Sunday, December 22, 2013

"Snowy Wishes"

"Snowy Wishes"
I painted this little watercolor "Snowy Wishes"recently.  A friend taught me a watercolor technique for painting aspen trees years ago and I included a cheery snowman in this version. You start out with playing with quite a bit of masking tape and minimal drawing.   Sometimes; Many times actually-it's quite healthy to just play with your paints.  You will probably find that you can be freer, looser and just have more fun painting.  This painting started as a demo in one of my watercolor classes and  I wound up using it for my 2013 Christmas card.  Prints and cards are available of "Snowy Wishes" through Fine Art America.
Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Loveland Wild LIfe Sessions

I have been painting and/or drawing with a small group of  artist friends for years.  We hire models for a "long pose" session each week.  The model's pose is either nude or costumed, but always has interesting light cast upon the human form.  I recently started a blog for my group "Loveland Wild Life Sessions".  Check it out. http://lovelandwildlifesessions.blogspot.com/
Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Friday, December 6, 2013

Holiday Market

Nymph Lake (pastel)
I am participating in a one day art show at Aims Community College in Loveland, Colorado.  The show is a benefit for victims in the recent destructive flood that hit our area in September of 2013.  Aims is located on 4th Street and Railroad Av in Loveland.  The show is open from 12-8pm On December 13th, 2013 and overlaps with the Gallery Walk/2nd Friday so lots of activity will be going on.  I plan on bringing my cards, prints & bin work with unframed originals.   "Nymph Lake" is for sale (24" x 18") and is currently on display in their 4th Street window.
Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Plein Air capture

I painted this little (oil) plein air this past summer.  I had to work very quickly as the light was changing before my eyes.  I drove up the Big Thompson Canyon (Loveland, Colorado) to the Glen Haven area.  Since then this area suffered major damage from the September 2013 flood.  They have since opened the Big Thompson Canyon road (34) but the road to Glen Haven is still closed at this posting.  One hidden 'gem' of plein air painting is the 'capture' you get-which is now forever changed. 

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Plein air paintings

Watson Lake Bookcliff

Renewal

Water Power

Upper Beaver Meadows

Poudre Trail
I recently brought in these plein air oil paintings at Centennial Galleries in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado.
All of these were painted alla prima, this past summer and are reasonably priced.  I participated in the Paint the Poudre plein air event  2013 and also managed to paint a few days in the nearby mountains.  I'm finding that pallet knife painting and plein air work together well for me.  Some paintings have lots of impasto.
You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Saturday, November 9, 2013

The Snowy Range

The Snowies oil 14" x 11"
sold

sold

sold
Just west of Laramie, Wyoming is a pristine alpine area called The Snowy Range.   The easy drive up to the 10,000+ foot high elevation takes you to some alpine lakes and granite cliffs.  The granite mountains are so white they look like snow in the distance.  The summer season is very short, but when you do hit it right the wildflowers are spectacular.  I've painted this area several different times and just recently painted "The Snowies".
You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Sol

"Sol" oil (sold)
I finished this 24" x 36" oil painting recently.  I was inspired by a scene I encountered on Flathead Lake, near Kalispell, Montana.  I've always loved and have painted a series of Adirondack chairs but this one was the most colorful version I've seen yet.  I was attracted to the rainbow of colors, especially in the water.  The original photo had a "Corona" box which I took artistic license and created my own label: "Down Dog Ale".  This painting was sold before the paint was dry to dear friends who loved it.   A variety of high quality prints can be ordered through Fine Art America.

You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Success at the Loveland Art Studio Tour

":Autumn Impression" oil (sold)

"Fall River" plein air oil (Sold)

"Hope" 18 x 24" canvas giclee (sold)

"Tree Yoga" 22" x 29" canvas giclee (sold)

"Watson Lake 6am" plein air oil (sold)
The 2013 Loveland Art Studio Tour was a success this year!  These are just a few of the original paintings & framed canvas giclees I sold over the last two weekends.  I made new friends, patrons & got to visit with old friends.  This is the once a year chance that I open my studio to the public to see where I work & teach ongoing classes. I was very busy-but it was worth it.


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Friday, October 4, 2013

Loveland Art Studio Tour 2013

"Perseverance" oil 24" x 8"
The Loveland Art Studio Tour 2013 is quickly approaching.  On October 12-13 & 19-20 I will be opening my studio door to the public to see my studio and artwork.  This is the 5th annual Loveland Art Studio Tour and the first time we are holding it for two weekends.  I have been on the Studio tour steering committee for the past 4 years and have participated in all of them.  I will be showcasing new paintings, prints & cards.  This is also a chance to see where I hold my ongoing oil and watercolor painting classes.  "Perseverance" is a brand new oil painting of a Colorado aspen grove with a view of Rabbit Ears Pass (near Steamboat, CO) that will be for sale during the tour.  Prints are also available through Fine Art America.


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Monday, September 16, 2013

Loveland Museum Preview Show for the Loveland Art Studio Tour

Sunrise
The Loveland Art Studio is coming in just a few weeks!  This year the tour will run TWO weekends: October 12-13 & 19-20, 2013.  I will be participating as well as many other artists in the area.  The Loveland Museum Gallery in Loveland, Colorado is hosting a preview show for the Loveland Art Studio Tour from September 21-October 27, 2013.  A 'meet the artists' opening will take place on 'Second Friday' October 11.  I am showing "Sunrise," a horizonal oil painting from the Two Medicine area in Glacier National Park, Montana.  Come join us!


