Curious Why I Paint Animals?

Michele Collins Art Painted River Studios

Do you want to know why?

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When growing up, pets were my closest friends.

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The usual lovable dogs or fluffy cats dressed in doll clothes and pushed around in a stroller.

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A gaggle of geese would follow me to the school bus stop every morning, honking and causing chaos with the kids.

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And Wallygator, who lived in our bathtub till my Mom came in.

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There was the year I wanted to become a Vet, and insisted on raising thirteen guinea pigs in the kitchen

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Two ponies Pixie and Dixie, in the backyard ( We did not live on a farm), always ready to perform circus shows for neighborhood kids. Billie, the goat that wore a polo shirt and walk on a leash. A baby pig that went to school for show and tell. Rabbits, hamsters, birds, turtles, and fish, to name a few more.

It was not just the menagerie of pets that caused me to pursue painting animals but the bond and relationship I had with them. Animals both give and receive affection, giving me comfort and security, helping me feel confident in myself. Painting them allows me to continue this feeling.

Want to see more of my work

The June 2021 Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show will be VIRTUAL!

June 4, 5, and 6 – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

The June show is everywhere and anywhere you have an internet connection!
I hope that you’ll visit me during the weekend of the show at my Virtual Booth.


My Virtual Booth:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82268118719?pwd=bnJ2WFZrM05RN0lISWQvcDZxd2o5Zz09

You will be able to visit my Virtual Booth via Zoom during My Visiting Hours (listed below). At that time, you’ll be able to view my artwork, talk with me one-on-one, ask me about my process, and even show me your space where you would like to place a piece of art. 

To visit my Virtual Booth, just click on the Zoom link above during my visiting hours.
 My Visiting Hours are June 4th,5th, and 6th 1 PM to 5 PM 

If these visiting hours are not convenient for you, please email me: Paintedriverartist@gmail.com to arrange a more convenient time during the weekend of June 4-6.
 or give me a call and stop by. If this is your first time using Zoom, click on the Virtual Booth link during my visiting hours and follow the instructions to download the Zoom app. 

I will also be doing a live Facebook tour of my studio on Rittenhouse Square Art Show page where I will tell you my secrets to using your senses to increase creativity, and you can watch me do a painting. Sunday the 6th at 10 AM

In addition, you can access more information about all the events taking place during the show weekend through the RSFAS website: https://www.rittenhousesquareart.com.

Art Demonstrations in Facebook Live

Artist Instagram Interviews

Virtual Booths

I want to see all of you, this is going to be great. Michele

Part IV: What Does an Artist do when Self Quarantined

Toad.: Toad is the flightiest and pettiest character in The Wind in the Willows, due to a combination of immaturity and unrestrained wealth.

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Things have opened up a bit in New Jersey, and Bill and I have braved the pandemic for a few outings. With the beautiful weather, we took our bikes on the ferry to Lewes Delaware, rode the bike path, and had a delicious lunch. We have also taken advantage of dining alfresco in a few local restaurants. We are cautious, wear our mask, and keep a reasonable distance from others. I admit I have mixed feelings about our State opening up. I am sick of cooking, planning menus, ordering groceries online. My grocery orders are not always what I would pick. But, I am patient as the people doing these jobs are putting their health on the line. The other side of the quarantining is sort of nice. I am fortunate that quarantined life is not that much different than any other day for an artist. We like working alone, hate doing errands, and some of the best work comes from solitude. The gift here was that the noise of the world was completely shut off. Stillness allowed me to go deeper inside, see what I was capable of. Without going anywhere, I had time to paint, read, reflect, and review just how I spent my days. I really have a different mindset than before. I learned to slow down a bit. Yes, there is time to do yoga and meditate in the mornings. Yes, it's ok to take that long bike ride. Yes, it's ok to stop fretting about accomplishing everything on your to-do list. Good has come from this extraordinary time we are in.

Summer at our home on the River is always busy with visitors, and this year is no different. My daughter, son in law, and two granddaughters came for a week. Both families were careful to quarantine 14 days before arriving. I was so happy to have them and wanted to make it very special for the girls. They were also suffering from not being in school, not seeing friends, and all activities canceled. We were all excited to be together. I decided to turn their bedroom into a magical place to dream, read, and encourage imagination.

