Darrell Hill Art Studio

Island Pathway

2012-01-22T07:38:00.000-10:00

"Island Pathway", 12x9 oil on canvas board. Painting was done as a demo at one of my workshops. Sold and going to a new home.

Red Cottage

2012-01-14T13:07:00.000-10:00

New 12x6 oil on canvas, "Red Cottage". This and others new paintings will go to the Lahaina Galleries, Shops at the Mauna Lani this week.

Chubby

2011-12-30T16:12:00.000-10:00

"Chubby", 12x12, oil on canvas. Part of a series on the Little Rascals. One of eight paintings.

Serene

2011-12-29T07:46:00.000-10:00

Just completed, "Serene", 30x15, oil on canvas. Painting will be at the Lahaina Galleries, Shops at Mauna Lani, Hawaii. For additional information or questions contact the artist.

Darla of the Little Rascals

2011-12-24T08:04:00.000-10:00

"Darla" from the Little Rascals. 12x12 oil on canvas. She is one of eight paintings from the theme Little Rascals. For questions or information e-mail.

Froggy

2011-12-23T10:12:00.001-10:00

"Foggy", 12x12, oil on canvas. This is a part of the series of the Little Rascals. There will be a total of eight paintings.

Sunlight Outrigger

2011-12-19T15:17:00.000-10:00

24x24 oil on canvas, "Sunlight Outrigger". Will be going to Maui at the Lahaina Galleries. One of many outrigger paintings completed this year. For more new works visit Darrell Hill Fine Art

Spanky

2011-12-10T15:59:00.000-10:00

"Spanky", 12x12 oil on canvas. This and other paintings are part of a special show in January. "Spanky" and a few other Little Rascals will be there.

Petey

2011-12-08T09:35:00.000-10:00

Just fished "Petey" part of the "Little Rascal" series, a 12x12 oil on canvas. This and other paintings will be part of a special show in January.

Buckwheat

2011-12-06T14:54:00.001-10:00

This 12x12 oil is one of several paintings of the Little Rascals for a special show the first of the year. Included in the series is Alfalfa, Spanky and Petey the dog.

New Slides on Palms

2011-11-20T14:54:00.002-10:00

New Slide Show

2011-11-19T07:18:00.000-10:00

Create a free slideshow design

New Paintings

2011-11-12T12:53:00.000-10:00

Just completed two paintings that will go to the galleries next week. Paintings will be available at the Lahaina Galleries. lgi@maui.net email.

Harmony, 30x15 oil

Return to Me, 24x48 oil

Warriors

2011-10-31T10:52:00.000-10:00

Just sold several of my "Warrior" paintings. This one is 12x12, "Warrior 14". Each of these paintings have gold leaf, a crackle patina, and old coins attached. I'll need to start more. For other new works see my web site; www.DarrellHillFineArt.com

Moon Bright, new work

2011-10-25T07:04:00.000-10:00

"Moon Bright", 30x15, new work that is at the Lahaina Galleries. I'll have several more "moon" tropicals by Christmas. You can see this an other new works here.

My Dogs Art Now in eBooks

2011-10-20T09:39:00.000-10:00

Now you can get the "Artist's Dogs" book in an ebook format. Less than $3.00 and easy to view on your iPad or iPhone. The book includes the story "Dog Tale" by Mark Twain

See it here.

A new Alkyd White

2011-10-16T16:39:00.000-10:00

I started to use this new ALKYD WHITE by C.A.S paints. I have never used it before and find it really works well. But it is a very fast dry, so keep that in mind. It has a good feel on the brush and mixes just great. It does have a small odor. I have completed several large paintings using this white and was able to paint faster. You can get it on most art supply stores online or just Google it.

Their website is www.caspaints.com

Commission Painting

2011-10-11T08:03:00.000-10:00

Just finished a 30x30 commission painting. Now on the more studio work for upcoming shows. Current plans call for figurative, florals and still-life. I'll also try to get some plein air in.

New Website for iPaintOutdoors.com

2011-10-07T09:32:00.000-10:00

The is now a new website for the plein air painting, workshops and other items of interest to the plein air artist. Check it out: iPaintOutdoors.com

Artist's Frames.. Always the best will do.

2011-09-17T08:24:00.000-10:00

Above is a new commission with a custom frame.

Your art and the client’s painting deserve the best possible picture frame. So often painters create a great painting only to use a low coast or poor design picture frame, making the painting discernibly of less value. Large or small paintings that you create have added value when framed right. Cost is not always the factor, but often relates to a potential frame. An expensive wrong design choice is about as bad as selecting a cheap frame. Here are a few directions I use when selecting a frame.

First, is to take your time and do your homework in searching out the best possible frame.

Second, is to make sure the width of the frame, texture, color and weight of the frame go well with your painting.

Third, is to find a selection of frames that will most often go with your art. This will save you time in the future.

Lastly, you might find a used frame style or antique frame that would make a great presentation for a painting.

There are many frame companies or suppliers that offer frames at different price points. Always look for quality first. If the supplier has a focus on “Value” and “Low Cost’, then I stay away from them. I have listed a few suppliers at the end of this blog.

Picture Frame Widths

Get the width that fits. A two-inch wide frame will work great on a smaller painting, but will generally add no design value to a larger painting.

Here is a good way to figure width:

Shorter picture size times .18. So if I take the shorter width of the painting, say a 16 by 20, my frame width would be about 2.88. (16x.18 =2.88) If a larger painting had a shorter width of 24 inches, the picture might look best in a moulding just over 4 inches (4.32) wide.

Picture small size, times .18 = width

Keep in mind that a contemporary painting may need a much smaller width and wrap canvas’ (painted on the edges) require no frame.

Picture Frame Cost

A way to figure a quality price point frame is to take the painting short size times 10.5. So an 8x10 painting might have a frame cost of $84.00. A 16x20 painting might have a quality frame that cost $168.00. This is just a rough estimate and seems to work with my paintings, but often the price is higher or a little lower. My frame price is about 4% to 12% of my paintings retail cost depending on client/gallery needs.

Always be on the look out for good quality frames. Once you find something that fits your art try to stay with a limited number frame styles.

A few suppliers:

www.kingofframe.com/

www.glaserframes.com/

www.artreadyframes.com/

www.delframesplus.com

www.abendgallery.com/framing.htm

www.hackmanframes.com

www.holtonframes.com

www.staffordframes.com

http://shop.highplainsframes.com/

Island Serenity

2011-09-07T11:28:00.000-10:00

New 16x8 oil on canvas board, Island Serenity. This painting will be going to the gallery today. Also today I start a 3 foot x 6 foot, four panel oil.

Good Dog!

2011-09-05T07:40:00.000-10:00

Good Dog!, 30x30 oil. Painting is for sale , but is available as a print. For prints check here.

"Do Tell" oil by Darrell Hill

2011-09-02T09:13:00.000-10:00

This is the 2nd place winning painting in the Telluride Plein Air event. Painting is 9x12, oil on canvas board. I am offering this painting for a limited time. Sale includes free shipping in USA. The painting is framed.

Encore

2011-09-01T07:30:00.000-10:00

36x72, 3 panel, oil on canvas, sold. I am thankful for art sales in these rough financial days. I have had many art sales over the last few months and will be completing three large commissions this month. Several galleries want more paintings; so I am busy...Thank God.

Art File for Painters or Artist

2011-08-30T08:16:00.000-10:00

A database listing for your paintings and graphic images that are used in both fine art selling and graphic licensing records. Fields that allows you to quickly note style, price, record of sales and etc. You can keep track as to which publishers and agents have received your images and in what formats. Also keep track of prints and royalities. Author: Tom Antonishak

If you are in need of an art file database for your art and use a Mac, this might be for you. I use Filemaker Pro, but this Bento template is a simple solution.

