Junes Melange

Copyright 2007 June Parrish Cookson

My online store Junes Melange showcasing original handmade vintiqued items coming in early 2008! Check out some items available for purchase now by clicking here

If you want to leave comments here, best to visit and leave them on my active blog over at Ink Vanilla.
Thank you.

Update

From here onward visit my other blog at Ink Vanilla. Masquerade winners announced including information regarding upcoming online store of unique hand-made items.

A Masquerade Game

Hello,

Next door at my other blog there is a Masquerade Game going on.

Visit Ink Vanilla before the party is over and you could win something special.

New Developments

Regarding my other art blog Ink Vanilla . . .

Beginning Tuesday April 24th and again today, there have been two featured mentions of Ink Vanilla at Moleskinerie and DRAWN!

If interested, check these sites out. And be sure to visit Ink Vanilla.

Thanks!!

Small Painting Five ~ Villa

SOLD

Villa, 5" x 7" inches, gouache on board

Continuing walk back to hotel in Monterey. The painting above depicts a different scene then the day I discovered it.

What it was before . . .

I knew the moment I saw this Villa that it was void of loving care. The evidence was overwhelming. On the windows were graffiti written boards. The grounds were laced with weeds and discarded objects such as empty cardboard boxes and broken bottles. Stagnated water floating in the fountain permeated the air. It was a sad state of affairs. Being one who loves old homes, expecially those with a mysterious atsmosphere, my imagination went wild. Without disclosing details of what I would do were it mine, I will simply say that I would nuture it to my heart's content.

In any case, were it not for the fence barrier to keep out trespassers, the curiosity in me would have relished exploring for hours.

Update ~ New Look

Hi Everyone,

If you're a frequent visitor to my blog, you will undoubtedly notice a new look here. Over the weekend I upgraded to blogger's 'layouts' template. So not only is there a new appearance but layouts provides an easy, fast way of uploading video widgets. Must admit I have recently become a frequent YouTube viewer. Lots more interesting additions coming later.

Also added Snap Shots on a trial basis. Presently trying to figure how to disable some of the preview shots showing in certain areas such as my posts and images. Very irritating! I'll work on this later.

In addition, my sketchbook blog Ink Vanilla has a new appearance including links. If you recall the look of original banner, you'll definitely notice it has changed. I like it better!

Small Painting Four ~ Sunlit

SOLD

Sunlit, 5" x 7" inches, gouache on board.

The hill I walked descended deep between rows of homes and high hedges. Once at ground level the streets spread away and heat vapors float in the atmosphere. Plodding westward, I arrive at an area where sunbeams illuminate green grasses and into stands of cypress. Here and there in-between the trunks of trees, gaps render views of the distant shimmering blue bay. The final aspect of the sparse grove showed no signs of human intervention except for the lone urn resting atop a pedestal. It was a brief study of the scene as the heat of the day caused my head to throb. Meanwhile, somewhere in a distant ball field, the sounds of cheering and clapping and the clinking of ball to bat kept me company.

But soon, still yearning for a tall glass of ice tea and a cool shower back at my hotel, I leave the premises. I figured that the photographs of the area and written notes would suffice my creative sensibilities.

Yesterday in my comfortable studio with the rain pelting my windowpane, I managed to paint the scene. Originally the sky was a bright ultramarine blue with drifting white clouds in sunlight and darker bases. For a few hours after setting it aside, I had assumed it was finished. But eventually there came another reevaluation. And the final decision warranted that the sky appeared too busy in relation to the trees. Therefore, I repainted this area and now much happier with the simplistic results.

Small Painting Three ~ Blue Door

SOLD

Blue Door, 5" x 7" gouache on watercolor paper mounted to board.

Continuing my journey through Monterey streets, this house fronted by a blue door demanded full attention. Cool and shaded tall hedge contrasts equally with sunlit stucco walls and courtyard.

Small Painting Two ~ Oasis

SOLD

Oasis, 5" x 7" gouache on watercolor paper mounted to board. Available thru Paypal.

About Painting:

Note: reference for story taken from copious notes written in my travel journal. Time was around seven p.m. while sitting at my hotel desk. Outside a moon was gradually appearing in the sky above the ocean.

Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Despite eighty-seven degree temperatures and rising, the walk continued through Monterey neighborhoods. Up a steep hill, energy draining, I carry my bag loaded with sketchbook and other drawing materials, camera, sunscreen, including miscellaneous items. Every necessity available except bottled water to quench my thirst! In my haste to get out into the open air, I had forgotten to grab one. Cursing at myself, visions enter my mind. Back at the hotel several bottles stand idly in a row on the shelf of a small refrigerator. How I yearn for one now. Seconds later, visions evaporate.

