It’s been a VERY full month of painting!(You can click on the image above, for a larger view)
Along with 400 other artists, that had signed up through Leslie Saeta’s blog…I spent the month exploring acrylic and gouache… paint on canvas, board and paper…studying three different master artists of the past, and doing a lot of research! I started on January 4th and finished the last three paintings yesterday. First was Monet, and his love of those exquisite water lilies that inspired me to paint these delicate flowers on my own. It was peaceful and contemplative, and it was the best way to start off a brand new year. Second, Matisse came along, thanks to the online course, Studying Under the Masters. I have always loved his colorful portraits, so I jumped in without any hesitation…and color became my passion. Design and pattern and backgrounds became my focus as well. And I learned SO much!
This week, Cezanne came to visit…and I decided to imitate one of his still life paintings, so I could learn his brush strokes.
Apples and Pears – 6 x 8 inch gouache on heavyweight mixed media paper
I decided to try my hand at a painting of his wife…he made a series of paintings of Hortense, and I love them all. So, this is my own version…a composite really, of all his paintings of her, with his style, and my own combined.
A Model For Matisse – 6 x 8 inch gouache on heavyweight mixed media paper
Cezanne the Painter – 6 x 8 inch gouache on heavyweight mixed media paper (SOLD, thank you!)
And finally, I decided to try painting a portrait of the artist himself, based on a photograph of him. Trying out his brush strokes and colors, it was a very fun exercise. I felt like I was staring into the eyes of the master painter, trying to soak in all his painterly wisdom and advice in the process. I absolutely loved using my gouache paints for this. In between the painting this month, I did some drawing, some mail art cards, and even some digital art. So, for now, I am savoring these art filled days, remembering how much I loved them, and what I learned.
I will take a short break to relax a little…but not to worry…Botticelli will be around next week, and I will be heading back toward my easel very soon.
Thank you for your comment, Bhavani! It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! I see you did the challenge too, and love your colors and brushstrokes of your paintings! Happy to “meet” you!
Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment, Renee! I DID love painting in January, and the masters did seem to motivate me! I see you did the 30 paintings for January as well! I LOVE your sculpture paintings solo much!
Ah, we think a bit alike! Your collage looks fantastic and I too am inspired and learn so much from the masters. I love all your portraits and look forward to following your blog.
Hi Anne, and thank you for your kind comment! YES, I see from your blog, that we were both inspired by the Masters in January! I love how you distill the paintings down into abstracts…soooo very cool! Thanks for finding my blog, and I will certainly look forward to seeing your new art too!
Thank you, Martine! And congratulations to you! I love your blog! It’s been a wonderful month of painting, and I hope that it motivates both of us to keep painting all year long!
(You can click on the image above, for a larger view)
Wonderful work Lucy. Congrats on completing the challenge.
Thank you for your comment, Bhavani! It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun! I see you did the challenge too, and love your colors and brushstrokes of your paintings! Happy to “meet” you!
It has been fun watching your Master’s series…some of my favorites 😉
Thank you for leaving such a sweet comment, Renee! I DID love painting in January, and the masters did seem to motivate me! I see you did the 30 paintings for January as well! I LOVE your sculpture paintings solo much!
Ah, we think a bit alike! Your collage looks fantastic and I too am inspired and learn so much from the masters. I love all your portraits and look forward to following your blog.
Hi Anne, and thank you for your kind comment! YES, I see from your blog, that we were both inspired by the Masters in January! I love how you distill the paintings down into abstracts…soooo very cool! Thanks for finding my blog, and I will certainly look forward to seeing your new art too!
Congratulations! I enjoyed looking at your colorful collection of portraits influenced by great masters but … so personal , so fresh…
Thank you, Martine! And congratulations to you! I love your blog! It’s been a wonderful month of painting, and I hope that it motivates both of us to keep painting all year long!