Posts from the ‘Nature’ Category

Jun 8

Adult acrylic painting class river scene

Our learning season is getting close to the finish line

The learning season at our gallery is getting close to the finish line. We were exploring multiple techniques and subjects; we created quite many beautiful artworks. We feel enriched and inspired, and hopefully, the newly acquired skills will enable our students to capture their impressions during summer and their vacations.

I have been extremely busy recently, and I need a break, too. I’m going to spend some time in Europe, in my homeland Latvia this year.

My art gallery is getting reorganized, as well. We will start out again in September with new classes, seminars, practical learning in both, life skills school and art school.

I’m working on a new website which will contain all relevant information, and I might be very busy for a while yet, thus, there won’t be that many posts during this time.

The river scene was finished a small while ago. 6 students started it, and 3 students got it done or almost done.

Diana’s painting of river and rocks and nature

Bev’s painting of river scene

Gordon’s painting with river and rocks

The last scene of this learning season is scene with barns in a landscape. We love it, and I think, we might return to barns during the fall painting sessions again. We are still working on it.

May 3

Acrylic painting of white and pink amaryllis

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Mother’s Day card: check it out

I recently finished a watercolor painting which already initially was intended to serve as image for Mother’s day card. We started to draw birds at our teens painting class and got the painting done during 2-3 classes.

I worked out two versions: one without text (when ordering, anybody can place their own text on the inside) and with short text.

Both versions can be found and ordered as cards via Fine Art America website:

http://fineartamerica.com/pdfartworkmenu.php?artworkid=7289106

http://fineartamerica.com/pdfartworkmenu.php?artworkid=7289435

It’s needless to say that any painting can be bought as a print of many different types and with hundreds of framing choices at very reasonable prices and in excellent quality. Any purchase comes with 30-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with some aspect.

Fine Art America offers to download a free app if you are using any kind of smart phone, iPhone, iPad or similar device which has camera to view the particular painting in the chosen frame (there are really hundreds) or without a frame on the exact wall space or room space where you intend to place it. The app will apply your chosen size, therefore, you can see everything according to real proportions.

http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/inese+poga/all

Apr 22

Orchard in bloom: acrylic painting of apple trees in spring

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Should there always be a story behind the painting?

The story behind the painting is believed to be one of the best ways for selling art. Well, that really depends. When selling online, we don’t even know who’s bought the art, and when selling in person, it’s not always a good time for stories.

Spring forest: acrylic painting on canvas

An interview with an old artist comes to mind when I’m thinking about how much art critics and art reviewers love rich wording.

Blossoming orchard: apple trees in bloom, acrylic painting

A young journalist pays visit to a much experienced, fairly rough artist and asks for permission to write an article about his art. The artist just keeps working, and seems to be neither too excited, nor too denying about this idea. Thus, the journalist takes out her notebook and starts questioning the old guy.
“How is that all of your art is structurally so multi-layered, multi-faceted and multi-reflective when depicting just routinely flat, boring and standard, sometimes underappreciated subjects? How can it show the underlying emotional hidden mystic concepts of these subjects in such an enormously effective and mentally enriching way?”
“Well, I just grab some paint and brush it on.”
“Sounds very simple, but how could you master describe the energetic overload in these trivial scenes which are jammed with overlaying structurally heavy, spontaneous brush strokes which seem to evoke in us the ancient and primary instincts and passions?”
“Well, I suppose, you see it now: I just grab some paint and brush it on.”
“Sure, your painting style is just fantastic and breathtaking. How about your artistic concepts when choosing these uninteresting subjects, but painting them in the way we experience things we never even knew about, not to mention we could see them captured in this vibrant, rigorously abundant manner which takes us to other dimensions and to futuristic domains of our mind?”
“Well, I don’t think, anything else says it better, as: grab some paint and brush it on.”
“Thank you, master. Would you like to share some of your secrets about implementing in your work this indescribably multifold capture and immediate expression of this vivid, eternally uplifting, intricately subdued and emotionally unvarnished light fractures?”
“Well, it’s kind of tough: just grab some paint and brush it on until you like it”.

