Sunday, December 11, 2016

110316 12x16 Last of the Fall Colors

This is a spot along my regular hiking trail near the end of the fall season. Very warm day -- like, high 60s!  Can't believe it is November! 
"Last of the Fall Colors, November 3, 2016", plein air oil painting, 12" x 16", c. Charlene Marsh

Thanks for visiting.

Happy Trail!

Charlene 

P.S.  I am getting ready for an Art Launch, exclusively for my subscribers, so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Saturday, December 10, 2016

110116 12x16 Warm Day, Late Fall

Despite being the first of November, the day was so warm I wore shorts and a tee shirt out on the trail.  Temps were in the high 70s!  I'll take it!  Still no frost - my garden is going full tilt -- peppers, tomatoes, zinnias, zucchini, strawberries, and more.  Course, the cool crops like kale, cabbage, and broccoli will be fine, in fact, better, once we get frosty weather. 
"Tranquility of the Forest, November 1, 2016", plein air oil painting, 12" x 16", c.  Charlene Marsh

Happy Trails!

Charlene 

P.S.  I am getting ready for an Art Launch in the next couple of weeks, exclusively for my subscribers, so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

103116 12x16 Halloween in the Garden

I painted this in the garden, late in the afternoon.  Temps started in the mid to high 60s and got chilly as the sun went down.  I finished this painting in the dark!  The big, gold marigolds were so inspiring.  Zinnias reaching for the sun further back and smaller, orange and scarlet marigolds in the front.  The red, glass sculpture I made from recycled vases was so tall I had to prop it next to a post.  
"Halloween in the Garden, October 31, 2016", plein air oil on panel, 12" x 16", c. Charlene Marsh.

Thanks for stopping in.

Happy Trails!

Charlene 

P.S.  I am getting ready for an Art Launch in the next couple of weeks, exclusively for my subscribers, so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

111216 S 40x42 Respite in the Forest in Autumn

This painting was commissioned by a couple in Lexington, Kentucky after they saw my work at the Woodlands Art Fair, first in 2015 and again in 2016.
They saw a painting they liked but wanted it to have a finished size of 48" h. x 50" w., including the frame.  I made notes on what they wanted in terms of the design, colors, size, frame, and any other special considerationsI worked up a quote for the finished painting including the frame and delivery/shipping fees.  Once they approved the project and paid a 50% down payment, I began work on the painting.

So I took the painting they liked and changed the proportions in Adobe Photoshop to fit their requirements and give me a working diagram.  
This is a picture of the painting they liked.  A side by side comparison of the finished painting with the original inspiration is near the end of the blog.  

You can see the original rectangular painting and the square version in this photo with the print outs on my "inspiration board".  My clients also sent me pictures of their fabric samples so I had that handy to help influence and inspire the painting as it progressed.
After the initial sketch, I start blocking in the darkest values along the creek bank.  Then I use the paint to carve out the land forms and hills.
I add the dark reds and burgundies of the canopy leaves overhead.  I mix a lighter value from purples (mixed from the primary reds and blues) and greens(mixed from the primary blues and yellow) for the distance hills and trees and add that along the horizon line. This color is heavier on the purple than the yellow-greens.  I am thinking in terms of what background color will enhance the top layers of gold and orange leaves flickering across the surface. 
An even lighter value is mixed using pale violets and yellows with yellows predominating.   Using a warm color in the background flies in the face of the rule for warmer colors coming forward, cooler colors move back.  But, often, working on location, I see the rules are broken in real life, in nature, all the time.
I mix a sky color using Titanium White and Cerulean Blue and start to block in both the sky and the sky reflected on the creek.
 
When I block in the sky, my palette knife picks up some of the red from the canopy leaves and I get a purpley neutral that I use in the creek and background.
I start adding trees and green for ferns and moss and leaves.
I work the entire surface, background to foreground and back again adding trees, branches, and dancing leaves.  Back and forth, including the reflections and leaves on the water of the creek.
More layers of details are added.
Even more layers added, continuing to work back and forth, throughout the entire painting. 
Making the final touches and tweaking.  
The finished painting!   "Respite in the Forest in Autumn", 40" x 42", oil on panel, c.  2016, by Charlene Marsh.  SOLD
You can compare the finished painting(above) with the painting that the clients originally liked (below).  While they are similar, they are not exactly the same.  You can also see how the rectangular format was converted to a near square format. 
The painting was delivered just in time for Thanksgiving and the client kindly sent me an installation shot.

Looks fabulous!  I am so honored to have my painting hanging in their home.

