The Gossips, A Lesson Painting, Part I

ABOVE and BELOW: Both in process views of new painting "The Gossips," 9" x12", Golden Open Acrylics on Ampersand Gessobord, available for purchase. I anticipate finishing this painting later today or tomorrow - pleaseemail me if you are interested in purchasing. A couple weeks back I asked on Facebook what sorts of critters you wanted to see me paint. Cows were an overwhelming favorite, and one follower went so far as to send me some fabulous reference photos. Doug Nelson is a phenomenally talented photographer, with gallery representation and plenty of experience shooting reference photos for his artist wife. I was beyond delighted to have his blessing to paint from a few of his bovine photos (please see below for more information on working from photographic references). I'm kicking myself for not capturing this piece's underpainting - the top 1/3 was a luscious violet, which you can still see peeking around the cows' toplines. The middle was a swath of orange, and the bottom a rich ocher. Overtop those layers, I began sculpting the forms, using loose brushmarks, building generic shapes. And I gradually am working to tighter marks and more distinct forms - but I never completely cover up the yummy colors that started it all off. Ok, back to work! This one is truly a good time!! Thanks for sharing my artwork with your friends and family, Kim ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com Using Photo References Did you know that artists MUST have permission from the photographer in order to use their photos as references in the creation of an artwork? Regardless of where you find the photo, whether it be in a magazine or online or someplace else, you must first obtain the photographer's permission. No exceptions. Ever. This goes for copying paintings/other artwork, too, even if you are doing so as a learning exercise. (It's also worth noting here that copies made for learning purposes should be clearly marked as derivatives by titling them "After so-and-so." It is also unprofessional to exhibit copies or present them as your own original work.) Lifting an image - photographic or otherwise - and copying it in any manner without the originator's permission is stealing. I have this conversation regularly with my students and on many online forums/groups. It's simple. Ask. Permission. First. You only have one reputation.