We all know I love the story Wind in the Willows. The room already had this story as the theme, so I decided it needed a mural of Ratty and Mole getting in Rats boat and going on a picnic. I filled the room with tiny furniture, dolls, tea sets, and plenty of books to spark young imaginations. I hope this will create special memories of times they visit Mo and Poppy's house. Oh, and there is always a little present waiting on their beds.

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I started with a detailed drawing, just using a 2B pencil. when the mural is dry any remaining pencil lines come off easy with fantastic cleaner.

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I use artist oils to paint my murals. I love that you can blend and soften the colors. Mistakes easily wipe off and drying time is not bad with the addition of Winsor & Newton Liquin. One secret is never try this on flat paint. The walls must have an eggshell, semi-gloss, or Matte finish.

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Paper plates work great and are easy to hold when working. In the ’90s and early 2000 I think I must have painted hundreds of murals in children’s rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, halls, it was very popular. My murals had a dreamier look than an artist that was using acrylic paints. Surprisingly, you use very little oil paint. It’s almost like a glazing of color. With this process, I could often do a full room mural in several days.

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I was pretty pleased with the finished mural, and so were the girls. Having grown up with a Father who loved boats and later a husband ( my Mother warned me) I completely agree with Ratty saying to Mole.

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats. Simply messing... about in boats — or with boats. In or out of ’em, it doesn't matter. Nothing seems really to matter, that's the charm of it. Whether you getaway, or whether you don't; whether you arrive at your destination or whether you reach somewhere else, or whether you never get anywhere at all, you're always busy, and you never do anything in particular; and when you've done it there's always something else to do, and you can do it if you like, but you'd much better not.”

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I love to read, my Mother was director of a library so books were plentiful and important in my home growing up. I wanted to instill this love of books and quest for knowledge to my Granddaughters. On a Sunday afternoon I papered one wall with book wallpaper from Brunschwick and Fils. It was a long time since I had papered a room but I took my time, thought it out and it was really easy. I think it sets the mood.

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There are boat style bookshelves over each bed filled with Nancy Drew, Bobbsey Twin, and other books from my youth. The girls are a little young for these but they will grow into them all to fast. New adjustable reading lights are over each bed, an Ikea find. There is a desk filled with paper and crayons for a late-night creative inspiration. Both girls have their own drawing table in the studio for more serious art adventures.

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The fabric is scenes from the story Wind in the Willows. It was made by an English company Osbourne and Little. Sadly it is no longer available.

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If you peak out the South East window you can just see the river where Ratty and Mole live.

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The wall are Pumpkin color because of course Fall is my favorite time and orange my favorite color!



When Mole first met Ratty he said:

“So - This - is - a- River !” THE RIVER, corrected Rat. “And you really live by the river? What a jolly life!”

Part III: What Does an Artist do when Quarantined

This is a strange time. There are days when I love not having to go anywhere. Days when I feel blessed to have a studio to hide in and paint. Extra days I have to catch up on projects. Days just to be lazy. Yet there are days when I feel the heaviness of this pandemic. Days when I don't understand why my breathing is different. Days when I just feel down. Can this be me? I don't worry, I don't stress, I have it easy compared to many. Deep down it still affects all of us. I try to keep my home life as normal as possible. I get up early, put on some makeup, and always earrings. My table is always set pretty, and cooking has become very creative. There are fresh-baked loaves of bread, homemade pizza, cookies, soups, and sauces. I always love to cook, but more time has given me the freedom to explore. This is good, right? Yet, something is still missing. Family, friends, neighbors, cocktail hour, grandchildren, dinner out, all that keeps us sane. I have decided not to waste this precious gift of time, so when we are all back to normal, I can spend every minute with family and friends.

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My project this past weekend: Years back while attending the High Point Furniture Market in NC, I spotted a chandelier in the Lee Industries showroom. Never have I been this intrigued with a lighting fixture. This was creativity at its highest level. It was big and covered with small antique bottles. While I could not have this one, my mind started planning how I could get the look on my twig chandelier at home.

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The twig chandelier was purchased for a Designer Showhouse we did in 2001. When the showhouse was over I bought it home and installed in our foyer. Although it was love, at first sight, I had already given it a makeover with a box of yard sale crystals.

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Returning home from Highpoint I immediately started hunting down old glass bottles, purchased a spool of brass wire, and then put everything away. My Interior Design business was crazy and finding time for projects was not happening. This project was shelved for many years.