Outrigger

2011-08-26T14:19:00.000-10:00

This small 6x8 painting of a Hawaiian outrigger is shipping to Lahaina Galleries, Maui. I am also working on a 36x48 painting, about the same scene. In most cases I use a plein air painting from location and photos for larger works. I've completed over 15 Outrigger paintings this year.

New figurative sketch book

2011-08-24T11:27:00.000-10:00

I have just published a new sketch book. Many of my figurative drawings are included and art quotes by famous artist. Take a look.

The pull

2011-08-23T08:06:00.000-10:00

Some years ago I painted an oil "the Pull", 48x24. This last week I was dinning in Napa, California at Bristo Don Giovanni and could not resist taking a photo of our waiter doing "the Pull".

Bristo Don Giovanni

Napa Art Show

2011-08-14T05:11:00.000-10:00

I'll be there.

Tango Love by Darrell Hill, Painting - Oil | Zatista

2011-08-10T04:31:00.000-10:00

Tango Love by Darrell Hill, Painting - Oil | Zatista

"The Lady" 24x24 oil

2011-07-24T18:48:00.000-10:00

July 30th I'll be at the Lahaina Galleries, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, California. Event starts about 6:30pm and I'll be doing a painting demo. If you are in the area stop by. This and many other new works will be on display.

Morning Coffee

2011-07-17T07:08:00.000-10:00

"Morning Coffee", small oil will be at the Newport Beach show; Lahaina Galleries, Fashion Island on July 30th. I'll also be doing a still-life demo painting in the gallery. Have a good morning.

Symphony #9

2011-07-15T14:59:00.000-10:00

New 3 panel, 4ft x6ft, going to show in Newport Beach. I'll be at the Lahaina Galleries, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, Ca. July 30th. I'll also be doing a demo in the gallery. Symphony is one of several new works for this show.

Outrigger Haven

2011-07-09T10:59:00.000-10:00

New 24 x 24 oil, "Outrigger Haven". Painting is being shipped to the Lahaina Galleries on Maui for a July 20 and July 23. I'll be doing on site painting at each event. Wednesday at Shops at Wailea and Friday on Front Street. This painting and others will be featured.

Beach walk Crystal Cove

2011-06-21T14:20:00.000-10:00

One of many new paintings that will be shipping to Lahaina Galleries, Newport Beach. This is "Beach walk Crystal Cove", 12x12, oil on canvas board. Show is July 30th. For information you may call 949~721~9117. I will also do a live demo at the show.

Rooster Gogburn

2011-06-10T06:51:00.000-10:00

Rooster Gogburn, new oil 12x12. Now at the Lahaina Galleries in Bend Or. This is one of a number of chicken paintings completed over the last few years. For in formation contact lgi@maui.net

Chicken Crossing

2011-05-13T09:59:00.000-10:00

"Chicken Crossing the Road", new oil going to the Lahaina Gallery in Bend. 8x8 oil on canvas board. This is one of several "chicken" paintings shipped out this week. To see other art go to: http://www.DarrellHillFineArt.com

Warriors by Darrell Hill

2011-05-06T16:14:00.003-10:00

Warrior paintings, oil and gold-leaf on canvas with coins. two are 12x12 and one is 24x24. All have aging patina (cracking) and stain. Will be featured at the Lahaina Galleries, Shops at the Mauna Lani, Hawaii.

Chicken Feed

2011-05-04T12:19:00.003-10:00

New painting "Chicken Feed", 18x18 oil on canvas. Will be going to one of the shows or galleries in the next month. Completed nine paintings this month and getting framing on commission.

2011-04-28T08:03:00.001-10:00

Got a Pencil ?

2011-04-27T08:34:00.002-10:00

Another small still-life, "Got a Pencil ?", oil on board, 8x8. This is an old "Dexter" pencil sharpener. Remember the old school days. This painting and others will be going the the Napa art show August 20th.

Looking at You

2011-04-25T12:31:00.003-10:00

New 12x12, oil on wood, "Looking at You". Painting will be a featured work at the Napa Valley Art Festival. This is one of a series on still life objects.

