tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-154488970199464002024-02-28T18:42:23.703-05:00Dora Sislian Themelis Art Art, life and fitting it all in
at the Coffee and Paint Drips BlogDora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.comBlogger714125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-61545132989439015422022-12-01T14:24:00.002-05:002022-12-01T14:24:28.144-05:00Art in Lockdown: An Odyssey<p>Yes, it's been quite a while. A lot going on still. Art happens, anyway, believe it or not.</p><p>And before I begin, does anyone read blogs anymore anyway? I know I don't. My attention span is down to nothing these days as I scroll through all the platforms available. I used to love writing, reading, and the rest of it. </p><p>So yeah, the years of lockdown took its toll and we're three years out!</p><p>The amount of work I produced was enough to hold my second one person art show. For the month of December my artwork will be available to view and purchase at the Barnes Gallery, Garden City, NY.</p><p>Since the lockdown took my imagination around the world, so to speak, I decided to call it my Odyssey. Greek islands, seascapes, landscapes, still-lives, figures, all feature in my "travel".</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmHT8RWIhHA-I_z42DiThI9QOcU4gR4Q68U709EZPCkkWgGMorWT-TuYo3NKQIu6atWysRXq2Ro7VjL4omQaJHEzXcK8RTQgBTdBwVL-pJmHZbQRjNVhzSpuzckz4j3PvThQQAeFknc74cOndbNKHEuZ0SrvcIjWIqiWWsCKv0smH6mo3EQfMOjWl/s1003/ArtinLockdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmHT8RWIhHA-I_z42DiThI9QOcU4gR4Q68U709EZPCkkWgGMorWT-TuYo3NKQIu6atWysRXq2Ro7VjL4omQaJHEzXcK8RTQgBTdBwVL-pJmHZbQRjNVhzSpuzckz4j3PvThQQAeFknc74cOndbNKHEuZ0SrvcIjWIqiWWsCKv0smH6mo3EQfMOjWl/w299-h400/ArtinLockdown.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c)Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Color-drenched paintings are featured using gouache, oil paint, and watercolor paints. Whatever scenes and items caught my eye ended up on canvas or paper. </p><p>An opening reception is scheduled for this weekend. I hope it's fun and not a super spreader!</p><p>That would not be fun at all. The world is crazy.</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-30079253641816377202021-11-29T13:52:00.003-05:002021-11-29T13:56:00.220-05:00An Evening Art Show<p>A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to present a show of my artwork at a ladies benevolent association evening meeting at my church. The president of the association contacted me and asked if I would bring the work I had done while in lockdown. She remarked that she was following my Instagram account the whole time we were down, and that the colorful works I kept posting helped her through it all.</p><p>How could I say anything other than "yes"?</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUZ6JgXzQ9Lg3J3ayecrPl34Pys03kboumDLB_uel83d6Cvu6230Vgbzf8PdkC-DekJbt-nnIjyfs_l8n8zWUBkyZ6bYMdwI9feZJMLjxEklWsJGniD19rYlMLs0zj2f4pO0Mb1ScsAo/s800/IMG_8281.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUZ6JgXzQ9Lg3J3ayecrPl34Pys03kboumDLB_uel83d6Cvu6230Vgbzf8PdkC-DekJbt-nnIjyfs_l8n8zWUBkyZ6bYMdwI9feZJMLjxEklWsJGniD19rYlMLs0zj2f4pO0Mb1ScsAo/w640-h480/IMG_8281.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WXIexglctXLPqOymtNpy6FfxW3hjIexC-6KEjknMiwFXSGsPAPQy8WWWueThLfZuBRUcGUd57i3jRZ7n7hsUeSmABuEllqeOeW3pJ9KqQh1k95B9Y0pEYffBB6jEALJQkizUqL-5XAQ/s640/IMG_8282.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WXIexglctXLPqOymtNpy6FfxW3hjIexC-6KEjknMiwFXSGsPAPQy8WWWueThLfZuBRUcGUd57i3jRZ7n7hsUeSmABuEllqeOeW3pJ9KqQh1k95B9Y0pEYffBB6jEALJQkizUqL-5XAQ/w640-h480/IMG_8282.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Without much time to properly matte the works on paper I decided to quickly gang up and mount the smaller gouache and watercolors onto foam core boards to make use of vertical space. Some oils were framed, others not framed, others were small panels that I had in small photo holders.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTRyOvZPRib6591Uc7XwYSiwTP7yAgOl6rxI2YJfAMdwL67dDdycv9XT1k6_bLpunJIe8Ouy_ve6GBxrkhJ8pW6UGoTc5Lxp9KG8OnEoNDxFQ2RejJACmyH72FFgkMirw9EFKrhrju94/s640/IMG_8275.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVTRyOvZPRib6591Uc7XwYSiwTP7yAgOl6rxI2YJfAMdwL67dDdycv9XT1k6_bLpunJIe8Ouy_ve6GBxrkhJ8pW6UGoTc5Lxp9KG8OnEoNDxFQ2RejJACmyH72FFgkMirw9EFKrhrju94/w640-h480/IMG_8275.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>I used a few of my travel easels to hold the larger oil paintings, and propped some against the wall. The president is a teacher and managed to borrow quite a few student table easels which helped! I also made use of the legs of the easels and the floor.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLi2rCcGhvhCDC-0ZchtG4aEFmv07weLRJT1jqgu3prE7DoVTgT4tHfN1mpuLErqA3SOuZStOgehv1mPv97m6D0GzMLUhv13HAPgioMCIw7kkThQsA5Zpni_e1VC7Oe1Y_sSgFyE-xEg/s574/IMG_8278.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="574" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCLi2rCcGhvhCDC-0ZchtG4aEFmv07weLRJT1jqgu3prE7DoVTgT4tHfN1mpuLErqA3SOuZStOgehv1mPv97m6D0GzMLUhv13HAPgioMCIw7kkThQsA5Zpni_e1VC7Oe1Y_sSgFyE-xEg/w640-h536/IMG_8278.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The ladies of the association arrived before I did. I was happy to hear and see them enjoying the show of my work, discussing the scenes, the colors. I knew some of the members, who were surprised to learn I am an artist!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vryM6wUiUVp1hay5kHnXvk1Gk2bry4gL1gXAYlIkI24cB8t5hthwG9IhLX672VK-JwezaeFb93_RTqkam6YPHfU-3ApCLc-18Uj5ebNIuLD-AJnEohZ7-AYhvGkdmIJlyo_JGecp7Zs/s640/IMG_8285.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="640" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vryM6wUiUVp1hay5kHnXvk1Gk2bry4gL1gXAYlIkI24cB8t5hthwG9IhLX672VK-JwezaeFb93_RTqkam6YPHfU-3ApCLc-18Uj5ebNIuLD-AJnEohZ7-AYhvGkdmIJlyo_JGecp7Zs/w640-h454/IMG_8285.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</td></tr></tbody></table><p>So this was my first outing with a crowd of people since all the craziness. It felt strange and comfortable at the same time. I'm so used to having my head down in my art space, painting away in my own little world.</p><p>When I was asked to speak, I explained that when the lockdown happened, expectedly for two weeks to stop the spread, I had no problem with it. It's what I do anyway, what's two weeks? </p><p>When two weeks turned into two months, now two years later, I just kept painting. </p><p>This show was the result of that amazing time spent in the studio at work, and I just keep on painting.</p><p><br /></p></div>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-36270903373762637122021-10-07T15:35:00.000-04:002021-10-07T15:35:09.731-04:00The Strada Easel 30 Days of Art Challenge September 2021<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29yTqE9DwQaRa7OI-tT0FbIkqaeniIf33jknglfaqVrNAM_48Li1EwaL8XDZ2vIjYikbqBJeA-Ol7lbRXsZ7uoZwusL198JpSBl_yWNAHHl9LwWbRaMz1kojaPNyXn829UQ2_jt5t1aQ/s875/StradaEaselChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="875" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29yTqE9DwQaRa7OI-tT0FbIkqaeniIf33jknglfaqVrNAM_48Li1EwaL8XDZ2vIjYikbqBJeA-Ol7lbRXsZ7uoZwusL198JpSBl_yWNAHHl9LwWbRaMz1kojaPNyXn829UQ2_jt5t1aQ/w640-h640/StradaEaselChallenge.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, September 2021, The Strada Easel Challenge </td></tr></tbody></table><br /> Here are all the finished works done during the September 2021 Strada Easel Challenge.</p><p>Yes, I did it. I didn't think I could hold out and make art every day for 30 days, but I did.</p><p>Even when I registered for the challenge, at the very last moment, I thought I might have to bail at some point. </p><p>But there was that accountability factor of signing up and posting the work each day. That helped. The premiss was to paint or draw from life, and maybe win a prize at the end of it all. Direct observation was a must for this challenge to mean something. What was going to draw me in to paint? Did I have the time? Would I find the time?