I hope this blog gives clarity to the commission process so if you are thinking of commissioning a painting for your home or work space, you will have more confidence in your decision to move forward.

Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Thanks for visiting!

Happy Trails!

Cheers,

Charlene
P.S.  I am preparing an Art Launch in the next couple of weeks so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter to get information about new work available for purchase at special pricing exclusive to subscribers.   You will also receive art news, tips about color, decorating, feng shui, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Friday, November 25, 2016

102916 12x16 Zinnias, Marigolds, and Mums By the Goldfish Pool

Here we are the end of October and the zinnias, marigolds, and mums are still blooming like crazy!  High 79 degrees and windy.  Still no frost or freeze. 

I set up with the sun behind my panel so it didn't caste light on the painting while I worked. 
 
With the election just a week away, a neighbor stopped by to talk politics when he spotted me painting in the front yard.  I love talking politics with people who don't take it personal.  I love a spirited discussion!

You can see how the light changed from a warmer green to a cooler dusk light below.  This painting is just bursting with color and joy of the flowers.
 

"Zinnias, Marigold, and Mums by the Goldfish Pool", plein air oil painting on panel, 12" x 16", c. Charlene Marsh.

Thanks for visiting.

Happy Trails!

Charlene 

P.S.  Be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter to get information about my next Art Launch with special pricing and paintings just for my subscribers.  You will also receive news, tips, info about exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

102816 16x12 Autumn in the Forest

This painting was done on location on a lovely fall day.  The afternoon was clear and sunny but turns chilly as the sun goes down.  This painting was done 4-7 p.m.  I found a nice vantage spot to paint from along my regular two mile trail and set up "camp". 


I tie  my jacket around my waist when hiking out to the site so that I don't get too warm and too sweaty. And end up chilled!
I hang it on a tree until I cool down and need to wear it. Kendra has taken up her position nearby -- you can see her to the left, center -- look for the speck of her orange collar.
I try to aim my easel so there is no direct sun on it.  I really don't like using an umbrella for the sun and avoid using it if I can.
I sketch out the scene, the "lay of the land", with transparent magenta dipped in oil.
I started to "carve" out the land with the paint beginning with the darks of the earth surrounding the creek.
I start to add the lighter background values and sky reflected on the creek.
Kendra is supervising my progress.
This is the end of the painting but the photo doesn't really capture how dark it was getting at this point -- except for the fuzzy photo in the low light. I was walking home in the dark.


"Autumn in the Forest, October 28, 2016", plein air oil on panel, 16" x 12", c. Charlene Marsh

Thanks for checking in!

Happy Trails!

Charlene 

P.S.  I am getting ready for an Art Launch in the next couple of weeks, exclusively for my subscribers, so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

102516 16x12 Trees Down

This painting was done on location, en plein air, and is a spot along the creek where a couple of large trees have fallen down.  The day was sunny but chilly.  To get the right angle, I had to stand in the creek while I painted.  Walked home in the dark -- luckily, I take a headlight in case I need it but usually my eyes adjust and I don't need to use it.  But, not worth taking a chance-- learned that lesson the hard way in the past.


"Trees Down, October 25, 2016", plein air oil painting, 16" x 12", c. Charlene Marsh

Thanks for popping in!

Happy Trails!

Charlene

P.S.  I am preparing an Art Launch in the next couple of weeks so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter to get information about new work available for purchase at special pricing exclusive to subscribers.   You will also receive art news, tips about color, decorating, feng shui, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Sunday, November 20, 2016

102416 16x12 Turquoise Water

Another plein air fall painting on a sunny, clear day.  This is a favorite spot along my regular two mile trail.  Temps were mid-50s to 60 degrees and falling as the afternoon turned to evening.  As I was finishing up, I heard a deer cry off to one side and first thought Kendra, my dog, was after it but, instead, she was curled up nearby, albeit ears perked at that moment. Still not sure what upset the deer  -- maybe she realized she was about to encounter a human and dog back in her woods!

I just loved the turquoise color of the water due to the shale rock.  I mixed the shale using cerulean blue and a touch of cadmium yellow light and cadmium red medium. 

"Turquoise Water, October 24, 2016", plein air oil painting, 16" x 12", c. Charlene Marsh.

Thanks for stopping by.  

Happy Trails!

Charlene

P.S.  I am getting ready to launch some new paintings exclusively to my subscribers so be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where, in addition to receiving info about the new artwork that will be available(at special pricing), you can receive art news, color, decorating, and feng shui tips, news about exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Thursday, November 17, 2016

102216 12x16 Early Autumn

I backpacked for two miles into the forest on a clear, sunny day to capture this painting of the first hints of fall.  Started at 58 degrees and dropped as evening approached.  We've had a very warm, late fall.  No frost yet as of the date of this painting. 

