Art Question Roundup

Sepia 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/

 Do you have a question you would like answered?