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The painting process would move quicker should I have the time to dedicate to the task. I’m limited to a few minutes here and there with only one or two days per week to get into it. Oh well, when I’m not painting I’m thinking about what I’m going to do next. Meanwhile, I’m riding, working out, taking care of bizness, figuring out my relationship with the girlfriend, or just figuring out what the world has to offer these days. I’ll complete this ’study’ over the weekend – look for it sooneth. Ride, paint, and live oneth.
Yet another great example of a modern treatment of the tribal tattoo. Notice the clear lines, the use of skin space (aka “white” space) and the balance as it’s wrapped around the curve of the arm. Odyssey gets it done. Again.
The process of teaching myself to paint is interesting. I’m using a video lesson series to learn – and while it’s helpful – it’s just one lesson. My artistic skill is limited and I’m having trouble with some of the basics – like painting noses and facial contour. Maybe a few thousand of these will give me the experience needed for the “masterpiece” I envision painting someday. Dream on is my motto.
Today’s image is a true work in-progress; it’s a 9×12″ portrait. You’ll note the artboard is ‘brown’ (actually it’s burnt umber with white mixed). The brownish coloration actually the stain I apply to the board to prep it for painting. It’s much easier to apply paint on a neutral tone rather than a white board. Besides, if I miss a spot anywhere in the painting the brown flecks will not be near as obvious as white flecks created by a stark-naked board. This painting will be completed later this week. Later.
This little painting, 12×12, was roughed out several weeks ago when contemplating portrait work. The whole process seemed (and still does) daunting. Rather than attempt another “realist” look, I just laid down the color as I wanted. I picked up three brushes and keep laying down paint. At one point this face began taking on the appearance of a cat and I modified the eyes slightly to avoid that outcome. Noses in general are difficult for me at the moment. I’ll try working on improving the “nose” in my next painting – after which I’ll work on hands and feet. Naturally I’m having difficulty with the process because I’ve had no formal training. The last art class I can remember taking was many years ago in middle school! Eekk! More as I have it …
My first still life is behind me and rather than discard the palette I mixed (which required 8 hours of work), I elected to continue painting with its color mix. Granted, the palette is not ideal for portrait painting because are it doesn’t include true flesh tones (as if I know what a portrait palette would include -ha)! This first attempt at this painting had me working into the night ‘over thinking’ the palette of six or seven colors (all of the same tone, but different values). The result is a painting that’s “ok” but certainl it’s not a competitive entry. It certainly looks much better when viewed with my eyes rather than my camera. Ok then – I’ll keep trying.
Dog Chapman started his first bondsman business in his hometown of Denver, Colorado. Somehow he got the bright idea (right on) to move to Hawaii and take with him his five children: Leland Chapman, Duane Lee Chapman, Tucker, Baby Lyssa and Barbara Kate. As the story goes, his mother died and he decided to move back to Colorado to work alongside his sister, Jolene Chapman.
His longtime partner Alice Barmore (now known as Beth Chapman) soon joined with him on his bounties. They later moved back to Hawaii to open up their bondsman business in downtown Honolulu. Since opening on Oahu, Dog the Bounty Hunter has been extended his network to the Big Island and Maui. In spite of legal issues with Mexico and problems with his image (or lack thereof), cancellation of his show on A&E – and then re-airing of his show, the Dog has remained true to his principles, the values he preaches and to his family. How many people can say that?
Wednesday night is “Dog night” in my home. It’s the only destination program that we watch on a consistent basis. Sharing this factoid with friends and colleagues usually prompts a “why?” Certainly the answer includes “action, adventure and the absurd.” Really though, why? For that simple question I don’t have an honest answer. I suspect it’s one of the key reasons that I watch Dog the Bounty Hunter every week (and now in re-runs via A&E.com). When I am able to fully answer the ‘why,’ Dog will have retired and moved on to higher ground. Either way, I’m a fan for life.
From the cheap seats in Tennessee – rock on Dog (and family).
One of my favorite ink shops is Odyssey Tattoo Gallery on Oahu. Great shop – killer atmosphere and from what I saw – several artists with the skill to pen some hot looking ink. The arm shot of the day is another tribal tat with a lot of detail – and a lot of black. Again, as the budget allows for it later this year, I’m suiting up for this addition. Peace to you Odyssey.
We are trying Dunkin’ Donuts’ coffee these past few days — and it’s pretty good. The one downfall is that everyone seems to be in on the action. Including local po-po. Careful – they’re watching!
The Polynesian word “tatao”, which means “to tap”, can be the originator of this word though researchers suggest an Tahitian word “tatu” which means to mark something to be the distant ancestor of the modern word “tattoo”. Many different cavitations in the past and few in the current world have been performing the practice of coloring their body part for different reasons.
