Tweaking a plein aire painting in the studio

I know that when I paint in plein aire, that sometimes things just don't work out quite like I would like. So I decided to take an old plein aire painting that I did at Lake Jacomo and revise it. The original is a two hour plein aire painting. It has hung on my wall for almost two years. There were things about the painting that just didn't appeal to me. So, when one of my students asked about the painting and what I would change-I took up the challenge. It is still not an out the door painting as far as selling is concerned but I'm happier with it and glad to get a chance to provide my students with a life lesson.







SO-here goes-
This is the original painting as it appeared that day when I was done.

I will be posting the revisions and discussing my thought process in doing those revisions in the next blog.

what I did not like about this original work is multiple. Didn't care for the top of the painting where the tree(which was my focal point) leaves the right side. Also the fact that the right side of my painting seems weighted down to that side. I also didn't like the slanted lines created by the tree line on the left, the water on the left and the way the ground also seemed to slide down the left side.

So these are my issues-as I see them. In the next blog, I will let you know how they were changed,hopefully for the better. I often change paintings that I have done that don't seem to be working. Some I can enhance and be happy with, others become a teaching and learning tool for me. I feel that you should always be in the learning mode so you can move forward in your endeavors.

Stay tuned-
Jennylynne

New Paintings Hot off the Easel

This two paintings are my recent endeavors at the easel. The first is a painting of the putting green at Lakewood Golf and Country Club. This view was captured out the window during the recent reception for my ongoing art exhibit and sale, which will be up till the end of September. As soon as the paint dries this will be joining the other paintings hanging there.

The second painting is a view of the vines at Holyfield Winery in Bashor, Kansas. It was started as a plein aire during the recent plein aire event there. After I brought it home, I decided that it needed a little tweeking. So it went back on the easel to be revamped. I am really happy with the end result. This painting will also be going up at the Lakewood Show along with an additional plein aire painting created during the Holyfield event.

If you haven't had a chance to see the exhibit and sale, please take a jaunt to the Lakewood Country and Golf Club in Lee's Summit, Mo. to see all the paintings. Remember, Christmas is coming and all my paintings can be purchased thru my layaway program.

Happy Painting,

Jennylynne

Plein Aire Painting at Holyfield Winery 2011

It was great fun painting at the Holyfield Winery this last week. This painting was done during the week and showcased during the Saturday Art Event at the Winery. Michelle is going to make this an annual event so be sure and mark your calendars for next year. The grapes were in full on display due to the high heat and good rains earlier in the year. They grow several varieties of grapes so there are loads of different colors to inspire the artists.

On the Sale Day, we were all encouraged to bring additional art that we had painted for all the wine tasters to see and enjoy and buy.

All the artists are encouraged to donate a painting completed that week to a charity. The Charity this year is Safe Haven Prison Dogs. It was an honor to paint in this beautiful winery and also help out a four-legged friend.

Will post the other two paintings soon.

Happy Painting,

Jennylynne

Some of the paintings on display at the Lakewood Oaks Golf and Country Club Exhibit and Sale

These are just a few of the paintings that will be on exhibit and for sale at the Lakewood Oaks Golf and Country Club, 651 NE Andrews Circle, Lee's Summit, Mo. 64064 from August 1 thru September 30, 2011.

The Opening reception is August 6, tonight, from 5-6:30pm with wine and cheese. All are invited to attend The restaurant is open to all for your dining enjoyment.

I will be offering my layaway plan for all paintings over $150.00. I will also be accepting commissions for portraits and landscapes. If you get started now, the painting you commission will be ready in time for Christmas Gift Giving.

So come out and see the artwork and meet new and interesting people.

Happy Painitng,

Jennylynne

Mystic Road-New Studio Painting

Every once in awhile, I try on someone else's shoes. In this case, it is the start of the new studio paining. The initial drawing was done in burnt siena and just enough to work out a few issues. Sometimes when you've been painting for awhile, it is nice to get out of your own skin and try something new. Usually, I do a full value study under my paintings but in this case, I decided to try something new which I watched a fellow artist due for a plein aire painting. It did speed up my "getting to the painting" quicker but I found that I do miss the map I get with a full value study. So, I will probably keep the full value drawing phase(even in plein aire), but maybe do a smaller study size and try this quick way under the actual painting. I'll keep you posted.

This road is like many roads in Missouri. The foliage during late spring and early summer almost masks out the sun and it is filtered through little breaks in the trees and also reflected from where the sun hits the leaves. This is a composite from one of my favorite roads in Augusta, Missouri and also one of my favorite paths in Lake Jacomo Park. This is a really great way to get the best of both paths in the studio,something I can't do when plein aire painting.

Hope you enjoy the painting and the new adventure in my studio.

Happy Painting!

Jennylynne

PFC Bentz III, KIA 6/20/07

The painting of this fallen soldier is on our website at www.gratefuleartsproject.com. The Grateful Hearts Project does portraits for free for the families of fallen soldiers. Just go to the website and check out the Gallery of Heroes in the Works category.

If you know of a family that would like to have a portrait of their fallen soldier, just have them contact us thru the website. The artists volunteer their time and materials for free and all the framing and shipping is free to them also.

The painting of PFC Bentz was created by Bev Rose and has been shipped to him Mother.

Thanks to all the soldiers and their families who have given the supreme sacrifice that we may live in this wonderful free country.

Jennylynne Grag
Grateful Hearts Project coordinator and artist

Finally Finished! Serenity Among the Lillies

Well, it's finally finished. This first attempt at turning a plein aire experience into a studio painitng. It has really been a journey. Thanks to all who gave me input and especially to Donna A. who is always my "third eye"! I am happy with the ending and will now put this on my website at www.jennylynnegragg.com for sale!

It is on to the next,
Happy Painting everyone,
Jennylynne