"Exploring Color With Mixed Media" Virtual Class

 

I'll be teaching a new virtual class all about COLOR using acrylics and there is still time to sign up!  

Why the class - I see so many painters struggling with color mixing and end up with *mud or they are wanna be painters who are afraid to try as it seems overwhelming.  Painters sometimes think they need a 100 different tubes of paint to get the colors they want when all thats needed are the correct primary colors to achieve almost any color.  I will talk about and demo the primary colors used on my simple or limited palette.  There are three primary colors, red, yellow and blue but if you check out the paints in an art supply store you will be overwhelmed by all the different reds, yellows and blues available.  So how do you choose?  Knowing what these commercial colors are all about will help you create your own palette and color harmony and save you money.  

Besides color mixing the class will paint abstract backgrounds that will be completed using mixed media.  Paint, watercolor paper, a brush along with some collage materials will be provided in the class cost.  If you live out of town or state your supplies will be mailed to you but this is time sensitive as the class begins January 17, 2022.  A list of other supplies you provide will be sent to you.  If interested please hurry and sign up as we put the kits together for mailing soon.  Follow the link below:

https://rumriverart.com/classes/senior-classes/

Check out the other classes provided at Rumriver Art Center this winter and spring!  Some are virtual along with in person classes.  Lots of fun creative classes to choose from!

https://rumriverart.com/

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

*Mud is a term I hear from frustrated painters disappointed with color mixing.  Sometimes you need mud colors but mixing those colors when applicable is the goal.

Pine Cone Party

 

Click Here For More Info - $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8 inch ampersand gessobord

I painted this in 2019 before my world went crazy and then forgot about posting so now its out in time for Christmas.  Hard to believe the holidays are almost upon us.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Entwined

 

Click Here For More Info - $200, 8x10 inch, mixed media on watercolor paper

Finally finished, it's been a long road to completion.  Reminds me of the Beatle song "The Long and Winding Road".  Lol, I'm reaching but I did finally decide on a title.  These abstracts take so much more time and energy however I'm happy with the results on this piece.  Happy endings always spur me forward yet there's still a question whether to continue with abstracts.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Vines & Branches Continued

 

This is part of the ongoing project of three pieces started a few weeks ago where mask was applied first then paint and mask removed.  Now I have moved on to adding the collage pieces, you can see I've got this vine and branch kind of thing going on and it almost has an asian art feel to it.  I played with moving different pieces of collage around before gluing, it took me forever before envisioning something.  You can see that process below in the next photo.  It gave me a start and something to go by but it may move in a different direction, not sure at this point.  So the next step is to add a connecting paint layer in darks.  I started adding some pencil designs to the piece to help me along.  The title is only temporary making it easier to refer to.  

Painting Step, pieces in progress

 

Continuing to work on these little mixed media abstracts I started a week ago.  My new pieces are painted now after the mask.  Next step below, mask removed from two pieces.

Next 2 steps are the hard part - collage and then bringing it all together.  With 3 pieces this will take awhile so I will post one piece at a time.  I'm seeing vines and maybe branches in the bigger piece, not sure where it will go yet.  Oh and I decided to use acrylics instead of watercolors and I'm happy with the results.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Apple Branch drawing

 

My virtual Intro To Drawing class Just finished this drawing Monday.  I found this image on pixabay.com and loved the design however it needed to be cropped as it was to long and we added the bottom leaf for a better composition.  The class did some amazing drawings!  This was a lesson on values and we discussed negative space.  Next week we will continue to discuss negative space and it's importance for getting correct proportions along with comparative measuring.

Still room in my Drawing The Seasons class which begins Oct. 25, 2021. Drawing The Seasons

Hopefully I can get in some paint time this week!  I have a start using masking gum, still working on some abstracts.  Watercolor paper taped down and mask applied, next step is paint.  I'm going back and forth whether to use watercolor or acrylics, Hmmmmm.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Uncontained

 

Uncontained seems appropriate for my new mixed media piece.  There really are no limits when you work with mixed media however you still strive for good design and composition.  That's always been a problem for me working with abstracts so I decided to get help by taking a virtual workshop with Karen Knutson.  She has amazing design skills and I'm beginning to get an understanding or feel for abstracts.  They are super hard for me so it's challenging, I spend way more time creating abstracts than my representational pieces.  It may look like I just threw a bunch of stuff on a board and walked away but each collage piece and pen work was very intentional.  I've got three more pieces started it will be fun to see where they go, even if they fail I will have learned something and moved farther along.  Still working to loosen up!

