tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13722146433669078892024-03-19T05:34:42.938-07:00Mona Vivar Fine ArtNotes from the sketchbookMona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-40983467828339954072014-09-23T03:00:00.000-07:002014-09-23T03:00:09.389-07:00Contrast To Make Paintings Catch the Eye<div style="text-align: justify;">
The two elements of an eye-catching painting are contrast and color. I have written several posts about using color to make a painting come to life, so today I will discuss contrast.</div>
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Light and dark contrast makes any scene more interesting. Nature always offers us fine examples of vivid shifts in light. I am especially fond of the light in Florida and used a photograph I took of palm trees and shadows on a wall to make my point. The following is a walk through of <em>Welcome to</em> <em>Florida</em> my latest acrylic painting.</div>
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I have studied the beauty of Florida's landscapes for years and almost feel them when I paint. So when I began this painting I attacked the canvas with very loose fast brushstrokes to block in the major areas. <br />
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I like showing what my palette looks like during the painting process. I always smile and wonder how the colors of the palette can look so yummy even when a painting hasn't come together...<br />
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So back to the painting. I keep adding layers of colors and bring more focus on the shapes of the palm fronds and the wall behind them.</div>
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I add even more palm fronds and bring up the light with my lightest greens and yellows. I thought the image below was going to be the final one, but I left the painting alone until the next day in order to better judge how it came out.<br />
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Ultimately, I decided that the hard line of the wall on the left of the painting was distracting. I simply went in and added more palm fronds over the wall to make the line disappear. I also added a few more intense, but light greens on the fronds and splashes of palest pink on the wall. I am satisfied that the light appears to dance on the wall because of the contrast between the darkest shadows and the lightest lights. I hope this painting catches your eye!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8FH2WyTK4lNRmrqWsNSYBwVZPphtuXNVCV4fu76ZHD5G-8bUTKC0_15yJiaOL7srzcdW0jRZHEoHAU2swOhor6uRp_sLBNfiBSZTXVi04Ex3NqfzlW-oVfbRjXCFNEr0zogGUywlo-U/s1600/Welcome+to+Florida+14090001+ac+14x11++(632x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8FH2WyTK4lNRmrqWsNSYBwVZPphtuXNVCV4fu76ZHD5G-8bUTKC0_15yJiaOL7srzcdW0jRZHEoHAU2swOhor6uRp_sLBNfiBSZTXVi04Ex3NqfzlW-oVfbRjXCFNEr0zogGUywlo-U/s1600/Welcome+to+Florida+14090001+ac+14x11++(632x800).jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Welcome to Florida</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Ebay Auction begins Tuesday, Sep 23, at 6:00 PST in my shop at </div>
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<a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-73596769991480450692014-07-25T07:39:00.001-07:002014-07-25T07:39:53.721-07:00Simplify Your Acrylic Color Selection<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am all about time management and simplification especially when it comes to producing art. If you are like me you want to spend more time painting and less time (and money) buying supplies. Walk into any art supply store or browse any art supply website and you will be overwhelmed by the color selections available with each acrylic paint brand. What colors do you REALLY need to make a painting? </div>
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I have spent a lot of time doing trial and error work to narrow down my color selection. I do both impressionistic and abstract paintings, and here is the palette that works for virtually any painting in those styles.</div>
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Starting on the left top corner and going right and then down these are my colors:</div>
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Titanium White</div>
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Cadmium Yellow (medium)</div>
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Yellow Ochre (sometimes called Yellow Oxide by various companies)</div>
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Cadmium Red (light)</div>
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Naphthol Crimson/Red</div>
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Alizarin Crimson</div>
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Magenta (or Permanent Rose)</div>
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Ultramarine Blue</div>
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Phthalo Blue</div>
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Cerulean Blue</div>
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Cobalt Blue (this one is optional but I really like the color)</div>
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Phthalo Green (or Viridian Green)</div>
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Burnt Umber</div>
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Black (Mars Black or Ivory Black will work)</div>
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These acrylic colors work well for me. I keep them in the same order on the palette because it trains my hand to automatically dip the brush in the right color without looking. A real no brainer! As you can see from the mixes in the middle of my palette everything looks harmonious. Maybe you can try them for yourself and make those paint purchases easier on the wallet and less time consuming.</div>
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Well it's back to the easel with me and my latest New Orleans scene.....</div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-68775294020774951802014-07-11T13:17:00.000-07:002014-07-11T13:17:21.411-07:00Painting the Essence of a Dragonfly<div style="text-align: justify;">
The other day I was on my patio admiring the few container plants that have survived the first half of summer when a beautiful blue dragonfly perched on the succulents and sat still long enough for me to get a snapshot of him. I also took a photo of my fiery red salvia blooms. Yet another example of painting subjects readily available in my own backyard!</div>
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Here is the step by step process I used to combine my subjects in an acrylic painting.</div>
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My easel with the printed photos for reference. I use blue house painter's tape to keep my canvas from sticking to the easel. Also helps with clean up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_wEMl3A3DZkmB4GLSgR2SA1lUVXsfwQj8aw8JmtGgy1JcegCfdSV8uWxjBI1yfKJQIHWQ0AADAmFzMXbKcFEbiBAKi4qG4ulc0Nd9vBIDDJTK500x9UVIbs-b0NCNEjsNxkrmViY-QQ/s1600/Dragonfly+set+2+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_wEMl3A3DZkmB4GLSgR2SA1lUVXsfwQj8aw8JmtGgy1JcegCfdSV8uWxjBI1yfKJQIHWQ0AADAmFzMXbKcFEbiBAKi4qG4ulc0Nd9vBIDDJTK500x9UVIbs-b0NCNEjsNxkrmViY-QQ/s1600/Dragonfly+set+2+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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Convenient set up with easel, palette, water and a chair if I need to sit rather than stand while painting.</div>
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I use my handy foam brush for a quick gestural block in of the star of the painting. The canvas is already toned with yellow ochre.</div>
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I continue to use the foam brush for broad slapping on of paint for the succulents.</div>
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The palette colors mimic what I have on the canvas. I don't thin my paints with anything. This allows me to make juicy strokes on the canvas. I keep the foam barely damp with water.</div>
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Here I use a large nylon brush to place smaller details on the dragonfly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHnClgV-mnbrXWbX8_qXRAnlOSuwsneA4EQvtkVjTE5PbtOXzDwlZlrJtC94o3aSxOM_gWo3fTwBgh9JYECm0uILaOd3n8Jf29Fw-LAJjG7PTWVhEWQtPz2FPutyuKc7CR6-FNuZxD94/s1600/Dragonfly+set+8+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidHnClgV-mnbrXWbX8_qXRAnlOSuwsneA4EQvtkVjTE5PbtOXzDwlZlrJtC94o3aSxOM_gWo3fTwBgh9JYECm0uILaOd3n8Jf29Fw-LAJjG7PTWVhEWQtPz2FPutyuKc7CR6-FNuZxD94/s1600/Dragonfly+set+8+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I go back to the foam brush and add the dark foreground for the blooming salvia. Up until this point I have been painting wet in wet paint. The greens will dull the red blooms so I wait until the paint dries before continuing with the blooms. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAatDfVtIdrgjn6i3nb54_ZMCZsAMoXLSTTY2KinSTD9l8BxMty0SqaCLpUhXpGeijh3_UGYuR5b-grcjwlbmeN1pA9bsOOTD-7W3XJk47UW2RL58TIykyPthiGO1Ji8Ihkd8Q_yzQPE/s1600/Dragonfly+set+9+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAatDfVtIdrgjn6i3nb54_ZMCZsAMoXLSTTY2KinSTD9l8BxMty0SqaCLpUhXpGeijh3_UGYuR5b-grcjwlbmeN1pA9bsOOTD-7W3XJk47UW2RL58TIykyPthiGO1Ji8Ihkd8Q_yzQPE/s1600/Dragonfly+set+9+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I add the red blooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrGAOrHc7XHOdc0Up9rOQLtw7qC0PE6MHzpr8CBHqsZpD_muLWDAJasSo0jtwm-zGQSCs832PRibvIiR_ctIvUApFr7duhb1gj-lDcUalUSlvAl4bUT731BnhsSRFkwoIuuBaiey6z_0/s1600/Dragonfly+set+10++(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijrGAOrHc7XHOdc0Up9rOQLtw7qC0PE6MHzpr8CBHqsZpD_muLWDAJasSo0jtwm-zGQSCs832PRibvIiR_ctIvUApFr7duhb1gj-lDcUalUSlvAl4bUT731BnhsSRFkwoIuuBaiey6z_0/s1600/Dragonfly+set+10++(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I add lighter leaves on the salvia and multiple stokes of various cheerful colors around the canvas.</div>
