Crazy Good 50 50 Work Begins

What was I thinking applying to a show where I would have to paint 50 paintings in 50 days? Crazy good stuff? Well actually, YES!

Why? Mainly because it was juried by DeWitt Cheng, a noted art writer, educator, artist, collector and curator based in San Francisco so I'm thrilled. He has exhibited at the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, the Oakland Museum of California, and Micaela Gallery in San Francisco. He has written for numerous national magazines, served on the jury for Art for AIDS, and curated the exhibit in San Francisco. Awesome!

I also like a good challenge for me and my art and this is one.

Saturday, June 11 - Goofy me with 50 - 6"x6" panels

I've decided to use black gesso (a primer) for my paintings. I love the über saturated look this gives. Here's what it looks like before I start painting: You can see the tiny holes pre-drilled on the back of each board. The hole does not go through to the front. 50 of these were provided by Sanchez Art Center to each artist for $75. I didn't really need to to gesso the back of the board which is what you see here, I just like the look of black edges and back for this project.

Black Gesso'd MDF panels. 1/4" thick, 6" x 6"

I set up my studio wall as my paintings will be hung for the show - a 7 x 7 grid with one extra painting set off to the side with a bio and artist statement. I exaggerated the contrast here so you could see the tiny nails the boards will be hung on. This big photo is to help you see the tiny nails.

I have this VERY cool easel that my friend Katy Kindig's husband John made for me. It's based on gravity and friction. The triangular piece slides down to hold the panel in place without covering up any of the painting surface. It sits on my larger easel. I will be using this easel to make all 50 paintings. I love it. Thanks, John!

Hand made easel holding black gesso'd panel

My theme is Dog Portraits.

Day 1
I was so excited to begin this process I could hardly wait. I had been painting "Sophie" for a commission so she was familiar to me. I thought I'd start with her for that very reason. Because I have never painted on MDF panels and generally don't begin with black gesso I thought having one part of the process be familiar was a good idea.

Sophie - Day 1

Day 2
In my exuberance to begin painting for this show I actually painted "Maggie" on Day 1 too. Jeez, could I just follow the rules? Day 1 and I'm already breaking the rules. Don't tell!!

"Maggie" went better than expected. Painting a black dog on a black panel was my challenge. I decided to use tints of blue and aqua as her highlights and the deepest blue/red/green for her shadow, or black areas. I first had a red background but changed it to blue. I'm happy with this painting.

Maggie - Day 2

This will be the theme of my blog for the next several weeks. I hope you enjoy it.

Mary