'll share some photos from that excursion, maybe next week.

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Text and photo ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Lunch Becomes Art

"Hard Boiled Egg" 2010

Original oil, alkyd on 6" x 8" panel
SOLD

About 20 years ago, I attended a Chinese painting demonstration given by artist Cecilia Lin in her Memphis studio. She stood at a table, a large sheet of rice paper spread before her. She became very quiet, very still, very focused, holding a brush loaded with black ink over the paper. Suddenly, with a few quick and decisive strokes, a fully alive koi splashed its way across the sheet. I was amazed.

I thought of Cecilia Lin and her masterful skill and speed while considering what to work on in my studio last week. One of my (as of yet) unattained goals is to paint more quickly, like the Daily Painters who can finish at least one small painting a day.

So, my subject matter for painting that day became the hard boiled egg I'd brought for lunch. One must work quickly when painting food items, as the heat from the studio spotlights will affect the color, texture, and even the shape of some foods—like the jalapenos that turned yellow, then red, and got so "hot" they made my eyes water after a few days under the lights.

It took about four hours to render this simple "still life" from direct observation, but I was pleased to have it completed in "record breaking time"...at least for me.

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my blog. Enjoy a great week!

PS: Many thanks to those who emailed to let me know you're glad to see my blog is back in publication. I truly appreciate your readership, support, and encouragement. It's fun to know you're out there!

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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Autumn in the Jemez

"Autumn in The Jemez" 2010

Original oil, alkyd on 8x6 panel
SOLD

Last October I came back to New Mexico from a trip out East, just in time to catch the height of the fall colors. Rather than work in the studio that day, I drove up to "The Jemez", located an hour away, north and west of Albuquerque.

The Jemez is a truly spectacular area which includes the Jemez Pueblo, the Jemez Mountains, and the Village of Jemez Springs. The scenery is fabulous, winding along NM 4, with mountain and valley views, red rock areas, large rocky outcroppings, Spanish mission ruins, Soda Dam, and much more. (You can visit this website to see other photos: http://www.jemezmountaintrail.org/whattosee.html)

After driving around to just take in all the beauty of the place, I ventured into one of the trail parking lots, found a good view near the stream, and set up my easel.

It was a gorgeous day—short-sleeve weather, bright sun with occasional fluffy clouds lazing across a deep blue New Mexico sky, and the cottonwoods all decked out in gold and yellow leaves.

Surrounded by so much loveliness, I wanted to include every aspect in my little plein air painting. Too much for a 6x8 inch panel! So I honed it down to this single vista and worked up the basic composition and color on site. With the help of a few photographs, I added the details and finished up the painting just this weekend.

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my blog. I hope you enjoy a wonderful day.
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Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year!

Season's Greetings

"Blue Gate (Winter)"
Photo by Carol Adamec

Hello, Dear Readers,

It's been so long since I published a new entry on my blog...and there's much news and new paintings to share with you. I resume posting on Monday and look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

Please accept my Holiday Greetings and Good Wishes to you for 2010!

Hugs & Best,
Carol
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Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Almost show time!

I am in the throes of finishing up paintings and framing for my exhibit at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri, which opens July 17 to the membership and guests, and on July 18 for the general public. The image above is from Spiva's website: www.spivaarts.org.

My exhibit, Catching the Light is a one-person show in Spiva's Regional Gallery and will feature many of the original paintings you have seen posted here on my blog over the past year or more. If you're in the Joplin area on July 17, please! come to the free opening reception (6-8pm) as my guest!

Brave New Art is a group exhibit in Spiva's larger Main Gallery, and includes digital paintings by my friend Lisa Rivas whom I introduced to you last summer in my July 29, 2008 blogpost. I am looking forward to see what new exciting work Lisa will have in the exhibit.

And to the Anonymous Friend of the Arts who has donated to Spiva in support of my exhibit, many thanks and muchas gracias. I can't thank you enough!

I am suspending my blog for the next several weeks while in Joplin, and will resume posting in mid September. Thank you for your readership and support.

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Text copyright 2009 Carol L. Adamec