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I have always collected colored bottles. I enjoy seeing the sunshine through the glass when in a window.
Many of these bottles were unearthed in the waterways around Somers Point by my son. The Bay was once a dump for the locals.

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These bottles are from Clevenger Glass, which was started in a backyard by two brothers in Clayton, NJ, during the Great Depression. My mother and sister would visit the shop in the late '50s. They were the last of the old-time glassblowers of South Jersey.

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Wheaton Glass was also a local business. The miniature bottles I keep are from them. Piling up in glass vases is my way of displaying them.

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Some of my windows hold ceramic. I think its the color that attracts me. These are Vermont pottery syrup bottles.

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This is the finished project…
I plan on adding a few more bottles, but for now, it is done and giving me a little pleasure every time I pass by. Just what I needed.

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Now deciding what I can get into this week. Stay safe!

Part II : What Does an Artist do When Self Quarantined ?


My last time out was March 6th, Using my time to accomplish projects has made this shelter in place direction almost pleasant. I have decided not to complain and make the most of the extra hours given to me. I remind myself of all the healthcare personal and essential workers out there that are not as comfortable as I am.

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There is a tiny shadow box 10"x 18" at the top of my stairs. I have always used it to display my collection of Brambly Hedge figurines.

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Every morning for the last nineteen years, I pass this and think, " I should paint windows and a floor inside this box." "Decorate it for the mice of Brambly Hedge."

I love Brambly Hedge Books. If you are not familiar with them, they are delightful children's books written by Jill Barklem in 1980.

Winter Story steals my heart. I love nothing better than to be snowed in on a cold winter day with a fire and lots of books.

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It is the adventures of a community of mice that live in the tranquil English countryside. The family's of mice share their celebrations, escapades, and daily life dramas. With five years of research, Jill gave these illustrations and stories amazing details of the past and characters with moral values and community spirit that might just teach us all something. Her drawings are intricately detailed . Homes crammed to the ceiling with books, jars of preserves, family photos, nuts berries, and a fireplace to warm you. Your imagination returns to a place of happiness, peacefulness, and comfort. It took Jill two years to finish a book, and some illustrations were up to three months to complete. The drawings were not just pure fantasy but an accurate way of life only in mouse language. Even the recipes you read about were tested in Jill's kitchen to be sure they were delicious.

Here is a recipe Mrs. Crustybread would have stirred up for tea, She was an excellent baker. She prepared beautiful cakes for all the celebrations of Brambly Hedge.

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So I started with a primer and two coats of Dove white. The mice were into nature, and I think Dove White would please them.

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I studied their stories deciding what elements of their homes would work in my small shadow box.

I can smell the chestnut soup when I view this kitchen. I think my home looks a little bit like the Toadflax home.


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From Winter Story, Mr. apple (you can call him Pip) warden of the Store Stump, where the mice kept their treasured food supply for winter. As he walked home after a hard day of work, the first flakes were beginning to fall. Mrs. Apple spent the day baking cakes and puddings for the cold days to come. Smiling, she drew two armchairs up to the fire, and bought their supper on a tray. I decided that in my world, it would be snowing out.

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From Autumn story, Lady Woodmouse, or Daisy and Lord Woodmouse, were the head of Brambly Hedge. They lived in Old Oak Palace. Their daughter Primrose had gotten lost in the woods and was wet and cold. Mom carried Primrose to her room and dressed her in a nightgown warmed by the fire and placed a cup of acorn coffee by her bed. I knew I had to include Primrose's bedroom. Oh, and Daisy is a very gifted artist. She loves to draw her daughter and other family members. Some of her portraits are hanging in my shadow box.

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With a little help from my friends, I began to paint.

That’s Mrs. Apple, she is a wonderful cook. Mr. Basil Brightberry is one of the older residents and looks after all the wines and cordials. Sometimes he is a little forgetful, maybe it’s the wine.

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I drew elements of their homes being careful to fit in my pieces.

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Finally, a finished shadow Box fit for the special creatures of Brambly hedge. I think I will feel proud of this and smile as I pass it each day.

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That’s Mr. Apple in the rocker and Mrs. Eyebright serving tea.

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If you ever stop by my home: say late afternoon. I will fix our English Afternoon tea in my favorite Brambly Hedge winter and fall cups, even though it is Spring. Everything might not match because we like that way. We can sit and watch the sunset over Painted River, enjoy a slice of toasted hazelnut banana bread and talk of better times.