Another house with cream stucco here and then another with rose red brick facade. Palm trees, pine and willow sway in the salty ocean breezes. Swimming pools in nearly every back yard are reminiscent of giant turquoise platters. Lips parched, beads of sweat trickle down my spine, and I imagine myself stripping and plunging into one of them. At first there would be a jolt of shock from the cold but then the sensation of relishing cool liquid flowing over my entire being. My desires were tempting but I didn’t want to make the six o’clock news.

Readjusting hat and sunglasses, I continue the journey. Even though this venture has turned a considerable distance from the hotel I’m without fear of losing my bearings. Here on this hillside, views of the hotel and Monterey Bay lie within sight.

Eventually a particular residence caught my full attention.

Distinguished by Spanish red tiled roof glistening in the sunlight, it was a place half-hidden by palms and bounded by stucco wall. From somewhere most likely from a garden fountain, I heard the sounds of trickling water. This was the oasis to kindle my thirst and cool my body that I could only imagine. Meanwhile, there were other sounds. A rustling intermingled with low murmurs coming from within the high hedges. I drew closer for a better look. I knew by the distinctive cooing sounds that it was a pigeon taking refuge in the cool shade. Within seconds, I was surprised when the fluttering wings of the bird took sudden flight.

Now it was my turn to leave the premises. Underfoot my sandaled feet baked, it was too hot to draw the scene in my sketchbook. Instead, photos were taken. After a brief rest under a shady tree I turn to head back to the hotel. Or at least find a cafe to rest and have a tall glass of ice tea.

Small Painting One ~ Monterey Light

SOLD

Here is my first 5" x 7" painting titled "Monterey Light" using gouache medium. It is available for purchase at a very reasonable price of $57.00 dollars including shipping. If interested, please click on the Paypal button for secure online purchasing.

About the Painting:

References: sketchbook, photographs, and written notes.

Enchanting Monterey, California is a painter's paradise. Capri blue sea and skies, vivid green Monterey cypress and pine trees, silver-white surfs, all conducive to capturing the effects of light with impressionistic brush strokes.

A few years ago while visiting the area, I left my hotel and decided to explore some of the neighborhoods on foot. Midday sun glistened rocky beaches and baked the pavement underfoot. It was while making my way up a hill dotted with a mix of Victorian and Spanish-tiled rooftops that my eye averted to a stand of wind-swept Monterey pines. Making haste, I soon discovered that the trees bordered an affluent homeowner's backyard. Needless to say, I was envious of their good fortune but well aware that these magnificent trees are nature's gift for all to enjoy.

Update On Art Work

Apologies for lack of new postings here lately.

Excuses are plenty but well warranted. Really, I’ve been very busy juggling a lot of different projects. First, creating illustrations for the moleskine journals over at Ink Vanilla. Also learning how to manage the typepad blog. This has been a bit complicating, but now finally able to understand a little more on how it all works. Later, I will provide links there to my favorite online artists whether fine or commercial artist including writers.

Secondly, I’m still in the midst of painting “Transitory Mindscape”. It is progressing at a steady pace although unsure when it will be ready to share the results with you. At first, I thought of posting the stage-by-stage process similar to “She Mused…” but don’t really care anymore to show unfinished works. At least, I’m thinking this now. Anyway, due to busy schedule I’m guessing completion towards the end of next month. As always, I’ve had to redo quite a few things with the composition so this has taken considerable time to remedy.

Thirdly, I also wanted to touch basis with you about a new development regarding my fine art work. Currently, I’m considering rejoining the 'Daily Painters' group. Yes, even though I left the group back in October due to my own lackluster production, desires of producing smaller works have nontheless rekindled. But whether my final decision is with the group or without, I'll be painting small landscape and figurative paintings ranging in sizes no larger then 6x9. Much smaller then previous daily paintings in the past, these particular works will be posted on this blog on a regular weekly basis. At least this is my goal. Only time will tell if I have the well-power and/or stamina.

And lastly, I need to seriously and agressively begin promoting my work. Especially time to make some sort of profit after all the months of hard work! Of course, with me the ever reluctant and shy artist who would rather swim the Atlantic Ocean in freezing temperatures then deal with marketing and sells, this is intimidating to say the least. It’s the old failure syndrome rearing its ugly head and sending my emotions in disarray. But alas, the time is now or never. Stop procrastinating--I demand of myself!! My first attempt at this endeavor is to try and sell my upcoming smaller works here on my blog. Although I tried this previously and nothing came of it, I’m going to propose another effort. But this time, considering using the Paypal method. Must confess though, I haven’t a clue how to set it up here. Anyway, while I’m trying to figure this all out, I will begin posting one or two of the smaller paintings in the coming days.

