New Projects On the Horizon...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!  I was blessed this year with the means to purchase a new camera - nothing too high-tech, but my other camera was completely dead.  So, now I can take pictures of things I've been working on again...

There hasn't been as much time as I'd hoped during this vacation period to pursue any projects - the week before Christmas was spent preparing, baking cookies, etc. and the week after has been recovery of the house and things like that.  But, I have at least given some thought to new projects that I hope to complete in the next several months.  The above picture is a sketch from a photo of my daughter - a pose that I always liked.  It fits well with the concept I have for a painting.  And, it's exciting for me to be going in a different direction than I have in the past - inspirations from the mural project.

Au Revoir...Adios...Adieu...

The mural is now en route to a sign shop where it will be framed and then it will probably wait in storage until the corner of Cook and Broadway is ready for its placement.

Jill in action - with complicated back-lighting, no less...

This morning, my friend and photographer Jill Martin of Jill Martin Photography came over to get a shot of the panels all lined up together.  Overall, I'm happy with it, but seeing it all together in the light of day after not really paying attention to it for weeks, there are a couple things that stood out and I wish I had done them differently.  But, I'll keep them to myself as no one else will probably care but me.  A couple of the panels have a little warp - I'm sure the sign company will be able to handle that in the framing process.

Saying Goodbye 

Anyway, I did do some last minute touch ups in a few spots - I was never able to put together more than 2 panels at a time inside the garage, so there were a couple of details that didn't line up.

Slumber...

It's been forever since I've been able to pick up a pencil and doodle something for fun.  It was my turn to work in the Town Center Gallery which gave me a rare moment with my sketchbook, a little music, surrounded by art.  So, I started with a doodle - as I always do - to get the juices flowing.  Unfortunately, the camera that I usually use to photograph my drawings is no longer working.  I was forced to scan this on my basic scanner/printer and I don't like the quality at all.  But, what can ya do...?

Slumber

And, regarding the mural, the city will be sending a couple guys to come and pick it up on Friday.  When that happens, I'll be getting a photo of the whole thing put together.

Stick a Fork in It - It's Done!

Well, it's official!  All 5 panels have 3 coats of varnish on all sides.  I guess there's nothing else to be done on it.  I'll be getting in touch with my contact to see about getting it transported into the unknown.
 

As I look at it, there are some things that I might have done a little differently, but I'm happy with it overall.  At some point, I guess you just have to let it go...

Transitioning...

It's a bit crazy how we can jam-pack the fall season with so much busy-ness!  This is the first weekend where I've been able to relax (a little), although there's still a ton on my plate - soccer season is in full swing with end-of-season parties & all-star tryouts on the horizon, the Horizons Family CoOp that I coordinate meets this Tuesday along with one of my art classes, and so on...

Students busy in the California History class!

I've slooowwwlly been painting layers of exterior varnish sealer on all sides of the mural.  I did the backs and now I've been laying them out, one at a time, on sawhorses in order to do the fronts and all 4 edges (that way I don't have to keep turning them - they're a bear to move).  I'm doing 3 thin coats on each and I'm close to being done with all 5 panels.

Panel laid out on sawhorses in order to seal all edges.

Part of the reason that this is taking a lot longer than I thought is because of the fall craziness mentioned above.  But, another reason is that the city is changing its plans on where it will ultimately go.  Looks like the Gottchalk's corner is out, but I have not yet heard what plan B (or C or D...) is.  I know my contact has been busy with the recent Grapes and Grains event, as well as other fall festivities, and I've been grateful to have the time to get my homeschooling and art classes off to a solid start.

Studio "corner" - the garage is too cold in winter and there are too many
spiders!  I have plans for some bulletin boards and wall-hanging holders for
pencils and stuff...I'll get there eventually.

I know that the mural project is at an end as my mind has been buzzing with thoughts of other art and writing projects.  It's time to transition backin to new creative work - not sure what exactly, though.  I still don't have a lot of free time, but I did clean off the old drawing table corner of my room in preparation.  Now, joining my drawing space is a caricature portrait that I recently acquired of my Granddad who passed away about 20 years ago - I think it was given to him as a retirement gift (or something like that).  It's a nice addition to my workspace.