Serene rural fall scenery: acrylic painting on canvas

Images which are attached to this post have been painted as demonstrations for classes. I finished them afterwards since I never get time enough during the class while I am trying to follow up on each student’s work. So, that’s the story: paintings of elements which we had to practice on.

Pink and white amaryllis: acrylic floral painting on canvas

It took me a while, but these paintings are available at the gallery now.

Apr 5

Basic/Intermediate level acrylic painting workshops

In order to participate in these acrylic painting workshops, some experience in painting with acrylics is required.

Relaxing activities in a pleasant atmosphere:

creating ourselves through fulfilling our dreams

Each workshop consists of painting for 3.5 hours during two consecutive Sundays. We are painting for 7 total hours, and your painting should be done or almost done by the end of day 2.

The subject for April 21 and April 28 workshop is Georgian Bay shores at different atmospheric conditions and daytimes, thus, it is possible to choose the scenery which speaks to you most.

April 21, Day 1 and April 28, Day 2

Each day 1 pm – 4.30 pm

Each workshop day is $35, 2 days, total 7 hours: $70

Minimum 4, maximum 8 participants.

Minimum canvas size: 16 x 20 in

Paints: acrylic paints

Payne’s grey, titanium white, lemon yellow, cadmium yellow light, quinacridone crimson or naphtol red medium, hooker’s green permanent, sap green or olive green, brilliant yellow green or mix up your own greens, burnt sienna, burnt umber, yellow ochre, ultramarine and cerulean blue, brilliant purple or prism violet

3 brushes: flat, at least 1.5 in wide or wider, round with fine tip, size 10-12, rough bristle brush (Walmart for painting walls or windows, about 1-1. 5 in wide which can be slight adjusted by cutting out some parts)

Paper towel, paper plate

Choice of scenery: at dusk, twilight, daylight

Basic/Intermediate level ACRYLIC PAINTING WORKSHOP:

En plein air painting of garden/backyard scene

Downtown Whitby

Relaxing activities in pleasant atmosphere:

Creating ourselves through fulfilling our dreams

May 26, Day 1

June 2, Day 2

Each day 1 pm – 4.30 pm

Some experience in painting with acrylics is required.

Materials not included.

Subject for painting includes anything you prefer seeing in a backyard or garden scene since my location has it all: irises, lilacs, blossoming apple trees, old maple trees, blossoming dogwood and lots of other wild plants like lily of the wally or simple dandelions in nice settings. There is an old picturesque fence, old fashioned gate and small shed, back porch and shadows on walls, briefly, the scenery is very artistic and offers a great choice of attractive subjects.

Minimum canvas size: 16 x 20 in

Paints: acrylic paints

Paper towel, paper plate

Each workshop day is $35, 2 days, total 7 hours: $70

Minimum 4, maximum 8 participants.

Mar 26

Acrylic painting class: Wednesday class students

Orchards blossoming in the art studio

Waiting for something can be as exciting as the upcoming event itself. Spring is late this year, and that makes us more impatient since everyone is tired of storms, colds, snow and icy winds. However, why to wait when you can create sensation of spring and speed up its arrival on your own?

We’ve been busy with blossoming apple trees during the last 4 classes.

Unlikely many North American art schools, we are focusing not only on technical abilities, which are undoubtedly important in achieving our artistic goals, but also on the emotional impact of our creations and the energetic and intellectual potential of painting. When painting some certain subject, we are trying to capture not that much its photographic likeness, but rather to implement the idea, feelings and emotions, the emotional charge within and behind the painted image. We are trying to paint our vision in the way others could experience it, too. That requires freedom in our approach, experimenting with colors and brush stroke, immediate action and reaction, and high confidence level, as well.

The subject was very attractive this time, and we got really great scenery on our canvas.

It is important that we use the same basic image and the same medium (acrylic, watercolor or pastel) in a class since every medium requires different handling and specific techniques for bringing the painted subject to life.

