Painting With the Masters - John Frederick Kensett

Mountain Lake by John Frederick Kensett

Here is another master painting study, a work by John Frederick Kensett titled Mountain Lake.

Kensett was a member of the second generation of the Hudson River School of artists. His work is associated with the American Art style of Luminism. I love this style of painting (along with Tonalism) and I look forward to painting more and applying what I am learning to my new pieces for 2017. 

I chose this piece to study because of the dreamy, soft, atmosphere in the sky and the subtle reflections in the water. The foliage on the side of the mountain was something I had never tried to paint before, so that was quite a challenge. Whew.

This piece taught me a boat load about subtle tones and working with close values, especially in the gray family. My piece is definitely cooler than Kensett's, my darks have bluer tones vs. the browns of his piece. One thing I like about mine is the variation in warms and cools. I really tried to bring that out, even if it made a mismatch with the original. One thing I would change if I painted it again is the peak of the far mountain, I would move it over to the right a bit, and I guess I could still do that, but I have called this one done for now.

These studies are teaching me to take my time as I paint, not to worry about rushing through and finishing a piece. I have taken to sitting down and using much smaller brushes when I get to the detail work. Also, I can't finish these in one sitting, even though they are small (8 x10), it usually takes me a 2-3 days.

Here is my version of the painting.

Beth Cole, Mountain Lake after John Frederick Kensett

Thanks for following along on my art journey, I am honored. Take good care, my friend. Merry Christmas to you if you will be celebrating this weekend. I wish you God's richest blessings for you and your family.

--Beth Cole

Painting With the Masters - Alexei Savrasov

Sea of Mud by Alexei Savrasov

This is a second piece I have studied by one of my favorite master artists, Alexei Savrasov. You can see more of his work here.  

I was drawn to this piece because of the hazy sky and the winter trees. I also liked the distant village and wanted to try painting something with a fair amount of detail. It was quite challenging and my piece does not exactly match, of course, but it has it's own style and feel. I marveled at how Savrasov was able to paint even the smallest details, i.e. the birds on the road and the windows in the far cabin. I left most of that out as my piece is a small 8 x 10, but I can see what a master painter he truly is in combining atmosphere with detail. 

Here is my version.

Sea of Mud, Beth Cole after Alexei Savrasov

This piece taught me much, and I'm looking forward to continuing my practice of painting these studies into the new year.

Enjoy the day, dear reader.

-Beth

Painting With The Masters - Robert Henri

Rosaleen by Robert Henri

Wow, this portrait was a real challenge and I am happy to have time to study and practice the work of Robert Henri. Look at his masterful brush strokes, especially the important details of the eyes. Amazing. 

I have not painted much with red, so mixing those variations of red was fun and different. Also, I liked trying to suggest the hands and object in her lap, it is painted quite loosely and so I tried to do the same. Gah! Hard!

Here is my version.

Rosaleen, Beth Cole after Robert Henri

Thanks for taking a look. Wishing you lots of painting mojo today, keep that brush wet!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting With the Masters - John Frederick Kensett

Farm At The Edge of the Forest - John Frederick Kensett

I am continuing my practice and study of painting pieces by master artists (here are others in the series, Gifford, Inness, and Savrasov).

This one, Farm At the Edge of the Forest by John Frederick Kensett, captivated me because of the gracefulness of the trees and the light peeking through underneath. I really loved the rhythm of the composition and the tones of the palette. This piece taught me how subtle are the shifts in value in those secondary colors of purple and orange. I did not match them exactly. Such a good lesson and good eye training for color mixing.

Here is my version.

Beth Cole after John Frederick Kensett - Farm At the Edge of the Forest

I do wish you a wonderful day my friend. Keep those paintbrushes wet!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Painting With The Masters - Alexei Savrasov

Sundown Over A Marsh by Alexei Savrasov

Here is another piece in the paintings of the masters on which I have been spending time lately and loving every minute of (others are Inness and Gifford).

I really love the work of Alexei Savrasov. Look at those colors in the sky and the close values of the horizon line. I love how the light skips across the marsh and takes on the colors of the sky. The dark contrast of the land and the various browns and deep greens are amazing to me. 

As I painted I was mindful of all of these elements I loved and I found this painting to be very challenging. I could never emulate every genius stroke of this master, but it was good to work my way through the painting and find my own style. My sky is definitely off from his color/value combination, it is so good to learn from the best. I think this one has been my favorite so far.

Sundown Over A Marsh - Beth Cole after Alexei Savrasov - 8 x 10, Oil

Thanks for following along my friend, enjoy the day!

--Beth Cole

Painting With The Masters - George Inness

George Inness - Home At Montclair

This is a beautiful work by master artist George Inness, the second in a series of painting with the masters I am sharing on the blog. Here is a link to the first one by Sanford Robinson Gifford.

