Equinox

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 I recently had a client that liked my "Last Call" (pastel) painting so much that he commissioned me to paint an oil of the same scene.

The reference I used was from a photo I had taken in late Autumn, right after an early snow. The  snowy pines with  Aspen trees  reflective scene is just outside of Estes Park, Colorado. 

I created an underpainting using Alizarin Crimson so I could have a warm undertone in the relatively cool landscape.

I painted in my darkest darks & lightest values so I knew what my value range was.

This is how I progressed on this painting. I tweak until I feel like I'm getting what I like.

I decided to let it snow and also added swirls in the water from the falling snow.

"Equinox" 20" x 16" oil (sold)

See more of my art and inquire about available paintings at MaryGiacomini.com

Mary M Giacomini's Artwork                   

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I am proud to announce that "Joy Ride" (oil) was accepted in the 32nd Annual National Juried Fine Art & Photography Show and Sale in Louisville, Colorado.  I painted this horizontal original oil after plein air painting in Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado).  I had a perfect  Autumn day to paint outside.  Two riders on horseback literally rode through my scene and I knew I had to capture it in the studio.  

The art of "Lake Of Fire"

Now showing in Greenwood Village

"DayBreak"

Oil

The Art of "Lake of Fire"
When:  July 17 - September 8
Where:  Greenwood Village City Hall (Lobby)What: Come celebrate the first ever Village Read with art. The Greenwood Village Cultural Arts program is proud to present "The Art of Lake of Fire". Colorado artists have taken topics and themes from our Village Read book, "Lake of Fire" and turned them into art. From fiery landscapes to related still-lifes, come see how local artists have interpreted our one read book. 

Joy Ride; the journey

Joy Ride  Oil  12 x 24"

"Golden Blankets"
9 x 12"
 Oil

 Last Fall when I was plein air painting in Rocky Mountain National Park, a couple of horses & riders actually rode through my scene of Hallet Peak and the surrounding mountains.   I quickly grabbed my camera to get a reference photo and knew this could be an amazing painting.  The Aspen Groves were in their Autumn glory and it was a perfect, sunny Colorado morning.
I was happy with the finished "Golden Blankets" with it's thick impasto oil and warm Fall colors but in the back of my mind I wanted to make a studio painting with the horses.  I decided to try gamut mapping to create the new scene.  Gamut mapping helps you make a more cohesive painting by using a limited pallet.  I decided ahead of time what portion of the color wheel I would use, then made some color swatches from it to use for another reference during painting.

This is the portion of the color wheel I used for this image.  I examined my reference photo and narrowed down the colors I needed to make a more cohesive painting.

Once I had my gamut mapped out, I figured out how to mix my primaries which were orange, green & blue.  All of the colors had to fall within the gamut map but I could add white and black.

 I asked my oil painting students if they wanted to try to learn gamut mapping and they were game so this was painted almost entirely in class.  Although this is a challenging way of painting, it's also a learning tool that most did great at and appreciated knowing how.  I am starting up my solvent free oil painting classes on Thursday mornings mid September.   I do currently have an opening if you are interested in joining us.

 You can see more of my artwork online: 
Facebook page (open to the public) 

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Loveland Library show

Tranquility (oil)

 The Loveland (Colorado) Public library has a program in which they showcase juried art to be displayed in their glass cases.  This not only gives the artists more exposure and a chance for sales but also gives others  a chance to view their artwork.  I applied last Fall for this program and have had several pieces accepted.  For the 3rd Quarter, my two originals, "Tranquility" and "A Walk to Remember" were chosen.  "Tranquility" is an original oil painting of The Loch, a hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.  The beauty of the alpine area high in the mountains is unsurpassed.
"A Walk To Remember" is a pastel done of an Autumn hike in Northern Minnesota.  I had fun with all of the Fall reds, maroons, golds and greens of the midwest.  Both of these original paintings are available for purchase although they must remain with the library show through September 2016.

A Walk To Remember (pastel)

 You can see more of my artwork online: 
Facebook page (open to the public) 

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available)
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Loveland Art Studio Tour 2015

The Loveland Art Studio Tour is coming up!  On October 10-11 & 17-18, 2015 from 10-4 I open up my art studio to the public.  You can see where I and other artists create their art by following the included map.  I will also have paintings, framed & unframed and prints available for purchase.  I open up my studio once a year and this is the chance to come and see my art.  Bonus this year: they selected one of my paintings (The Loch) for the brochure and all promotional  materials.
There is a meet the artists opening at the Loveland Museum Gallery September 11, 2015 from 6-8pm. and an opening reception October 9th from f6-8pm.  You can pick up a free brochure with map at the Loveland Museum Gallery or at my studio.  I look forward to your visit!

The Loch (sold, pastel)

Tranquility (oil)

Both of these paintings were from a gorgeous Fall hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

You can see more of my artwork online: 
Facebook page (open to the public) 

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Fall 2015 Adult Classes at the Loveland Museum Gallery

I am teaching these classes for adults at the Loveland Museum this Fall:


Botanical Watercolor Painting
Tuesday, September 22, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to draw and paint what you see using purple underpainting and transparent watercolor paint. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
Fee: $45 ($36 Museum Members)

 


Colorado’s Golden Aspens
Tuesday, September 29, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to create depth in your mountain landscapes by graying down your paints. Building upon a thin layer of acrylics, we’ll use large brushes and palette knives to create an autumn aspen forest in the foreground. Instructor: Mary Giacomini



Sketchbook Journaling: Fall Harvest
Tuesday, October 13, 1 – 4 pm
Learn to start your own sketchbook journal with watercolor & ink. Draw inspiration from the fresh color and shapes of the seasonal bounty. Instructor: Mary Giacomini





 Falling Leaves
Tuesday, October 20, 1 – 4 pm
In this easy watercolor class, we’ll use a limited palette of transparent watercolors with leaf stencils to create a beautiful pile of leaves. No drawing required.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini


A Walk to Remember
Tuesday, October 27, 1 – 4 pm
Using pastels, we’ll create an impressionistic fall walk through an Autumn forest. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
 

Canyonlands
Tuesday, November 3, 1 – 4 pm
Use a masking fluid, a limited palette, and salt to create a scene from Canyonlands National Park. Instructor: Mary Giacomini








Monet’s Haystacks
Tuesday, November 10, 1 – 4 pm
Create an impressionistic version of one of Monet’s famous haystacks with pastels. Instructor: Mary Giacomini

• Snowy, Starry Night Tuesday, December 1, 1 – 4 pm
  Create a dramatic starry night scene with watercolor. Instructor: Mary Giacomini
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• More info online.  You can register starting August 21, 2015 at 970 962-2410 

Loveland Museum Classes Spring/Summer 2015

I have been teaching art classes at the Loveland Museum Gallery since 2003.  Over the years, I have built up a following.  This season I am focusing mostly on adult classes.  New this season (starting in May):  My classes are now 3 hours (instead of 2) long to give you more time to finish!!

All of these classes will give you an introduction to a painting medium doing the same project.  All supplies are included.  This is great way to try out a medium before you buy the supplies. The classes are limited to 6 & generally fill up quite quickly.  You can register through the Loveland Museum Gallery by visiting or calling  (970) 962-2410

 

 

 Paint a Moose

Thursday, April 16, 4 – 6 pm

Fee: $40 ($32 for museum members)
Learn a simplified technique to paint an acrylic moose and have fun with thick paint and palette knife swirls.

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Impressionistic Gardens

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 5 & 6, 2:30 – 4 pm

Fee: $50 ($40 for museum members)
Using soft pastels, paint beautiful gardens in an impressionistic style reminiscent of Monet. No experience required.

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Vertical Landscapes

Tuesday & Wednesday, May 26 & 27, 2:30 – 4 pm

Fee: $50 each ($40 for museum members)
Learn to create depth in your landscapes by graying down your paints. On top of that thin acrylic layer, we’ll use large brushes and palette knives to create a forest in the foreground.

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Under the Sea

Tuesday, June 2, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Using transparent watercolor, we’ll layer sea life shapes to make a cool and calming underwater scene. This easy project requires minimal drawing skills.

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50 Shades of Gray

Wednesday, June 3, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)

Make monochromatic but strong compositions with Ansel Adams as our inspiration. Create a vibrant painting with one dark-value watercolor. 
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Tropical Escape

Thursday, June 25, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Create vibrant sunsets over the ocean with brilliant colors, then paint dark silhouettes of palm trees when it’s dry. This is an easy project, and you’ll be pleased with the final painting. Instructor: Mary Giacomini

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Botanical Watercolor Painting

Tuesday, July 21, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Learn to draw and paint what you see using purple underpainting and transparent watercolor paint. 

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Sketchbook Journaling: Fresh from the Farmer’s Market

Wednesday, July 22, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Learn to start your own sketchbook journal with watercolor and ink. Draw inspiration from the fresh color and shapes of the seasonal bounty. 

An example of a watercolor plein air sketch (La Costa Spa)

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Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

Wednesday, August 26, 1 – 4 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Paint big, bold, bright, beautiful sunflowers! Look at some examples of Van Gogh’s art. Then, create your own rendition using a lot of acrylic paint to swirl on the canvas with a palette knife.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini

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For the Birds

Thursday, August 27, 3 – 6 pm

Fee: $45 each ($36 for museum members)
Create sweet little studies of a variety of birds using pastel. Learn how to draw by simplifying. Feel free to bring references of specific birds you’d like to paint.  Instructor: Mary Giacomini

Reserved: the process

Reserved 30" x 30" oil/sold

 I recently finished "Reserved".   I worked on this oil painting commission for many months.  My client had an idea for a painting that she wanted for above her fireplace. She really like my painting "Recharge" but decided to commission me to paint  an original oil of exactly what she had in mind. 
 She provided a good reference for Longs Peak (taken from the Peak to Peak Highway in Colorado adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park) but wanted to include the Adirondack chairs that I have painted frequently.  I composed the two chairs with the Longs Peak Autumn photo and painted the small "Table for Two".  I included the bottle of red wine and two  wine glasses to make the painting that much more inviting.  I wanted to make sure I was portraying what she had in mind before I went to the actual large square format.  She loved the small painting so I started "Reserved" on oil primed linen on gator-board (my favorite surface for oil).  I was pleased with the outcome of the painting and more importantly my client absolutely loved it.
"Table for Two" sold recently at the Grand Lake Art Gallery.     "Recharge" is still available for purchase.  To inquire about current availability, contact me.  Fine art prints and giclees of  "Reserved" can be ordered through Fine Art America.

Recharge  24" x 30" oil

Table for Two  10" x 10"  oil/sold

Longs Peak reference photo

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

Loveland Art Studio Tour 2014

Crisp (watercolor)

It's time again for the Loveland Art Studio Tour.  The 6th annual tour is being held October 11-12 & 18-19, 2014 at various artists studios throughout Loveland, Colorado.  I will once again open up my home studio west of Loveland for the public to see where I work, a current painting in process and view and/or purchase my latest creations.  Since I've been a professional artist for 15 years now I have a wide range of several painting mediums including originals, prints and cards in oil, watercolor, pastel and acrylic. This only happens once a year; don't miss out!

This original oil painting is for sale. Inquire for availabilty. 
You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees) 

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

2014 Regional Fine Art Show

The Regional Fine Art Show at the Lincoln Gallery in Loveland is happening!  The opening reception is  June 13th, 2014 from  5:30-9:00PM at  429 N. Lincoln, Loveland, CO 970-663-2407.  I entered 3 paintings and all were accepted. The show runs through the month of June until July 4.  Check it out!

"Sunrise" oil

"Recharge" oil

"Crisp" watercolor

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com

New Chair paintings for sale

"Recharge"  oil   24" x 30"

"Retreat"  oil  18" x 14"

Oil  10" x 10"

I have recently completed several new paintings in my chair series.  Each serene setting has a glass of red wine for your enjoyment with a view of the Rocky Mountains.  These are all original oil paintings that are currently available for purchase.  "Recharge" and "Retreat" are views of the Canadian Rockies.  "Recharge" has a fair amount of impasto and pallet knife work.  The bottom painting that I just finished is a small study for a large commission I will be working on shortly.  My client loved the chairs of  "Recharge" but wanted the familiar Longs Peak in the background. This scene of Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado is off of Highway 7; the Peak to Peak Highway.   I will use this painting to enlarge it to 30" x 30".  For prices and availability please contact me. 

You can see more of my artwork online:
Facebook page (open to the public)

fineartamerica.com    

(a variety of my work: prints and cards available) 
 artforconservation.com  
(limited edition canvas giclees)

marygiacomini.com

MGiacominiart.blogspot.com