Eugène Burnand

2011-04-24T09:56:00.001-10:00

Les disciples Pierre et Jean courant au Sépulcre le matin de la Résurrection en 1898, One of the best Easter paintings ever. At the musée d'Orsay, Paris, France.

50% off on cards.

2011-04-22T12:29:00.001-10:00

http://asset.zcache.com/assets/graphics/_zletter/2011/0422_FFHS_12_Cards_fw.html

http://www.zazzle.com/artbyhill/gifts?cg=196013568139539184

Before Digital

2011-04-20T13:12:00.004-10:00

"Before Digital", 12x12, oil on board. One of the paintings for the Napa Valley Arts Festival, August 20th. If you are in the area, let me know - email for info.

The Lady and Rothschild

2011-04-15T09:41:00.003-10:00

New wine painting, "The Lady and Routhchild", 20x20 oil. The framed art is John William Waterhouse, Lady of Shalott. The wine is a bottle of 1945 Mouton-Rothschild, currently bidding at over $4,000.00.

A Conversation with Darrell Hill 04/13 by Leslie Saeta | Blog Talk Radio

2011-04-12T07:25:00.000-10:00

A Conversation with Darrell Hill 04/13 by Leslie Saeta | Blog Talk Radio

I Love Art Postage Stamps

2011-04-11T18:09:00.000-10:00

I Love Art Postage Stamps from Zazzle.com

New Show

2011-04-09T07:50:00.000-10:00

Picture slideshow personalized with Smilebox

July Workshop

2011-04-06T08:30:00.003-10:00

Get ready for two days of great painting and enjoyment as you join other artists for this unique time. Coat is $300.00. You can call 949-723-6171 or email at : mail@debrahuse.com

I love Art Sticker from Zazzle.com

2011-04-04T14:01:00.000-10:00

I love Art Sticker from Zazzle.com

Moon light in Paradise

2011-03-27T10:03:00.002-10:00

New painting, was part of the show in Maui. 24x24 oil. If you are in Maui the painting can be seen at the Lahaina Galleries, Front Street or Shops at Wailea.

Outigger Vision

2011-03-16T12:22:00.002-10:00

"Outrigger Vision", 24x24, one of several new works for the show this Friday at the Lahaina Galleries, Maui. There is also a show next Wednesday at the gallery in Wailea. If you are in the area, stop by and see the art. I will also be doing a painting at each gallery location.

Outrigger Park Maui

2011-02-28T12:14:00.001-10:00

One of my paintings from the Maui Plein Air Invitational. Oil on canvas, 11x14. For inforamtion contact artist.

Visions of Light

2011-02-17T16:15:00.002-10:00

One of several paintings shipping to Maui. "Visions of Light", 24x30, oil on canvas. If you are in the Lahaina area look for me and other plein air painters painting in the Maui Plein Air Invitational. Starts Saturday, Feb. at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, Maui.

January a Great Month.

2011-02-13T07:48:00.002-10:00

January turned out to be one of the biggest months in sales for the last 18 months. Great clients and sales consultants started the year off right. Above is Cabernet Sauvignon, one of many paintings sold last month.

Cottage by the Sea

2011-02-11T08:12:00.002-10:00

New painting at the Lahaina Galleries, Shops at Mauna Lani. 9x12 on linen. I think I have painted this building about 100 times. Contact the gallery at lgi@maui.net

Outrigger Song

2011-01-27T10:14:00.003-10:00

New painting, "Outrigger Song", 24x24, oil on linen, will go to the gallery this week or next. Scene is the Kona Village Hawaii.

Come Fly with Me

2011-01-24T13:10:00.004-10:00

Been working on a number of transportation themes, cars, planes, boats and maybe trains. This is "Come Fly with Me", 8x16, oil on canvas. Will go to the gallery tomorrow.

Encore - completed oil

2011-01-12T15:41:00.002-10:00

"Encore" will ship to the Maui gallery next week. Painting workshop next week then back to the studio for the next project.