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Painting Snowy Aspens Class


Snowy Aspen Scenes
Thursday, December 5, 2013
4 – 6 pm
Fee: $40 each ($32 for museum members)
at the Loveland Museum Gallery


An easy watercolor project for any level. Paint a forest scene using a variety of techniques and a limited palette. Instructed by Mary Giacomini



You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)


MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Pastel Painting Class



Stormy Prairie Skies
Thursday, November 7, 2013
4 – 6 pm
Fee: $40 each ($32 for museum members) 

at the Loveland Museum Gallery

Learn how to create dynamic cloud formations with a simple landscape in soft pastel. Instructed by Mary Giacomini


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Acrylic Painting Class: Fall Harvest




Fall Harvest 
Thursday, October 24, 2013
4 – 6 pm
Fee: $40 each ($32 for museum members)
at the Loveland Museum Gallery


Use pumpkins and gourds as inspiration to capture the colors and textures of Autumn. Use acrylic paint and palette knives on canvas to create impressionistic swirls and strokes. Instructed by Mary Giacomini


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Monday, September 2, 2013

Ongoing Fall Classes

A Walk To Remember (pastel)
    This Fall I am again offering some home studio art classes for those who wish to really focus on their art on an ongoing basis. 

    September 18th, 2013 will be the first Watercolor and Drawing class on Wednesday morning from 9-12.  I have found over the years that many students of art ask to 'bypass' the drawing stage.  I feel like this is kind of like skipping learning the alphabet when you want to be a writer.  Drawing is not that hard if you know a few tricks to learn to see.  Tracing is a tool and should not be a crutch if you want to continue to improve your painting ability.  Since realistic watercolor painting requires planning I thought incorporating learning to draw would compliment the class.  We will do some of both each day with an emphasis on painting.

    On September 19th I will start my oil painting classes on Thursday mornings from 9-12.  In this ongoing class we will explore and dive deeper into color experimentation, value, technique & composition.  Since my classes are limited to 5 students, everyone will get plenty of individual attention.  I also like to gear my classes toward what each student wants to, or needs to learn.  I am open to different ideas. 

    I can give you more information including costs of classes if you send me a message.  There is a discount for those signing up for a month at a time. Depending in availability, you can start at any time.   I earned a BFA in studio arts, have been a professional artist for 15 years and have been teaching for over 10 years. 

Friday, August 23, 2013

Figurative drawing


This beautiful young woman is a newer model to the weekly portrait and drawing group that I attend.  She has beautiful long red hair-which made it hard to work in black & white-and not use paint.  Currently I am enjoying drawing so I can focus on the value and form. These drawings were done alla prima. (one session)
You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Renaissance

This graphite drawing on toned paper is of a young woman wearing a Renaissance dark green velvet dress.     This is from an alla prima (one session) weekly drawing and painting session that I attend.

You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

It's all about the light


 These are some of the portraits & figures I have created alla prima (one session) in the figure drawing & painting group I attend weekly.  We alternate with a handful of beautiful talented models.  This is the same model who knows how to stay in a pose.   We draw/paint for 3 hours with breaks for the models.  I like to work on toned paper when I draw. I use a little white charcoal for a few highlights.


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.comY

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Beautiful Nude Backs




I find that drawing or painting the nude back to be sensual.  It can be harder to capture but I love the challenge.  These drawings were all finished alla prima in a weekly life drawing group that I attend.  All are for sale, inquire for availability.

You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Portraits of W




These portraits were all done in one 3 hour session (each) alla prima. I feel like these oil paintings & drawing all captured different modes of my dear friend who posed.  My favorite is the one below that I titled "Wild Man."
You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Monday, August 12, 2013

Beautiful profiles


 

 These nude profiles were drawn in the weekly uninstructed life drawing I look forward to every week. All are for sale, inquire for current availability.

You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com


Sunday, August 11, 2013

Romantic nude couples







These drawings were all drawn alla prima; one 3 hour session each.  In the weekly uninstructed life drawing/painting group that I belong to, we occasionally have two models as a treat.  I find my drawing evening with friends/like minded souls is a day I look forward to.  Life drawing isn't easy, but a challenge I love.  I admire the models who can slip right back into a pose, even if it is uncomfortable.

You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Friday, August 9, 2013

Life Drawing



To improve my drawing skills, I attend an uninstructed 3 hour life drawing session with good friends every week.  These graphite on toned paper were all completed alla prima in 2013.


You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Companions

Companions
"Companions" is an 8" x 10" oil I recently completed. It started out as a plein air in my backyard but was finished in the studio.  I got too carried away with the intricacies of the wedding ring quilt to finish it outside.  I love quilts and old chairs, anything that has history was most likely well made.  This is the second clothesline/quilt I've painted-and probably not the last.  Both paintings are for sale; Contact me for availability.
Fresh
You can see more of my art online:

Facebook page (open to the public)
(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com