This painting is 8x10 inches and a combination of watercolor, collage and pen.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Fall Drawing Classes

My drawing classes have started again!  These are virtual classes I teach through the Rumriver Art Center, Anoka MN.  I love these virtual classes, no driving anywhere, just get up and go to my studio.  Does that make me lazy?  I prefer to think of it as efficient and doing my part to be green, that sounds better than being lazy.  I still get to meet new people, socialize and be a part of an art community so it's all good.

Drawing The Seasons is my new drawing class that starts October 25, 2021.  For more info:

Drawing The Seasons 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Sisters

 

Click Here For More Info:  5 1/2" x 7 1/2" (an extra 1/4" around for matting), mixed media (acrylic and marker) on watercolor paper

Still having fun with mixed media while planning some new fall and winter classes I will be teaching.  These are a real departure from my other work and I probably spend more time painting them but they are fun, freeing and challenging.  They are sort of like taking a vacation. 

I did some fun sketches a few years back that I'm rediscovering.  My hopes were to do something with these sketches and this medium seems to be perfect.  I've been inspired by artist Karen Knutson who in turn is inspired by Gustav Klimt.  Gustav painted incorporating a bunch of small shapes to create a whole and the patterns are so interesting.  If you do a google search for Gustav you'll recognize his work.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Summer Song

 

5x7 inches, Mixed Media on watercolor paper

This has been a summer of new landscaping, interior remodeling with a bit of health issues mixed in.  With all of that going on it's been hard to find time to create.  I've been playing with more mixed media to keep inspired.  This one was put away for awhile because I wasn't sure where it was going, it needed connection to pull it together.  I found a napkin with these big spots, moved it around and realized it was the missing piece.  Then the name just came, the painting said this is a song of summer because summer is busy, loud, noisy, swirling with constant movement, joyful and almost chaotic.  Summer wakes up with a scream, it sings and makes the most of having the little time to be loose and free, at least in the midwest when nature sleeps so long.  I hope you are having a joyful chaotic summer!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Mom Collage

 Ever since my Mom passed in 2013 I've been obsessed with creating art pieces, mostly mixed media, from old family photos of her image.  We have a lot of great photos of her, my Dad loved taking photos and his photos of Mom remind me of the pin up girls popular in the 40's, (I'll be trying some of those one day).

I feel closer to my Mom searching through these photos and capturing her image.  Even though I never knew the Mom child her personality shines through the photos and brings me to a closer understanding of who she was along with her many life stories she shared.  Maybe this is my way of bringing her back, or giving her extra love that I should have been more generous with.  Do I have to have a why?  My Mom was an artist, a painter, I hope she would be happy with these little pieces.  She was my greatest fan, I will always miss talking art with her.

In the two sisters piece my Mom is on the left in blue, bottom picture she has the white hair.  She only had one sister among four brothers and she loved her dearly.  The "Fly" piece is a face photo of Mom as she was embarking on a new adventure by moving to Arizona, I believe she was 16.  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Yard Art

 

Click Here For More Information:  6x9 inches, watercolor

Yesterday I painted with my plein air group, painting on location at a friends house using my watercolors.  I haven't played with watercolors for probably two years so it was nice getting them out.  The negative spaces of this white painted bike against the green foliage inspired me.  I love negative space, which is the space around the subject matter, it can also include spaces within like the space within the wheels.  Lots of my plein air experiences don't turn out but I feel good about this little painting.

Paintings are sold unframed.  This painting could be cropped to a standard size of 6x8 inches and with a two inch mat would fit an 8x10 frame.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright  

Island Escape

 

Inspired by my daughter and her husband's recent trip to Hawaii along with their brilliant blue sunglasses!  My daughter swam with the dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays, she's always been the bold and adventurous one.  So playing with this new mixed media technique I wanted to capture their story.  If you look you will find some sea turtles and a few dolphins.  

