Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Avian Architecture - The Start, plus framing Info.






















Mocking Bird Nest

24x18in  oil on canvas  SOLD

This nest was the one which started the series.
I adore this nest and it is still one of my favorites.
When I started I knew I wanted a contemporary presentation.
I had no idea it would turn into three years of exploring
different viewpoints and media.
I did the three paintings below using the same type
of background. I love the way the dark markings turned
out, and feel they added a richness without being fussy.

Artist Note.
I first made a textured layer of heavy gesso on the canvas
using a large palette knife. A transparent wash of color
went over it before adding the dark transparent marks.




I had several of my work sheets
hanging near the paintings.
Artists usually enjoy
reading these.






Next part is about framing the small paintings.

MY Quandary...
How to frame the small paintings for the show.
I spent a lot of time thinking how to make my regular
small paintings look significantly worth more than what
I sell them for on my blog. The gallery has to
make their commission which I heartily endorse so
I came up with a wonderful frame on which
I which received fabulous feedback.



























Blurry I know, but you should be able to get the idea.
I usually paint on canvas panels so first of all I painted
the edges and then they were
glued to a suede backing with a beautiful and
perfect Italian molding. Simple and expensive looking.
and just right for the birds nests.
They were not cheap for sure, but value was easily perceived
because of the increased size and good quality.
I had ten in the show and four more were ordered.

I got the idea for gluing them on TOP of the suede
from doing it in my own little gallery.
I love to paint the small daily paintings to the edge
and hate how much is cut off with a frame
so this is what I often do.


Take a 6x6in
plein air frame

$11. on sale at Jerry's
YES
ONLY
$11.!!!!







Use a glue-gun to
attach the painting
panel
on FRONT of frame
With the edges painted
it looks really great.
Even better is an
8x8in canvas panel.
on top.
Trust me on this.

A friend brought in the nest I have shown above, last week.
It is an abandoned Finch nest made with various dryer lint.
It is a lovely little thing. You would think I would be fed up
of nests by now but I really enjoyed painting it. It is a keeper!

My main camera broke before the show so many of the images
are not really good, but you can see more of the show's paintings
HERE if you are interested.
Please excuse the website -  is not finished yet.
Not enough time...sigh.

Will have to show you the large disaster painting next. Oh Boy!










Posted by Picasa

49 comments:

  1. These little framed paintings are so classy, just like the artist. I didn't take photo's of my paintings but will do so before the show comes down. So Julie my friend, don't doubt your work, it's beautiful. Keep at it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you take photos Blanche, I would love to see your show. Celeste Bergin showed some wonderful shots of a show she in and I enjoyed it so much. Makes my world broader.

      Delete
  2. These are the same Jerry's frames I use for the 6 x 6, but I never though of gluing them on top!!! Brilliant! The other framing with the suede is a really classy and beautiful. Yes we do like seeing the notes, you really think thinks trough. But the grouping are little jewels and will not be there long! Thank you, Julie for sharing you experiences.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gloria - yes, Jerry's offers a great value with that particular frame. It is made of all wood and not the composite used in a lot of cheaper frames. The 8x8 fits perfectly too. Just not as much frame showing which is good for some paintings.
      Thanks for the visit and I look forward to your next post.

      Delete
  3. Dang..you tell me this right after I bought a batch of frames for $$$+! Well...great info and I will try gluing to the top--cool! Now the only thing that loses me in this post is.....dryer lint? what?
    Beautiful painting. I love the whole nest series!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Smiling here - I love the word, dang!
      Dryer lint...you know when you sweep the lint from your dryer screen well some folk put it out for the birds and apparently they use it. This little finch nest has several different colors of lint all wrapped and held together with fine threads of grasses. An amazing and beautiful nest.

      Delete
  4. This is really interesting piece of work! I like it, but still I prefer your fractured paintings...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kami - Thank you for saying that - me too - but this was done several year ago before my fracturing style had evolved. You can see part of it developing in the background treatment.. I did "fracture" some of my nests and loved them too. Heck - I just love to paint!

      Delete
  5. Wow! I love this. Seeing some of your body of work I see what you have gone through, your progress and can relate. It also arises many questions, am the curious kind. I know you had 30 paintings in your show, but how many bird's nests did you paint?
    I am amazed over the commitment and dedication. You worked with this show in mind for three years.
    Too bad the last picture was blurry, that one really speak to me.

    I could go on and ramble for ages (sorry), but I won't.

    Thanks for being an inspiration .... and friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are such a great comment-er Roger. Thank you. I had about another 9 nests which did not pass muster. There was no commitment until the last three months because I had no idea of having a show all on nests until the gallery was asking for a solo show. I genuinely painted the nests for the pure pleasure of it thinking I would show "a few" here and there. I had had offers to buy some which I had turned down because I was in love with them. My studio seems empty without them. There is one in particular which is still for sale at the gallery and I am not promoting it because I have feelings for it. If it sells it sells, but I would love it not to.
      Your new painting of two nests has captured my fancy and am looking forward to seeing the rest.

      Delete
  6. Somehow your disaster painting is probably one I'd be proud to claim as my own. LOL Love how you've framed these nests, Julie. And that background is just exquisite for the first couple of photos you shared. I love the lines added that extend through the background in photos 2 and 3 too. Just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sherry - Thanks for the lovely compliment. I love how you have started your grape painting. Hope it flows for you in the next step.
      The photos you posted of the lilac trees are so beautiful. I have been painting some myself.

      Delete
  7. There is so much going on here. Firstly the design of the Mocking Bird - I think this is totally brilliant in it's own right, but when it is put in the triple display it generates so much more. And that doesn't mention the painting itself which is exquisitely beautiful. I love the way the twigs somehow echo in the fractured background ... and the offset of the nest to the rest of the picture...and ...and....

    The framing is interesting. I either get mine done by my printers (in Sheffield) or by Fine Art America (one sold in Columbus GA today.)

    You have no idea what an influence this series of paintings has had on me - design wise - I shall be giving it a great deal of thought, as I have been studying ancient Japanese paintings and this design of yours seems to put another piece in the jig-saw of where I want to go in the near future painting-wise.

    Sorry to have rambled on in your blog! Blimey! what a posting you made! You really seemed to "Rem acu tangere" (hit the mark).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved what you called your rambling, John, thanks - and the "blimey!" thrown in added to my pleasure. I see and feel a Japanese influence in my three paintings too. One of my favorite artists 20th century was greatly influenced by it and anything she did was brilliant in my estimation.
      Congratulations on your sale...ka-ching ka-ching!

      Delete
  8. So, if I am reading correctly it looks like you glued the panel on top of the frame from the front? Very good idea I think if I interpreted that correctly. And you are right-an expensive looking treatment with the frame and mat can certainly add some oomph to the presentation. It looks nicely finished.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are correct, glued on top. It has to be a flat around the inside of the frame but even the small flat photo frames can look good bordering them. Usually small paintings cannot sell for much money and if you choose to frame them the costs have to be low. The main thing I do it for is to NOT lose any of the image on small paintings. I have had wonderful reception to them.

      Delete
  9. Can't wait to see the "disaster painting". You're so creative I know you will eventually make it into a masterpiece. What I've found with "daily painting" is that there is so much pressure to produce that there is often no time to fully develop a painting. Your disaster is probably just a fabulous painting that needs more thought.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. When I say disaster it is because I kept trying to save it by overworking it.(overthinking maybe) Each time I would lose some of what made it right. I ended up slicing through it with a razor to stop me spending valuable time on it....so no, it will not eventually become a masterpiece.
      Love, love, love your amazingly beautiful blue flowering tree

      Delete
  10. What a beautiful series! Thanks for sharing your art wisdom....as usual.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How nice of you - thanks Kaethe. I am envious you got to go with Carol Marine and paint the streets of San Francisco.
      Love the scooter and then on to Hawaii to orchids. What a juxtaposition! it is your color sense which I find amazing.

      Delete
  11. I love how you framed these paintings, Julie. They look amazing.!
    Presentation is everything...they will be gone in no time..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They did go! You are correct Presentation amounts to a lot.