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What Does an Artist do When Self Quarantined?

We Paint: but you cant paint 24/7. It is impressive how much slower my days are when I am not arranging or inventing errands, lunches, appointments, and shopping. Somewhere, in this mess we are in, I have found time, a precious asset. My days are usually quite hectic, allowing minimal downtime. I would never dream of taking time for myself in the afternoons. Now that stolen hour or two is not even putting a dent in my accomplishments for the day.

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I love Children's literature.
 Good classic children's books offer readers enjoyment as well as memorable characters and insights into human nature. There are moral and ethical situations that help us develop empathy allowing us to understand another's situation better. Fictional children’s stories can open up a new perspective for adults. Help relive our trimmed down imaginations, take us back to a simpler time. With my unused moments, I am going to revisit my collection of Children's literature. I have always loved books; some are from my childhood others gathered along the way; all are treasured.
 Little Women by, Louisa May Alcott
 Charlottes Web by, E.B. White
 The Secret Garden by, Frances Hodgson Burnett
 Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by, Margaret Sidney 
Nancy Drew Series by, Carolyn Keene
 Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales
 Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales. Just to name a few.

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Just a few of my favorite

And there are more

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Nancy Drew , I was obsessed with these around age 10

Nancy Drew , I was obsessed with these around age 10


To start, I'll begin with my favorite "Wind in the Willows" By Kenneth Grahame. This is by no means just a children's book. It involves four anthropomorphize animals, Rat, Mole, Toad, and Badger. Showing friendship, adventure, spiritual journeys, and living in peace with nature. I have loved this book so much that several years back, I themed a children's room in a designer showhouse around it. I imagined just what Ratty's home would look like and how he would want to entertain his friends. This room won the best of the show, was published in magazines and Interior design books. This was my all-time favorite room I remember men coming to view the space and tearing up as they traveled back to their childhood. 


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I treasure all these books

My version of Ratty’s home in Wind in the Willows. Can’t you just see Ratty inviting Mole in to sit by the fire for tea after ice skating on “The River”? That’s Moles’ suitcase, I think he is spending the night. Did you know that Rat is a fine piani…

My version of Ratty’s home in Wind in the Willows. Can’t you just see Ratty inviting Mole in to sit by the fire for tea after ice skating on “The River”? That’s Moles’ suitcase, I think he is spending the night. Did you know that Rat is a fine pianist often composing his own music? when the night is over and they climb into bed there are plenty of books above their heads as they both love to read.

If you grew up with a Dad who messed in boats then married someone who also messed in boats you get this. I might repaint this mural in the room my Grand Daughters share at my house.

If you grew up with a Dad who messed in boats then married someone who also messed in boats you get this. I might repaint this mural in the room my Grand Daughters share at my house.

Ratty would have loved the natural birch mirror, and He was a bird watcher. Peek inside the closet and you will see Squirrel damask wallpaper. I loved this so much it’s in my powder room at home.

Ratty would have loved the natural birch mirror, and He was a bird watcher. Peek inside the closet and you will see Squirrel damask wallpaper. I loved this so much it’s in my powder room at home.

Ratty was the perfect host and a gourmet cook. He could whip up a pear tart in no time.

Ratty was the perfect host and a gourmet cook. He could whip up a pear tart in no time.

My favorite quote from the book is “So -this-is-a-River “The River” corrected the Rat. “And you really live by the river? What a jolly life".” I feel like this is my story and I painted this quote on my living room walls.

My favorite quote from the book is “So -this-is-a-River “The River” corrected the Rat. “And you really live by the river? What a jolly life".” I feel like this is my story and I painted this quote on my living room walls.

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Today between 3PM and 5PM, you will find me curled up in my studio chair with a good cup of English tea, milk, and honey, of course, traveling back to a simpler time.

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Beautiful Changes

“Spring:

a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can be.”

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Setting out on a different journey this year is just not as simple as I planned. Becoming a full time artist after years of meeting deadlines answering to customers, working around contractors, and having a pretty set schedule is just hard. Now it’s just me and no schedule. Oh yea, we still have laundry to do, Bill asking for lunch, kids coming home, and the art gets shoved aside again and again. Days go by and there is no body of work to show. Painting has always been a luxury for me. So, I tell myself (that little voice inside us that needs to shut up). “You can’t paint during the day, all day.” “ Are you nuts you should be working, this isn’t work.” “Have you been to the food store, cleaned up the house, fixed a gourmet meal,” and on and on… I then put down my paint brush, find a small distracting job and get off course. The ADD doesn’t help either. What I need to be doing is putting my art first. I won’t ever ignore my family, they truly are first for me. But ,I can schedule time for art and stick to it. Give myself permission to explore this new stage in life. And yes it’s ok for me to read a art book in the middle of the day, take a hour walk outside, kayak up river to sketch and just do what feels good. After all I am an artist !

Whats working for me

Mediating in the morning, this is my secret weapon to calm my mind. Setting intentions at this time turns into a type of daily schedule which helps me reach my goals. I have been using the Insight App on my phone. This App is free and has lots of great features for meditation.

A calendar, I am currently using arc notebook system you can customize it to your needs with all kinds of to do list, daily list, monthly, and more. Its available at Staples but amazon also has it. Being able to set up a list each night for the next day has really improved my production.

Starting my day with art first thing. I used to have my two cups of coffee and scroll aimlessly through Facebook in the morning. Now I make coffee the night before and go to the studio with my cup in my PJ’s . I might sketch, read a art book or plan a painting. Its a pretty special time, sets my day in the right direction. I find myself getting up earlier just to enjoy this time.

A gratitude journal, each day I list at least three things I am grateful for. I sometimes put them on my daily calendar page, or maybe in my journal. This gives me a feeling of fullness and happiness, sets my mood to accomplish all things.

A proper North facing window, This was my Birthday gift and what a difference it makes. I now have to live up to this great light. It really feels like an artist studio. I am blessed with the studio I have but I do stalk Rebecca Rebouche she is a artist that has a tree house in the woods outside New Orleans. Rebecca lives in the tree house Monday through Thursday by herself just to paint. She even has her food and supplies delivered weekly. Hmmm, maybe Bill would not mind me moving into the studio, I’ll come back on the weekends. Anyway I feel like I’m in a tree house with my new window.

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I even have a view of the river.

I even have a view of the river.

Funny but I love putting on clogs and a linen apron to set the mood

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I am remembering to take it slow, take time for me. Rushing is a thing of the past and I find my creativity level grows when I savor time. Yep, beautiful changes and a beautiful life.

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Practice Makes Perfect

Learning new techniques, and styles, really helps an artist to reach beyond limits they often put on themselves. A few weeks ago I was fortunate to attend a four day workshop with Alvaro Castagnet, a international award winning watercolor artist. His passion for art was contagious. The visions he saw for ordinary street scenes must come only by painting from the heart. He captures the feeling, the moment, the light, the soul of all he paints.

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His drawings were very loose using a soft B6 pencil.

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Always beginning with colorful washes of paint, using a very large squirrel hair mop brush. Alvaro does have a line of brushes he sells. I purchased a few and have to say they have made a difference in the way I paint.

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Finishing with white highlights and a bit of color.

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Drawing of the kitchen at the Mad Batter restaurant. It was cold out so he decided to paint a interior for the demonstration.

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Beginning washes, he left the white of the paper for highlights but he is not afraid of using opaque white on a finished piece.

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The freedom he had in letting the paint create the structures and atmosphere was so amazing

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Another demo of Cape May.

We painted ourselves after watching Alvaro demonstrate . We had a choice to use the same subject or find our own. I choose to follow Alvaro’s as it gave me the confidence to be free. I now had direction on how to handle the scene, and problems were already worked out. Never could I have been as loose and confident if I had not watched first.

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A Paris train station as Alvaro saw it.

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My painting of the same photo. I was somewhat pleased but remember Alvaro had already showed me the freedom of the brush and paint to capture the feeling of the station ceiling. I watched him choose colors, fade out the train, put in detail. But what a learning experience.

So I have now been practicing at home in my studio. I started with a image that I watched him paint, the kitchen. I never finished the painting but learned a little more.

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My version of Mad Batters Kitchen

So I then branched out and tried a painting from a reference photo I had. Now I had to solve the problems of the composition and colors myself. Much harder…

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The photo of a New York tea room. (I love interior paintings)

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My painting inspired by all I learned from Alvaro Castagnet.

I will continue to practice with the freedom of letting the paint do its thing but will bring my own style into it. Never stop learning, and paint from the heart.