Funny thing is, my daughter didn't even recognize herself in this painting even though every photo she shared of her trip showed her in these brilliant blue sunglasses, big hat and colorful scarf.  Plus the sea turtles and dolphins, really?  She laughed when I pointed it out.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Peace Among Thorns

 

I've been trying some of artist Karen Knutson's techniques to bring new life and inspiration to my paintings.  I feel like there is another inner artist in me begging to get out and explore.  This voice has been hollering at me for awhile so I better listen.  Where will this journey take me?  Will I be able to give myself permission for complete freedom before scurrying back to my comfort zone?  Will I ever be comfortable with abstract compositions?  Will my inner voice find peace?

The bird house is from one of my drawing classes and where I gave the students the option to add a bird.  One of the students added the bird in front of the birdhouse and it inspired me to create the design for this painting (my drawing had the bird on the fence behind the birdhouse).  So thanks Joan!  I'm always getting inspiration from other artists ideas.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Sunflower Elephant Walk

 

Click Here For More Information:  $250, 9x12 inches, acrylic on linen panel

These were Mothers Day sunflowers I received from my daughter and her husband.  There were 15 sunflowers in all and they were too wonderful not to paint.  They were painted from life not a photo, I'm just late posting them.  Maybe I went a little crazy with the stripes but it makes the sunflowers vibrate (and I love stripes).  The elephant is a little bit of added whimsy. 

I'm taking some time to garden and do some experimental painting with inspiration from artist Karen Knutson.  I will probably add some mixed media into the process and see where it takes me.  

Enjoy your summer!  My crabapple trees were beautiful this spring, now the lilacs are blooming and soon the peonies which are heavy with buds.  The air is alive with bird songs and my toes are finally free to wiggle in the warm weather.  Ah summer!  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright  

Birdhouse Drawing and Student Work

 

This was the last project my spring drawing class worked on and it was challenging.  I gave the class the option of adding a bird as the photo reference of the birdhouse didn't have one.  Imagination and freedom to add, take away and include expression are important tools for making a work of art your own.  It's funny how allowing ourselves freedom to explore and imagine is hard to learn for a lot of people, me included.  

I love to see how different students handle the same subject matter, as you will see in the butterfly drawings below they are all unique and different in their own way.

Deborah A. Kirkeeide copyright

All work copyrighted by the individual artist 

 

  

Butterfly Drawing

 

My drawing class worked on this butterfly drawing last week.  This was an exercise working on a gray toned paper with white colored pencil.  I decided it might be fun to add some violet and purple pencil along with the white which worked out well for this photo reference.  I like to include at least one drawing on toned paper with white pencil to get students to think outside the box.  Our last drawing will be a birdhouse on gray toned paper with white pencil.  I will be posting that drawing soon along with some student work.

Last week my paints came out due to receiving some beautiful and amazing sunflowers for Mother's Day from my daughter and her husband.  I had an entire bunch of sunflowers to work with, 15 to be exact.  It took me a couple of hours just to set up the still life.  If you have any hope of getting a good painting then you have to start with a good composition.  Anyway I'll be posting that painting soon.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Potted Pansy

 

This is one of the simpler drawings my virtual class worked on last week.   This was an example of working smaller than the reference photo using comparative measuring to capture the correct proportions. Even though this is simpler subject matter, one object with no background, it can still take a bit of time.  Comparative measuring is a tool that takes time and practice to get comfortable with but really important for proportions.

Tomorrow we finish the watering can drawing and move on to a butterfly on toned paper with white colored pencil.  Soon I will post that drawing!  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Window Drawing

 

This is a drawing I debated whether to add to the spring virtual drawing class that I'm currently teaching.  There ended up not being enough time for all the references I wanted to use.  I loved this window but it was very time consuming, so the reference will be added for homework or practice idea.  I draw all my photo references before having the class try them to insure they will work for our class time.  Extra practice for me which is a bonus.

I've been giving the class some challenging pieces and so far they haven't rebelled.  I try to balance the challenging pieces with some simpler ones.  Next week the class will be working on toned paper with an added white colored pencil, one of my favorite drawing techniques.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

Watering Can Drawing

 

My spring drawing class started last week and I've been busy drawing again, All Things Spring this time.  I found a bunch of photo references on pixabay.com, the watering can is one of them.  My students will be doing the watering can in our next class.  The watering can reference is a good exercise in negative space, the background is what makes this drawing so interesting, all the space around the can indicating plants.

I'm also busy sewing, it's been years and I needed some summer PJ's.  I looked all over the internet for PJ's and found only one thing which was priced at $100.  No way!  So I put on my sewing hat and got busy, it's been a nice break from painting.

I will post some more drawings soon.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright  

Color Book Road

 

Click Here For More Info: $100, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on canvas panel

Landscapes have always been uninspiring so I'm giving myself the freedom to explore color and incorporate imagination.  Some of the changes made to the original photo reference:  I continued the road up the hill, added the tiny house, incorporated orange and pumped the color.  Perhaps the color captures the excitement of freedom to travel soon after a year of isolation.  Or maybe I just like color.

I experimented with other variations before settling on the final above incorporating more blues and purples.  I started with the acrylic sketch on the right. 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Grandma Has Marbles

 

Click Here For More Info: $125, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

This painting made me think up a little story:  A grandchild races in the house for a visit with grandma as parents follow behind.  The grandchild views a table and with eyes wide comments to the parents, "See grandma hasn't lost her marbles, they are right here!"  I'm a grandma and I still have all my marbles at the moment.  My mother suffered from dementia late in life and so did her mother.  Perhaps I will loose my marbles some day but at the moment they are right here.  It's also a reminder to enjoy each and every day. 

Last of my flower paintings for now, maybe some peonies as they bloom but that's a ways off.  This was a new experience for me to paint four similar paintings using mostly the same still life subject matter and rearranging it.  I note this because I did not get bored.  Thats a milestone! 

Enjoy your day!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

Runaway Marble

 

Click Here For More Info:  $125, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

These pastel type colors are fun to work with, so much that I may continue to incorporate them.  I continually get distracted with new ideas so who knows what the future will hold.   Just to point out I've completed three flower paintings in a row without getting bored, now that's a track record for me.  Keeping the inspiration flowing by trying new things is the trick.

I'm beginning to feel the pull for mixed media however so there you go more distraction.  Is it a distraction or more of the learning process?  I'm a forever student.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Opposite Attraction

 

 

Click Here For More Info:  $125, 5x7 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I'm really loving the pastels, usually my paintings are all about bright color, this is a nice change.  Most artists would understand the title but for those with little art background it has to do with the color wheel.  Pink and green (light green) are complimentary colors, they are opposite each other on the color wheel, they compliment each other.  If you have another meaning for the title let me know I'd love to hear.  One thing great about art work is it's a personal experience for the artist and the viewer.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Three Cheers For Spring

 

Click Here For More Info - $175, 8x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I was in the mood to paint white daisies, these are actually white daisy type mums but they worked.  These little pastel vases were a Goodwill purchase some years back, they are favorites even with their tiny chips here and there.  I needed a third something and the little bluish bottle worked.  Now I have to find a third little vase in a pastel green.  The cheery bright colors are my response to spring and maybe the world getting back to a new normal.

My eight week drawing class for April was canceled, I'm a little disappointed but gives me more time to paint.  There is a virtual four week drawing class being offered as a substitute through Rumriver Art Center Anoka MN if anyone is interested.  It won't be set up as a basic drawing class but a time to get together and draw step by step with me while including some drawing principles.  

https://rumriverart.com/classes/virtual-art-classes/ 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Two Fruits

 

Click Here For More Information:  $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

Did you know you're supposed to eat two fruits a day?  My husband told me so, plus 3 veggies a day.  He always shares what he finds on the internet.  So now you have met your daily fruit requirement.  I'm just doing my part to keep you healthy and at your best.  Seriously I couldn't think of a title for this painting until I remembered the two fruit requirement.  Done with fruit moving on! 

I really went loose this time around with the big one inch brush and I'm applying more paint.  The smaller brushes are still in use for the little things, I'm trying to keep it that way for now.

Stay well!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Caring for acrylic paintings or any paintings:  keep them out of direct sunlight and the weather elements.  Seems logical right?  For an example my mother (who was an artist) towards the end of her life started hanging her paintings on a covered patio in Arizona.  The patio had a misting system plus the desert temps provided high heat.  Both caused the paint to peal away from the canvas.  I understand she wanted to decorate her patio but not a good idea with original art work, use prints or ceramic pieces.

Air Acrobat

 

Click Here For More Information:  $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

Storks seem like acrobats to me, they have to be pretty good at aerial maneuvers for precision landings on those high up nests.  From an art perspective the design elements in this photo were too hard to resist.  I cropped the photo to concentrate on the one stork.  It was fun seeing what the big one inch brush would do in small areas but I have to admit that I did bring in the smaller brush for some details.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Navigating Stripes

 

Click Here For More Information: $125, 6x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel

The pears look like they are sitting in a sea of stripes, so it seemed Navigating Stripes was a good title.  There's something about stripes and polka dots that add vibrancy.  I rely on them a lot for inspiration.  