</p><p>No excuses. When I found myself too wrapped up in other things, crayons came to the rescue!</p><p>When I found out I could work on one piece a few days to completion, that was a game changer.</p><p>And here we are, 30 days of work. You will notice there aren't 30 works. That's because I spent a few days on some of these oil paintings.</p><p>On the Monday after the challenge was finished, the great people at Strada Easel held a prize ceremony. They pulled names of the participating artists to win a paint brush, art courses, and a few easels.</p><p>Alas, I was not a winner of a prize. What I did win was more valuable: </p><p>I completed the challenge! Yay me!</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-21167914816876404222021-09-27T15:20:00.000-04:002021-09-27T15:20:14.176-04:00The First Weeks In the 30 Days Art Challenge<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY9MslQAqKaLCPDMc6-CW3a_SlztpJ2E10c5SikhXwCMwYrtmF7du70tJDZB5GGHXFVHR4WyZ8jBU92l3BjzBKm1Quo-9ehKqPVpRo6HjFzk1AHsFO1cN3llf-lnx922kL7lkFfFFNqw/s600/StradaEasel30Days.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeY9MslQAqKaLCPDMc6-CW3a_SlztpJ2E10c5SikhXwCMwYrtmF7du70tJDZB5GGHXFVHR4WyZ8jBU92l3BjzBKm1Quo-9ehKqPVpRo6HjFzk1AHsFO1cN3llf-lnx922kL7lkFfFFNqw/w640-h640/StradaEasel30Days.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First 9 days in the 30 days challenge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p>Here we go! By now September is coming to a close and I haven't updated you on this art challenge.</p><p>I've been so busy I barely scratched out these works, but I am determined to see this 30 days of artwork through to the end.</p><p>Some days I used the nupastels. They were easily accessible and available. </p><p>The subjects? Not so much. What to paint? Where to paint? Outdoors? At the easel? </p><p>Every session, a dilemma.</p><p>I drew with my trusty Crayola crayons, another day, drawing pencils.</p><p>On one day I had a little more time and got out the watercolor paints! Can you tell I ended up sorting through my seashell collection?</p><p>Finally, on a day with a little more time, I decided to paint in oils on canvas panel. What a thrill!</p><p>Since the challenge is to work from direct observation or even en plein aire, it was good training for the eye. What do we actually see? Where are the shadows and lights? What shapes am I making and do they make any sense? Lots of learning in these 30 days.</p><p>The last frame is special to me. These pom-pom shoes were mine when I was a child. My grandmother brought them from Greece as a souvenir. They are copies of evzone shoes called "tsarouhia," which are worn by the National Guard of Greece. They are really old, but I love them, and decided to paint them.</p><p>I gessoed sketchbook paper and drew them in with oil paints. </p><p>Why did I do that?</p><p>Only because I would feel a weird sense of commitment if I ruined a canvas or panel on a junk oil sketch. </p><p>Ok, so what happened with this painting?</p><p>I will leave that for next time..</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-27597030199669046672021-09-14T10:39:00.064-04:002021-09-14T10:52:51.514-04:00September 30 Day Art Challenge <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the month of September, I decided to join in on a 30 day painting/drawing challenge hosted by Strada Easels. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZvTtOGMlmI5_-vkIAzPs3u0ohyy2arMAcQhuWpTDLM9BNMAjsRwGiGS2TcILbWjAxBIFBcfpeYhOUHHOyoHDw9Ou5f0rQ6WsfRudFWK9LaMrNtDQ9L13jnP0Bv3W4ZbalU344z40W_s/s2048/IMG_7919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZvTtOGMlmI5_-vkIAzPs3u0ohyy2arMAcQhuWpTDLM9BNMAjsRwGiGS2TcILbWjAxBIFBcfpeYhOUHHOyoHDw9Ou5f0rQ6WsfRudFWK9LaMrNtDQ9L13jnP0Bv3W4ZbalU344z40W_s/w300-h400/IMG_7919.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don’t know if I can even be available to upload a new work every day. Besides, the work has to be from direct observation, no photos. I can live with no photos art work, but the subject matter has to also be something I’m interested to look at and work from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That’s no easy task. Well, I jumped in and signed up, the rest is on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 1 began with my morning coffee cup on my kitchen table, I decided to draw, not having quite enough time to get out any paints. Nupastels were readily available as was the sketchbook and I just got to it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It felt good to work, even if it was just a quick sketch. I kind of enjoyed free drawing which I haven’t done in quite a while. So we will see how this goes. As of this post, I’ve already done 13 days of artwork.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here’s to a month of new art! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I’ll keep you updated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-51005329296439819172021-07-31T09:24:00.002-04:002021-07-31T09:24:20.543-04:00Waiting to Paint the Beach Pebbles<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwn3i3Rv9gxvDauqO9DmIn1iaDH-fvrii4WRh6t5-SZBh_rn7lGnxFxssJT_PlyaNqRq3n_NPTvDNe3v5Ge9cyktFGscTrZk1vgCArc2AuAeOhIKRGfSe8R_V9L_0coUrEIJfcJtRWNM/s875/IMG_7696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwn3i3Rv9gxvDauqO9DmIn1iaDH-fvrii4WRh6t5-SZBh_rn7lGnxFxssJT_PlyaNqRq3n_NPTvDNe3v5Ge9cyktFGscTrZk1vgCArc2AuAeOhIKRGfSe8R_V9L_0coUrEIJfcJtRWNM/w480-h640/IMG_7696.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>It's been a month of all kinds of things going on at once and I can't settle down enough to work.</p><p>I took a photograph of these pebbles and shards months ago on a visit to Jones Beach here in NY. These sea pieces looked so interesting as they glistened in the morning sunlight. Back at my art space I planned how this might look as an oil painting and started in.</p><p>Pandemic work ethic kicked in and I got pretty far, but then other things in life got in my way and this is where I stopped. </p><p>So here I am, still at this oil painting.</p><p>Thing is, I like to have things in order so my mind is free to paint. The house is straight, our business is in order, paperwork is done, and then I can enter my dream state. It's possible I don't realize the time spent working or even what day it is. Then, when I'm done there's the brush and palette clean up.</p><p>There is some time in the early morning to paint since I'm wide awake way too early. Then I think of the daydreaming phase as I work and how I could lose track and then what?</p><p>Now this piece waits.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-41156553664110003512021-06-30T15:06:00.000-04:002021-06-30T15:06:16.400-04:00Hard Work Pays Off When Paintings Sell<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWMORcT-FW88ieRiUWM8liHrs8jyrNgeHKD1MTqZKl3stCqCrKCccViZmtfIcUxfh7hNcD69C54zy-_YP5K8SUhlLCkOT17y06wMo-PPA-kPbeNW6iUWnpDIqi-hPq48t0VAqCaqYp1I/s875/SeaShells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWMORcT-FW88ieRiUWM8liHrs8jyrNgeHKD1MTqZKl3stCqCrKCccViZmtfIcUxfh7hNcD69C54zy-_YP5K8SUhlLCkOT17y06wMo-PPA-kPbeNW6iUWnpDIqi-hPq48t0VAqCaqYp1I/w480-h640/SeaShells.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis, 24x30 oil on stretched canvas, <i>Seashells</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>The hard work of getting these sea shells to look the way I wanted them to paid off.</p><p>IT SOLD! </p><p>The framing came out great. As I had said in a previous post, I left the painting with the gallery and told them to put it in their display window because this baby is going to sell. And yes it did.</p><p>The gallery waited a couple weeks for the purchaser to feel comfortable after hanging my work before calling me to say it sold, but I already knew it did. One week in the display and afterwards I didn't see it anymore. That was my tip off.