4 Ways to Set up the Background in your Painting - Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever gone to a LIVE Theatre Production?

 It's so amazing how they create a setting with just a few scraps of material and a bit of lighting.  Suddenly you are THERE. . . .

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON - $650 Matted 

I paint and draw nature but I don't really draw landscapes.  I zoom in and focus on subjects: birds, animals, rocks, ferns, the parts of nature that catch my eye.  The problem is, I don't always pay attention to what is around my subject.  My reference material contains only my subject.  

So when I go to design my picture, I don't have a good solid idea of what to put in the background.  

Do you have trouble with that?  

I have been putting a lot of thought into this and here's what I have learned:

There are 4 Ways to Setup the Background in Your Painting

A DISTINGUISHED CANADIAN - $650 

*** There is further discussion and examples of the different types of backgrounds on my Video Production for this Post.  See YouTube: Playing with Backgrounds - What Works for You?

1.  No Background: This may seem strange but actually I found I kind of like it.  With just a hint of the setting the story is there.  In my mind, there is no question that my Canada Goose is standing in the water.  What more do you need to know?

2. Contrast: Something totally unrelated!  Here my subject was the cluster of flowers.  I drew a very Geometric design and then added my flowers.  I liked it.  Why does it work, was my next question.  I think it is the Contrast that is happening. There is so much for the eye to see, eye candy. What do you think makes it interesting?  or I guess I could ask, Do you find it interesting? It is Definitely telling a different type of story then my usual work.  

CASCADING - $700 

3.  Realistic with Background Suggested: This can take several forms.  Cascading, my painting of the ferns has a very realistic feel to it but the further away from the focus point, the more the surrounding foliage becomes more suggestive in nature.  The opening picture Closed for the Season, also has a suggested background.  The information is there but blurred leaving much to the viewers imagination. 

 

ROBIN: SATISFIED - $160

4.  Abstract or Fantasy: In this setting my Robin has an environment but it is a fantasy world.  This environment can tell whatever kind of story you wish.  Actually it is kind of freeing, your design can go into so many different directions.  I had a lot of fun with this and made of series of 3 Robins, you can see them Here.  

I am not sure if I have settled the Background Issue or opened up a bigger issues.  When next you have  a subject to paint, you must first decide "What type of Story you want to tell".  The background material you choose will send you into many different directions. 

*** There is further discussion and examples of the different types of backgrounds on my Video Production for this Post.  See YouTube: Playing with Backgrounds - What Works for You?

 Move your work to NEW LEVELS?  

Contact Me for:

1. Private Drawing Lesson: (3 Sessions 2.5 hr each $250)  North Langley, BC (Walnut Grove) 

Do you want your animals to breath, your flowers to sparkle or your people to walk?  Whatever subject your like to paint or draw I can build a drawing program for you.  Private Lessons allow you to focus on the skills you wish to develop.  Wendy is a experienced teacher, providing a calm, relaxing experience as you learn how to use the principles of drawing.  Beginner to Advanced are welcome.  Special rates for younger students.  Contact Wendy for More info

2.  Online: Teaching, Mentoring or Critiquing Your Work - Don't live in the Fraser Valley,  I would be happy to tailor a program just for you online.  Drawing and Painting Lessons, Mentoring you on your Art Journey or Critiquing Your Work with an Eye to Move It Forward.  Drawing & Painting Lessons: 2-30 sessions $75.  Mentoring or Critiquing 30 minutes sessions $25.  Flexible schedule and sessions can be longer or shorter depending on your goals. 

3.  Available at Art by Wendy's Studio

Original work, Commissions, Prints and Cards of her Work, 

Be sure to like and share my posts.  You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email 

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Time to Change it UP - Painting and Drawing Tips

As the World teeters from one Disastrous News Bite to another, it is Discombobulating.  There is a loss of HOPE. I'm feeling that way, you probably are too.  I nearly didn't post this week because of it.  But

I am Not. Ready. To give up. . . . 

We are all entering a life of self quarantine. I think, we are needing to learn new things more than ever.  So . . . .  here goes. . .

BALD EAGLE: SALMON ARE HERE WIP- Graphite 12 x 16 - Eagles feasting on the dead salmon is a common sight along the Fraser River in the fall when the Salmon Run starts.  Not all eagles want to share their food!!

As many of you know I love to golf.  I run a Tuesday night golf group and we golf every Tuesday night at the same course.  Have for many years.