      Delete

  12. Dear Julie, your post is very interesting and teaches the value of the presentation.
    You have a character, very "open", we say in Italian, outgoing, communicative ... Some painters communicate with their works, but then they .... are "closed", we use this term, as opposed to open, to indicate an introverted character So .... I've never seen presentations like those that you offer to your visitors, during exhibitions, and this is lovely to look at.
    The painters are concerned, but also collectors like to know about the genesis of what will collect. Your little works, they only have small size, because great is the thought that moves the creation of them!
    A pleasure to read from you! Have a nice week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What an interesting comment. Thanks for taking the time, dear Rita.
      I have never thought about it before, but I guess I am open regarding my art because I am a teacher and I share everything.
      Some of the paintings in the show were quite large like the ones at the top of this post. I tried to mix the sizes to make an interesting exhibit.

      Delete
  13. Beautiful paintings of a subject near and dear to my heart also, Julie! Nests are endlessly fascinating. Also love the idea of using glue in framing.

    I, too, use gesso applied with a painting knife to prepare my support. I apply it in a haphazard, patchy, way. This creates wonderful texture.

    I love reading your painting notes! Keep up the great work! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dean. I love your cow and the colors you have painted.
      Shared a link to a painter I love - hope you will too

      Delete
  14. Your framing of this group is WONDERFUL. Paintings can be "ruined" by poor frame choices, but you have risen above that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Susan. We agree!I love your photography. You have an eye for not only beauty but design too. I tried to comment but could not. Hope you find an alternative to Photoshop. Bound to be one out there.

      Delete
  15. Wow- how I would love to see this show in person!!!! I'm tickled pink that you are sharing all this on your blog, as it's as close as I'll get to attending this one....And- as always-- your work is fascinating- beautiful - inspiring - thought provoking ....and I think of those lucky owners that will have one of these nests in their 'own nest/home'!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice warm fuzzy comment - thanks so much Roxanne. Are you painting? waiting for another on your blog.

      Delete
  16. Great info in this post Julie. I'm loving the nest series too, and it's great to have you posting again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are an animal and nature lover, Lauren, so I am pleased you have enjoyed this series. Are you painting or too busy with work?
      I could not find a place to leave a comment on your blog. Did you change it?

      Delete
  17. Love this series! Each one is so unique and beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Linda. You also have explored different viewpoints and colors with your head series. I am very impressed - wonderful paintings!

      Delete
  18. Wow, what a beautiful presentation Julie! It looks very classy and your work just stand out all the more. Your first nest painting here is absolutely perfect. I am sure it's hard to let those favorites go!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had some of them in my studio for so long I have missed them. They seems to be going to good homes and that makes it easier. I tell myself I can always paint more and the little finch nest I just painted is going to stay with me.
      The actual nests are also in the gallery and I will be glad to have them back in my studio where they belong.
      Your new painting is brilliant Lisa. I love it.

      Delete
  19. I really don't have anything to add to the above comments...but I am really impressed...what a beautiful show and love the framing ideas. Well done and congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I laughed at freaking masterpiece. A university student attended the opening as used the same expression so I know it is a complement. Thank you.
    I thought the painting you did for the cover of the magazine was a masterpiece too.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks Christine. Nice of you to take the time. Shows you mean it.
    I was intrigued
    Seeing your lovely mothers day post followed by your abstract using grays you mixed yourself shows me what a well rounded artist you are. I enjoyed my visit to your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Julie - the frames are wonderful and they make your art that much more exquisite. So beautiful my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Great inspiration, and always admiring your fabulous work !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And I yours Jane. Your two faces are great I love the colors in the one painted on cardboard

      Delete
  24. Your nest paintings have such beautiful texture and thank you for the framing inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love the texture myself Nancy - thank you.
      Some are built up more than others.
      You managed to capture the mist beautifully in your new painting.

      Delete
  25. I am kind of speechless. Lovely art, fascinating information. All of us cannot thank you enough. This kind of generosity makes our art community so special. And it seems, we all love to learn. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Helen - I see you are surviving the 30 day marketing by Leslie. A neat re-posting today
    Glad you find this post interesting. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  27. So inspiring! You have the most interesting and evolving blog and work- just love it all!

    ReplyDelete
  28. it's so amazing visiting you blog, so many incredible images to feast on! outstanding, just wonderful.

    ReplyDelete

I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie