Painter's Portal

Still Life Composition: A Demonstration

2012-02-16T17:31:00.001-05:00

Strong, incisive compositions have the capacity to entice, involve, provoke and inspire. Build your paintings on such a foundation and you'll set the stage for portraits of life and expressions of the soul.

Some time back, The Artist's Magazine asked me to do an article demonstrating how I designed my award-winning painting, "Cheers!" For a link to Artist's Network, which highlights all the steps involved in setting up this composition along with insight into my choice of props, placement and intent, click on the link below.

Here I have included two photos from that series. One is of my original set up; the other is the resulting painting. Note how I took some artistic license with the finished piece. Despite having designed what I thought was a pleasing and moving composition as my inspiration, once I began massing in the shapes, I realized that if I tweaked a few things, (the height of the silver vase, the viewer's eye level and placement on the canvas, for example) my painting would be much stronger. I hope you agree!

TWEAKING the COMPOSITION:

As the saying goes: "The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement!"

"CHEERS!" Oil on Linen 11 x 14. Private Collection

Set up for "Cheers!"
Note the differences in my painting and set up

I enjoy the entire creative process, from concept to completion. Still life let's me do just that. And given the freedom to arrange elements what visually speak to and for me in an interesting relationship to one another, it allows experimentation with lighting, mood, storyline and other key facets of individual taste.

http://www.artistsnetwork.com/articles/art-demos-techniques/still-life-composition-demonstration-louise-hafesh
Tips for Creating Moving Still life

1. When setting up, create a sense of unity & harmony by overlapping a few objects.

2. Start out loosely at the block-in stage. Paint large masses, then work toward finer details. Be careful not to lock yourself into a tightly rendered drawing, which often leads to filling in the lines.

3. Learn to look at your subject with fresh eyes, as if for the first time. Relish in its form, color, inadequacies, uniqueness, and paint what you see.

4. When painting under natural light, it’s a good idea to take reference photos for backup in case the light begins to change.

5. Always photograph setups that include perishables such as fruit and flowers.

6. Use an assortment of compatible shapes that are varied in size and texture. If your props are too similar, they will vie for viewer attention.

7. Fruit is always a good subject because of its beautiful, natural shapes, rich colors and interesting textures.

8. Put some distance between yourself and the canvas. Take breaks. Stand back to view your work from a fresh perspective. If you find yourself mired down with details or losing enthusiasm, set the canvas aside for a few days. Work on something else. When you return, it will be easier to spot errors or areas that need adjustment and get motivated again.

9. Include various levels of interest by leading the viewer into your canvas toward your focal point, and from there around and through your composition.

10. “Instantly paint what you see. When you've got it, you've got it. When you haven't, you begin again.” Edouard Manet

Art from the Heart

2012-02-05T16:13:00.001-05:00

"BRANCHING OUT." 24 x 24. Oil on Linen. Louise B. Hafesh
One of 10 florals on exhibit through March 7, 2012 in Wyckoff, NJ

Valentine's Day fast approaches! In keeping with that hearts and flowers theme, my friend Paul at Mane on Madison suggested that I exhibit some of my florals in his salon. I have chosen 10 paintings for this display, which will be on view through March 7, 2012 at: Mane on Madison. 238 Madison Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 201/848-6969.

Happy to note that a portion of all work sold from this exhibit will be donated to the Make a Wish Foundation of New Jersey.

Master Class...

2012-01-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

Douglas Flynt goes in for a close up.

This past summer, I had the pleasure of attending a Douglas Flynt workshop at Grand Central Art Academy (GCA) in NYC and along with 13 other participants, explored classical techniques for painting still lifes.

Using a hand-held palette, Flynt showed
students how to mix color strings

A fellow student works on her still life

Flynt, whose style is greatly influenced by the principles of order, structural clarity and plasticity, breaks down his process into manageable, defined stages that include: blocking in; utilizing an oil transfer; creating a monochromatic underpainting and an Ébauche and premixing color strings, to name a few.

Set up and work in progress by Cynthia Farris, workshop participant

For a step-by-step demo of the artist's technique and an in-depth overview of his workshop, check out my article, "Slow & Steady" in The Artist's Magazine (March 2012.) Flynt's next GCA workshop is July 30 - August 10, 2012). Info:grandcentralacademy.classicist.org.

Two other paintings from my recent exhibit "For Love of Venice" at Village Artworks, Lahaska, PA.

2011-10-09T11:08:00.000-04:00

Powerful & Poignant Exhibits Commemorate 9/11

2011-09-02T00:52:00.000-04:00

September 11, 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of the unthinkable terrorist attacks that took place at the Twin Towers, NYC, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and in the woods over Pennsylvania. With great sadness, we will long remember that fateful morning, recalling in clear detail where we were and what we were doing.

Art can often express what words can’t. Tapping into that visual connection, I have chosen to highlight a few powerful and poignant exhibits that commemorate this national tragedy.

