Upon Looking Closer - New Oil Painting

Upon Looking Closer | 9 x 12 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole

Upon Looking Closer | 9 x 12 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole

This painting started with a glimpse out of the corner of my eye as I was walking in the early morning. The light on the morning grass glistened through a tangle of branches and shadow.

Upon looking closer, I thought it might be a view to share. As I painted, I pushed much of the tangle aside so as to clear the way to a closer look at the light which so inspired me. Thanks for sharing the experience with me.

Framing by Lewis Art Gallery in Omaha

Thanks for keeping me company on my art journey. Enjoy the day.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Fresh Paint

Mostly Silence | 12 x 16 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole

About “Mostly Silence”

Living in rural Nebraska has given me a penchant for simplicity and a habit of looking for beauty in out of the way places. And a love of stillness and quiet. If this painting had sound, I think it would mostly be silence....perhaps we’d hear the rustle of grass, a few bird songs and not much else.

In these parts, we can see the breaking of day. Each morning the horizon blooms a bouquet of light for our viewing pleasure. The sky transforms from a blanket of stars to a kaleidoscope beyond compare. It’s good to be alive in a place like this. I am grateful to the One who knows and sees all for His grace in making it so.

Upon Looking Closer | 9 x 12 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole

About “Upon Looking Closer”

This painting started with a glimpse out of the corner of my eye as I was walking in the early morning. The light on the morning grass glistened through a tangle of branches and shadow. Upon looking closer, I thought it might be a view to share.

As I painted, I pushed much of the tangle aside so as to clear the way to a closer look at the light which so inspired me. Thanks for sharing the experience with me.

Enjoy the day my friend.

Peace to you.

—Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

New Painting and Story - The Shallows

The Shallows In Situ | Oil on Wood Panel | 48.5 x 23.5 | © Beth Cole

The Shallows | Oil on Wood Panel | 48.5 x 23.5 | © Beth Cole

The shallow part of this pond – the cools and warms of the rocks in the water - was my inspiration for this painting and the reason I named it, “The Shallows.”

If we think about it, much of our lives are spent in the shallows whether it be relationships or conversations or how we spend our free time.

But there is beauty in going deeper and I think the shallows are the entrance therein.

Shallows are safe, there is no threat or danger in shallow water. But the most growth and understanding of ourselves and others comes from venturing out of the shallows and into the deep places. There are so many opportunities, and I think we as humans have an innate longing for more depth whether it’s in conversations, relationships, books, or purpose in life.

I believe being present with people, listening, and asking good questions are all ways we can venture out of the shallows and into the deeper waters of life where we can, when anchored, find unthreatened stillness and rest.

Peace to you my friend.

--Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

The Shallows | In Situ | Oil on Wood Panel | © Beth Cole

A Small Thing That Makes A Big Difference

Splish Splash | © Beth Cole | Oil on Panel | 9 x 12

A few months ago I was invited to a birthday party for one of my friends. I was, I’m sure, the oldest one in the room….the majority being in their thirties and the birthday girl crossing over to the big 4-0. As the cake was served my friend asked, “so what advice do you have for me, now that I’m 40?”

My mind sorta went blank, as the lessons God has taught me are vast, too many to share at one time. But one thought came through and that was “keep moving.”

It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference.

I think as we get older, and certainly with the sitting culture of phones and laptops and games, I think it is more important than ever to keep moving – walk, jog, ride a bike, whatever and preferably in the outside air. There is something about being in nature that stills the frenzy and puts things in perspective.

For artists I think moving is especially apropo because we may sit at an easel or stand in place most of the day. My Fitbit tells me I need a few steps every now and again and for that I’m happy.

Coming from a childhood as a fat kid, I’m especially aware of how my body responds to exercise or the lack thereof. This is what I notice on the days I’m able to walk or exercise in some way

• I feel clearer minded

• Don’t know how, but I feel and (dare I say) look a wee bit younger

• Sparkle in my eyes

• It definitely lifts my mood

• My heart is more centered

• I feel fresh and ready to concentrate a/k/a PAINT.

Seeing as how it is January and all, what better time could there be for moving our bodies…..just a little bit even….every day.

What do you think?

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

I Learned A Word

Billows And Mist | Oil on Linen | 18 x 24 | SOLD

I have been reading Andrew Peterson’s new book, Adorning the Dark, and in so doing, I learned a new word.

Limn.

Do you know this word?

Me neither. I have never stumbled upon it in my many years of loving words.

It means, “to depict or describe in painting or words.”

So there you have it. All this time I’ve been “limning” unawares.

One other beautiful share from the book, the poetry of Richard Wilbur. He’s been limning all right.

Here is “The Writer.” I do care for it and I hope it sends you to a beautiful place.

***

The Writer
by Richard Wilbur

In her room at the prow of the house
Where light breaks, and the windows are tossed
with linden,
My daughter is writing a story.

I pause in the stairwell, hearing
From her shut door a commotion of typewriter-
keys
Like a chain hauled over a gunwale.

Young as she is, the stuff
Of her life is a great cargo, and some of it heavy:
I wish her a lucky passage.

But now it is she who pauses,
As if to reject my thought and its easy figure.
A stillness greatens, in which

The whole house seems to be thinking,
And then she is at it again with a bunched clamor
Of strokes, and again is silent.

I remember the dazed starling
Which was trapped in that very room, two years
ago;
How we stole in, lifted a sash.

And retreated, not to affright it;
And how for a helpless hour, through the crack of the door,
We watched the sleek, wild, dark

And iridescent creature
Batter against the brilliance, drop like a glove
To the hard floor, or the desk-top,

And wait then, humped and bloody,
For the wits to try it again; and how our spirits
Rose when, suddenly sure,

It lifted off from a chair-back,
Beating a smooth course for the right window
And clearing the sill of the world.

It is always a matter, my darling,
Of life or death, as I had forgotten. I wish
What I wished you before, but harder.

***

This is so meaningful as a painter and a word lover and a musician. I can just relate. I hope you can, too.

Sending you off with a hearty wish for the best Christmas ever. May the Prince of Peace be the centerpiece of the celebration. Enjoy HIM and your time and your people.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

My First Online Show - Request An Invite

Request an Invite to my First Online Show

This year I wanted to do something special and fun for all those who have taken an interest in my art. For a limited time, November 8th through November 9th, I’ll be hosting a private online art show.

The show is open to anyone but you must request an invite. Inside this private event you’ll fine affordable original art of all sizes, perfect for people who love Nebraska and the lands of the Midwest.

You may also select prints of a few of my most popular pieces, available only for this event.

As a thank you gift, you will receive some of our favorite holiday recipes along with links to some of the best gift ideas for artists we have seen or experienced.

It is a one-of-a-kind unique online art show experience. Browse from the comfort of your home with no pressure or expectations. I hope you can come. Request an invite here!

Letting Go

Plein Air Evergreen, 8 x 10, Oil on Linen, © Beth Cole

Once I read some advice that has always stuck with me and that is “Let go of the good so you can say yes to the best.”

So simple, right? But harder to do in real life.

I have always struggled with too many ideas and rabbit trails. When I first started painting I tried everything - watercolor, mixed media, encaustic, jewelry making, wooden things, acrylic, pastel, etc. I’m tired just thinking of it all. And you know each of these media had special tools and supplies, so imagine the “stuff” I amassed. Sheesh. My poor little art room was over run!

All this to say I believe these explorations and techniques are all good in and of themselves, but not good all at once. It’s too much.

Even within my genre of oil painting, there are so many specialties - figurative, portrait, wildlife, abstract, etc. You get what I mean.

I think we become way better at our craft when we learn to let go - loosen the grip as it were.

For me that means limiting the subject matter I choose to paint - for the time being anyway. I mean this in a broad sense, i.e. I am not likely to specialize in abstract or florals - it’s not my time for that. (But I still love figures and portraits - not letting go of those yet!).

It also means being selective about how I learn. I want to let go of the options that steer me away from painting from life to create studio paintings, and say yes to opportunities to strengthen my skill and focus.

It also means letting go of art supplies that don’t fit into the focus. I know, I know - so hard! After all, we might need it someday! But it has been my experience that purging your space ala Kon Mari style, can be so liberating. It gives energy! And we need all the energy we can get, right?

So these are my ideas of letting go. What have you tried to simplify and let go?

Thanks for keeping me company on this journey. For you, I am quite grateful.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Thank You Artwork Archive

Featured Artist on Artwork Archive. Clockwise from top left: Eventide (SOLD), Moo (SOLD), Liquid Gold, The Waterway, Moo, Too (SOLD), Rooted (SOLD). © Beth Cole

Last week I got an email I never expected to receive. Ever. Artwork Archive selected me as the featured artist for the whole week meaning my work was front and center on the “Discover” page, plus shared in all the social media ways you can imagine. I was floored and delighted! And grateful!

I have been using Artwork Archive to keep my work organized for several years. I would be lost without it. What I like the most is how I can print inventory sheets for exhibitions, certificates of authenticity for individual paintings, and wall tags with info and pricing. Plus, I can keep track of clients and which paintings have been purchased, etc - it even shows a photo.

If you would like to give it a try, here is a link you can use to save $10. Let me know what you think!

Happy painting!

Paintings Headed to Antique Week Fall 2019 - Blue Hills at Round Top

Morning and Evening Series | © Beth Cole

Antique Week, Fall 2019, opens tomorrow - September 21, 2019. I am happy to have sent eleven pieces to be displayed in the Loblolly Goods store at the Blue Hills venue near Round Top.

If you are an antique or repurposed decor or farmhouse chic lover, Antique Week is a top destination. My first experience was a trip with my sisters - the best girls! It was a hoot and a holler and we all brought home a perfect treasure. There is art, furniture, lighting, soft goods, FOOD, MUSIC….and much more. Do go!

Random Thoughts of Late

My brain. It goes where it wants at times, dwelling where I wish it wouldn’t and flitting past other places much too soon, sometimes without a trace of ever having visited. Ugh. Perhaps you can relate.

My memory might not be as good as it once was, but I still have thoughts and ideas. Here are some of late.

Paint and toxicity

I have used safflower oil as a medium for several years because of its non-toxicity. Recently I have been experimenting with Liquin as it was recommended as a good medium to use with transparent paint for glazing purposes. I’ll have to admit, I do like it quite a bit more than safflower oil because it’s silky smooth and makes my paint spread like butter. But. (Always something, eh?) I don’t like the smell. At. All. Which leads me to something else I have been thinking about. Air filters.

To Filter or Not

Do you use an air filter in your art studio? I’m curious about this. I work in a fairly large room in our basement, but it is not such that I could open the windows for ventilation purposes. I haven’t used a fan or a filter or any such thing, but I am seriously contemplating it because of the aforementioned Liquin and the Gamsol I use to clean my brushes. I have also wondered what it would be like to not have to consider an air filter or ventilation by using water mixable oils.

Water Mixable Oils

So, if I were to make a switch to a more health friendly painting environment, I could certainly give water mixable oils a spin. Have you tried them? When I first made the transition from acrylic to oil, I bought a few water mixable paints to experiment. I didn’t know enough about oil paint at the time to judge whether I liked them or not. I may circle around and give them a whirl again. If you’ve tried them, please pipe up, I’m always interested.

Light Effects and Pigment

One last thing that has been on my mind. I have always feared using too much chroma in my paintings as I don’t want to be that girl – the one who uses every color with abandon and straight out of the tube. For that reason, I have been quite a fan of a limited palette and graying down my paint mixtures. I just love beautiful grays.

Fast Friends | Oil on Canvas | 11 x 14 | © Beth Cole

But lately, as I have been painting a dawn/twilight series, I have come to realize the effect of light comes not from lightening the value with white, but with using the right amount of the right color of pigment in just the right place and using layers to calm things down if need be. It has really been a revelation and one that has transformed my thinking about color.

Rooted | OIl on Linen | 11 x 14 | © Beth Cole | SOLD

Now my process oriented brain is concerned with putting too MUCH pigment and color into my work, going completely off the other side of the horse. Sigh. Time will tell.

Another thing I have realized is it’s okay to paint the lovely. I quite enjoy dawn and twilight and I have made a point almost daily to observe and take in the landscape at these hours. It is so beautiful.

The painting of such times is quite a challenge, due to the aforementioned chroma dilemma. I need some but not too much you see. I’m slowly learning what works and doesn’t work for these times of day. Our Maker is so generous in the light show He gives every day. I am so thankful I live in a place where I can actually see the horizon. It is a privilege and one I don’t want to take lightly.

And here I am, nearing the end of my ramblings, and if you are still reading, well, you’re a star, and I owe you a debt of gratitude. Until next time, keep those brushes wet.

--Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

PS - Do you subscribe to my Art & Such monthly newsletter? If not, here’s the latest one, hope you’ll join us!

