Sourdough

"Sourdough"  (Watercolor),  C. Eastwood  © 2013

It's "finals" week and this is my last painting -- excluding the one I'll probably start in class after the critique is over.  At least that's the plan.  We were given the option to paint a still life or to choose our own subject.  I just loved this guy's face -- so much character.  So I decided that since I hadn't done any portraits this semester, it might be fun to try one and make sure I hadn't forgotten how.  I really don't know for certain that he's a prospector -- but he looked like he just might be.

Cinderella, I Presume?

"Cinderella, I Presume?"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, © 2013

Time to revisit the shoes.  The last time we painted these, I ended up with a painting called "Every Girl's Dream" which won a Watercolor Purchase Award last spring at the Santa Ana College Art Show.  I didn't want to duplicate that by painting the same thing, so I took a small section of the shoes and turned it into a vertical study, instead.  It's interesting to see how the same subject ends up looking the same and yet so different, even when done in the same medium.  I guess that's part of what fascinates me about art.  It's always a new discovery.

And as for the name?  Not sure where that came from other than as I was working on it, the painting seemed to name itself.  I figure Cinderella ended up wtih a fascination for shoes.  A girl can't go around wearing glass slippers all the time, can she?

Olive Oil To Be

"Olive Oil To Be"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Another painting from my visit to the Dutch Henry Winery in Calistoga, CA.  This time it's of the olives being grown there for production of their own olive oil.  It was rather fascinating to see trees that were bearing olives of so many different colors -- green, black, and those in the process of changing, as these were -- all on the same tree.  I just loved the colors.  I also learned that olives have little tiny spots on them (sort of like freckles) where the green continues to show, even when they're fully black.  Who knew?

As for this painting, the style is a bit different than what I usually do.  I tend to prefer blended edges, especially when shading.  But watercolor often uses hard edges in the various layers of glazes as they are built up.  Somehow that just seemed appropriate to this particular painting.

First Press

"First Press"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood, 2013

In class this is referred to as my "ugly painting."  Our class assignment was to take an object that most people would consider to be ugly (or at least an unlikely subject) and make it beautiful by turning it into a painting.  We were recently at the Dutch Henry Winery in Calistoga, CA, and there was an old, rusting wine press sitting outside the entry into the tasting room.  I fell in love with the weathered wood and the coats of rust, and immediately knew that this would become the subject of my painting.

Camouflage

"Camouflage"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood (2013)

This is another one of those "take something and change it up and make it unrecognizable" paintings.  What I've learned after the last four abstract paintings is that this is not my favorite style.  I think I like the freedom of the "flow and go" paintings.  And if you'd asked be before we started, I would have guessed totally the opposite.  Interesting.  I guess that's why I continue to take classes.  I'm learning new things about painting and myself each time.

It's Only Paper

"It's Only Paper"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

So this is a further exploit in watercolor abstract.  I had started a painting on my own as we first began this segment of class and when I had completed it...the only word I could think of was, "Bleech!"  (That's not a good thing.)  I couldn't figure out how to fix it and I was actually prepared to cut it into strips and use the back for testing colors as I paint.  But then I thought of what we're always telling one another in class -- "It's only paper."  So I started by using resist and writing some admonitions to myself.  Then I began adding layers and spraying them into different directions and creating drips and spatters.  (Note to self -- cover a larger area underneath the painting next time before spattering to aid in easier clean-up!)  And voila -- it's bright, it's bold, and it's fearless.  And I think I won't cut it into strips!

Mission San Juan Capistrano Revisited

"Mission San Juan Capistrano Revisited"   (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood

This is actually something I painted this summer and set aside, forgetting I needed to post it.  We are fortunate to live not too far away from the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano.  We were there in January on a cloudy winter's day and the shadows were really neat.  There has been much restoration work since I visited this mission as a child on field trips and weekend adventures with my parents.  I can remember going there to sketch.  So it seems appropriate at this stage, as I return to my art, to revisit an old location and make a painting.

Incognito

"Incognito"  (Watercolor)   C. Eastwood, 2013

Okay -- abstractions continue.  This time the assignment was to take something and change it up so that it is no longer recognizable -- hence the title for this piece.  There were thumbnail sketches and everything and it took considerably longer than any of us expected.  I discovered that it's difficult to look at something as a model and then purposely not draw it.  At least it is for me.  The funny part is that I was feeling the painting was too stiff -- and I'm the one who is always getting hammered for not painting loose enough.  The instructor says this works.  I'll take her word for it.  