Graydon Parrish's proposal sketch for
"The Cycle of Terror and Tragedy, September 11, 2001"

Detail of Parrish's allegorical mural

THE CYCLE of TERROR and TRAGEDY… In 2002, Douglas Hyland, the executive director of the New Britain Museum of American Art, commissioned Classical-Realist artist, Graydon Parrish to undertake an monumental allegorical mural to memorialize the events surrounding 9-11. Hyland, who had great respect for the artist’s work, including his powerful allegorical painting about the early AIDS epidemic, considered no other artist. The resulting 8-by-18 foot long dramatic work of art, The Cycle of Terror and Tragedy, September 11, 2001, occupies a single wall in the museum’s Chase Family Building. Arguably one of the largest and most important of recent realist American paintings, its creator, Graydon Parrish, is a modern master and leading figure in classical art revival.

PAYING TRIBUTE to the PAST and a PLACE of HOPE …

Visitors to the 2007 September 11th
Commemorative Ceremony
gather around the "Flight 93 Flag"
and share their experience
of September 11. (Photo by Chuck Wagner)

This year, two major 9-11 memorials will be opening for the first time: The National 9-11 Memorial at WTC New York City lists the names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks, a powerful reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue personnel in American history; and the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA will honor the courage and sacrifice of the 40 heroes who fought back.A TRIBUTE to the FORTITUDE of NYC… Now through October 16, The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntingron, NY presents New York, New York, which pays tribute to the fortitude of New York City and the courage of her people. Museum admission is free to all visitors on Sunday, September 11, 2011

9/11 PEACE STORY QUILT… The 9/11 Peace Story Quilt designed by the artist Faith Ringgold and created in collaboration with New York City students’ ages 8 to 19, will be exhibited at The Metropolitan Museum of Art from August 30, 2011 through January 22, 2012. The Quilt is comprised of three 72-by-50 inch panels, each with 12 squares on the theme of peace.

FOR LOVE of VENICE

2011-06-09T01:45:00.003-04:00

For the past few months I have been painting Venice scenes and still lifes for a show entitled, "For Love of Venice: Paintings by Louise B Hafesh and Chris Willett," which will be on view at Village Artworks, 42 Peddler's Village, Lahaska, Pennsylvania from June 11 - 18, 2011. Here is a sample from my collection.

George Inness in Italy... a must-see for me!

2011-03-28T08:05:00.000-04:00

"Twilight on the Campagna"

George Inness in Italy (through May 15, 2011), now at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, features ten oil paintings that survey Inness’s Italian subjects dating from 1850 to 1879. A canonical figure in American painting, Inness (1825–1894) is widely admired as the pioneer of Tonalism, which is notable for its soft focus and translucent layers of paint.

Twilight on the Campagna, Inness's first major work completed in italy, was recently conserved and has not been on view at the museum since 1952. I have long admired his landscapes, especially as the artist settled in my home state of New Jersey and painted many familiar scenes in and around Monclair (The Montclair Art Museum houses an impressive collection of his work). Looking forward to viewing this latest exhibit.

Understanding Hue, Value and Chroma

2011-03-04T17:04:00.001-05:00

If you weren't familiar with Graydon Parrish’s prominent body of work

Graydon illustrates a point

before attending his annual summer color workshop at Grand Central Academy of Art, (GCA)

New York City,
you wouldn't know it any better upon completion. That’s because Parrish, a realist painter in the classical tradition, is one of those rare instructors intent on helping students understand the principles of his subject, not demonstrating how talented he is, or using the teaching forum to promote his work.

"White Roses" by Graydon Parrish

Mind you, Parrish is an extraordinary artist, as evidenced by the body of work on his website (http://graydonparrish.com) and the attached painting of his (a favorite of mine) “White Roses.”

Taking a break from color mixing!

Munsell tools of the trade

In the forefront of adapting the
color theories of Albert Munsell for use in traditional painting methods, Parrish introduced 15 eager workshop participants (myself included) to the functional use of Munsell's unique, numeric system for accurately describing every color that exists. Heady stuff, to say the least, but under Parrish's competent guidance, each student completed a complex series of color-mixing and painting exercises and came away with an arsenal of workable solutions for identifying color by its dimensions of Hue, Value and Chroma.

For an in-depth overview of Graydon's color workshop, check out the April issue of The Artist's Magazine and my article entitled "Rational Color."

NEW WORKSHOP: Painting Moving Still Life

2011-02-22T09:23:00.000-05:00

DATES: May 21 and 22, 2011

TIME: 10AM to 4PM Daily
COST: $275

WHERE: Art Ctr of Northern NJ-250 Center St., New Milford
INFO: 201/599-2992

Do you have a passion for painting still life?
Join us as we focus on new interpretations of traditional artistic principles. Students will have an opportunity to experiment while working from life at their own pace. (all skill levels welcome). Space is limited. For more info or to reserve, please contact: Ruth Miller @ http://artcenter-nnj.org, or call 201/599-2992.

THROUGH the EYES of an ARTIST... Counting my Blessings!

2010-12-30T00:48:00.000-05:00

Spellbound, I watched in awe as a master created a magnificent work of art. Using a prismatic palette of glowing Cadmiums, rich purples and soothing blues ranging from Cerulean to Indigo, in the artist’s hands, splashes of golden orange and pink morphed into bands of Azure blue in a glorious Acapulco sunset.