You're Invited - Yappy Hour, WAOW Boulder, and BlueHills at Round Top, TX

We’re about ready to turn the calendar page and I’m excited for the goings on in my little art world in the month of September.

Yappy Hour

First up is Yappy Hour from 5-8pm on September 7, 2019 at the Riverside Country Club in Grand Island. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Central Nebraska Humane Society. Photographer husband Gary and I will show side by side. Should be a fun event!

WAOW in Boulder

On September 12th the Women Artists of the West national show, Mountain Aire, will open at Mary Williams Fine Art in Boulder, CO. If you are in the area, you are certainly welcome and invited. I would love to see you.

Meandering | 18 x 24 | Oil on Linen | © Beth Cole

Blue Hills at Round Top, Texas

Finally, I will have some work at the wonderful LobLolly Goods Booth at Blue Hills at Round Top on September 21-October 5th. This venue is beautiful and full of treasures, as are so many destinations in the Round Top area. If you haven’t visited yet, it would be a marvelous outing, highly recommended!

Imagination and Creativity

Rooted | Oil on Linen | 11 x 14 | © Beth Cole

Imagination and Creativity

by Beth Cole

These long days of summer give so much opportunity. Road trips. Sunsets on the deck. Gathering and laughing. More painting time, brushes up and ready as the sun rises.

Happily, my recent days have been filled with all of these lovely things. As I was road tripping to see my sister a few weeks ago, I listened to a wonderful podcast interview with Charlie Peacock (writer, musician, producer). He spoke about imagination and creativity - how imagination leads to making something better than good, how it is the runway to making something great.

I’ve been thinking about that and wondering how it plays into painting.

Concurrently I have been experimenting with indirect painting techniques as taught by Deborah Paris. She encourages the setting aside of the camera so as to develop observation and memory, and then painting from that place.

This connects beautifully with imagination.

It never ceases to amaze me how God weaves people, thoughts, and experiences together in our lives to show us something about Himself or ourselves. Imagination, observation, creativity, memory - all characteristics of being fully human and able to create.

God created us in his image with these capabilities. It is quite astonishing when you think of it.

I believe in giving ourselves time and space to think, observe and imagine. To me, this is not only a smooth path to creativity - it’s a way to glorify our Maker and trust Him with the outcome of our efforts.

I hope your last days of summer are long and full, and I hope they include time for imagining and creating.

Peace to you and your special ones.

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

You're Invited to July Art Events in Broken Bow and Kearney

Quiet | Oil on Canvas | 30 x 24 | © Beth Cole

Getting ready for a show is not for the faint of heart! Sheesh! If I wore a Fitbit it would show many miles and stories climbed! Ha!. But….the finish line is in sight and I am almost ready.

I am excited to tell you about the shows and extend to you a warm welcome!

Group Art Show - Wild Rose Gallery in Broken Bow, Nebraska

First is a group show, “Adventures in Color,” at the Wild Rose Gallery in Broken Bow, NE featuring Mary Smith, Julie Kleeb and myself. Our opening reception is Thursday, July 11th from 5:00 - 7:00 and the show will be available through the month of July. The reception coincides with lots of fun goings on in Broken Bow’s city square so if you are out and about, please stop in and say hello. We would love to see you.

Art in the Park 2019 in Kearney, Nebraska

On Saturday, July 14th, Gary and I will be at Art in the Park in Kearney, from 9:00 - 5:00. This is a wonderful art show with a wide variety of painting, metal, sculpture, jewelry, etc. It is usually quite warm so come early and enjoy all the beautiful art!

To A Faraway Land | Pastel | 18 x 24 | © Beth Cole

Painting Lies We Tell Ourselves

Smokey Mountain Stream | 11 x 14 | Oil on Canvas | SOLD | ©Beth Cole

My husband and I did a long road trip last week and we always like listening to podcasts as we drive. One we really enjoyed was “Photography Lies You Tell Yourself” on the Picture This! Photography Podcast by Tony and Chelsea Northrup.

It made me wonder how it applies to the painting world, are there lies we tell ourselves as artists? Hmmmmm. What do you think?

Here are some I have told myself many, many times!

• I don’t have enough time to paint. Many beautiful paintings have been produced by artists with young kids and/or full time jobs. We can’t use time as an excuse to keep us from painting! Everyone has the same amount of hours in a day. Sometimes you have to say “no” to the good in order to say “yes” to the best. Do you want to improve as a painter? Carve out the time and make it a priority. Miles and miles of canvas will help you improve more than anything.