Discoveries

"Discoveries"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

So we're giving abstract painting a shot in class and trying a technique that involves pouring paint and tilting the paper to make it run, blowing on it, spraying it -- basically anything but using a brush to move and direct the paint.  WHAT?!  So after some initial experimenting, I wrote myself a note in resist across the paper as a reminder -- sort of like a secret message -- and went for it.  Surprisingly I kind of like it.  It changed with each new layer and became something quite different.  Definitely not as much control as I'm used to.  But I just kept reading the words as they began to appear and finally arrived at the finish line.  There were definitely a lot of discoveries along the way to this piece.

1959 Impala

"1959 Impala"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Okay, then.  Wow -- painting a car.  Yikes -- that was a stretch.  We were told to paint our dream car...or a classic...or a clunker.  Whatever made us happy.  So I tried to imagine my "dream" car and all I could come up with was something that never needs gas, always runs perfectly, and remains clean at all times -- including the windows.  My friends who are car buffs sneered at my description.  Apparently I'm not a "car person."

So I took a suggestion  from my sorority sister, Marie, who knows cars (and who did not sneer), and voila...the 1959 Impala. Famous for their cat-eye taillights, the Impala seemed like a good candidate.  I was excited to give it a try until I realized that the stupid thing has reflections and chrome.  Good grief.  So here it is, in all it's glory!

Grapes and Cheese (SOLD)

"Grapes and Cheese"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood, 2013

One more food item -- something to accompany "Lunch Time."  I decided to take a close-up look at the grapes and make them the star.  And lest you think these were gargantuan grapes, everything is actually in proportion.  The cheese was a little tiny wedge with a small spread knife cutting into it. 

Giving Thanks

"Giving Thanks"  (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2013

This has literally been a labor of love as it was painted for a member of my new extended family.  These are her boys and she's the photographer.  It was lots of fun layering in color and texture.  She wanted "mixed media" and boy did she get it with this one.  I've never tried layering canvases before, but it worked and it was really fun to see this come together and match what I had visualized as a completed piece.

Lunch Time

"Lunch Time"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Okay -- today's challenge was more pressing than usual.  We needed to bring in something edible to paint.  I decided that a nice sandwich would fit the requirements by being colorful and having different textures.  But there was one catch, the sandwich was my lunch and I couldn't eat it until I finished the painting.  This is called "motivation."  You can't take all day on a painting if you're waiting to eat it!  Anyway -- with apologies to poor Susan who was sitting next to me and getting a whiff of the onions for a couple of hours while I sketched and then painted -- it was an interesting assignment. 

Two Eggs and a Pomegranate

"Two Eggs and a Pomegranate"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Okay -- so obviously art class is back in session because I'm painting unusual subjects again.  We were presented with a carton of raw eggs (and an admonition to be careful!) and told to combine them with other items to make a still life.  I added some really dried out leaves, garlic, and a pomegranate that looked like it was made of leather it was so old and cracked. 

It's good to be back painting with friends and stretching my creative muscles.  I haven't been doing that enough lately and I've missed it.

Great Expectations

"Great Expectations"  (Watercolor)    © C. Eastwood, 2013

This is just a small study (approximate 4 1/2 " x 6 1/2", cropped) that I did for a friend's birthday.  I hope she likes sunflowers and ladybugs!  I saw this little bug crawling onto the flower like it was some kind of buffet table and just knew that in this bug's tiny world, there were high hopes for something yummy upon which to dine -- that it had great expectations!

Tiny Dancer (Dancing for Daisy Miracle) (SOLD)

"Tiny Dancer"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood

Just returned home from the 6th Annual Daisy Miracle Benefit which supports the UCSD Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (http://www.daisymiracle.com/).  Daisy Miracle was an angel on loan for a very short period of time, but she continues to touch others and help them through this fund.  This is my third year donating art, and I am so pleased to be able to contribute to this very worthwhile cause.  I hope you'll visit the website and read about Miss Daisy and the legacy she leaves behind.

Innocence II

"Innocence II"  (Mixed Media)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Well, as promised when I posted "Innocence" (watercolor), I've tried the same painting in mixed media.  The results (especially in the texture) are quite different and it's been an interesting process.  I've never duplicated one of my paintings before -- so this was an experiment on several levels.  I'm not sure which one I like better because they're so very different.  But seeing them side-by-side on the easel is fascinating (at least to me!).

Innocence

"Innocence"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, ©2013

Well, class is out (all except for the final critique) and I'm still painting!  Actually, this is the first half of a two-part experiment in which I will paint the same subject in a mixed media.  I thought it would be interesting to compare the two results, and I just love the subject matter.  So stay tuned for the second half.

Pug Puppy

"Pug Puppy"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, © 2013

Last day for painting in class -- and I've ended it with another puppy study.  I think I'm going to continue painting them over the summer since they're just too much fun to stop.  So stay tuned for some more puppies.

Every Girl's Dream -- Gallery Purchase Award Recipient

"Every Girl's Dream"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood

Come on, admit it.  You know it's true.  There's something about having lots of shoes in different colors and styles.  It just makes you smile. 

And this one really makes me smile because it was one of only 3-4 pieces purchased by the SAC Gallery in its initial program to begin building a permanent collection that will be on display around the campus, at the District headquarters, and also at several other locations.  This is the first year they're doing this, and I feel incredibly honored to have one of my pieces chosen.  That is definitely every artist's dream!

English Bulldog Puppy

"English Bulldog Puppy"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, ©2013

Having so much fun doing the puppies.  We're drawing to a close (excuse the pun) for this semester, and I have so many more dogs I want to paint.  I just love this little guy.  His wrinkles have wrinkles!

French Bulldog Puppy

"French Bulldog Puppy"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, © 2013

Still working with painting dogs, or in my case, puppies.  I just love this little guy.  He's so pudgy and cute that I just couldn't resist giving him a try.

Harley-quin

"Harley-quin" (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood, 2013

Okay...it's still a face.  But the class is taking a break from people faces and we've moved on to dogs and cats.  I decided to try a boxer puppy, and then I decided to give her the coloration of a lovely little lady named Harley who is just too cute for words.  This was quite fun and I hope her "momma" is pleasantly surprised when she sees this painting!

Aboriginal Mother and Child

"Aboriginal Mother and Child"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood

Decided to try something really different with this painting, moving away from just the face to the entire body.  I'm not sure I did justice to the skin tones, but it was an interesting exercise and I stretched myself with this one...which, when all is said and done, is the point of being in a class.

Le Jazz

"Le Jazz"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, © 2013

Still playing around with people, although this time I decided to go for more than just faces.  I found a marvelous photo of a group of musicians playing at night at an outdoor cafe in Paris and decided to adapt it.  And of course, you just know that they're playing jazz.

Guadalupe

"Guadalupe"  (Watercolor)  © C. Eastwood, 2013

This painting is based on a small black and white photo of a friend's grandmother as a young woman.  In the original photo, Guadalupe is surrounded by four beautiful children.  When I saw it, I asked if I might use the photo as a basis for a painting.  Permission was graciously granted...and here she is.  She's just so regal looking.

Girl in White Blouse

"Girl in White Blouse"  (Watercolor)   C. Eastwood, ©2013

Continuing on in my quest to improve painting faces during this Spring semester.  I'm hopeful we'll get to stay with the portraits, although the instructor was making some noises about painting sandwiches next.  (?!?)  Something to do with textural changes and what have you.  We just think she's hungry and is focusing on food since class starts during the lunch hour -- but who knows; I guess we'll find out.

Washington Weary

"Washington Weary"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

I thought it was about time to try doing another male face.  It's interesting to see the differences in facial structure and proportions compared to painting a woman's face.  Anyway -- here it is. 

Ethel as a Young Woman

"Ethel as a Young Woman"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

This one is special for me.  It's my grandmother, Ethel Turner (the original ET!).  My instructor suggested I go ahead and try for a monochromatic sepia-tone since it's an old photo.  I'll probably need to revisit this at some point and try to get the likeness better, but it was fun to work on.  Since I never knew her other than as my sweet (but very old) grandmother, I like to think she'd be pleased that the first picture I've tried is a significantly younger version. 

Shared Sorrow

"Shared Sorrow"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

This is the second painting I did in class the other day after completing "Blue Eyes."  It's based on a tiny photo that I found in a magazine and it just really captured my imagination.  I call it "Shared Sorrow," and for me it celebrates wonderful friends who come along side for support when the going gets tough.

Blue Eyes

"Blue Eyes"  (Watercolor)  C.Eastwood, 2013

So here we are, week two, and I've decided to focus on the face and work on developing my technique that will hopefully be less rigid but still respect the fact that I'm just not a "loose" painter!  Actually, I'm pretty happy with this one.  And surprisingly enough -- so was the instructor.  Yay!

Exploring Portrait Styles

"Study in Blues"  (Watercolor)  C.Eastwood, 2013

"Girl in Green"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2013

Watercolor class has started back up for the Spring and we're picking up where we left off last semester on working with faces.  The challenge was to paint with less detail (in preparation for putting people in street scenes or landscapes). The "Study in Blues" kind of fits what the instructor is looking for, but I wandered off back toward adding in features in "Girl in Green."  (I just couldn't help myself!!)  But considering I haven't touched a watercolor brush for two months, I felt like these were good opening exercises.  More to come!