Hi Gang,
In my last post, I admitted that I am just starting to prepare for Holiday Open Studio. To prepare, I do a number of sketches of my subject. I use a variety of photo references. After I feel like I know my subject, then I paint the final image without references. I will record the final image and that recording along with other tips becomes the lesson.
Woohoo, this is scary. I have never published something like this.
I start by sketching the subject with a custom variant called Skip’s sharp pencil. I don’t think I have ever posted it for download. I follow the pencil sketch with a painted sketch…at least that is what I call them. Some are OK, others are not. Here is the image that you will see painted. Cut me some slack; it is my first try.
Poinsettia, First Try
Here is the video. I hope you enjoy my struggles.
UPDATE: There appears to be something wrong with the video. I have deleted it and will repair it and post in the morning. Sorry for the bad video.
UPDATE 2, 10/26/2012. This morning I have tried to repair the video with no success. I’m going to re-process and see if that will fix it. Give me a couple of hours and I should have something. So sorry about this problem.
UPDATE 3, 10/26/2012: I give up. I have done everything I know to fix the video, but I’ve had no success. I will be doing more of these paintings and I’ll record the next one and post. I honestly do not know why the video flickered so violently. There seemed to be a black frame between two good frames. Again, I am so very sorry for the mess up.
Now I have to run and do some more stuff, so I’ll be ready for class. Hope you join us for some Holiday fun.
Skip
Hi Skip,
I love the look of this Poinsettia…the pencil scribbles…the combination of textured and non-textured areas of the canvas, the free form look. Just beautiful. I can’t wait to see your Holiday Open Studio lesson teaching us how to draw and paint this gorgeous Holiday symbol.
Hey Elaina,
I hope I can get a video of it…LOL. I’m looking forward to your classes, too.
Absolutely beautiful!! I look forward to the video!
Betty
Sent from my iPad
Hi Betty,
I hope I can get it fixed. I have failed so far. Thanks for visiting and commenting.
Skip, what i like best,what help’s me the most, is seeing your thought process..how you approach your work..i always find that part of how artists work, fascinating..and the most instructive!..thank you for sharing
Hi Tim,
Thanks for that valuable feedback. I will try to keep that in mind and share more about the thought processes.
Skip, you could paint with a stub and it would be beautiful!!! Looks terrific.
Awe Janet…what a nice compliment. Thanks bunches.
Love the “look of this” Skip !! Look forward to the video !!
Thanks Judi…I hope I can get the video fixed…so far…nothing.
As always I am such a fan of your work. Love the loose layered technique.
Thanks Eva…I am a fan of controlled chaos…LOL. I do like using layers, but I didn’t use many in this image. The trick is to give it that layered look.
Skip I love this! I’ve missed playing with Painter. It’s structured yet organic with a delicious amount of variation of texture and bold colors!!
Hey Kelly…
Thanks. If the video had worked, you may have laughed and thought differently about the image.
Thanks for the wonderful comment.
Hi Skip.
Love your painting, wonderful colors. Sorry I can’t partake in the holiday fun. But
I’ll still be benefiting from the WC class.
Hey Kathleen,
Thanks for the comment. I’ll miss you in HOS. But, we can still play in the watercolor class.
Oh hah! Bad video .. hah! .. this turned out sooo beautifullly that you are just going to keep your techniques a big secret!!!! :>) … seriously Skip, this really is gorgeous … I love everything about it, even the fact that I couldn’t do it!!!! .. this is the kind of work that makes my heart and soul jump up and down when I see!!!!
Hugs…Charlie
Hey Charlie, Thank you so much. But be careful with that soul and heart jumping. Make sure you stay intact.
The video is really busted. I promise there were no secrets. I’ll give it another shot tomorrow.
Hugs, Skip
You do know that I just love to tug at your strings!!! :>) … but Skip, this really is a beautiful creation .. and it does have me jumping up and down .. and NO, it’s NOT fleas!!!! Hugs
Are you sure…I know it is getting cold up there and the fleas are looking for a free trip inside. You could be a great transport.
Thanks Charlie…much love, Skip
beautiful , can’t wait to see it and hear you lough at your oopses . thank you for the inspiration you project .
Thanks bunches, unfortunately I was unable to fix the video, but I’m sure I’ll have laughter and oops in the next one.
Bad video – I wonder what that is all about! WW
That poinsettia is just beautiful! I am really looking forward to Holiday Open Studio.
For anyone reading this and considering taking a class from Skip but may be thinking they are unsure….TAKE A CLASS (one or more) . . .
Skip is a great teacher, gives excellent guidance, answers all questions very well, provides tools, tips, videos, etc. to make our life as student a fun learning experience. Skip knows Painter inside and out and not only teaches, but uses it….as well as other tools along with Painter such as Wacom tablets.
Pass the word to your friends too!
Doug.S
Wow…Thank you Doug. Check is in the mail. 🙂
Seriously Doug, your comments are very much appreciated. Thank you so much, Skip