Montana Artworking by Cindy Betka

Modern Art

2012-02-28T10:16:00.001-07:00

Modern art includes artistic works produced during the period extendingroughly from the 1860s to the 1970s, and denotes the style and philosophy ofthe art produced during that era.[1] The term is usually associated with art in which the traditions ofthe past have been thrown aside in a spirit of experimentation.[2] Modern artists experimentedwith new ways of seeing and with fresh ideas about the nature of materials andfunctions of art. A tendency toward abstraction ischaracteristic of much modern art. More recent artistic production is oftencalled Contemporaryart or Postmodern art.

My husband’s definition ofthe abstract art is ‘junk’.

Yesterday we perused the ‘Museumof the Rockies’ art exhibition, From thePermanent Collection of the Guild Hall Museum. This included works byJackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Willem de Kooning.

When I look at art, Iobserve the technicalities first. Was a particular piece put together well froma technical stand point. After that, it comes down to a subjective view, doesthe piece grab me in a positive way.

Here are a couple ofpieces that were in the exhibit. Perhaps some viewers may question; is thisreally art?

Willem de Kooning

Andy Warhol

Drawing

2012-02-24T14:55:00.000-07:00

The foundation of painting is good drawing. Start with yoursubject drawn well. Drawing in painting is measuring the size and shapes of thepatches of color and positioning them correctly in relation to one another.Standing back from the painting helps to see clearer. Some artists use a mirrorbehind them when working rather than standing back.

One thought, I enjoy loosening up with some quick, fun pencil sketches.

Moonlight

2012-02-21T14:50:00.002-07:00

Have you ever tried painting moonlight? I have not yet, butit is on my list after I have mastered a few other scenes. Of course, it is apainting that must be done from memory, back in the studio. In moonlight we seecolor blinded. There are 2 different scientific reasons why we perceive themoonlight as blue or green when it is actually slightly red.

Here are a few examples of artists’ work known for paintingmoonlight.

"Keelmen Heaving inCoals by Moonlight" J M WTurner

“The Call for Help” Frederick Remington

"Scare in a Pack Train" Frederick Remington

"A Busy street at night" JohnAtkinson Grimshaw

Notice how he painted with a reddish tint, others by him are more green

Patience

2012-02-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

This taken from a few definitions;

Patience is one of the mostvaluable virtues of life.

Patience is the level of enduranceone can take before negativity.

My patience seems to be growingthinner with age. I can feel this as I look at my painting, thinking it isdone, I go ahead and put it aside or frame it. Framing it as if that makes itfinished. All throughout the painting process I must endure the difficulty tomake it look like what I wanted it to look like from the beginning. Somepaintings take longer than others. I keep positive, do not self doubt and Ultimatelythe painting needs to say what you want it to say and nothing you add will makeit better. In the end, if it does not speak, find out what went wrong.

I keep positive and make sure whatI put on the canvas is what I intended.

This painting I have changed a few times to correct areas that bothered me.

Small Stuff

2012-02-13T12:57:00.002-07:00

On my easel are 3 small paintings I am finishing up.
They are fun to be loose with and experiment. Don't know why I feel less intimidated by these smaller canvases.
Perhaps it is that if I make a mistake it is easier to start over and get somewhere fast.
Patience; now that is a good topic that factors into creating art.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Inspiration

2012-02-10T12:41:00.001-07:00

What inspires you to paint a chosen subject? In a landscape for me it is the mood most of the time. But this mood or poetic insight needs to be translated and articulated into technical terms to be rendered down onto canvas. So, this mood is really the color or light reflecting off the surfaces. Color is the main visual element that captures and entices you into the scene.

My inspiration for figurative and portraits is usually the drawing and then design. I will leave that for another discussion.

Color Saturation

2012-02-04T09:49:00.001-07:00

Different color saturation for the same hue adds interest.

