Ajax Ontario Archives - Page 8 of 14

December 10, 2018October 17, 2024

Studio sale: decorate

Studio sale

I have created quite a few new large size artworks for my studio sale event on December 8^th. I do it every year, and the attendance is usually not crows, but some people come. A couple bought one of my large fall paintings. That was wonderful because this painting was created using a lot of texture and color transitions. It just proves that this type of art is very appealing and people love it. I could have probably created even more textured artworks because they always look stunning, especially when seeing in person.

New art classes, old chores

I haven’t been posting much recently, and there is certainly a reason for that. I was busy advertising my art classes after I moved the studio to another location, and that takes so much time and efforts. I have had quite a lot success so far because I believe potential students realized soon that this is a studio where they can really learn something new. That is very flattering and I appreciate the huge interest. It looks like January and February classes will be well attended.

Some years are just not that good

This year started out on a promising note, but it had prepared some unexpected challenges. The necessity to move house and studio was a huge problem, but my trip to Latvia was fantastic as it always is. I am waiting for the end of this year, nevertheless. It’s hard to admit, but nothing can replace wasted time, and I am extremely considerate about wasting even a minute. I once wrote how I measure the time flow by accomplishments. I wish this year had more accomplishments.

New types of paintings

This is a year when I created less new paintings than I expected, but more new types of paintings, I added a lot of figures, imaginative characters, many still life and floral paintings. I will post these paintings as soon as I get time. I know there is no excuse for posting that few articles. The truth is that my art and creations take a lot of time: weeks, sometimes months. When I have finished a painting, I need to make time for taking pictures. Then I take pictures, and there is no time to post them, and so it goes.

New images of new art

These are the images of new mixed media works, it took me couple of weeks to get them done, and they look amazing. I think colors came out just wonderful. I regret I can post only pictures because the actual works look really very attractive. I create something better and better every year and I’m very happy about that.

Mixed media works can really take long time, but they look stunning

I also added numerous layers of paint, although it is not that visible on a photo. All works are 3-dimensional

All of these artworks are 20 x 24 inches in size, about 5 inches thick, therefore, I would offer them rather locally because shipping would be very problematic

The look is very festive and colors look beautiful with lights on or off

New art for kids

I have created beautiful snowman and gnome characters and they are large and came out very nice, but I hope posting them some other day. You can find them on Fine Art America site, there is a special collection ” Art for kids”. All of these paintings and many more are available during my studio sale event. I had to post an update not to lose all my blogging friends. Enjoy!

November 9, 2018October 17, 2024

Featured best-selling original art and art prints

Since the days are getting so short and the dark and colorless outdoors clearly indicate Christmas is not that far away, I decided to feature the original art and art prints which are definitely my best sellers again this year.

I believe that some subjects, themes and genres never lose their appeal and originality. When the festive season comes around, we want something cozy and something warm not only in the physical surroundings, but also in our heart. The soft snow scenes and the attractive Christmas florals have been always loved a lot.

I know that no print or printed art product can ever resemble the impact of the original art, but still: there are many occasions when one would go with lovely art print either on their notebook, mug, tote bag, wall tapestry and similar things. I do not make my own prints because Fine Art America does it better. The selection of products is also huge: from greeting cards to all kinds of framed and unframed art prints on different surfaces, even would, metal and silver, from apparel to bath towels and bags and tote bags.

After I posted a few feature posts last year I was very lucky to also sell one original art piece: the spruce creek. It looked excellent in the black frame, and the lady who purchased it said it made look gorgeous the entire room . Who knows, I hope to sell some more original paintings, especially taking into account that the number of original paintings I have created is large. I would gladly ship some art, too, especially watercolor paintings. They are light, just the weight of paper, so shipping is way less..

Best selling original art and art prints — Looks beautiful and complete

Some bloggers purchased a few original paintings in previous years. It is just so, that the bigger the painting is, the more expensive the shipping becomes, and it isn’t up to me, but the shipping companies. I would love to say a big thank you to all people who have purchased my art over years and who enjoy it every day in their homes and offices.

Art collections by Inese Poga

Please enjoy and let me know if we can make an art deal! Go ahead and make my day!