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I use dull yellow on the background and allow some of the darker toned canvas to peek through. I also put a few strokes of red on the dragonfly for more unity with the red blooms.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGlZM1ETr-58p5RoQvujbt2K6np6hk5rNZNdBmPoaWCfvvupQiy8zHaZhRZqXuxl8huR2Zh_e16RJHM72hawdFSqJqNfF7UxP5gfnplmve8qT9FxnpEEBLwWCvX3C91yGqtATZ6JnhY8/s1600/Summer+Visitor+ac+11x14+14070004+Mona+Vivar+(800x623).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixGlZM1ETr-58p5RoQvujbt2K6np6hk5rNZNdBmPoaWCfvvupQiy8zHaZhRZqXuxl8huR2Zh_e16RJHM72hawdFSqJqNfF7UxP5gfnplmve8qT9FxnpEEBLwWCvX3C91yGqtATZ6JnhY8/s1600/Summer+Visitor+ac+11x14+14070004+Mona+Vivar+(800x623).jpg" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sign and <em>Summer Visitor </em>(acrylic on canvas, 11 inches by 14 inches) is finished!</div>
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Now listed on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MonaVivarFineArt?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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All images copyright Mona Vivar 2014.</div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-16432299066277532992014-07-04T03:00:00.000-07:002014-07-04T03:00:03.625-07:00Paint Red, White and Blue Loose with Foam Sponges<div style="text-align: justify;">
Summer conjures up images of endless flowers for me so I cave in to the urge to paint them. This week was no different except I decided to use foam sponges instead of brushes to paint with. I have been experimenting with the foam sponges as a way to exaggerate motion and paint thickness. It keeps me from piddling along with details.</div>
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Here are the foam sponges I use. They came from Target in the hardware and house painting section. A pack of three was slightly over a dollar. You can find them in most other discount stores or hardware and home improvement stores.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8fRW1KO48WbT3wNeuKppphwO8UzPB5PjQ-s2yf67gbVkun7uICFS07Zl5p_y30eF3jBpYm8SqKmtk8ObuRvkVH9GwutM0cYuJewUvYto2I-VDukfxLNfl90Vd4Bt9SbvJU3X_a1s6fI/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+4+(800x586).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI8fRW1KO48WbT3wNeuKppphwO8UzPB5PjQ-s2yf67gbVkun7uICFS07Zl5p_y30eF3jBpYm8SqKmtk8ObuRvkVH9GwutM0cYuJewUvYto2I-VDukfxLNfl90Vd4Bt9SbvJU3X_a1s6fI/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+4+(800x586).jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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At first, I wanted to paint pink, orange and yellow blooms in an aqua fiestaware pitcher. I blocked in the basic shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuZEgHwj0Au9oj-uVf5OnZCGqDxk-t78vaIYNyreX0jE4MB-z8JGXQi18jgkMeaOmepCSZuUAVvSPgy9vIzKbSJ78L_CVUYouO1MrWwQV8_HLB2XLa5HYO8JPuq87faGEtp-JRTWMF_8/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+(596x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuZEgHwj0Au9oj-uVf5OnZCGqDxk-t78vaIYNyreX0jE4MB-z8JGXQi18jgkMeaOmepCSZuUAVvSPgy9vIzKbSJ78L_CVUYouO1MrWwQV8_HLB2XLa5HYO8JPuq87faGEtp-JRTWMF_8/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+(596x800).jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR4NWlS5lAPA9ZujI5GF0quU98h57Crve5rKod-ql6HXEkTGQykD2qWePuP0Xo8fJiccmF8f_W06B-IKVvyT-CNC8ldP-gbr7fXETImmQb17BCkAgpN5o0BVGJZTahwRW-7PXjYLNMrA/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+2+(586x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR4NWlS5lAPA9ZujI5GF0quU98h57Crve5rKod-ql6HXEkTGQykD2qWePuP0Xo8fJiccmF8f_W06B-IKVvyT-CNC8ldP-gbr7fXETImmQb17BCkAgpN5o0BVGJZTahwRW-7PXjYLNMrA/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+2+(586x800).jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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The colors looked great on my palette, but I thought the painting looked anemic as it began to develop. I was very happy with slapping paint on with the foam sponges though! I used a brush only towards the end to finish off the table and pitcher.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGzw9Hf0eUTFmvNz0ljR8tnEiWa20iawuh28UW3vahifRqdeP3D9cfLNjSxu2YpoaaBiKzLgzY2wf2ccXpozkaOlfpWordak_wVB-2HkMc5O4CmDvWVu798YdgsQGDeTJnGWmXBRLExA/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+3+(800x582).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmGzw9Hf0eUTFmvNz0ljR8tnEiWa20iawuh28UW3vahifRqdeP3D9cfLNjSxu2YpoaaBiKzLgzY2wf2ccXpozkaOlfpWordak_wVB-2HkMc5O4CmDvWVu798YdgsQGDeTJnGWmXBRLExA/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+3+(800x582).jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
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Independence Day was right around the corner, so I made a decision to completely change the color of the flowers to red, white and blue. That's the great thing about painting, you can make it anything you want....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXQona69qrNvwuodlZpCEK-AKle_0uaOrmWCZnEhzPE0vhAfaWHAJE2UCAcFpWzbhp_W7x9JVgyFsX66SFNpScVtTTsxMT6PKC3D6FG0g5htCkBVXUvHwdoDCPN90Qh8OKonz41ye4G4/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+5+(597x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXQona69qrNvwuodlZpCEK-AKle_0uaOrmWCZnEhzPE0vhAfaWHAJE2UCAcFpWzbhp_W7x9JVgyFsX66SFNpScVtTTsxMT6PKC3D6FG0g5htCkBVXUvHwdoDCPN90Qh8OKonz41ye4G4/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+5+(597x800).jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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I kept the pitcher the same color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rfLU208RIbhcqBetpGJ7qmCOq8gEeGFppNQPAOOymp_412PZiE7gyObI9Cnbpvu_LTLH_19Rqdbul2kYfYajvcFa4ltobYRtqEV07KmQJs-eizR7gpFt2a_hx_9TOz6_2yQLsHqNvQE/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+6+(585x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rfLU208RIbhcqBetpGJ7qmCOq8gEeGFppNQPAOOymp_412PZiE7gyObI9Cnbpvu_LTLH_19Rqdbul2kYfYajvcFa4ltobYRtqEV07KmQJs-eizR7gpFt2a_hx_9TOz6_2yQLsHqNvQE/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+6+(585x800).jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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I changed the background from the neutral grey green to white in order to make the mood of the painting more summery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxX0mj9TslxE6zB8eSz4mfdMEisqjUxMpp9XhYtElQDx9zdJTnEoD04dyO0uStFmcBV8cJA6mCh4WzaXoH7rzE6vHQ46rWcXkwRj3gbLfphV6QPgzoQqbr_mb4Fcd8wykJRm4j4Ejx5U/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+7+(575x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxX0mj9TslxE6zB8eSz4mfdMEisqjUxMpp9XhYtElQDx9zdJTnEoD04dyO0uStFmcBV8cJA6mCh4WzaXoH7rzE6vHQ46rWcXkwRj3gbLfphV6QPgzoQqbr_mb4Fcd8wykJRm4j4Ejx5U/s1600/July+Blooms+demo+7+(575x800).jpg" height="400" width="287" /></a></div>
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Finally I was happy with <em>July Blooms</em>. Here is the finished piece. Those foam sponges are my new best painting "secret"! Enjoy Independence Day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw47ivh1RUz1-seTtMAImMeBTmq1OC7WqzXRlKB9nS3i9MTLdUMk7tJRuGnhkuYvaIknvenR-uzJI3LW7Gg-OTkwk8NrHIRMS1HMTKKbHJ4n_HtWhH_tfM72-kUMVMO-pX_k_mbjCpK8/s1600/July+Blooms+ac+14x11+14070001+Mona+Vivar+(631x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBw47ivh1RUz1-seTtMAImMeBTmq1OC7WqzXRlKB9nS3i9MTLdUMk7tJRuGnhkuYvaIknvenR-uzJI3LW7Gg-OTkwk8NrHIRMS1HMTKKbHJ4n_HtWhH_tfM72-kUMVMO-pX_k_mbjCpK8/s1600/July+Blooms+ac+14x11+14070001+Mona+Vivar+(631x800).jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>July Blooms</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-23247514255129314552014-06-27T07:15:00.002-07:002014-06-27T07:35:31.883-07:00Loose Painting and New Orleans<div style="text-align: justify;">
A painter's "style" doesn't develop overnight. I am no exception. It has taken years to narrow in on what thrills me when I paint. Ultimately, I aim for bold, loose, and border line sloppy as I balance reality with abstraction. </div>
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Architecture is a painting subject that normally demands precision, but I push it into a less precise form on purpose. Especially when I paint any New Orleans streets or buildings. Buildings in that famous city are frequently old, sagging and battered. That's what gives The Big Easy such charm. It is a perfect city to paint loosely.</div>