"Early Autumn, October 22, 2016", plein air oil on panel, 12" x 16", c. Charlene Marsh.

Happy Trails!

Charlene

P.S.  Be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!

Monday, November 14, 2016

101116 S 24x36 "Autumn Reflections"

With the colors turning quickly now, I wanted to capture the fall in a 24" x 36" painting.  I set up an "inspiration board" with past paintings that you can see on the right side of the picture.  I started with an initial sketch, the "bones" of the painting,  using the Primary Red Magenta which is a transparent color. 

I start to block in the darkest darks of the painting.  I usually start with the darks and work to the lights.  Much easier to lighten a dark than darken a light!
I start to flesh in the "muscles" or "earth" of the painting.  The distance hills are painted in a more muted, cooler tone. 
The hills that are closer are painted with a more brilliant red. 
I have worked to the lighter colors at this point and blocked in the muted orange of the creek reflection, the flowing water of the creek, and the sky.
For both the sky and the creek, I use Cerulean Blue mixed with Titanium White. I finish blocking in the sky adding some highlights to the creek.
I start adding the trees and tree reflections in the creek.
Branches and leaves are added, working over the entire surface.I continue adding details.
Final touches are added to make sure features in the foreground pop forward and background features sit back.  

Here is the finished painting:
"Autumn Reflections", Code #101116 24x36, oil on panel, 24" x 36", by Charlene Marsh.

Thanks for visiting!  

I love to hear from you so please leave a comment or question!

Happy Trails!

Charlene


P.S.  Be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!
 

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

092816 S 30x24 Twilight in the Snowy Forest

I wanted to create a 30" x 24" oil painting inspired by a plein air oil I did on location several years ago.  To be honest, I regret selling this painting. 
"Twilight in the Forest, February 5, 2013", oil on panel, 16"x12", by Charlene Marsh.  SOLD

I set up an "inspiration board" of past plein air snow paintings,in addition to the one above, that I could refer to and pull out the best of the best features. 
I start with an initial sketch using my brush dipped in oil and transparent Primary Red-Magenta.
I mix a black using Ultramarine Blue and Cadmium Red Medium.  I also use Ultra Blue with Primary Red-Magenta and sometimes a touch of Cadmium Yellow.
I have a very simple palette with just six primaries plus white.  I usually mix one or two secondary colors with the primaries and then combine those two secondaries to get a tertiary color.  Or a secondary color with the complementary (opposite on the color wheel) primary color to get a nice range of neutrals from grey to brown.  You can see here where I have mixed an orange(secondary color) using Primary Red Magenta and Cadmium Yellow. I  lightened the primary color, Cerulean Blue with Titanium White.  
Using various combinations of the complementary colors, I could mix a wide range of neutrals to block in the shadows on the snow. 
I continue blocking in the snow, starting with the shadow areas and working to the highlights.
For the sky, I mixed Cerulean Blue with Titanium White and a pale orange color.  The pale orange was blocked in along the horizon line and the blue was painted in higher up on the panel.  I could then gradually combine the two complementaries to get the neutral colors where the two intersect.  Neutrals can be magical!  They add an ethereal glow to the painting.
I pop in some of the sky orange on the creek where the sky is reflected.  I paint in a shale blue for the water mixed from Cerulean Blue, a touch of Cadmium Yellow Light, and a bit of Cadmium Red Medium.  Cadmium Red can be a very strong color so a little goes a long way!

I then work the surface adding the delicate salmon colored ash leaves, branches, trees, weeds, twigs, and more water reflections all weaving across the painting.  I work back and forth between the background and foreground.  Towards the end, I pull out the foreground elements so they sit in front of the background features.  

I was very pleased with the finished painting and the rich tapestry of colors and forms. This painting evokes the same feelings of awe and wonder that the plein air one did, maybe even more so.
"Twilight in the Snowy Forest", Code #092116 30x24, oil on panel, 30" x 24", by Charlene Marsh.

I love to hear your comments and questions!

Thanks and Happy Trails!

Cheers,

Charlene

P.S.  Be sure to sign up for THE ART BRUSH newsletter where you can receive news, tips, special pricing, exhibitions, and more!  As a bonus, when you subscribe, you will immediately receive a FREE one page report on How to Create Health, Wealth, and Harmony Using Fine Art!