P.S. be sure to take the time to visit Ink Vanilla whenever you can! Soon, I will add a permanent link to it on my sidebar.

Another Artblog Has Arrived!!

Finally, my other artblog is ready for viewing. If interested, please click my site called Ink Vanilla

Also, I just discovered and very appreciative that the talented artist Lesly Finn has posted in her 'Featured Painting' category located on her blog, my painting "She Mused of Things Past" including biography.

Illustration Artblog News

Coming March 12th...debut of my other Artblog that will be depicting drawings, illustrative art & stories between the pages of my new moleskine books. I'm thrilled about this new venture and hope you will join me to watch the progression of these books. I will provide a link for you to visit on Monday! Thanks for your patience! (see February 13th post for more details about the blog). Meanwhile still busy working on my painting "Transitory Mindscape"(see previous February 22nd post).

Transitory Mindscape Sketch

Sketch for painting: Transitory Mindscape, c. 2007

Finally, after the original sketch was ruined by a cat's taste for paper, here is the redrawn version for second painting in 2007 series entitled: "Domestic Views".

My intent here is to record an event where something we witness triggers a past memory. For instance, it was not too long ago while watching my friend's daughter play ball, that my mind suddenly became transfixed between the real world and the world once known. It was from direct observation to extracting an experience of a lost childhood that the scene became a vision on paper. In sum, the suspended ball represents that fleeting moment when experiences, emotions, and observations are transfixed in time and space.

Currently, this imaginary painting titled, "Transitory Mindscape" size 18x24 inches, casein media... is developing at a slow pace due to other artistic endeavors. Truth be told, I'm very busy designing the banner for my other impending artblog. Also, working out ideas and developing initial sketches in my new moleskine sketchbooks.

My Moleskines

They're Here!









My little black books called Moleskines have finally arrived.

For years and years I've contemplated trying these books out. Alas, time to create the first pictures using dry and wet media.

What is a Moleskine?

A legendary book purportedly used by Picasso, Van Gogh, Hemingway and Chatwin. Whether true or untrue, the books attributes are well-warranted. Throughout its history these have withstood the test of time. Attributes are many... black textured cloth covers, sturdy pages opening flat (especially love this), elastic band for closure, attached bookmark, and expandable inner pocket. It's no wonder they're beloved all over the world.

The two books in photo above are 1) Sketchbook, 5.25 by 8.25, 100 vanilla-toned heavy papers and 2) Watercolor, 5.25 by 8.25, 72 detachable pages, cold-pressed white watercolor paper. These will contain sketches and more elaborate works depicted with either pencil, pen and ink, gouache, and watercolor. Later, I will order several more including their ruled journal for jotting down ideas and travel notes. On a regular basis you can view the books documentation exclusively at my other artblog. Stay tune for its debut in March!

To visit some interesting Moleskine sites click links below:

Moleskinerie
Moleskineart
Moleskineus

Places I purchase Moleskines: Dick Blick & Amazon.com.

Another ArtBlog Coming!

Self portrait illustration.

Watecolor on Paper, Copyright 2007

Hello Everyone!

Guess it's time to reveal yet another artistic adventure of mine. Soon I will share with you a new artblog over at Typepad.com blogland. There, you will discover my artistic life through the pages of Moleskine sketchbooks. Just purchased two from Dick Blick Art Supplies store. Never used these popular books before, so anxious to try them out. Goal is to illustrate imagery with different materials such as pen and ink, graphite, and watercolor and then post them on my blog. The books will include illustrations of home and travel, and thoughts of the day. Other concept for blog is periodical personal narrative essays. First installment on new blog will be a story entitled "Carolina Echoes". This is the story I've been promising to post here for a long time. Also, an illustration rendered on first page or two in one of my moleskine books. Presently, I'm working on the blog's design. If everything goes accordingly, hopeful to have debut by the end of next week or sooner.

Until then...

I will continue posting here on this blog all of my newest fine art paintings as they are completed. Be assured, it will stay pretty much the same in overall concept.

Update on present painting to come...

Work on my second painting in new series is progressing as expected. It's the same old routine and no need to go into all the details. I was going to post the preliminary sketch today so that you could have a peek at the theme. However, it wasn't meant to happen. In terms of suitable appearance for scanning, I blame myself.

