Quinacridone Red

                                                                           (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Painting the landscape is the most rewarding. Tweaking the landscape to make it a stronger composition is even better.

Lately, I have been experimenting with quinacridone red and viridian as a mixture which can be seen in the foreground. Also, it is seen in the background in the woodland edge. It may look similar to a 'red brick' color. However, it is a lively color I intend on using in the future.

I have veered away from using payne's gray on it's own. It seems best when mixed with other pigments. So, I have turned to other pigmentations for most of my shadows. Here you can see I have applied the red and green combination.

It is very satisfying to try new colors and experiment with new techniques and brushes.

Sketchbook Drawing

                                                                                (C)2023 Dale DiMauro
 

It always feels great to do some drawing. If I haven't drawn for a few days I feel like something is missing from my life.

With such a strange Summer due to poor air quality, a nasty prolonged allergy season and rainy periods it doesn't seem like July. After all these are the longest days of the year.

However, drawing captures some aspect of the Summer which I can refer back to. Also, it is a great meditative activity.

Vermont Landscape

                                                                                       (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Vermont truly has a green landscape. Maybe not so much in the winter but definitely during the summer months. This watercolor actually depicts a spring scene during one of the drier seasons I can recall.

During a local garden tour I took a photograph of this scene because it was so verdant and calming. I knew I had to paint this at some point. I think I was drawn to the sky as much as the landscape.

This was painted on a watercolor block of 'The Masters Choice'. This paper has a rough surface which I have really come to embrace.

New Palette

                                                                          (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Several weeks ago my palette of a decade(seen below) separated from the top and simply gave out. This sized palette was great as it did not take up much space and was relatively portable. However, without a cover the pigments can spill and it became a challenge to transport. 

Several years ago I bought a second palette of the same dimensions and configurations which I thought I would use for painting portraits. So this one has been pressed into service. With a new palette it provides an opportunity to arrange ones's colors differently, or limit your palette or add new colors. Nevertheless, I have been agonizing over which changes I should make and then break in the new palette.

Normally, one is advised to put cool colors on one side and warm colors on the other side. So, I have stuck wth this tradition and added some of the umber and ochers in the strip above the mixing well.

While thinking about all this, I am propelled to paint larger with larger brushes which require a palette with larger paint wells. I included a larger brush in the photograph above which one can see does not fit easily into the smaller wells of this palette.

These decisions seem so important to me. Others may not see it this way. However, how you locate your pigments is critically important. When mixing pigments there are certain color combinations you rely upon to rapidly develop your painting. These color relationships evoke temperature and memories of past associations so it worth thinking this through.

Sketchbook

                                                                                      (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

It is always rewarding to draw or paint in my sketchbook. I really have no hesitation so the pen or brush starts flowing once I open it up. Plus, it is great to refer back to, as I experiment with numerous color combinations and thumbnail sketches.

Developing sketches on the human form are essential for me as my images become more and more fluid. In addition, I find it important to adjust my painting approach depending on which paper os surface I am using. Thin papers I am more likely to paint wet on dry while heavier surfaces I aim for more of a wet on wet approach, if it seems right.

Regardless, once I put pen or brush to paper, the creativity just oozes out. I increasingly want to paint with a larger brush on a bigger scale.

Color Mixes & Landscape Painting

                                                                                        (C)2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Discovering new color combinations is always inspiring. It simply changes my relationship to the landscape and transforms how I see the paper. 

This blue-gray pigmentation is the result of combining quinacridone violet with phthalocyanine green. The cool, yellow in the foreground is hansa yellow which seemed like a fit to drop into the foreground.

This blue-gray pigmentation seemed alive when it was wet and full of energy as I worked the edges of the wash. As lively as it is it seemed like a background color, nonetheless.

I write the names of these color combinations on my swatches so I can refer to them when necessary. It is sort of a vocabulary I can draw upon.

Square Format

                                                                                       (C)2023 Dale DiMauro

Using a square format is not something I utilize on a regular base. It is probably not the best format to portray a landscape, as a horizontal format is more suitable. However, this watercolor block was available without a painting on it and on a large scale(12" x 12") so I wanted to see what I could do with it.