I like the softness and subtlety of the values, and how the composition leads you into the background and around to the house. I can almost feel the chill in the air and smell the smoke coming out of the chimney. Don't you just want to see what's cooking on the stove? I think good art takes us places like that.

So here is my version. I learned how difficult it is to match value and temperature and not overwork something so it loses the freshness and intention. Even now as I am staring at his work, I see so much subtlety that is missing from my work. And my composition is a little off from his. But this is why I have taken up this project, I believe there is no better teacher than the ones who have come before, eh?

Beth Cole after George Inness, Home at Montclair

Next I'll be trying a work by Albert Bierstadt, he is a little more representational but I will give it a go and see what happens. 

Thanks for coming along on my painting journey. I am grateful for you.

--Beth Cole

Painting With The Masters - Sanford Robinson Gifford

I have been wanting to take time with some of the master artists I really admire, perusing their paintings, choosing some favorites, and spending time painting them as a learning experiment.

This week I spent some time with Sanford Robinson Gifford. His painting, "An Indian Summer's Day on the Hudson" has absolutely captivated me. I love the simplicity of the composition, the soft and simple color palette, and the way he masterfully added depth and atmosphere with the subtle grays on the horizon line.

It was an exercise in persistence to mix the muted colors of the water and sky. My version of his painting does not follow exactly in shape, so the composition is a little different. So my sky/horizon/water is too purple and my land is too light and my focal tree is a weird shape. And don't get me started on the boat. Ugh.

See what I am learning? What privilege it is to study with a master!

Beth Cole after Sanford Robinson Gifford's Indian Summer Day on the Hudson

Overall I am happy with the results of this practice, it was a great use of time and quite relaxing.

I have another one inspired by George Inness (another favorite) that I will share soon.

Thanks for reading my friend.

--Beth Cole

Artist Todd Williams Workshop in Broken Bow

Todd Williams Workshop in Broken Bow, October 2016

We just finished a great three day workshop with artist Todd Williams. The class was sponsored by our art club, the Arrow Artists, Inc. We had 16 participants from across Nebraska and two from Colorado.

Todd kicked off the workshop by sharing his 7 Secrets for Unlocking a Great Painting along with good examples from master artists such as Nicolai Fechin, John Singer Sargent, and Anders Zorn. 

He demonstrated these techniques that afternoon, it was quite inspiring!

The next two days we were able to paint and receive one-on-one instruction. It was such a marvelous experience. I learned about taking time to mix paint and also being patient with laying in the paint, to enjoy the process and the joy and the experimentation of the brush work and palette knife. I also learned lots of technicalities about painting with oil, the handling of the paint and how to do an underpainting wash, etc. We used clove oil to condition the paint and the room smelled wonderful.

Here is one of my paintings which was painted with Todd's help in the underpainting and the highlights at the end.

Fall Colors on Highway 2, Beth Cole 

Thanks to Todd Williams for a great workshop and everyone who came to paint, let's do it again next year!

Ten Days Without a Hair Brush

We just returned from some wanderings up north through the beautiful fall colors of Wisconsin and Michigan. And yes, I did forget my hair brush and ..... delightfully..... it didn't really matter.

I was so inspired by the old and the natural and the quirky and the rugged and the worn. It's really hard to put into words. Come along with me. I hope you are inspired, too.

The Beach at Copper Bay, Michigan. © Beth Cole

Found in Auburn, Nebraska. ©Beth Cole

Somewhere in Door County, Wisconsin. © Beth Cole

Mackinac Island, Michigan © Beth Cole

Near Amana, Iowa. © Beth Cole

Deer Lake, Michigan © Beth Cole

Ephraim, Door County, Wisconsin. © Beth Cole

Somewhere in Michigan. © Beth Cole

I think in Door County, Wisconsin. © Beth Cole

My heart is full. My paintbrush is waiting. I must go. 

Love you for reading. Thanks.

--Beth

When Your Painting Is A Dud

I have been listening to the Savvy Painter podcast on my 4 hour drives to see the littles. Have you heard of it? It is well worth your time. Host Antrese Wood skillfully interviews accomplished painters about how they got started painting, their views on painting and the artist’s life, and other really interesting topics.

One of the things that has stuck with me in listening to several of the podcasts is how many painters talk about the percentage of pieces that are good vs. the ones that just don’t work – the duds. I always thought once you achieved mastery level or had been painting for a certain amount of years that most of your paintings would work. Turns out, this is wrong and master painters have the same struggle that I have every day when I go into the studio, hoping and praying for a miracle on that canvas. In fact the percentage is as high as 30%-50% in the ones that don’t turn out.

This made me realize that my expectations for the work I am creating were too high and I have put a lot of pressure on myself to make every painting count, especially when I am getting ready for a show.

It has also helped me to see that I don’t have to show every painting. If I don’t love it, chances are others probably won’t either, and it is best kept for future evaluation or chalked up as a rung on the ladder of learning.

This makes me feel so much better, free-er (is that a word) and happy!

Let’s go paint, people!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Art Show In Brownville, NE

Gary and Beth Cole Art Show in Brownville NE, October 7th, 2016

Gary and I will be showing art and photography at the Schoolhouse Gallery in Brownville Nebraska through the month of October, 2016. The opening will be Friday, October 7th from 6:00 - 7:00 at the School House Art Gallery in Brownville. If you are local to that area of the state, we would love to see you!

Art Workshop, 9-12 October 8th, 2016

I will be offering a workshop, Creating Atmosphere and Mood in Your Paintings, on Saturday morning, October 8th from 9-12 at the School House Gallery. If you are interested, please contact me for more information. 

Progress, progress

I have been wanting to show photos of the stages of paintings and I always forget to take progress shots. Until today. Here are a couple I have been working on.

Foggy Morning On Highway 2

Progress shots of "Foggy Morning on Highway 2" © Beth Cole, oil on wood panel, 12 x 12

Fog on Main Street

Progress shots of "Fog on Main Street" © Beth Cole, oil on wood panel, 12 x 12

I haven't listed these on my website yet.....coming soon. Thanks for taking a look.

Painting Workshop and Show at Brownville

Foggy Morning  - Cold Wax and Oil - 12 x 12 © Beth Cole

I'm excited to be showing art (along with husband photographer Gary Cole) at the Schoolhouse Gallery in Brownville the month of October. The show opening will be 6:00pm-7:00pm, Friday evening, October 7th.

I will be teaching a painting workshop the next morning, Saturday, October 8th from 9am-12 at the Schoolhouse Gallery. The workshop is all about bringing mood and atmosphere to your paintings. I will demo a small piece, then you will have a chance to work on your own piece from your photo or one I provide. The class is $30, contact the Brownville Fine Arts Association if you are interested, or drop me a line, I will be sure to keep you in the loop. Would love to see you there!

The Rescuer

Crop of Rain Children - Commission © Beth Cole

I read a really good article yesterday by Nik Ripken about how we (Western believers) want to rescue our brothers and sisters who are suffering persecution. It is somehow as if we (collectively as a society) want to alleviate suffering firstly for ourselves and then for others in the perimeters of our lives. We believe it is the good, the best, the right, that people would not be allowed to suffer. And who could argue that?

But think of the lowest times in your life. Maybe you are there right now, in fact. Suffering in some way. Those valley days of darkness piling up one upon one until you forget what it is like to have a good day. I think those are the days when you long for The Light the most, when you long to draw close to Him, as close as you possibly can just so you can see. That has been my experience anyway.

Suffering is a part of life and I believe after God brings us through the suffering and we look back, we see how His strong arms and hands pulled us through. It is not our bootstraps and how hard we tugged on them. It is Him. At work. Always.

I think about this in my painting. I get frustrated. My poor canvas is suffering. I want to rescue it, turn it into something beautiful, take it out of its misery and fast. But I have found if I just leave it alone for awhile, give it some time – the ugly usually resolves and something more beautiful emerges. If I would have attacked the canvas and been in a hurry it likely would have morphed into a big mess, maybe beyond repair.

In a way, isn't it the same with our lives and the lives of those we love? We want to rescue, get a fix and quick. But waiting, allowing the real Rescuer to work, is sometimes the best response.

I’m waiting along with you my friend.

--Beth

Painting Portraits with Rita Kirkman

Artist Rita Kirkman at work on a portrait from life - Valentine Nebraska Art Workshop

The Valentine Art Guild sponsored a wonderful workshop with artist Rita Kirkman last weekend. She demonstrated life drawing and working from a grid. It was SO GOOD. 

Artist Rita Kirkman at work on a portrait - Valentine Nebraska Art Workshop

I snapped a photo of this guy who was wandering the exhibits in the same building as the workshop.

Unknown Fellow - Attending the Fair

I thought he had so much character, especially his eyes. I wanted to try to paint him using the techniques taught by Rita. I believe my painting might be his younger self.

Pastel Portrait ©Beth Cole

And here's another practice of the techniques, I used derwent charcoals, charcoal pencil, and gesso on this piece.

Vintage Glam - Charcoal, Gesso - © Beth Cole

Thanks to all the members of the Valentine Art Guild who organized the workshop and hosted so beautifully, it was a great time!

My Chubby Ballerina

Ballerina Leaping Sculpture, Artist Unknown

My favorite birthday gift of all is this beautiful ballerina sculpture, I call her my chubby ballerina.

I loved her the minute I saw her. I was with my daughter for a girl’s day, I think we were skittering around Village Pointe in Omaha. We admired her for a bit and went on our way. So my daughter who doesn’t miss a thing, later went back to purchase this beauty for my birthday.

Someone asked me once why I liked her so much.

I didn’t know how to answer, but after I thought about it for awhile I believe this is why.

Ballerinas aren’t normally chubby. They are lithe and willowy and supple.

But not this girl. She is different. She is healthy and muscular and she doesn’t let the idea of what a ballerina should look like stop her from being one. I love that. What would it be like if God gave us an outlook like this in other areas of our lives where we have fear? So powerful.

I also love the gesture of her head and arms, it is so free and happy. Her arms are casting off cares and judgments and whatever and she is flying on the wind.

She is looking up and I believe that is a great way to live life – what beautiful symbolism.

And….. her head is so small. Think about that for a minute.

I do love my chubby ballerina. I hope you love her, too.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Oil + Cold Wax + Photography

Our Town Merna - Oil/ColdWax/Photography - SOLD © Beth Cole

SOLD. This piece of our town went to the most loving home of my friend, Deb. I am beyond thrilled that it will receive the kindest love and care. Hooray, God is gracious and good.

I have been working on other pieces in this series. Here is one of the windmills that serve as a landmark for our town. It is called Wind Poets - 18 x 24 on a wood panel.

Wind Poets. Oil/ColdWax/Photography - 18 x 24. © Beth Cole

Gary and I went out on a snowy day and I shot this photo then. I always edit my photos and add texture, etc. so that becomes part of the art’s story and mystery. I love the process of adding cold wax and oil paint to finish the piece. It is quite fun and expressive.

Have a good weekend my friends!

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Be Gentle As You Paint

Angel Print © Beth Cole

I just read an interesting blog post, Drawing the Fine Line, by Kim Carlton on the Oil Painters of America blog where she said “I’m mostly unloving to myself as the creator of my art, but I want to change that.“

You are so right, Karen. I have never thought of this idea of being unloving to myself as I paint, but it is so true.

I think about the narrative in my head as I am painting and it usually isn’t very kind or gentle. It sounds more like ….this looks terrible……now what are you going to do…..can you fix this……that isn’t right……where are you going with this, etc. etc. etc.

Gah. Not loving. One bit.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in self-critique as I paint, there is nothing wrong with seeing flaws and making corrections. I can’t imagine a painting coming to life without this editing process.

But I am wondering if I might have a more gentle tone with myself as I critique. One that comes from a place of kindness and respect for the work God is doing within me as I paint. After all, I am a work in progress in every sense of the word, just as is the painting on my easel.

Hmmmmm. Let’s sit awhile with that thought and see if it sticks.

-- Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

Art Happenings and Opportunities

There are a few art happenings and opportunities coming up in central Nebraska the next few months, here's a quick rundown. Please share - hooray for art!

Our art club, Arrow Artists of Broken Bow, Nebraska, is sponsoring an Art and Photo Competition August 1-3, 2016 in conjunction with the Custer County Fair. We are offering over $700 in prizes thanks to funding from the Custer County Foundation and area businesses  - thank you sponsors.

The Sand Painters Art Guild of Valentine, Nebraska is sponsoring a portrait workshop with artist Rita Kirkman on August 13-14, 2016. I think there are still a few seats left if you are interested in attending. Search Facebook for the Sand Painters for more information or contact Pat Schemmer, 402-376-4222. Rita Kirkman is a fantastic artist and teacher.

The Arrow Artists are sponsoring a painting workshop in Broken Bow, Nebraska with artist Todd Williams on October 27-29, 2016. Seating is limited. For more information search Arrow Artists on Facebook or contact President, Mary Smith at 308-870-4189. Todd Williams is a world-class painter and teacher, it is a wonderful opportunity to have him as a workshop leader.

If your organization is holding a workshop/class or painting opportunity please share in the comments. Thanks for following along and happy painting everyone!

--Beth

Kearney Art In The Park 2016

Kearney Art in the Park 2016

Gary and I are getting ready to share our art and photography at Kearney Art in the Park this Sunday, July 10th from 9:00 to 5:00. Also showing from our area is my friend, Alissa Millsap, she has lots of goodness to share.

Gary has been taking photography and metal art to this show for many years and we have met so many awesome people who love art. It is always well attended.

The temperature might be a little warm but there is lots of shade, music throughout the day and into the evening, and great food including shaved ice to cool you off.

If you are local, I hope you can make it to the show and be inspired by beauty, goodness and creativity. If you come, please stop by and say hi to us, we would love to see you.