What happened... Yesterday afternoon I'm in my studio painting. Eventually, stomach growling, I break away to have lunch. Forty-five minutes later returning to studio (big sandwich while reading a book), I am utterly surprised by the sight before my eyes. Lo and behold what do I see but my cat Coco sleeping contently on my sketch! Maintaining calm, I gingerly remove his presence from it. And what do you think has happened with the sketch? Why nothing but a wrinkled, chewed piece of paper. "Now this is a nuisance," I announce to Coco. He yawns, then proceeds to lick his paw. The next moment, in a rather nonchalant manner, he struts out the door.

Oh well, that's life. When I have time, I'll redraw and scan it for posting later. Oh, and I need to get on the treadmill!

Have A Great Day!

Worthy To Note

No painting to post today. Instead, I would like to mention two artblogs worth noting. If you've visited the Daily Painters Group, you probably know the two talented artist's mentioned below. I commend any daily painter who has the stamina to conduct this daily feat. It wasn't so long ago I joined the group and learned quite a few lessons during the process. To read my reasons for quitting please go to October 2006 archive post titled "October Transition". (Sorry but having problems linking October 2006 to go to that particular webpage. Pasted the specific page URL but doesn't work. I know it's a lot to ask, but if anyone can tell me the correct way I'd sure appreciate it).

The Worthy Artist's...

First, talented Edward B. Gordon has a new series of small works depicting a party he went to at the Schlosshotel in Grunewald. Working from sketches on site, the finished paintings of interior scenes are rich with intrigue, and intimate ambiance. Also, be sure to check out Edward's larger portrait works.

Second, Belinda Del Pesco artblog contains a vast ensemble of various mediums such as monoprinting and watercolors. The highlight of her blog is the wonderful works in progress. Her most recent monoprint entitled 'Dandy Sargent' is quite impressive.

Hope you enjoy these great blogs. Later I will mention some more blogs worthy of note. Till then, I need to work on my new painting including a little illustration I'll be including with my short story coming up in next post.

Anatomy Of A Painting ~ Final Stage

Final Stage: Completion

She Mused Of Things Past
16x20 Casein On Panel
June Parrish Cookson, copyright 2007

Close ups of painting...click all images to enlarge

Finally, after five weeks, the first painting for new body of work is about ninety percent finished. All that is left to do now are some minor details that need to be adjusted follow by several coats of protective varnish.

The challenge…

Rendering this imaginary piece, ambiguity was plentiful. Surprisingly, I was unprepared for the many unexpected problems and changes that arose. For instance, learning to paint with a new medium. Behaving so differently from previous familiar mediums, casein grew more and more unnerving to employ. This has everything to do with its characteristics of turning several shades lighter once dry including blending factors. Another example was the apprehensive attitude about painting the woman. Although I’ve painted people in previous works, my hope was focused toward an entirely different realm. For example, my goal was to convey a somewhat somber mood to the main subject. Other intentions were to depict the woman in a manner neither too beautiful nor contemporary. In other words, my definition of beauty could not be based on what I perceived the viewer’s expectations might be. So I had to distance myself from this sensitivity. Also, I wanted the painting to capture a humble moment in the woman’s life that lent a nostalgic mood.

In essence, attempts to paint her (eight to nine complete alterations) commanded full attention for nearly two weeks. It had become the most problematic phase to overcome. In the end, she still didn’t come out the way I had hoped. Whether favorable or unfavorable—I am at ease overall with the painting.

Changes: When comparing previous posts in the painting’s stage developments, several alterations were executed.

1. Curtain was added to the right while the left curtain was changed. I think the addition of curtain on right helps balance the composition.

2. Placed upon table is an opened box and key lending a mysterious quality. In an earlier version, I had added a small oval picture frame that held an antiqued photograph of a person. But this simply wasn’t working for me and presented a busier composition.

3. Woman is holding diary instead of hat.

4. Neckline of dress has been changed.

5. Features of face and hair rendered a little more realistically rather then previous renditions.

Final Analysis...

As I look back on the four stages of development, thought processes and structural problems aside, what I've gained along the way is knowledge of what to do and what not to do with the next painting awaiting its destination.

Anatomy Of A Painting ~ Stage Four

Nearly finished with last stage of painting "She Mused Of Things Past". Will try and post the final pictures here later today or tomorrow afternoon.

Presently, having great difficulty with painting her hair and a few other elements. These are the times I wish I had taken more art courses on painting people. Nevertheless, might have to crack open art books and search for some guidance on painting figures, especially faces.

If I don't achieve what I'm after in this new body of work featuring people, I will have to throw in the towel and revert back to painting just landscapes. But I'm not ready to give up just yet after only one painting in this new series.

Anatomy Of A Painting ~ Stage Three

Stage Three: Layering Colors & Making Changes

The following pictures represent my continuing progression of painting "She Mused Of Things Past". See previous posts for the first two stages.