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I recently painted <em>Streets of New Orleans</em> with acrylics and photographed the various stages as I went along. I had painted this scene before so I was more confident and more able to paint freely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLW7aPHHvdhol7VcYlB9j-Q0Vj_ws56802FPdrQoO7czB3ogYcgoSj0D8NCp5Rg3P8fKzpdptUQB1kOmlsjZ1Rdw_8CHpA1Gyi8XqpxsHHdQLlFbZIrrT-dIGKf0443CgDbRm2BJGcXM/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+1+(588x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLW7aPHHvdhol7VcYlB9j-Q0Vj_ws56802FPdrQoO7czB3ogYcgoSj0D8NCp5Rg3P8fKzpdptUQB1kOmlsjZ1Rdw_8CHpA1Gyi8XqpxsHHdQLlFbZIrrT-dIGKf0443CgDbRm2BJGcXM/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+1+(588x800).jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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Here is a fast and furious start. I don't draw anything, I just jump right in with blocking in the basic shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfKIexFE1O3sV-vhJ43D24_6kzKQBLKJxkYOB9Xdyyfb5wJ-nUoTnOdMrK0vV-qUmCdFd3HWGjO6YQFEPphYW2nmFHUi9ScU-hsGcvmy4bTkbBQIn129BEY-Ca-B5iQFCZ_4opn2owi4/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+2+(594x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfKIexFE1O3sV-vhJ43D24_6kzKQBLKJxkYOB9Xdyyfb5wJ-nUoTnOdMrK0vV-qUmCdFd3HWGjO6YQFEPphYW2nmFHUi9ScU-hsGcvmy4bTkbBQIn129BEY-Ca-B5iQFCZ_4opn2owi4/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+2+(594x800).jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></div>
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I then work on some of the distant buildings keeping the background light in order to lend some depth to the painting. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig8khdwEQvlxlwIv0MmVwNjI-8w54Av_jZYqJrjYXNztkoMqgfElt7WHnM2yPJEnjV7IYpf2UNEIOKP4t02nfd8jHYEaex_pJwKwS1NtCdrXD4O1y9CeSDyHT7BdHWyrBMGWJQJZRMsc/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+4+(597x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiig8khdwEQvlxlwIv0MmVwNjI-8w54Av_jZYqJrjYXNztkoMqgfElt7WHnM2yPJEnjV7IYpf2UNEIOKP4t02nfd8jHYEaex_pJwKwS1NtCdrXD4O1y9CeSDyHT7BdHWyrBMGWJQJZRMsc/s1600/Streets+of+New+Orleans+4+(597x800).jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
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I didn't like the bright blue on the front buildings so I covered those areas with warmer color.</div>
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I also lightened the sidewalks.</div>
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Here is my palette with my selection of colors. Notice the rich greys. I don't use a ready made grey paint on the palette because it is possible to make beautiful greys from combinations of complimentary colors, such as blue and orange in this instance. This helps keep the painting harmonious.</div>
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I add the smaller details at this point; windows in the distant buildings, lights on the closer buildings and reflections on the pavement.</div>
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Final version of <em>Streets of New Orleans </em>(acrylic on canvas, 14 inches by 11 inches, copyright Mona Vivar). Balconies have been added as well as additional reflections on the pavement.</div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-52630293316807902922014-06-20T10:10:00.000-07:002014-06-20T10:10:13.988-07:00Painting From a Photograph<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few weeks ago my husband and I were driving around enjoying a beautiful afternoon along the Alabama-Florida border when we pulled off the road to look at the newly constructed boat ramp in the community of Lillian, Alabama. The boat launch is on Perdido Bay. I never waste an opportunity to snap some reference photos for future paintings, so I took several.</div>
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I was struck by the blueness of the clear, breezy day.</div>
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The pine trees and the frothy water sparkling the sunlight made me wish I had brought an easel and paints!</div>
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I especially liked this particular angle. The shadows and light were wonderful. Now if only I could catch it on a canvas. </div>
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I ultimately did get my impression of that beautiful day on a canvas. I regret not documenting my step-by-step painting process, but here is the final version. As you can see, I ramped up the colors, especially of the sand and water. I emphasized the purple, blue and green in the water and added zing with the red, orange and yellow of sand. I also lightened the pine tree trunks because the darks of a photograph are always darker than the real live actual shadows. The painted scene has most, but not all of the detail of the photograph because I am an impressionist painter who can create my impression of a perfect day. </div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Wind in the Pines</em>, 11 inches by 14 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193484392/impressionist-southern-pine-trees-shore?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-38420577710779368642014-06-13T09:18:00.000-07:002014-06-13T09:18:08.811-07:00The Lure of Summer<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Warm weather is here again. I relish the sight of all that green when I open the blinds each morning. All the birds are loud and busy this time of year. There is a pair of brown thrashers in constant motion. Nesting mockingbirds fly at the cat's head each time she crosses the yard. Big blue jays steal food from her bowl. Sabrina the old cat sleeps oblivious to the racket and uncaring about the feathered frenzy.</span></div>
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Meanwhile, my "Social Climber" pink rose that I planted a year ago has tripled in size. In another year it will be in its full glory. Big pink roses bloom. The smell is intoxicating.</div>
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A pair of rabbits has declared the yard to be part of their territory. I watch them morning and evening as they nibble on weeds when the yard gets shaggy. They follow each other and frequently circle and jump around. Perhaps little ones will make an appearance soon? All of them can stay. They don't eat the roses or my selection of potted plants. </div>
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Rain cools the temperatures, and the hydrangea bush is full of blooms. I want to take a nap. I decide to paint those blue blooms to catch the spirit of summer.</div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Blue Border</em>, 6 inches by 6 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192672935/impressionist-blooming-blue-hydrangea?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-41905608335924398122014-06-06T10:33:00.002-07:002014-06-06T10:33:58.890-07:00A Funny Thing Happened At Grayton Beach<div style="text-align: justify;">
A good friend and I recently spent a lovely day next door in Florida exploring Grayton Beach and DeFuniak Springs. We took loads of photos, enjoyed a windy beach and had a delicious lunch at Grayt Grounds (Monet Monet). </div>
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Grayt Grounds is a Florida replica of Monet's Giverny home and garden with the added benefit of art, excellent coffee, pastries, sandwiches and a catering service. There is also a jewelry store on site called Rock Hard Designs. Very relaxing.</div>
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Welcoming Front of Grayt Grounds</div>
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Bridge and Koi Pond at Grayt Grounds</div>
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Wedding Reception setting at Grayt Grounds</div>
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So there we were enjoying a fine lunch in this scenic stop when a lady sitting with her husband at a nearby table leaned over and asked if I was an artist. I said "Yes." She went on to say that I looked so familiar that she was sure that she had bought art from me. After several minutes of questions and discussion she decided that she had in fact bought a blue crab painting from me and had sent it to her father in Delaware as a present. This is entirely possible since I have done hundreds of sales via Ebay and Etsy over the past year. In any event, I was flattered and slightly bemused at being recognized in public outside of my local area. </div>
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Our next stop was DeFuniak Springs and a drive around perfectly round DeFuniak Lake fronted by gracious homes and churches. We stopped at Florida's oldest public library still in operation, the DeFuniak-Walton Library (built in 1886-1887), where the librarian wound up a giant music box for us and told us all about the collection of medieval swords that were hanging high on the library walls above the stacks. </div>
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Walton-DeFuniak Library</div>
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All in all, it was a perfect day. Here is a painting of Grayt Grounds I was excited about creating. There are many more paintings to come from this day trip.</div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Monet's Grayton</em>, 9 inches by 12 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Coming to Ebay Sunday, June 8, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. PST at <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings?_trksid=p2047675.l2568" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art Paintings</a> </div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-86194009359165133532014-05-30T06:21:00.002-07:002014-05-30T06:21:54.729-07:00Back At It and Down to the Sea<div style="text-align: justify;">
I took a brief respite last week from my blog during the Memorial Day weekend and came back energized. Even artists, perhaps especially artists, need to step away from the daily creative process to see things from a new angle.</div>
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One thing I noticed in reviewing my paintings is that I am doing a lot of seascape paintings. This has crept up on me unawares as I have continued to produce a high number of paintings with a variety of subjects. No matter what I paint, the sea haunts me. When I think about it I realize that I have always been pulled towards coastlines. The only time in my life when I didn't live within a few miles of a shore was while I attended law school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I felt stranded in unfamiliar territory. Once I finished school I promptly fled to the west coast of California as a Navy lawyer. Later, I lived aboard an aircraft carrier for two weeks at a time floating around in the Gulf. When I left the Navy I settled right back near the Gulf where I have remained ever since.</div>
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So here are more seascapes. Grayton Beach calls.</div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Down to the Beach</em>, 12 inches by 9 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=131199375399&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Smooth Sailing</em>, 12 inches by 9 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=141299010013&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-52222155016858212152014-05-16T00:30:00.000-07:002014-05-16T07:12:29.568-07:00Finishing the Triptych<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the past two weeks I have been painting a large acrylic triptych featuring Denali National Park. Today's post is the final installment of my mountain climb...</div>
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I am well into the middle stage of the painting commission, but have a fairly clear idea of what the final image will look like as I fill in the foreground leaves and flowers. I begin to add snow on the mountains. I fill in the lake and add some cloud reflections.</div>
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I decide that some of the flowers in the foreground need to be changed from deep red to purple. I leave some of the red pink flowers on one canvas.</div>
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I add more cloud reflections on the water.</div>
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I then add more snow and begin shaping the mountain reflections.</div>
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More of the same. I decide that the yellow hill on the right is attracting too much attention, so I paint in green grasses to make it recede visually.</div>
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Here is the final version. The mountain is fully reflected in the lake. Clouds pass over the mountains. Snow is partially melted because it is summer in Alaska. The landscape of <em>Denali Dream</em> rolls on forever.</div>
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<br />Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-26760458516116368542014-05-08T22:00:00.000-07:002014-05-08T22:00:08.399-07:00Middle Stage of the Triptych<div align="justify">
It has been my experience that the middle stages of creating a painting are scary, or at the very least, messy. I have wanted to stop everything and simply quit a painting sometimes when the going got rough in the middle, but I found that if I soldiered on, the painting would resolve itself as it neared completion.</div>
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Here is the middle stage of the Denali triptych. Colors appear random. Shapes are indefinite. The mountain range looks more like the gentle hills of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the eastern United States than jagged Alaskan peaks. The paint is applied thinly with a brush. I will not be deterred. I am laying in the basic shapes and working all over the three canvases. Lingering too long over one area or one canvas will result in an over worked piece. Yep, this is the messy middle stage.</div>
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I keep things handy. The red step-stool lets me work on upper parts of canvases without having to readjust easels</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2uuet7RHCbG-_ytMdHdrbJm_N-jbF9adu70w1aVLknsgLQJd05BmmRZ-i1U4kHAHBhyphenhyphenR_OCo-8lgaPMSd34Kg5d35U87Q5QbgwaLNwuSSCYBaHVmFm1K8xPEUv0FM-2x6ysCCVAYAdo/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+5+(800x547).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2uuet7RHCbG-_ytMdHdrbJm_N-jbF9adu70w1aVLknsgLQJd05BmmRZ-i1U4kHAHBhyphenhyphenR_OCo-8lgaPMSd34Kg5d35U87Q5QbgwaLNwuSSCYBaHVmFm1K8xPEUv0FM-2x6ysCCVAYAdo/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+5+(800x547).jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a></div>
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I always like my palette better than what's on the canvas! I keep brushes soaking in water tray so the acrylic paint won't dry on the bristles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmb_MVJ98HTXqIIWsDrYJUErlJHHpu3xnRDNR3zYiOCmlzixQB523fbd4-bnCVsb9lw5hRCOUv-rKKCVxA8C3ZOGRs1y643KCLQVlFfIaxENmY_GKhcMsvKYjuYRdX3BeFnGaJEOlWyY/s1600/Flanigan+Triptych+6+(800x594).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmb_MVJ98HTXqIIWsDrYJUErlJHHpu3xnRDNR3zYiOCmlzixQB523fbd4-bnCVsb9lw5hRCOUv-rKKCVxA8C3ZOGRs1y643KCLQVlFfIaxENmY_GKhcMsvKYjuYRdX3BeFnGaJEOlWyY/s1600/Flanigan+Triptych+6+(800x594).jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another shot of what is going on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aBwK4yj4tiF1sDAcU0n4AR9JjKkn-XXNAzbQqsYKSXwj2dGU4d2jOKqdqd-akURHPs0RXHMHFN08Br0hPRzYbt46u6XdyExdp902nW2i8ZHdJ3la7-2u-3qOdy0noSxDhcllZzydsBk/s1600/Flanigan+Triptych+7+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aBwK4yj4tiF1sDAcU0n4AR9JjKkn-XXNAzbQqsYKSXwj2dGU4d2jOKqdqd-akURHPs0RXHMHFN08Br0hPRzYbt46u6XdyExdp902nW2i8ZHdJ3la7-2u-3qOdy0noSxDhcllZzydsBk/s1600/Flanigan+Triptych+7+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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Distant fields and trees have sprouted!</div>
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As I continue to work I will be adding thicker paint and definite, dramatic definition to various sections. Flowers will bloom, water will sparkle, shadows will create the illusion of light and mountains will grow ridges. I'm looking forward to that. </div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-24259132880273600132014-05-02T04:56:00.000-07:002014-05-02T04:56:13.960-07:00Painting a Large Triptych<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before I tackle the subject of painting a large scene across three canvases, I want to show you how the chicken planter painting turned out that I was painting last week. Here is the completed painting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcST8s_yAGNZRev-0zdLm8GsR0fXYheovTNEP4XbIgs7VYDIOfLqdjp8FBuCe5O1BJqncva3ykrHH1FS-cAas4Y0mabyQLCkYBd-FCidiF47vmHun81dm00gbnDdHdL2bfAU2FxFhPQo/s1600/Marigold+Chicken+ac+12x16+14040020+(800x604).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcST8s_yAGNZRev-0zdLm8GsR0fXYheovTNEP4XbIgs7VYDIOfLqdjp8FBuCe5O1BJqncva3ykrHH1FS-cAas4Y0mabyQLCkYBd-FCidiF47vmHun81dm00gbnDdHdL2bfAU2FxFhPQo/s1600/Marigold+Chicken+ac+12x16+14040020+(800x604).jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Marigold Chicken</em>, 12 inches by 16 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Private Collection</div>
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This week I am working on a large commissioned scene of Denali, Alaska. I am excited about this job because the mountain landscape will extend across three canvases measuring 36 inches by 24 inches each. I am using several photographs provided by my client and my own impression of this beautiful place.</div>
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First, I had to make my work space efficient. I put all three of my easels close together, placed studio lighting from both the right and left sides and placed two trash cans within easy reach. My easel is to the far right and is not shown in the photo. I toned all three canvases with yellow ochre acrylic paint. These will be acrylic paintings.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX57YDMceL7TEeHhpwIB-5wcw58qop8ihEZnH6wCvVT1EyfTNztGvqoYDeBeXwkV3siLW8LDJZyRjEfdH4ECu5FLH-pJ7Bs8hGztFIxevP-MfjbG1S3qpGvVJb8p0w8mpjGa6poeY0Ea8/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+(800x595).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX57YDMceL7TEeHhpwIB-5wcw58qop8ihEZnH6wCvVT1EyfTNztGvqoYDeBeXwkV3siLW8LDJZyRjEfdH4ECu5FLH-pJ7Bs8hGztFIxevP-MfjbG1S3qpGvVJb8p0w8mpjGa6poeY0Ea8/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+(800x595).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then sketched basic horizon lines with a mix of ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. I placed mountains, hills, lake and forefront on the canvases making sure that the lines flow across all three. I even drew myself an arrow in the left upper corner of the painting indicating which direction the light in the painting would be coming from.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf60eHBXFKjz12Zke9m8wAyLevRSfrEuql_aubiehcOMBmXjCv61fV35qxn0VBb2jRpHZfope0qq6ko10aHdKZox4HANBFC1bfXoplkOmZnv_qFqQ9LZcApZR_FzqgtW3sxuSfi0QrvY4/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+2+(800x596).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf60eHBXFKjz12Zke9m8wAyLevRSfrEuql_aubiehcOMBmXjCv61fV35qxn0VBb2jRpHZfope0qq6ko10aHdKZox4HANBFC1bfXoplkOmZnv_qFqQ9LZcApZR_FzqgtW3sxuSfi0QrvY4/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+2+(800x596).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then start applying paint at the top in order to establish the sky. I used a palette knife for the start. I will be using the palette knife throughout the creation of this piece along with brushwork as needed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO6tLqPGEAWOW5jPVSRzjG1SSKCuReSv8AnO9I9Jtvd2x3iWj6otDwV4IefaH3-fNNubeOMRlv2-zZftalBF8h55dr_X4kcFrzkfM_qzgWOT8fRzgzswjHzBsdMS7yT9jULdMVwq18ug/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+3+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguO6tLqPGEAWOW5jPVSRzjG1SSKCuReSv8AnO9I9Jtvd2x3iWj6otDwV4IefaH3-fNNubeOMRlv2-zZftalBF8h55dr_X4kcFrzkfM_qzgWOT8fRzgzswjHzBsdMS7yT9jULdMVwq18ug/s1600/Flanigan+triptych+3+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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There will be many adjustments as I climb this mountain range, so be sure to check back to see my progress.</div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-66957907530863316042014-04-25T15:33:00.001-07:002014-04-25T15:33:36.831-07:00Painting Not Blogging<div style="text-align: justify;">
Agh! I had to get more painting done today sooooo I neglected this week's post. I did, however, want to let you know that I was in the studio painting. I worked on <em>Marigold Chicken </em>for a nice customer. I wanted that spicy Latin feeling that comes with beautiful Mexican pottery. I kept my acrylic palette colors warm and bright--pinks, reds, green, light blues and yellows. Black was used for contrast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL9cPbeS2TQlOCZz5MpZL3l-4abWNC7naRFDJCuzFOXgxiQ7DzQaGYCaAwjQl_X67ONM1Xcn16_w4zkHO7dFBY2uMbNlZdax4j12l-lJslgSkm55Upks0bm0Sx3JiiJGZWYrfdLCBis4/s1600/Chicken+palette+(430x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitL9cPbeS2TQlOCZz5MpZL3l-4abWNC7naRFDJCuzFOXgxiQ7DzQaGYCaAwjQl_X67ONM1Xcn16_w4zkHO7dFBY2uMbNlZdax4j12l-lJslgSkm55Upks0bm0Sx3JiiJGZWYrfdLCBis4/s1600/Chicken+palette+(430x800).jpg" height="640" width="344" /></a></div>
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I listened to Trova Radio and wore a colorful maxi dress just to get more in sync with this particular painting. Here is the middle stage. Colorful dress matches the painting. Ha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuEcwjj9hIBmbmnuVwNTO9YjKFDZ1mx4reLVqLAdPgBhUz0rXb586uVHF92g2FRFWed4tuaskr97uBS-mB5dtCYThvA1E-5L_l-caUN1aMmBPeOr_y80wsKiwfTWhQP37FnL67cCqFwE/s1600/Chicken+marigold+painting+(449x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUuEcwjj9hIBmbmnuVwNTO9YjKFDZ1mx4reLVqLAdPgBhUz0rXb586uVHF92g2FRFWed4tuaskr97uBS-mB5dtCYThvA1E-5L_l-caUN1aMmBPeOr_y80wsKiwfTWhQP37FnL67cCqFwE/s1600/Chicken+marigold+painting+(449x800).jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
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What about the finished painting? I will post that photo when completed. Stay tuned.....Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-40823782541126879562014-04-18T08:03:00.000-07:002014-04-18T08:03:29.958-07:00Easter WishHave a blessed Easter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQsyZXqmAgXdN148P7tFSBZixAsTEy4BkLyNbwew5Y4r7MFjw8KJTqTtf381o9lMpqewAw2k8Bru3I47zihHVTloXijjMo79nPhwZu4o1gTyABsBqvpwaLWIwD4c6WP_QbbM1cjqguA/s1600/Day's+End+ac+14x11+14040007+Mona+Vivar+(632x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQsyZXqmAgXdN148P7tFSBZixAsTEy4BkLyNbwew5Y4r7MFjw8KJTqTtf381o9lMpqewAw2k8Bru3I47zihHVTloXijjMo79nPhwZu4o1gTyABsBqvpwaLWIwD4c6WP_QbbM1cjqguA/s1600/Day's+End+ac+14x11+14040007+Mona+Vivar+(632x800).jpg" height="640" width="504" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar,<em> Day's End</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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On Ebay at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=141255268570&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-46085654705988181042014-04-11T00:30:00.000-07:002014-04-11T06:33:33.802-07:00Sailing Into Bigger Ideas<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sail boats have caught my attention lately. Not actual boats, rather the idea of boats. The imagery of boats on the sea is powerful. It implies vastness, the unknown, danger, beauty, longing, a journey. Isn't that what life is? </div>
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Boats and vast oceans are now a part of my painting vocabulary. Intensity is added with thick paint applied by palette knife.</div>
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"Not all who wander are lost." JRR Tolkien</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLHlX7tK9_q7pKcvMfy2ySVDlFfdLExiuT3O79Q-cG9WBwkYaXOmeJ39K8fBKX6-bIo_M-iEhHxbvtOfxhGXdEPRc_1A5XU0vyCGv4aA8oV1KriN01btZYVKKW5-5dTrWvdQ9Qcyax5E/s1600/At+Rest+ac+14x11+14040002+Mona+Vivar+(633x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilLHlX7tK9_q7pKcvMfy2ySVDlFfdLExiuT3O79Q-cG9WBwkYaXOmeJ39K8fBKX6-bIo_M-iEhHxbvtOfxhGXdEPRc_1A5XU0vyCGv4aA8oV1KriN01btZYVKKW5-5dTrWvdQ9Qcyax5E/s1600/At+Rest+ac+14x11+14040002+Mona+Vivar+(633x800).jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>At Rest</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=141246333708&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-71517959888912589752014-04-04T08:28:00.001-07:002014-04-04T08:28:21.011-07:00Azaleas and Palette Knife Painting <div style="text-align: justify;">
I look out my window and see the bright fuchsia of the azalea bushes in the yard. It is the brief few weeks in the south when all plant life shows off its finest colors. I hustle to get the oils out to try to do justice to nature's decorations. I pick a batch of blooms, put them in a glass pitcher and begin work.</div>
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My palette consists of Titanium White, Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Orange, Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue and Phthalo Blue. I add Weber Res-n-Gel quick drying extender to the paint because I use a palette knife and apply the paint very thickly. I want the paint to dry in a few days, not a few weeks. The Res-n-Gel helps with both thickness and drying time.</div>
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I work very quickly and finish the piece in one session. There is no dawdling when it comes to painting live flowers. They change so rapidly. I do not use my camera this time because I feel only the live subject will spur me on to bolder painting. Here are the results.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCe9VXyZ8BiRUrRlACvuB8tc-zN7WLnJ0EpgieorRmrZeIN-Ni25Qm313C7BTY_1BgR5ZUxWPF9FllfRgaFh2NXtspwkFGLtRC92hp0I_KG42jnLpLIPlpkru1bGrVkAX4EvZ4K8702Y/s1600/Azalea+Burst+14x11+oc++(632x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCe9VXyZ8BiRUrRlACvuB8tc-zN7WLnJ0EpgieorRmrZeIN-Ni25Qm313C7BTY_1BgR5ZUxWPF9FllfRgaFh2NXtspwkFGLtRC92hp0I_KG42jnLpLIPlpkru1bGrVkAX4EvZ4K8702Y/s1600/Azalea+Burst+14x11+oc++(632x800).jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Azalea Burst</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Available on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/185074854/romantic-fuchsia-azalea-flower-bouquet?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP5Zo4fnm8hiF0UNcWAom4m06A89IcJLj3qUbyKTGFHsznX9NHHPO1Yeyl8uNKS0B_7539vIDLOGj5AtJ0XqGvbCBl2mUpnudfPaO3Ps5varP5exDy5gOdEd2U84r0CgLYNjtmwYvzYg/s1600/Azalea+Burst+detail+2+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijP5Zo4fnm8hiF0UNcWAom4m06A89IcJLj3qUbyKTGFHsznX9NHHPO1Yeyl8uNKS0B_7539vIDLOGj5AtJ0XqGvbCBl2mUpnudfPaO3Ps5varP5exDy5gOdEd2U84r0CgLYNjtmwYvzYg/s1600/Azalea+Burst+detail+2+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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<em>Azalea Burst</em> detail</div>
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<em>Azalea Burst</em> detail</div>
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<em>Azalea Burst</em> detail</div>
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<em>Azalea Burst</em> detail</div>
Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-10573415785394028442014-03-27T22:20:00.000-07:002014-03-27T22:20:32.724-07:00Paint Thick or Go Home<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think many artists (I include myself in this group) frequently tighten up and get stingy with the paint. It seems to be natural to do so when trying to reach some ideal image. I finally decided to get bolder with my use of paint and be generous when applying it to the support.</div>
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To shake things up a bit (ie, get myself out of old habits) I used a palette knife for my most recent work. I also put a lot of paint on the palette and on the paintings. Oils were applied with minimal amounts of liquin or straight out of the tube. Acrylics where thickened with Golden High Solid Gel Gloss. Only the most rudimentary guide lines where painted on the canvas so that I would be forced to develop the image by manipulating the paint. The resulting paintings were much looser, more spontaneous and fresher.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yAHny0kD8ATqNLYVw6LFb02E2sIW9x-mjyxHGbLAfjHyupQwrcWgG2GE_YN03qIe_YUVg1l0zTctBURtK9kTPFuWTIH8gQmRDlaipmfaZW83Ly6CR_cfYnFhLboR3IiWeN7w5k_QZw8/s1600/Jackson+Square+Splendor+oc+10x8+14030019+Mona+Vivar+(630x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yAHny0kD8ATqNLYVw6LFb02E2sIW9x-mjyxHGbLAfjHyupQwrcWgG2GE_YN03qIe_YUVg1l0zTctBURtK9kTPFuWTIH8gQmRDlaipmfaZW83Ly6CR_cfYnFhLboR3IiWeN7w5k_QZw8/s1600/Jackson+Square+Splendor+oc+10x8+14030019+Mona+Vivar+(630x800).jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Jackson Square Splendor</em>, 10 inches by 8 inches, oil on panel</div>
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Now available on Etsy at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/183232112/new-orleans-jackson-square-cathedral?ref=shop_home_feat_2" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Detail of <em>Jackson Square Splendor</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXxLWFn5-ePs2aVoXxYEg3ZxtWJeyyWBb38FFgDPzCcUP4jM6V_guDZB_TBp7UNXeLp0ENQEhd77SEedqncNC1SmSVZ-e3WLPQzACxk7e2u3V9Xgz8qi8UNL4YH6ozxsf3Phfi4G8J8E/s1600/Race+Day+ac+10x10+13030024+Mona+Vivar+(789x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBXxLWFn5-ePs2aVoXxYEg3ZxtWJeyyWBb38FFgDPzCcUP4jM6V_guDZB_TBp7UNXeLp0ENQEhd77SEedqncNC1SmSVZ-e3WLPQzACxk7e2u3V9Xgz8qi8UNL4YH6ozxsf3Phfi4G8J8E/s1600/Race+Day+ac+10x10+13030024+Mona+Vivar+(789x800).jpg" height="400" width="393" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Race Day</em>, 10 inches by 10 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now available on Ebay at <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DfNsxPBKsy5jxtUj76ejRuQBU6dVrDFu_3YaPQFrWX6Kl9GuWbs8QFH0_WXGJnq9nfEAxmu8U12SbFgteTuRpwvjVhOF4YO42AUHBVTYitz7lymDQjIbO17ZY-3HPEXPQ3VNCEWA6O8/s1600/Race+Day+detail+3+(800x571).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DfNsxPBKsy5jxtUj76ejRuQBU6dVrDFu_3YaPQFrWX6Kl9GuWbs8QFH0_WXGJnq9nfEAxmu8U12SbFgteTuRpwvjVhOF4YO42AUHBVTYitz7lymDQjIbO17ZY-3HPEXPQ3VNCEWA6O8/s1600/Race+Day+detail+3+(800x571).jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Detail of <em>Race Day</em></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-86169847807554423642014-03-21T07:34:00.001-07:002014-03-21T07:34:25.324-07:00Wall Street Paintings<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I had the good fortune to paint some special Wall Street art for a financial advisor's new office. It was fun coming up with modern colorful renditions of famous symbols of that epicenter of the financial world. So here are my contributions to the workplace.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8-mWD3xA_gaSiBB6WE3QyCHvvDqkwq7FtOUqX7kE-WD6GhmMbQPMPEQatr1J50vIMWCPH55b6VDNstM2IwHaUF6Rdok55XIPwaNPj4UzaLNmymz6n5lU4BtYqygJ90VXFcFxusw_YbE/s1600/Bullish+ac+24x36+14030011+Mona+Vivar+(800x528).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8-mWD3xA_gaSiBB6WE3QyCHvvDqkwq7FtOUqX7kE-WD6GhmMbQPMPEQatr1J50vIMWCPH55b6VDNstM2IwHaUF6Rdok55XIPwaNPj4UzaLNmymz6n5lU4BtYqygJ90VXFcFxusw_YbE/s1600/Bullish+ac+24x36+14030011+Mona+Vivar+(800x528).jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Bullish</em>, 24 inches by 36 inches, acrylic on canvas<br />
Private Collection</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbg6vXlSYH6lPkY9Obsvy5bF3EFXRVUGTYsiMe89wOyxbs-86FiIc4Im_pgS3vt5ankIwgwYeJisbbvUwTB-RlzpRiWIcBoQRVHfqKAs6fCFn1Fm5nzIENC5xRAyWD8c9cdJYB9YQQD4/s1600/NY+Stock+Exchange+ac+16x12+14030018+Mona+Vivar+(593x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbg6vXlSYH6lPkY9Obsvy5bF3EFXRVUGTYsiMe89wOyxbs-86FiIc4Im_pgS3vt5ankIwgwYeJisbbvUwTB-RlzpRiWIcBoQRVHfqKAs6fCFn1Fm5nzIENC5xRAyWD8c9cdJYB9YQQD4/s1600/NY+Stock+Exchange+ac+16x12+14030018+Mona+Vivar+(593x800).jpg" height="400" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>NY Stock Exchange</em>, 16 inches by 12 inches, acrylic on canvas<br />
Private Collection</td></tr>
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Need something special for your workplace or home? I am always happy to do commissions! </div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-57623153273375696422014-03-14T06:53:00.000-07:002014-03-14T06:53:46.849-07:00Impressionist Techniques: Brown Pelican<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I decided to create an oil painting of a brown pelican using impressionist techniques. Here's my limited palette: titanium white, cadmium yellow medium, lemon yellow, cadmium orange, cadmium red light, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue and phthalo blue. These colors are sure bets for creating harmonious color. I used small amounts of Liquin for thinning the paint when necessary. The brown mixtures you see are combinations of white, cadmium orange, alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCsAfgXWl3LXI8lNLld6KJocR5vcHrW2znlpesOiLyiHY3CfnmQF09qo7GWZCFR87BLtYcT_S4KAPbwkvB2DnQ4a6WvOOy7whFR1eWCQ5aN32FLD9Q1aS07g1RfUkgpuwlbW_mb6trx8/s1600/Pelican+palette+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCsAfgXWl3LXI8lNLld6KJocR5vcHrW2znlpesOiLyiHY3CfnmQF09qo7GWZCFR87BLtYcT_S4KAPbwkvB2DnQ4a6WvOOy7whFR1eWCQ5aN32FLD9Q1aS07g1RfUkgpuwlbW_mb6trx8/s1600/Pelican+palette+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sketch the pelican using a very thin mix of ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. The canvas was a rejected thin acrylic painting. Oil can safely be used on acrylics. No need to waste a perfectly good surface.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTj5jWoaY38HI9WqkpvgBqkvDyOJZjJpJw2zWjJIHtmehdvJNC4uo6bOhYEaf7g2eKp80tOZEm2bmFeQzM9FNYuJqbCfWEBfpxOsviRkLQtoSnGbjc0wmKRgu1UhekpO3AlPMoqba7FU/s1600/Pelican+demo+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWTj5jWoaY38HI9WqkpvgBqkvDyOJZjJpJw2zWjJIHtmehdvJNC4uo6bOhYEaf7g2eKp80tOZEm2bmFeQzM9FNYuJqbCfWEBfpxOsviRkLQtoSnGbjc0wmKRgu1UhekpO3AlPMoqba7FU/s1600/Pelican+demo+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then applied paint to the pelican using the variety of rich browns and greys mixed in the beginning. I added pure cadmium and lemon yellow for the head. I haven't worked the background at this point. I used thick paint for an impasto effect throughout this demonstration.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uhRm6ta_SF-qjMJqPshfn_FPlBp_jd93nsM2Uip0XD9FysSnk7NLDkhO0MNHwY8s76tGpDsVGgnoH7gCy8YahNgbez2zx-DCS3uVvWJ0ckYWZ4OdXMkfd-bIeWCs7DvA1cn5OWFRdQo/s1600/Pelican+1+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uhRm6ta_SF-qjMJqPshfn_FPlBp_jd93nsM2Uip0XD9FysSnk7NLDkhO0MNHwY8s76tGpDsVGgnoH7gCy8YahNgbez2zx-DCS3uVvWJ0ckYWZ4OdXMkfd-bIeWCs7DvA1cn5OWFRdQo/s1600/Pelican+1+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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I worked the background using combinations of white, ultramarine blue, and cadmium orange. I also used a variety of directions in my brushstrokes to add more interest to the overall look of the painting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXgmlgJVwotLxmDrvTfNDvDRQdUvrUVIF0nFeq2-yfUmoG72u6MANCSGJgYZMJplJJJKynvAOp5YUfj_SFyegeVQ2DgJhBhGiqdtAARrgNBjIz4FTmuGP6xlU4iLVSiq4toAhaMNKXmo/s1600/Pelican+2+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmXgmlgJVwotLxmDrvTfNDvDRQdUvrUVIF0nFeq2-yfUmoG72u6MANCSGJgYZMJplJJJKynvAOp5YUfj_SFyegeVQ2DgJhBhGiqdtAARrgNBjIz4FTmuGP6xlU4iLVSiq4toAhaMNKXmo/s1600/Pelican+2+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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The eye of a pelican is what really makes it an interesting. lively bird. The blue iris is more intense against the yellow feathers. The light is coming from the left so I used lighter ultramarine blue (using more white in the mix) on the bottom right of the iris. I placed a white sparkle dot at the upper left portion of the pupil. This gives the illusion of light shining on the eye.</div>
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Here is a close up of the combinations of colors and strokes used for the feathers.</div>
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This is the finished painting. I completed the piece in one session. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8H7GAVXCcklHKB1YFeTTCLpWyk2rjWRxj4kpgKPJt4PprBJr9spbMycsUIA_04uLhabQe4wYhVeEHBn3-fmkr6auY5FMMcktEZj7maYQTIRw6gSWe3hZjjD2QsqMJr1PLkyfEmiHl2U/s1600/Pelican+Post+oc+8x10+14030010+Mona+Vivar+(800x641).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8H7GAVXCcklHKB1YFeTTCLpWyk2rjWRxj4kpgKPJt4PprBJr9spbMycsUIA_04uLhabQe4wYhVeEHBn3-fmkr6auY5FMMcktEZj7maYQTIRw6gSWe3hZjjD2QsqMJr1PLkyfEmiHl2U/s1600/Pelican+Post+oc+8x10+14030010+Mona+Vivar+(800x641).jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Pelican Post</em>, 8 inches by 10 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Appearing (as soon as dry) in my Ebay store at <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-89139189992686936702014-03-07T09:36:00.000-08:002014-03-07T09:36:01.818-08:00Impressionist Painting Technique Demonstration<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spring blooms are appearing every day along coastal Alabama making me excited to grab a brush and catch them on canvas. I have been on a Monet binge lately and wanted to paint a flowering tree using his impressionist technique. I used acrylics for my painting <em>Blooms and Bluebird </em>for the sake of drying time. The painting was completed in one session.</div>
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Here is the photo of the tree that caught my attention yesterday while I was out and about. I took a quick shot with my android phone because I was spending the day taking care of non-art business and didn't have time to sketch or do anything on site. But I had to paint this tree!</div>
