JANIS COMMENTZ California Painter
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Blog
  • Classes Online
    • Links & Commissions
  • Nature
  • Figures
  • Paper Goods
  • Gallery
  • Gallery 2021 - JanisCommentz
Picture
Pt. Lobos State Reserve, Ink and Watercolor on paper

Stay Creative Through the Holidays!

12/13/2018

0 Comments

 
Happy Holidays!

I sincerely hope that throughout December you will have time to nurture your creative spirit, wheather it's painting, making cards, baking cookies -- or mixing colors in your bubble bath! 

Despite the busy season, I have some projects to continue and need to make painting time a priority--even in short spans! As we know, good habits must be made a priority, and one must make the daily decision to push on!

Painting directly from a scene is wonderful, but often I paint from a study or photo.  Today, I am painting from a photo I took in Paris last summer.  The day was delightful, the light was perfect, and I like the subject captured in the Orangerie at Jardin Du Luxembourg. It conjures up fond memories.  One of the three artists exhibiting, Nicole Gaulier, took time to chat and tell me about each of the artists; I appreciate that she shared enthusiasm for the others as well as herself.  The paintings in this scene are by Hans Bourman.

I am painting on a lovely natural dark beige linen that comes coated with a clear primer.  As I often do, I began with  a pastel pencil sketch on the canvas—easy to change as I go. Many artists use charcoal, but it will leave a black smudge (sometimes a desired effect) unless you seal it.  I like to seal the pastel with acrylic medium and move it around in brushstrokes as I go.

I also create a file of photos with a version in color, black and white, posterized and with high intensity values—to flip through as I paint, using my monitor to view the  images. I do not aim for photographic likeness; I want to convey the light and color effects from the scene. 

By the way, I find it much better to paint before I check email or the news!  Try to create  a schedule that works for you!   I am dovetailing activities (a term I like because it refers to a woodworking skill!)

My steps:
(I began yesterday with a very quick sketch) – step 1) 
  • Sketch in dark pastel pencil
  • Add white pastel
  • Cover these areas with matte medium, allowing brush to thoroughly cover the area and create brushstrokes.
  • Add a bit of color…I added ocher, vermillion, brown and some green.
  • Cover layers with matte medium.
Watch the slide show below.  The changes are subtle.
 
I’m not finished, but will stop for today. I've made progress and am on my way!
​
I wish you all success in your pursuits this week. Set priorities.  Enjoy family and friends.
Remember the love of the original Christmas!  


Inspired by all of you,
Picture
0 Comments

Looking Back at 2018

12/11/2018

0 Comments

 
0 Comments
    Click for WORKSHOP NEWS

    Janis Commentz

    Note:   As our lives have been shaken by COVID 19, I invite you to check into my blog for encouragement and creative activities.  Be well. May God keep you safe.
     ~Janis




       Thank you to the many who have visited my website!  This year, I am adding a blog about my art, insights and techniques.  It will give you a chance to get to know me a bit and I welcome comments and questions.
           I was fortunate to have an artist mother and uncle and to be surrounded by art materials from an early age. However, I strongly believe that the creative habit and skills can be developed at any age.  
           I love encouraging new artists! I continue to teach workshops for children and adults.
       Are you an art patron?
       An artist? (Including writers, musicians, actors, dancers)
       An aspiring creative?
       I invite you to check in often!

      Would you like to sign up for my blog / newsletter?

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Archives by Date

    January 2021
    October 2020
    August 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018

    Looking Back ~ Click on
    Bloglinks

    Titles/Content

    -Greetings from the Mojave Desert
    -Winter Light  and Elevating Your Mood!
    -Creativity and Cost
    -What do you know about color? 
    -Creating in an out-of-sync world
    -Intention and Composition
    -Passion (on Valentine's Day) for the Arts
    -
    Believable Mojave Greens
    -Intention and Composition
    -
    In the mood to paint...besides inspiration what do I need?
    -With the winds, comes the inspiration for change!
    -
    Wondering About Workshops?  Jumpstart Your Practice or Jump In!
    ​
    -A Digital Leap
    ​-Blue Colored Glasses
    -New Class at the Desert Institute
    -New Media and Video
    ​
    -Travel Inspiration

    -Scheduling Creative Time
    -Letting go...and finding creativity....
    -October Opportunities
    -Holiday Cheer Through Creativity: Beating Stress and Creative Gifts 

    -Looking Back at 2018
    -Stay Creative Through the Holidays!
    -Resolve or Restore?
    -Rock Scrambling Through Winter
    -Drawing on Your Observations
    -Pondering Early Favorites
    ​-Summer Nurturing

    -In need of Inspiration?
    -Making a Thankfulness Bridge
    ​
    -December Greetings!
    ​-News for 2020
    -Nurturing Your Creative Vitality

    -Online Shop: French Press
    ​
    -A Work in Progress: Encouragement
    ​-
    Art During the Health Crisis

    ​

    All

    RSS Feed

Contact:  janis@janiscommentz.com                                                                                                                                                          All images by Janis Commentz


  • Home
  • Bio
  • Blog
  • Classes Online
    • Links & Commissions
  • Nature
  • Figures
  • Paper Goods
  • Gallery
  • Gallery 2021 - JanisCommentz