As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, this little library plays an important role in the community. As small as it is, it hosts a number of activities for patrons of all ages. All of these activities are FREE to attend although attendance may be limited due to space.
I brought in a few of my own sunflower paintings for some inspiration.
Recently I volunteered to teach a few children’s painting classes. The first of these classes was to learn about Vincent Van Gogh and to paint a picture in his style.
Although the class was limited, we had a nice turnout this week. I explained to the children a little about Vincent Van Gogh, who he was and why he was important. Also, they learned about his painting methods. Each table had several vases of sunflowers (faux) which the children were encouraged to choose what and how they wanted to paint. The library supplied all the art materials and even had little aprons just their size. They learned about mixing colors and how Van Gogh was known for his bold brush strokes.
Each child composed his or her own painting.Disposable palettes and tablecloths made clean up a snap.
All in all, it was a great group. I hope the kids had as much fun as I did.
Next month, we’re going to learn about Georgia O’Keeffe and her skull paintings. I’m bringing in a collection of real skulls (cow and deer) for them to use as subject matter.
Many thanks to AmyJo, the library branch manager, and other patrons who make programs like this possible. Public libraries are the best bargain around. What’s happening at your library?
The Singing Tree, acrylic on canvas with sterling silver gilding, 30 x 24, Kit Miracle
I have a singing tree in my front yard. Actually, right next to the house.
Oh, it’s not belting out O Sole Mio or anything like the latest rap. It’s more of a gentle, low key humming, singing really. The first time I heard it was when I was walking around the yard on a windy day. I kept looking around to see if anyone was there. It took me a while to realize that the sound was coming from a tree. The twisted branches were rubbing against each other, creating a sound.
Our house, like so many older homes in this part of the midwest, is surrounded by yard trees. These were planted decades ago to provide shade to houses in the heat of the summer, long before air conditioning. The trees nearest the house are all maples, mostly black or sugar maples. (Lovely colors in autumn.) Although we’ve lost some of the trees over the years, there are still enough to provide some shade.
The Singing Tree, original photoThe Singing Tree, black and white photo manipulation
Last spring I took a photography course. I was mostly interested in learning how to use the features of my cameras. Didn’t need much help with composition. One of our weekly assignments was to get out and film nature. The Singing Tree was one of my entries. After some computer manipulation, I did a very striking black and white, almost abstract. I was going to paint is as such, but then reverted to a muted impressionistic painting with added sterling silver gilding. I even added a maple leaf motif to the edges of the painting, in sterling silver, of course.
The Singing Tree, detail 1The singing Tree, detail 2The Singing Tree, edge with leaf motif in sterling silver
The whole painting has been sprayed with clear acrylic which prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing. Adding the gilding adds several more steps to the actual painting which slows the whole process.
The most recent paintings that I’ve done have been with using a very limited palette which I’ve posted about previously. I’ve now cut the number back to four colors plus black and white. I like the challenge to see if I can adapt the most colors from just a few options. Actually, it works very well.
The original reference photo. I like the dappled light.
This painting is based on some photos that I took of summer flowers several years ago. Called August Bouquet, it showcases some zinnias and Queen Ann’s lace, plus others. The vase is sitting in the shade on an old wooden table, with dappled sunlight showing through. I’ve added some scissors as a foil for the flowers.
Vertical canvas prepared with thin color washesCanvas with sketches, and colored outlines
The canvas is a 20 x 16 vertical, 1.5 inches deep. I’ve already sanded and gessoed it and added a little texture. Then I added a thin wash of colors approximately where I anticipated locating the main shapes. After this coat dried (working with acrylics that only takes about twenty minutes), I then made a loose pencil outline of the flowers and other shapes.
The next step was to add color to the outline. I don’t try to make the outline colors match the subject, in this case, flowers. In fact, I often choose what I anticipate are contrasting colors to the final painting.
Middle stage with some fill-in color, loosely painted. I actually like this stage best. I think it would look nice in a larger size.August Bouquet, almost finished. I did not stick with the dark brown of the wooden table but kept to a lighter tone. I will tweak it a bit and add some gold or silver leaf details. Maybe.
Then the main shapes began to get filled in. I hesitate to call this the tedious part, but it is much more involved than the previous steps. I just have to stick with it until I’m done. I zone out, listening to music or a recorded book. Sometimes I fill in the background first; sometimes I start with the main subject. There are no hard rules here.
