More 50-Stroke Paintings

 I did more paintings in only 50 strokes, as it is great practice for me since I tend to overdo details if I'm enjoying myself too much. It takes a great deal of concentration to limit my strokes and still arrive at a recognizable result.

I highly recommend this exercise for any painter who wants to simplify.

Carmen

A Happy Memory of the Pieces of Eight, Feminine Mystique, 2008

Our painting group, Pieces of Eight, formed in 2007. In March of 2008 we had a sale to benefit the Women's Center of Brevard. This is a montage of a project we had been working on, paintings of past masters in art.

 

Our artists were, clockwise from top left, Suzanne Pieffer, Denette Schweikert, Jini James, Carol Schiff, Carmen Beecher, Mary Warnick, Cindy Michaud, Donna Vines.

Copying the masters is a wonderful exercise. For our big auction item we collaborated on "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt. Each person painted a section or two.

 The event was held at Alla Prima Salon on Highland Avenue. We have had several changes of members since then, but we look back fondly on this lovely benefit for the Women's Center.

Take Ten, 5x7 Still Life Coffee Cup

I am continuing my ten-minute painting exercise, and I found this piece of canvas that I had used to practice a spatter effect on. I enjoy doing these quick little paintings on black. I think it makes me use thicker strokes, which is one of my goals. I don't know why it's so hard to put the paint down and leave it alone. If you pick at it, it never gets well. I like my results here, and I am going to continue doing the ten-minute ones for practice.

Carmen

Still Life with Pears, 8x6 Oil on Canvas Panel

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I've been in an Elio Camacho workshop with Carol and Donna all week, and the above painting is not one I did in the workshop. I'm not quite satisfied with those, but what a great learning experience it was! I can't wait to start painting today with my newfound knowledge. I do need Elio over my shoulder saying, "Do you really need that flea?" and "You're licking the paint." Artists will know what that means.

It didn't hurt that we were on beautiful Amelia Island and eating seafood every day. I think Carol and Donna set a record for most shrimp eaten in one week. The whole experience was fabulous and I can't wait till next time.

Carmen

Lydia at a Tapestry, 24x18 Oil on Canvas, after Mary Cassatt

$175

While reading about Mary Cassatt, I learned about her struggles as a female artist. She had to overcome the prejudice against women painters as well as the obstacles the Impressionists faced seeking acceptance as a new art form. She never gave up, but at a low period she was commissioned by the Archbishop of Pittsburgh to paint two copies of paintings by Corregio. He sent her to Parma, Italy, and at the time she wrote, "Oh, how wild I am to get to work, my fingers farely itch and my eyes water to see a fine picture again." (Spelling was not her strong point)

Her career continued to have highs and lows, and eventually she became a close friend and collaborator of Edgar Degas, who mentored and influenced her work. 

Mary Cassatt was a feminist and supported women's suffrage; despite discouragement from her family and society she persevered and became one of the most well-known artists of her time. It's a familiar story of an artist bucking "the system" to achieve success. 

The model for the above painting was Mary's sister Lydia.

Dawn, 6x6 Oil on Canvas, Sunrise with Palm Trees

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With our gorgeous Florida skies, I barely have to move to be inspired. I can see beautiful sights right outside my window. I got a little wilder than usual with this one. 

Carmen

Rock City Gardens, 8x6 Oil on Canvas Panel, Landscape Art

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South of Sebastian, Florida is this beautiful garden and nursery, where they welcome artists and allow us to paint to our hearts' content. Every time we go, there are more gorgeous paths and plants, plus a little lake with an island. I picked this spot because of the winding path and the dappled light. There's a bit of a mystery to paintings of pathways...what is at the end?

Carmen

Lily Pond, 8x6 Oil on Canvas, Landscape

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My painting group had the challenge of painting like one of the Impressionists, so I chose to paint a lily pond, inspired by Monet. Of course, my painting is 8x6 inches; I saw one by Monet in the Louvre that was so huge that I had to back across the room to even make out what the subject was. It was a lily pond, of course. My colors are darker because I was using an actual photo of a pond as my guide, but I rather like the drama. 

Carmen