Monthly Archives: October 2012

Watch Me Prepare for Holiday Open Studio

Posted by Skip Allen on

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

Holiday Open Studio, Digital Art Academy, Registration is open!

Posted by Skip Allen on

Hello Everyone,

It’s time for the Holidays!

It is that time of year again. And I say Yahoo! That’s right Corel Painter Master Karen Bonaker’s annual Holiday Open Studio starts November 17, 2012 and ends December 14, 2012.  You will want to register for Holiday Open Studio here.

Elaina Moore-Kelly and I will join Karen again this year.  Karen will start the class off on Week 1, with Fall Landscapes.  As usual, her demonstrations will be in Painter 12, but students can use any software they like.  Folks use Photoshop, Art Rage, and earlier versions of 12.  Both Karen and I will primarily use Buttery Oils.  Check out this beautiful painting of Karen’s using combining watercolor brushes, Bristly Dabs, and Buttery Oils.

Fall is in the Air

I love fall colors.  I am going to have fun.

Elaina has week two.  She is a card maker extraordinaire.  Elaina describes her class this way, “Wouldn’t it be great to send out your own hand-crafted cards this year? Join me this week as I demonstrate how to make and print your own unique cards while you learn how to do some crafty tricks using Painter 12.”  I hope I send cards this year.  I’ve been so bad about it for so long…sigh.  Maybe with Elaina’s help, I’ll send some this year.  Take a look at Elaina’s beautiful work.

Card from Holiday Open Studio

Week 3 and I’m up.  OK, can I be honest?  I haven’t prepared the class, yet.  I’ve started but have a bunch to do.  I know that I am going to work with Buttery Oils, as well, but no landscapes.  I’m going floral.  Still life or just floral, I’m not sure yet.  I thought it might be fun to give you a little insight into the preparations I do for a class.  I usually have to do a number of painting sketches to learn my subject.  These studies are never posted…yuck…they are just trials.  But, for fun, right after this post, I will post a video of my first practice with a poinsettia.  I think you will find it interesting.  So to see my example, check out my next post.

Karen brings Week 4 with snow scenes.  It’s a toss-up which class I’m most excited about.  I think all four will be terrific.

I know you will love Holiday Open Studio.  Remember it is for anyone, beginner to advanced users.  There is lots of sharing and we learn as much from each other as we do from the instructors.  I know I learn tons from Elaina and Karen.

Here is the link for registration again.  Holiday Open Studio.

Hope to see everyone there.  I promise you will enjoy it.  It’s like one big family.

Skip