Canvas on my easel. I’ve turned off the painting light to get a better idea of values and colors. You will also notice a couple of shed snakeskins hanging on my easel. Actually, this is ONE snakeskin (about five ft) which my son found in the woodshed. He thought it would be fun to leave it for me in my studio…spread out on the floor. Big joker, eh?
I step away from the canvas often at this point to compare values, colors, shapes. The painting light above my easel can cast light which is too harsh so it’s best to turn it off while I compare values. This is a good point to take a break, perhaps overnight. I’ll often run out to my studio in the morning to see if the painting looks as I thought I left it or what glaring changes I need to make.
Although August Bouquet will be finished with a few more details, plus probably some addition of gold or silver leaf, I actually like one of the middle, less-finished stages best. One doesn’t actually need to put in every detail; in fact, it’s often distracting and doesn’t help convey the message of the painting.
Maybe I’ll paint it again with a less-finished look. What do you think?
My notes with a list of the colors I’ve used. All Liquitex or Golden Heavy Body Acrylics. These paints are high quality and thicker than standard paints. I can get more texture with them. My disposable palette with the four colors plus black and white.
Posted onNovember 7, 2023|Comments Off on Feature article in Southern Indiana Living Magazine
My work is featured in the November- December issue of Southern Indiana Living Magazine. Thanks to the wonderful write up by Judy Cato, she’s managed to condense forty years into two pages – with pictures! Thanks so much, SILM and Judy. Check it out here, pages 18-19.
I was tinkering around in my studio this week in between starting some new work when I pulled out a sketchbook. Well, one of many. I have sketchbooks of all kinds and sizes. Some fit in a pocket or purse, others are what I call vacation sketchbooks where I record scenes, thoughts and ideas while traveling. There may be more than one vacation in a book. Some I will start and finish completely, while others I pick up as needed. One of my favorite sketchbooks is a handmade Japanese book with thick deckle-edged paper. I don’t remember where I got it but it is so beautiful that I choose carefully what I put in it. Most other books, I write in the back the maker and particulars. And my name and contact info in the front.
Found objects, present from my son. Praying mantis egg casing and three blue jay feathers.A posy of violets, large four leaf clover, and a pretty leaf.
I find sketching to be very relaxing but I’m not obsessed with it. I try out new ideas. Make notes of the materials I’ve used. Or I might write the name of a book that I heard about while listening to NPR. They’re my sketchbooks and I can do what I want. There really aren’t any rules. I might cut swatches from a favorite article of clothing before I put it in the rag bag, or add a post card. Or how about that sticker from that wonderful chocolate shop I visited in Paris. I would never remember the name of that again.
If you looked through my books, you might find some pressed flowers or leaves, lots of four leaf clovers (artists are good at finding those). A favorite quote from a Chinese fortune cookie.
Typical found birds nest waiting to be captured in my sketchbook.Basket of feathers, mostly turkey, and a small nest composed of dog hair and lichen.
Many of my sketchbooks are devoted to nature or natural elements. I have plenty of subject matter out here on the 90 acres. Plus, one of my sons would (and still does) leave interesting things on my drawing table. A birds nest, some feathers, a praying mantis case. I’ll hang onto these items until they become too ratty and disgusting to have around. But the drawing will last much longer.
A messy robin’s nest. See if you can spot the secret code in the drawing. Notice the thumbtack shadows.
One of my oldest sketches (not in a book but just loose paper) was of a very scruffy robin’s nest which my son brought me one day. I did a fairly large drawing, added some (imaginary) eggs, and scanned it electronically. I’ve used that drawing for many years. I’ve even printed it off on watercolor paper and painted it so I have two versions. Unfortunately, I have seen my drawing pop up on the web elsewhere under someone else’s name. Ha ha. What they don’t know, is that I added a secret code to the drawing so I know it’s mine. I kept the original drawing on my bulletin board in my studio for years until the paper yellowed but you can see the thumbtack marks in the corners. Yeah, those artists are violating copyright laws but I have neither the time, interest nor resources to pursue the matter.
Box of found objects. Birds nests, acorns, chestnuts, magnolia seedpods, etc.
