Gallery Two

Hot Tip

Much has been written about the secrets of the Old Masters - if the truth be know there were not too many secrets other than the fact that they truly understood the materials that they were working with. many of their famous techniques resulted through trial and error and experimentation. when something worked, it was passed down to the next generation of painters or through the 'schools' of thought to their apprentices. As artists we should spend time to learn about the pigments and the materials we work with, understanding how they perform and what their properties are.

Parrot Head

This design was inspired by my love for these wonderful tropical birds. They are so interesting to watch and study and are beautiful to paint. Parrots have been included in paintings throughout history and are symbolic in nature. It has been a joy to study them, you will notice that they show up frequently in my work. This particular fellow was quite the 'ham' always getting right in front of my lenses the moment I approached him.

Mountain Sheep

This painting was inspired by a subject that was on display at a large sporting goods store. I would never be able to get this close to an animal such as this outdoors, and since I do not hunt my chances are limited, so looking for wildlife subjects in sporting goods shops always provides me with subjects such as this to paint. I use my imagination for the rest of the design, deciding on the time of day and the light source to create the mood.

Blue Heron

The great Blue heron, was standing quietly watching for his dinner. he was so preoccupied by the fish that he did not observe or care much for me who was sneaking up on him to take his photograph. I was able to get within 6 feet of him snapping away to get the best shot. Painting the reflective quality of the water was an interesting study for me, the glare off the surface had an 'oil-slick' effect which was wonderful to paint as I was able to use this as a way to add interest and carry colour to the rest of the painting.

Mr. T Toucan

On a visit to Trinidad, the local zoo had a great Toucan exhibit. There are many species of Toucan and this one had an incredible white bib and a beautiful bill. Similar to the Penguin, the high contrast of the head, the beak and the eye made an interesting composition for me to paint. Toucans often gather in large groups and can be heard chattering loudly and noisily, their calls being synchronized with the fast upward swings of their bills. There are 37 species of these birds ranging from Mexico to Argentina. Toucan is the Brazilian name for a bird of the tropical American family Ramphastidae, characterized by their huge but light beaks.

Painter The cat

Painter the cat is a real cat! this three-legged feline had incredible eyes. He also had a most interestingly independent personality. I'm afraid painter didn't take too well to me, he was the mascot of a shop at which I taught a few seminars. While visiting he was constantly watching my every move and I was quite certain he was going to pounce at me around every corner. He was very known to walk across the students work, drink their water, and had a nap in the center of the work table while class was taking place.

B & G Macaws

Blue and Gold macaws are distributed in South America. I am originally from Trinidad which is in that region and as a child I can remember seeing them high in the palm trees. Tropical macaws are the largest of the parrots and are one of eighteen different species. These birds are very loving and most enjoyable to watch. they are playful and have wonderful personalities.

Terry's Rooster

A proud rooster, the feathers and multi colours of this bird captured my attention. Unfortunately this guy was sent back to where he came from, as he was the pet of a friend, however was quite aggressive with children and was always chasing them. If you notice he is standing on an old menu which happens to have only chicken dishes listed as entres. Just a little symbolic significance to make a statement.

Turtle Tag

Turtles are the birds of the sea. They are such gentle creatures and when ever I have the opportunity to capture them on film I do. I have several great photographs taken on dives in the Caribbean. after I learned to scuba dive, I was fascinated by the undersea world. Turtles of course were some of my first subjects to paint. I would spend time studying the air bubbles as they surfaced, to see the shape change and how they were affected by the light. I can remember one day sitting at the bottom of a swimming pool (with a tank) for over 30 minutes just looking at the bubbles travel to the surface! Very interesting experience, my family understands!

In an Aspen Grove

Colour in winter. the simple palette and the cold northern days, warmed by the beautiful cardinal in the aspens. Not fond of winter myself, but this scene depicts the quiet beauty of a simple composition. sunshine in winter is a blessing.

Neadeen Masters CDA - Country Carousel Art©

Gallery Two

Feathers, Flippers, Fur & Friends

Slow Poke©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to learn ways to create illusion. Placing objects under the surface of water involves the control of intensity and distortion. Underwater is the same as 'behind glass'. creating the rippled effects and the tiny bubbles also add to the illusion. Washes, glazing, wet in wet blending and colour control is stressed.

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Macaw©

This design has been newly released for the first time as an e-packets on my sister website Art Apprentice Online These e-packets are available for immediate download to your computer. They come complete with line drawings, detailed instructions, color photographs and step by step directions for painting each composition.

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Flakes and Flurry©

Paint a touch of whimsy!

available from

Art Apprentice Online _______________________________________________

Mountain Sheep©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to build depth. The emphasis in this painting is teaching 'lost and found' edges. The drama of this portrait is created by the effects of the light source and the effects it has on the intensity of the animals horns. 'Scumbling' and 'Rouging' a multi-coloured background was used to pull the subject off the background support. Short fur is created through the use of texture, but creating 'form' on a white surface is made a little more difficult due to shadows and the effects of the fur. This is an interesting study to learn about painting short fur.

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Lapin©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to paint a realistic rabbit. The techniques used for this design are mostly about creating fine detail. Using a rake brush for the creation of fur and the liner brush for the creation of guard hairs and extra detail. Glazing and scrumbling also help to add the finesse to the overall painting and give character to the different tones and colours of the fur. Painting realistic glassy eyes is also stressed.

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Blue Heron©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to learn ways to create water illusion and to paint the details of a white bird. Placing objects under the surface of water involves the control of intensity and distortion. Underwater is the same as 'behind glass'. Creating the rippled effects of moving water, reflections and the nuances of the play of light helps create the realism of this design. Washes, glazing, wet in wet blending and colour control is stressed. Painting the bird provides an exercise in detail liner work and the mechanics of brush control.

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Green Heron©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to learn ways to create water illusion and to paint the details of a small sea bird. Placing objects under the surface of water involves the control of intensity and distortion. Underwater is the same as 'behind glass'. Creating the rippled effects of moving water, reflections and the nuances of the play of light helps create the realism of this design. Washes, glazing, feather details and colour control are stressed. Painting the bird provides an exercise in detail liner work and the mechanics of brush control.

This design is offered for free at the following link

Green Heron Free Pattern

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Mr. T. Toucan©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to learn ways to create a slick shiny surface, as the toucan feathers are not fluffy but are close to the body. This feather study, is a test in creating true form with limited use of value change. Unlike the body of the penguin whose body is predominantly white, the form of a back object is easier to create with subtle highlights. Scrumbling the background also helps separate the subject from the surface to create dimension. Value and intensity control also creates depth.

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Sir Loin©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to learn to create soft, curly fur of different lengths. There is movement and colour variation in this subject. Note the way the fur changes from light at the nose end and moves into darker fur towards the left of the painting. Also the fur bleaches as it gets longer, this exercise teaches colour control and detail. These are transferable skills that can be used when painting many different animals. 'Scumbling' and 'Rouging' a multi-coloured background are also stressed.

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Painter the Cat©

Objective: The goal of this painting was to paint a realistic cat. The techniques used for this design are mostly about creating fine fur detail. Using a rake brush for the creation of fur and the liner brush for the creation of guard hairs and extra detail. Glazing and scrumbling also help to add the finesse to the overall painting and give character to the different tones and colours of the fur. Painting realistic glassy cat eyes is also stressed.

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Scarlet Macaw©

Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint a large realistic bird. The emphasis in this painting is to learn 'wet in wet' blending methods for the backgrounds, using a mop to soften. This study will also show the components of creating large primary and secondary feathers of these beautiful birds. Attention is paid to the tail feathers and their structure. Perching these birds on natural branches covered in moss also puts them in their natural habitat. 'Scumbling' and 'Rouging' a multi-coloured background

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Blue and Gold Macaws©

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A Pirates Life©

Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint a large realistic bird and a human male figure. The emphasis in this painting is to learn 'wet in wet' blending methods for the backgrounds, using a mop to soften. This study will also show the components of creating large primary and secondary feathers of these beautiful birds. Attention is paid to the tail feathers and their structure.

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Terry's Rooster©

Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint a large realistic bird and learn fine detail liner work as displayed in the chicken wire of the cage. Shape following strokes, creating the curvature and contour of the birds body are stressed. However after this painting was created I realized that there is too much contrast between the white tail feathers and the background. I have left it this way, as a way to show how to 'control' distractions within a painting.

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Moonbeams & Roosters©

Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint a large realistic bird. Shape following strokes, creating the curvature and contour of the birds body are stressed.

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Turtle Tag©

Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint large realistic turtles. Underwater, bubbles and soft cast shadows are stressed. Washes, transparent glazes, creation of a focal area and depth are the focus of this design. Painting three elements and showing their differences and their relationships to create the triangular composition make this a study that creates realism. This painting also focuses on reflected light, bounce glare, spatial perspective and foreshortening. This is an advanced study.