October 8, 2018October 17, 2024

Supplies for watercolor painting, sketching and drawing

Less is more efficient!

I have always students who believe that having everything is a guarantee of good result. That is not true! Until you have found your favorite brush, your favorite watercolor paper or your favorite watercolor paint brand, use whatever you already have, and get only things which are necessary.

Graphite pencil drawing

You can use Bristol drawing paper by Strathmore, the small size is 14 x 17 in, 300 Series. The large size is 19 x 24 in which is a great size. Also 300 Series. This paper is fairly smooth and suits drawing well. It makes erasing easy. Other option is using CANSON XL cold press, 140 lb watercolor paper. Size 12 x 18 in. If you rather keep your drawing at a sketch level, you can use CANSON Universal Sketch paper in size 18 x 24 in. That is a perfect size.

Pencils can be just regular pencils from 2H, including HB and up to 3B. Softer pencils leave too much graphite on the paper. You will most often use just HB pencil because it’s not too hard and not too soft. For eraser, please, get the artist grade soft eraser which absorbs graphite. You buy it at the art store. If you feel you have hard times keeping long lines straight, please, take with you a ruler. Paper towel under hand helps not smudging paper on which drawing is created.

Pen and watercolor sketch or color sketch

For sketch without paint, you can use CANSON Universal sketch paper, 65 lb. For pen and watercolor sketch, you can use CANSON XL cold press, 140 lb watercolor paper. Please, note! It will not work for watercolor painting or painting in layers! It is too thin and doesn’t absorb paint or water sufficiently. It can be used for drawing only and with watercolor pencils. Strathmore 300 series paper will work well for pen and watercolor wash.

We use simple graphite pencil, H and HB, they work well because we shouldn’t have too strong pencil lines.

For pen, you can use any black pen which does not bleed with application of water, but I am using MICRON from 02-05. You can test pen before buying it and see which one you like.

We use only the soft, flexible, artist’s grade eraser. It is very important to have such eraser.

Watercolor painting supplies

We use in watercolor painting classes the following art supplies.

Watercolor paper

Strathmore 140 lb, cold press watercolor paper, 400 Series. 400 series paper is thick watercolor paper which is important. I use it in size 18 x 24″ for all demonstrations You can cut the paper sheet in half, and you get 12 x 18 inch paper. Perfect size for beginners!

Strathmore sells also 12 x 18 inch paper blocks, cold press. It works well for starting out with watercolor painting. However, if you’d like the best, you could use Arches 140 lb, cold press watercolor paper. It comes in sheets and blocks and is expensive.

Please, make sure your paper is at least 12 x 16 inches in size or larger.

We cannot create anything meaningful on a tiny size paper. Saunders-Waterford is also an option, but bright white is not always available, but it is a cotton paper, therefore, results are better than using watercolor paper for beginners. For this purpose, Canson, Fluid or similar papers do not work. Never have paper lighter than 140 lb. It will warp, buckle and there are many things you simply cannot do on thin paper.

Brushes

We need 2 round brushes with fine tips for watercolor painting (soft, synthetic), size 12-14 and size 4-6. Some brushes don’t bounce back, so they won’t do what you need. Especially, lifting. It’s best to test. Synthetic brushes work very well and are very suitable for watercolor painting. Just make sure it is not oil brush with stiff and rough bristles, but the tapered drop-like watercolor brush.

Watercolor paints

If you have paints in tubes, you will need palette. It must have a decent size mixing area. Small kids’ palettes do not work well because they have too tiny mixing wells.

Essential watercolor paint colors

Cold yellow, like Hansa yellow or Lemon yellow

Warm yellow, such as Brilliant yellow or Cadmium medium yellow,

Burnt Sienna,

Payne’s Grey,

Quinacridone Crimson,

Carmine Lake or similar red,

Cerulean blue,

Cobalt blue

and Prussian blue

It’s possible to mix absolutely any other colors from these ones. Primary colors are yellow, red and blue. Any secondary color is already a mix and can be got.

Yellow or Gold Ochre is optional, as well as more red colors. If you can have only 1 blue, get Cobalt blue.

Set of watercolor paints

Sets of ready to use watercolor paints are fantastic for beginners.

You can use them easier than tube paints, and you most likely will have all basic colors in a set (12 color set, for instance). You can get started faster also. Which brand you choose, probably depends on how much you intend to spend on paints. Please, do not use chalky kids’ or craft watercolor paints, they do not have the specific pigments which we use and they do not have the ability to create good washes. That would be all sets which do not list name of a particular paint. Half-pans are popular, but painting is very difficult. They are too close together, and there’s too little paint.

Supplies for watercolor painting and sketching

Pencil and eraser

You will need graphite pencil. HB pencil works well. We do not want too much graphite on watercolor paper, therefore, avoid using soft and very soft pencils. We use only the soft, flexible, artist’s grade eraser which is sold in art stores. It is very important to have this eraser which absorbs graphite, not damages paper.

Extras

We need quite a lot of paper towels.

Paper towel has many functions with watercolor painting, so, definitely do not forget that, 6-10 sheets per class. You will learn how essential paper towel is with spontaneous watercolor and watercolor washes, as well correcting some areas. Finally, attach your watercolor paper to a firm, light base, thick cardboard or similar with painter’s (green) tape. Having paper for testing colors helps.

You will eventually find your brand and your most favorite brushes, paints, pencils and papers. The better quality your watercolor paper, brushes and paints are, the easier it is to paint and create good art.

I hope seeing you in my art classes: Sign up for art classes

Private art classes: One-on-one class

Check out the other benefits of drawing and watercolor art: Drawing for ageless brain

October 2, 2018October 17, 2024

Acrylic painting supplies for art classes

Painting supplies for acrylic painting classes

We do not need a lot of acrylic painting supplies to start painting, so, keep the list short and get things you do not have yet as you go.

Brushes

1 flat brush, soft, synthetic for either watercolor or acrylic painting, ¾ inch wide; or about the same size Filbert brush (it is flat with rounded corners). 1 small soft watercolor or acrylic brush, size 4-6 round, fan brush for oil painting (rough bristles). If fan brush with rough bristles is not available, get simple wall/window painting brush, 1-1.5 inch wide. We will cut it out with scissors, so that it can do more. I will show how. We can use Filbert brushes (slightly rounded edges) in small to medium sizes also.

Canvas

We use 16 x 20” canvas for regular classes and 16 x 12″ canvas for 1 day workshops. If you believe you are rather slow with brushing paint, the smallest size is 12 x 16 in. However, painting larger is easier. You will need to paint your canvas in medium dark grey or brown color before you come to class. The edges of canvas need to be covered with one layer of paint as well. That helps creating better art much faster.

Acrylic paints

The best acrylic paints for beginners are AMSTERDAM students’ grade or Liquitex Basics students’ grade paints. Artist’s Loft (Michael’s brand) will work, as well, but it doesn’t mix well with paints of other brands (curdles).

The best is to get a professional grade Titanium white and two yellow colors: one lemon yellow and the other cadmium medium yellow or similar warm yellow. White and yellow are very weak colors in any students’ grade paints. I’d not advise to get a paint set, but rather separate tubes because we use white and yellow much more than other colors. You do not need any green color..

Short list of acrylic paint colors:

You will need 6 basic colors to get started:

White: Titanium white, required more than other colors

Black: Lamp black, Mars black

Red: 1 warm red (more orange red) and 1 cold red (more purple)

Cadmium medium red, Primary magenta, Crimson pyrrole, Carmine red, Crimson lake, Carmine lake, Naphthol red medium or similar, whatever red the brand you want to use has.

Yellow: 1 cold yellow (greenish shade), 1 warm yellow (more orange shade)

Hansa or Lemon yellow (cold yellow) and Cadmium yellow medium, Brilliant yellow, Azo yellow medium (warm yellow)., 2 yellow shades are important for color mixing. If you have just one, please, choose medium yellow (warmer).

Blue: Brilliant blue, Prussian blue and/or Cobalt blue, having at least 1 blue is very important

Artist grade paints have more pigment and less fillers and binders. If you would like to use artist’s grade paints, I would advise Liquitex heavy body, Graham (satisfactory quality, not that great tubes) or Golden (also tough to open tubes).

Additional acrylic paint colors:

You can get them gradually when you know what you need more.

Ocher: yellow ocher or golden ocher

Red-brown: Burnt sienna

Warm dark brown: Burnt umber

Blue: Ultramarine blue, Cerulean blue

Dark grey: Payne’s grey

Additional supplies: white plastic disposable plates (it is important plate is white). Do not use mixing papers or tiny palettes which are not suitable for mixing wet paint. I will not accept them for art classes. Mixing paper does not work with many acrylic paint applications, especially fan brush and sponge.

At least 10 sheets of paper towel per class. It is very important you use paper towel, it is not possible to paint without cleaning your brush frequently.

We use pre-painted canvas so that painting is much easier.

Additional supplies for easing the painting process

Plastic knife

Seaweed sponge or silk sponge

Slow-drying medium and blending medium, as well as modeling paste are useful, but we use them only for certain projects and get by with water. I have my own blending medium which I create from 3 components, I will show how.

It is better to have fewer acrylic painting supplies and better quality supplies. It is recommended to get paints at the art store. Artisan liquid paints from the Dollarama absolutely do not work.

Schedule: Art classes, schedule and registration

September 27, 2018October 17, 2024

Drawing, watercolor, inspiration

Learn drawing to create original art

Drawing is probably one of the most important skills to learn if you want to sufficiently use pencil, brush and any paints, not to mention pastel painting. It is almost like writing: we start with letters, and we finish up creating breathtaking poems and meaningful stories. Being skilled in manual drawing also allows not to depend on any devices, any editing, any tracing.

Drawing still life

Once you manage your lines, you manage your brush strokes, composition and values, as well as contrasts. Drawing still life or simple things around us is a good start. People sometimes say: I do not feel like drawing vegetables or fruits. However, that is the shortest way to make one’s eyes perceive the multi-dimensional reality and recreate it on a flat paper or canvas. We draw and create volume and dimensions. Becoming good with still life subjects is a base for more complex subjects.

Painting is drawing with a brush

Drawing teaches us about shadows and light, light direction, values and contrasts. It teaches us very fast how to create a powerful composition. We generally need to become familiar with a good brush stroke. I have noticed that most beginners apply paint as if painting a wall: back and force, to the left and right. Painting requires using elegant, long or short, soft or powerful brush strokes which make our subject more impressive. That also helps with blending, composition and values.

Realistic art is based on drawing

Even people, who love painting abstracts need to create a map of the intended painting in their mind. In order to move paint somewhere, we need to rely on composition elements. That sure does not apply to bad abstract art which is present all over the internet. Therefore, sketching out our plan, helps achieving good results faster.

Pen and watercolor: beautiful art without struggles

I have mentioned in my previous articles that using pen and watercolor is a perfect way to obtain basic watercolor painting skills. Why? It contains all the most important parts which one needs to be aware of in order to paint and create art. It is much faster than, for instance, acrylic or pastel, therefore, it makes a lot of sense when testing our ideas.

Pen and watercolor paintings:

Shop watercolor paintings, floral watercolor

Take it easy, go outside

Fall season offers us colors and shapes and subjects without limitation. They are not only beautiful, but they also allow practicing all kinds of shades and color mixes.Take it easy, go outside or watch nature through your window. We can place beautiful fall bounties on our desk: that is all we need. Fall is rich and generous, we simply shouldn’t be lazy, but take advantage of all the natural inspiration around us. Remember: drawing and sketching will take you anywhere in art.

New studio

Although, I have not completed arranging my new studio yet, and there are still unpacked boxes, not to mention, boxed in hundreds of paintings, I managed to get something new done over the last two days, and I hope you can get inspired by these artworks which I will most likely post separately at a later time point.

Original watercolor paintings for sale

Category: Ajax Ontario

Studio sale: decorate

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Featured best-selling original art and art prints

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Supplies for watercolor painting, sketching and drawing

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Acrylic painting supplies for art classes

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Drawing, watercolor, inspiration

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