Personal Art Blog

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

Sunday, March 20, 2016

American Goldfinch


Goldfinch Demo
8x6" oil on canvas panel NFS
Still thinking about it!


Artist Note.
Friday's class asked for a demo 
to see how I painted a bird.
I painted this from a photo.
I feel some little areas still
need a-tweakin'

The main points
of the demo
were focused on
how to handle the edges
on this light-colored,
softly feathered friend.
Nothing crisp going on here!

I started by painting
the bird's shape with
yellow paint adding the colors
of the background
around it - blending
into the form - 
Wet into wet.
It was easy for them all
to  see the
colors becoming
"friends of their
neighbors."

Full quote by Marc Chagall

All colors are the  friends 
of their neighbors
 and lovers of their opposites

31 comments:

  1. Lovely!!! He/she is so colorful. Thanks for explaining what you would do to finish this.

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    1. The yellow of these birds is absolutely brilliant in the sun. We have a desert Cardinal with red and they visited at the same time. Amazing.
      Love the sketch of your winter trees. Just think - in no time at all they will be green umbrellas!!

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  2. You painted him with elegance, love the diagonal branch and the way he is perches on it!Great quote, and explanation. You are an excellent teacher!

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    1. Thanks Celia - the branch echoed the slant of the bird adding to the power within the rectangle. You did something similar when you angled the blue and white cloth down to your pincushion. Lucky you had the buttons to add extra interest!

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  3. I love that quote! A world where everything was a friend to everything else-why not start with color?

    Your little guy is sweet. Is that black with the yellow to get that olivey green? And my hat is off to you on the yellow shadows. There is a lot of subtle color there.

    Libby

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    Replies
    1. The yellow was mixed with a bit of the blue/purple to get the greenish yellow. Yes - yellow is difficult for me especially since I stopped using the cads.
      Your new painting has so much movement in it and I love what Carol Flatt said...a mobile. You are in good Calder company. The BEST!

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  4. I love how your bird emerge from the background! The yellow and violet are friends!

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    1. Love your comment - thanks Kaethe.
      Love your ROSE - perfect. You just nail those values.

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  5. How fantastic-- how I wish I could have been there to see how you brought this bird to life. Your style is so uniquely your own. I would know this was a "Julie" anywhere!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Ann. I can see my style now, but had years before i could. Even within my style there is a range.
      I love your beautiful painting, Montmartre. Your knowledge of perspective and warm and cool colors really shines through.
      I enjoyed reading your letter to the editor. So true.

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  6. Replies
    1. Hi Page - your paintings from Mexico have brought much pleasure with your wonderful shapes and colors. Envious too!

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  7. I love these bird paintings of yours. You capture their delicate bodies and individual personalities.

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    Replies
    1. I love doing them so thank you, Stephanie.
      Your new floral has such beautiful color harmony. Very unique.
      I found I REALLY liked it.

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  8. It's beautiful, I'd say you're done! Love the Chagall quote!

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    1. Thanks Bruce. I am still enjoying the paintings you are posting from your trip to Cuba. Just think...you beat our president there!

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  9. Julie just so beautiful. Love how you brought the complimentary colors into the background. I can feel the light too by the placement of your high lights. Don't you just get cheery when you spot these delightful birds? I am enjoying your birds so very much. Hugs!

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    1. I do get cheery and I missed the goldfinch when they left to head north. Helene said she spotted two of them a few days after mine left so I like to think they were mine. So happy you are enjoying the birds.
      The photos on your blog of daffodils and crocus were perfect for this week. Love them.

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  10. Wow! Doesn't he look like a bird of some importance! He looks so majestic! You have a sumptuous range of yellow and purples, Julie, and I always love your soft edges.

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    1. Hi Carol - thanks for the lovely comment.
      Demos never turn out quite right so am still studying this little guy.
      Have a wonderful week.

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  11. So special and so beautiful , the bird stands out totally from the background. What a treat to have this kind of beauties flying around in your garden...hypnotizing.

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    1. They are a graceful bird and stick with others. Never on their own.
      Your son's cat is beautiful and the way you painted the eyes made her seem so real.

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  12. Lovely little painting. Not sure of the angle but could that wing be lowered a bit? Just a tad. (I'm looking at Bonnie's wing structure.) Seems their wings are a little lower. I could be off on this one.

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    1. Thanks for the helpful hint, my friend.
      I have left the adjusting to do when dry. I know there is something off...but have not got into yet it so you may have saved me a lot of time.
      Demos are always a little wonky for me because I work fast.
      Hope Bonnie is doing great.

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  13. Very three dimensional. I like how you capture the essence of the bird.

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to leave an encouraging comment. it means a lot.

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  14. LOVE the vibrant yellow in this bird, Julie!! Beautiful work...and I love the dark background...brings everything out!

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    1. Hi Hilda - hope all is well and spring is in the sir and in your step!

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  15. I have these at my feeder every day and I love this little guy. Such a beauty!

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  16. I've especially enjoyed watching the little song birds during our early spring this year. Your lovely goldfinch captures much of the sparkling movement and color of such amazing wonders of creation.

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  17. Julie, your bird paintings are as fine as a bird's feather. Just so delicate and beautiful. I love this series you have been doing.

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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