The Vanzant Brush Tip #2 - Copycat - The Best Form of Flattery?

I just completed a study of Daniel Gerhartz painting titled "Green Velvet". I fell in love with this painting from the moment I saw it, (which was just an image on Google when I was looking for something else). When I first saw it I thought is was from an older master painter, but after some research, found that it was done by one of my favorite contemporary painters, Daniel Gerhartz. When I finished it, I realized that what was drawing me to it was not only the composition but also the muted tones which makes it look mysterious.  

So, If you are in between paintings or you just want to challenge yourself to learn something new, try honing your skills by copying a painting by a master painter. You will be following in the footsteps of previous academically trained students who had to copy master paintings as a major part of their academic education. As a matter of fact, it was not only accepted but was demanded as an important learning tool of the students learning process.

Just a heads up, Mr, Gerhartz has many instructional books and DVD's available on his website. I watched his video "Her Mothers Locket" years ago and and it was a complete learning intensive video.

Think Creatively!

Monica

**This idea is for practice and learning purposes only. If you copy paintings of other artists for commercial selling purposes, make sure you look into the legalities of obtaining the proper advice/permission to distribute.  

Study "Green Velvet" by Monica Vanzant after Daniel Gerhartz

Vanzant Artist Paint Brushes Now Available!!

3-Boiled Bristle - Multiple Shapes & Sizes Available

Choose Shape and Size

Flat - 3 $4.93 USD Flat - 5 $5.25 USD Flat - 7 $5.73 USD Filbert - 3 $4.93 USD Filbert - 5 $5.25 USD Filbert 7 $5.73 USD Round - 8 $6.05 USD Fan - 8 $5.41 USD Script/Liner - 1 $4.93 USD

3-Broiled Bristle Set of 9 (1 Round - size 8, 1 Script - size 1, 1 Fan - size 8, 3 Filbert - sizes 3,5,7, 3 Flat - sizes 3,5,7)

Take Me Home - $21.57

Sample Set of 3 Brushes ( 9-Layer Squirrel, Boar Bristle, 3-Boiled Bristle)

Take Me Home - $14.61

A Different Art Form - "Neighbours" (1952 Film)

I sat in the museum in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, stunned. I was watching an artistic movie short with a concept that I had actually thought of two years before. Except this wasn't mine. It was an art piece made 64 years before by the Scottish-Canadian filmmaker Norman McLaren. 

My idea was going to be a short story about two people who were the only two left on earth. They both ended up in this beautiful area of land that they split. The size, flora, fauna were the same on both pieces of property and everything was idyllic. Until one purple flower grew right in the middle of their properties. And that is when the trouble began. That was the basic synopsis for my story but of course I never did anything with it because, well, I'm no writer. And I'm a bit of a procrastinator. 

Yet there I sat, in Canada on my vacation years later, looking at my story on film, yet not my story but the product of someone else's imagination, another artists creation made years before I was even born. A part of me was proud that I had thought of something that had been conceived by an artist of Mr. McLaren's brilliance. But another part of me wondered how unique any of our ideas really are.

So I sat there, on that small wooden bench and watched the second loop of the film "Neighbours", since the first viewing was interrupted by the egotistical meanderings of my own thoughts. That is when I realized how this film was making me feel.  I was horrified and unbelievably sad. 

Norman McLaren had the guts to show what no one really wants to admit. That there are some of our species who will never be satisfied with anything. They will always want what they don't have (even if they don't really want it!) and heaven help those who possess what they want. These are my feelings about this film – I'm sure you will have your own.

Neighbours by Norman McLaren, National Film Board of Canada

The Vanzant Brush Painting Tip #1 - Resurrecting Ruined Brushes

Hello My Creative Minions!

This is a new addition to my blog that will have painting tips that I have learned through the years. If any of you have something you would like to share just send me an e-mail and I will add it along with a giant kudo to you!

**No product manufacturer is paying me to advertise for them so, if I ever recommend any product, it is from my own personal experience in using that product. 

Vanzant Brush Tip #1

If you have paint brushes that you left out by mistake without cleaning and you think they are ruined , think again. Try Winsor & Newton Brush Cleaner and Restorer. I can honestly say this stuff is fantastic. I have used it with oils and acrylic and it has saved me a lot of money. You can visit the Winsor & Newton website here to learn more. 

Hope this helps!

How Do I Love Thee...

I love paint brushes! Last week another artist and I were discussing our love of brushes. I buy new brushes all of the time but I especially love using a brand new brush when I start a new painting. That anticipatory feeling that something special is about to happen is mirrored in the beautiful shiny wooden surface and the bright - never to be seen again - clean bristles of a wonderful new brush. (I know, I have issues...)

Have a Creative Week!

Brush Types and Anatomy - Monica Vanzant - 2015

Next Exhibit - Philadelphia Sketch Club

Please join me at the 2015 PSC Benefit Juried Art Show to benefit the The Philadelphia Urban Creators. My paintings "Camden Overpass in Winter" and "Hudson River Valley Pasture" will be on exhibit. Hope to see you there!

Reception Info   

Sunday June 21, 2015, 2:00 – 4:00 PM 

The Philadelphia Sketch Club:

235 S. Camac Street

Philadelphia, PA 19107-5608 

215-545-9298 

Directions

Camden Overpass In Winter - Oil on Board

Hudson River Valley Pasture - Oil on Board

Scarves Are Now Available for Purchase!

Hi Everyone!

Some of my artwork is now being offered on beautiful '57 x '57 scarves on Redbubble . Below I am wearing Smithville Park. You can view it and more in my Redbubble landscape gallery located here.

Thanks and Have a Creative Day!

Original Painting - Smithville Park

Proportional Calculator

I know it has been a while and will actually be a bit longer. This is just a quick re-post of a great reference link to an on-line proportional calculator that I found years ago and that I use all the time. I have never found another as simple and easy to use. Thanks again to Scripty Goddess for creating this!

Have a Creative Day!

Proportional Calculator