Sandhill Crane Instructions

 For new instructions on how to paint this sandhill crane, visit www.artbyburgarella.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Framing Instructions, Tips and Tricks

 COMING SOON - Everything I know about framing ... tips and tricks and how to save time and money when framing your work!

The Art of Mixing Colors

 Mixing colors is not like when we were in grade school ... red and blue doesn't always make purple. It depends on the shade of red, and the shade of blue.  Proficiency in color mixing takes time, trial and error. But once you've got it, your painting journey will become much more enjoyable. Below is a color chart that may help you.  I suggest you make one of your own, with your own colors.  Unfortunately, accuracy in color is rare, in that there are color shifts from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Additionally, some colors from the same brand may shift slightly from time to time, depending on their source of pigment and many other factors. 

Once you get proficient in mixing colors, it becomes easier to paint with a limited palette, which is a major convenience when painting out-of-doors or in a classroom.  A limited palette also leaves lots of room on your palette for mixing, and makes for a less cluttered work table.  I do hope you make your own color chart with your own colors--you will find it very helpful.

NOTE - Click on images to enlarge.

Here's a watercolor chart I made up for a class that may be helpful to you watercolorists:

Of note, yesterday my pastel "Blue Heron in the Reeds" won best of show at the Pelican Island Conservation Society at the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach--Yay!  So myself and friends moseyed over to the other side of town to the Art Walk on 14th, and there was my "Stalking," an alligator with another blue ribbon--First Prize--at the Vero Beach Art Club "Color and Movement" show!  We celebrated nicely.  Winning prizes, teaching, meeting interesting people who are interested in the same things that you are, engaging in fun conversations, going to openings and seeing great art, the limitless things to learn about creating art, and just letting the art of creating take you away from your troubles--such rich and fun experiences to be had in the arts. There is so much more art can do for you, but you have to jump on that journey and find out for yourself. 

Enjoy!

Judy Burgarella

Art Blogger

Abstract - It's a stretch for me!

Below is a piece I did for a local exhibit, sponsored by the Cultural Council and exhibited in the Vero Beach Museum of Art where I am an instructor.  

 "Emergence"

Emergence was an evolution of sorts. Not that there's a great connection with the image of this abstract and emerging from the pandemic we'd all been through, but the word has been on my mind.  And although I am a representational artist, this was really fun and refreshing for me.  Other than the face, the rest was lively and loose, almost like a dance.  My very senior art friend from Connecticut asked me how I did it and so I worked up instructions for her to try it. You are welcome to try it too, as I am happy to share my tricks and techniques. 

CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE

"Emergence" Acrylic, 18"x24"x1-1/2" by Judy Burgarella

 Painting Skin, Gold Jewelry, and pearls in Acrylic 

(colors can apply to oils also)

Below are the results of demonstrations I have done in the painting of skin, pearls and gold.  Perhaps you can get some benefit from it if you are painting portraits.  Happy to share what I have learned-- enjoy!

Examine the jewelry (in photo or on model) closely to identify where it glistens and shimmers, and at what angle.  Look for colors within the gold also.

The color and reflections on pearls depend on what colors are around it, especially clothing or skin which it is placed against, and including what kind of direct light is cast.  All reflections should be soft in nature, and not harsh, and follow the curve of the pearl ball.  Remember to also paint any shadows cast by the pearl on fabric or skin to get a 3-dimensional look.

This skin demonstration was painted hurriedly in acrylics in order to be able to mix colors while still wet.  If done in oils of course there would be no rush, as they are slow-drying.  I did not wash my brush between hues, but just wiped it off with a paper towel.  This was done with straight acrylic paint, no water.