This is a good format for painting a portrait but I do like to experiment and push the boundaries and see what I can learn from it. The square format I find makes an artist center their subject matter and technique in the middle of the paper which lends itself to a more formal approach.

I do like the color combinations and the suggestion of grass in the foreground with the absence of pigment.

Repairing a Watercolor Painting

                                                                           (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

This is a watercolor I am proud of. Last Wednesday as the forest fire smog had moved into the Northeastern states in America I had started to feel a bit sick and decided to stay indoors all day (as was recommended from local air quality advisories).

I started this watercolor but did not like some of the placement of my washes as they left hard edges in undesirable places, such as in the middle of the image. So I decided to lift paint from the paper in the middle and background. This took repeated damping of the paper with water and then absorbing the pigment with a paper towel.

This landscape became promising as I added new washes which clarified the middle and backgrounds. In addition, modifying the placement of the tree seemed more natural while framing the landscape.

As a result of this watercolor, I have a renewed confidence in repairing a painting when necessary instead of giving up on it.

Figure Study

                                                                        (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Watercolor is so versatile I love it. This morning I woke up with a cough and a sore throat, I think due to this poor air quality. Instead of painting a watercolor I did a figure study in my sketchbook. I pretty much painted this while standing up.

What makes watercolor so versatile is that you can paint on various scales with multiple-sized palettes. I have an expandable palette which will fit in a small ziploc bag and others the size of my computer. Plus, you can paint on so many different surfaces. I have painted on various textures of paper, illustration board, numerous sketch books and with mixed media.

For me keeping the continuity of painting going is important. It is all too easy to become distracted or sidetracked. I learn so much about watercolor painting on a daily basis.

Plein Air Magazine

                                                                             (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Plein Air Magazine has a monthly competition where artists can submit paintings and potentially win money and/or recognition at the same time. In addition, there is an annual competition with a winner taking home $15,000.

Well, this past week I entered photographs of two paintings into this competition. One of the paintings included is the watercolor above, which was done in plein air, in Keene, NH.

In the past entering art competitions on-line was very frustrating as the technology was challenging or required more time than I was willing to give. This submittal process went very smooth and really didn't require much of my time.

Hopefully, I will see one my paintings in one of their magazines and perhaps receive an award.

Allergies & Painting

                                                                             (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

The combination of the cool greens of the tree and the vibrant orange-yellow ground plane inspired me to paint this scene. I love the rising contours which add an element of mystery, too.

I feel like this is the best evergreen I have ever painted. Certainly, a bit more massing will it give more volume. However, I like the branching and colors and even the shadows. Also, it feels like it is rooted in the landscape.

After two months of allergies, preparing taxes and getting up to speed with a new computer my painting routine has been constantly disrupted. So it is feels good to get back to painting

Madame Sherri Forest

                                                                                       (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

On Friday I got in some plein air painting. After all it was a beautiful day.

However, this time I brought my full easel set-up, except I forgot my collapsable water container. Oops! I managed to adapt by using one of the deeper wells on my easel for water.

There were many people hiking the trails toward Indian Pond as well up to Madame Sherri's old remains in West Chesterfield. NH.

I took this photograph of my watercolor on my easel on site as it has much dappled light across the image. It was challenging with the changing light and rugged topography but the landscape was dominated with many layers of greens.

Hildene Estate

                                                                             (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Hildene, the Lincoln family estate in Manchester, VT is worth the visit. Hildene was the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln and his wife, the son of Abraham Lincoln. Robert Todd Lincoln was the president of the Pullman Company which manufactured customized rail cars for wealthy people.

The residence was occupied by Lincoln descendants until 1975. Recently, I visited during my wife's school break in April. The grounds of Hildene occupy 412 acres with over 1,000 peonies near the residence.

I painted this watercolor because I love the character of old apple trees and the vibrant green of the lawn which had recently emerged.

