Being a Loose Woman Ain't Easy!

The following is a blog post I did at the Paint My Photo website.  They're having a contest where members can post a painting of theirs in a loose style and possibly win a book by Jean Haines who is to judge the contest.  Since I've been a fan of Jean's since I first saw her work on Wet Canvas, I really wanted to win her book but ------ the following blog post explains it all!

You don't know how many attempts I've made at a loose painting for this month's (August) challenge - my wastebasket overfloweth! 

I've tried loose paintings in watercolor (but I stink at that medium under normal circumstances), then I tried pastel but if you put a brush or a pencil or pastel stick in my hands it's not really going to result in a very loose painting.

I've also tried an acrylic piece that is definitely loose because I used my fingers only but it's certainly not on par with the paintings already submitted for this month's challenge.  I just don't think I'm cut out to be a loose painter.

I've admired the work of Jean Haines for eons and frequently refer to her tutorials on Wet Canvas.  I don't think I'll ever be able to paint as loosely as Jean but I would certainly like to loosen up at least some!  She makes it look so easy, doesn't she?

I think it's too late for me to paint anything for the challenge this month as there are a lot of things going in the next few weeks but I just wanted to say that whoever wins Jean's book certainly deserves it!  If it ain't so easy being a loose woman, it's probably not so easy being a loose man either!

The lion painting above is from ESP at Paint My Photo but I certainly did not do justice to it.  I painted it in acrylic but instead of using a brush or palette knife, I used my fingers and finger nails although my signature was done with a brush.  While it's not a masterpiece and loose may not be easy, it was certainly fun to do!
 

Prize Won Put to Use

Magnolia
Acrylic
copyright
Jan Gibson

Last month I entered a contest with my "Intense Pride" lion painting and won! I entered the contest mainly to prod me into actually painting a reference photo that had intrigued me for ages but I just didn't have the confidence to start it.

Anyway, I received my prize a couple of days ago which was a set of acrylic paints from Frank Clarke, Mr. Clarke hosts a painting show on PBS here in the US and I'm sure he has similar television programs in other countries.

Of course, I had to try out the paints and the magnolia above is the result. I have sooooo much to learn about acrylic painting but at least I've started! (See Teresa's post about procrastination on her Blueberries, Art and Life blog to understand why I said that!)

I've never really gotten into acrylic painting because of the issue of their drying time. It's incredibly fast and once dry, the paint can't be lifted or manipulated like watercolors can. The quick drying time also makes it very difficult to blend. Those are issues I'll need to come to grips with and resolve if I continue with acrylic painting. There are mediums and retarders and the like to use though and I do have some of them. I also have some of the Golden Open acrylics which stay wet, or "open", much longer than traditional acrylics.

So, considering the traits of these acrylics and the fact that I don't have much experience with acrylic painting, I hope you'll cut me some slack with this painting of a magnolia! lol I know it leaves a lot to be desired but I'm fairly pleased with it as a first effort!

Still Kicking Lions - errr, On a Lion Painting Kick

Lion _ ACEO 2-1/2 x 3-1/2"
watercolor
copyright
Jan Gibson

I don't know what it is about painting lions lately but this will be my third one in about 2 months! Lions certainly aren't my favorite wild animal or anything but there is something compelling about them, isn't there?

I don't know how many of you remember watching Bob Ross paint on PBS, but if you do, then you heard him say to use "two hairs and some air" when blending. That was one of his stock phrases when he blended with that fat two inch brush of his!

I can almost say that this painting was done using about two hairs and some water! I like to paint relatively small, but it's so much harder to paint tiny and actually have it look like anything! This probably took as long to paint as a larger painting but it was fun.

The ref photo came from Wet Canvas and I think I'd like to paint a larger version of this guy. However, I think I'd use pastel the next time!

Final?

"Intense"

Pastel on Velour
copyright
Jan Gibson

I heard one artist say that they thought a painting of theirs was finished but they wanted to let it "marinate" before they signed it. I feel the same way about this lion. I think it's finished but I want to wait to see if I spot anything later (or if any of you spot anything! lol)

As always, C&C appreciated and welcome!

Lion Update

"Intense"

WIP Photo #2
Pastel on Velour

Well, I've done a bit more and am taking a break so I thought I'd post it. Still a long way to go with it.


OK, back to work!

ROAAAR!!!

"Intense"

Pastel on Velour
copyright
Jan Gibson

This is a painting that I've wanted to do for a very long time but was just hesitant about that first step! The reference photo is very intimidating and challenging!

So, in order to keep myself working on it, I'm posting it as a wip. If it ends up as I envision, I may enter it into an online art contest. It was the announcement of this contest that was the final push for me to start the painting so I think I ought to do it. We'll see how this ends up though.