New Studio Additions - Part I

I've been considering larger pieces lately and larger pieces requires a larger palette!   So the other day I went to the art store and the perfect palette for me just happened to be sitting in the clearance section!  I just had to buy it!

Now, it's a right handed palette and I'm a lefty, but with a few modifications and turned upside down, I'm sure I'll manage just fine!  

Also, Summer is right around the corner so I decided to buy a French Easel in hopes that it will inspire me to go outside and paint more...  Wish me luck on that...

There is a catch though!  Even though both items were practically steals (Palette was only 2 dollars), I did have one small problem...   I like my studio furniture and belongings to match.   This required a sanding and staining project!

Here are the materials I used!

Project Materials

And here are the pictures in progress!

French Easel (Before)

Palette - Initial Sanding w/ 320 grit Sandpaper

Palette - Second Coat of Pre-Stain

Palette - Red Mahogany Stain

Preliminary Sketches for Upcoming Show!

Here are some of the first initial drawings for my new series of paintings!  The collection will consist of some figurative pieces as well as still life and floral paintings in seaside themes.

I thought this would be fitting, since I will be debuting this collection at the Galveston Artwalk beginning March 10th!

"Nautilus Refined" - 10"x10"

 Charcoal on Newsprint

"Seaglass Spheres" - 4"x6"

Charcoal on Newsprint

 

"Nautilus in the Raw" - 10"x10"

Charcoal on Newsprint

New Collection - Venus as a Babe

I really don't post enough...  This is becoming a problem...

Ok!  So here's the latest update!

Seventeen art pieces for the Galveston Artwalk...  How many can I actually finish?

Here's my wall planned out with the use of Illustrator....

Wall Mock-up - Venus as a Babe

And click here for more info..   http://www.galveston.com/artwalk/

New Charcoal Piece

Hi everyone!

It has been a few days since my last update, and I just want to post something up to show you guys what I've been up to!  If you have been following me on Twitter, or Facebook, then, obviously, you have been watching these progress, but for those of you who have only been checking my blog, these are two of my current projects!  Firstly, here is a drawing of Alexandra, my niece, at two months!

Alexandra at Two Months

This piece is not quite done... (Hand, background, left portion of face, and hair for example)  I still have a few things to work on with this drawing of Alexandra, but, since it is a gift, and has no deadline, I decided to get to work on my next project.

Until next time!

"Ruby Red"

Grapefruit still life is finally finished and its on to the next one!

 

"Ruby Red" - 6"x 6"

Oil on Arches Illustration Brd. (Hot Press)
Michelangelo Depaolo - 2011

Painting Progress - Ruby Red

I'm currently working on this still life painting of a grapefruit. It is taking a little longer than expected, but I'm hoping that I will become faster as I complete more and more paintings.

Miniature Painting - Plum

I finished the first of many small format oil paintings today.

I'm hoping that, by selling these, I will be able to suppliment my income enough that I can concentrate solely on my art career, and not be bothered with the hassle of searching for new employment..

Wish me luck!

"Plum No.1" - 4"x 4"
Oil on Arches Illustration Brd. (Hot Press)
Michelangelo Depaolo - 2011

Another Book Gets Added to the List!

I just finished reading "Classical Drawing Atelier" by Juliette Aristides. I will be using this book, basically, as a beginning introduction to drawing, and basic outline to follow as I research other publications with more detailed subject matter.

For example, I have just begun to read "The Natural Way to Draw" by Kimon Nicolaides and it looks as if I will be spending a great deal of time going through the guided lessons within this book as well.

"The Natural Way to Draw"
by Kimon Nicolaides

"The Natural Way to Draw" is a complete lesson plan in which I aim to conquer, page by page, over the coming months!

This book outlines some basic goals, setting a curriculum which includes timed lessons in various methods of drawing, and a lesson plan spanning several weeks, making it an ideal book for beginning a superb "Self-Education!"

Charcoal Study - Lion Cub

I have been working on the lessons in my books, but thought I'd just have a little fun to break up the monotony. I plan on creating some wildlife paintings soon, and so I thought this would be a fun study.

"Study - Lion Cub"

Charcoal on Newsprint
Michelangelo Depaolo - 2011

Drawing Materials

The following is a list of supplies that I use for drawing in charcoal.

1.) Canson "Biggie" newsprint paper pad (18x24)
2.) Blending applicator tips
3.) Blending tortillons (Cretacolor - Bright White)
4.) Loew Cornell No. 12 painting knife
5.) Razor blades or other sharpening utensil
6.) Grumbacher vine charcoal
- Extra soft
- Soft
- Medium
- Hard
7.) Faber-Castell "Perfection 7056" erasing pencils
8.) General's Charcoal Pencils (White)
9.) General's Charcoal Powder
10.) Kneaded Erasor
11.) White Chalk
12.) 320 grit fine sandpaper
13.) Artist's charmois

1.) Strathmore 500 Series Charcoal Paper Pad (White)
2.) Strathmore 500 Series Charcoal Paper Pad (Assorted)