Back to the point. I highly recommend keeping a sketchbook or two or four. They’re so great to relax, record your life, your thoughts. I’ve used pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, colored pencils and markers. I don’t use charcoal much as it tends to be messy and it smears but you can use what you want to in your book.
A dead bird. Anything can end up in the sketch book.
Still gathering produce from the garden this autumn.
Autumn is my second favorite season (spring is my favorite). I think it’s due to the brilliant colors, all those reds and oranges and yellows. The garden is winding down but I’m still extending the season. Frost was predicted last week (didn’t happen) but I covered the vegetable patch anyway. Still getting some tomatoes and peppers. They’re small but we’ll miss that fresh and juicy taste when the last one is gone. I started a new crop of lettuce and spinach. The spinach isn’t doing well but the bib lettuce is coming along. We should be eating fresh lettuce in a week or so. I know it doesn’t seem like much to most people when you can just go to the store and buy fresh lettuce, but still there’s the pleasure of picking my own.
Covering the vegetable patch to prevent frost damage.
We lost all the peaches due to a late freeze this year but we’ve had a bounty of pears. My husband has the patience to sit and process them for the freezer. Future pies and cobblers. I get the fun job of picking them with my long handled fruit picker, with the aid of my grandson who thinks it’s pretty special to dodge the fruit as it comes down. The persimmons are also ripening. I don’t particularly like persimmons but a lot of people around here do. As do the deer and other night creatures. If you don’t know, you have to have both female and male trees to pollinate them. Just a fun fact.
The Kieffer pears just do not want to give up. We don’t spray so, no, they are not perfect. But they make great pies.These are natural persimmons, not those pretty store-bought ones. Many people make persimmon pudding.
The potted flowers haven’t given up yet either but they’re getting pretty straggly. I like the roses that still put out an effort and a few late blooms. And I did take a grandchild to the library to paint pumpkins.
A late-blooming climbing rose.
I returned from our trip to the Smoky Mountains last month inspired to paint many of the beautiful scenes that we saw. Sunrise in the Smokies, mountain streams, just so many awesome vistas. After a few small paintings, I printed some cards and painted some holiday scenes for a local gift shop and one of my Etsy shops. Tis the season and most artists and craftspeople are busy this time of year.
Smokey Mountain Sunrise, Acrylic, 10 x 20Mountain stream in the Smokies. Acrylic, 10 x 20.
And, hey, it’s fall break this week, too. Hummm….guess I’ll cajole the grandkids to help me do some chores, like cleaning out the greenhouse and the shop. Both of those tasks have been on the list all year. Maybe pick up some walnuts for replanting. I picked seven gallons of redbud seedpods which we’ll sow in the woods. If you don’t have this beautiful understory tree in your area, I truly feel sorry for you. A good excuse for a walk in the woods with the kids.
Anyway, I hope that you can get outside to enjoy the final warm days of the season wherever you live.
Posted onSeptember 17, 2023|Comments Off on The Golden Marble – More Gold and Silver Leaf
The Golden Marble, acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24. 23K gold leaf and sterling silver leaf. Kit Miracle
This is another painting in the gold and silver leaf series that I’ve been exploring. At 30 x 24, it’s the largest one so far. I also completed this one before Leo’s Muse which I posted last week.
The subject is a young boy who has been playing dress-up with his sister. In a spirit of silliness, she has adorned him with ribbons and hair clips. His smile engages the viewer as he shows off The Golden Marble which is a prized possession.
Although I usually plan my paintings very carefully, I’ll admit that I really wasn’t sure where I was going with this one. I liked the subject. I knew that I wanted some gold and silver. Other than that….well…
A preliminary sketch of the subject of The Golden Marble
As usual, I did some preliminary drawings of the child. These are just to familiarize myself with the subject. I then sketched him on the canvas, a straight-on shot. Then I began playing with background colors. I elected to use some very bright and warm colors, radiating out of the figure.
Initial lay-in of colors. I did the background warm/hot colors first. The began a grisaille of the figure.Now laying in flesh tones, plus adding some detail to the background.
I then painted the figure in grisaille, those greyish tones. Later working overall with adding some detail to the background. More paint on the primary figure. Although I had some reference photos to work from, this doesn’t really represent the situation. I painted very loosely, adding more to both the figure and the background until I was satisfied.
