Posts from the ‘Whitby Ontario’ Category

May 3

Acrylic painting of white and pink amaryllis

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

2 Comments

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.

Apr 2

Kristina's watercolor painting of chickadee

6 Comments

Spring time watercolors: bright, sunny and cheerful

Teen class has been very busy, as well. Some students were not present during March break, some could not attend classes because of Easter holidays, but we just keep going and enjoying the pleasure of being able to create something great, cheerful and uplifting.

Elaine’s vision of blue garden anemones

Mary’s painting of purple spring anemones

I have noticed, it’s so much in fashion to write books about anything, including art, all these books and e-books are supposed to be innovative, thoughtful and informative “how to” books.

Watercolor painting of pink garden anemones: demo version for adult watercolor class

While there’s some useful advice contained in a few of them, it’s most often a description of very common, very basic and very well-known stuff. The same about lots of DVDs, online art classes, tips, ideas, etc.

Kristina is genuinely happy since the chickadee painting came out extremely nice

However, there’s a big difference when painting on your own and in reality, and reading about it, or watching somebody else painting. You won’t know how that is until you try it on your own with a real brush or pencil in your hand.

Close-up of chickadee on a tropical flower background (Kristina’s interpretation)

My experience shows, the presence of a live teacher is extremely important. That not only speeds up everything, but also provides students with plenty of information in a very short period of time, allowing to experience and apply everything right there and right away.

This is a very direct and very immediate “how to”. Any question receives answer on spot, any problem gets solved straight at its origin.

Mary painting chickadee watercolor

Mary’s watercolor painting of chickadee in progress

Chickadees on blossoming apple tree background: demo version

Watercolor wash: spontaneous and simple application of watercolor

Well, those ones who want to learn something are very happy with my classes, and so am I because it’s always a pleasure to see fast development of young, talented artists, and to know that I have contributed quite a lot to this development.

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.

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 26

Merry Christmas and Lots of Devotion to Art in the New Year!

Merry Christmas and happy celebration of Winter Solstice!

Days are already getting longer, and the light is returning to us.

When you are upset, feeling down or having troubles: engage in creation of art! Allow the brush to swipe away any troublesome thoughts or blues. Allow your spirit to sparkle and create something which warms up your soul and heart. Become a creator, become the one who makes things alive!

Blossoming and blooming never ends at my gallery.

The purple sanpaulia in bloom

Blossoming poinsettia

Pink orchid: pure beauty

New Year’s greetings: blooming at the end of December

Happy New Year!

Dec 22

10 Comments

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 14

Christmas crafts and art, check out to create your own Christmas crafts

Lots of people are stopping by, sales are actually better than I expected, and we decided to extend the sale until Christmas.

I noticed also that many visitors really liked the traditional colors: red, white, green and gold.

Since the previous traditional Christmas decorations were sold, I created new ones in similar style. This time I used some baskets and more greens.

You might like these ideas, as well. So, get to work.

All you need is some dry tree branches: painted cedar looks very well, some glitter, hot glue and glue gun, tissue paper in your favorite colors and some pine cones and/or fir cones. I am also using some base (what you use for live flowers or for dry flowers), that makes it easier to arrange all parts of Christmas decoration: basket, plate, jar in a nice way, and nothing moves away from its place.

I start with arrangement of greens, after that, I’m attaching fir cones, pine cones and tissue paper roses wherever they look fitting.

I hope these pictures will inspire you.

Christmas crafts: a great way to make your home look very festive and welcoming

This Christmas arrangement could be used as a nice gift or a great center piece

Nature materials for beautiful Christmas decorations: what could be more attractive?

Smaller Christmas decorations can look as good as the larger ones

DIY Christmas gift or decoration

I renewed also some pieces in other colors:

I hope you enjoyed and you are already looking for materials.

Dec 12

Christmas decorating ideas, art and craft sale

This has been very busy time. I have crafted quite a lot of different show items and using a lot of my imagination and creativity to make this show happen.

Some gifts and Christmas decorations sold very fast, so I had to make additional stuff for the silent auction.

Christmas art and craft show is exhibited on two floors: in the upstairs showroom and in the downstairs showroom. There is quite a lot of interest in creation of such Christmas decorations and DIY gifts, I suppose, I will continue doing something similar in the new year, as well.