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I was only interested in the lovely tree and its graceful shape. I knew that I would do liberal editing and leave out all the oil barrels, electrical lines and the shed. I also knew that I would amp up the colors from this grey day photo.</div>
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Here is my easel set up. Canvas is 7 inches by 5 inches. Toilet paper roll on the left for wiping brushes, "Masterson sta-wet" palette and water on the right. My lap top (not shown) is on the left. I have my photo reference on the lap top. It looks more three dimensional to me on a screen than on paper.</div>
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Now I sketch only the most basic shape of the tree on my toned canvas (yellow ochre acrylic is used as a tone for all my canvases) with a round brush and a dark mix of alizarin crimson and ultramarine blue. I put blue painters tape (go to any hardware store or place that sells house painting supplies to get this) on the top handle and bottom tray of the easel to keep the canvas gallery wrapped edges free of old, built up paint. I change the tape when I change to a new painting.</div>
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Now I proceed over the next series of stages to simply add strokes of color. I avoid keeping things outlined because I want that dreamy soft look that Monet achieved. I also build up a lot of different colors to add interest and richness to the painting. There are many mixtures of blues, greens, purples, pinks, yellow and white added and re-added as the painting progresses.</div>
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Paintings always go through a "messy" stage that frequently scares me, but I have learned to soldier on to a finished piece.<br />
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Here is the final version of <em>Blooms and Bluebird. </em>I think I kept true to the shape of the tree and the sparkle of its blooms. I added the bluebird just because I have been seeing a lot of them flitting around my yard. They are also a symbol of Spring to me.<em></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YX9_T8RNAslTDiBSFsxXtpE25Y9i7MncXJBBnmzlgU_iPvBJ29aSlAKgvKXbHGe-wx0rMXmgMLGFXgzZCc1bfBADL6L8oy4vJI9Hg51v7_b7Rcacjd3FZ7e7MRRCn3mJqNHeM3fYEGA/s1600/Blooms+and+Bluebird+7x5+ac+14030005+Mona+Vivar+(573x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YX9_T8RNAslTDiBSFsxXtpE25Y9i7MncXJBBnmzlgU_iPvBJ29aSlAKgvKXbHGe-wx0rMXmgMLGFXgzZCc1bfBADL6L8oy4vJI9Hg51v7_b7Rcacjd3FZ7e7MRRCn3mJqNHeM3fYEGA/s1600/Blooms+and+Bluebird+7x5+ac+14030005+Mona+Vivar+(573x800).jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, Blooms and Bluebird, 7 inches by 5 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Purchase here <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/181844434/impressionist-blooming-flower-fantasy?ref=related-0" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art on Etsy</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-64027234928938072312014-02-28T08:41:00.000-08:002014-02-28T08:41:15.398-08:00Fun Facts About Monet's Garden in Giverny<div style="text-align: justify;">
I saw the first Spring blooms of azaleas this week and became obsessed with thoughts of gardens. This led to musings on the grandest of gardens, Claude Monet's living masterpiece at Giverny, France. So I decided to do a little research to learn more about the topic. I learned the following based on an article by the New York Botanical Garden:</div>
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1. Monet thought like an artist when planting his garden. He focused on color, scale and atmospheric effects. He planted monochromatic beds of flowers for more impact. He used complementary color schemes to create more visual intensity and interest. He used reflections of sky and water to add with shapes and color and increased the effects of sunlight and mist with specific colored plantings. Blue and purple blooms increased the perceived blueness of the sky. Plantings of orange, pink, gold and bronze tulips and wallflowers increased the richness of the glow of each sunset.</div>
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2. Monet added sparkle among the colorful flowers by adding white flowers in and around the more brilliantly colored blooms. Patterns were repeated. Nothing was random or sparse. </div>
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3. His favorite garden color combinations were pink and blue, yellow and blue, red, silver and green, blue/purple, pink and white. One has only to see the stunning bright green lily pads reflecting on the blue water along with yellow, blue and mauve water lily blooms to realize how wonderful his ideas were.</div>
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All in all, Monet's gardening "hobby" was another form of masterpiece making! Awesome.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copyright Mona Vivar,<em> Dreams of France</em>, 14 inches by 11 inches, acrylic on canvas, private collection</td></tr>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-53126273242743045612014-02-21T07:27:00.001-08:002014-02-22T07:33:03.651-08:00Using Oil Paints Without Solvents<div style="text-align: justify;">
A long time ago I discovered that turpentine or any similar oil paint solvent would cause me to have skin rashes even if I never actually touched it. Rather than give up on oil paint completely, I kept reading, experimenting and learning about leaving the solvent out of the equation.</div>
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After much trial and error I discovered that I could use oils perfectly well by avoiding solvents completely. Here's how:</div>
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1. I use only Winsor & Newton Liquin as a painting medium to thin paint when needed, otherwise I use oil paint full bodied. Liquin doesn't seem to bother me at all and has less of a smell than a solvent.</div>
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2. I keep my hands clean by using baby oil to remove any stray paint that might get on them. Protective gloves are another option.</div>
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3. I clean brushes at the end of the day with a product called Bristle Magic. It's non-toxic, biodegradable and it works. I just rinse out the brushes with dish detergent and water after letting them soak a bit in the Bristle Magic. Works like a charm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinScCQ-Ne2e5L_mJ-sBUhgnzlJvDyrfz3H-wh5ggU_gzviOW6c9A_JjR46anz-riJhKGUlIsXF8A6A2vBHrV2yiXIvug7FGkIGsWNsdubZdOoaS_KBfXCjr01oKt5jZzagscPcg4L9rUM/s1600/Bristle+Magic+(497x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinScCQ-Ne2e5L_mJ-sBUhgnzlJvDyrfz3H-wh5ggU_gzviOW6c9A_JjR46anz-riJhKGUlIsXF8A6A2vBHrV2yiXIvug7FGkIGsWNsdubZdOoaS_KBfXCjr01oKt5jZzagscPcg4L9rUM/s1600/Bristle+Magic+(497x800).jpg" height="400" width="247" /></a></div>
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So there you have it, all you who have stayed away from oil painting because of the solvent issue. Happy painting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklZP6jgZ6HOKU4qx0xmTALftiObQdwod0S-2-84G0ZwtqFRXz9WQE0p1iuIGgYv-dVzJoKpiIsLYBjRQI60gm0d00x7rxWWlKd-pj5njFdjxP4Rf5mr3rTrXvbimX0sAckJzAKcX8-6E/s1600/Roosting+Rosies+oc+10x10+14020010+Mona+Vivar+(800x788).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklZP6jgZ6HOKU4qx0xmTALftiObQdwod0S-2-84G0ZwtqFRXz9WQE0p1iuIGgYv-dVzJoKpiIsLYBjRQI60gm0d00x7rxWWlKd-pj5njFdjxP4Rf5mr3rTrXvbimX0sAckJzAKcX8-6E/s1600/Roosting+Rosies+oc+10x10+14020010+Mona+Vivar+(800x788).jpg" height="393" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Roosting Rosies</em>, 10 inches by 10 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Now available on Ebay at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=469205646538969&set=a.469205606538973.1073741830.100003486143433&type=3&theater" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
<br />Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-54817805956704413332014-02-14T00:30:00.000-08:002014-02-14T05:21:45.122-08:00Three Actions for a Fun Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today's post is all about you. And all about how to enjoy yourself on this not so serious holiday. Any of these will lighten your heart, and all of them will make you and at least one other person feel good.</div>
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1. Eat some chocolate. Preferably out of a festive heart-shaped box. Chocolate in moderate quantities has health benefits, but really, it's just darn good.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMMw_j5JfZEwQXwDfgJcVSvCVL8tkEUu44aHIZsUduAqXwrgXP7WcMEjt02SKOKXmk578OdC9j_dwnkEM2lfTyV60qwr7WCNDqo-qqbdnchR6lX4zlxtdnIHncdabs3ADmcnmn4vpJaw/s1600/Heart+of+Chocolate+ac+5x7+14020002+Mona+Vivar+(800x571).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMMw_j5JfZEwQXwDfgJcVSvCVL8tkEUu44aHIZsUduAqXwrgXP7WcMEjt02SKOKXmk578OdC9j_dwnkEM2lfTyV60qwr7WCNDqo-qqbdnchR6lX4zlxtdnIHncdabs3ADmcnmn4vpJaw/s1600/Heart+of+Chocolate+ac+5x7+14020002+Mona+Vivar+(800x571).jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Heart of Chocolate</em>, 5 inches by 7 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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2. Smell the roses (or any flower you might come across). If they make you sneeze, just sit back and enjoy their color and shape!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dlFDmgmsVci0DGNgTG6_fvRvZOjIYp-M20zJEPd6UKJO90_ipKnIvrqHXV5oaRoRDsonrP8tiahGKypNq-Aflk_tn9jsFH161lUTVPYPhWDsE92e0sSTBjMun8njykacYauC8Zo2dOQ/s1600/Lavender+Fantasy+ac+7x5+14020009+(567x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dlFDmgmsVci0DGNgTG6_fvRvZOjIYp-M20zJEPd6UKJO90_ipKnIvrqHXV5oaRoRDsonrP8tiahGKypNq-Aflk_tn9jsFH161lUTVPYPhWDsE92e0sSTBjMun8njykacYauC8Zo2dOQ/s1600/Lavender+Fantasy+ac+7x5+14020009+(567x800).jpg" height="400" width="282" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Lavender Fantasy</em>, 7 inches by 5 inches, acrylic on canvas</div>