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Objective: The goal of this painting is to paint a large realistic bird like the rooster, but using a simple method. Shape following strokes, creating the curvature and contour of the birds body are stressed and brushwork establishes the feathers around the necks. Wet in wet techniques are used.

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Objective: The emphasis in this painting is to learn 'wet in wet' blending methods using JansenArt Traditions acrylics. Students will study the effects of light and how to control it using intensity and value to create contrast in three separate 'planes' of a painting. This is an intermediate design to teach a combination of three elements, landscape, a bird and tree bark. Blending techniques are implemented to create a multi-coloured background and carry colour. 'Scumbling' and 'Rouging' a multi-coloured background.

'The Painter in his Studio' by Francois Boucher (French)

A thought!

These paintings on the gallery pages are works that I have painted over several years. I consider each a study piece, I have learned from each exercise and have moved on. I share whatever I learn, if I make a discovery or see a technical problem after the fact, I share that with my students and ways to improve and correct. I look at them all as study work as I am always learning and moving forward.

order..

The paintings on these pages are not listed in any order, nor the order that they were painted in. They reflect a body of work over several years.

Slow Poke

This painting was created from reference photo of sea turtles that I have taken. I visited a huge turtle farm in the Cayman Islands, here turtles are raised to repopulate the ocean, as so many are killed by boats and ocean pollution. These sea turtles are enormous, this one in particular, though looks small in the painting, actually was over eight feel in length

Flakes & Flurry

What can be said about these creatures other than they are fascinating to watch. This is a work in progress. See the final whimsical painting on this page. These were the stars of the show at a zoo I visited two years ago. I took several different shots and combined three different penguins to create this triangular composition and the effects of atmosphere on the value, intensity and hue. The atmosphere in the icy display was full of condensation and created a light mist around these birds. I wanted to replicate the same cold yet inviting feeling to the painting.

Lapin

By far this was the most beautiful rabbit I have ever seen. He took first prize at the county fair and I was there to see him in person. He was huge and had the most beautiful deep burgundy coloured eyes. They were wet and glassy and reflected everything around them, his fur was soft and his muzzle was the fattest I had ever seen, constantly twitching to pick up the scents around him.

Green Heron

This little Green Heron can be found in many aquatic habitats; however he prefers small water bodies. Green Herons are generally solitary, nesting as isolated pairs or in small groups, never in the large breeding colonies of other herons and egrets. They eat small fish and also crustaceans, frogs, tadpoles, insects, and small rodents. I took a photo of this little fellow while visiting the Bahamas one winter. This little Green Heron is painted in a more realistic style.

Sir Loin

The bovine theme once again. I have always been fascinated by the serious yet obvious expression of cows. One afternoon, I was out for a walk and passed close to a local farm. This friendly face was only intent on the grass on the other side of the fence. My side of course, so walking around him was not an option as he was quite large. I was intrigued by the bone structure and the angle of his jaw, he had such a handsome face, and the name 'Sir Loin' popped into my head and seemed fitting. This is still one of my favorite animal studies, the head is handsome yet still harmless.

Scarlet Macaw

Scarlet Macaws live in undisturbed rainforest. Some have yellow, green or blue on their wings, They eat nuts, flowers and sip nectar, they love fruits and they often eat unripe fruit and nuts that other animals will avoid. In the wild, these macaws also eat clay from river banks, it is thought that the clay seems to be important to them. Some experts think that the clay helps the parrots digest poisonous chemicals found in the unripe fruit they eat. I have taken several hundred photographs of these delightful beautiful birds.

Pirate life

This painting was inspired by a trip to Mexico. Our daughter was as intrigued by these birds as I was and she had three of them perched on her. After coming home, I transformed and edited the photographs to have a little fun with it. A handsome pirate and his keep was what came to mind, and I changed the composition into this with the little ghost of a pirates ship as a secondary aspect of the composition. This is what I consider a little whimsy and fun. My husband thinks he's too 'done up' for a pirate and needs a tougher persona!!!

Moonbeams &

Blue roosters and moonlight. Inspired by
the mood of the moment, these subjects seemed fitting for this setting. using this design as a way to teach the effects of the colour of light. all natural colour is removed and replaced by the quality of the light. certain colours are removed from the spectrum leaving only the blue to be dominant.

Sunrise Roosters

Opposite to Moonbeams and Roosters, these birds are transformed by the colour of early morning light where more gold is dominant.

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