Here we go: more blossoming apple trees

Similar and still different

Acrylic is actually very forgiving, and everything can be adjusted, changed and improved when necessary.

All artists were not present at the time of taking pictures, but I have inserted their painting images.

We will just have to go through sky and water yet, and these students could surprise us with fantastic paintings done on their own.

Mar 2

Saturday watercolor painting class for teens 12 +

When there’s a will, there’s a way

Some of teens have started attending art and painting classes very early. Since we are dealing with a bit more complicated stuff and techniques than general art classes which actually are more play than learning, I prefer teaching teens from 12 years. We are working to achieve results, to make things happen. This is an excellent age for absorbing new knowledge and developing the personality. While many parents support kids’ involvement in artistic activities, there shouldn’t be put any pressure on choosing some particular activity. It is very noticeable straight from the beginning who is genuinely interested in drawing, painting and creating art, and who is just a passerby, somebody who does not really know yet whether he or she would like this type of activity, or not.

Some of Saturday watercolor painting class students

Our classes involve personality training, development and growth opportunities along with acquisition of typically necessary artistic skills, since the discussed matters are never limited to only color choices, composition and subject research. Creation always takes some effort; even though, we are trying to never show the difficulties we experienced during this process, but the great effortless final product of our imagination and artistic skills.

There are impatient teens and impatient adults. The same applies to seriousness, devotion, commitment and willingness. It is obvious that those with a goal and genuine interest always get faster and better results. This is something to consider before you sign up your daughter or son for art classes: will your kid have discipline and interest enough to attend the class regardless of any other issues? Isn’t that just a mood, a desire which will never get fulfilled?

It is easier to deliver excellent results in a small size teaching environment because I can teach taking into account specific individual needs and personal features of a particular student.

Watercolor painting of seagull

Some students enjoyed painting birds more than painting flowers, it always depends

I am proud that our mutual efforts are resulting in fantastic achievements.

I am also sure that age actually does not matter: when there is a will, there’s a way.

Since I’m documenting our achievements as we go, the progress is so obvious when I compare how some students were painting a year ago and how they are painting now.

Clara started to attend our classes today, and this will be her first painting

Some paintings were just started during this class, and some got the final touches.

The most important thing is that we are moving, and “We are moving fast” as one girl said after the previous class.

Feb 4

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Painting classes: becoming more confident and artistic

To create something from nothing takes creativity, knowledge and commitment.

We were doing some negative painting exercises, and after that we were getting ready for the next painting which will be seaside with some birds.

Psychologists are certain that everything is based on confidence and high level of self-esteem. Art helps reach these goals tremendously, and the acquired awareness that I CAN CREATE, I CAN ACHIEVE MY GOALS, is a new stepping stone when walking through the life.

Step by step, brush stroke by brush stroke: big things start with small accomplishments.

Everybody benefits from engagement in arts, and it is something valuable for the entire life.

Some artists of adult acrylic painting group completed their first painting, some their third paintings.

We are overcoming the fear from blank canvas and learning to apply paint with confidence, and results speak for themselves.

It is never too early or too late to engage in creation of something artistic. We sometimes need 30 or 40 years to realize that art is what we want to learn. It is a pleasure to watch this happening as we progress more and more with every single painting.

Jan 11

Acrylic painting workshops

The first workshop is intended for adults who prefer painting with acrylics and love flowers.

I have quite a few of nice floral reference photos since my fantastic orchids and cyclamens are blossoming every year. It might happen that we will be able to use as models real plants by the time workshop takes place.

Pink orchids look extremely nice when painted, and it does not take too much effort to get done the basic drawing.

Pink orchid is a great choice for floral workshop even for artists who have a fairly small experience because:

these blooms have a very easy to capture gorgeous, gracious shape;

it is not complicated to vary and mix up the most distinctive pink shades;

we have multiple choices for backgrounds, including:

smoky grays and blues;

bright or dark blues;

green shades or aqua blues;

purple shades + greens and blues;

warm ocher and sap green + burnt sienna and burnt umber shades.