Boring . . .  You might think. . . But no.

Golfing at the same course gives you a sense of calmness.  You know the course, you know the obstacles, you can focus on your shots.  When I play a hole well, I can compare my performance to previous scores.  I can measure my improvements.  Really golf is about playing yourself.  Comparing yourself to your performance, not others.

SHORT-EARED OWL: ON THE PROWL- Matted 20 x 16 Graphite $500.  Loving this new long narrow vertical format, turns out most of my work has been horizontal. 

Very much like your art work. . .

You draw/paint the same kinds of things.  Comfortable. Comforting.  Relaxing.  You can focus on improving your technique.  Knowing exactly where you are going.  And you do improve.  Slowly.

NOW you have time, so now it is time to Change It UP. . .

I golf other days but always on other courses.  The first time on a new course is always a major learning curve.  The hazards are different.  The greens a challenge.  The score is high.  But after a few rounds things change.  I start using different clubs.  Hitting different kinds of shots.  Approach the course in a new way.

Changing it UP can bring new changes to you. . .

When I return to my regular course I try these new things. My play changes and I definitely see a change in my score.

Taking those new techniques back to your 'usual work' will bring a difference to you as well. Your approach will be different. Your focus changed.  Growth will result.

ROBIN: ON HIS OWN - 5 x 7 Vanished Watercolour - $160 - This mix of Abstract with Realism inspire me to launch into a mini series.  Read more . . .

Does Changing It UP . . . mean getting a whole new box?

No.  Try just jumping in and out of the box. . . .

Change can be using a new colour.  Trying a new Perspective.  Zooming in or Zooming out.  Trying a different size.  Different shape.  New subject.  Mixing your Medium.  Mixing Abstract with your Realism or Realism with your Abstract.

HUMMING IN THE HOLLYHOCKS -  Matted 20 x 16 - tried hiding my bird inside the painting rather than making it the subject.  

You decide how big a Change Up to make. . .

My picture at the beginning of the post, Bald Eagles: The Salmon Are Here is a different view point for me - worms eye view.  It came about as I got my reference pictures laying on the sand behind a log. (I took many shots of this eagle and used different views to construct my picture.)

I find I like the idea of looking over the eagle's shoulder to see the other eagle feasting on the dead fish.  Several eagles gathering and fighting over their bounty is a common sight when the Salmon are running.

Have to get back to work, my Eagles aren't finished yet.

Further Reading:
The Trail: From Inspiration to Creation - focus on your goals and recognize Your Trail
Watercolour Surprises Many - looks at a new way to present your work
Catching the Light - Out Door Sketching - heading outdoors to sketch and using new medium (pen and ink with coloured pencils)

There is something you can do . . .

I am thrilled to be named a Finalist for the YWCA Women of Distinction for Arts, Culture and Design for my volunteer work.  Although there is no public voting for these awards there is one part of the event that is a People's Choice Award. 

It is the Connecting the Community Award.  (🡨link) 

It's purpose is to create awareness for the YWCA Community Programs.  This award is by People's Choice.  So follow the link and vote for me and my choice "Reducing Child Poverty".  Vote as many times as you like, results tallied in early May 2020.  Thanks for your support.
When Life settles down: 

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

5 Things that can spark a series of Painting - Painting & Drawing Tips

Have you ever worked on a Series of Paintings?  

Do you paint random pieces or are your works interrelated?

Is this a limiting exercise or not?

ROBINS: SIGNS OF SPRING - Nearly done 

From a marketing stand point, working in a series is wonderful.  You have a standard product.  You have a statement that covers all the work.  You have One central focus for all your marketing energy.  Sounds like a marketing dream. 

However, there is one problem . . 

As an artist you are not a machine.  You can keep producing the same material but eventually it will become stale.  You will lose interest and your work will reflect that.  And on the other end, your buyers may become weary of seeing the same thing. 

Ok sorry, I don't mean to confuse . . .

Are series a good idea or bad?  I feel they have lots of merit but at the same time they need to evolve and change.  If their purpose is to preserve 'the sameness' not such a good idea. In my mind, a series takes you on journey to explore.  You take ideas and work with them.  Finding your voice as you feel your way.  They cause you to think and expand your ideas.  When you feel you have told your story, they end. 

I have started a series.  Not sure how big it will be.  For now it is 3 pieces. 

Decided on a background and my main colours

What sparks a series?

1.  Your emotions: For me it was my struggle to mix my pen work into my wildlife art.  I had just completed my work on my Inktober Tangles 2019 project and I was pumped.  I wanted to do something with my tangles and patterns.  (Read more about Inktober Tangles 2019 here.)

I liked the 3 different views of this fellow - his quirky character called to me.  

2.  Your eye is caught: Like most of you I have huge folders with photos I have taken.  Mine are all about wildlife I see and settings that would work for them.  My photos are overtaking my life.  I was trying to sort, delete and file some of my pictures from this summer.  I know, an endless task.  Suddenly my eye was caught by a robin.  I had several shots of him, wondering about the yard.  Hmm. . . . I thought.  I can do something with him.

One was working well so definitely time to start planning the group

3.  Chance: My husband was busy making wood cradles for me as I needed some custom sizes for some commissions.  Of course, being the frugal person I am, (read cheap, if you were one of my kids) I suggested he cut up the scrap and make some small cradles for me.  We figured he could make 3-5 x 7 wood cradles.

Robin: On his Own - WIP  As he started to grow I began to really see how my other birds would fit in. Surprisingly my husband thought he looked interesting.  Hmm. . . maybe my robin will interest others.

4.  Desire to meet a challenge: As I walked the trails with Max I thought of my challenge - realistic birds (my robin) and abstract shapes (my tangle patterns).  What? How? Somehow, out walking with Max I can create better than in my studio.  Here my mind is free to ebb and flow in different directions.  An idea began to form. Suddenly I knew what I wanted to do. 

Robin: Curious - WIP  My second piece started to take shape. Now, I was starting to get excited.   I could see where I wanted to go.  

5.  Time: Christmas Commissions done, Christmas was over, and I actually had a bit of time on my hands.  Those robins were restless, my pens were calling, my paints were wet.  I couldn't stop myself.  I jumped in. 

What sparks a series for you?  Are they a small collection or large bodies of work? Have you considered the pros and cons of working this way? 

ROBIN: ON HIS OWN - Ink & Watercolour - 5 x 7 mounted on Wood Cradle $115

In continuing the discuss, you might find the following posts of interest: 

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 1
Looks at creating a series from the artistic point of view; benefits to the Artistic Soul. 

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 2
This looks at the benefits of creating a series from a marketing point of view.  

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 3
An interview with an artist, Jane Appleby, who spent a year working on her series.  

Do you Know Your Subject - Part 4
Short interview and examples of other artists and their thoughts on work in series.  

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

February is Marketing Month for Artists!!

Each February I offer an all day workshops “Let’s Get Your Art Out There!!”
2020 Date: February 23, 10-3pm

Having trouble getting started or knowing where and what to do?

This workshop gets your Marketing Plans fired up to new and more successful levels. Learn the basics of today’s Marketing World, learn how to develop markets both online with Social Media and off line in your community, learn how to develop a productive network, and set up a Marketing Plan that will work for you. Taking this workshop is a valuable step in moving your business forward. Workshop runs 10-3:00 pm with a lunch break.    Class limited to 8 people

Cost $90 Tax Incl      Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . . 

January 18, 2020 - Opus Langley Demo:  Put WOW! into Your Mark Making with Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM  11-12:30pm and 2-3:30pm.  Free but must Register: (604) 533-0601  Morning session is full but still some room in the afternoon.  

See you there!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy

Time to GET STARTED on Your Art - Painting & Drawing Tips

Actually the beginning of the year is a time of reckoning,

 a time for New Starts. 

Captured this young eagle out on the Mud Flats last winter.  I can't wait to get his drawing underway.  

It doesn't have to be something totally new but maybe a New Approach, New Effort, New Enthusiasm.  Something to shake up the old and bring on 'the new'.  

In the Creation Process, New Starts can come in many forms.  

And maybe more easily defined than life. In my case I have been seized by new ideas and overwhelmed with things I want to do.  I have a new drawing of a young eagle I am anxious to start. And a small series on Robins that is really calling me. It involves my ink tangles and watercolours together in what I think is an interesting way.  Steve, has already given it a heads up. 

My Three Robins are ready to roll - I can't wait to put them into my latest project.  

I know, you say, he is my husband and of course he likes whatever I do.  Not...  He is quick to tell me if something doesn't work.  Of course he always follows with an apology but the critiquing comment is there.  I must admit I admire his honesty and I know when he says something is interesting I have really hit the mark. So you can imagine when he thinks my idea for the robins is interesting, I am really excited.  I just want to jump in and work on them.  To heck with everything else!!

What about you?  Are you ready to GET STARTED on something? 

Today is also a special day for me.  It marks my 11th year as a Blogger.  I decided to look back to find things to MOVE FORWARD.  In looking back I found many posts that may inspire you to GET STARTED:

1.   Start new habits: Whether you like to draw, doodle or journal having a sketchbook is fun.  You know what it is like to open that book and see some of your work.  It is a really feel good kind of thing to see how your work has grown and changed.   My post  Four Ways to Start the Sketchbook Habit may help you rev up your practice.  

My Smallmendous Art Kit makes painting on the plane a very easy thing to do.  

2.  Start putting together a great travel kit: This time of year is great for getting your travel kit together.  It might seem early to you but once that kit is together you need time to practice with it too.  There is nothing worst than being out on the road and realizing there is something missing from your kit.  My post  My Really Smallmendous Art Kit talks about my really small travel kit which I spent a few years perfecting.  If this one is too small I have a slightly bigger set up here.  

Having a fun Title Page really inspires me to add more when I travel.  

3.  Start prepping your sketchbook for upcoming events:  This may seem like a strange thing to do but prepping your sketchbook pages for future use is fun.  I found prepping my book for my trips is even more fun as it really gets me excited for the upcoming trip.  It is also so much fun to open your book to the next page and find little surprises drawn in the corners or colours/patterns waiting for you to bring to life.  Check out my post Is Your Sketchbook Ready for You for ideas on getting started.  Of course my favourite is getting a special sketchbook ready for a trip. Here is a bit on prepping for my trip to Italy this year.  Post: Is Your Sketchbook Ready to Roll?    

Can you REALLY  draw a poppy from this?  Read more about A Line of Action

4.  Start a drawing:  Maybe you would like to try something different.  If drawing is something you like to do, think about approaching it in a different way.  After working with figure drawing I became interested in working with A Line of Action. I found it was a great tool to have in my bag for attacking drawings of wildlife and nature.  You can read more about it on my post: How to find the Starting Point in a Drawing

Page 1 & 2 of my Inktober Collage - One Tangle a day Read more Here

5. Start getting your Pen working: Of course you knew I couldn't talk about 'getting started' on something without mentioning pen work.  My post Have You felt the FREEDOM of the Line? may help nudge you in that directions.  And of course if you pick up a pen be sure and try a few tangles while you are at it.  Read more on my post: Have You been on a Tangled Adventure? 

Starting something new can be exciting, fun, a new journey.  Grab an idea and run with it.  You never know where that journey will take you.  I look forward to sharing my journey with you as I jump into my new projects. I look forward to hearing about yours.

Art by Wendy Studio/Gallery is always Open: 

Looking to move your Drawing Skills to the Next Level?

Book a 3 Pack of Private Lessons with Me - 3 Lessons 2.5 hr each $225

Drawing/Painting lessons in graphite, ink, watercolour, watercolour pencils or coloured pencils Or any combination of these.
Flexible Schedule, at my Studio/Gallery, N. Surrey. 

Gift Certificates Available 

February is Marketing Month for Artists!!

Each February I offer an all day workshops “Let’s Get Your Art Out There!!”
2020 Date: February 23, 10-3pm

Having trouble getting started or knowing where and what to do?

This workshop gets your Marketing Plans fired up to new and more successful levels. Learn the basics of today’s Marketing World, learn how to develop markets both online with Social Media and off line in your community, learn how to develop a productive network, and set up a Marketing Plan that will work for you. Taking this workshop is a valuable step in moving your business forward. Workshop runs 10-3:00 pm with a lunch break.    Class limited to 8 people

Cost $90 Tax Incl      Pre-Registration Required, contact Wendy      Gift Certificates Available

Save the Date . . . . . 

January 18, 2020 - Opus Langley Demo:  Put WOW! into Your Mark Making with Wendy Mould, AFCA, CDM  11-12:30pm and 2-3:30pm.  Free but must Register: (604) 533-0601

See you there!!

My Etsy Store is always OPEN: Etsy - WendyMouldsArt

Originals, Prints, Commission Work and Instant Printable Cards for all Seasons available.

Be sure to like and share my posts to keep me coming into your box, 

You won't miss a single post if you Follow by Email or Like my Facebook Page.

Have a great Artful Day,

Wendy