</p><p>This oil painting was wonderful to work on and I enjoyed every minute of it. So much so that I may paint another one with these shells, but a different view. </p><p>The size was comfortable, not too small or too big. The price was right, so was the framing. Everything worked well. I paid for the other small works that I needed framed, the framer too his cut, and I got mine. All good.</p><p>Next up is to take another oil painting to be framed and let's see what happens with that one. </p><p>Thrilled to sell some work. It's satisfying to know someone loved it as much as I did to buy it and hang in their home.</p><br /> <p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-35708129180167793942021-05-17T15:11:00.001-04:002021-05-17T15:11:04.978-04:00Painting and Framing the Work<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After being able to scrape together a few dollars, I took my seashell oil painting to get framed. What a thrill! It is really something to see when the frame is applied and the work looks finished. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A frame really makes the work stand out, especially if done right. And my guys do a wonderful job. They chose this off white simple frame, giving these seashells a beach feel. Very summery, and I love it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzuWr1Gjnjy4-wG0-tuC-SEpzNoqFAnKRaF3Y2REWYdDa7PtW0tPGPO4yYE72X6hRc90hPRHym4i3mjm1jhyT1yyM7-F2oqpMpSEmGLc2p5VyumTCrafvs8LFsf_Wb0-rz8OyDAHay5c/s875/IMG_7429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="733" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzuWr1Gjnjy4-wG0-tuC-SEpzNoqFAnKRaF3Y2REWYdDa7PtW0tPGPO4yYE72X6hRc90hPRHym4i3mjm1jhyT1yyM7-F2oqpMpSEmGLc2p5VyumTCrafvs8LFsf_Wb0-rz8OyDAHay5c/w536-h640/IMG_7429.jpg" width="536" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, oil on stretched canvas, 24x30, <i>Seashells</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I am holding up my baby. Can you tell I am smiling behind that crazy mask thing we have to wear every place we go? Yes, I am smiling with my eyes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took my seashell oil painting home to show it off to my family, but soon afterwards I brought it back to the gallery to show off and possibly sell. Maybe some one will take it to a forever home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I told the gallery guys to put it in their display window and when I pass by I will take a snap of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They must have liked the idea and there it was! So nice to see it there in the window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ug4Qal7PpYhJgkHu2hf3bByd4U6T4iFwqCI7XMY3ySllRlzCCbFLCOp-W003XymNRYTKH4FGmyrAKaA6HlYlSOBh4F9RQUauxVnYU3L-iSu281qTGDBUgzIga889FT3KhppFqK0l1Ew/s875/IMG_7468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ug4Qal7PpYhJgkHu2hf3bByd4U6T4iFwqCI7XMY3ySllRlzCCbFLCOp-W003XymNRYTKH4FGmyrAKaA6HlYlSOBh4F9RQUauxVnYU3L-iSu281qTGDBUgzIga889FT3KhppFqK0l1Ew/w480-h640/IMG_7468.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, oil on stretched canvas, 24x30 <i>Seashells</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Visit <a href="http://www.barnesgalleryframing.com" target="_blank">Barnes Gallery, 2 Nassau Boulevard, Garden City, NY</a> if you're in the neighborhood. Take my baby home if you're so inclined. Every painting needs a nice home!<p></p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-45263191516375866812021-04-22T16:07:00.003-04:002021-04-22T16:07:55.867-04:00Painting on Paper With Oils<p>With the idea of less commitment, instead of a full fledged stretched canvas, I decided to try oil painting on paper. I'm happy about the feeling of freedom painting on paper gives, if it's trash I can just toss it out. </p><p>What happens if the work is really good? What if it was a really nice, satisfying experience, and now it's on paper? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZPp4FYXgFtdMUq6UXg8rrag8H8tupwu-AxLNPTPNyKe0PJ2czszgvCWGwrWk_A5zVN1lbs8EpPKEfCURhyQtf81pqYoqhuvlc0i-R-ymaI9lmZtjRmGyO8IV794gowjBPg1Rw4OKZAs/s640/Rooster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZPp4FYXgFtdMUq6UXg8rrag8H8tupwu-AxLNPTPNyKe0PJ2czszgvCWGwrWk_A5zVN1lbs8EpPKEfCURhyQtf81pqYoqhuvlc0i-R-ymaI9lmZtjRmGyO8IV794gowjBPg1Rw4OKZAs/w640-h480/Rooster.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, 8x8 oil on paper, <i>Rooster in Patmos</i> Available</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I like the idea of a sketchbook with paintings in it. I thought the nice sized Aquabee sketchbook I had would fit the bill. I painted straight on the paper and it felt comfortable. Then I thought I might gesso the paper, just for some stability, strength and texture.</p><p>Well, that was a bust.</p><p>This paper without gesso: ok. This paper with gesso: buckled.</p><p>Now what? </p><p>Anyway, I was very pleased with the outcome of this work on paper. I was happy with the rendering of all the elements. I took time to place the paint in the areas I wanted to work on. The color mixing felt right. The paint worked nicely on the paper, not oily at all. </p><p>Overall, painting on the paper was a good experience that I'd like to repeat. However, now I'm looking at the sketchbook thinking gesso may not be the answer to the surface issue. </p><p>Maybe the paper is the issue?</p><p>An artist I follow has a wonderful sketchbook of oil painting on paper. I sent him a message asking what he uses for the paper that doesn't seem to buckle, but he hasn't responded. </p><p>Time to investigate other avenues.</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-44431693423545043632021-04-06T14:54:00.005-04:002021-04-06T14:54:34.293-04:00Painting Jones Beach in Winter<p>The opportunity came up and I took it. The repairs to my car were ready for pick up so my husband and I drove in one car to get the other, and it had to be before his workday began. Which meant we were out of the house by 6AM. Fine with me, I'm awake anyway.</p><p>On my way home I took a detour to Jones Beach and it was just what I needed.</p><p>Overcast wintery sky with the bright rays of the sun peeking out, were glittering on the ocean. Just beautiful!</p><p>If the weather was more welcoming, and if I was prepared with the proper attire, I'd have taken a walk on the boardwalk. Yes, I took photos. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRKeD6WEhidbTbuC6-X26LirYdhHbxX5GpyxiIv28Ev1ty8Ow69AJeEZBGHQjJhme70JzWsK8yVP2THBjOgeVnyAxLRM0MwYWzrtKH0eBsTakE8D3L2kJWbLCE1pYA_k83TUR1sXOoF4/s918/IMG_7122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="688" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRKeD6WEhidbTbuC6-X26LirYdhHbxX5GpyxiIv28Ev1ty8Ow69AJeEZBGHQjJhme70JzWsK8yVP2THBjOgeVnyAxLRM0MwYWzrtKH0eBsTakE8D3L2kJWbLCE1pYA_k83TUR1sXOoF4/w300-h400/IMG_7122.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Beach Field 6</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>And windy! March weather is brisk here on Long Island, NY. But I was determined to paint these scenes, so I was happy to get such dramatic photographs.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_QTTHpiT-0RiVhqD0VGCj-SxfodUWW7BsQ0PciZCmcJh9dgTGLIX-Bkpao0lAYSTm4vKc7dw169k3uYvIrlbvpFjvu6xP6jvU5oI8IvfFL4B9S7q3bcvqU-odnL6yAaJ_jCl-ZylNmA/s600/IMG_7295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_QTTHpiT-0RiVhqD0VGCj-SxfodUWW7BsQ0PciZCmcJh9dgTGLIX-Bkpao0lAYSTm4vKc7dw169k3uYvIrlbvpFjvu6xP6jvU5oI8IvfFL4B9S7q3bcvqU-odnL6yAaJ_jCl-ZylNmA/w400-h300/IMG_7295.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis 8x10, gouache on paper</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div>While I waited for another artwork I was working on to dry, I took out the gouache paints and these photos of Jones Beach Field 6 near the boardwalk. Like I said, a dramatic scene, all moody.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmuQKLOvPimDbrQ6VbgJXHvRcOjaGJIYPN8drbGY3zeWc2ur0p_ZG1pEXiGX0T3a7-jDgVozLkYG__M3EblPTuD8myj2PgaWxyLAkZYaAr8ECrh2ZW3PGHHM-5v1EFV-98rLMZea6r4c/s747/IMG_7269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="747" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmuQKLOvPimDbrQ6VbgJXHvRcOjaGJIYPN8drbGY3zeWc2ur0p_ZG1pEXiGX0T3a7-jDgVozLkYG__M3EblPTuD8myj2PgaWxyLAkZYaAr8ECrh2ZW3PGHHM-5v1EFV-98rLMZea6r4c/w400-h321/IMG_7269.