Oil Class Outside!

The Martin's backyard became the meeting place for this past Tuesdays oil class group in Bloomfield.  We couldn't ask for better weather.....and such concentration on everyone's part.  They are all used to painting indoors from both set up still life's and photo reference material.

For me, this was a treat to share with them why I enjoy working outdoors.  I think they were all surprised at how fast and how well they created a work.  It's a whole different experience then working indoors. It's all about the Light!!!!

 I'm not sure I have converts to painting exclusively "Plein Air", but the experience went along way in helping them understand the different challenges and rewards of painting surrounded by nature verses in a controlled environment.

Enjoy the photos here!  I became busy myself so forgot to take pictures of everyone.

Sort of Formal!

10" x 8" Oil on board

One of my oil painting students brought an old silver creamer, platter, and this tea pot to class a few weeks ago.  I couldn't resist setting up this little still life to paint. 

3 years ...my time flies!

It's been 3 years now that I've  been giving oil painting classes in Bloomfield  Iowa.  The image here shows one of my favorite still life set ups.  Thank you Facebook for reminding me of this.  I had to share here!

Oil classes are held Tuesdays  3:30-5:30pm & 6-8pm at the Courtyard Gallery & Studio in Bloomfield.

"My Friends Tulips"

14"x 7" - Oil on Stretched Canvas

I was in need of having tulips for a specific project and a friend of mine just happened to have silk tulips that looked so real, I couldn't pass up painting them more then once.  This is the version I liked the best.  I wanted something different......so placed them laying sideways on a box so they would hang over the edge.

Bentonsport - Opening Day!

April 16th was 2016 Opening Day for the retail businesses in Bentonsport, IA. 

 (B & B's stay open year around.)  I plan to have the "Parlor Room Studio" open on as many Saturday's as possible this year.  The only reason for it not being open to the public 10-4pm would be do to workshops, other art related commitments, or a family emergency.

The Herman Greef House is located on Sanford St. in Bentonsport.  The street is the first road East of the downtown retail businesses. (a few feet from the last business along the strip in front of the Des Moines River....walking distance from all feature locations in Bentonsport) The brick home faces the Mason House Inn, Bed & Breakfast.  

Here's a shot of the main room.  I'm standing at the front door so this is the first thing you see when walking into the Herman Greef House.  The artwork and display panels here will always be changing.  So, we're hoping people will come back often to see updates.

 Here's artist MaryBeth Heikes working in the studio on a new Poppies collage. She plans to work at the studio at least 2 Saturdays a month so she may share her inspirations and techniques with others.  She has original artwork, prints, and some notecards available for purchase in the main room.  MaryBeth is also a member of the Co-op Gallery in Bentonsport.  

......and here I am posing in front of some of the originals I have in the main room at the moment.  These are a mix of "Plein Air" oil paintings of Bentonsport and a couple of Soft Pastel works .

The next date the Parlor Room Studio is open to the public is May 7th, 10-4pm.  

Bosom Buddies

5"x 7"  Oil on board

Here's a photo of the still life set up.  The highlights on the velvet fabric was amazing.

Now seeing the two snap shots together, I see subtle changes I'd make in certain areas of the painting.  Ah.....there's always room for improvement.

"Kitchen Friends "

Oil on 8"x 10" panel

Here's more photos of what I've been working on with my students at the Courtyard Gallery & Studio, Bloomfield Iowa 

We go back & forth from working from photos as reference material to challenging students to set up still life arrangements.  

I'm hoping to get more Plein Air painting in this year with the oil painting class.