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Now available on Ebay at <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mona-Vivar-Original-French-Lavender-Flower-Field-Landscape-Impressionist-Art-/131113694890?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item1e86fc36aa" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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3. Tell someone you love them, and mean it. Doesn't matter if it's child, parent, grandparent, spouse or friend. Just let them know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zSarUsooJ3TN-0C1TT2wIZqzzNRLiZ2FB1Qa8JNn0apyKLcB0fpdDs83fkQV_dU8f7dxbeQmAQIixVuhzQCqyZXS3bw0syhwcGX_MXgTYaDQXeM3D81ywhFBnPZN9lp-8p-Gh5FwYZ0/s1600/Roosting+Rosies+oc+10x10+14020010+Mona+Vivar+(800x788).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zSarUsooJ3TN-0C1TT2wIZqzzNRLiZ2FB1Qa8JNn0apyKLcB0fpdDs83fkQV_dU8f7dxbeQmAQIixVuhzQCqyZXS3bw0syhwcGX_MXgTYaDQXeM3D81ywhFBnPZN9lp-8p-Gh5FwYZ0/s1600/Roosting+Rosies+oc+10x10+14020010+Mona+Vivar+(800x788).jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, Roosting Rosies, 10 inches by 10 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Will be available on Ebay Sunday, Feb 16, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. PST at <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings?_trksid=p2047675.l2568" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU ALL!</div>
Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-24640944509659216042014-02-07T05:41:00.000-08:002014-02-07T05:41:50.615-08:00Birds and Critters<div style="text-align: justify;">
I once heard that whatever interests one had at the age of five or so winds up being what one is most interested in as an adult. At five I wanted to be outside with the birds and critters. I studied blades of grass up close while lying on my stomach. I rolled over to watch clouds roll by. I brought all manner of creatures home, including a garter snake that was promptly returned to the wild when I showed it to my mother. I walked in shallow ditch water seeking tadpoles and once in a while, crayfish. I wanted to pet cows, horses, dogs and cats, any furry creature. And I drew.</div>
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So it shouldn't come as a surprise that I find myself painting birds, fish, animals. I figure, why fight it? Skill comes more easily when I know my subject. </div>
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Expect more bird and critter paintings. I hope you enjoy them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMZ6wEKiDbJxKmGAK9l0va6whVaHKw0bsXw9lHh7Nab6_NaNZRlKnjsSipygF3c1OFcRXi6Rat9A3umICdRRTSh1JvxGHg2cRXqotAFeMaxNPQnluvwgght5esuqLoXj8W79CmhbXGuQ/s1600/Happy+Otter+oc+7x5+14020003+Mona+Vivar+(562x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMZ6wEKiDbJxKmGAK9l0va6whVaHKw0bsXw9lHh7Nab6_NaNZRlKnjsSipygF3c1OFcRXi6Rat9A3umICdRRTSh1JvxGHg2cRXqotAFeMaxNPQnluvwgght5esuqLoXj8W79CmhbXGuQ/s1600/Happy+Otter+oc+7x5+14020003+Mona+Vivar+(562x800).jpg" height="400" width="280" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Happy Otter</em>, 7 inches by 5 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Showing Sunday Feb 9 (6:00 p.m. PST) on Ebay <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Mona-Vivar-Fine-Art-Paintings?_trksid=p2047675.l2568" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPjwN53pSIzLjnhyphenhyphensebO5n8o_xBgtr7RA64kPoX_VE6tzSaTre98KgRz1ZSvxkbHHrVhKI_FywkntI20E_dcgcs6C260e5-vqe3lf_tyI8UKqc3Yo7oQcxjlzKp37L70zgZWDGF5N8sg/s1600/Floating+Free+oc+11x14+14010027+Mona+Vivar+(800x632).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPjwN53pSIzLjnhyphenhyphensebO5n8o_xBgtr7RA64kPoX_VE6tzSaTre98KgRz1ZSvxkbHHrVhKI_FywkntI20E_dcgcs6C260e5-vqe3lf_tyI8UKqc3Yo7oQcxjlzKp37L70zgZWDGF5N8sg/s1600/Floating+Free+oc+11x14+14010027+Mona+Vivar+(800x632).jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Floating Free</em>, 11 inches by 14 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mona-Vivar-Florida-Ocean-Sea-Turtle-Beach-Water-Original-Oil-Impressionist-Art-/131107060520?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item1e8696fb28" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcM3EtYPeLu5KKfGBI2fvkkzRMpzuh_874M5gm8g6XljYStYRsGkM064j9GoZtJPtJN3X4oyY98OZnWmUkNGx-9ZgTfOFc0nGgstH0HxX0xo35cHu1fkz_WgcJ5rmEG21NC_Rn65cllQ/s1600/Mr.+Majestic+oc+5x7+14010026+Mona+Vivar+(800x568).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcM3EtYPeLu5KKfGBI2fvkkzRMpzuh_874M5gm8g6XljYStYRsGkM064j9GoZtJPtJN3X4oyY98OZnWmUkNGx-9ZgTfOFc0nGgstH0HxX0xo35cHu1fkz_WgcJ5rmEG21NC_Rn65cllQ/s1600/Mr.+Majestic+oc+5x7+14010026+Mona+Vivar+(800x568).jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Mr. Majestic</em>, 5 inches by 7 inches, oil on canvas</div>
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Now on Ebay at <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mona-Vivar-Florida-Wood-Duck-Water-Wildlife-Bird-Original-Oil-Impressionist-Art-/141185704833?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item20df52e381" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
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Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1372214643366907889.post-12893025431177547532014-01-31T06:44:00.000-08:002014-01-31T06:44:02.241-08:00When White is Not Really White <div style="text-align: justify;">
In my last post I talked about Frank W. Benson's beautiful handling of white in his paintings. I learned that his visions in white are actually a result of many colors working in tandem.</div>
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I recently did my own experiment with white by depicting an egret in the surf. I used oil paints to create some of the color notes that I saw in the white dresses in those Benson paintings. When we look at the egret in <em>Surf Fishing</em> quickly, superficially he does look white. But closer inspection reveals much more. Notice the shadows on the bird. I mixed titanium white with small amounts of alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue, phthalo blue and cadmium yellow to darken it and to add reflections coming up from the turquoise water. White in any lit setting with other colors around it will reflect those colors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5lDWcV7vs8QJzLdqMY6CotdKxmOxLskcflf8g0ZdUXNvvnxqXqyfXjMjTwDkAwulyXHaL2e9ImmJp7phgjt0hMzuGPv7QWnYu1JbgCW15vxavM0-LaJE-lz1zpudGKgiIvlmsQChlQI/s1600/Surf+Fishing+Detail+(800x590).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp5lDWcV7vs8QJzLdqMY6CotdKxmOxLskcflf8g0ZdUXNvvnxqXqyfXjMjTwDkAwulyXHaL2e9ImmJp7phgjt0hMzuGPv7QWnYu1JbgCW15vxavM0-LaJE-lz1zpudGKgiIvlmsQChlQI/s1600/Surf+Fishing+Detail+(800x590).jpg" height="295" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF21K_QrVW2qDLIAwOayUFKGI72dmA4jxSz4TrAapiTExgzDPgj-UYRXtUtslTGRhAe42G_EjOSBFx6PJ403aQ8aPJZw9Jdb_1s5FUtrqLKwnoKuku8R8IouDVOFcRuMe7b3oWCf21NoU/s1600/Surf+Fishing+Detail+2+(800x597).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF21K_QrVW2qDLIAwOayUFKGI72dmA4jxSz4TrAapiTExgzDPgj-UYRXtUtslTGRhAe42G_EjOSBFx6PJ403aQ8aPJZw9Jdb_1s5FUtrqLKwnoKuku8R8IouDVOFcRuMe7b3oWCf21NoU/s1600/Surf+Fishing+Detail+2+(800x597).jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
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The places on the bird that are the lightest are actually a mixture of white with a tiny bit of cadmium yellow mixed in. That produced a rich, brilliant color that reads as bright white in this particular painting. I never use any white straight out of the tube in representational paintings because white out of the tube is not what we see in nature. </div>
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Lesson to be learned: white is not really white when we paint!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjDhjRT9644yEvA7Cv6K7OweF3gZ5lUURr9AWijgsfLCKqfxZHPVleI3DIfv3bGh-gLFZPyc-pfchZ_VzkCw8bnmpJpr79upwjeI5EwepDoBYgs3ez6tdqusEIj9R6_CT63Ykh4Fbhbw/s1600/Surf+Fishing+oc+14x11+14010025+Mona+Vivar+(620x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjDhjRT9644yEvA7Cv6K7OweF3gZ5lUURr9AWijgsfLCKqfxZHPVleI3DIfv3bGh-gLFZPyc-pfchZ_VzkCw8bnmpJpr79upwjeI5EwepDoBYgs3ez6tdqusEIj9R6_CT63Ykh4Fbhbw/s1600/Surf+Fishing+oc+14x11+14010025+Mona+Vivar+(620x800).jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
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Copyright Mona Vivar, <em>Surf Fishing</em>, oil on canvas, 14 inches by 11 inches</div>
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Now available on Ebay at <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mona-Vivar-Florida-White-Egret-Beach-Ocean-Bird-Original-Oil-Impressionist-Art-/131105391928?pt=Art_Paintings&hash=item1e867d8538" target="_blank">Mona Vivar Fine Art</a></div>
Mona Vivarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401709600258193999noreply@blogger.com0