February has arrived in California with rain! We often have January sunshine, but I think of February and March as the slushy months! Today, I look out onto unusual fog creeping over the Joshua Trees. I think of the serious photographers who soon will be capturing Joshua Trees emerging from the white mist.
And again, I am reminded that fun or meaningful events often do not happen without some planning. We must take steps to compose and create these activities. Then the unexpected, serendipitous events come as wonderful surprises!
During January, “Snowbirds” from northern climates flock to Palm Desert and Palm Springs to enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Sunnylands (gardens are free to the public) is a jewel, and I have wanted to visit the exclusive 25,000 square foot Annenberg home, often considered the Western Whitehouse, on the estate. I made reservations! This week, I visited the beautiful home and entered rooms where US Presidents, their wives and royalty such as Queen Elizabeth II slept. So often we forget to visit treasures only miles from our homes. I have painted in the lovely Sunnylands gardens and now know what is just over the fence.
The Annenberg Estate and two of my paintings of the gardens at Sunnylands
Although my plan for 2024 is a slower, more meditative year, January has been full of unexpected events, and I am currently in three unplanned but rewarding art shows!
I participated in a writing challenge created by Erin Gafill and Tom Birmingham of Big Sur and so enjoyed the online community they created. Erin and Tom are master artists/writers and experts at creating a nurturing environment. I completed the tasks for each day, and I am well on my way to writing my…? I am reminded that the point is to develop a habit and to participate in the process!
Encouragement and Tips:
I have promised to include tips that I present in my painting workshops (My next in-person workshop will be April 6th at Cactus Mart and registration info will be available in mid-February). In an earlier Substack letter, I discussed acrylic paint and colors I love.
As I looked out at the fog rolling in over the gentle hills today, I thought about what I urge participants to think about as they begin painting en plein air.
Observation
What do you SEE?
the unique layers and profiles of hills in the distance-each fading in color behind the other?
desert flora and maybe fauna!
the variety of greens! (Think about paint chips in these colors. In the desert, there is less Kelly green! All are a mixture of sages, golden “olive” shades, blues, teals, ochres, and light umbers.
season/weather dependent conditions
sky-LOOK AT TH SKY-pale at the horizon, deepening toward the heavens.
cloud shapes/colors; variety of boulders
light source/shadow direction (again very seasonal!) Winter provides low southern light from near the horizon.
the setting and structures
Planning Composition: Your Foundation
Before we begin sketching, we discuss composition.
There are some basic “tricks”:
Be mindful about where you place your objects. Generally, the composition is more pleasing when the main objects are off-center. And then sometimes it’s fun to place your object in the center!
The Golden ratio (1: 1.618—not quite 2/3) creates good balance, both vertically and horizontally.
As in Japanese flower arranging, an uneven number of objects is more pleasing than an even.
Several basic composition templates prove helpful. Note: most put the horizon line at a definite off-center point, about 1/3, 2/3 or with the 1: 1.62 ratio.
I believe considering composition becomes an intuitive habit the more you look at paintings and create your own.
A good method to improve composition skills is looking at works by old masters or painters whom you admire. Create a quick thumbnail sketch. Here are samples of my very quick sketches; you will find they often follow basic composition models from above.
Study these, and try your own this week! If that seems like a daunting task, copy mine or just LOOK at them.
It has been said that to create a great business, give away some of your best products! At least that’s what my son told me after taking Business 101!
Valentine’s Day Cards – free printable downloadsThree of my Joshua Tree Valentine’s Day Cards and a Pink Roses card are free to download until February 14th.
I wish to thank the painters Paul Donaldson and Snake Jagger for curating Faces & Friends at the Beatnik Lounge in Joshua Tree. The very well-attended opening was full of faces and friends! I am pleased that my portrait of the late Tim Kelly sold—and of note, to a musician who knew and appreciated the late violinist. Thank you Jenifer Lacey-Palmer.
Tim Kelly said, “Music might as well be my first language because I certainly play it more than I speak to other people. I thought of music as kind of a mood enhancer, it’s almost a conversation without words. It won't change the world, but it will change, I hope individuals, at least for a short time…to put them in a better mood, for however long that mood lasts, for that joy.” From video Joshua Tree’s Tim Kelly by Dan O’Dowd, 2012.
I am happy to be included in an exhibit highlighting the history of Joshua Tree National Park at the Joshua Tree National Park’s newest gallery/shop JTNP West Art Gallery. Proceeds from sales help the national park. Visit the online gallery; the show runs through March 9.
The third surprise: I am the featured artist for the month of February at Asher Grey, a contemporary art initiative based in Joshua Tree, California and Venice Beach, founded by artist Frederick Fulmer. To see more about my online exhibit, Continent’s Edge, visit ASHER GREY GALLERY
Until we meet again, ask yourself, “Am I ready to dedicate myself to being the one I was born to be?”
