Now, to answer your questions. First, though, thank you so much for asking them! It's always fun to know what you're curious about.
Question: What is your palette for the landscapes?
This one is easy to answer. My current favorite palette for landscape is Titanium White, Cad Lemon Yellow, Venetian Red, Ruby Violet, and Cobalt Blue.
I use that in both oil and gouache, except no Ruby Violet in gouache. I've found the Venetian Red to make the subdued colors we have here in the west more easily than other reds. Occasionally I use Terra Rosa, but Venetian Red is my favorite.
Question: What substrate do you prefer?
My favorite thing to paint on for gouache is 140 lb cold pressed water color paper. I've tried smoother surfaces, but I like the rough surface better.
For oil my favorite is oil primed linen panels. I recently discovered some irregular weave linen panels by Classens. It's very nice! The texture of the linen shows in the painting and makes the surface even more interesting.
Question: How do you balance your passion for painting with making money?
Such a good question and one I'm always trying to answer. It might seem strange to you, but the struggle is real.
Most recently I've begun to see the value of my work in the way it effects the lives of others. That's what I really care about. Knowing it makes a difference is in your life.
Along with that the reality of needing to make a living, even at my age, has given me the more practical view of this. So I gather up my courage and do it.
As I said above, I'm a recovering people please. I sometimes feel guilty about charging any amount of money for my paintings. The weird thing is I NEVER think this about other artists.
Question: What's your least favorite medium?
Acrylic
Question: Why do you paint landscapes?
I paint landscapes because being out there, in the sort of wild places, restores my perspective on just about everything. Sometimes I find courage I need, sometimes I find peace I've been missing or I find clarity about something that's been unclear. Sometimes it's just so good to be out there, in whatever situation, painting, just because I love to be outside.
Every time, I feel most like myself and every time I am reminded again of how good God is and that I am in His hand. That's the best.
When I paint larger landscapes inside I am again reminded of all that I experience outside. I'm always hoping that you feel the joy too.
Question: How do you hang your work?
I finish the back of my paintings with a dust cover, and attach wire for hanging. If sending it to a collector I try to include the nail and hook that goes in the wall, so when it arrives it's ready to hang.
Question: How do you know when a painting is done?
I'm learning to be patient and not call it done the minute I think it is. I've done that so many times, only to regret it later.
Now when I've gotten to the point where I know it might be done, I set it on my scrutinizing shelf and leave it there indefinitely. I see it from the table and over days or weeks or months I begin to see it more objectively.
It's then that I notice any adjustments I need to make. Sometimes it's only a brushstroke or two. Sometimes it's more. When it doesn't bother me anymore I call it done.
Last Question: How closely do you adhere to your reference?
Not very. I have gotten better over the years. I used to basically copy what I saw. Now I start with a reference and develop the design, composition, and color to say what I want to say.
I hope you enjoyed this Q&A as much as I did.
Feel free to keep asking if you think of something else. Until next time, I hope you're having a great week,