Click images for larger version.












Picture 1

Gradually, more layers of color have been added to scene. My initial thoughts when comparing sketch (see Stage One), was to have a view of little girl standing on the grass. Also, on the right side there was to be a door with a dog looking toward the house. However, as the painting progressed, this idea changed. So, instead, there is now a window, chair, and sleeping cat. The tablecloth was given a flowery lacey pattern.












Picture 2

Here, when comparing picture 1 you will notice that the house has been shortened lengthwise, in addition, the tablecloth has been altered from busy to simplified. Further developments are the flowers, hat, her features, polka dot patterns on dress including wallpaper design on walls.

Next post with close ups of her face including more additions such as items set upon table and a few other changes.

Anatomy Of A Painting ~ Stage Two

Stage Two: Blocking In



Laying in broad areas of color.
















Hand is altered, flowers and curtain taking shape.

With the ground color and drawing established, I begin blocking in the shapes using casein (kay-seen) paint. Being new to this particular medium, my confidence in working with it has been slow in coming. Through trail and error, I've learned that casein dries fairly rapid. Therefore, tones and colors are built up in layers of small brush strokes. (In the near future, I will discuss in greater detail the characteristics of this interesting and unique medium).

Color Palette: ivory black, titanium white, cadmium yellow light, yellow ochre, burnt sienna, burnt umber, cadmium red deep, and cobalt blue.

Brushes: Two main types of brushes are used. First, round soft-hair sables and synthetics in sizes 0-6 for finer details and other manipulations. Secondly, round and flat bristle brushes for mixing colors and covering large areas. These range in sizes 6-12.

The Process:

Generally speaking, I paint in the manner that suits my personality. For example, while some areas were given underlying colors, I eventually veered away from completely finishing this early stage. Basically, I felt the need to connect more with the scene. So, my attention was diverted primarily toward the focal point, which in this case was the woman.

Developing facial features:

To create mood and interest, lighting is cast on one side of her face. To capture warm lights, I used yellows and reds in varying proportions, while areas of shadows were given mauves, umbers, and grays. Built up in successive layers, the colors were thinned to a watery consistency.

Developing the dress:

Before continuing with the rest of the scene, the next element to paint was the dress. In order for her to relate to her surroundings, choice of colors and textures took a little more forethought. Situated against a curtain backdrop of red, I decided to use an opposite color (green) by mixing cobalt blue and cadmium yellow light. This helps bring her forward from the background.

Note: In the next post you will see some minor/major changes with colors, woman's features and dress, table setting, other additions, together with background elements.

Anatomy Of A Painting ~ Stage One

In the next few posts, I will share with you my process in creating the first painting of my forthcoming series.

This imaginative series titled “Domestic Views” captures moments in time that evoke contemplations and longings of its participants. Initially, they will portray interior domestic scenes with exterior views and an emphasis on narrative elements. My main objective is to lend a sense of mystery and discovery that tell a story, facilitating inquiry of the viewer.

Presently, the first painting “She Mused Of Things Past” executed in casein, is nearly completed. Its creation has been an ongoing process for over a month. I look forward to starting the second one already sketched out onto my next panel and ready for its color transformation.

Below is the beginning stage-by-stage development of this painting in my new series ...

Stage One: The Underdrawing

Click to enlarge

4x5 sketch for painting “She Mused Of Things Past”

The initial stage is all about working out preliminary ideas and composition by drawing small-format sketches onto tracing paper. For me, I find tracing paper an excellent source for honing my vision due to clean erasures of mistakes/alterations. Once the sketch meets my approval, it is then enlarged using a printer set to mirror image. Unfortunately, I don’t have a large format printer so each 8.5x11 piece of paper is put together like a jigsaw puzzle until the imagery is a cohesive whole to its original.

Next, I place a second piece of tracing paper over the enlargement, and using a nupastel stick, carefully trace the basic outlines. Then this is flipped over and (original layout) is positioned onto my 16x20 panel with low-stick tape. Finally, using a pencil with minimal pressure the image is transferred. Should I discover that the transfer lines are too light … I will retrace them with the nupastel. Needless to say, the overlaid pastel markings (usually black) serve as a guide during the subsequent painting process. Tip: My reasoning for using pastel as my transfer lines versus graphite is due in part to the easy removal using a soft brush, or cloth.

Note: Before I begin transferring the imagery onto my support (ampersand panel), I lay an overall wash of acrylic burnt umber to serve as a toned ground. Also, this eliminates the blank white surface for the next stage of coloring.

Next Post: Stage Two with descriptions and photos of color lay-in.