Rag Reduction Painting

In the last couple of hours of the Sebastian River Art Club's show in Riverview Park I decided to start a painting ... silly me.  But I must follow my "muse" whever it calls me, otherwise it may not come back again soon after.  So I slopped some alizarin crimson and sap green all over the unprimed canvas with a palette knife putting globs here and there at random.  Then I took a big brsh and squished it all over the canvas, allowing the colors to be somewhat separate in spots.

Then I looked for a rag, and found I had none in my bag, and I was stuck.  So I took a paper towel and some Q-tips I had packed and went to it, wiping the highlights away, leaving the shadowed areas intact.  Looked pretty bad at first, but within about a half hour it started looking like a face.  I lightly glazed alizarin on the cheeks, prussian blue on the iris, orange at the bottom of the eyeball for the glow under the sparkle at the top.  It was such fun to begin to see that face looking out at me--that's the part I love.  I think she's beautiful, and can't wait to frame her, although I looked and looked today and could't find a 9"x12" frame.  Not a common size.  I will be demonstrating this technique tomorrow at the Sebastian River Art Club during my class.  Enjoy.

Judy Burgarella
Blogger

Two New Portraits

"African Woman" (actually she's an Etheopian), started out as a demo during my class at the Sebastian River Art Club.  It's a 9"x12" acrylic on canvas.  Now to find a frame.

"African woman" 9"x12" acrylic by Judy Burgarella

"Arab" also started out as a demo during class, and it's a 12"x16"x1-1/2" gallery wrapped canvas, continuously painted on all sides.

"Arab" 12"x16" acrylic by Judy Burgarella

I'm shocked at how much like oil these paintings appear, as long as you don't use any water or painting medium and work in a feverish pace.  I can't decide which I like best--oil or acrylic. 

If you come to the Sebastian Club's 16th Annual Juried Art Show at Riverview Park in Sebastian (10-4), you'll be able to see these in person.

Ciou!

Judy Burgarella,
Blogger

Not About Me

This post is not about me, but about my friend Christine Thomas, who has opened up a brand-new art venue!  Actually it is an artsy gift shop, called "Inside Spaces and Outside Places."  It is still a works in progress, but coming together nicely.  Some of my work can be found inside, along with the works of many fine artisans who work in jewelry, pottery, abstracts, paintings of all kinds, murals (which Christine is a master of), photography by Greg Hills, and more.  Classes will be offered for adults and children on an ongoing basis.  Such a great undertaking, and we all wish her much success.  The shop is located on 12th Avenue in Vero Beach, in the strip mall just west of Old Dixie Highway.  Below are some photos of the shop as of a few days ago, but knowing Christine she's probably further improved it.

Wall near the entry

 

East wall of the shop

South wall of shop, with doorway into the "Featured Artist" space

Central area of the shop

 In back of the central area pictured above, and behind some folding screens, is a generous area where classes and workshops will be held.

View from the outside of the "Featured Artist Gallery" on the night I gave her a hand getting it together. The light on top is the moon.

Watch for a Grand Opening celebration, probably within the next few weeks.  Should be fun!

Judy Burgarella
Blogger