Monday, January 18, 2016

A Villa in the Mist

A Villa in the Mist (7.5 x 18")
 One thing I learned about plein air painting in Tuscany is you don't have to get up at the crack of dawn to paint.  I'm used to brilliant morning sunshine in Colorado.  On my first day of painting in Italy I woke up to heavy fog.  I set up my pochade box anyway and started to paint a villa on a neighboring hilltop.  I kept completely losing my subject!  I  had taken a photo, but mostly I learned to just paint quickly, from memory.
Islands in the Sky (9 x 12") plein air oil
 This is an example of the creation of a studio painting.  I start with being there to photograph then paint my inspiration.  I can then use both of these 'props' to create what I had in mind with enough time to develop the scene the way I envisioned it.  I always tell my students how important it is to use your own photos for reference.  Having a plein air piece of the same place is extremely helpful with color and mood. Both of these original oils are currently available for purchase.
My reference photo from a Tuscan morning
You can see more of my artwork 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, January 12, 2016

Oil Painting Classes

"Rocky View" was painted during a class as I demonstrated how to create depth in a landscape.
I currently have an opening in my Thursday morning oil painting class.  I teach out of my studio West of Loveland, Colorado.  All levels are welcome, including those with no experience.  I keep my classes small (6 students) so everyone has plenty of attention.  We cover a wide range of subjects and painting styles to help you find your own 'style'.  If you are interested or have questions, please feel free to contact me. 

First Show 2016

"Bud" watercolor

"Nymph Lake" pastel
Both of these paintings are currently hanging at the Cultural Arts Council Gallery in Estes Park, Colorado. "Nymph Lake" is a pastel landscape of Longs Peak with the Keyboard of the Winds over a snowy Nymph Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.  "Bud" is a new watercolor  of a young moose that I had fun painting.  I am honored to be invited to hang paintings in this gallery in the Colorado Rockies through January 2016.

You can see more of my artwork 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