Painting Demonstration

I have just completed this quick study and wanted to share it.......while there are small things that I would still like to address in this piece, I feel like I accomplished my initial goal which was to work on mixing beautiful "greys". When placed correctly against the rich colors in the focal point, these "greys" allow those rich colors to really "pop", leading the viewers directly where you want them to go. That is one of the primary goals of the artist, to lead the observer through your painting along the path YOU choose for them.......let me know what you think!

Michele Usibelli Workshop Announcement

Greetings to my artist friends, collectors and art lovers! 2010 has definitely crept up on me and I am finally getting my workshop schedule ironed out! I will be teaching a 3-day class in Anchorage April 26, 27 and 28th and will also be adding a workshop here at my studio in Edmonds on Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22.

The focus of this workshop will be on drawing the figure which will include one day of painting from a live model. It should be a challenging contemplation of the human form! All skill levels are encouraged. The cost for the two days is $185 which includes all modeling fees. Space in my studio is limited which ensures an intimate and relaxed environment. Please contact me if you are interested or would like more information. Hope to see you there!

"Worn Leathers"

After my post yesterday I received feedback from some of you wanting more information about the portrait painting that I included."Worn Leathers", 18"x14", oil on canvas, was born out of my pursuit to capture a moment in time, re-creating a snapshot of everyday life. Never leaving home without my camera, I was able to convince members of a large biker group to pose for me on the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston. The painting, "Worn Leathers", was the result of that experience. Encounters like these pepper my life and form the foundation for my creative process.

Staying Focused

As I get going on this drippy, foggy Sunday I am sitting here with my steaming cup of coffee thinking "where do I start?". It's Sunday, the proverbial day of rest, so why does my "to do" list include; write a press release for Women Painters of Washington, write up a job description for the Publicity Chairperson position I am vacating in a few months, update my website with new information, send out a press release about my inclusion in the newly released Best of America Oil Artists, Volume II, clean my house, go to the store to get food for the Super Bowl Party this afternoon, attend my daughters 2nd basketball game this weekend at 4:30pm (a fatuous planning mistake as it occurs right after kick off!), wash the ski clothes that have been piled in the garage since our outing on Friday and, last but not least, PAINT!...all this and I am missing my son's basketball game right now!

I am much more productive when I am busy but sometimes I feel like things are out of control. That's when I need to step back and keep repeating my mantra, stay FOCUSED! If I can prioritize my day and break it down into smaller, manageable parts I can accomplish everything that I set out to do.

So, prioritize your day, whatever that may include, try to stay focused and don't sweat the small stuff!

Stay tuned....I have finally given in to my temptation to chronicle the trials, tribulations and triumphs of being a professional artist! I am still trying to put it all together, so we will take this journey together!