Granddad watching over my work :)

Mural Studies...

Went forward with a 2nd coat of varnish on the backs again today.  I'll be setting up the saw horses tomorrow.  But first, I have to de-clutter the studio zone a little.  Since it is in the garage, summer vacation sort of crept into my area - books, boxes, bikes, OH MY!

Anyway, while I had the varnish out, I also painted a coat on all of the studies I did during the mural  process.  Remember those?  I shared them along the way.  My plan is to frame them and probably put them up for sale in the Town Center Gallery.  I don't see the need to keep them.  Well, I might put a couple up for sale now and see how it goes.

Now that I'm anxious to paint other projects...I have no time.  Oh well...

"What?!! You Painted Over It?!!"

...screamed my daughter.

Now you see it - now you don't!

No, I've turned all of the panels around and I am currently painting a couple coats of clear varnish on the backsides.  I wanted to do the backs first because I wasn't sure how tacky it would be for and for how long.  The primer we used seemed to always have a certain degree of tackiness - even at this point.  If that was to be the case with the varnish, then I wanted to do the fronts last and make sure they didn't lean up against anything while they awaited transportation.

I've now discovered that the varnish dries quickly and the finish isn't tacky at all.  Good!  Now, I plan to put the panels one at a time on sawhorses and paint a couple coats on the fronts and all edges.

In Loving Memory...

Past Horizons Group During Some Outdoor Activities

I had really hoped to be done by now - I feel like things have been moving at a snails pace.  Of course, we have since had the memorial for my father-in-law, Robert Smith, and will soon be doing much to care for my mother-in-law as we are the only relatives in the area.  We're also 2 1/2 weeks into our school year, now - so far so good!  I have an 8th grader, a 5th grader, and a preschooler this year.  Also, we'll be starting our multi-family, multi-subject co-op called Horizons on Tuesday.  I've had A LOT of communication, organization, supplies, and general loose-ends to tie up. So, I will be "laboring" on that this Labor Day Weekend.

Still, God is great and life is good!  Just keep plugging away...

It's (mostly) Official...

Well, there it is  -

The signature means I'm done.  Really, I could probably tweak something here and there forever, but I realize that must stop somewhere.  Maybe I'll be caught making an adjustment in the middle of the night under cover of darkness, but for now I'm content with the end product.

I did add a lupin-type flower to the tabletop for added color and visual interest.

I also added some of a dull reddish color to the hillsides - I color I remember seeing when I was in the "observation" stages of the mural.  I wanted to add another layer of color to the first 2 panels without going overboard - the rest of the mural is vibrant and busy enough and the first panels are intended to contrast that energy with the more bucolic setting of the fields.

A ruddy red on parts of some of the upper hillsides

Now, I will begin the layers of exterior varnish and Voila!  It's off to the city it goes...

Soooooo Close...

You have to look close to see strawberries...

I'd say that I knocked a lot off of the to-do list today!  The biggest hurdle was what used to be an undefined field beneath the cauliflower wave.  Now, it has been planted and is full of strawberries ready to be picked (although no one will be able to see them unless they're up close).

The field "before"

The field "after"

Other things that were done were little touch-ups here and there, including the chef's shoes - he's now wearing creepers (a nod to my husband, Smitty).

Anything after this will be minimal changes - I'm thinkin' more contrast on the columns, maybe on some viney pieces as well...then it's varnish time!

A Conversation With Myself...

"You know those letters that you did with the dark blue edging and light blue center were far to bold for mural?  They real drew too much attention."

"Yes, I know.  That's why I changed the centers to green and posted pictures.  I thought the green would blend in a little bit better."

Dark blue edging with a green center

"Weeellllllll, it's still not working.  That dark blue edging with the dark green is still too demanding."

"Oh, it's fine.  Just live with it a little bit.  You'll get used to it."

"Come on, who are you kidding?  You should know to trust your instincts by now."

"Do you realize how long I've spent hunched over on the floor doing these letters over and over?  My back is sore, I've got a kink in my neck..."

