Saturday, December 5, 2020

Polly Wolly Doodle All the Day!

 


As I was doodling, I suddenly began to sing a song 
from my childhood.

"Oh, I went down south for to see my Sal
Singing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day.
Oh my Sal she am a spunky gal
Singing Polly Wolly Doodle all the day!"

My research said the composer is unknown
but the year was 1880 when it was in  
the song book Harvard “Student’s Songs."

I sang it in our Brownie Scout meetings
in the '50s.  Now I doodle all the day!


Sunday, November 8, 2020

What are the Benefits of Doodling?


 Dear Painting Friends!

Just a quick note to show what I've been doing lately to stay connected with my paints. These days are wild with TV news, and it's difficult to concentrate on anything. 

Doodling is a painting style you might see on YouTube.

Click the link word, "Doodling," below and hear a very fast "hello".

Fondly,

Gayla     Click Doodling

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Practice Leaves

  LEAF PRACTICE

    I notice that when I add leaves to my paintings they don't look as convincing as the flowers they support.

     I am convinced it's because we don't know what leaves look like.

     Consider geranium  leaves. All leaves are not solid green. Maybe it is over -watered and yellow in places, or is too dry and has some red or crispy spots.

With plants bursting all around us, gather some up and teach your brain with memories of leaves. (1) Make leaf rubbings with pencil and tracing paper. Then (2) with the rubbing face-down, use a ballpoint to trace the leaf into a journal or on watercolor paper, and (3) paint what you see.

In this picture, I have geranium, vinca, and boxwood leaves. I am amazed to see that the dried boxwood leaves "shimmer like gold."  Lovely!

Try it and let us all know what you think about the experience.

To your right, leave an email to keep in touch.

My journal happens to be Stillman & Birn the Zeta Series Mixed Media/soft cover

https://www.dickblick.com/items/11891-5585/



Friday, March 6, 2020

Vintage Fashion Lady-1


 

>^. .^<


The other day the question came to mind, "Will we become better painters by doing just one painting?  The answer is "yes."   After every "do," we will see and sense a noticeable improvement.

    As I was looking for inspiration to refresh my own skills, I found fashion paintings on the internet, which brings back memories of vintage sewing patterns with pretty, painted models on the packages.

     In this painting, I learned that putting facial features on a small painting is nearly impossible.  This painting is a 5X7. Next time it will be an 8X10.  Paint and learn!

I can see a series here. The next dress will be purple.