Print Sale 25% off

2011-01-03T07:50:00.002-10:00

25% off for just a few days. See my art available for prints from Imagekind. A good selection of images and sizes and this is a great savings time. Happy Newyear! Click tittle to go to site.

Daybreak Outrigger by Darrell Hill

2010-12-29T10:40:00.001-10:00

Just completed this 24x24, oil on linen, "DayBreak Outrigger". Will ship to Maui gallery this week.

New Art Journal

2010-12-22T13:40:00.002-10:00

Product Information
Scribble important stuff - ideas, drawings, cartoons, travel and more. Wire-O bound, 160 page journal measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack. Get creative and let the muse flow.

Take a Look

Painting Workshop

2010-12-20T08:02:00.004-10:00

Kona Village plein air workshop with Darrell Hill is fast approaching . Register by December 25th and save $200.00. You have the choice of 4 days to 7 days and local participation can be made. Contact Robert Adams hawaiianartjourney@gmail.com

Kona Village Workshop

2010-12-13T09:09:00.002-10:00

Start the year with an Hawaiian adventure painting workshop with Darrell Hill at the world class resort "Kona Village" on the big island of Hawaii. This year you have a choice of four to seven days. Darrell will give a demo each day followed by all the artist painting in this one of a kind location. Workshop is filling - for more details go to www.iPaintOutdoors.com or www.HawaiianArtJourney.com.

Above is Darrell Hill with last years model.

Darrell Hill Plein Air - Kona Village Resort

2010-12-04T09:05:00.005-10:00

Join four to seven days of great painting at the Kona Village Resort. Each day will be full of a unique painting experience, great food and lodging. Paint the huts and beach scenes of this quite peaceful resort. The event is put on by Hawaiian Art Journey. Cost is $1687.00 four days, includes all amenities. SPECIAL DISCOUNT - Sign up by Dec. 25th and receive a $200.00 discount.

You can extend to a seven day session for $2545.00, but sign up early for a discount.

Jan.15th to 19th

or Jan.15th to 22nd.

Contact Robert Adams: hawaiianartjourney@gmail.com
or Call: (808) 937 - 8136

Another 6x6

2010-12-01T16:35:00.001-10:00

"Docked at Sunset", oil on canvas. Another painting for the 6x6 show in Costa Mesa at the Randy Higbee Gallery, Dec. 4th.

Give the Gift of Art

2010-11-20T08:26:00.004-10:00

Saturday, December 4 at 5:00pm - December 23 at 5:00pm

The Randy Higbee Gallery in conjunction with kingofframe.com are hosting a very special event that will bring nationally acclaimed representational artists to a spectacular venue in Orange County, California. The Randy Higbee Gallery was host to the California Art Club's first Orange County group show and has been home to the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association "Less is More" miniatu...re show and several fund raising auctions for the same group. Now this special 6x6 event just in time for the holidays.

Randy Higbee Gallery

102 Kalmus

Costa Mesa, CA

Swiss and Shiraz 6x6, one of my works at the show.

Plein Air Workshop Holualoa Hawaii

2010-11-17T12:24:00.002-10:00

NEW WORKSHOP - December 10th & 11th. Friday we'll be painting "plein air" in the old coffee village of Holualoa, Hawaii. Saturday is a special session on painting from photos. Cost is $100.00 for both mornings. For information go to: www.iPaintoutdoors.com

WIP "Rhythm of the Sea"

2010-11-11T10:25:00.002-10:00

On the easel "Rhythm of the Sea", 36x48 oil on canvas. One of several paintings with the sea as a theme.

Special Sale

2010-11-10T10:34:00.003-10:00

Now you can purchase small oil studies by artist Darrell Hill. Here is "Vineyard Oaks", 9x12, framed, shipped FEDEX. $700.00, plus $20.00 shipping.

Down by the Sea

2010-11-07T14:02:00.002-10:00

Entry into 6x6 show in Newport Beach area December 3. This is "Down by the Sea", 6x6 oil on canvas.

For more new art go to www.DarrellHillFineArt.com

The Road Home

2010-11-05T15:52:00.002-10:00

Working on a number of small 6x6 oils. This is "The Road Home", oil on wood.

Island Lilli Pad

2010-11-03T09:20:00.002-10:00

New painting "Island Lilli Pad", 12x24. Painting is available at Lahaina Galleries. Visit the web site DarrellHillFineArt.com for more updates.

Just a Note

2010-10-27T13:20:00.001-10:00

After several weeks in San Francisco for medical issues that were going to lead to surgery, no surgery! Will be back in the studio by the weekend and making painting plans.

Now you can buy small paintings online

2010-09-24T08:20:00.004-10:00

Each month a painting will be offered for sale on this blog and the web site www.DarrellHillFineArt.com

This is the first "Island View", 8x10, oil on board, framed.

Sales of these paintings help support the site "Art Club Kids"

"Island View" 8x10 oil $700.00, FREE shipping.

New Stamps

2010-09-17T11:55:00.002-10:00

New collector stamps are now available. Use and collect them all. Limited time as the stamps will be deleted.

Pathway to Paradise

2010-09-13T14:24:00.002-10:00

New 60x24 oil on canvas, "Pathway to Paradise". Will be shipped to Fashion Island, Lahaina Galleries this week.

Four Foot Three Panel

2010-08-24T15:21:00.002-10:00

Just finished this 4 foot, 3 panel that will shipping to the gallery this week. Painting will be at the Lahaina Galleries in Maui.

Kamehameha

2010-08-13T09:34:00.001-10:00

New small painting 7x7, oil on canvas board. "Kamehameha" shipping to gallery in Maui.

Boogie Steps

2010-08-11T08:21:00.001-10:00

New painting going to gallery: "Boogie Steps", 18x18, oil on canvas.

Special Thanks

2010-08-05T08:10:00.000-10:00

NO SURGERY! Special thanks. After weeks of preparation for open heart surgery, my wife and I traveled to Queen's Hospital in Honolulu. We meet with the cardiologists for a pre open heart surgery and coronary ultrasound. The doctor canceled both procedures. He said that within six months to a year the FDA is approving a non evasive procedure; a MitraClip that is delivered by catheter and clips the heart’s mitral valve. He said I was number two on the list.

My special thanks to all my friends, family and artist that prayed and gave special thoughts my way. I especially thank my priest, Fr. John Schroedel and Bishop Benjamin, Bishop of San Francisco and the West, who gave personal prayer.

I can now look forward to painting and trust the FDA approves the MitraClip.

Crab Time, New Painting

2010-08-03T06:52:00.002-10:00

Crab Time, 24x12, oil on canvas. Painting is going to the Lahaina Galleries, Fashion Island, Newport Beach. Other boat paintings are coming.

Oliver

2010-07-25T16:16:00.004-10:00

"Oliver", 12x12 oil on canvas. Last of three comedians. Going out to gallery this week.

Stanley

2010-07-24T10:16:00.001-10:00

"Stanley", 12x12, oil as part of the comedian series I am painting.

Charlie

2010-07-23T12:37:00.002-10:00

Starting a series of 1920's comedians, each 12x12 oil. Here is the first "Charlie".

Art Club Kids Now Open

2010-07-22T07:56:00.004-10:00

Art Club Kids web site is now up and running. The site is deigned for kids 12 and under to show their art - drawings, paintings, computer art.

Simply join (free) and begin to use the site. You can also have your own page.

Parents can start by joining and uploading art.

The site is safe and free. So join the fun and have your child or grandchild art on display.

www.ArtClubKids.com

Jaju, New painting

2010-07-14T09:17:00.002-10:00

Just finished this painting of my wife's grandpa "Jaju", oil on canvas, 16x12. Thinking about doing more family portraits.

Two New Tropical Florals

2010-07-10T10:30:00.009-10:00

Two new florals, 16x8, oil on canvas panel. Shipping to gallery next week. Second set in a series of tropical florals.

