The making of this years wine poster

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Above is the beginning  layout on the Wallis paper.  This is actually step 2 of when I start a work like this.  1st step : drawing out the design on either drawing paper, or poster paper........ reworking everything to come up with the exact line work I want, then  turning the sketched paper into a carbon.  This is done by taking pastel and rubbing it all over the back of the drawing.  Then, carefully lay it over the Wallis paper, go over the line work and "Ta Da"......the end result as you see above.

I like the spontaneity of brush and line work applied in a painterly light stroke when starting a work.  When there is need for me to be tight with line work,  I prefer to use the above method of starting a painting.  This way, I don't fill the tooth of the paper with working out the elements of the composition. 

 Now the fun part begins............

Step 3 :  Blocking in color and balancing the light values with the dark ones.  The color of the paper remains in the middle value range.

 Step 4 :  continue refining line work and blocking in color......

Step 5:  The finished piece!  Here I study what I've completed.  I look at the overall  "balance" of lights and darks / cool and warm color and make changes if necessary.

"2014 Iowa Nouveau Wine"  24"x18" Soft Pastel on Wallis paper.

The owner of Tassel Ridge was pleased with the finished work.   I feel this is a sophisticated version of Art Nouveau style.  I've been told it feels more "Modern".

Poster reproductions of this work will be available in November.  I will be at the winery signing them on November 20th.  The signed poster is "Free" with purchase of a bottle of 2014 IA Nouveau wine. 

I'll re-post the final image in November with detailed announcement of the winery's IA Nouveau wine celebration.

Raku Still life

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Here's the set up for the following 8"x8" pastel.  These lovely pots were fired during Betty Printy's last Raku workshop, May 2014.  I've added the silk flower Irises for added interest.

Here's my initial sketch  for the composition and establishing my lights and darks. I've used matboard as support and applied AS Colourfix multi-media primer to the surface.

.....and here's the finished work.  Pastel - 8"x8"

I like the play of brush strokes left on the surface when I apply the primer. Layering the pastels creates an interesting texture.  I've smudged a few places, but overall, I like the look and color play of the layers overlapping each other.

Most of the pastel sticks I used for this work came from my student box of Dick Blick Pastels.  They are Semi-soft....much like the Rembrandt brand.  I couldn't find an exact match for the purple in the Irises....so playing with other colors made them "Pop" with life.  

Here I'm practicing what I preach to my students.......if you can't "match" the color you see in front of you, don't be afraid to use a color that comes close to what you want.  As long as it's in the right value range and you pay attention to Warms/Cools of a color, it will work out.

.......and YES......the Raku pots have these colors in them.  That's what drew me to them in the first place.  

Lace Utensil Still life

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Here's the set up

First stage....developing the composition on the board, spilling over onto frame.

Starting to block in color

Finished Painting!

Oil on framed board, 8.25"x8.25" (outside dimension of frame)

I love spilling over on to the frame when painting with Oils.  Changes the feel of a piece.....a picture within a picture so to speak.  It's easy to tell my light source here is from above.  The camera just doesn't give this piece justice.  Looks much better in life.

View of Iron Bridge

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Here's a view of the easel area at Iron & Lace in Bentonsport, IA.  I've had this 10x8 canvas on the easel for a week.  Most the time I can finish this size of work during one day.  I've been in total procrastination mode.

Here's the view (cropped and brought up close from what can actually be seen ) looking out the picture window to my left when standing at the easel.

Here's the work in progress.  I forgot to take a picture when it was just the value sketch.  There is still a bit you can see on the right side of the painting.  Yes...a LOT of red.  I like using Cad. Red Light for the undertone in a landscape work.  Time of day is mid afternoon......say around 2:30pm Central time.  

"Iron Bridge across the Des Moines River"  10"x8" Oil on Canvas board

Watching the shadow cast from the bridge onto the water is almost like a Sun Dial. The lights and darks create interesting abstract patterns that dance across the area around the rock monument.  

This scene is part of the Riverside Park in Bentonsport.  To the left is a Gazebo where performers come to sing and dance. To the right....the fabulous Rose Garden area where many come to exchange vows of marriage or family photo shoots.

Can you tell.....this is generally a very peaceful place. The river can be ugly with water over the top of the bank or serene and so shallow, one can walk the length across it without getting your knees wet.  

Drawing Class Sat., June 14th

students creating value scale during a VFS class

I have 2 Drawing classes set for this Sat., June 14th to be held at the Stone House in Bentonsport, IA.  These classes are offered through the Villages Folk School of Van Buren County, Iowa.

Drawing I will be held in the morning.  It's designed for those individuals that feel they can't draw but want to learn the basics of how to translate what they see to paper.

Drawing II is during the afternoon and will consist of warm up exercises followed by time to create a finished detailed drawing.  

Students have the option to attend one or both classes and may work from either  the still life set up created that day, or from photos they bring to class.  

.......about the location.......

The Stone House is the newest addition of space available in Bentonsport Iowa.  It is handicap accessible and is centrally located in the community. (On the main hwy of J40 - directly North of the Business District).

You may register for these classes in advance via the folk school website or call the number they offer on their website.  Third option is to pay the day of the workshop.  For more information, please contact me either by email: ginlammert@yahoo.com or my cell 641-208-5968.

The finished work...."The Demo"

Here's a view of the painting on my easel with the photo reference.

Checking values here.....

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23"x 17"  Pastel on Wallis paper.

I love that I'm able to get some candid camera shots when Bill Printy is giving demonstrations at Iron & Lace. This particular day he was working at his outdoor forge, creating a metal leaf in front of a group of 3rd & 4th graders.

Easel work space at Iron & Lace store

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I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last post.

I've been working the past week on this painting at the Printy's store "Iron & Lace".  It could've been done long before now and I'll continue working on it today.  The shirt and hands area aren't finished yet.

The view out the window is the front porch of the store.  To my left, a large picture window that has a spectacular view of the Des Moines river.  Betty's Raku pottery is highlighted in this area. (the rabbit here).

I have endless inspiration for paintings around me.  Bill Printy (here- the Blacksmith) provides plenty of opportunities to watch him work at his craft.  The photo I'm using as reference for this pastel was taken last year while he was demonstrating for a group of Elem. school kids.