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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Maine Cove


A couple of years ago we vacationed in Maine. Wow...what a take-your-breath-away gorgeous place! (Would love to live there provided I had a reliable heating system, a snow blower and a home office/studio!). I took lots of photos to use as references for paintings.... but this is the first painting of Maine that I've done.

I used the Artisan oils again and imposed two conditions on myself for this mini painting (it's an ACEO):

1. Spend no more than 30 minutes on the painting from initial sketch to last stroke of paint

2. No re-doing.... for any reason whatsoever

I actually managed to abide by both conditions. I do see some things I'd like to change (no surprise there :-), but I left it alone and will try to keep those things in mind on the next painting.

26 comments:

Laure Ferlita said...

BRAVO!!! You've done a very, very fine job for 30 minutes start to finish! Isn't it a freeing feeling knowing you can't go back and you can't touch up?!

Yes, it's maddening at first, but then you kind of get into it - or at least I did!

Are you liking these new oils still?

Rose Welty said...

My painting definitely improves when I make as few strokes as possible. When I try to go back and fix something, 75% I make it worse!

So glad you are exploring new mediums...

ArtistUnplugged said...

Beautiful, fresh, clean feeling from the painting! Nice job.

Teresa said...

Laure: Yes, it is VERY freeing to just paint and not overthink and re-do! When I do these quick as-they-are studies I feel like a kid again with a box of crayons! I do like the oils. Having to get used to letting them dry, but I love the creamy consistency.

Rose: I agree... when I go back to "fix" something I usually make it worse than it was to start with (that should tell me something).

AU: Thank you!

"JeanneG" said...

Very pretty and I'm so proud of you not going back to fix anything. It is perfect as is. Glad the oils aren't making you sick.

Michelle said...

It's beautiful Teresa! That "no re-do's" would be a tough one for me. Neat to see your work in oil.

Grahame Butler said...

Wow 30 mins!!! what type of steroids are you on?? great job Teresa

Acornmoon said...

I have bookmarked your blog to return to and to catch up when I have a minute, there is always good reading to be had here.

Rosie said...

What a lovely paiting - looks warm and yet cool at the same time - the colours are wonderful. I'm longing for my first glimpse of the sea this year, hopefully we'll get to the coast soon:)

Teresa said...

LOL!! No steroids, Grahame! It's only 2.5 x 3.5 and oil goes much MUCH faster than cp!

Peter Lee said...

Wow! This is beautiful!
I can't believe you wrap this up in half an hour and no re-paint?
That's truly amazing.
I'm sure I'll be back for more of your AMAZING paintings.

Anonymous said...

I have to agree about Maine and you have really done it justice. Don't do anything more to the painting. It's great.
Jean

Lin said...

SO FRESH and wonderful!!! I love the cool waters and the entire piece, Teresa!!!! Yes, 30 minutes (my wish!!! LOL) I apologize for being 'out of touch' .... work has been incredibly demanding leaving me very little computer time ... it's as though the last days before vacation MUST be filled with 'just one more thing before I go' .... it's been exhausting ... Hope you are well!!

Alexandria ♥ said...

Hi Theresa,
Beautiful painting and approach.
I noticed the quote by Louisa May Alcott, and wondered if you had ever seen her home? I toured her home one time and found it charming:)
H.

ellie said...

Really lovely and fresh ! I would love to go there !

Jo Castillo said...

You are painting like I sketch, no do overs. Nice job, it is a lovely small painting! Good for you.

Terri Conrad said...

so fresh - I can smell the salt air, and feel the ocean breeze brush across my face. Beautiful work Teresa.
Terri

Teresa said...

Peter: Thank you!

Jean: First one I've managed to leave alone in a long time! Perhaps I'm finally learning? :-)

Lin: Italy coming up soon... hope you have a great time!

Hedda: No, I havne't toured Louisa May Alcott's home... but sure would like to!

Ellie, Jo and Terri: Thank you!

Dave King said...

I applaud your two conditions - and the result. I would love to see any further versions that may arise.

laura said...

This is absolutely gorgeous, Teresa! The blues are perfect, and the curve of the shore, the treeline!!
I would love to go to Maine to paint ... someday.
Your rules are great--only 2; I like that! No. 2 seems especially important. I'm going to try that!
(Can't remember where--WetCanvas?--I saw an exercise where you paint the same subject several times, counting, and trying to reduce, the number of brushstrokes each time. I plan to try it sometime.)

twincedar said...

30 minutes? That is great! I love the colors, looking forward to seeing more of these artisan oils.

Cathy Gatland said...

Wow Teresa, that's a lovely job you did in so little time - a good challenge for oils - I always feel I have to make some special ponderous effort to make them worth their while. Maine sounds and looks beautiful, but cold... eek

Miss Muse said...

Bright and beautiful!

Teresa said...

Dave, Lori and Lisa: Thank you so much!

Cathy: I used to feel the same way about oils (wonder if it's because they have such a "heavy duty" reputation?), but I've found the oils to be a delight when working small and keeping things loose. How nice it is not to have to save the white... I can add white any time I want to! Woo Hoo! :-)

Laura: I'd love to go to Maine to paint too (Monhegan Island? :-). I love the idea of the WC project you mentioned... never thought of doing that... sounds like a good way of letting go of some fussing and overworking painting.

Jan said...

The colors are so clear and clean and you've just done a superior job on this! Beautiful job!

"JeanneG" said...

Wow look how many comments you have. Now you just have to post more often. hint, hint

Did you have to buy smaller brushes too for the ATC size? Did you get a tiny set of the oils? I got one that has only 6 colors awhile back and used only once. I'm not too good at mixing my own colors.

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