Chroma is a related term. Color swatches movingprogressively outward on the color wheel increase in chroma or intensity vs.grayness. Moving toward the hub of the wheel they become grayer.

I varied the intensity on the red leaves in this painting.The increased intensity is closest to the focal point.

Landscapes Competition

2012-02-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

I just received notice that my painting 'Tender Feet' will be published in the International Artist magazine #84 April/May 2012 issue. The painting will be in the winning section of the 'Landscapes' Competition.
Yes, I am so excited!

God Bless.

Making Mud

2012-01-30T16:28:00.000-07:00

Color mixing can be tricky; mixing mud is what we try to avoid. There is a place, however, for that muddy color.
Neutral grays well placed can enhance the pure spot of color you want accented. Eugene Delacroix was a master at using 'mud' for the surrounding areas to the more pure mixtures. He really made the skin tones almost glow.

Degas and his use of grays surrounding pure color.

Dynamic Balance

2012-01-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

In life we try to achieve a dynamic balance with family, work and play. In a painting achieving balance one must look at the visual element's weight and energy. Static balance tends to be less interesting when everything is equal. Asymmetrical arrangements are interesting to look at even when they are centralized in the composition.

In my painting currently on the easel, I am trying to achieve a dynamic balance. The dark, heavy shape of the open doorway and horse are counterbalanced by the large red mass of wall on the right.

Self Portraits

2012-01-25T16:42:00.003-07:00

Rembrandt Van Rijn completed at least 90 self portraits; paintings and etchings.

The first one Rembrandt adds interest by placing the head a bit off center and looking slightly out. The highlight on the right side keeps the viewer focused within the painting.

The next painting also has the light coming from the right side but the head is centered and looking toward the viewer. The lighting adds intrigue.

The last portrait has the lighting coming from the upper right. It is interesting with the mystery figure appearing on the left.

"Spice Color"

2012-01-22T12:41:00.001-07:00

The accent color in a painting, also called the discord color is added right at the focal point. Is the overall key value dark, the accent should be light or a light painting the discord should be dark. The accent can be made using a color contrast. If the predominant color scheme is warm make the accent cool; if the color scheme is cool, the accent should be warm.

Below are some Gauguin paintings; observe how he handled the 'spice color'.

2012-01-21T13:15:00.001-07:00

On my easel today is this landscape that I have worked in a triangular composition. Each new work is always a learning process that I repeat over and over again hoping to gain more insight to mastering painting.

Keep working at it.

2012-01-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

A few things to consider when composing art. Look at visual interest, tension, movement, energy and weight. Variety is key. The shapes of objects should vary in size and complexity. Place the center of interest at one of the thirds intersection. The focal point is the most visually active. Lead the viewer in and around the painting not outside of the painting.

Cool Palette

2012-01-12T14:05:00.002-07:00

My palette set-up is using a thick piece of composite for the big, full color blobs of paint.
A pad of paper palette sheets I use to mix the colors on for ease of clean up.

These two paintings currently on the easel, are both with a cool sided palette.

The color wheel is dialed into blue for the key color.

Color Harmony

2012-01-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

After talking with my sister and another artist, I dug up my color wheel to improve my color palette. So far, I have seen some good results. Perhaps I have moved up to the next level of how I see color both in art and observing the world. Take a look at this Degas and what do you see in the way he uses color?

Cabin Fever

2012-01-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

With these long winters in Montana we all seem to suffer from 'Cabin Fever' at one point. The challenge is to not let it get you down for too long. I try to get out more and go on a photo shoot to areas around looking for potential painting ideas.

I plan on doing some composing and adding elements to this particular shot. First starting with some thumbnails. Then just dive in to shake off the fever.

Different Season

2011-12-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

Came across this photo I took a few months ago and realized it was of the same or in close proximity of the weeds I painted. What a striking comparison.

Start New

2011-12-30T10:09:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year to all.
We all resolve to have a fresh start with the new year. I am starting mine with a blank canvas. This time, however, I am planning ahead and doing some tight sketches to resolve issues before I put paint to the canvas. The planning on this painting is more than I have done in the past where I just jump in having a certain painting in my head. I still have that painting in my head but this time being more cautious with a controlled start. The outcome intending not to look too controlled or tight. Well, we shall see how it goes.
Best Wishes for a wonderfully blessed new year.

Problem Solving

2011-12-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

We are constantly trying to problem solve each time we create. My problem with this painting, that I have been working on for a bit, is to say what I want to say without going to far with it. I suppose that happens a lot. The boy stands out, no question. The figure just on the edge needs to be there but not overstated as does the horses. This is the time to just boldly go in and loosely establish those supporting figures.

Back to work.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Photo by Sam Spiller

For only in Christ and his mission

does Christmas make sense.

Yes, rejoice in the sweetness,

but bow in the repentance...

...that we might know the Shalom

of that first Christmas night

When the prophecies of His coming

turned faith into sight.

text from a poem by Fran Canfield

High Key

2011-12-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

This painting started out as an exercise/experiment in high key. I kept the values no lower than 5 on the grey scale. As much as I succeeded, I still did not like the results and succumbed to the full range of values. Never the less, the mood is there as the bright summer day it was.

Snow

2011-12-15T18:48:00.000-07:00

Meteorologists keep saying that we are having a La Ninawinter. So far it is proving them wrong. Actually that is OK by us. Last yearit was a long, bad winter that just did not quit. Just heard on the news thatthe La Nina is to start January and last through June, ugh. The snow has notaccumulated to as much as last year this time.

There is plenty up here in the mountains to inspire somewinter paintings.

As with all colors they are affected by its surroundings.White snow reflects, as a white surface would, however, look at scatterings oflight/color on subsurface. Shadows reflect the color of the sky.

Working with Photos

2011-12-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Using photos for reference isn't a bad thing as long as you took the photos and you only use them as a starting point.
I shoot a lot of photos in any given scene. The more the better. Just remember to make lots of good observations and notes in your sketch book for accompaniment. I find watercolors great for sketching and capturing quick color notes.
Color pencils are also great when you do not want to fuss too much with supplies.

Photos do not capture the details in the darks and lights so be sure to particularly note the colors there. As in this scene, I have used pieces of each reference to compose the painting.

Confidence

2011-12-08T10:36:00.001-07:00

The more you have the better result of your efforts in creating. As you sharpen your skills and really give your best efforts the improvements are visible. Even so, the challenges of painting always remain, seems as though you can never get there. Always a student, it is such fun. Remain confident and have faith that better things will come especially through this Christmas season.

In the Studio

Colors

2011-12-05T14:52:00.001-07:00

Received the large tubes of oil paints that I ordered. Trying to take advantage of the sales and deals that are constantly being offered as the competition builds in this economy.

For the most part my palette consists of these colors: Cad. Yellow Light and medium, Hansa Yellow Light, Yellow Ochre, Cad. Red Light and dark, Grumbacher Red, Cobalt Blue, French Ultramarine Blue, Purple and Titanium White.
Occasionally I will include Viridian but staying away from alizarin Crimson except when I need a good dark I mix it with compliments. I am sure that I have missed some colors; others fine their way to my palette when I must.

Looking back at the watercolors for these two paintings, I think I was successful in keeping the loose quality.

Back to Figures

2011-11-27T15:18:00.001-07:00

Had some working out to do on my next paintings before going to oils. Water colors I find help me loosen up and be courageous with a piece. Now if I can keep that spontaneity with the final oil I'll be cooking. The compositions I play around with thumbnails and cropping. Values are changed as I progress in the prelims.

I like the tight cropping in both but think I might open them up a bit.

2011-11-11T10:07:00.001-07:00

Going through some photos I took a few weeks ago. Don't you just love fall. Painting water is loads of fun. Playing around with the reflections, using a bit of color in a sweet spot to focus in on.

Today is a day to focus in on drinking the beautiful weather in before the snow storm to come tonight and tomorrow. Taking the dogs for a long walk and being inspired with lots more paintings ideas.

Morning Frost

2011-11-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Took this today along with many others like it. What do you think for my next series of paintings?
Sometimes I have the notion to do them in watercolors but I have some portraits in mind to work in watercolors.
Just love the sparkly frost on the delicate weeds. I want to bring that out against the snow in shadow.

Reverence

2011-10-27T09:27:00.000-06:00

A reverence for fall in all it's glory. The trees bring a brilliance to various scenes sparking inspiration. Those same scenes seem to go unnoticed in other seasons. Now, full of new information and references, I can go back to those scenes in other lighting situations as well. Think of the endless possibilities.

Explosion of Color

2011-10-14T15:34:00.000-06:00

It is just awesome walking around surrounded and touching these little bits of color on mass.

Something positively wild to experience; had to be there.

There is no doubt what the local color is.

Shapes

2011-09-28T13:35:00.000-06:00

Ever notice how important shapes are. They are the bases of the painting. Start blocking in the largest shapes, moving to smaller and smaller. Like wise, start with the biggest brushes, gradually to the smaller rounds for the detail. Save that detail for the focal points. The looser areas are to be finished by the viewers eye. And remember to leave some mystery in the painting.

Shapes in faces define the character of the person. This is one of my current works in progress on the easel.

Fresh Paint

2011-09-11T12:43:00.000-06:00

These are a few small paintings; I didn't wait for the paint to dry and here I am scanning them in to post.
Finally got around to researching the true names of the yellow flowers, they are 'Yellow Glacier Lilies'.

And these you already know; Indian Paint Brush and Iris

The Iris were quite abundant this year. These were in a small meadow where a herd of cattle had been ranging. The cows did not eat the iris but did mow down the grass around them. This made for a manicured looking green meadow with large clumps of iris blooming like islands through out. The meadow is lined with a forest of mostly aspen trees. I shall be going back there in fall once the leaves turn color to get lots of reference photos.

Resident Moose

2011-08-27T14:07:00.000-06:00

She paid us a visit this morning. It never ceases to amaze me just how large they are. Often times I mistake the for a horse. She had no trouble stepping over the wire mesh fence to walk through our property. I guess there wasn't much interest here and nothing to eat for her liking; she moved on.

Nice to have the reference photos just incase I might want to use her in a future painting.

Napping

2011-08-20T16:55:00.000-06:00

Beginning stages of a painting, I cropped it to zero in on the more finished area.
Sometimes I am lucky to get a good candid photo that tells a story. Currently working on this figurative while looking at it just makes me want to take a nap. Maybe, after a satisfactory painting session.
The black and white contrast stripes on the little girl's dress sets her off. I went with a red background to bring out the figures and warm the tone.

Second Session

2011-08-17T09:58:00.000-06:00

This is the result of a second day, a few hours of work. I hesitate to say that I am finished, but very close to it. Must move on to work on another painting then come back to it in a week or so. My next painting that I have already started is also a figurative work.

A Days Work

2011-08-14T15:02:00.000-06:00

Perhaps not a full day, just a few hours worth. It is difficult to photograph fresh wet art. There is just too much hot spot reflections off the wet paint. With this one I tried to turn it a bit but it did not help much.

None the less this painting is in the beginning stages. After laying out the figure (not all shown here), I concentrated on getting the face right. After being satisfied I moved on to the upper background.

More on the progress of this painting in the next blogs.

Finished When it is Finished

2011-07-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

Too often I get ahead of myself and decide a piece of art I am working on is finished when it truly is not.
Perhaps I just am excited to get the piece 'out there'. Patience is everything. I do not have as much as I use to and must slow down a bit. So, I put the art piece aside for a few days, weeks, then look with fresh eyes and brain to see what is missing. Sometimes I have to admit I look at the piece and say, 'what was I thinking', because truly my mind was not fully engaged with the art process.

This piece I have set aside, to be looked at another day.

Now the search for my next project. I am set to begin a few more works.

Clouds

2011-07-02T14:49:00.000-06:00

The rain has decreased for now. The 4th weekend and next week should be hot and dry. I was able to capture some of those wonderful cloud formations; thunderheads are the best. Layered the color to get a more translucent and luminous feel to them. There are truly endless beautiful skies here in 'Big Sky' country.

This is a small triptych, each panel 6" X 6"

Summer

2011-06-23T09:16:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of Summer. It actually feels like Summer. Sunny and warm the last couple of days drying the ground up slowly from a very wet Spring. The mountains are still very full of snow and now the melt is beginning flooding the rivers even more. The wild flowers are seen in their early stages of growth in the higher elevations. Iris are about to bud. This is all very stimulating and motivating for some fun, challenging work.

Quick Draw

2011-05-14T13:03:00.000-06:00

Doing some quick small paintings to sharpen my skills or improve on them.

Ideally I should pick a composition I like and work up some color combinations. This would be a good exercise. Lately I have been starting my paintings with a bright color underpainting. Usually with warm colors and layering from there building up to the finished more realistic scheme. From the beginning I decide where the focus is and try to nail it before continuing with the remainder of the piece.

Failures

2011-04-26T10:04:00.000-06:00

It is human nature to fail. I recently read where a good strategy is to produce a volume of small failures. In these failures one is better able to work out problems and move on to successes. Sounds good, now just to get to it.

With that said, here is the small painting I produced from my last posting photo references.

These are what I need to do more of in order to move on.

As I have stated before, sketching daily has really helped me to stay fresh when I delve into painting.

Photo Reference

2011-04-03T11:19:00.000-06:00

Photos are used for reference along with other sketches and notes from the scene. I am fortunate to be able to return to the scene and enhance or extend my recall for my art work. It is difficult to capture the same scene exactly upon returning at the same time of day. Everything changes in a moments time. I rely on my recall of what attracted me to the scene in the first glance. Accuracy and the integrity of the objects/scene is important. In addition the emotional component is enhanced by my imagination. This mixture is the magic of creating in art for me.
Here is a photo reference for the painting on my easel.

Spring?

2011-03-21T11:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of Spring. Hard to figure that here in Montana where we have 9 months of winter. Still have an average of 3 feet of snow on the ground at our elevation. Completed this painting from references photos and sketches. Gets me in a better frame of mind when I can recall the experiences of this scene.

Started a couple of others and will keep at it.

Slight diversion

2011-03-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Clouds have always fascinated me and I decided to do a small series of them. Noticing the slight differences in time of day particularly in sunsets and sunrises. These are over the divide out the east facing side of our house. The time of season also makes a big difference in colors and cloud formations. In the summer if there is smoke in the mix with dust particles creates a more intense red color scheme.

Loosen up

2011-02-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Before I begin an oil painting, I find that if I just loosen up first with some on site air water color sketches I am better off. I go outside or just not bare the elements and take the view out the window.
These are from my water color sketch book that I use every now and then. Other times I will do small thumbnails working out the composition and color scheme on a large sheet of paper. All in all it works for me and helps to jump start my painting session.

The Green Challenge

2011-02-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Why is painting a primarily green landscape so challenging? As if I defy the very existence of the color in nature. But it is indeed all around. Spring green is especially bright and intense in saturation. The emerald depth looks artificial. Fall is a brilliant time and my favorite; not an abundance of green. So I force myself into the test by taking on more green in my palette. A good tip is to paint a warm under tone wash over the canvas before beginning. Sometime I do just a wash of burnt sienna or a bright red for a more energetic landscape.
These are my most recent 'green' paintings.

The top one has a palette that swings more toward the blues and cool colors, although it has some yellow in the middle ground. The bottom painting, I brought in red flowers for contrast. Warmer greens in this painting along with the reds and yellows harmonize better.

What's in a name?

2011-02-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Putting a title on my works is sometimes difficult. Often the title comes to me while I am working on the piece. With other pieces the title either surfaces as I am on the scene sketching or days after I finished the piece. In my sketch book I jot down titles when I think of them, adding to a list. From this list I can brain storm and extrapolate until a fitting title appears. This piece is in progress and I have some ideas: passionate, explosive, summer heat, sun's warmth, and I continue to brain storm.

finished?

2011-02-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Each time I think I am done with a painting, most likely I am not. This being the perfect example. You can view it on my web site, the unfinished version. The painting is back on my easel getting some much needed improvements. At least I hope they are improvements. I took a quick (somewhat blurry) detailed shot of it just now. The only way I can clearly see what a painting lacks is by getting away from it for a while. Putting works to the side and coming back to them days or weeks later is the best strategy.

OPA

2011-01-24T13:13:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce that I have been juried in as a member of the Oil Painters of America. Keeps me challenged to set a 5 year goal to earn a signature membership.

Contemporary artists, as well as, the old masters are a great inspiration. So nice to be able to few their works on-line through the museum sites with out having to travel far and wide.
On my links page, crbart.com/links.htm, you will find a list of some of my favorite museum sites. Also, check out their museum shops to find some very different and stunning artisan products.

Staying Focused

2011-01-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

While recreating this scene on canvas I found it hard to stay focused. My mind was really wondering on other nagging thoughts that have been breaking off bits of my soul. This winter, as in all Montana winters, they are long and hard. Some days it can be an overwhelming task to not allow the blues to swallow you up. I concentrated on the evidence of the winter hare's visit; tracks in the foreground. The hare had come from his protection under the pine boughs.

Keeping a limited palette adding to staying focused in the task.

Inspiration?

2011-01-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

Just read a review on a new book, 'Inside the Artist's Studio'. The author Joe Fig, visits and photographs many well-known contemporary painters living in New York. He includes the interviews he has with them.
There are some interesting answers to the questions the author possess to each artist.
Makes me want to read the book for sure.
Joe has a sign over his door that reads: 'Focus, Discipline, and Faith"

The New Year

2010-12-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Do not have those new year's resolutions in mind. Just want to do more painting/art; improvements.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Working on a winter scene. After I stated that I was not fond of doing snow scenes because of the long winters here. What have I started in my studio. Can not help myself when it is all around me. The warm glow reflecting off the snow at sunrise is just spectacular. This is what I will try to capture in my next painting.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday rush

2010-12-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe Christmas is just about upon us. Make christmas card making did not work out this year. Oh, well. Seems like every year I vow to start early on those, sometime in the summer. Then here we are a few days away from Christmas and I am dreading trying to fit those in, so to the store I go. Still hoping to fit in a good session in the studio today.
Here is my latest finish...

One last flower painting

2010-09-22T10:41:00.000-06:00

Thought I would get another last wild flower painting done in the 6" X 6" series.
These are my favorite 'Hare Bells'.

Diptych in progress

2010-09-22T10:28:00.000-06:00

Fall painting in progress. As you may have noticed, my love for aspens really shines in their fall foliage. This year the colors are coming out in stages. The aspens up here in the higher elevations are slower to turn. I am doing some small studies of close ups of short ground covers and shrubs. These you will see in posts coming soon.

Wild flowers

2010-07-17T10:41:00.000-06:00

It's that time when the wildflowers are really blooming. Some will last through August and some like the wild iris are wilting fast. Must get out there and take lots of close up photos when they are at their peak. These red Indian Paint Brush are gorgeous. With some Lupine mixed in the red stand out even more. I incorporated some copper leaf in the blooms to and texture and brightness. Along with these nice blooms everywhere comes the discomfort of full blown allergies, yeck.