State Fair Painting
New Blogs on Tuesdays
First, I want to let you know that new blogs will go out on Tuesdays from now on. I hope that works better for everyone!
Art Events
A few crazy, fast and furious weeks have gone by since I posted a new blog. I exhibited at my first outdoor art fair in nearly two years. And did the first, live wedding in nearly two years, too. So exciting to be back out and sharing art with people. Everyone was so happy and having so much fun! While I have been out and about at events for the past two years, these were the first art events.
Indiana State Fair
One event I attended in August, as a visitor, was the Indiana State Fair. Since I am starting a new series of paintings that capture life in America today, I wanted to explore the State Fair for source material.
Caricature Drawing
There were two or three booths with artists creating caricature drawings. This booth had three artists at work but there was another 10′ x 10′ booth with a single artist, a young man, Drake Truber, who is only twenty two years old and newlywed. I would have included a shot of him but I saw him on my way out after I had exhausted all my camera batteries. But I thought what a wonderful way to generate some cash flow and get out there with one’s art. I am sure the hours are intensely long and who knows how much the booth fee must cost. But nothing compares with connecting directly with people with one’s art.
Arts and Crafts
The state fair also has a whole building dedicated to the exhibition of fine art and crafts created by both professionals and amateurs. When I was there, viewing all the artwork, a wife was playing the piano while her husband sang a gorgeous baritone opera.
State Fair Painting
So, anyway, today, I am sharing the start of a painting of a night scene from the Midway. The lights, games, visitors, and energy are all magic.
Using a pre-tinted panel, I draw out the scene.
The darkest values are blocked in first.
The lady in the foreground holding an ice cream cone is painted in next. I also signed my name in the lower left in the wet paint of the back of a woman wearing a pieced jacket. Signing in the wet paint helps the signature blend in seamlessly with the painting.
Colorful Game Booth
Next, I work on the colorful game booth full of stuffed animals on the right. Once I get the entire surface painted, I can go back and adjust hues and values. Highlights and deep contrasts can be added then, too, to pop out the center of focus and push back less important elements. So, it takes some patience at this point to realize there are a lot more decisions to be made before the painting is done.
So that is it for today. Thanks so much for tuning in.
Happy trails!
Charlene
P.S. Mark your calendar! The 12th Annual October Open House at the Charlene Marsh Studio and Gallery is scheduled for October 9, 10, and 11, 2021. This is Columbus weekend so I have expanded the event to three days to cover the holiday. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Monday and 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