Any of these backgrounds would make a fantastic painting.

It is also possible to implement in the painting as many or as few blooms as we wish.

I will offer cyclamen images to artists who would rather paint these fabulous flowers.

The color choice for blooms and background will be similar, we will just do a different drawing.

The horizontal versions would look as good as the vertical ones.

The size of canvas for these 2 day workshops should not exceed 20 x 18 in.

I would not recommend to go with much smaller canvas, as well, because painting tiny objects is tedious.

You should have 1 flat brush for acrylic painting (about 1 – 1.5 in) and 2 round brushes with fine tips, 8-12 in size. Please do not take with you brushes for oil painting.

The paints we are using for similar paintings include:

Payne’s gray, titanium white, primary magenta, quinacridone red or quinacridone crimson, cadmium yellow medium and cadmium yellow light, burnt umber, burnt sienna, yellow oxide and yellow ochre, ultramarine and cobalt blue, green gold, brilliant yellow green and sap green.

You do not need all colors. You obviously can narrow down the number of paints depending on background which you would rather choose.

This workshop will take place on:

January 27^th: Day 1: 1 pm to 4.30 pm

February 3^rd: Day 2: 1 pm to 4.30 pm

The second workshop is scheduled for:
February 24th: spring scene with trees, Day 1
March 3rd: spring scene with trees, Day 2
We are painting for 3.5 hours every day, or for 7 hours in total.
Since materials include a preliminary sketch (you can do your own sketch, as well), the spring scene painting should be done by the end of day 2.

The basic image captures warm, sunny spring scene with trees.

Students who love adding detail for more definition in their paintings will be able to use additional images.
We will work combining all images and implementing as much or as little in our paintings as we like.

Every artist can make his/her own color choices. This means you could go for more contrast using blue and yellowish/ochre shades, or use more purple/red shades in the front part, or any other suitable combinations you prefer.

Please contact me if you are not sure what paints to get/use for this painting.

I will publish pictures of drawings, half-way paintings and finished paintings with details for those who are following our progress online.

Happy painting!

Dec 22

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New watercolor paintings

I finished some watercolor paintings since I didn’t want to leave half-done work for the New Year. There are still some more paintings to do, but I am happy that these came out very nice.

Watercolor painting of gladiolus which is one of my favorite flowers

Watercolor of autumn flowers in our garden

This watercolor painting of apples is done stretching watercolor paper over bars. I have varnished it, and that way it does not need frame or glass.

I love working on watercolor paper, stretched on bars, since it facilitates the flow of water and paint.

This watercolor winter scene painting is also done stretching watercolor paper over bars.

Watercolor painting of rose hips in autumn

Watercolor still life painting with fruits and a cup; we did this still life together with my teen students.

Watercolor painting of winter scene which I also made available as a greeting card

I’d like to thank all visitors at the gallery who supported me purchasing some of my art and buying gift certificates. It is not easy to run an art gallery without any single sponsor.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Dec 6

Christmas Show and Sale: Art, Crafts, Gifts

It’s Christmas time again, and we are having our annual Christmas sale. It is richer and more interesting than ever before. I have no doubt, everyone can find something great, whether it’s a Christmas decoration, nice, hearty, one of a kind gift, painting, card or gift certificate. Gift certificates for classes and workshops are available every day, not only during the sale.

You can enjoy and possibly purchase more than 200 paintings and crafted gift items.

All decorations and gifts are crafted in the gallery and range in style from traditional to modern and trendy, both, regarding the color scheme and design. We have used mostly nature materials: fir and pine cones, apple-tree and maple branches, fir- tree branches and also some paints, glitter, tissue paper and interesting containers. You should definitely check out the one of a kind gift boxes, note books, diaries and photo albums.

We are offering only original paintings and art, including three-dimensional acrylic nature paintings in subtle and soothing colors.

Variety of Christmas cards can be ordered from the Fine Art America site: http://inese-poga.artistwebsites.com

Please have a look at some gifts and decorations for sale.