Paintcast™: The Grid Method

I have posted a new Video Paintcast™ to pass on a little information on using the grid method for getting a drawing right before painting. If you're interested in watching the little video, click here to see a new video about painting. If you think you might want to watch it in iTunes, or transfer it to a video iPod, be sure to use the link on that page, upper-right, to "Add to iTunes." Or simply click here to subscribe (free) to the Everyday Paintings Paintcast in iTunes. The video is based on my painting Annie in Yellow Sweater.

Juliette

Juliette by David R. Darrow 8" x 10" Oil on Belgian Linen Portrait Commission, not for sale.

This is a recent portrait commission I did for a local woman I met at an art fair in Rancho Santa Fe, CA last June. The subject, Juliette, is her daughter. She and her husband wanted something of value they could enjoy now, but also hand down to their daughter when she is older.

(They loved it!)

Juliette was a pleasure to paint. She has a lively, sweet spirit, and a calm in her eyes that speaks of a heart at rest.

Annie in Yellow Sweater

by David R. Darrow 10" x 9" (25.4cm x 22.86cm)
Oil on Canvas Panel SOLD Collection of Kay Crain
Defiance, MO – USA

About This Painting

Annie, my niece from Oregon, was sitting in my mom’s “rocking couch” with the cool light coming in though a shaded west window. It looked like a painting before I could even take a breath.

She’s gettng married this year.

It seems like two weeks ago she was just learning to talk.

The time passes so quickly.

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Painting Block

No, that doesn't mean I can't think of anything to paint... it means I am painting commissions right now (a good thing) and they are blocking me, time-wise, from painting my Everyday Paintings. I have also filled up parts of my schedule with private art students that have asked "Can you teach me to paint?"

I am fortunate that each of my current students is at least at the intermediate level and have studied painting for some time. I don't think I would have the patience for absolute beginners... It takes several years of commitment and drive to learn to paint... and there is not much I can do for a beginning student other that to send them off to a good Life Drawing school.

Good painting is the castle; good drawing is the foundation. You can't just build a castle anywhere.

Anyway, I should have some new stuff up very soon.

Other Everyday Painters

I never claimed to have invented this idea... in fact, I and several others I have since found in this great big world who are doing daily paintings (some of them more successful at it than me) all seem to give the supreme nod to Duane Keiser as the pioneer. To my surprise, Duane announced yesterday that he will paint the small ones less frequently. I guess sustaining daily, finished work can take its toll. I don't know... I have yet to pull it off consistently. Some fellow I have never met, with the artistic name of Charlie Parker, wrote a blog entry yesterday mentioning me and my work, as well as others. I clicked on some of the names of the others listed there and was particularly impressed with the truly daily work of Karin Jurick. Another, not mentioned is Darren Maurer, who caught fire when he learned, through a mutual friend, about Duane doing daily paintings. Check out his blog. I think his work is fantastic. I suppose if there was a way to pat someone's back by e-mail, we'd all be circulating that e-mail over and over. Funny how, despite the competition, our very nature compells us to root for the others, and keep the beautiful artwork flowing. The world needs art. People need originals on their walls. People need to hand down original artwork to future generations. We're making it affordable. Let's hear it for us! <sound of lone cricket chirping>