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis 10x8, gouache on paper</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Two different photographs, two different scenes, two different color schemes, same dramatic views. </div><div><br /></div><div>What a wonderful day, that could lead to a couple of wonderful painting sessions.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-56942061842947200422021-03-12T07:33:00.000-05:002021-03-12T07:33:11.398-05:00Lockdown and Fish in Patmos<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I was searching through some photos I swiped for my files, I came across this one of someone's catch of the day in our Greek island home of Patmos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They've had quite a hard year since the virus put everyone in lockdown, even the small, out of the way islands. On Patmos there were no locals who contracted it, but a couple of tourists, young people, did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No matter, all the citizens of Greece were mandated to lockdown and stay in their homes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV083TDT5Zcf_54NEfbTRZVKUL0LpWQMbNvPPvjGxer2CwlSsBRpK52Qmgcw9xIGFO4npy2mzMWQk3AzkEOiAKmhgSBxT9D0wmen9iDT9gEX_HqZu0GY_dh7hPPr-N2aUDGRUdocKTJk/s176/IMG_6898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="132" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGV083TDT5Zcf_54NEfbTRZVKUL0LpWQMbNvPPvjGxer2CwlSsBRpK52Qmgcw9xIGFO4npy2mzMWQk3AzkEOiAKmhgSBxT9D0wmen9iDT9gEX_HqZu0GY_dh7hPPr-N2aUDGRUdocKTJk/w240-h320/IMG_6898.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tourist season was a bust as a result. The guy who took this photo said, "There is no business, but at least we can still eat because we know how to fish.." Poor guy.</div><div><br /></div><div>The arrangement of the shapes and the colors just gave me such a thrill, I knew I had to paint it.</div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZO__6KiYCIF_WdLHXOJokP8K8IbIXeGHt6GjQy3w-50Eyj-xJk8VgkGDze674KMIB_7UOJfjqGSiHU_hyl1eZrMJ3RICDN7iZXOA71y9XEcyfZclpv34WTQ3axun9c6RO7C_VRZLF_A/s918/IMG_6958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="763" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZO__6KiYCIF_WdLHXOJokP8K8IbIXeGHt6GjQy3w-50Eyj-xJk8VgkGDze674KMIB_7UOJfjqGSiHU_hyl1eZrMJ3RICDN7iZXOA71y9XEcyfZclpv34WTQ3axun9c6RO7C_VRZLF_A/w333-h400/IMG_6958.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis, 16x20 oil on stretched canvas, <i>Fish in Patmos</i></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There was just something interesting in this photo, the jumble of shapes, the open mouths of the fish against the background, and the colors! Must have been a great experience for the fisherman, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsDXYjqCDPkZZ_o9mpJhaLe6w74Ojp-L-_eI8DvfVy-E5drucVc9_YTM1LUj6Z-ayapFCekm_rvUlcKOyuhU24-Uhr13fN4Tmz6MIIm9pMDS7uzF8U_jiZpybuTahyphenhyphen0dwLDJNBEYs07w/s918/IMG_6959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="688" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsDXYjqCDPkZZ_o9mpJhaLe6w74Ojp-L-_eI8DvfVy-E5drucVc9_YTM1LUj6Z-ayapFCekm_rvUlcKOyuhU24-Uhr13fN4Tmz6MIIm9pMDS7uzF8U_jiZpybuTahyphenhyphen0dwLDJNBEYs07w/w300-h400/IMG_6959.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've done a little more work on this since I finished the major work. Just a tweak here and there to define some shaping, but it's probably done at this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's looking at you, kid.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-48103063492800664252021-02-23T14:51:00.003-05:002021-02-24T13:56:47.404-05:00Painting Patmos<p>Painting Patmos, our Greek island home, is always a go-to for inspiration. I look through photos and suddenly I find myself reaching for the paints. Those deep blues always get me.</p><p>Since I'd been working on other things here in semi-lockdown, I wasn't painting much. Maybe non-stop at the easel had me hitting the wall, sort of. House things needed attention, too, I decided. With that in mind, I stepped away, but not for too long.</p><p>Leafing through my swipes of Patmos photos as I organized the space, and somehow the gouache paints were out, I taped off the watercolor paper, brushes were at the ready and I was painting Patmos again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xFPFnjfsDSrkqlAVi-VZLJ7CZzR2bnEad2MExUMgNOIUQccvefySjnpmWgClyHs-r7ndJAelX51N_n-isU64m2PfnuK_TPO7ZrhWhO01pUbTkZ42K2TOpt2kvgIZ236j7lvv5l84tzM/s918/Petra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="918" data-original-width="688" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xFPFnjfsDSrkqlAVi-VZLJ7CZzR2bnEad2MExUMgNOIUQccvefySjnpmWgClyHs-r7ndJAelX51N_n-isU64m2PfnuK_TPO7ZrhWhO01pUbTkZ42K2TOpt2kvgIZ236j7lvv5l84tzM/w300-h400/Petra.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Okay so it's not my own photograph, but I always credit the photographer who posted their work. Always! I found this on Instagram and tagged the photog.<div><br /></div><div>This was a great aerial view of this beautiful area of the island called Petra, rock in Greek. Petra is protected by UNESCO as an historic area, as is many spots in Patmos, both ancient and religious. Petra has this huge rock formation with cathedral sized caves, pathways, and amazing views. I love the various blue shades and the craggy shapes.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWt31i0BDh5-b5ozXuPO70wTrrc-3tixN3ECd8O2JSllv8_FvAYF4Lq7Rsn65yXS9Euv_E9o2vkNifYcmKNG_OzfL9V05UaV8gMLdEdoaq0v8Xok6GMQr0BQpYSGrkfsrzeEiqX73ZkE/s919/PetraPatmos.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="730" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWt31i0BDh5-b5ozXuPO70wTrrc-3tixN3ECd8O2JSllv8_FvAYF4Lq7Rsn65yXS9Euv_E9o2vkNifYcmKNG_OzfL9V05UaV8gMLdEdoaq0v8Xok6GMQr0BQpYSGrkfsrzeEiqX73ZkE/w318-h400/PetraPatmos.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis, gouache on Arches paper, 8x10, <i>Petra</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>Gouache has been interesting to work with. It's a water media, but the feel is more like acrylic paint.</div><div>I like the depth of the opaqueness and the strong color I get. Watercolor is ethereal, wispy, sheer. Gouache is the opposite. Just great to work with, the way I love oils. </div><div><br /></div><div>And now for a little fun, something oddly satisfying to artists, the tape pull! After I finished my work and the paint is dry, removing the tape is called "tape porn." As we pull off the masking tape the crisp edges are revealed! Take a look:</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEIPUtEOSXlrM2B8EjJSu0RCo8sY1Ns2Hj500O3lI_6S5T9RhI_8ZyOoLdXCOTX150slrzjK7Jdqv7l4IR' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div></div><div>Anyway, so Patmos...yes, can you tell I have a strong connection to painting this gorgeous place?</div><div><br /></div>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-17353765716897397342021-01-14T15:52:00.003-05:002021-01-14T15:55:13.993-05:00Gouache in the New Year<p><br /> It's a new year and we're still here. Grateful for the moments of peace in the studio space with my work.</p><p>As I've been painting with oils the work has slowed. Oil paints need time to dry, and in that time my old friend Mr. Resistance has visited more often than I'd like. It seems he shows up in the time of the day I would usually visit the studio. May I remind you my art space is in my house, but it's hard to get there.</p><p>Funny, but true.</p><p>Meanwhile the work awaits my arrival every day. Well, where am I going anyway? The lockdown is not really happening, although most people are limiting where they go and for how long they do. It's easier just to stay in, and for me the work is at home.