Plein Air Puerto Rico

We took a family trip to Puerto Rico earlier this year. Instead of watercolors, I brought my oils and I am so glad I did.  We had an oceanfront condo so I could plein air paint the ocean and palm trees from the patio.  I painted one 8 x 10" (top) and two 6 x 8" oils.  Now this is my kind of getaway; being in a gorgeous tropical place where I can paint!!

Website: https://www.marygiacomini.com/

Instagram: @marygiacominifineart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygiacomini/

Twitter: @artbymary

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGiacominiArt

Other: https://mary-giacomini.pixels.com/

 

Oil painting class opening

 I have an oil painting spot open in my home studio class on Thursday afternoons!  I teach 6 students weekly and rarely have an opening.  I would prefer someone with some experience but is willing to keep learning.  We meet 1-4pm most Thursdays in west Loveland, Colorado.

The above picture is an example of one of the many things I teach: underpainting.  This oil painting isn't finished but it gives you the idea of what an underpainting does.  By painting monochromatically with a transparent paint you figure out the drawing and values then apply oil paint. This way you have a more accurate image.  I was painting this clay sculpture as a still life.  This month we're painting animals or birds.

I earned a BFA in Fine Art many years ago but continue to learn more about all the aspects of painting.  If you are interested in learning to increase your painting skills, please contact me before the spot fills! I paint somewhere between realistic and impressionistic and we have themes in our classes which are student led.

I started painting with a group of professional artists in Northern Colorado this past Spring.  I have known some of these peers for many years, some I am getting to know.  Our goal is to help one another by getting together weekly to paint, critique and help one another.  One of the founders, Lyse Dzija recently organized an art show for us at #ArtSpace_Loveland.

 Our opening is Jan 13th,  2023 6-9PM during Loveland, CO's #Nightonthetown where many of the galleries and our Loveland Museum are open extra hours once a month with special openings and displays.  Ten of the Eleven in the group are participating with their original oils only.  Many of us teach our oil painting skills to others.  Subject matter is landscape, portrait, floral and plein air.

Members of our group are myself,

Mary Giacomini

Lyse Dzija

George Coll

Mary Landis

Adam Blanks

Rebecca Hill

Yuko Hays

Peter Yochem

Jan Fischer

Jill Atchison

Dawn Normali (couldn't participate in this show)

Stop by the show; you WILL be inspired!

Shoutout Magazine

 Cool article published today; Shoutout

Meet Mary Giacomini | Fine artist & instructor

January 10, 2023

Leave a reply

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Giacomini and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I earned a BFA in fine art in 1983. I always wanted to be an artist although the university I attended taught us nothing on how to go about that. When I moved to Loveland, CO in 1997 I decided to ‘Go for it’ and become a professional artist. I started taking some art classes at our local art academy, joined the Ft Collins and Loveland art leagues and galleries, volunteered to paint a huge mural and met artists in the area.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
With a BFA in studio arts I was required to learn some about many mediums. I have shifted from favorite mediums of acrylic, to watercolor, then pastel and now mostly oil. I paint in an Impressionistic Realism style with traditional oils. Growing up in Minnesota I always yearned to paint the mountains of Colorado. I moved here in 1989 and never looked back. One thing I learned as a beginning artist is that you have to be willing to try many different ways to make money and get your name out there while continuing to improve as an artist. I painted one of the Loveland ‘hearts’ and a transformer box.
I quickly learned that you never stop learning. I continue to learn new styles and techniques by taking workshops, studying the masters I appreciate and painting with peers. I am now part of an oil painting group with 10 other artists I admire.
I started teaching kids art classes at our local Rec (Chilson) center then at the Loveland Museum where I have been 20 years now.. I continue to teach adults at the Loveland Museum in a variety of mediums. I also teach ongoing oils out of my home studio to a small group of adults that have been with me for many years. We continue to learn together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I live west of Loveland, I can get to Estes Park in 30 minutes. I would drive them up to Rocky Mountain National Park and take them on an uncrowded hike (not one of the popular ones) Another day I would take them up to Cameron Pass along the Poudre River and hike there. On the Front Range I like to take guests to the Pearl Street Mall. The live entertainment is fun. Downtown Ft Collins is always lively with lots of choices of restaurants. In Loveland I’d take them to the Benson Sculpture park, lunch or dinner at Henry’s downtown and maybe a hike on the Devil’s Backbone.
If it was the 2nd weekend of August, I would take them to Art in the Park and the Sculpture show.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I joined the Thompson Valley Art League (Loveland) after being accepted into one of their Regional Art Shows. At one of their meetings I volunteered to help paint a 70′ mural along with Mary Landis, Pat Saunders-White and Sherry Allerheiligen. We were all starting our ‘art journey’ and soon became life long friends.

Website: https://www.marygiacomini.com/

Instagram: @marygiacominifineart

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marygiacomini/

Twitter: @artbymary

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MGiacominiArt

Other: https://mary-giacomini.pixels.com/

Beginning Oil Painting

 

I would like to start a beginning oil class out of my home studio (west of Loveland, CO) this Spring.  I currently have a (full) advanced oil class on Thursdays and was considering Wednesday afternoons for the new class.  I will cover it all; safely.  I do NOT use petroleum solvents in my studio for the safety of all of us and can show you how to use a more sustainable, healthier alternative.

Classes are $40 for 3 hours and limited to 6 students.  I have easels and tables and will show you the best supplies to buy at the best prices.   I paint in many different mediums but find oil painting by far the easier and most versatile.  Please contact me for more info. 

I am teaching beginning oil at the Loveland Museum in February.  This will be an absolute starting gate for the ongoing classes I'm proposing.

Check out my art:

Marygiacomini.com

https://mary-giacomini.pixels.com/

(2) Mary M Giacomini's Artwork | Loveland CO | Facebook

Autumn Art Classes in Loveland, Colorado

 The Loveland Museum has expanded their classroom and I'm loving it! We offer a variety of mediums.  All supplies are included in these classes so it's a chance to try something before you spend a bunch of money.  You can see the entire list at https://www.thelovelandmuseum.org/classes-camps-workshops/ and register online.

Adult classes I'm teaching this Fall at the Loveland Museum 2022:

 Oils 

Color Basics (media: color wheel, oil paint)  

Friday, September 23, 1-4 pm

Using toxic free solvents and oil paint, learn how to make the exact colors you are looking for in your paintings.

Hike in the Woods (media: oil paint)

Friday, September 30, 1-4 pm

Take a virtual walk into the Autumn woods, as we paint beautiful fall colors in oil paint. 

Golden Aspens of the Rockies (media: oil and acrylic paint)

Friday, October 7, 1-4 pm

Paint golden aspens on a vertical canvas, using a palette knife impasto with mixed media of oil and acrylic paints

Panoramic Snow Scene (media: oil paint)

Friday, December 12, 1-4 pm

Paint a horizontal oil landscape with a cozy cabin in the woods, among snowy pines. Finish with a layer of impasto-style, thick paint. 

 

Pastel   

Walk to Remember (media: pastels) 

Friday, November 4, 1-4 pm

Create a simple impressionistic Autumn landscape using pastels on sanded paper. 

Watercolor

Watercolor Techniques: Skies

Monday, September 19, 1-4 pm

Paint skies, clouds, atmosphere

Watercolor Techniques: Garden Harvest

Monday, October 3, 1-4 pm

Paint a garden harvest in the loose style of Charles Reid

Watercolor Techniques: Fall Landscape

Monday, October 24, 1-4 pm

Learn to mask a fall landscape in large shapes and fresh color, mixed on the paper

Watercolor Techniques: Sunflowers

Monday, November 7, 1-4 pm

Paint a realistic sunflower with a purple underpainting and transparent colors

Watercolor Techniques: Snowy Aspens

Monday, December 5, 1-4 pm

Paint a snowy aspen winter scene with masking tape and transparent colors

 

I also teach an oil painting class Thursday afternoon out of my home studio west of Loveland.  The class is currently FULL but if openings arise I can let you know if you contact me here.

 

 

 

Upcoming Art Classes

 I currently teach ONLY oil painting at my home studio.  The class is currently full but things change.  If you are interested in ongoing oil or being on my 'sub' list, let me know.

I DO teach a variety of art classes through the Loveland Museum.

Here's a list: 

Draw Proportion (media: pencil)

Wednesday, April 13, 1-4 pm

Expand your drawing skills by learning some techniques to create realistic drawings of old barns. Reference photos provided, but you can also bring your own. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Swirling Iris (media: acrylic impasto)

Monday, May 9, 1-4 pm

Swirling thick acrylic paint with palette knives on canvas will bring to life gorgeous Van Gogh-like flowers. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

My Favorite Things - $50

(media: oil paint)    

Monday, June 20, 1-4 pm

Bring in a simple object from home that you'd like to use as inspiration. Learn the basics of petroleum free-oil painting, as safely as possible, while creating a keepsake. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

 

Palette Knife Poppies (media: acrylic paint)

Monday, June 6, 1-4 pm

Swirl some brilliant layers of color with palette knives onto canvas to create a thick, rich flower painting. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Surfs Up! (media: oil paint)

Monday, July 11, 1-4 pm

Escape to the tropics and paint a vibrant beach scene while learning how to safely use oil paints.  Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Fresh from the Garden (media: watercolor)

Monday, July 18, 1-4 pm

Use a loose watercolor technique, in the style of Charles Reid, to make gorgeous floral paintings.  Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Sunset Palm Trees (media: watercolor)

Monday, July 25, 1-4 pm

In this easy watercolor class, we'll use a wet on wet technique with brilliant colors to paint palm trees that are basked in the sunset. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Atmospheric Oils (media: oil paint)

Monday, August 22, 1-4 pm

Learn to paint an atmospheric landscape of the Rocky Mountains with solvent free oil paint. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Impressionistic Pastels (media: pastels)

Monday, August 29, 1-4 pm

“Paint” your favorite landscape using layers and dabs of colorful pastels on sanded paper. Bring an 8 x 10" photo for reference, or use one provided by the instructor. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Adult art classes 2022

 These are the adult art classes I am offering at the Loveland Museum in the first half of 2022: https://www.thelovelandmuseum.org/adult-all-levels-art-classes/

Snowman in the Aspens (media: watercolor)

Wednesday, January 12, 1-4 pm

Create a cute snowman in an aspen forest using masking techniques and transparent watercolor.

Van Gogh Swirling Trees (media: acrylic impasto)

 

Tuesday, January 18, 1-4 pm

Use thick acrylics and a palette knife to create an impasto painting, as you mimic Van Gogh.

Draw What You See (media: pencil)

Monday, January 24, 1-4 pm

Learn to activate the creative right side of your brain with a variety of different drawing techniques

 Fresh Flowers (media: watercolor)

Wednesday, February 9, 1-4 pm

Mimic the style of artist Charles Reid as you create little floral paintings in watercolor.

O’Keeffe Flowers (media: pastels)

 

Wednesday, March 23, 1-4 pm

Using pastels and full sheets of Canson paper, create big, vibrant, larger-than-life floral paintings, inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe.

Mountain Scape (media: oils)

Wednesday, March 30, 1-4 pm

Learn about atmospheric perspective (creating depth) as you paint the Rocky Mountains with solvent-free oils.

Composition and Value (media: pencil/marker)

Wednesday, April 6, 1-4 pm

Improve your drawing skills by learning about different types of composition and the importance of value by working with black and white. Reference photos provided, but you can also bring your own

 Draw Proportion (media: pencil)

Wednesday, April 13, 1-4 pm

Expand your drawing skills by learning some techniques to create realistic drawings of old barns. Reference photos provided, but you can also bring your own.

Swirling Iris (media: acrylic impasto)

 Monday, May 9, 1-4 pm

Swirling thick acrylic paint with palette knives on canvas will bring to life gorgeous Van Gogh-like flowers.

I also am teaching a couple of on going classes there: https://www.thelovelandmuseum.org/adult-all-levels-art-classes/

Monday and Tuesday, March 7 and 8, 1-4 pm

Paint Alla Prima (finish the painting while it's wet) in the style of Monet. Use a copy of a Monet painting as guidance, or for a challenge paint your own landscape in his style. Oil painting experience required. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

 

Painting Water with Watercolors

Monday and Tuesday, March 14 and 15, 1-4 pm

In this two-part class, learn how to paint water with watercolors. On the first day, focus on painting streams of running water. On day two paint ocean waves. Watercolor painting experience required. 

 

Watercolor Roses

Monday and Tuesday, March 28 and 29, 1-4 pm

Using a grid, learn to accurately draw and paint a rose with transparent watercolors and a purple underpainting. Watercolor painting experience required.  

