Couple of Roses

The second painting was inspired after visiting an art gallery in the Old City of Jerusalem. I like the way the background complements the composition. I'm consciously focusing on the backgrounds of my paintings right now, since I believe that having an interesting background is an important way to help a beginner create a successful painting. Also done in acrylic on 40 x 50 cm canvas.

A Collaborative Drawing

Eppy, my husband, and I did this one together, with soft pastels on standard paper. We didn't plan it at all, just decided on the theme of marriage. It was really fun to build on each other's ideas and see the unexpected outcome.

Chanukah painting

The painting above was inspired by Chanukah. It is 40 x 50 cm, acrylic on canvas. I tried to veer away from my usual style. Although realistic, this painting is more folksy (?) than I would normally do.

Art Workshops

I am starting painting workshops in Moshav Beit Meir for women, beginners to advanced. I began publicizing the chugim on Thursday, and I hope I can get a small group going after Chanukah. We will be using acrylic on canvas and for now, I plan to explore Jewish themes.

This painting of a snowy cabin with a Menorah in the window is a sample for the workshop. I can teach you to paint this step-by-step... even if you have never painted before!

It is acrylic on 40 x 50 cm canvas.

Chofetz Chaim drawing

It's been over a year since I blogged. Many life changes since then, including an international move to Israel. Thinking about my options for art and art therapy in Israel...

This drawing was done for the 2009 Hillel Academy silent auction, but we liked it too much to give away. Instead, we displayed it and offered to draw a commissioned piece of art for the highest bidder.

The drawing is approximately 11" x 14" and done in charcoal on bristol board.

I am having technical trouble uploading the file, and I will put it up as soon as I can.

Trying out "Touch Drawing"

Tonight I experimented with a technique called Touch Drawing. Being unsure of the process, and mindful that I like being able to control my artwork, I was skeptical that I'd enjoy myself - but I did.

How does it work? I used water-based oil colors, which were a breeze to clean up. I squeezed a little paint onto a glass surface (you can use any non-porous surface) and brushed it out to a smooth and thin consistency. Then I placed some butcher paper on top and used my fingers, hand, and fingernails to create a pattern. After lifting the drawing and looking at the results, I smoothed the paint with the brush and added more to the design. I did three images like this, and did not have to add any paint to the glass.

I wasn't pleased with the results until I added multiple colors to my design - achieved by rinsing the glass and putting on a new color, and repeating the process of creating a pattern. I kept working on the same three images, adding color and design on whim. I'm not sure that I like the finished products, but I am satisfied with them.

Most interesting to me was that when you use the right amount of paint - very little paint, in fact - the colors do not mix together, despite layering paint upon a wet paint. Rather, the colors show through from one layer to the next.

For those of you looking for the artwork, I will try to post at a later date.

He Shall Be Like a Tree - Tehillim 1:3

This painting will be auctioned this Sunday at the Hillel Academy Annual Dinner in Fairfield, CT. This will be the first painting I've done that will have a price attached, which will be interesting! This is an 18"x 24" oil on canvas, titled "He Shall Be Like a Tree - Tehillim 1:3."