Where's the Sage?

Actually the title of this painting should be Parsley, Rosemary and Thyme.   I'm sure most will get it the nuance.  More importantly this was my first at-home painting after attending Sarah Sedwick's workshop on dynamic painting.  Wonderful class and terrific crowd of artists.  Shout-out to the venue and Mónica Linares.  Check it out - wide variety of workshops. 

Where's the Sage?
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Sarah's approach is nearly opposite to mine, but figured it was time to switch things up.  I am mesmerized by her work and so lucky that this Oregon based artist ventured out to the east coast. Sarah is a delightful person and more importantly a great teacher. She runs an engaging workshop with demos, instruction, "exercises" and enlightening critiques (direct and positive).  Her involvement even continues afterwards with an alumni Facebook page, links to supplies, YouTube Videos, etc.  She also offers an online mentorship program. 

Sarah's approach that I incorporated into this painting (unlike previous ones!):

1. Sketch - it's one thing to draw an outline on a canvas with paint, but another to actually sketch it out emphasizing the lights and darks.  These are large thumbnails which are quite helpful in making sure the composition works. 
2. Apply Underpainting - cover canvas with a neutral tone and draw "again" by wiping out the light areas and darkening the darkest parts. This I get, but can't you just paint it that way?
3. Globs - Premix all the paint you are going to need, for each area - well this involves MATH and guesstimates so another super-sized challenge. 
4. Execute Painting - okay this was familiar, BUT this time there's a whole plan, strategy, multiple eyeball-to-mind-melds with the subject, and a different comfort level than before.  Hard to explain, but the number of decisions to be made are mostly done up-front rather than on-the-fly.  hmmmmm. . . . 

Did you notice the SAGE advice numbered above?

Thumbnail ~ 3 1/2"

Underpainting

                                

How can it be that a former professional project manager and software engineer not have a plan before a project?  Today's mystery for sure - ha, ha.

Learned a ton and continuing along my artistic journey - now time to practice, practice, practice. 

Feel free to contact me for more info.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna