Aug 29, 2016

A Tale of Two Lighthouses

Time to show you the results of an experiment that I conducted with another artist friend of mine, Grace Stevens, who works in watercolor.
Grace had taken a lovely photo of a lighthouse on one of her boating trips and since we both thought it to be a great subject...we decided to paint from the same reference photo, but in our different mediums.  Her with watercolor...and me with torn paper!!
While we were going a bit out of our comfort zone with some of these textures....we both felt our results would be terrific as separate paintings....but the fun part would be to see how differently each of us might interpreted the subject.
(side by side pic is at the bottom of the post - you can also click images to enlarge)

Grace's watercolor is yet another one of her beautiful delicate pieces. Smooth and calm. The lovely textures of the rocks and the foliage convey a peaceful environment.

My torn paper painting of the same subject....well...I must say the word "colorful" comes to mind...lol
The approach to texture with the use of paper creates a whole other feel in the very same location.

With the watercolor you create a more fluid movement.
With the paper...the textures and patterns almost decide for themselves which direction they will take.

I really enjoyed this experiment.
It's interesting to see how different artists "see" the very same image and how they interpret that.
To see this done with two very different mediums as well...now that's a real bonus. Such fun to see the outcome.
I know I plan to do this again....and I think Grace is already looking forward to the next one as well.

So go ahead....get inspired...and do something like this with an artist friend of yours too!





Aug 20, 2016

Wheels

Well...the earlier part of Aug. had me distracted with the fact that we found ourselves in need of new wheels. No....not a replacement for my Mini....but for the elderly Outback that my husband was driving.
This came as no shock to us since we already knew it was on its last leg....but it decided to retire even faster when it added brake issues to the many aliments it already suffered.
You can only keep them on life support for just so long.
Sooo....the hunt began. No....it's never a fun prospect, especially since we were looking for a good used one....not something right out of the showroom. No budget for that.
For the practical side....needed to have roof racks for carrying small boats, a trailer hitch for toting med. sized boats & trailer for yard waste, and of course drive well in the bad New England winters.
For the not-so-practical side....it would of course have to "look" good. Hey...why not!!

During this process I was, as you'd expect, left housebound since my wheels were the only one's available.
Luckily it didn't take all that long.
And here she is, the "new to us" wheels. Yes...another outback...but this is a smaller "sport" model.
Great price, low mileage, and yes...super cute!!
It's a win-win....cause I've got my Mini back :)