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkMF63TLGHnKLXOF7zH3vjOkhsoE3bxU4yZCyzC8q7Id8vs83M5I0xmysbSpU704d_fEw7NT-1g1etDQrQMXGOLOIV2WQWRJVxuWjf19yDF75QRGZkvfy24e792kUluRYOZmN1mYntbk/s480/IMG_6906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkMF63TLGHnKLXOF7zH3vjOkhsoE3bxU4yZCyzC8q7Id8vs83M5I0xmysbSpU704d_fEw7NT-1g1etDQrQMXGOLOIV2WQWRJVxuWjf19yDF75QRGZkvfy24e792kUluRYOZmN1mYntbk/w300-h400/IMG_6906.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis Gouache on Fabriano paper</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I remembered that I entered the annual Twitter Art Exhibit, which sells small donated artworks for charity.</p><p>It's a small project, postcard sized work, and it could be quick, if I could push past Mr. Resistance to get it done.</p><p>Deciding to look through my photos to find a pleasant scene of some sort, I spied this summer's beach visits. I took a few nice photos of the beach grass and dunes. Ideas and inspiration came to me so I got out the gouache paints, watercolor paper, penciled in the scene, and got to it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1GOjP3bLRcZiEBs8BO_8BAW1OA_zA6iiXXc1BooNtUUYBJ-iVwQ-cNbmqj93qAxUsdZrM76iuMzrXJSTVK2zxVt6WJWn7Qr-6F2Q3-9HYGd7FeMH8fZ2VOMhYpEtNDfbdQ1jYCf795w/s3389/IMG_6907.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3389" data-original-width="2219" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1GOjP3bLRcZiEBs8BO_8BAW1OA_zA6iiXXc1BooNtUUYBJ-iVwQ-cNbmqj93qAxUsdZrM76iuMzrXJSTVK2zxVt6WJWn7Qr-6F2Q3-9HYGd7FeMH8fZ2VOMhYpEtNDfbdQ1jYCf795w/w263-h400/IMG_6907.HEIC" width="263" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis 4x6 gouache on paper, <i>Beach Day</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Small and satisfying work. Gouche has become a good medium for me to use. I really like it's velvety texture. Water medium that it is, it's more like acrylic, and I use it like oils. Perfect.</p><p>The Twitter Art Exhibit is being held in the United Kingdom this year in May, but the mail has been awfully slow lately. Soon I will pack this up and get it out.</p><p>And now, back to the oils..</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-7276021874656347902020-12-18T16:12:00.000-05:002020-12-18T16:12:01.204-05:00The Latest Oil Painting Wasn't Boring After All<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO7eQ7JZX_7km0MLrur43XC57nPvrgBhIkhFNNUwXTfjs5XUnO5P8LIBW0bXLXix0MECN5hrV_SJgkL4y8rFDCU8LJkL0QoHIOQWKV66F4RWHsoueNYLpCNbX3QRpsT1FHdFQs7Er0eg/s927/IMG_6793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnO7eQ7JZX_7km0MLrur43XC57nPvrgBhIkhFNNUwXTfjs5XUnO5P8LIBW0bXLXix0MECN5hrV_SJgkL4y8rFDCU8LJkL0QoHIOQWKV66F4RWHsoueNYLpCNbX3QRpsT1FHdFQs7Er0eg/w480-h640/IMG_6793.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First go at color©DoraSislianThemelis<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div>The latest oil painting is this still life. It's not my set up. This reference photo was sent when I signed on to do one of those free online painting party events. i decided to join in because I thought it would be good to experience something like this, brush up on Zoom, learn a new painting technique, try a different palette, maybe have a critique or two.<p></p><p>Like the previous painting party event, the instructor sends the suggested palatte colors, the size of the canvas, brush assortment, and the reference photo every one will be painting from. Cool.</p><p>The day came, I wasn't feeling it, I didn't bother. I printed out the reference, set it up on my easel, prepped the canvas, laid out the paints and brushes. Then nothing. I wasn't so sure the photo appealed to me. It didn't draw me in or give me motivation to capture the scene.</p><p>Many days later I sat at the set up just to observe. I felt some pulse of energy, chose a brush and doodled the scene. With raw umber thinned with walnut oil, and a filbert shaped brush, I drew on the canvas.</p><p>I planned the shadows and highlights, placed the items where I thought I'd like them to sit. It's ok to alter the reference, I thought to myself. And then I added other colors to the suggested palette, cadmium red medium, magenta and indigo, just for some edginess. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH10x5kK3asxaMNaT8UqlVfv3vzd1Amr-zBS7MfFepZR8iKwK0uEVzofVzcvdnQx_jV5NXCUMWL5py7Qn5YJOPCPt6NtXH8ubAWXbdemcOQHvsAw7LGk32rGJtjI7fkAKAnlDbSbIgsw/s927/IMG_6803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="695" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH10x5kK3asxaMNaT8UqlVfv3vzd1Amr-zBS7MfFepZR8iKwK0uEVzofVzcvdnQx_jV5NXCUMWL5py7Qn5YJOPCPt6NtXH8ubAWXbdemcOQHvsAw7LGk32rGJtjI7fkAKAnlDbSbIgsw/w480-h640/IMG_6803.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reference, the work, the palette ©Dora Sislian Themelis<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>When I began the color stage I began to really enjoy the scene. The colors made me happy, the shapes had a nice dynamic between them with the deep, dark background and shadows. The highlight at the one side was my perception of the reference photo and it worked well in the composition I think.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTomHzG-xQ-iFBshxxAVFc7Fj_dMRZ6O1mIuqAlMvUArn9Mipw2ueiWhICPN6oAIV7OcPjuNsqqz6Ha1Mo84L_OTXW4HJ35TBb6itC-hhMV2Hrn23UwSXUDRpooSHFdLveihTTQvgjUI/s800/IMG_6802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="800" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTomHzG-xQ-iFBshxxAVFc7Fj_dMRZ6O1mIuqAlMvUArn9Mipw2ueiWhICPN6oAIV7OcPjuNsqqz6Ha1Mo84L_OTXW4HJ35TBb6itC-hhMV2Hrn23UwSXUDRpooSHFdLveihTTQvgjUI/w640-h506/IMG_6802.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis 20x16 oil on stretched canvas, <i>The Pitcher<br />Available for purchase</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once I put my own stamp on this reference photo it began to speak to me. I just needed to find myself in the work. The traditional style of the subjects, the pitcher and the apples, was far from what I'd been working on lately. Using colors I enjoy seeing and using made me feel comfortable, let's say I was at home. </p><p>A scene I thought would be boring ended up being pretty exciting. </p><p>Go figure..</p><p> </p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-48395473549430239912020-11-23T15:27:00.001-05:002020-11-23T15:27:02.518-05:00Painting the Figure Online<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-cOJy8BXqCjQNMDa5DzfBxCHKjf4q7ghKaopRITJQNMCor8jEoUh6KvHfD97ZTOGsi3dLgrZ1_cctObIaCUPfeWI2GhATsIrX1deYgUw3NEW1-1ZDbIJw67xK87l5k9yjyiOJCW9DYw/s874/Figure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-cOJy8BXqCjQNMDa5DzfBxCHKjf4q7ghKaopRITJQNMCor8jEoUh6KvHfD97ZTOGsi3dLgrZ1_cctObIaCUPfeWI2GhATsIrX1deYgUw3NEW1-1ZDbIJw67xK87l5k9yjyiOJCW9DYw/w480-h640/Figure.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Global Painting Event ©Dora Sislian Themelis, 16x20 oil on canvas, <i>Figure </i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Recently I took the opportunity to participate in a figure painting class online using Zoom. Lucky me I had tried using that platform already so I knew what to expect, except I still had to maneuver my space so I could both see the instructor and have him see me.</span></div><p></p><p>It's a huge learning curve, but I was able to manage it.</p><p>The material list and the photo reference were sent out ahead of the actual date, with instructions how to attend on the Zoom thing. Yes, I called it a "thing."</p><p>I set out my paints, prepped the canvas I was using, had my brushes ready, as well as my iPad propped up on a stool at the right angel. At the appropriate time I logged on and Poof! there was the instructor.</p><p>Charles Miano, the instructor at his Southern Atelier in Florida, has a lovely realistic style of oil painting, very old school use of paint and medium. He does all his color mixing on the canvas rather then on the palette. And he uses smooth brush strokes to get an even application of the paint on the subject. I really enjoyed the class.</p><p>Hundreds of other artists joined the Global Painting Event online from all over the world. Just very exciting to participate in such a great class, learn some new things, get critique and enjoy the process. The finished work was pleasing to me as well.