In few groups or religions, tattoo is an integral part of their religion and each person following the religion is required to have that tattoo mark on their body symbolizing the person authority as a group member. Even modern day gangs are seen to have a particular mark on their shoulders signifying their group name.
The painting herein is another quick sketch with layers of left-over paint applied quickly and without worry. The depth or lack thereof is based on a VERY limited palette. I used 6 colors – four of which are of the same tone, but in different values. The other two (red and blue) were add-ins to make the picture a bit more realistic. Click to enlarge.
I’m looking forward to the my first “real” painting – which is a still life and I’ll work on that piece this Friday.
I located Guy Diehl through the Carder Method forum and have enjoyed looking at his work. Impressive and photo-realistic are the only words that comes to mind. His detailed paintings feel like photos, and I can only imagine the color palette he’s using. He’s probably creating 20+ steps for each of the element in the painting. I suspect that’s his method that allows for the realism you see. Unless he can mix the paint quickly, he’s spending vast amounts of time in preparation to paint. Ergo – his work is probably expensive. Enough said – enjoy.
For much of the day I sat behind my canvas and looked at the still life – under the color-correct lights – with some tunes going – accompanied by a huge dose of determination. Even with a lunch break (I ate while mixing), it took me just over 8 hours to assemble the palette. Whew. I cleaned the mixing glass palette four times and used most of my initial stock of oil paint. Along the way I made a few mistakes – like not balancing my whites at the beginning. Oh well, I’m just starting — and I want to keep it low-key and fun.
The second image is of a painting I painted this afternoon. I quickly drew a woman’s face on canvas paper then used left-over palette mixes between mixing batches. It took me about 10 minutes to paint.
Ok then. It’s time for the adult beverage.
The set up time for this project thus far totals a lot of hours. I’ve gridded off a section of my garage to form 12×15′ studio complete with carpet, color-correct 5000k lights and a surround sound system. I purchased my still life objects from Goodwill and borrowed the teapot from the LGE. What you see herein is my still life set up and the pencil rendering. The rendering took me about three hours to complete. Tomorrow I’ll begin mixing my paint and formulate a palette. I’m on my way. Paint oneth.
Herein is another example of a clear tattoo that brings the old world Polynesian look into a modern-world design. I found this somewhere in my searches on the net. It’s nice and clean. I’d prefer a tat this size to be rotated some, but it’s well executed.
The standard answer:
If alcohol causes
a problem,
then alcohol
is a problem.
The guys were out hunting this week and bagged the biggest squirrel yet. They bagged this big ‘un using rifles. It was certainly a better approach than the guy who torched his entire house trying to rid himself of the pests.
There are some people that have serious issues and take their issues out on others because they are angry. Usually it’s those people who somehow believe that “what goes around” will not come back around. LOL. Right. It’s coming, just don’t let the sledge hammer smack you too hard.
On Broadstreet just two blocks from the canal, you’ll find another jewel in the Augusta crown. It’s call Artists’ Row. Along the “row” you’ll find Gallery on the Row. I’d call it one of the important facets of the jewel. Housed in a spacious historic building, this gallery of fine art features a diverse group of local and regional artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolor, clay, and photography. Diverse, rich in local color, and deep with talent, you’ll find the experience overwhelming. Enjoy.
Cloud Nine is an all-natural developer and formulator of high quality of skincare products. Interestingly, they produce every product by hand – from start to finish – on Broadstreet – in Augusta, Georiga. The store is laid back, upscale and pleasantly filled with some of the best scents this side of Dunkin’ Donuts. Seriously, it’s so good you want to taste the product rather than use them. When in Augusta, stop in and they’ll give you a demonstration of the products. I tried the Salt Glow on my hands (reluctantly) but was surprised at what it did. Salt Glow removed the excess grit build up from paints and harsh chemicals, and it took away the dryness without an odor. How that happened I’ll never know. Good stuff – great value – terrific store.
The phenological (seasonal study) definition of spring relates to vindicators, the blossoming of a range of plant species, and the activities of animals, or the special smell of soil that has reached the temperature for micro flora to flourish. The first swallow to arrive for the flowering of lilac may be the indicator of spring. It therefore varies according to the climate and according to the specific weather of a particular year. Spring is springing somewhere – but I would say it is springing much further south.
Today’s drive was void of birds flying because the wind was howling at 30mph. With blustery conditions I doubt anyone could have smelled the soil. The only thing I saw blooming was the bloomin’ onion on an Outback Steakhouse billboard. BLEH. Where is spring? In a week we “spring forward” but the temps are not likely to spring with the time. I vote for a road trip. Did someone say Florida? Somewhere in the background I heard a little voice say, “book your tickets to Hawai’i … soon.”
Ok then. So it was spoken, so it is done. Aloha cometh.
