Thursday, September 17, 2009

Painting a Dog a Day by Kimberly Kelly Santini


"Lucy," 6" x 12", commissioned dog portrait of a mixed breed, acrylic on canvasboard. (I think Lucy's sold, but it's too late tonight for me to hear back from my client. I'll be happy to start a wait list for anyone interested.) Inquiries, including how you can commission a portrait of your own special pet, may always come directly to me.

I discovered some key elements when working on this painting, brought on by a review of one of my favorite books, Richard Schmid's Alla Prima. Unexpectedly I found myself cross-legged in the middle of the studio this morning, thumbing through the pages of his Alla Prima.

I've been considering following along with Katie Swatland's monthly lessons. Katie is part of the group of painters that study with and regularly work alongside Richard Schmid, and I imagine I would learn a whole host of great things despite the fact that I paint entirely differently.

To me, painting is about trying on a variety of different styles and techniques, and choosing the elements from each that best suit my vision. I would definately benefit from careful study of Richard Schmid's expert edgework (look at his soft and hard and lost edges and you'll see what I mean) and his innate ability to subtly manipulate values/contrast to drive the focal point/composition.

Now I've sold myself on the idea of signing up. That, along with his new book Landscapes, will be my Christmas gift to myself!

Thanks, as always, for looking at - and sharing - my artwork with your friends and family.
Kim

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