Privy to God’s beautiful handiwork on this enchanting Christmas Eve, it gave me pause to reflect on the many gifts we artists are handed.

Unique vision, imagination, individual ability to express that which comes from the soul and the freedom and joy of working in a field that we love, are but a few endowments we are privileged to share. And while creativity is an enigma that can easily be taken for granted, especially on those magical days when it just flows from within through the brushes and onto the canvas, or from the chisel to the heart of the stone, reality keeps us grounded every time we struggle to find the muse or worse, get bogged down in the mire of overworked details.

Grappling with process aside, surely we are a privileged lot! In the words of Camille Pissarro: “Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” Give yourself a gift in 2011. Resolve to be true to your calling; embrace that vibrant inner vision.

Here’s wishing you a peaceful New Year overflowing with fulfilled hopes, blessings and pleasant surprises.

Color your world,

Louise

P.S. Every year I highlight New Year tips and goals for artists. Please leave a comment or share one of your trade secrets for inclusion.

Memories of Mom

2010-12-07T00:33:00.005-05:00

"Nanny's Pansies" 12 x 12, Oil on Linen

Every November for the past five years, I have paid tribute to my late mother during her birth month by exhibiting my work in a celebration of life and the art of giving. This year's exhibition, "Holiday Treasures: Art for a good Cause" is held once again in the stylish, lovingly restored 3-story home turned full service salon, Mane on Madison (MOM) Salon at 238 Madison Avenue, Wyckoff.

Tucked away on a quiet street near town center, and exquisitely decorated by owners Paul and Rose, Mane on Madison is the ideal venue to showcase 18 of my recent paintings, including: Nanny's Pansies, so titled after the affectionate name given my Brit mom by her grandchildren.

Mom was a talented pianist and performer, who never let cancer dim her joy for living life to its fullest. That included giving concerts "To cheer the old folk" at a senior residence up until one week before her passing at age eighty-two.

Proud to have served in the Royal Air Force, where she met my father, a yank in the American Air Force, mom was a pioneer in every sense of the word, and after her tour of duty in WWII, she went on to become a successful entrepreneur at a time when women rarely ventured into that male-dominated world. In honor of her verve and spirit, this year's exhibit will be a fundraiser for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists who are fighting to end breast cancer forever. A portion of proceeds from all paintings sold will be donated to this fine cause.

Should you be in the area, do stop in. Coffee is always brewing, browsing is encouraged, and the staff is amazingly talented and welcoming. And in the spirit of the giving season, perhaps you could find it in your heart to make a small donation to my signature charity, Susan G. Komen.

Holiday Treasures: Art for a good Cause, runs through January 30, 2011.

Technicolor Tranquility

2010-09-20T17:39:00.005-04:00

David Rothermel succumbed to the Southwest’s magnetic pull in 1987 after tackling a pivotal and dramatic landscape, “Silent Crescendo.” “With that painting,” he says, “I knew I’d arrived at my own voice, and it happened so easily, it came out like butter.”

That decisive, 7-by-5-foot oil would go on to become the poster that celebrated New Mexico’s 75th anniversary of statehood. And for Rothermel, having tackled some major personal conflicts and thus temporarily abandoned his fine art career to paint billboards, the creative floodgates were reopened.

Today, the onetime student of minimalist Brice Marden paints in stages, mainly in studio, with mixed media. In my feature article (October, 2010 issue of the Artist's Magazine), he demonstrates his use of fluid watermedia, textures derived from pastels, and vivid color to produce landscapes that strike a balance between the intense and serene. Magical!

TONY BENNETT: Coloring our World with Music and Art!

2010-08-02T23:30:00.009-04:00

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Tony Bennett, the music man who has sustained a stellar recording and performing career for over 60 years. While music has always been in the forefront for this mega-star (Tony has garnered Emmys, Grammys and sold over 50 million records worldwide), a lifelong passion for art has also been a mainstay.

As a teen growing up in Queens, NY, Bennett studied at the School of Industrial Arts and since then, despite the rigors of the music business and demands of being on the road, has painted or drawn every day. Says Bennett: "The World is Full of Beautiful Things," from the film Dr. Doolittle is one of my favorite songs and it is quite meaningful to me. I have seen many of those wondrous things and joyously reproduced them on canvas."

Behind that trademark, mega-watt smile and infectious charm, is a warm, witty, totally unassuming man--a generous humanitarian who is forging opportunities for budding artists through his founding and support of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in his hometown Astoria.
For the full story, check out the September issue of The Artist's Magazine. Hits the newsstands mid-August.

Velazquez at the National Gallery

2010-06-16T08:35:00.000-04:00

Win $1,000 in the Utrecht Art Supplies Video Contest - Submit a Video creating your work!

2010-05-17T13:12:00.004-04:00

Win $1,000 in the Utrecht Art Supplies Video Contest - Submit a Video creating and showing off, your drawing, painting, sculpture or illustration! Posted using ShareThis

Finally... A Grant to Benefit Artists over Age 45!

2010-05-03T15:13:00.014-04:00

Announcing the Lillian Orlowsky/William Freed Foundation Grant for American painters aged 45 or older who demonstrate financial need. Deadline: 8/16/10. http://www.paam.org/lowf_foundation_grant.html

MADE (exclusively) for MOM: A painting of "A few of her favorite things."

2010-04-19T11:44:00.004-04:00

It all began with a commissioned painting, entitled "A Few of My Favorite Things." The name was a natural, considering that my patron and I had made the rounds of her home together gathering treasures that reflected meaningful memories for her and her family.

Back at my studio, I composed a set up of these intriguing mementos and rounding out the composition with luscious plums to compliment the purple etched glass; delicate white orchids to offset the vintage cloth, I took some photos for my patron's approval.

After completing the commission, its title got me to thinking... "Why not do a collection of 'favorite things?'" It also struck me as a beautiful and unique commemorative gift idea for any special occasion. And so... a series was born!

Mother's Day fast approaches... If you would like to thank mom this Mother's Day with a special painting of her "favorite things," please e-mail me for specifics. Mom will receive a personalized signed gift card explaining your intention to honor her with a beautiful painting, and together we will create a memorable keepsake for her and future generations to cherish and enjoy!.

Happy Mother's Day,
LBH
e-mail: theartworks@earthlink.net

NEW WORKSHOP: Painting Moving Still Life

2010-04-05T22:20:00.000-04:00

If you have a passion for painting still life, I welcome you to join my newest workshop, "Painting Moving Still Life" on August 7 & 8 from 10 - 4:00 PM at the Art Center of Northern New Jersey in New Milford. Have fun exploring imaginative ways to paint everyday, non-living objects, like drapery, fruit, china, metals, etc.

Focusing on new interpretations of traditional artistic principles such as composition, object interplay, lighting and form, students will have an opportunity to experiment while working from life at their own pace. (all skill levels welcome).

Beginning with an underpainting (modified Grisaille), students will learn to understand the basics of light and shadow and how a dramatic juxtaposition of the two creates atmosphere and depth. We will move on to adding color and work toward completion. Short demonstrations, one-on-one coaching and critiques will be offered at each student's easel. Space is limited.

For more information or to reserve, please contact: Ruth Miller @ http://artcenter-nnj.org,
or call 201/599-2992. The Art Center of Northern NJ is located at 250 Center Street, New Milford, NJ

FEE: $390 Non members; $360 Members.

Resources, info and inspiration for portrait artists

2010-02-18T18:03:00.005-05:00

The April edition of The Artist's Magazine, available now for pre order, is chock full of info, resources and inspiration for portrait artists.

The issue, which highlights portraiture today with 4 bold approaches, also includes my in-depth features on two talented and in-demand portrait artists: Casey Baugh and Steven Polson. "Starstruck" gives a behind the canvas take on Polsen's technique and prowess for painting some of the foremost political figures of our time, including Madeline Albright and Colin Powell; "Practice makes Perfect," explains Casey Baugh's fastidious approach of working up a number of smaller studies, incorporating modern technology and meticulously paying attention to every facet of composition, light and color harmonies when painting his compelling figuratives of women.

This portrait issue is a stunner by all accounts, beginning with the cover, which is a cropped close up of Baugh's mesmerizing "Yellow," a painting that he says was born from his desire to use more intense color. Baugh's article includes an 8-step tutorial of his process. Polson's feature divulges secrets of craft and a progression of his painting of former secretary of state, Colin Powell.

10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life

2010-01-08T22:51:00.007-05:00

Last year around the holidays, a good friend sent me a list entitled: "40 tips for a Better Life," which I have since seen published with various additions and deletions as "Enjoy the Ride," "45 life lessons and 5 to grow on," "20 tips for a better New Year."
As I read over the 40 inspiring tips, I realized with a little tweaking some of the themes could easily be applied to us artists and set about drafting a version that became my 2009 New Year blog post. Heading into 2010, I took up the challenge again. Here, then, revamped are my "10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life."
1. Set consistent work habits and painting goals and stick to them. Start each painting session by abandoning preconceived notions and stumbling blocks.

2. Be true to YOUR 'art and soul.' Encourage your inner vision; listen to your private voice; let your imagination soar and don't concern yourself with what others may think of your work.
3. Take short breaks, particularly when you've hit a rough spot or are experiencing a painting block. Stand back from your canvas on occasion. Quietly review your day’s work and take it all in with a fresh eye.
4.   Take pleasure in the painting process. Continually advance your skills. Read instructional books, attend workshops and exhibits, frequent museums, and study the masters.
5. Be generous with your knowledge. Whenever possible, exchange ideas, tips, techniques with other artists. (Twitter, Facebook, Fine Art Views "FAV," artist's blogs, are all great places to start). The more you share, the more you learn, and the benefits of networking are limitless.
6. Be passionate about creating your art, but do make time to nurture relationships. As in all things in life, balance is key!
7. Clear out the clutter from your studio. It will help you hone in and focus. Reassess unfinished work. Categorize as salvageable or not. Discard or sand down any canvases that don't make the grade and start anew.
8.   Learn from the challenges that each painting offers and move on to your next masterpiece. Keep a positive mindset and resist being over critical. Give yourself the right to make mistakes, a free rein to experiment. Remember, oil paint is forgiving, can be wiped out if wet; painted over when dry.
9. Bring HEART to your work. Treasure wisdom and innocence wherever you may find it
10. Work from promise not fear... the best is yet to come!  Think of that blank canvas as an opportunity to color your world!

A year in Art: 17 of my paintings

2010-01-02T10:56:00.003-05:00

Thanks and Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T01:51:00.007-05:00

Came across this beautiful quote by Souza. Plan to make it my mantra for the New Year.

And... if I may add one other phrase...
paint
as though you can be seen but not heard!
A special thank you dear readers for your friendship, support and insightful comments this past year.
Wishing you and yours all good things in 2010!
LBH

HOLIDAY TREASURES: Art for a good cause

2009-12-01T00:40:00.007-05:00

Slice of Light. Oil on Linen 11 x 14
Just back from hanging "Holiday Treasures: Art for a good cause" at Mane on Madison ("MOM") Salon in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Great to see the fruits of my labor displayed in such a beautiful setting all decked out for the holidays. (Showcase runs through January 3, 2010)

A stylish, inviting and lovingly restored 3-story home turned full service salon, MOM is tucked-away on a quiet side street near town center. It's an ideal venue to showcase 16 of my recent paintings, including: Slice of Light," "In Full Bloom," "Coming up Roses," to name a few.

This year's exhibition is also a fundraiser for Table to Table, the organization that collects prepared and perishable excess food and delivers it to organizations that feed the hungry in Bergen, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties in New Jersey. A portion of proceeds from all paintings sold will be donated to this fine community-based food rescue program.

Should you be in the area, do stop in. Coffee is always brewing, browsing is encouraged and the staff is amazingly talented and welcoming. And in the spirit of the giving season, perhaps you could find it in your heart to make a small donation to Table to Table to help feed our area's hungry.

Artur ZMijewski Film Documents Collaboration between Artists and Steel Workers

2009-10-28T15:15:00.010-04:00

The Museum of Modern Art presents Projects 91: Artur Zmijewski, featuring the premiere of the artist’s newest film Swiecie, 2009 (2009) shown in a continuous 24-minute loop, in the Museum’s Contemporary Galleries through February 1, 2010.
For the film, Zmijewski (Polish, b. 1966)—whose work investigates social norms by inventing or staging unusual scenarios for his subjects and documenting their reactions—invited seven artists from different parts of Poland to collaborate with steel workers in the city of Swiecie. They created public sculptures that were installed around the city. Projects 91 is organized by Connie Butler, The Robert Lehman Foundation Chief Curator of Drawings and The MoMA.

Sargent and the Sea Exhibit

2009-10-26T19:39:00.001-04:00

John Singer Sargent, 2. En Route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish), 1878, oil on canvas. Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Museum Purchase, Gallery Fund, 17.2.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art presents Sargent and the Sea through January 3, 2010. Featuring more than 80 paintings, watercolors, and drawings depicting seascapes and coastal scenes from the early career of the late 19th century American expatriate painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), the exhibition highlights the impact that the sea had on Sargent’s career, development of his style and artistic preferences.

The exhibit travels to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (February 14–May 23, 2010) and the Royal Academy of Arts, London (July 10–September 26, 2010).

Largest-ever retrospective of painter John William Waterhouse

2009-10-10T01:06:00.007-04:00

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the largest-ever retrospective of the British painter John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). Thanks to loans from the Tate Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Leeds Art Gallery, the Museum will present all three versions of The Lady of Shalott, Waterhouse's most celebrated and popular piece based on Tennyson's poem, This showing will be the first time these three works have been presented together.

J. W. Waterhouse: Garden of Enchantment runs through February 7, 2010 and includes some eighty works, paintings and works on paper plus a book of poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson belonging to the artist. The first international exhibition of the artist's work since 1978, it is also the first to feature the entire artistic career of this modern Pre-Raphaelite, who was fascinated with the femme fatale of literature, both as enchantress of ancient times and romantic heroine.

A classical painter, J.W. Waterhouse borrowed generously from Naturalist and Impressionist schools and often scandalized peers and critics of his time with his modern approach and combined techniques.

Coming up Roses!!

2009-10-04T19:30:00.005-04:00

"Coming up Roses"
Oil on Linen Panel
12 x 12

The vase in this composition was actually clear glass. However, as I was painting it a Murano-like effect kept coming through. Rather than paint what was actually there, I decided to experiment, go with the flow and see where artistic license took me. Happily, following my mind's eye helped the piece as I think the hazy blue/green glaze on the vessel actually compliments the rich solid color of the roses and adds a sense of mystery. Sometimes... everything does come up roses!

Sorry about the photo. Will attempt to take a better one and post this week.

Important American Paintings at Christie's Auction

2009-09-22T13:30:00.012-04:00

George Inness, "Near Peekskill"

Christie's New York will hold an important auction of American Paintings on September 29, 2009. Spanning the country’s most significant historical periods, for this event they will bring together Modernist, American Impressionist, Surrealist and Western works by many of the most celebrated names in American art. Emil Carlsen, Reginald Marsh, George Inniss, Edward Kemeys, Sally Michel Avery, Richard Schmid and William Aiken Walker are but a sampling of artists represented. Previews begin September 25 through 28th. Admission is free!

ART & ABOUT: Joaquin Sorolla Exhibition Breaks Ten Year Attendance Record

2009-09-16T21:18:00.021-04:00

MADRID.- The Museo del Prado has broken a ten year old attendance record with its Sorolla Exhibition. More than 450,000 persons visited the exhibition which closed on September 13, 2009 and was visited by more persons than other exhibitions for Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, El Greco, Zurbarán and Goya.

   JOAQUIN SOROLLA y BASTIDA studied painting from the age of fifteen in his native Valencia, Spain. By the time he was eighteen, he had traveled to Madrid, where he copied Master paintings in the Museo del Prado. Four years later, after winning a grant, the young artist began studying painting in Rome and worked on perfecting his signature style and ability to render luminous light effects.
   Upon Sorolla's return to Madrid, his portraits, landscapes and monumental historical and social pieces already gaining recognition internationally, he exhibited at the 1901 Exposition Univeselle in Paris and was commissioned by the Hispanic Society of America to paint decorative scenes for its NYC library.
   Sorolla's widow left a large collection of his paintings to the people of Spain. They are now housed at the Museo Sorolla, in the artist's home in Madrid. Other prominent colletions include The J Paul Getty Museum's ten Impressionist beach scenes (Los Angeles) and the Hispanic Society of America's entire room devoted to the Spanish Master's work. The latter, located in Harlem, NYC, is currently under renovation and expected to reopen in October, 2009.

CALL TO ARTISTS: Please share your favorite painting tip

2009-09-08T11:32:00.017-04:00

I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON AN ARTICLE that will feature Painting Pointers and Tips for artists. Would love to have you participate by passing along one of your faves. All media and artist levels welcome.

Please help me make this list an inspirational working tool for all artists:

1. Share your favorite painting tip. Be sure to include your name, media and website along with some background or anecdote about your discovery .

2. Tell a friend (or friends). Share a link to this site with fellow artists for their input.

3. Feel free to add your suggestions here and/or e-mail them to me at: theartworks@earthlink.net.

4. Follow my blog. I will publish periodic updates about this collaboration along with the publication date for the article.

HERE'S MY TIP: This was passed along by noted still life master painter and consummate teacher, Frank Arcuri.

When attempting to match a color in your set up, hold a a small mirror at arms length in front of you. Position it in such a way as to view your set up and canvas in the same frame. Still holding the mirror in one hand, with the other, lay down a stroke of mixed color on your canvas. You'll see right away if it is a good match. Really works!

"In full Bloom" accepted for exhibit at the National Arts Club, New York

2009-08-25T09:04:00.004-04:00

Happy to announce that "In full Bloom" was accepted into the 113th Annual Exhibition of The Catherine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club.

The exhibition of works in a variety of media by women artists from all over the United States was by juried admission and is open to the public from October 1 to October 23, 2009 from 3 pm, Monday through Friday, 1 pm - 6 pm Satuday and Sunday. to 6 pm.

The National Arts Club is located at 15 Gramercy Park South, New York. Info: 212-475-3424.

Vacation shots... reference material for future paintings

2009-08-22T00:57:00.008-04:00

Lately it seems I've been painting flowers exclusively. Inspired by a recent vacation, and ready to try my hand at a cityscape or still life again, I went rummaging through some recent snapshots in search of inspiration. These two stills of Venice caught my eye and fancy. Have decided to use them as reference material for my next paintings. Plan to document my progress in stages and post on my blog.

Painted Peonies

2009-07-31T06:40:00.014-04:00

"If you hear a voice within you saying, 'You are not a painter,' then by all means paint... and the voice will be silenced." - Vincent van Gogh

Lately, having not caught sight of my studio for the past eight weeks, that quote has been nagging at my thoughts. First, a "minor" ceiling leak kept me away during two weeks of repair, as did end of school year activities with my daughter and then we were off on an extended vacation.

Of course, getting away with family is always a treat, and as we were in Paris and Italy, inspiration was plentiful. Visited longtime friends: Chardin, Leonardo and the Dutch masters at the Louvre, marveled again at their work and that of contemporary artists whom I met throughout our travels. I even got to see Monet's huge circular murals and the Paul Guillaume art collections at the Museé de L'Orangerie (long on my "to do" list.) Still, eight weeks without putting brush to canvas, how do I get to call myself an artist with that lapse of hands-on time?

Be silent my internal critic... I'm headed back to the studio today and I think my travels and the time off has actually done me some good. Not only am I itching to tackle the set up I had carefully composed before going away, but I feel energized and refreshed with all sorts of new ideas and projects taking form.

'Painted Peonies" (Oil on Linen 12 x 16), the last painting I finished prior to the studio deluge, was a pleasant distraction. The flowers seemed to flourish along with the steady but slow ceiling drip.

The Maestro Upstairs: The art and life of Frank Mason

2009-07-30T16:30:00.004-04:00

"Art is the invisible rendered visible, wrought with love." Frank Mason

Upon my return from a month long stay in Europe, I was sad to hear of the passing of Frank Mason, artist, teacher and champion for traditional techniques, who led the movement to save Old Masters' paintings from damaging restoration.

I never studied with Mason, but I know many friendswho did at the Art Students League, New York. They counted themselves fortunate to be part of a lineage that dated back to Frank Vincent Dumond and the French Barbizon School.

Maestro Films recently announced a soon to be released documentary, "The maestro Upstairs: The Art & Life of Frank Mason. No date set yet, but you can view the trailer, interview segments and current info on its release @ www.frankmason.org

Hollywood and the love of art...

2009-05-27T08:01:00.024-04:00

Although not officially released as of yet, two Hollywood films are creating quite a buzz in the art world and inspiring audiences and artists with their themes about the love of art. Both are on my must see list this year.

Local Color..

Local Color, the new movie by award-winning writer, director and painter, George Gallo has been garnering accolades and awards, including taking Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay and Star on the Horizon at the Ft. Lauderdale International film festival among others.

The semi-autobiographical piece about "one master, one student, one summer to dream," follows a young 18-year-old-artist (Trevor Morgan) in his search to find aging painter, Seroff (Armin-Mueller-Stahl) in an attempt to apprentice with the master and learn to paint in the tradition of the great impressionists.

Gallo painted all of the oil paintings in the movie and those seen in the beginning scenes are the exact ones he showed to the person on whom the Seroff character was based. Check out the trailer at http://www.localcolormovie.com and look for its release in New York on June 26, 2009.

The Maiden Heist...

The Lonely Maiden, a painting by Jeremy Lipking plays the title role in the film The Maiden Heist starring Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, and William H. Macy. The film is a comedic caper with an underlying message about a visceral reaction to art that people of all backgrounds can experience. Christopher Walken plays a security guard, Roger whose favorite painting The Lonely Maiden is sold along with other traditional works of art to make room for an installation of modern Dung art. Roger and two other guards devise a plan to steal the painting along with other favorites and replace them with reproductions.

I met Jeremy this past summer when I attended one of his workshops at The Grand Academy of Art, NYC and subsequently wrote a feature on him, "Drawing Out the Riches" for the November, 2008 issue of the Artist's Magazine. As mentioned in that article, Lipking is widely recognized for his compelling paintings of women. It's easy to see why director, Robert Hewitt chose to make one of his paintings the film's intriguing centerpiece.

The Lonely Maiden painting, by the way, was completed under a tight deadline. Says Jeremy: "When I first met with the director he opened up the Gabriel Weisberg book Beyond Impressionism: the Naturalist Impulse, (which is probably the most worn out book on my shelf) and said, 'We need something like this, a painting in the manner of Natural painters George Claysen, Emile Friant and Jules Bastien Lepage.' I had to finish the painting in 7 days. It normally would have taken me a month or longer to do something this size."

The Maiden Heist is set to hit theaters this fall.

Feel Good, Colorful Celebration to benefit the "Love Fund" of Wycoff

2009-03-08T22:48:00.016-04:00

"The Gift" 18" x 24" Oil on Linen

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Please join me for a "Feel Good, Colorful Celebration" to be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

I will be participating in a fundraiser at Mane on Madison Salon (238 Madison Avenue, Wycoff, NJ) for the benefit of the "Love Fund," a non-profit organization that helps local families with such things as: food, clothing, dental care and professional counseling.

With an economic and personal stress climate surrounding us at every turn, here's an opportunity to enjoy some pampering, while helping to bring a little radiance back in the lives of others less fortunate.

Day and evening events will include Fashion... Makeovers... Fresh Vision Haircuts... Goodies... refreshments... raffles.... in addition to an exhibition of my newest paintings . 10% of all sales will go to the "Love Fund."

To reserve an appointment, call 201/848-6969, or stop by and join in the festivities (I'll be helping out on-premise from 5 to 8PM). Hope to see you there.

Color your World!

LBH

A winning Jump Start to 2009!

2009-02-11T23:37:00.003-05:00

Attending the Award Ceremony at the Ridgewood Art Institute.

Photo by Imagery by Kate

2009 KICKED OFF ON A HIGH NOTE as I attended the reception for the Ridgewood Art Institute's 29th Open Juried Show and was honored to receive the coveted Betty Kaytes Floral award for my painting "Asian Beauty." 'Twas a great way to start the New Year!

New Year Resolutions... with a little help from a friend

2009-01-30T02:33:00.007-05:00

PAINTING: "Cheers!" Oil on Linen. 11" x 14"

Private Collection

Have you made your New Year resolutions yet? Hopefully, the kind that you can keep and that will set you up for success.

Coincidentally, while planning mine, I received some timely WORDS of WISDOM, from a brilliant poet/lyricist and longtime friend, Denice I. Ferrarelli. Her sage advice inspired me to draft some painting pointers of my own, (incorporated in hers below as parenthetical comments in bold typeface).

This new list, posted close at hand on top of my easel, will be updated regularly as additional pointers come to mind. Care to add your tips to the list? Please do. I will assimilate and re-publish periodically.

20 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life

1. Take a 10 - 30 minute walk every day (particularly when you've hit a rough spot or are experiencing a painting block). And while you walk, smile. it is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. (Take time to stand back from your canvas, quietly review your day's work and take it in with a fresh eye.)

3. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is about. (Always be true to YOUR 'art and soul.')

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to _______ today.' ("truly see," "abandon preconceived notions," "take my time as I paint." "encourage my inner vision." "work from promise, not fear"

5. Live (paint) with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy (Everyday, if possible).

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008. Take pleasure in the painting process and advance your skills in 2009. Read instructional books, attend workshops and exhibits, frequent museums, study the masters.

7. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. (Bring HEART to your work. Treasure wisdom and innocence wherever you may find it.)

8. Dream more while you are awake (AMEN!)

9. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk (your studio) and let new and flowing energy into your life. (Reassess unfinished work. Categorize as: salvageable or not. Discard or sand down any canvases that don't make the grade and move on.)

10 Don't waste your precious energy on issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy (and talent) in the positive present moment.

11. Realized that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

12. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away. (Resist being over critical. Remember, oil paint is forgiving, can be wiped out if wet; painted over when dry. )

13 Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

14. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. (Learn from the challenges that each painting offers and move on to your next masterpiece)

15. Whatever other people think of you (or your work) is none of your business.

16. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. (Be passionate about creating art, but do make time to nurture relationships.)

17. No matter how your feel, get up, dress up and show up. (Be consistent with your work habits. Set painting goals for yourself and stick to them).

18. The best is yet to come.

19. Each night before you go to bed complete the following: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished ______________.

20 Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life. Make the most of it! (Color your world!)

All good things to you in the New Year. Cheers!

Louise

Announcing new still life classes....

2009-01-11T17:17:00.006-05:00

Happy to announce that I will be teaching an adult still life oil painting class at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly, New Jersey. The classes, which will begin on April 20 through June 15 (No class on May 25), will be held on Monday evenings from 7:30PM to 10PM.

If you have a passion for painting still life, come join us as we have fun exploring imaginative ways to paint everyday, non-living objects, including drapery, fruit, china, metals, etc.

For more information contact: Judy Belinfante, Adult Program Director, 201/569-7900 x463

A few of my favorite things..

2008-12-18T07:35:00.002-05:00

If you happened to see an article on my work in the June, 2008 issue of The Artist's Magazine, perhaps you will remember the lead painting, "A few of my favorite things" (24 x 24"). A commissioned piece, that, along the way taught me much about painting crystal and that sage old adage, " less is more," before putting paint to canvas, I welcomed the occasion to meet a new collector who had just months prior purchased another of my paintings, "Standing Tall."

Walking through my patrons home, as we decided on potential items to include in the still life (those that had personal meaning for her, yet also spoke to my aesthetic sense), I began to see an opportunity for a series, even envisioning its title: "My favorite things."

And so, for the next few months I will be working on my second concatenation--a family wedding gift, commissioned by myself. Along with the obvious inclusion of the invitation, I'm hoping to feature some personal riches that will please the happy couple; perhaps even put a new twist on the "something old, something new, borrowed and blue" concept.

Promise to post a picture upon completion.

Little Diversions...

2008-11-12T18:29:00.000-05:00

For the past few months I've been working on two large (at least for me) paintings. One is a 24 x 24 the other a 20 x 28. They were both rather complicated set ups and at various stages in the process, barely escaped being chucked in the trash. Working through the rough spots, however, I learned much and actually ended up being happy with the duo.

Still, it was a tough go. So once they were finished and out of my studio, I decided a little diversion was in order and immediately set up two small still lifes.

For the first, Splendor in the Glass, I channeled one of my favorite artists, Henri Fantin Latour, and purposely painted the setup without a table front, softened the edges where the background meets the table (a Latour trademark) and did my take on his subdued backdrop. With a book of his work close to my easel, between breaks it lifted my spirits and inspired my effort Having started (but never finished) the second painting sometime ago, still on a high from painting Splendor in the Glass, I decided to give it another go.

Whenever you rework flowers, it's easy to lose that spontaneous freshness. In an attempt to avoid that, and since the drawing had good bones, I decided to use my previous effort as a base and approached Sweet Sunshine with an alla prima mindset, painting extempore on top of the original and working wet into wet toward the finish.

Thanks to these two little diversions, I am back in my element ready to take on another biggie. Commission anyone?

The New Republic

2008-10-13T14:04:00.001-04:00

Oil on linen canvas 24" x24"

I teach painting classes once a week in my Fort Lee studio. One of my students brought in this beautiful angel candelabra. A few treasures from the prop stash: rich Damask fabric; candles; a feather quill and small ink well; well-read book and souvenir box easily fell into place. Not so easy was the task of painting that elusive cherub.

Challenged to get the relief decoration to "read" as three dimensional, I kept wiping it out and reworking to a point of frustration. What finally helped in the end, was a happy discovery that hints of silvery grey (north light effect) placed on top of bright yellow highlights (the presumed color choice for brass) gave the impression of a raised protrusion. What a relief!