Studio vs. Natural

Simple set up in a field.

For a few days I have been dreading Stormwatch's final photo shoot. Every time I go to the photo cube I seem to get less than stellar shots and I wind up being very frustrated. I wanted to get the best shots I could because there was so much detail put into this piece. Even with a new camera my frustration levels have been high during studio shoots and I took the first chance I had to shoot outdoors.

When it comes to studio shoots vs. outdoor shoots, the outdoor shoots with the natural lighting win out every time.

An ok shot but it could be much better.

Stormwatch photo shoot in natural lighting.
This Stormwatch will be up for sale shortly. His sale will be announced on my Facebook page and Yahoo Groups page.

000

Mobile studio: Kitchen.

A 000 brush is what this particular job of laying whites down on a Stormwatch needs. It's the brush I feel most comfortable with for such a job, but the patterning sure does take a long time to produce. In most cases like this where the job will be tedious and take quite a lot of time I move the studio to another part of the house. The breeze coming into the kitchen today is irresistible so that is where we are for the most part.

This Stormwatch will be for sale this week. Stay tuned to announcements on my official Facebook page.

Tick...tick...tick....and
repeat several more times...etc, etc, etc...

Leap

Building up simple washes

Well, it was time to take the plunge and dive into painting the season plate I've titled "Summer." I couldn't put it off any longer. It became more stressful to sit here and look at it and think about what colors I'd use and how I would paint the piece than to paint it, so I just took a leap of faith and dove in. My drawing is already getting marred by the washes, but that's ok. I'm seeing a vision beyond just a pencil drawing now and I can't wait to see it come to fruition. I'm going to try and snag more particle boards. I'd like to start applying wash to the other two season pieces while my mind is focused on blocking out light and form.


Individual shot of washes
being built up slowly

Oliver resin in leopard appaloosa

I'm also working on another little "Oliver" resin. The hairing pattern on this resin was fun to work with and quite possibly my favorite part. I've found that working on resins in general have kept my hand very steady and has helped my illustrating. I'm not sure how this is so, but the color palette I'm using these days is very different than it used to be as is my drawing. Taking a break from illustration turned out to be rather helpful.

Speaking of breaks I'm very excited to have been invited to take a break and see the play "War Horse" at the Lincoln Center Theater today. As I type this I'm bursting with anticipation. I've watched the trailer on the website several times now and am looking forward to the onslaught of inspiration this production will no doubt give me. (Thank you Donna!!!!)

Quick shot of work desk

More New Stuff

Sharing some of the resin pieces I've been painting. The Olivers are both commissions. The Lil Pumpkin will be an item that will be up for sale shortly. This Lil Pumpkin is the only one being offered as a gelding (all the rest are mares) and with minor changes (bows). I honestly don't know if I'll be able to finish out the artist choice run on this sculpture. This may actually be the last AC I offer to the public.

Lil Pumpkin sculpture
with bows and base

Lil Pumpkin sculpture
with bows.


"Oliver" resin in buckskin tobiano.


"Oliver" resin with base.


"Oliver" resin in chestnut.


"Oliver" resin head detail.

Derailed

My gal Lucy

I've been slightly derailed this week. Found my sweet hen had fallen into the fish pond and apparently broke her neck. By the time I found her she was half drowned. (And yes, I have 2 canisters of fresh water out for the hens as they free range...just in case you're wondering.) It was a shock and it upset me both creatively and personally. She was my favorite pet chicken. Something very special happened to me in November of last year that sorta revolved around her so she always held a very special place in my heart. I hate when pets pass on but when they hold a special place or have a great story behind them (she was the chick that got pecked on the most in the bunch who became the boss hen) it's harder when they go.

Before the derailment though I had managed to find a home for my beautiful Mercedes Boy and created a pretty base for him and managed to get fairly far production wise on three Sarah Mink "Oliver" resins. "Oliver" is a ton of fun to paint and the appy "Oliver" will be a sales item hopefully next week or after Easter. I'm also full force into production on "The Four Seasons" illustrations and have decided to start the "Summer" plate this coming weekend. I'm most inspired by this one and too excited to see how it turns out so I must start it asap.

Mercedes Boy with new base

Oliver resins. Appy will be
a sales item soon

Showin' Off Some Finishes

Custom glazed "Brownie"
with OOAK earthenware base

Today, I wanted to show off some finishes.

All three pieces had many inspirational moments attached to them, especially the "Brownie". I feel like my handle and understanding of the china painting process has furthered incredibly in the past few months. Working hard in December on some tight porcelain deadlines really made me get in and "get it right" right there. There was no pussyfooting around or whimpering. I had people waiting for boxes to be painted for the holiday and I had to deal with color firing off and images not getting dark enough in a short period of time. Reds and pinks were being lost like crazy and I finally figured out how to combat that issue. I'm so glad too cause this little Brownie was able to receive the cutest little pink muzzle. December was like a crash course and it seemed to really influence my custom glazing of the equines. I feel super confident to paint every bisque waiting in the storage room collecting dust. I have never felt that way till now. Next, I'm gonna tackle my bisque Otto.

Everything here is 100% painted by hand. No airbrush. Just me, my brushes and the figurine. I'm very pleased.

"Brownie" showing off his front side

"Taboo" resin in bay roan appy
commission for a very patient client

By the way, the Taboo was a commission and will be going home to his owner (who was a complete gem while she waited for him to be finished). The Brownie and unicorn will be sales items probably going up to auction this weekend. I'm very excited to officially unveil all their photographs.

More information about sales pieces coming soon at Danza Ceramics News Group. Please join if not already a member.

Porcelain unicorn custom glazed

Busy

Workbench shot

I couldn't resist diving into the Vixen resin last night. She sat prepped and primed for so long that it was nice to finally hone in on a color for her. Sometimes its just easier for someone else to choose the color. The palomino color is looking wonderful on her already. I have to say, it was nice to be back at my painting station in the basement.

It was a very busy week family wise and house wise. I started to feel myself going over the edge cause I hadn't really done solid art work in close to a week. After a few days, I go nutty. Then after more days pass without art, I go batty. Once a week rolls around its complete mayhem and I watch myself going over the edge of sanity. I feel much better now and I'm excited to get back down into my basement studio in about an hour or so. First though, lunch!