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I've been wanting to do a Sea Turtle for a long time. One of my most memorable moments in Hawaii was seeing a sea turtle in the lagoon of the hotel I stayed at and being so excited I jumped in (with clothes on) to see it up close. I held it in the water for about 5 seconds ( I've since learned you shouldn't touch them) and then it swam off. Magical! This painting will be finished and make its debut to the public at the Ann Arbor Art Fair and I think this is the only show it will see.
Sea Turtles are very popular among nature lovers and maybe that's because of its gentle nature and mystique. This one already has so much character and the paint has barely touched the canvas.
Check back to see her progress.
Here is a tip that most of us learned back in the early days of school. It's usually easy to remember to put a piece of paper under our hand to resist smudging while drawing with graphite. For some reason it seems to slip our minds with other drawing mediums. Colored pencil can also smudge and your hand can dull your finished drawing or painting as some like to call them. You can use any paper however, unlike the above photo, I like to use tracing paper because it allows me to see through to the rest of my work.Remember, Keep it Clean!
I first posted an "in progress" photo of this painting on April 1st showing only the Giraffe. I explained that the Acacia Tree supplied food for one and shelter for the other. While that is true I began to realize that the tree supplied food and shelter for both creatures. In this painting the "Odd couple" as I referred to them earlier seem to be greeting each other as they might do every day from their favorite eatery. They look so pleased with their choice of food that they look as if they might willingly offer each other a sample. "Tree Top Cafe`" seemed to be a fitting title.
Sculpture artist Steve Worthington gives away Bronze Mouse. Just name three of his Turtle sculptures and win! His work is full of character. See the details on his blog at http://steveworthingtonart.blogspot.com
The Kneaded Eraser is a wonderful tool however if not stored properly can become your #1 enemy. If you drop it or throw it into your pencil box it can pick up and hold all kinds of debris which can scratch or tear your paper. The best way to avoid this is to place your eraser into a clean resealable plastic bag or small container. It will always be clean and ready to assist you in creating your masterpiece!
I'll be posting a new "Tip" each week so be sure to check back.
I currently have a painting in the U of M Open Competition Exhibit at the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery. Though I did not win I am very pleased to be part of this competition due to the diversity and expertise of the work. I was very impressed. It's a very nice gallery space as well. I encourage you to go and enjoy this visual feast. The exhibition runs through July 15. The above image is a detail of the painting on exhibit titled "High Society".
Gallery is located on the third floor of the Mardigian Library at The University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road.
Heritage Newspapers which covers Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, The Downriver area, Dearborn/Dearborn Heights, Milan, Ypsilanti, Monroe, Belleville and Van Buren Township has done a feature story on me and my upcoming participation in the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair as their featured artist. Below is a link to the video interview that was taken at my studio in Van Buren Township. Look for the full story in your Heritage hometown newspapers that is expected to be published on June 10 (Thursday) or June 17th.
Read online interview here.
Watch video interview here
(Click to enlarge)Do you remember being with someone whose every word seemed to be just the right one? Their laugh was infectious and their eyes had an extra twinkle that you don't seem to remember on anyone else? When the chemistry is right, it's right! In this painting these male (green) & female (red) Eclectus Parrots couldn't be more enamored with each other on their "First Date".
