Third painting: A red barn in Montana.

This week I finally arrived at the end of the class at a point where with a couple more highlights, I can call this painting complete. Overall, I am happy with how it turned out although I am already thinking about the multitude of ways I would improve it had I had the inclination to paint it all over again. However, this will never happen as my sights are already set on other scenes I’d like to paint. I think the next painting I do will be closer to home. Maybe a photo from Napa or Sonoma wine country.

The main thing I think I can improve on is the selection of colors. I was passing by the multitude of art galleries in San Francisco and what drew my breath away many times was not the subject matter but the sheer glorious colors that were used. There is a vibrancy and sophistication in array of colors used that makes this painting seem too literal and primary. The other element is the fluidity of the brush strokes which I still need to work on. As Lee would say, you need to have the painting “talk to you.”

This week, I mainly worked on the foreground putting in the yellow flowers and the rest of the fence. I had lightened the white trim on the barn only to have Lee tell me to tone it down as it shouldn’t be the first thing people see when they look at the painting which is a fair statement.

I will be in Loreto, BCS when Lee Hartman’s 14th annual art show takes place unfortunately. However, if you are around the San Jose area, do stop by and see some of the wonderful works by all of Lee’s students. The art show is on November 15, 2009 from 11 am to 4 pm at University Art located at 456 Meridian Avenue in San Jose.

Loni Kao Stark

Loni is a self-professed foodie, adventure travel seeker and aspiring artist. It's been said her laugh can be heard from San Jose all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge. She's been known to dance and spin across Napa and the Baja. The former Ms. Global Petite runner-up is host of WineTube TV, SSC Presents and The Artist Diaries. In a former life she was simply: "sushiweakness." More »

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