Brushstrokes of Light:

Exploring the Journey of Fine Art Oil Painting with Julie Brayton

Hi Guys,

Recently in class we started a still life I composed using Peonies from my garden. I have this amazing field in my back yard that I thought made a great back drop combining  landscape with still life. This is a common practice with Cape School artist to paint a still life in the yard. 

Anyway, The Peony color is a bright Fuchsia and just breath taking! The thing about this color is getting that high saturation (brightness). We’re balancing value (lightness/darkenss) which can often be confused with saturation. I teach how decieving saturation can be at times. 

The key is not allowing your brain to take over and tell you what it thinks it sees. This is the where my students and quite honestly for a awhile I got tripped up on. We are so programed to “believe” the realty of color is what we’ve been taught. I call this method a brain twister for sure. With practice though you will get it. You WILL  “See” it. The key is practice! You can never get really good at anything without it.

We’re on “second notes” or layer of paint. The first notes determine the direction and outcome of the painting so it’s really important not to rush it.

Below from left to right, First note start, middle, second notes and adjustment of first notes, right, Reference Photo

I will be putting together a Charter Course directed at retired or semi-retired professionals who love learning the process or specific steps that will lead to an individual and unique style of painting. Stay tuned as I will be launching May first. 

In the meantime check out the start of this Peony painting on my YouTube Channel. Please subscribe while your there. Thank you : )

Peony Start Video

See Second Note Video Here 

Take Care For Now!

For Free Tips And Tutorials, Follow My YouTube Channel Here

My goal or mission is to bring reminders and connection to the importance each individual has through the connection to nature. How we all can honor the essence of who we have always been meant to be. Creativity, whether through collecting art or creating it, is a healing force that allows us to embrace, tell and own our stories in a transformative and ultimately joyful way.