Spring on the West River Trail

                                                                  (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

After traveling south from Vermont for a few days I appreciate the quality of life that Vermont provides. All the congestion on the roads and overpopulation of people on a Sunday, no less, was real aggravating. Getting outside in the natural environment and breathing fresh air is important to me.

Painting outside seems best when applied on a watercolor block. The paper doesn't buckle and you can move across the paper rapidly.

I love the freshness of this watercolor. Colors are good, shadows are great and it is not overworked. However, the qualities of the light may be the most appealing aspect.

New Book

 

This book, the Complete Color Mixing Guide for Acrylics, Oils & Watercolor by John Barber I signed out from my local library. It was an older edition, however I didn't want to return it.

The way the book is arranged I find fascinating. The way the relationship of color is visualized I find applicable to use when experimenting with my palette. Thus, it has made me expand my palette which I find transformative.

I keep returning to the color charts when mixing watercolors. This book is such a great resource for painting that I am a much reduced painter without it.

Plein Air

                                                                              (C)2023 Dale DiMauro
 

This is one of my first plein air paintings I have done outside so far. It was both rewarding and a challenge.

I painted this while perched on the outdoor Shakespeare stage in Living Memorial Park. I was facing toward the woods out of the sun yet eliminated aspects the landscape in order to make a greater composition and to simplify my painting experience.

Painting outside you have to be willing to simplify your approach as time is limited and the light and scene will change on you.

As I left to go home the damp lawn slid out from under me as I took an unexpected tumble. I got up a bit stunned but had no real injuries so I walked it off.

Lately, for some reason I have not been able to import recent photographs of watercolors. I am still adapting to this new computer and the applications are confusing and I am yet to master the photo cropping software.

American Elm

                                                                             (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Last summer when my wife and I went on our vacation in Maine we stayed not far from the largest American Elm I have ever seen. This location was in southern Maine along the largest wetland in the state.

You can see how large the tree is in scale compared to the individual standing near the base, by the trunk. It felt great to walk under the tree and be protected and shaded by it's layers of canopy. Also, it was exciting to look out across the field from this protected location.

This elm could be seen from just about anywhere on this landscape preserve which was a hundred acres or so in size.

Though not a watercolor this experience has inspired me to paint one of my largest watercolors to date.

Crowell Gallery Exhibit(@ the Moore Free Library)

                                                                            (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

The Saxtons River Art Guild has a group exhibit at the Crowell Gallery(@ the Moore Free Library) in Newfane, VT. The exhibit is up for the month of May with nearly sixty paintings for viewing, featuring twenty two members.

One of my watercolors is on exhibit but not the one pictured above. Last week I helped hang a good chunk of the paintings.

Even though Route 30 is in the process of being paved it is worth the visit. There is such a variety of painters, subject matter and approaches which in total, makes the exhibit impressive.

Spring is the Time

                                                                                       (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro 

Spring is the time for change as they say. Well, I upgraded my computer and now I have a much better tripod for painting outside. 

Needless to say, I have to get up to speed on using these new upgrades. And boy are they time killers. They take time from painting but hopefully it will all pan out.

I like this new strada easel as it folds down and will fit into my shoulder bag. It also has a surface to lay my paper or watercolor block on for someone of my height which is over six feet.

Fort Dummer State Park(VT)

                                                                                       (C) 2023 Dale DiMauro
 

Fort Dummer State Park is a lovely recreational area in Brattleboro, VT. This is a watercolor of an area within the park that I painted at the end of winter last year.

After the park closes for the season I visit most often. This is when the area becomes quiet and there are no park fees for local residents.

However, this year I hiked the area before the snow melted and was shocked to see hundreds of trees blown down by one of our late season heavy storms. Some of the hiking trails were obscured with debris from pine trees piled all over the place. Many of the limbs ripped from the pine trees were enormous.

Soon the park will open for the season on Memorial Day. I hope and imagine much of debris from the winter storms will have been attended too. Regardless, it was quite a site to see the park littered with trees down in the open spaces as well as deep into the woods.