The figure is pretty complete. I decided to add a carpet to part of the floor, leaving the rest as hinting at wood flooring.Applying the gold and silver leaf while working on the floor
Because the canvas is so large, I had to place it on the floor of my studio to work on adding the gold leaf. Again, no fans or air conditioning blowing as the metal leaf is so fragile and blows everywhere. It was pretty challenging to decide where I wanted to place the metal leaf, plus I kept switching back and forth during the process. Sometimes the gold would be on top; other times the silver would be. The fixative is clear so I had to carefully judge where I wanted to place it, and estimate the right amount of tackiness for the metal leaf to stick. Overall, I’m pretty pleased with the result.
The Golden Marble, detail 1. I left plenty of the warm background colors show through. As you can see, I alternated placing the gold leaf on top of the silver, and the silver on top of the gold. Abstract shapes alternate with more organic circle or bubble shapes. No real planning, just in the flow.The Golden Marble – detail 2 showing the texture of the canvas and close-ups of the hair decorations
The final steps were to go back and touch up the figure here and there. I have learned that it’s difficult to touch up or make changes in the gold and silver leaf as it just doesn’t look the same as when first applied. I may find some way to eventually meet this challenge, but haven’t yet.
The very final step is to spray a protective coat of clear acrylic over the entire painting. This keeps the silver leaf from tarnishing and the gold leaf from flaking off.
Overall, it’s a very striking piece. I want to explore my next subject in this medium.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit Miracle
For the past several months, I’ve been experimenting with adding gold and silver leaf to some of my paintings. I don’t know why I decided that this was a path for me, but as with most artists, we get inspired with new ideas and techniques. I posted on here earlier about some glam cat paintings and some others, but the most recent sparkly paintings have been both challenging and rewarding.
Leo’s Muse, several sample preliminary sketches
In Leo’s Muse, I began with some ideas rolling around. I took a few dozen photos of my model in different lighting and poses. Then began the difficult part of winnowing down all my options to a few good poses. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but I have found that it helps to do a number of sketches even before I get to the final idea. This allows me to familiarize myself with the model and the lighting until I reach my final idea.
Leo’s Muse, initial canvas sketchLeo’s Muse, step 2, blocking in color
I then sketched the outline of the pose on a prepared canvas (gesso and a couple of coats of acrylic paint.) Then I basically start…somewhere. For a portrait, it will be with the head or body. Then I lay in some loose background colors. In this particular painting, I painted the flesh in grisaille (grey undertones) before I began adding color to the face. After I have the basic face laid in, I just keep working on the painting as I would a normal painting until I reach a point where I am satisfied.
Leo’s Muse, adding more color, grisaille grey under tones on canvasStep 4, adding color over the grisaille
Another challenge with this painting is the added wreath of flowers. That is entirely imaginary as I didn’t really think of it while I was planning the painting. That is often the way of the creative process. Surprises pop up.
Leo’s Muse, nearly finished. Last step before gold and silver leaf is added
The canvas is two inches deep so the painting is carried around the sides.
Leo’s Muse, adding the metal leaf
After letting the painting dry for awhile, I then began to add the gold and silver leaf. I was a bit conflicted about this step as I really liked the painting without the added touch. But the design in my head called for it so, what the heck? I took the leap.
If you have never used gold or silver leaf, let me tell you, it is challenging. This is not a paint but actual sheets of real 23K gold and real sterling silver which have to be applied to the painting. The sheets of precious metal are so thin (.003 microns, whatever that is), that I can’t have a breath of air in the studio. No fan. No air conditioner. Hold my own breath while I’m applying the metal. And the little flakes get everywhere! On me, my clothes, other parts of the painting, all around my studio.
A fixative must first be applied to the surface that you wish to apply the metal. Then you have to wait until it has the right amount of tackiness. Then gently apply the metal, transferring from the tissue paper leaves to the painting, then gently press it into the fixative, and then remove the tissue paper all the while praying that the gold will actually adhere to where you have placed it. The fixative is clear as it dries, so that’s another dimension of challenge. Where did you paint it? Ha!
After I’ve let it dry, then I can take a somewhat stiffer clean brush and brush it off the rest of the painting. More challenges with flying gold and silver flakes. If you’ve never tried this before, you might want to experiment with the fake gold until you get the hang of it. When possible, I collect the extra flakes and put them in labeled jars for use on backgrounds or other areas.