</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-69333456479776984382020-10-12T17:06:00.001-04:002020-10-12T17:06:13.031-04:00Painting Continues<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBNo89IaMAnCLNpl4PvkZjTv41BJVQhUzFgedYm76rS0rNsWPDkRIXiCSDoRWh4Q31j9XuGXh4C5C0SUP4fG0ed7VVTxjisC7I-HKm-fkna185rjnipFYOHkzQ2FdFblH7BaMygXfrZ8/s480/LambiPebbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQBNo89IaMAnCLNpl4PvkZjTv41BJVQhUzFgedYm76rS0rNsWPDkRIXiCSDoRWh4Q31j9XuGXh4C5C0SUP4fG0ed7VVTxjisC7I-HKm-fkna185rjnipFYOHkzQ2FdFblH7BaMygXfrZ8/w480-h640/LambiPebbles.jpg" title="Lambi Pebbles" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, 24x30 oil on canvas, Lambi Pebbles<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Painting continues in this pandemic. Everyday is the same, but different. Eight months have gone by and for the record I have painted fifty one artworks. There are enough pieces to hold another solo art show. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One of the latest works is this larger piece that took up more time that the others. On our last visit to our Greek island home of Patmos in the Dodecanese chain of islands, I took a few photos of the multicolored beach pebbles in the crystal clear water of the seashore. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I was mesmerized by the the way the filter of the water rippled the pebbles and the glow of the sun light on them. As I was looking for inspiration for the next work, I came across a few of these photos and thought it would be great to paint. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Using some new paint colors I picked up, I sketched out the composition, planned my focus and went quickly to color. I don't know if it was a good idea as I like to sketch first, but I was too excited.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Two new paint brands I used were Michael Harding handmade oils and Sennelier oils, both beautiful, creamy paints. The Michael Harding color was Quinadrinone Magenta, a mouthful, and the Sennelier color was Lemon Yellow. The magenta gave me a great color pop mixed with my other colors, and that lemon yellow gave my white the glow I wanted to show.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Lots of learning happened while working on this oil painting with color mixing and manipulating the brushes to get the strokes of paint where I wanted them to go.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Once it was finished I let it dry, then brushed it with varnish to bring out the depth of the colors and done.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">My only problem was photographing this work. Glare all over the place! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On to the next project. This virus craziness doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.</span></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-83981210093523932632020-09-18T15:15:00.002-04:002020-09-18T15:15:57.770-04:00Finished Something<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGeen3zaNxvgsywn_EvZmqN0OT36QJP4Qg7H5GcWraNb8J29CtsklIsMg_xq6TDLnqsofJRIkLZOP3T3ESgI4RLxD7OXL5Nvf7nrXAODgc_3d1HeLbEwAzLnWrwCubich91kSodt5UCk/s640/IMG_6471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFGeen3zaNxvgsywn_EvZmqN0OT36QJP4Qg7H5GcWraNb8J29CtsklIsMg_xq6TDLnqsofJRIkLZOP3T3ESgI4RLxD7OXL5Nvf7nrXAODgc_3d1HeLbEwAzLnWrwCubich91kSodt5UCk/s16000/IMG_6471.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, oil on stretched canvas, 24x18, Above Patmos<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Daydreaming of better days in great weather, away at our favorite Greek island home and unable to actually be there in this virus time. Why not paint Patmos, again? </p><p>Yes, why not?</p><p>I had a reference photo for this area of the island with the gorgeous blue sea surrounding the shoreline. With apologies to whomever took the photo, I went ahead and sketched out the scene, then began to block in the shapes with colors.</p><p>For some reason I left this work alone to try other scenes in different mediums. </p><p>I think there was some lurking of Mr. Resistance holding me back from this work. I just couldn't move forward, until recently when I decided I needed to confront it.</p><p>Sometimes it's best to run headlong into the work. Just get the paint on the palette and go!</p><p>"Finish something" had been a mantra a little while ago, and I laughed at myself when I remembered it.</p><p>Thankfully I persevered and finished. </p><p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-28556269437084859662020-09-14T13:51:00.003-04:002020-09-14T13:59:43.186-04:00The Beach, the Virus, and Gouache <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="649" height="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzCmKpT7TxZv8XXFzSQ60agEjAovD17uk2uHJf5daZ1dOJHSvSPqWcO0dYu-d55s3RC8pyI6uJsEIYkfewvIbVv7SVGu9snyQ1XjNDApO8JcMPleAclClPeZWy5N6VcNTqp_jGtQhqUM/w625-h469/IMG_6227.jpg" title="©Dora Sislian Themelis, gouache on tan paper, 8x10, Dunes" width="625" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/857993281/dunes-original-seascape-painting?ref=shop_home_feat_1&frs=1" target="_blank">©Dora Sislian Themelis, gouache on tan paper, 8x10, Dunes</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Luckily the beaches in our area of Long Island, New York, are a quick drive away. Since the virus time we've stayed home, safe, in our little cocoon. However, the beach in summertime always beckons.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Summer on Long Island is synonymous with the Atlantic ocean, Long Island Sound, or the North and South Forks. We opted for sort of nearby, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. The trick was to get to this beach early enough to be let in. Due to the pandemic's protocols of half occupancy, beachgoers were being turned away before noon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our solution was to wake before dawn, drive out with no traffic, get to our destination earlier than anyone else, there was no parking fee, and try to relax. Distancing, masks, no concessions, was the order of every visit. It wasn't very relaxing, only doable.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I brought art supplies, thinking I might need the mindfulness of painting the scenery. Some days I just took photographs to paint from in the studio later on. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Painting on site was a good thing and I was glad I had my supplies, rather than wishing I had remembered them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gouache on this tan paper was surprisingly refreshing. I really enjoy the velvety texture of the gouache as I worked. A little pencil sketch of the scene first, then in with color. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy with my process, and the product, I could settle myself easier. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">What a relief in this crazy time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> </span><p></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-89896209840481077902020-08-21T15:49:00.008-04:002020-08-21T16:04:46.223-04:00Lost My Site But Painting Continues<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWtdkKjLvNyFKFjJG3R411UY_zXj-UwSXIucT9g8XHCSqwKpOS4IHj1_Way1LfHlEZH-LJACuxouKoZXgKEQXHUC-R2xnGzv8ZFYey0E72PbTNsX4VM0-gkwJBmX_UK_xUU-Ao22yZcM/s607/Peony.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="607" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWtdkKjLvNyFKFjJG3R411UY_zXj-UwSXIucT9g8XHCSqwKpOS4IHj1_Way1LfHlEZH-LJACuxouKoZXgKEQXHUC-R2xnGzv8ZFYey0E72PbTNsX4VM0-gkwJBmX_UK_xUU-Ao22yZcM/d/Peony.jpg" title="©DoraSislianThemelis, 8x10 oil on paper, Peony" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">©DoraSislianThemelis, 8x10 oil on paper, <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/857986381/peony-original-floral-oil-painting?ref=shop_home_feat_3&frs=1" target="_blank">Peony</a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So, apparently, I've lost my other blog/website. What a pain! <p></p><p>Remember when I said, a long time ago, that computers were annoyingly hard to get along with? </p><p>Well, did I learn a lot about that very idea. Updating some backend thing because of something called "old code" and then POOF! it was gone. A snap of the finger, or rather, the stroke of a key and the last few sparse posts vanished.