You're never too young (or old) to paint!

What a treat to have my multi-talented sis-in-law and nephew Jude visit me at the gallery today! It seems that we have budding artists in the family, and so it was a perfect opportunity to get messy together - even mom got in the action. We learned a little about technique, drawing shapes, animals, experimenting with color, using our imagination and just having FUN! We even painted each other when we saw how much we were getting "in" to the medium. Despite the improvised trashbag artist smock, Jude and I managed to paint our sleeves too.

What do you think of our circus train? Jude made sure we remembered the monkeys...they had to ride on top of the train though.

More Painting Tips from the Gallery Girls

No matter the subject, from landscape to still life to portraiture, the very best way to grow is to paint from life. And it's been said that the foundation of a good painting is a strong composition. When painting from life, carefully plan your composition using a small viewfinder. These are readily available at art supply stores like Hobby Lobby for about $10 (well worth the cost) and are powerful tools for working out a strong composition. They have a sliding section with various painting sizes marked on the side (8 x 10, 9 x 12, etc.) so that you can work out the comp based on the size of your canvas. And, some are a mid-grey color with a small hole in the side so that you can look through it and judge the dark and light values of your scene.

As you look through the viewfinder, move around, squinting along the way so that you simplify the shapes into dark and light objects with a pleasing comp. Decide on a dominant focal point and position that off-center both vertically and horizontally (rule of thirds). Make sure that you don't divide your painting surface directly in half with your horizon line, table surface, etc. It will make for a more interesting composition when segments aren't equally sized. Choose to omit details that detract from or are unnecessary to tell the story of the scene. That's called "creative license".

When planning the view you'd like to paint, learn how to see with your eyes, not your mind. Ask yourself "Do these shapes work together? Is there enough variety in darks and lights to add drama to the painting?" Abstraction simplifies shapes into masses varying in color and value and adds cohesiveness to the scene.

Careful planning before you start your painting will enhance your success and satisfaction.

Posted by Celeste Vaught

WSAG Gallery Artists at the Gilcrease

Thursday, November 5th was a very special day for 180 nationally known fine artists. Gilcrease Museum hosted their "American Art in Miniature Show 2009" Reception and Silent Auction last night. Included among the group were three of Water Street's artists: Gail Booth, Gail Rogers and Celeste Vaught. Gail Booth enjoyed the privilege of having her rich, dramatic painting "Pitcher with an Attitude" included in the printed invitation!

Hundreds of entries from around the country were submitted and whittled down to just under 200 works of art included. Dr. Duane King remarked "to make the cut the first year is quite an accomplishment".

The day began with a tour of the museum's current exhibits and of course a "sneak peak" at the show. Included in the afternoon's roster was an art lecture by Tulsa's Mary Russell, an accomplished artist and passionate instructor. Russell discussed with a PowerPoint presentation her painting process and how she sets up and develops her still life paintings. All present carried away practical tips to improve our own works of art.

The evening reception was grand. Hundreds attended and enjoyed the festive atmosphere with the musicians, fine food and drink, and of course the gorgeous art work!

Recognized were all the men and women who worked tirelessly to make the event a rousing success and ensure the continued support of a world class museum right here in our own community.

And what about Water Street's artists in the show? Happily all three of their paintings had red dots at the end of the evening and now enjoy new homes by happy collectors!

"Fresh Daffodils"

For all my friends at Water Street as a thank you to everyone's hard work, here's a cheerful bouquet - a sure sign that Spring's just around the corner! This is a little 10 x 8" acrylic on canvas painted from life - those bright yellow blossoms were irresistible.