After the paintings have had time to “set”, I will spray them with a clear coat of acrylic. This prevents the sterling silver from tarnishing, and the gold from flaking more or rubbing off. Or so I am told. I haven’t used it enough to be absolutely certain but we’ll see.
Leo’s Muse, final, acrylic on canvas, 23K gold leaf, sterling silver leaf, 16 x 16, Kit Miracle
By the way, the title of the painting, “Leo’s Muse” is actually short for Leonardo’s Muse. The model’s direct gaze and Mona Lisa smile of that other famous lady with the knowing look.
Afternoon visitors. They’re eating fallen fruit from the orchard.
If you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, maybe imagining some exotic vacation, nothing could be further from reality. Mostly just hanging around here tackling one thing after another.
Although we had a week or two of pretty hot weather, last week was marvelously cool with temps in the 70s. We also have managed to have pretty even rain – not too much, not too little. All good.
My little raised bed garden has been producing better than I thought. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant. Note to self: plant less squash next year and more beans. And I just planted a fall crop of spinach and lettuce.
Unfortunately, all this produce came at an unlucky time when our 35 year old freezer elected to die. This involved a lot of hassle with the local big box store (HD) on delivery dates. But mostly the fact that the huge truck they decided to deliver the freezer – the same one that they delivered the washing machine two months ago – suddenly couldn’t make it down our drive. Lots of unhelpful phone calls until we cancelled the order and went with the local appliance store. Spent a little more but the service was great. I like supporting local businesses, too.
The second half of this misadventure is that the freezer resides in the back of my studio. Which meant, of course. hauling out most of the paintings that have been stored back there. Might as well clean it out while I’m at it. None of this was on my schedule. Anyway, it’s all fixed up now. On to other things.
The Golden Marble (detail), acrylic, real gold and silver leaf, 30 x 24. Kit Miracle
I’ve been experimenting with more applications of gold and silver leaf to my paintings as discussed earlier. I really like this but it is so tricky to work with. This is 23K gold and sterling silver on the thinnest of metallic sheets. Even a breath of air will mess it up while applying it to the canvases. Here is a detail shot of one of the largest paintings that I’ve done using this technique. I’ll post more about it later.
Deer in the bean field
And, the deer seem to be out in abundance. Although we rent our fields out, it’s sure a shame to see how much these visitors eat. The beans are high enough now that we mostly only see their heads. And they don’t seem to be skittish at all with the noises coming from the house and yard. Well, another couple of months it will be a different story when hunting season starts. Meanwhile, I love watching the twins playing in the yard just as any youngsters might do.
I hope to post a bit more regularly in the future. And I also hope that you’ve all been managing the weather – heat, drought, hurricanes. Autumn is coming and the leaves are even beginning to change. Can’t wait!
A couple of weeks ago I jokingly claimed that people around here had to keep their car doors locked in the summer to prevent good-intentioned neighbors from leaving bags of zucchini in them. Zucchini are prolific, in case you don’t know.
But a few days later, I found myself foisting off some fresh-picked tomatoes on a visiting neighbor. He wasn’t unhappy about it as he doesn’t have a garden this year, but it gave me pause. This is what gardeners do. What we love to do, i.e., share our bounty. Although our garden area is much reduced this year, I still love to share.
A few years ago, I did a painting of my grandmother who so generously shared her garden bounty, too. You never left her house empty-handed.
Generosity, 24 x 18, oil on canvas, Kit Miracle artist
The painting depicts her holding an armful of, what? Probably turnips but it could have been tomatoes or peppers or just about anything. The original photo was black and white. The dress was typical summer attire, homemade with no pattern. She just laid out an old dress on the fabric and cut around it. Something I would never be confident enough to try, but grandma worked in an underwear factory during WWII, cutting out fifty layers of long johns at a time. A simple housedress could be whipped up in no time. On her Singer peddle sewing machine. Which I now use as a bedside table. Memories.
Anyway, if someone offers you an armful of fresh garden produce this summer, take it. Even if you don’t like turnips, you’ll be perpetuating the nearly lost act of sharing what we have with fellow human beings. It’s worth reminding ourselves that caring for others reflects well on all of us eventually.
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
I'm a professional artist, retired director of a performing arts center, bona fide book addict, and enjoy the quiet life...most of the time. I'd love to hear from you or get your ideas for future posts. Come back soon!
my90acres 