Art Question Roundup

wpid-img_20150107_145423.jpgSepia watercolor on board of a new wolf painting in progress, ©Rebecca LathamSepia watercolor on board of a new wolf painting in progress, ©Rebecca Latham

 

Kim B.Do you give lessons??? I already do some painting, but no where near as good as you!! Love your work

Thank you, Kim. I’m sorry, but for the time being I don’t teach (or have much in the way of teaching material).  I usually recommend my first workshop instructor, Terry Isaac, for those wanting direction.  I studied with him as a teenager in Montana.

Thom F. D. Beautiful work! Just out of curiosity, how many hours of work is that? Stunning!

Pik A. Amazing. About how many hours did this take?

Ann L. I love everything you paint and share. Thank you so much for sharing your work. I am always amazed. Does it take you very long to do a painting? I would love to sit by your side and learn.

Pat G. How much time did it take to paint this? Just curious

Samantha L.How long did it take you to paint like that? I’m an artist and I doubt know how to paint but want to learn to do it like that lol. Very beautiful.

Samantha L. How long does it take you to draw an 11×8 ? Then how long does it take to paint it? Do you use references or are these out of your head? :)

Hi Samantha, Pat, Ann, Pik, and Thom.  It really varies.  It all depends on complexity and how much everything cooperates.  Most of the time I couldn’t say in total – often it progresses as ‘paint a little and set it aside for a while’ sessions and I work on dozens to hundreds at a time.

I do observe the subjects I paint in person.  I bring rocks and grass into my studio.  I find that if I make them up or fake something out of my head, it looks like it.. and if I’m not true to my subject or nature I feel that I have not properly represented the subject I’m painting.

My quick draw/live paint was 3 hours, but not everything goes so quick.  (And, I doubt I could keep up that pace for long). ..plus I usually like to polish them up a bit more.  Thank you.

Robert A. – Amazing. I’m curious. I know you go out into the field to take reference photos. Did you see this little one ? Lol. I just can’t get over viewing your works and the pleasure I get seeing them.

Robert – I do if at all possible.  I did see the little kitten you are referring to and being out in the field is my favorite part of being a wildlife artist.  Painting something you’ve seen tends to lead to a better painting in my experience.  I also notice that while painting it I relive the experience I had in observing it, the light, the feeling, etc.  Thank you.

Sudhir B. Im ur greatest fan.Where could I see ur painting vdos?

I don’t have a lot of videos out right now, but those that are can be seen on my YouTube channel – http://youtube.com/user/rebeccalatham

Elizabeth B. IS that really a water color?

Carolyn E. P. Do you use just watercolor?

Hi Elizabeth and Carolyn.  Yes, opaque and transparent watercolor.  I often have people mistake them for oils and even correct my paperwork to that effect.  Every now and then I take a wet cloth to one I’m working on and wipe an area off down to the blank board to prove it. :)

Dodi G. H. You paint beautifully!! What ‘board’ do you use? Illustration board? It works very well!

Thank you, Dodi.  Yes, I use hotpress illustration board for almost everything.  The smooth surface makes it possible to do all of the detail work in my paintings.  Occasionally I will also use ivorine, a man made substitute ivory surface that behaves in a similar way, but not too often.

Deeptiman A. Superb !! You draw background first or in the last

It usually happens, painting wise, in the middle to end.  If it’s something complex, I like to have it mapped out a bit.  If it’s fairly simple, or I changed my mind from what I had started, I wing it.  Thank you.

Jose D. T. ¿ Vendes alguno ?…GRACIAS     Are selling any?… Thank you

Darlene R. L. You do beautiful work! So detailed & alive! Do you ever sale your work?

Hi Jose and Darlene.  Yes. Most that are available at the moment are represented by my galleries with many having a catalog of the paintings they are showing posted online. You can contact the venues directly for information (listed here – https://lathamstudios.com/rebecca/galleries/ ).  When I have new work available from the studio I have new posts in my blog about their release.  Thank you.

Linn E. H. It is wonderful. How and where do you add the silver and gold? Never heard that you can do that

Thank you, Linn.  I like to add silver to the lights to lead the eye through the painting a little more through the light areas. The gold is often added to the gold toned areas of the piece to give a little extra glow. I do, however, try to make these accents very subtle – I don’t want my pieces to be blatantly precious metals.. but rather complimented by them and perhaps never actually noticed.  I have an article about the silver and gold usage here – https://lathamstudios.com/rebecca/2014/01/sterling-silver-and-24kt-gold/

Crenna B. Do u do paintings for fundraisers? I am a wildlife rehabber and have a non profit org. I believe your artwork would be a great hit with our wildlife friends

 Hi Crenna. Yes, I do when my schedule allows. Usually I prefer to do a quick draw/live paint such as this one –https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalathamart/photos/pb.45088025229.-2207520000.1420996827./10154838961635230/

 

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One Response to “Art Question Roundup”

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  1. Janet Rectenwald says:

    Rebecca,

    Do you ever use white watercolor paint or are the white’s in your paintings
    just the white of the paper?

    Thank you,

    Janet