"Yes, I know.  But, I think you're making excuses.  Do you really want to drive by the mural for years wishing you had changed the color?"

(Grumbling...sigh)

"Alright, you win.  I'll repaint the letters AGAIN.  I'll use a dark green/light green comination so that it is more harmonious with the background...BUT THIS IS THE LAST TIME!"

Dark green edging with light green center

Letters and Leaves...

Spent a good part of today kneeling and lying on the garage floor painting...and repainting...letters.

I think I already mentioned that I wasn't excited about painting letters and, yes, I did overfuss it.  The more I tried to refine the letters, the less I liked them (and the more they seemed to draw attention away from the mural).  In the end, I went back to fairly loose letters (sans serif).  The title simply reads:  Celebrate the Harvest - Santa Maria Valley (across the bottom of 3 panels)

I also worked on detailing the leaves around the pumpkins and building a little more contrast in that area.

Now, I'm a little more excited about working on the mural again.  I will be moving some panels tonmorrow to (finally) detail the field beneath the wave.  There'll be a little bit of greenery and some dots of red (strawberries) to pull a teensy bit more color into those first two panels.

At least I won't have to lay on the floor for the next phase!

Finally, Some Pictures...

Well, not only did the laptop get a virus, but the charger ceased charging.  Then, the desktop computer got a really nasty virus, rendering it useless.  And, on a sad note, my fathe- in-law, Robert Smith, passed away last weekend.  Needless to say, no mural progress worth noting has happened...that is, until now.

Little details have been my focus - the bottle and wine glasses...

...the swirled hair and curling vines on the Dionysus character...

...and the vines reaching across the top of the arch.

Now, I've started some lettering along the bottom (the mural's title) and I'll show that when I've worked out some kinks.   One thing I've realized is that I really don't like doing the lettering.  Since it's along the bottom, I have to be down low on the floor and it gets uncomfortable quickly.  Also, I tend to overfuss letters, so it can be tedious. 

The only thing after that is the field beneath the wave - I have to line up the panels in order to put in the plants and some dots of red strawberries.

The Studio Photo-Bomber Strikes Again!

Summer is running out, so I'd really like to be done and work on some personal projects for a change.  Unfortunately, I don't think much of that will happen.  So, finishing the mural will be my summer goal.

Where Have I Been?

Well, thought I'd check in because it's been a while.  Unfortunately, I've been sick for the last week so I've been down for the count.  As a double whammy, my laptop has a virus...the laptop that I download photos to.  Thankfully, I'm feeling better.  The computer...not so much.  I'm typing this on our dino of a desktop and I am unable to download photos to it (at the moment, anyway).

So, I just wanted to let everyone know where I've been.  But, I have to work out some computer issues before I can post any new shots.  Hopefully, I'll get this resolved soon!

Winding Down...

Time to check in!  Took a couple days off for the holiday (Happy Belated 4th of July), but I've just been touching up here and there - things I really can't photograph (like strawberry leaves and the black/white tiles that needed a 3rd coat).

But, I did continue work on the vines across the bottom, coming out of the ground, and up the wave - probably not much more I'd do there, except for a highlight here or there.

I did choose to switch out the splashes to Pthalo Blue (a much better fit than the ultramarine - too purple - and cerulean - not "deep" enough).  This is still bright, but much more harmonious.  Also, the only other place I used pthalo was in the cauliflower and broccoli, so this brings that hue in across the panels.

Mommy's little "photobomber"

Tomorrow, I'll work on the wine glasses and wine bottle.  Then, I'll put in the "thanks" to contributors and the mural title.  After that, I'll have my husband help me move some panels around so I can get some together and check how things line up.  Some adjustments there and then it's a topcoat exterior sealer - Voila!

Fewer and Farther Between...

Now that additions and changes being made are smaller, I won't be posting as frequently.  Perhaps you can spot some of the details that I've been working on lately.

Undoubtedly, you noticed the building of shadows on the cauliflower...

And, the development of the vine that runs along the bottom (still more to do there)...

I changed the stems to brown instead of green and have yet to develop the leaves

And the addition of the vines I'd always planned to be coming out from the plowed rows but couldn't be done until the end...