• This brush will help me paint better. Oh this is a good one. I remember when I first started painting, I would always be so curious about what kinds of tools people were using, what type of brush, what size, what bristles, etc. After I had been painting for awhile, I realized that good brushes, do indeed make a difference, but many beautiful paintings have been created with crappy brushes. Art supplies will never solve our skill problems!

• I will feel more like painting tomorrow. Oh boy, this one is tried and true. Honestly, are we EVER in the mood to stare down a blank canvas? If we wait until we “feel like it” we will never get anything painted. I say, just turn on your music and get going. The feeling will follow the action and you will be so glad you just started!

• Drawing doesn’t matter. I think under every good paintings lies a good drawing. The great thing about drawing is you can always improve and practice really helps. Some of the best artists I know spend much of their free time with a pencil in hand. My favorite drawing book is this one, it really helped me to begin to see and draw more quickly and accurately. I still have a long way to go!

• If the economy were better, my art would sell. Man, I have told myself this one and heard it so many times! Sheesh! This is such a cop out. There are so many factors related to whether artwork sells or not. If you find your work is not selling it might be a marketing problem, i.e. the people who are interested are not seeing the work – or it might be a pricing problem, either it is over priced or under priced – or (and this is usually the reason) – it is not your best work! I believe our main job in relation to selling our work is to continue to practice and improve so we are offering the best work we possibly can to a watching world. What a beautiful calling.

I’m sure I have missed some painting lies we tell ourselves, can you think of any? Please do share.

You read to the end! What a dear. Many thanks.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Before And After Painting Makeover

PRAIRIE GLASS ORIGINAL PAINTING | 30 X 40 | OIL ON CANVAS | © BETH COLE

When I painted this painting a year ago, I was very happy with the way it turned out and the feel of it. I had so many compliments on it as well. It showed about every place I could think of.

As summer shows approached this year, I still had it. I have a nice frame for it but I didn’t want to drag it around for round two. So. A makeover was in order.

What do you do when you want to paint over a painting? Grab a brush and just start? Stare at it to see what you can see? Gesso over the parts that aren’t working and rebuild them?

I have tried all of these methods, but this is what I most often do.

First, I take a photo with my iPad. Then I import the photo into a digital art program called Procreate (there are many others as well). Then I create a new layer and start painting over my painting! It is an awesome way to experiment with different approaches without mixing a drop of paint. My friend, Jeanne, does all of her paintings with Procreate and she has taught me several tips and tricks.

My thought process with the makeover went something like this.

PRAIRIE GLASS MARKUP

1. The sky is nice but there is not enough light.

2. The horizon line is messy and doesn’t make sense.

3. The color of the ground plane and foreground grasses don’t match the lighting conditions.

4. Adding light in the sky with a matching reflection would make a stronger focal point than …..

5. ….Leading the eye to nowhere.

I tried to implement these ideas in the second version. I’m much happier with it this time through. I even renamed it — “Glow.” What do you think?

GLOW | 30 X 40 | OIL ON CANVAS | © BETH COLE

Thanks for following along all the way to the end! I would love to hear your voice in the comments, don’t be shy now.

—Beth Cole
Soli Deo Gloria

You're Invited to Gallery 1516

I’m thrilled to be included in the 2019 Nebraska Biennial at Gallery 1516 in Omaha with my work, “Fallow,” Oil on Linen, 18 x 24. The public opening is Friday, May 24th from 6:30 to 9:00.

My husband, Gary, has also been included with his work, “Winter’s Feeding,” 15 x 30, Photography. We are both thrilled. If you’re in the area, please join us in celebrating Nebraska art!

Winter’s Feeding | Photography | 15 x 30 | © Gary Cole

Happy News

Meandering | 18 x 24 | Oil on Linen Panel | © Beth Cole

I’m happy to share some good news - my painting, “Meandering,” has been selected to be included in the Women Artists of the West National Show to be held at Mary Williams Fine Art Gallery in Boulder, CO in September. Hooray! I am so honored to be included.

Congratulations to all the other artists who were selected, and thank you to juror Ann Larsen for counting me in. I am grateful!

You're Invited to MONA Goes West in North Platte

The Prairie Arts Center in North Platte is hosting MONA Goes West on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from Noon to 4:00 pm. There will be lots of ART! The organizers have been busy curating beautiful work for a live and silent auction. All the artists live west of Kearney and there will be some show stoppers!

My husband, Gary, will join many talented artists in the live auction with his foggy/wintertime photo of the Downey windmills titled “Count ‘Em Again.”

Count ‘Em Again | © Gary Cole | Photography | These windmills live at Downey Well in Merna, NE.

My oil painting, “Abundance,” will be in great company as part of the silent auction happening inside the Prairie Arts Center.

Abundance | Oil on Linen | 12 x 24 | © Beth Cole

In addition to the art auctions there will be music, a beer garden, food trucks, live painting, boot making demonstration, glass blowing and many other fun goings on. Here’s more about the event on the PAC Facebook page.

The Best Art Workshops [How Do We Decide]

Vulnerable | Oil on Linen | 12 x 16 | © Beth Cole | SOLD

So who else likes attending face-to-face art workshops, raise your hand. Oh good, glad I’m not alone.

Real time art workshops are my favorite. I love being in the same room with the instructor, watching yummy demos, making new friends, and trying out new techniques in paint. I love workshops so much I could go to one every month. But a couple of not so smallish things stop me….can you say moolah….and, you guessed it, time.

Choosing a workshop is no small task. Are there a boat load of workshops these days or what. Sheesh. Especially those vacation style workshops that take you across the pond. In my dreams I’m already there.

So how do we decide? I would love to hear your wisdom, comments are open and ready for you.

Here are the (loose) guidelines I have given myself.

Towards the end of each year I always make a mental shortlist of whom I would like to study with the next year. And I have begun limiting myself to one workshop a year because I have learned that workshops are wonderful, but I make the most progress by spending time at my easel. Right? If I’m constantly going to workshops, I don’t have time to paint!

Above all else, I always look for an instructor who has awesomely consistent work that I really love. There are so many painters who teach but not all painters are teachers and not all teachers are strong painters. So when a certain artist keeps grabbing my eyes on social media or in a magazine, I always look to see if they teach.

I ask my artist friends for opinions if I am trying to decide between two or three people. One friend has been painting for a long time and knows many of the instructors and she has been wonderful to help me make decisions.

The cost of the workshop is always a factor and while I don’t mind paying for a three or five day workshop, I work hard for my money and I don’t want to waste it so I always look for a good value.

Location is a huge factor for me. I love Midwestern workshops because it means they are accessible by car or a short flight and won’t have me biting my nails over heavy traffic to which I am unaccustomed. Eeeeeee. Makes me nervous just thinking about it. You, too?

Workshop format is a factor as well. Teacher demos are great along with hands-on instruction, so a workshop that is not too large is just right for me. Painting outside is something I really need help and practice with, so this style is definitely what I am looking for in this season of my painting journey.

Let’s see, what else. Hmmmmm. Oh yes, supplies and recommended reading. I want to be sure I can bring what is required and who doesn’t like a good reading list. Art books are such good friends to us.

That’s about all I can think of for now. What has worked the best for you?

Thanks for reading.

--Beth
Soli Deo Gloria

Problem Solving As You Paint

“Transparent” | © Beth Cole | Oil on Linen | 9 x 12 | bethcolehandmade.com

Let’s imagine you are working on a new painting you are very excited about. You’ve done everything you can to prepare – i.e. editing your photo reference, doing a value thumbnail, maybe even a color study to choose your color palette. You have blocked everything in. You stand back to take a look, and……blah….yuck…..nothing. It is just not working! It is not what you imagined. You don’t even like it. Now what?

I have been in this place so many times! Ugh. Have you? What are your problem solving suggestions?

Here are some of mine.

1. Take a photo of your reference and your painting and turn it to black and white. This way you can compare values to see what is not working in your piece.

2. Have you ever tried a digital painting tool like Procreate? I love this tool for helping me problem solve. I take a photo of my painting, and import it into Procreate and make several layers of options to see what I might do to “fix” the problem areas. It works wonders. Sometimes, I even move forward using the digital painting as a guide.

3. Set the painting aside for a few days, maybe even a week. Sometimes we get too close to a painting and lose our objectivity. Time can help.

4. Take the painting to a mirror and take a look. This will help you see things your eyes are missing.

5. Wipe it off! Always an option and one I have used many times.

If you enjoyed this article, here is another one along these lines, “Critiquing Your Art Work.”

Look forward to your comments, happy painting!

—Beth
Soli Deo Gloria