Connectivity

With this painting I really went off the reservation, if you'll pardon the pun. It all started with me admiring some stones that I have that look like they have tiny landscapes painted on them. Mea culpa, I can't remember what they are called but they a very pretty.

I like to try different color combinations and these stones are an ideal mixture of browns with tiny black natural sketches on them. I chose my paints and away I went. After setting the tonal color, sandy beige, I put in the larger mountain, then the red mountain. Then for no reason I know of I was compelled to put in the white things in the sky. Next came the squiggle that reached up to the white dashes and leads down to the teepee. Last came the buffalo herd.

Connectivity

What does it all mean?  It is clearly a Montana landscape but other than that I have no earthly clue. And maybe that is the clue, not earthly. I don't know but I can say I just love this painting! I'd buy it if I didn't already own it!

At the risk of repeating myself, if you have never given painting a try you really should. It's turning out to be one of the coolest adventures of my life and I've had a lot of adventures.

Following My Art (Heart)

©Walker Barnard

Spring Is In The Air

Spring is coming to my neck of the woods at least two weeks early. My painting project has been a wonderful experience. I've learned a lot and enjoyed much.

My imagination has been filled with those wonderful things that happen in the spring. Melting snow and ice, and signs of new life. I think that was where my head was when I painted this latest piece. It's more primitive than anything else. Some might think it is silly. I think it is an example of me getting in touch with my inner child, something I don't do nearly enough.

From this point forward my painting will have to take a backseat to the wonders of spring. There is much work to be done and many trails that need to be walked. I may or may not do any more painting until next fall. I will do as the spirit moves.

Sprin Is In The Air

 My companion, Molly Montana, and I will writing about our doings on her  blog "Molly Montana's Good Stories and Photos Blog". Check it out if you are interested in photography, travel, Montana, and just living a wonderful life.

©Kinsey Barnard

Channel Islands

Channel Islands

I got carried away and framed this one. I also framed "Floating Flowers". I just couldn't resist seeing what they looked like framed and Michael's was having a two for one sale.

I was born and raised on the California coast and this colorful painting reminded me of the Channel Islands sunset. Most of the time I have absolutely no idea what I am going to paint and this is definitely one of those times when a picture just turns up. Color is my inspiration. I'm more interested in color than subjects. When I paint I just pick some color I feel like working with and start mixing. The picture just develops from there. My painting is like a box of chocolates. I never know what I'm going to get. Crazy way to paint I know but I like the results and that's all that matters to me.

©Kinsey Barnard

Feedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression

I was so bummed out over Running Eagle Falls I got a canvas and just let her rip with no destination in mind. Funny thing is, I love it! Freedom truly was my inspiration. It really felt good to do.

©Kinsey Barnard

Crossroads

Crossroads

I gotta really laugh at this one. I went way off the reservation. I guess I have to put this in the abstract category, maybe primitive abstract it's kinda mixed up. A lot like my imagination.

I actually had an idea of what I wanted to paint. But then I was interrupted by company for a few days and my ADD must have kicked in. By the time I got back to painting I had totally forgotten what I was thinking of and just started splattering paint on the board. I had no destination in mind which should be fairly apparent.

It looks like something that should have been painted for Easter eggs. I had no choice but to name it Crossroads as that's the only identifiable thing in it. Identifiable to me at least. Imagination is a wonderful thing, mixed up or not!

©Kinsey Barnard

Dome Mountain

Dome Mountain is my sixth effort. There may be a Dome Mountain somewhere but this one came straight out of my paint brush. The inspiration for the snow capped mountains came from the Whitefish Range in Montana and the foreground came from visions of Montana hay and wheat fields. A dome mountain is basically an old volcano. It's the color that makes this painting so pleasing to me. When I look at it I just want to smile. They say "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Simplistic as it may be this beholder sees beauty here. Maybe it more pronounced at the moment because it is winter in Montana and color is not something we get to see much of. All I know is the bright colors brighten my day and make me feel happy.



 © KinseyBarnard

David Hockney - An Inspiration

"The moment you cheat for the sake of beauty, you know you're an artist."

What a find! Until today I was not familiar with David Hockney and his work. The above painting and quote have hit me like a ton of bricks.

Hockney is a photographer turned painter. His use of color and imaginative designs are bloody brilliant in every sense of the word.

In my photography I prided myself that I did not Photoshop my images but relied on Nature to provide. I don't even own the program and have never desired to. But, I can't say I wasn't tempted to "cheat" by enhancing the color.  Sometimes I gave into temptation. By cracky I AM an artist!

©Kinsey Barnard

A Very Primitive, Primitive Painting

Over the weekend I continued watching painting videos. I discovered a fellow by the name of Ric Nagualero. He has a series of videos. I watched the one on painting clouds and the one on painting trees. If you are interested you can check them out in my Video Library. It's very interesting to me how each artist has his unique way of doing things. Nagualero, for instance, mixes his washes right on the canvas by spritzing the canvas. I liked the idea of this method.

After watching the how to paint clouds video I was anxious to try mixing the wash on the canvas. I liked it.  But, I fear I must graduate myself to a canvas panel as the canvas paper I have been using really curls with so much moisture being applied. Painting on a panel is going to be a real treat!

I also wanted to try my hand at some clouds. In all the teaching videos I have watched the instructors have painted from a photo. I prefer to paint right out of my head. All I knew when I began was I wanted to paint some clouds what I ended up with was my rendition of a primitive painting, a very primitive painting.

My First Primitive Painting

I realize this is truly a "primitive" painting by the literal definition of the word. Thank heavens this painting project is all about having fun. Looking at it now there are a number of things I would do differently. But, the truth is, I actually like it. It's frivolous and colorful. The very qualities I admire so much in the genre.

Regarding the subject of on line videos. I must say there is a ton of free and useful information out there. I have purchased a couple of Craftsy videos but I doubt I'll buy anymore. I have learned more about the things I'm looking for on You Tube.

©Kinsey Barnard

 For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the primitive style of painting click on this Google search to see a potpourri of lovely examples.

https://www.google.com/search?q=primitive+painting+style&tbm=isch&imgil=k0vZBUDcBQQOlM%253A%253BsI5HqW4B1t9O-M%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fbobferrucciart.com%25252Ftwilight&source=iu&pf=m&fir=k0vZBUDcBQQOlM%253A%252CsI5HqW4B1t9O-M%252C_&biw=1600&bih=689&usg=__-r9aoG0ot6tT3ksMRMgk45LCZuk%3D&ved=0ahUKEwj2x-r-8LrJAhVBS4gKHYaNCvsQyjcITA&ei=EbBdVrb7LMGWoQSGm6rYDw#imgrc=k0vZBUDcBQQOlM%3A&usg=__-r9aoG0ot6tT3ksMRMgk45LCZuk%3D