</p><p>Sadly, when I migrated posts to the new Wordpress site, many of you didn't follow. I could see the read count drop to nil. It's ok, blogging was becoming less popular for a time. My own blog reading had waned as podcasts, emails, iPhones, etc became more popular.</p><p>However, painting did not stop. Coronavirus or not, art kept happening. Posting, maybe not, but art? Yes!</p><p>I've explored gouache, gone back to oil paints, sketched in conte crayon and lately I am eyeing oil pastel. </p><p>This glorious floral is oil paint on, of all things new, Arches oil paper, with the idea of a low commitment factor. I was wrong once again. </p><p>It's smaller size defies the punch this subject gave me once I was finished answering the questions in the shapes, colors, brush strokes, and composition. With a tip from another online artist, I washed the surface of the paper with walnut oil and thinner, then went in with sketching in paint. A few sessions and I was pleased with all I learned in the process. The pleasant outcome was a plus!</p><p>I'm glad to be posting. It's been a struggle. To everyone reading, I hope you are all well in this craziness. Virtual hugs to all with positive energy for good things ahead, despite exasperating computers.</p><p><br /></p>Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-40106546009245746602020-05-26T13:58:00.001-04:002020-05-26T13:59:24.607-04:00Azaleas in Bloom on Canvas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf98XDe5mnh_CEDw51GCotkel8r05kG4MMlqMiGGuWHjhGX662mOL1ZDJYXRJW6BKt6WFsIcA6MmfdT95Juo-gSAAr9XLKh-EKJ207VAX88WJq3Cf9I1l-cvtizSdVT5NmDyL7WiJALT8/s1600/ThePalette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="271" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf98XDe5mnh_CEDw51GCotkel8r05kG4MMlqMiGGuWHjhGX662mOL1ZDJYXRJW6BKt6WFsIcA6MmfdT95Juo-gSAAr9XLKh-EKJ207VAX88WJq3Cf9I1l-cvtizSdVT5NmDyL7WiJALT8/s640/ThePalette.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, paint on the palette at the Instagram post</td></tr>
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With the lavender azaleas in bloom in my garden the love affair with color is in full bloom too. Every year at this time the azaleas begin their amazing, show stopping performance. By Memorial Day the petals start to fade and drop, but up until then they are glorious to behold.<br />
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The jaw dropping lavender blooms pop out all over the pale green bushes. With the bright green of the grass underneath and the strong yellow sunlight streaking across the lawn, there's nothing more dramatic to see. It's an event I anticipate every spring, and they do not disappoint.<br />
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Virus, or no virus, this is happening! And so I painted them once again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the easel..</td></tr>
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Having started to paint in the garden, en plein aire, the weather changed and I came in to work in the studio. It was refreshing to paint using these amazing colors. The paints were new handmade oils from Michael Harding and I was happy to get to use these colors. I took some reference photos to use indoors which came in handy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAqJ7MgLv5129EpuBEKkFixG0rw86MYJ1fmJNGBDmBPyKIFqNU6TQH9Na1JGop_wAILxfUJgHRyPaFQzLEouNIuIUJy7-6wz2trTnLfA2cr52Qf6sBcKzDyc61b-B2yFac8OOWrJAyJ0/s1600/ThePainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="640" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAqJ7MgLv5129EpuBEKkFixG0rw86MYJ1fmJNGBDmBPyKIFqNU6TQH9Na1JGop_wAILxfUJgHRyPaFQzLEouNIuIUJy7-6wz2trTnLfA2cr52Qf6sBcKzDyc61b-B2yFac8OOWrJAyJ0/s400/ThePainting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The painting of lavender azaleas</td></tr>
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Finishing this work was quick with large brushes, lots of paint, quick decisions and good color mixing. I used a nice size canvas at 24x18, but not so big as to have to keep working for too long. That could spell disaster when I overwork things.</div>
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Now that this is finished, I'm on to the next work.</div>
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Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-36194322342312165262020-05-22T16:32:00.000-04:002020-05-22T16:33:20.562-04:00Art Finds a Forever Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7QsUdXkih6IK5g9GR50Yj0wHhRA4rR5sR7OH71XP_jxhKjjzDHtUycgz2-9FUja97PZcSSi2FoopMh6OaLSpy4cHsjot20k0VBtbxxr8auO1N26s6P6jgji2vji6y3xwy93HZTrf-Tw/s1600/Sold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="377" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7QsUdXkih6IK5g9GR50Yj0wHhRA4rR5sR7OH71XP_jxhKjjzDHtUycgz2-9FUja97PZcSSi2FoopMh6OaLSpy4cHsjot20k0VBtbxxr8auO1N26s6P6jgji2vji6y3xwy93HZTrf-Tw/s640/Sold.jpg" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, watercolor and gouache small work</span></td></tr>
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It's exciting when someone is interested in an artist's work enough to purchase something we made. The images we express in paint onto a surface is our step out into the world from our other-worldliness. That's how I feel anyway.<br />
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The fact that someone outside of ourselves connects with our energy is deep. I know how I feel about what I create, it's another thing to see that in some one else.<br />
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After I painted the cookbook artwork I had many contacts with people who enjoyed seeing my paintings. One person asked about sizes and prices, how to purchase the cookbook painting. Since that wasn't available we had a conversation about different pieces, what she was drawn to, and how affordable some work was. It was a lovely discussion and I thought that was the end of it.<br />
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She inspired me to paint something larger than the small gouache studies I had done, so I went ahead and did a Greek island scene in watercolor. It wasn't what she wanted, I guessed.<br />
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Surprisingly, she sent me a message: Could she purchase these three 6x8 paintings she saw on my Instagram account? Yes, of course! We agreed on pricing, shipping, and off I sent my babies to their new forever home!<br />
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The top scene is of Crete, the boats in the bay is from Hydra, and the fishing boat with netting is our Greek island home of Patmos. I just love the deep blue against that shiny white!<br />
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Next week these paintings should arrive at their destination. I can't wait to see them all framed and hanging in their new home.Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-65774800091632214022020-05-05T13:53:00.003-04:002020-05-05T13:53:59.690-04:00Toiling With Seashells<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rvI0QVQa1rNSNsnMVkIvVcEBbh7BjW6uvvYKfWQEM59bAZtDpr346P7ppVB6nQhqGxXT4tYRD3zqnXKDWz2oRMFjb0XvVrsw-RMmqeM1yFPURsZY4aiX7YFxuRhq3gMDlgkoBErYBGI/s1600/WorkingAway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="271" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rvI0QVQa1rNSNsnMVkIvVcEBbh7BjW6uvvYKfWQEM59bAZtDpr346P7ppVB6nQhqGxXT4tYRD3zqnXKDWz2oRMFjb0XvVrsw-RMmqeM1yFPURsZY4aiX7YFxuRhq3gMDlgkoBErYBGI/s640/WorkingAway.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">©Dora Sislian Themelis</span></td></tr>
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Toiling at this seashell oil painting, and it's been hard work.<br />
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Happy work, but hard work.<br />
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Every afternoon it calls me to sit and work a little more, here then there, slowly as ever.<br />
See that seashell I'm pointing at? It is my nemesis, cousin to Mr. Resistance, whom I haven't seen around here lately. I've kept my date with the studio and I'm unavailable to "him."<br />
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However, this little seashell causes some distraction and push back, which invites the thought: "Is Mr. Resistance planning a visit soon?"<br />
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To get this shell to look right, meaning how it actually looks represented in paint, I squint real hard at it. I'm working hard to render the shapes, shadows and lights as they are instead of how I think they look.<br />
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I tried every brush I had to make the right strokes. I mixed color after color to find the right light. I reshaped the form to see if that helped me. By the time I had to end my session I had painted, scrubbed and repainted this one area a number of times to feel comfortable at this stage.<br />
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I posted this photo of my frustration on Instagram.<br />
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Can you tell I was gnashing my teeth?<br />
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Today I am back at the easel to confront the seashell of misery once again. Here's hoping this time will be the last and I can move on towards finishing this work.Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-17463413160357348412020-04-29T14:46:00.000-04:002020-04-29T14:46:40.760-04:00Painting in Quarantine<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_hgTrrWWI8YhRvC176VreDzqVSiDBwmxafo_q-8idHHTNwfbhzhyphenhyphen4tz6hedpnmQg3msB0OX5xR3WRoK47C5l3Ko_XljjNK09ljyH1DxC8niG75Mm6q4jTLd4IEOjP6_e_eKG9NT6hpU/s1600/OilPaintingWork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_hgTrrWWI8YhRvC176VreDzqVSiDBwmxafo_q-8idHHTNwfbhzhyphenhyphen4tz6hedpnmQg3msB0OX5xR3WRoK47C5l3Ko_XljjNK09ljyH1DxC8niG75Mm6q4jTLd4IEOjP6_e_eKG9NT6hpU/s640/OilPaintingWork.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, Oil Painting in Quarantine, April 2020</span></td></tr>
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The days move slowly in this time of quarantine. It's perfectly fine with me, I call this period "Art in the Time of Corona" and I am busy working at my painting. Everyday after noon, I walk into my basement art studio and get lost in my work. The outside world doesn't exist, nor do I while I'm at the easel.<div>
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Some would say painting is an act of mindfulness. I would say it's a matter of mindlessness, as when I am painting there is nothing else. Time and space do not matter. It's me and the work.</div>
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The larger work was once a self portrait gone bad. Nothing I did to it helped make any sense. Rather than let it languish, I turned it upside down and began violently brushing oil paint over the old work. Quarantine changes your brain!</div>
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I had taken this photo of my seashells from Greek and New York beaches with the intent to paint from it, and I went at it. It was quite enjoyable to cover up the old, ugly work. </div>
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Every day I paint another area of the painting. It's taking time. Since I get antsy I started the second painting, another photographer's work of a beach in Crete, Greece. I loved the color of the water and started laying in color quickly and finished it earlier than expected.</div>
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Meanwhile, the seashells wait their turn, but there is plenty of time because we still stay home in quarantine.</div>
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Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-15913550918275444212020-04-23T13:29:00.000-04:002020-04-23T13:29:22.350-04:00Thought for Thursday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN2xhQrwMt25Ny0g7Gq3CJqAgsv-FPqnFNkpTQveHOomXo-bt12ZKI0r_DuoQobwBNlqTTJaIFfXdwQj-pj2aGzuUZf0_zA_SY8kHxZO7kte2HTak0j9oxpp-vT3LvYPi6kewS-7E9GM/s1600/ArtTools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidN2xhQrwMt25Ny0g7Gq3CJqAgsv-FPqnFNkpTQveHOomXo-bt12ZKI0r_DuoQobwBNlqTTJaIFfXdwQj-pj2aGzuUZf0_zA_SY8kHxZO7kte2HTak0j9oxpp-vT3LvYPi6kewS-7E9GM/s1600/ArtTools.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">©Dora Sislian Themelis, Art Tools, photograph</td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."</i></blockquote>
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~Artistotle, Greek philosopher </blockquote>
Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15448897019946400.post-17112290659804060812020-04-22T12:52:00.000-04:002020-04-22T13:02:49.085-04:00Sketching with Crayolas<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa2IQzthBlCKppHaFT_H_0Iwe2DcTKwVNbWQg3J913DTYTI-eqAkjWLfJxLdUWnIKXbAbqkZCNN8veJm6Q0CfnxwDOirP8MIwqFLSxLYxoONydEo4IRGj6NhTmhbgFvqi1ta8fdc3vkU/s1600/CrayolaPortrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa2IQzthBlCKppHaFT_H_0Iwe2DcTKwVNbWQg3J913DTYTI-eqAkjWLfJxLdUWnIKXbAbqkZCNN8veJm6Q0CfnxwDOirP8MIwqFLSxLYxoONydEo4IRGj6NhTmhbgFvqi1ta8fdc3vkU/s640/CrayolaPortrait.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crayola crayons portrait practice</span></td></tr>
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Back before this virus craziness, in the days of babysitting grandkids, I would get out the art supplies and have the kids doodle. While they doodled, I would use the time to sketch them on the sneak.<br />
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What better time to get some portrait practice in! They would be very involved in their drawings, sitting somewhat still while I sketched them with the same Crayola crayons they were using. No artist's supplies, just Crayola crayons.<br />
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You have no idea how much freedom in the work when using crayons. It's simply amazing.<br />
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Just like the kids, who just pick up a color and get to work drawing pink leaves on a blue tree, I too felt free to grab whichever crayon was nearby and use it. Blue faces, green shadows, yellow hair, who cares? They'd take the crayon I was just working with and I'd pick up another color to use.<br />
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Freedom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ8t2VlNye73BMOLUJB23pP3PycRbmRKj6nD8SYUFeYzNvH8XJZZihf-isin9Rr9uqvR99-DD5hXJ94gdbWbXJS1Hm3AFNhJMP5qKZ1uVFOSqriz0ymVegd2ILusD_Nx7dNZiqwkEkxQ/s1600/CrayonFigure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ8t2VlNye73BMOLUJB23pP3PycRbmRKj6nD8SYUFeYzNvH8XJZZihf-isin9Rr9uqvR99-DD5hXJ94gdbWbXJS1Hm3AFNhJMP5qKZ1uVFOSqriz0ymVegd2ILusD_Nx7dNZiqwkEkxQ/s640/CrayonFigure.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Crayola crayon figure drawing practice</span></td></tr>
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And even figure sketching practice went well with the crayons. On the floor doodling, playing with cars, rolling a ball, perfect for me to capture the moment with quick gesture drawings. Once I was comfortable with one view I did a little more work defining the shapes and shadows. Done!<br />
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Crayola crayons are an underrated art making tool.<br />
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<br />Dora Sislian Themelishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18306284177182293590noreply@blogger.com0