Monday, November 18, 2013

Light Dark Pattern as a Visual Approach - Continued





This past week we continued our study of light - dark pattern as a visual approach.  See the prior blog for an explanation see my blog post from last week.  We practiced painting something from life and then an abstract.  I threw my keys on the table as the subject for the first painting.  As usual, we are just using black and white house paint and cardboard for our ground.  We're off for 2 weeks but have homework to keep things fresh.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Dark - Light Pattern as a Visual Approach


It was good to be back in class this week.  We began to study dark-light pattern as a visual
approach and will continue to do so for 2 more sessions.  The morning lecture focused on
Motherwell's "Elegy to the Spanish Republic #34", Wyeth's "Wolf Moon" and Levine's "Birmingham 1963".

This visual approach relies on two strong value groups.  The artist must promote a pattern in one of the groups because it is the pattern that draws the eye into the painting.  The whole painting is reduced to two shapes, one dark, one light that can be seen by squinting.  Value shifts are ok as long as they belong to one of the two value groups.  The shapes still have to be unique, specific and have gradation. The artist must avoid equal weight of the dark, light shapes or the result will be a checkerboard effect.  The pattern should touch or have a visual connection.  Edges may be varied to make the paintings less static ( Motherwell vs. Levine).

Not easy!  We did two studies in the afternoon - one abstract and one from life using vine charcoal on newsprint.  My life study was the water bottle depicted above.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Shape harmony to create unity, rhythm and movement






This week we studied shape harmony to create unity, rhythm and movement throughout the piece.  Thomas Benton used shape harmony extensively to create a sense of movement in his paintings.  Using charcoal on 18 x 24 newsprint we were tasked with drawing something in the classroom to demonstrate shape harmony using only line as our approach.   I liked the repetition of “u” shapes in this jacket.  Class resumes the first week of November.  Until then I will be practicing the concept of shape harmony in sketches.



Contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Friday, October 18, 2013

Visual Approaches to Painting - Line - Colorado Artist Carol Hein





At one time or another all of us hit a wall that is very difficult to push through alone.  I was there last summer when an artist friend recommended that I undertake a year long course of study with Kevin Weckbach.  Twelve months of study is a hugh commitment but this is turning out to be the best thing I have done for myself in a long time.  Kevin is a master painter and a generous, masterful teacher.  An overview of his class can be found by going to www.southwestart.com/featured/Kevin-Weckbach-blazing-a-trail.

Class started on October 10th.  Over the next 6 months we will explore 10 visual approaches to painting.  During the first two classes we studied line as a visual approach, immersing ourselves in the works of de Kooning, Kline and Schiele.  Using this approach requires that each line be unique - short, long, straight, curved, thick, thin, heavy, light, etc.  Lines divide space and create shapes which must also be unique.  Geometric shapes are discouraged.  No two lines or shapes may ever be repeated. Lines need to be broken so that the shapes can interlock and provide a path that leads the viewers eye through the painting.  De Kooning’s “Excavation” is a fantastic example of line as a visual approach to a painting.  But what really blew our minds was when Kevin zeroed in on a Rembrandt sketch.  He too used line as a visual approach in his sketches.  It was impossible to tell the difference between the Dutch master’s work of the 1600’s and de Kooning’s work in the mid 1900’s proving Kevin’s theory that  all masterpieces possess a visual logic no matter the “ism”.

If you ever get the chance to study with Kevin do not pass it by.

Looking at this image I can see some areas that can be improved.  Back to the easel!

I will be posting my classwork and homework as I progress through the visual approaches over the next 12 months.


Contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

September in Garden of the Gods - Original Colorado Landscape Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein



September in Garden of the Gods - 4 inches by 8 inches - Original Colorado Landscape Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein.

I found a scrap of wood in my studio that was the perfect size for this small study.  I may do a larger version someday.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Mud Season - Original Western Landscape Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein



Mud Season - 9 by 12 - Original Western Landscape Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

This painting is available through Colorado Expressions Gallery in Colorado Springs

To view more of my work visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, August 19, 2013

Untitled 8/18/2013 Original Abstract Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Untitled 8/18/2013  This piece measures 16 by 20 but when matted and framed would be 26 by 30.
One of the reasons I enjoy abstract work is because everyone sees something different in the painting.  My inspiration for this piece came while playing with my one year old granddaughter - blocks, balls, snow globes and stacking toys.  Someone else looked at the painting and saw an urbanscape.

$250 unmatted and unframed.  $350 for a finished piece.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Friday, July 26, 2013

7/26 - Original Mixed Media Abstract by Colorado Artist Carol Hein






16 by 20 inch original mixed media abstract painting by Colorado artist Carol Hein
I never like to name abstract paintings because everyone sees something different in them.  There are ranges of beautiful grays and blues in both the dark and light areas of this painting.

$100 unframed.  

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, July 15, 2013

Sprague Lake - Original Colorado Landscape Oil Painting by Carol Hein



Sprague Lake - 8 x 10 inch original oil painting by Colorado landscape artist Carol Hein

This painting is gallery bound along with 6 others in the next 2 weeks.  Once everything is finalized I'll post the gallery information to my website.

Visit my website carolhein.com

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Anatomy of a Painting - Day 2 - Western Landscape Painted with a Credit Card - Carol Hein



Painting With A Credit Card


20 X 20 Original Western Landscape Oil Painting Painting.  I may name it Adobe Spring

Still some more work to do but I am finding that painting with an old credit card is fun!  Lately I have heard about artists painting with masonry trowels, rubber brayers, spatulas, and squeegees.  Think I'll try them all.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Anatomy of a Painting - Western Landscape Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein



Last month I went to Santa Fe with my good friend Kim Conrad.  There was so much art, so many new ideas and methods - it was overwhelming.  I came home determined to try some new things and I thought you might enjoy the journey.  Here we go.  This may be a colossal failure but you don't grow by standing still.  What the heck, a canvass can always be painted over.

After blocking in the major shapes with a large brush I am going to paint the picture with a credit card instead of brushes.

More progress to follow tomorrow.




To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Earth, Wind & Sky - Original Abstract Expressionism by Colorado Artist Carol Hein




Original abstract expressionism - 30 by 24 inches

Having fun and getting ready for my abstract class at the Art Student's League this week.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Colorado Afternoon - Original Colorado Landscape Oil Painting by Carol Hen



We had one of those spectacular Colorado afternoons last week when the clouds begin to build along the front range and the mountains melted into the sky.  I was visiting a friend just east of Parker and caught this view as I rounded a bend in the road on the way home.

Gotta love Colorado!

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net.   Visit my website carolhein.com

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Red Barn White Birches - OriginL OIL Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Red Barn White Birches - 8 by 10 inch original oil painting by Colorado artist Carol Hein

$200 Unframed

This pretty little barn is off of a backroad near Castle Rock.  I loved the stand of white birches all doen the side of the barn.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net .  Visit my website carolhein.com

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Let's Get to Work - Original Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein




Let's Get to Work - 9 by 12 Original Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

This old pick up sits in a field not far from my house.  Sometimes it is still used for chores which makes me happy.  After all, old does not mean useless.  :)

This painting is available, unframed, for $300.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Friday, April 19, 2013

September Snow - 9 by 12 Inch Original Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


September Snow - 9 X 12 inch original oil painting by Colorado artist Carol Hein

$150 unframed

With all of the snow we've had lately I thought I'd go back and revisit fall pictures to look for color.  LOL, look what I found.  No wonder it seems like a long, long winter!

This pretty little farmstead is on one of the back roads near Parker, Colorado.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Mud Season - Original Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Mud Season $125 unframed - Original 9 by 12 Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

It's mud season in Colorado.  Snow is lingering but some brave shoots of new growth are popping up here and there.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, April 1, 2013

Abstract 3/30 - Original Mixed Media Contemporary Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Abstract 3/30 is an original mixed media contemporary painting.  It is 20 by 16 inches but can be matted and framed to make a much bigger piece.

$125 unframed + shipping.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net    Visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, March 18, 2013

Christmas in New York - Original Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Christmas in New York - Original oil painting by Colorado artist Carol Hein

This painting is SOLD but I will gladly accept commissions.

Visit my website carolhein.com

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Max - Original 6 by 6 Inch Abstracted Pet Portrait by Colorado Artist Carol Hein



Max was a sweet Bearded Collie mix that I rescued from a Denver pound.  He was a best friend for 14 wonderful years, moving from Colorado to Connecticut and back to Colorado with me.

Since posting "Finn" last week, I have had a number of inquiries about commissions.  I would be happy to paint your best friend.  These little abstracted pet portraits are 6 X 6 are painted in oil on panel and are priced at $50 plus shipping.  Larger sizes are ok too but will cost more depending on the size.

Send me an email and lets discuss the possibilities!

Contact me at carolhein@sbcglobal.net.   Visit my website carolhein.com to view more of my paintings.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Commerce & Industry Original Abstract Urban Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Commerce and Industry - 16 by 20 inch original abstracted urban scene by Carol Hein.

New York is one of my all time favorite cities.  Love the bridges across the Hudson River.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net.   Visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, March 11, 2013

Essex House - SOLD Original Abstract Art by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Essex House - SOLD

I saw this house along the Connecticut River on a hot and humid day.  The water and shade looked so cool and inviting that I just had to paint the scene!

To view more of my artwork visit my website carolhein.com

Monday, February 25, 2013

"Finn" - Abstracted Collie Study by Colorado Artist Carol Hein


Finn, my six month old collie is a real imp.  You can see the mischievousness in his expression.  This small study was done so that I could assess whether or not to attempt painting it on a 24 X 24 canvas.  First I'll need to paint a study of Tank, my huge chocolate lab-couch potato because I'd like their final portraits to hang side by side.

To view more of my work visit my website carolhein.com

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Untitled 2-20 Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein



 Untitled 2-20 is a 16 by 20 inch original mixed media painting.

 It will be mounted on foam core, matted and framed making it a much larger piece.

To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Untitled 1-30 Original Abstract Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

Untitled 1-30, 16" by 20" original abstract mixed media painting. This piece is on canvas and will be mounted on acid-free foam core and framed with an 8 inch white mat with a 1 inch black trim. To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Friday, January 25, 2013

Untitled 1-25 Original Abstract Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

Untitled 1-25 Original 12" by 12" Abstract Painting - mixed media on canvas pad. The finished piece will be mounted on acid free foam core with a 4" white mat on all sides. The finished piece will be 20" by 20" plus the frame. To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Untitled 1-22 Original 36 by 36 Abstract Oil Painting by Colorado Artist Carol Hein

Untitled 1-22 is an original 36 inch by 36 inch abstract oil painting by Colorado artist Carol Hein. Those who follow my blog know how much I love blue! After posting today I will be working on a beach scene, then back to abstracts tomorrow. To purchase contact Carol at carolhein@sbcglobal.net Visit my website carolhein.com