The biggest challenge for me now is finding the motivation to stay focused and finish before moving on to other things I'm tempted to get into.  I have to say, that I'm happy to have this problem.  I'd hear of illustrators being tired of working on a particular project but having to plow ahead to meet a deadline, and I'd always wished I had that problem.  So, here I am...

Vines travelling up the "wave"

Obviously, I want it done, but I've been working on it for about 3 months and I'm rather tired of painting leaves, etc.  Also, I know the site where it is going is not ready yet (the corner of Cook and Main outside of the old Gottschalks) - so I know the mural will be stored for a bit.  I'd like to work on some smaller painting explorations (thanks to my growth in understanding of paint and color from this project).  It's also summer and I'd love to wrap up some of last years school stuff - clean up the study area, plan things for next year (I love doing that).  Still, I'd like it to be done.

In the meantime, I'll continue on while Cinderella waits for the pumpkins to change into coaches.

Entering the Home Stretch...

It's kind of hard to believe, but now that I've put in the trees, I feel like I'm nearing the end.  I still have work to do in each panel, but at this point, it's details, fine tuning, and fairly minor adjustments.  If all goes well, I'd say that I have about a week of additions and "fixings".   I'll have to move the panels around in order to finish some parts - to make sure that the continuity from one panel to the next is accurate. Then, I'd give myself another week of obsessively staring, analyzing, and more fixing.  After that, I guess it will be time to put the protective top varnish on and seal it.

Yesterday, I put in several more trees and shrubs and extended some of the yellow flowers.  I may add a few more in, but probably not much.

I also started to put in the pumpkin stems, although I think I'll switch them to the browner side.  But, as you can see, this panel has really come together!

Them Thar Hills...

Finally got to spend a larger chunk of time on the mural again today.  I've started building up the landscape in the first couple panels, particularly the hills.  As you can see, I started by laying in some yellow to capture the flowers that come around every spring (and have gone at this point).

I'm so glad that I spent the time to work out the tree colors - it soooooo helped.  And, as expected, I'm reworking the hill colors, or at least the brushwork.  I'm using a more textured approach in the areas closer to the viewer.  I still have a lot to do on them thar hills, but I like how it's started.  Some I like, some needs to be adjusted.  Our hills have such variety - many are bare, some have the occassional shrub or tree, while others seem to have a blanket of shrubbery.

Growing the Tree...

Last night was spent working on the study of the tree again.  I think I've worked out the solution to all the green on green - enough contrasts in light/dark, saturation, value... there are such nuances to deal with.  I thought my hills were pretty much done, but now I realize that once I get the trees in there, there'll be some adjusting of surrounding colors to do and possibly some texturizing that I like from the study.

Again, hard to get accurate color with a flash at night -
I've got to try it with the flash off

I'm hoping to start work on it tonight while it's all fresh in the memory.  However, I spent the day at the park with the kids (all day...without sunscreen), and now I'm really tired.  There's something about spending time in the sun that just drains all energy from you.  Hopefully, I'll get a second wind.

Making a Splash...

I've been working on a couple of different things lately.  I've stepped back into the chef panel, doing a little here and a little there.  I put in a layer of color on the architectural elements and started the grape leaves creeping across the top.  I added a couple of minor veggies and filled in the purple grape at the bottom. 

My challenge here was the splash.  I originally started using cerulean blue and was horrified - blech!  Switching to ultramarine was much better...but, wait a minute!  I didn't try pthalo.  Might have to try that tomorrow.

Another thing I started was a study of a tree - the type of tree that will go in panels 1 and 2.  This is especially challenging because it's a truck load of green, green, and more green.  I have 3 different greens in the hillside and another 3 (or more) greens that make up the tree.  I'm having to find ways to create contrast, even though in the reference pictures that I'm using, it does blend together at times.  I need to work on it a bit and work out the kinks.

Not very accurate color, but wanted to share
what I have so far

I think I have a studio guest at night.  I'm not sure, but I think it might be this guy:

I've heard him rustling around here and there.  I suppose we can share the space for now...so long as he doesn't start using my paints.