 

 I currently am only teaching one adult/advanced oil class out of my home studio.  If you are interested on getting on my waiting list and/or being a 'sub' please contact me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trees and Flowers show at the R Gallery in Boulder

 "Up North" is a 16" x 8" original oil painting currently showing at the R Gallery in Boulder, Colorado.  This scene was inspired by a lake in NW Ontario near Wabakimi Provincial Park.  I was inspired by the movement in Van Gogh's paintings and the lavender colors of Monet's. The scene is a smoky sunrise with lots of pallet knife and impasto.

#MaryGiacomini

#Impressionism

#Lavender #peacefulplaces #northwoods #solitude

 

The good news is I have lots of fun adult classes offered at the Loveland Museum Gallery this season.  Register for them here: https://www.lovelandmuseumgallery.org/programs-events/art-classes/adult-art-classes/

These are all 3 hour classes with all supplies included.

Autumn’s Bounty
Tuesday, September 7, 1-4 pm

As we mimic the style of Charles Reid, paint a loose Autumn still life with watercolor. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Oils for Beginners
Monday, September 13, 1-4 pm

Try out this medium in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, as you learn basic techniques. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Painting Trees
Tuesday, October 19, 1-4 pm

Learn a variety of methods for painting trees in watercolor. References are provided, but you are welcome to bring some along. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Beautiful Birds
Tuesday, October 26, 1-4 pm

Create small bird paintings by using pastels on sanded paper. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Fresh Color
Wednesday, November 10, 1-4 pm

Using a watercolor and masking fluid technique developed by the instructor, create a watercolor landscape with fresh areas of pure color. Bring along a simple reference, or use one provided. Instructed by Mary Giacomini 

Impasto Sunflowers
Tuesday, November 16, 1-4 pm

Using palette knives and lots of acrylic paint, create Van Gogh-styled sunflowers. Instructed by Mary Giacomini 

Tuscan Cyprus
Tuesday, November 30, 1-4 pm

In this easy oil painting class, learn how to paint the rolling hills and Cyprus trees of Tuscany with palette knives and swirling strokes of color. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

Snowy Aspens
Tuesday, December 7, 1-4 pm

Paint an easy wintry scene with watercolors. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

I am also offering these Progressive Classes.  These classes give you more time to work on your project as they are two sessions long and a discount because you will bring your own materials.  Intended for those with a little experience with the medium.
to register

Progressive Oils: Painting Like Schmid

Wednesdays, September 8 and 15, 1-4 pm

Learn more about the style of the late artist, Richard Schmid, as we look at monochromatic underpainting, realistic center of interest, and loose, thick strokes of paint. Bring your own references or use ones provided. Some previous experience required. Instructed by Mary Giacomini

 

Progressive Oils: Aerial Perspective

Wednesdays, October 20 & 27, 1-4 pm

Learn to paint atmosphere to get the depth you want in your oil paintings.  Bring a reference landscape photo. Some previous experience required.

Instructed by Mary Giacomini

 

 

Lotus progression

It's always best to start with the best reference photo.  My sister took this photo in Thailand.
  The lotus grow 4' tall!  DO take your own reference photos or get permission to use them.

'

I decided to make the painting all about the Lotus flower. I used Phthalo Blue for an under painting.
I find using an under painting (cool for a warm subject & vice versa) helps me focus on the subject, value & composition.  You will also get a lovely sparkle in your oil painting.

In my oil painting classes we learned and experimented with transparent oil colors. After using a permanent marker on a canvas pad , we painted a variety of  straight oil paints over the black mark.  Now you can easily see which colors are transparent. I also started labeling the brand of paints I use as colors can vary by brand.  I love Gamblin,  Winsor Newton & some  WIlliamsburn & Rembrandt brands.

 

I used a limited transparent pallet for this painting but did need to use some white.  I found the perfect pink for this flower using Quinacridone Red

Darks first!

I wanted the mountains suggested in the painting, but not the focus.

Finished painting!

With the current Pandemic going on, I've had to put my home studio classes on hold.   I seriously miss my students!  When things calm down, I'll organize some plein air outings.  Keep painting!

Happy New Year!

14" x 11"  Cottonwoods of Taos

9 x 12" oil, Strong shadows

New paintings for 2020!  All are original oils, painted impressionistic-ally with lots of impasto.  They were all started as class demos in my oil painting classes.   

12"x 9" oil    Mist on top of Rocky Mountain National Park

20" x 10" Smoky Reflections in NW Ontario 

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

Mary M Giacomini's Artwork                   

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