Meeting Robert Bateman

Robert Bateman inspired talk about his process and abstraction was such an amazing experience.

He offered to give an artist talk to the Federation of Canadian Artists group which was part of the workshop on Salt Spring Island I took with a number of very good painters.

Following his talk, I had the opportunity to show Bateman my sketch book and had him sign it. He mentioned he uses a sketchbook all the time and inquired about the thick Bee paper in mine.

When he mentioned he particularity liked an abstract of the ocean I completed on Galiano, I felt understood in my intentions of expressing the essence of the scene.  He mentioned that his realistic paintings are often based on abstract compositions, and that he did a lot of abstract art as well. This further validated my interested in abstracted painting.

Abstraction always has a place in art. To me it is art.

If you ever get a chance to talk with a seasoned painter take it. Ever word speaks as much as their art.

Jane

Rain on My Palette

Rain drops on my palette
is one way to get it wet

While on the painting
it's abstraction, I bet.

Even in winter weather
warm adventures unfold,

Creations of art
our hearts can behold.

If too cold to paint
the camera wins out,

Instant compositions
to later muse about.

Paintings or photos,
keepsakes of the day,

Helping us remember
what creation can say.

Jane Appleby

                                          

Textured Panel

I have found that using pre-textured panel allows for quick impressions on location with an underlying theme of expression. 
In this 8 x 10 acrylic on a canvas board, I applied Golden Moulding Paste with a palette knife covering most of panel with sweeping strokes and hatches that implied movement and let it dry.

The abstract expression then was influenced by the texture and mingling new brushstrokes while on location. The scene of the moving waters on the beach were the inspiration and layers of transparent and opaque paint added depth.

I worked these layers until I felt satisfied with the expression. In this case it was not a rendition of the landscape but the flow I felt by being moved by it.

FOR MORE OCEAN PAINTINGS VISIT MY WEBSITE: www.janeappleby.com

In White

This was a passionate expression completed in my studio influenced by all that I saw as white: Snow, Mist, clouds, icicles, reflections, fabric, homes, etc. I recall picturing these things in my mind that I had experienced outdoors first and then inside (even in the depths of my soul).

"In White" was meant to be an expression of something good. 

This Abstract Expression has received an Award of Excellence at the Federation of Canadian Artists Abstract Show (February 2012) in Vancouver and a first for me. 

I was pleased that the Jury was touched by this piece somehow. 

I feel art can involve our senses, emotions, and soul and continue its good influences.

Tools of the Trade

Although it may be fun to experiment with various media, tools and styles, we can create well if we get comfortable with a few favourites. 

Using a few basic pigments and good brushes, with specific favourite tools may allow us to explore our own "handwriting" in painting more effectively. 

Here are MY PREFFERED TOOLS OF THE TRADE FOR OUTDOOR ACRYLIC PAINTING:

Currently I prefer fluid acrylics as they flow well and do not dry too fast and if they do they can be mixed with glazing medium.

My preferred colours include: Cobalt Blue, Primary Magenta, Primary Yellow, Napthol Red, Ultramarine, Umber and Titanium White.

I use large, medium and small filbert synthetic brush like H.J. Isocryl or Acyrilex, as well as a round with good point. I have recently added a few flats. You may want to only try flats at first. A tiny brush (00, 01) for details and signatures is also a good addition.  

Stay wet Palettes can help keep paints moist but any white surface that shows the colours when mixed is good.

Pallet to mix paint on: Stay wet Palettes can help although any white surface that the colours can be seen well when mixed is good. I have also used large ice-cream bucket tops and even regular white foam board cut into two long strips and taped together so that can they fold on each other and cover the wet paint for transport (in a plastic bag). These dry eventually but can to be reused.

Easel: half box French easel by Julian or a sturdy wood easel that stands sturdily into the ground for support is what I have used often with acrylics (shown below).

Two water containers that do not tip such as half full 500 ml clean plastic deli containers are a favourite. Smaller portable caps from laundry detergent are good too.  Also a small spray bottle to mist paints can help moisten paints.

Paper towels, soft rags or even old socks can be helpful to wipe paint and brushes.

I use an adjustable viewfinder to compose a scene and check my compositions in a mirror from time to time. By looking at the painting in reverse you may see things that stand out that may need to be changed. Note: turning the painting on its side and upside down are also ways to check how elements are working or not.

All in all, I feel it is important to have tools we are comfortable with and be open to many possible ways to use them. With a good attitude, we can try new things and learn how to use our tools a unique way, and be thankful for the experience. 

Lastly, Creating in an attitude of openness to possibilities and gratitude may be one of the most essential tools to bring along. 

For Jane's art classes: www.janeappleby.com/events

Cypress Mountain Prep

There is something exhilarating about being outdoors or in its vicinity. I happened to ski late one evening and captured this shot which was certainly a starting point to my paintings at Cypress Lodge. Cypress is one of my favourite mountains, close to home and with stunning vistas - It is where I am am inspired.
In winter, soft distant clouds, glistening snow capped peaks, and powdered trees where highlighted by the setting sun and brought to life as the sun
Here is an evening shot that I had to run to get my camera for before it disappeared.

I have found that taking photos helps me become familiar with the scenes I will paint and often are the first expressions of them. I tend to use the photos not to paint the exact scene but to recall the experience from them. This scene was a gift that was a starting point to my snow paintings.

Outdoors from the Inside

My first excursion painting outdoors was probably when I was a small child and so when I venture out now with sketchbook or paints I sense a child like joy come over me and am always rejuvenated in my spirit. I am not sure if it is the fresh air, the people I meet or that I am creating art. Probably all of these and more.

Here, I was at Cypress Mountain painting in acrylics, close to the outdoors, however in the comfort of Cypress Creek Lodge as part of the winter events. In this painting demonstration I quickly rendered the snow scene that I saw out the window as if I was outside as the light changed just as quickly of course.

Lugging my half box easel and suitcase of paints and materials made it feel like an outdoor excursion and was just as a passionate one,maybe because I was able to share it with the audience.

I plan to update this blog when I actually paint outside. For now you have a passionate outdoor painter painting outside her studio.

You are invited to follow along with me on these outings. Thank you from, Jane

I also invite you to visit my website and subscribe to my Newsletter: www.janeappleby.com