Coming Soon!

2010-07-01T08:25:00.002-10:00

Soon I'll have a web site for kids 12 and under. After a sign up (younger kids can have parents help) members can upload their art for a gallery view. They will also be able to have their own web page. Kids will be given an art challenge and links to other interesting art kid sites will be included.

Delight - New Painting

2010-06-21T10:33:00.001-10:00

"Delight", 30x30, oil on canvas, shipping to Maui gallery. One of several new painting.

Plein Air Events

2010-06-14T06:23:00.002-10:00

"Good Times", 9x12, oil. This painting was completed on location in the Sonoma area. Walking out to paint this oldie I stepped in a hole and three days later ended up in the Palo Alto, Standford Medical Center with a knee that needed help.

The painting will now go to the Best of Plein Air Show or the Napa Valley Art Festival.

Sonoma Pleinn Air

2010-05-10T06:38:00.003-10:00

New Painting

2010-05-07T13:55:00.001-10:00

New painting for Bend gallery, 24x36 oil on canvas, "High Country". Getting ready for the Sonoma Plein Air.

New Plein Air

2010-05-01T07:11:00.002-10:00

"Up County" , 12x9, one of several plein air paintings being shown at the "Less is More" show opening tonight at the Randy Hegbee Gallery (art and frame), Costa Mesa, California. This show is sponsored by Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.

Clients Homes

2010-04-27T10:54:00.002-10:00

Take a look at all the wonderful homes featuring art by Darrell Hill. These inspirational photos are available at the "Collector's Gallery" on the web site: www.DarrellHillFineArt.com

Darrell Hill Painting Tips (1)

2010-04-19T18:28:00.001-10:00

Good composition and layout are a must. Whither you are painting “Plein Air” or the “Studio” - the basic composition is your map to a great painting. Drawing composition makes or breaks a painting. Most often, if I am fighting a painting, I did not start with a good composition. Take your time to start any painting with the compositional direction.

Composition is like the old “Type Setter”, know your “p’s and “q’s”. There are several key simple compositional looks: The big and small “Oo”, Centered “OoO”, The following, like a rive or “S” format, The major focal point “X”, were the lines lead to a focal point, The triangle “Δ”with high or low horizon, The “L” design, that can go left or right, The figure “8” were the eye travels within the layout and the following“≈”, gentile movement. There are many other compositional approaches, but the important thing is to know were you are going before you start to paint.

If you look at any of your favorite artist’s works and you take away the color, brushwork, edges and values, it leaves you with the composition. Every great painting has under the beauty and colors a good composition. Edgar Payne in his book “Composition of Outdoor Painting” gives some good insight into starting a painting. The book was first published in 1941, but is very relevant to today’s painter. (Look it up at Amazon.com”

APPLICATION: Take your sketch book and draw four or five boxes across the top of the page and repeat, ending with 20 to 25 boxes; now do small compositional sketches of still life or landscapes. Try to make each drawing a unique layout that would work for a painting.

Seven Painting Tips, Seven Days

2010-04-18T17:39:00.002-10:00

Starting Monday on FACEBOOK, I'll post some of my painting tips, seven days, seven tips. From one struggling artist to others. Get a short tip each day for a week. I'll share tips from the start of a painting to completion.

4 ft x 7 ft, 3 panel oil

2010-04-15T08:02:00.011-10:00

Starting 3 panel, "Signature" canvas, layout and under painting in "Gamblin" Transparent Earth Orange. Large brush work creating general value areas.

Day 2, filling in color with some detail using large brush. Colors are: Earth Orange, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Orage Green Earth, Viridian, Alizarin Crimson, Yellow Ochre and white. Also used Liquin Orginal.

Detail of palms, will take another few days to complete, but the general color theme will remain the same.

Koele Sunrise

2010-04-14T08:26:00.002-10:00

New oil, 8x6, "Koele Sunrise" going to the Mike Carroll Gallery on the island of Lanai. Today starting a 4 foot by 7 foot, 3 panel.