Siren of the Palms :: New 3D Oil Painting

Oh my goodness! Now you know I'mma Bird who loves to oil paint sooo much, but even my patience has its limits! There were so many challenges, obstacles, and learning curves to creating this work of art that I almost though it might not actually happen!

Luckily, a few people and some serendipitous events magically aligned to allow me to make a truly captivating work of art that I honestly can't wait to show off in person. Time to get to work on making that happen next!

Here is my lovely ‘Siren of the Palms’. She measures 15x15” and I could not be more thrilled with how each and every layer turned out. I’m thinking I’ll probably do a limited edition print run before the holidays…

Want to learn all about oil painting? Check out my Complete Guide to Oil Painting playlist on YouTube or as a totally free course on Skillshare:

Here are a few vids on my Layered Resin Art techniques:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxmP_I9gEvM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LK3LYCG_G9k

A huge Thank You to my collaborator @greatcreatorvision

10.17.21

3D Oil Painting :: Delicate

Welcome to my latest 3D oil painting, 'Delicate' featuring one seriously creepy scene. The figure and white plumeria flowers are painted in oil, with an aerosol background. The bugs are actually shed cicada exoskeletons (whoa!) and the faux orange flowers spilling down the front made this a super fun piece to create.

How to mix caucasian flesh tones:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfVn2X2NpN8

My vid on making these frames:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJcIFE__tlU

How to layer acrylic resin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxmP_I9gEvM&t=415s

And if you need help photographing your resin work, check this out:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OHu47Ezguw&t=182s

10.25.2019

New Oil Painting :: Morning Dew

'Morning Dew' was a spur-of-the-moment composition inspired by some unusual lighting streaming through the trees surrounding my outdoor bathroom here on lovely O'ahu. I had just woken up and was brushing my teeth when I beheld in the mirror those bright cuts of light splashed across the cool blue shadows of the early sun.

Much to my delight I noticed how warm those deep purple shadows were upon taking my reference photo, giving this painting the unique quality of having very cool lights and very warm shadows. Coincidentally I had been up somewhat late the night before learning about various constellations (and discovering that Jupiter resides just outside my outdoor shower every evening!), so I felt compelled to add a few of the more simple star arrangements into this piece. 

You can actually watch me paint 'Morning Dew' in a timelapse video here. 

oil and mixed media on linen, 4.5x9 inches

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originally published August 26, 2018

Oil Painting Timelapse :: Sage

Aloha friends! It has been quite a while since I've created a full painting timelapse demo for you so I hope you are just as excited to see 'Sage' come to life as I am to show her to you!

This painting holds a tiny breakthrough for me too - check out the perspective of the ear/hair compared to the cloth at her waist. Do you see how it gets slightly out of focus as her body goes down? ...Just like when viewing any object in real life, huh?!?

The technique of trying to bring real world 3D perspective into a 2D surface is actually called trompe l'oeil and the masters have been perfecting it for years. It's especially popular when doing both landscape or faux interior murals and can really pull the viewer into the artwork when done effectively. 

Do you think I achieved the perspective illusion I was going for? Leave me a note in the comments!

Would you like to snag your own set of gold leaf or grab some of my favorite M. Graham & Co paints? Any item you purchase when using at least one of my special Dick Blick links will help to support my channel. Thanks!

Mona Lisa Gold Leaf
https://bit.ly/2Jbqomp

M. Graham Oil Paint

https://bit.ly/2toymBq

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originally published June 21, 2018

'Morning Dew' Figure Painting Demo - Timelapse + Technique

Aloha from the sunniest studio around! I have been having so much fun playing with light and shadows for this next series of oil paintings - this reference image even came from the early morning sunlight beaming through my outdoor bathroom.

Hence the warm shadows and cool highlights in this piece - a wild reversal!

Today's video features a timelapse of the painting process of 'Morning Dew' along with a voiceover by yours truly where I discuss various techniques I use and some color mixing tips. Hopefully you find it helpful as well as enjoyable to watch. Pop me a comment and tell me whatcha think - more like this? How about real time vids with technique discussion? 

But this painting is not over yet, friend! I am going to be bringing a bit of flora and a dash of magic to this piece..... just you wait ;) 

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originally published January 24, 2018

Plants as Inspiration for Figures

'Room to Grow' 2014

I spent a few hours in my garden today, but instead of working on my beets or green onions, I decided to give a little love to my decorative and indoor plants, which they sorely needed. I noticed the dirt getting quite low in a few of their pots and figured the nutrients in the soil had pretty much run its course. Poor little guys! 

The dirt had gone down almost an inch!

Much happier with full, fresh, composted soil.

As I was enjoying feeling my hands in the dirt and admiring the intricate geometric patterns and striking colors within these favorite studio companions, I started to remember just what had inspired me to do my grad school thesis project about human bodies juxtaposed with succulents and other plant life. The little fat fingers and petals of these succulents look and feel so much like animalia rather than plant creatures, and working with them today just brought all those energized and full-of-wonder feelings back.  

View fullsize

Succulent buddies lined up in front of my big basil bush

These little guys are so otherworldly!

The similarities between us and plantlife are present because we are all connected; the same matter, the same energy is what makes each creature on the planet, and after we expire, we will all become the same dust. 

Ready to come back in and cheer up my studio!

'Bell Pepper' 2015

If you want to learn more about any of the paintings pictured here, you can also view the full gallery and artist statement from my Figure & Flora exhibition. 

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originally posted: October 19, 2016

Studio Escalier in Argenton Chateau, France

As I am about to begin the sixth and final week of this heavenly program nestled in the French countryside, I can't help but look back fondly on the previous five weeks and be amazed at how quickly they have gone by. My fellow art students, the ambiance of this picturesque, stone walled town with its abundant fruit growing on countless trees, and, of course, the traditional atelier classes held in the converted attic of a 250+ year old home have all contributed to a dreamlike experience I will never forget. Timothy Stotz and his wife, Michelle Tully, are the most knowledgeable, patient, and supremely skilled teachers one could ask for, and are the cherry on top of this magically crafted, old-world-esque, studio art workshop program. The camaraderie and encouragement of the other students, as well as our delectable weekly potluck dinners, have made me feel more comfortable and welcome than I could have ever expected, especially being so far from home.

On top of this serendipitous atmosphere, I have learned a great amount regarding figure painting from life. Tim and Michelle have taught me so much about mixing skin tones and really rounding and forming the figure in a true and fantastic way. I am more confident regarding how to portray light and atmosphere using hue, value, and chroma than ever before and can't wait to apply this new knowledge to my own works back home. Their artworks stand as a huge influence and inspiration, and having them give their weekly demonstrations and lectures has been incredibly helpful and insightful. 

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originally posted: October 8, 2015