I stopped varnishing my paintings, it seems to flatten the brush work which I work hard to incorporate.  I use professional acrylics of good quality and they will last a long time if well cared for.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Feeling Spring

 

Click Here For More Information: $175, 8x8 inches, Canvas Panel

I needed some still life subjects, so these are no occasion flowers that brighten my studio.  And the lily smells so good!  I'm still working with the one inch brush and loving the look.  I've been trying to let go of details concentrating on shapes and values, the larger brush has been a big help.   Experimenting with different tools and techniques keeps me inspired.  There is something about this painting that reminds me a little of Van Gogh's style, I think it's the flowy leaves.

Little over a week to get my second vaccination.  Yahoo!

Keep well.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Virtual Winter Drawing Class 2021

 My drawing class came to a close this past week, always hard to say goodbye to students but exciting to see them grow and learn.  My students help me become a better teacher and I learn from them continually.  These winter classes are a good way to spend a long cold winter, keeping me occupied and giving me a way to socialize through this pandemic.  And they socialized!  It was great how eager and open they were.  I hope you enjoy their beautiful drawings.  I have another drawing class starting the end of March through Rumriver Art Center Anoka MN, I'll post that info soon.

All work copyrighted by the individual artist 

Balancing Act

 

Click Here For More Information - $125, 8x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel

I hit a dry period.  Maybe it's the COVID, maybe it's winter or a combination of both.  Inspiration came by way of another artist who paints loose with big brushes, 1" and 2" flat brushes.  It drew me back to the studio for a go at it.  The first painting was a bust but I learned something and this one has a lot of energy.  

Spring is on it's way, received my first COVID vaccination last week and I'm ready for normal.  Much to be thankful for.  And my drawing class ended this week, I will be posting some of their work soon.  

Stay well!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Have A Heart

 

Click Here For More Information - $125, 6x8 inches on 1/8 inch Ampersand Gessobord

After weeks of health issues I'm trying to get back at painting again.  What a good way to start, with Valentines Day, I've always wanted to do a Valentine painting.  I love Valentines Day, to me it's a day to celebrate Love not just the romantic kind.  Maybe because of the fun stuff we did in grade school but I'm also a fan of vintage Valentine cards and art (I have a small collection). Sometimes I make Valentine cards when there's time and this year out came the mixed media stuff, oh so much fun, stamping, stenciling, spraying and more.  So I've included a few in this post, enjoy and Happy Valentines Day.  The world could use some more love don't you think.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Virtual Drawing Class Coming Up

Have you always wanted to learn some drawing skills or just sharpen up after years away?  Or maybe you need to socialize a bit in these times of isolation.  My 8 week virtual drawing class starts January 18, 2021, there's still time to sign up.  Basic skills will be covered as we draw from photo references.  Every week photo references are emailed to each student that are drawn step by step in the 3 hour class.  Materials are provided, a selection of pencils, a 7x10 inch sketch book and erasers.  Included during class: discussions, sharing and a break.  It's a great way to spend the winter!

For more information and to register: https://rumriverart.com/classes/senior-classes/

These classes are advertised as senior classes but anyone sixteen or older can register. 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Spring Hangin

 

Click Here For More Information - 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

This is another painting in my Hangin series, it must be nostalgia that keeps me coming back for more.  It's also the colors and patterns that attract me, like flags stretched and fluttering in the wind.  For me there seems to be a story in this painting, the joy of early spring, finally airing out the house and bed linens after a long winter.  

We are just starting our long winter but there is hope and joy of the spring to come which has a double meaning this year.  Winter for me is a time to focus on painting, maybe some experimenting with other mediums, read books, rest.  I have to remind myself it's a good time.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

  

The Window Spot

 Click Here For More Information - 6x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

This photo reference made me imagine walking in a restaurant (which I miss by the way) and seeing this lovely spot next to the sunny window.  This is the spot where I would ask to be seated with my lunch friends.  I wanted to keep it simple, let the light tell the story.  For me it's hard to let the details go but it's better when I do.

Happy New Year!  The vaccine is coming and I'm looking forward to a spot in the sun lunching with friends again.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright