Elli & Henry... Anew
Shades of Magnolia view
Meant as a casual reflection of visits with Grandma, where no shoes are required... and there is always time to rest is the shade of the Magnolia after giving it a good climb.


apologize for the poor quality photos... just from my camera phone.  More to come that reflect the colors and details a bit better.

 

Long days and am still married to my easel and illustrations of late.  Literally painting a montster in the sky just now. Can's wait until the illustrations can be shared. The subject matter has been  A little toooooooo  close to home- as the setting is the Hamptons.  Just so happens the Author of one of  the picture books that am illustrating lives in  The Bahamas, and is originally from New York, where much family time is spent with her grandchildren and family in the Hamptons.

May we keep them, and all in our hearts and prayers, as the rebuilding of so many areas after Irene will be a part of their today's for a long time.

May it be an UP day.!

K

SUMMER SKIES & BLOOMS

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This painting just a quick Plein Air Oil, taken with camera phone, crooked and all.  Concentration of this painting was to try and capture the ever changing sky that night.  It was the same night that also gave the Rainbow above.
All of these photos, are just
Some of the views in the last few weeks...  SUMMER has found me IN more than out and about this year.  Have been blessed with multiple Children Book Illustrating Assignments.  Until the books are published, the images are for the most part between Authors/Publishers and myself.  HOPE will get to share more in the days to come. 
When I do get to enjoy Out And About... the Summer Skies have been like a kaleidoscope... ever changing.  Rainy season seems to even be Rainbow season too. 
Must say also LOVE when the Beach is in bloom.   

Here is one little sneak peak thumbnail sketch of one Children's Book Image Influenced by all these awesome summer skies.

Those of you that have had a class, you have heard me discuss thumbnails a few gazillion times.  No one would build a building with out a plan, its no different with drawing or painting. After the original Composition is explored in a thumbnail, the four basic values are planned within that next.  Each book that I work on... all 32 pages are placed on a storyboard.  On to that storyboard, these little thumbnail roughs... are placed.... that allows the design of the entire book to begin to take shape.  Lots of pages to come.  Hope to see you there as I get to share.  In the mean time will continue to share the out and about
as they present themselves
In all
May it be an UP day!

PS... 
VAC Workshops have been announced too.  See the Link VAC 
Class schedule should be posted soon.  THIS Year my Workshops are limited due to Illustration demands.  Added a new 3Day Drawing FUNdamentals Workshop early in the season.  It will make a great refresher, OR a great introduction to the foundation to every good work of art... DRAWING. 

Studying The Masters

Two of my favorites Jessie Wilcox Smith, NC Wyeth as illustrators
and as painter
John Singer Sargent

Detail of Carnation Lilly Lilly Rose, one of my favorite paintings
This these are how I study.... to finish my work at hand
MULTIPLE Children's Books.  So just as teach in the classroom, am now doing too....  learning from the Master's the 'how to's'

Here is just a few more, added a Powell too.  May it be an UP day!
As we keep learning and yes PAINTING away too!

JULY ENTRY TO BOLD BRUSH

Just thought would post latest entry to Bold Brush.
Waited kind of late to do so for July, but thought would give it a try.
We had are family reunion this month, and reminded me of this, one of my all time favorite paintings.  http://faso.com/boldbrush/painting/22793

If you like this painting... you can say so by voting 'like' it at Bold Brush Competition.

Have another painting there too... 

Been working hard on 2 Children's Books.  Hope to share more of their images soon too.
Hope that your summer has treated you grand!
I think SW FL even managed to be cooler than some other parts of the U.S. too.
May it be an UP day!  K

THE ONE WORKSHOP THIS SUMMER

START TO FINISH 3 DAY SUMMER WORKSHOP

You will find the class listed in the WORKSHOP section of the SUMMER catalog at the Venice Art Center Website also.  The link AdultSummerClassesVAC

In addition to this one workshop offered this summer, I will be available for private & semi private lessons at the gallery by reserved appointment.  Hope that you are having a grand start to your summer.  Watch the blog for additions to updates on schedule, the progress of paintings on my easel and the children's picture book in the works too.

At the Venice Art Center

941.485.7136

Class S120A START TO FINISH 3 DAY SUMMER WORKSHOP

Instructor: Karen Hitt

Description: A class designed to take you "Start To Finish" in the FUNdamentals.

ALL mediums and skill levels are welcome. 

This class is designed to take the essential

foundation of strong drawing skills, compostion and value,

 capturing light, color theory and exression to a finished work of art.

Dates: Three-day workshop, Tuesday-Thursday,

10:00am-4:00pm

S120A: August 2, 3 and 4

Fee: $180/Members $230/Nonmembers

This new season has me in my studio at my easel more than summers past.  Wanted to have at least one workshop available for students.  Hope to see you there.
In addition at The Melange Gallery: Private and Semi Private lessons on Wednesdays are also available. Feel free to contact me for additional information.

EMBARKING ON A NEW SEASON

Its time to get ready for our new season ahead now isn't it!  This is a very new season for me as a first since 1998 that I will not teach summer classes for children at the VAC.  The reason still is a focus on children though.  I have taken on an assignment to design and illustrate a children's picture book this summer.  Keep an eye on this blog for updates on images from this endeavor. The author and I are still finalizing the storyboard ...then the paintings will begin.

Currently though, one of the paintings on my easel is of a favorite subject: the gaze of a child.  This precious young man is peering out the window as they are about to embark on a journey to dad's homeland.

The expressions of children are so genuine, and I just love trying to capture them.  As they peer fearlessly and curiously out on to their next adventure
These are photos of the drawing stage of this painting.  As it progresses will share here too.

As to adult students asking about summer workshops.... SOON will post here what dates are available for that.  Travels to the authors homeland have my workshop schedule a bit up in the air.  Please just either follow this post, or check back in, and as soon as I can put down in ink the dates, will post them here too. I am still available on Wednesdays for private or semi-private lessons at the gallery.  Reservation with me are required for that, but as long as I am here would love to paint or draw with you. You may email me for more info if interested.

Hope that all have enjoyed thier spring... and are looking forward to the season ahead.  I know that I am.
May it be an UP day!
K

NEW SEASON!

This will be the first time since 1998 that I will not be teaching children's classes this summer at the Venice Art Center!  The reason still reflects around children though...  this summer will be illustrating and designing a children's picture book. Watch this summer for updates of images of it in the works.

As for right now...

On my easel, as pictured in it's beginning drawing stage is a portrait of one of my favorite subjects: the peer of a child's eyes.  This one is a precious young man as he is about to embark on a journey to his dad's homeland.  Just love the expression in his gaze. 
The expressions of children are so genuine, and I so love trying to capture them.

For all of my students asking about summer adult workshop possibilities.  SOON I should be posting more info.  Timing of travels to the Authors home, is keeping the workshop schedule a little up in the air.  Keep checking back here, or become a follower, and as soon as they are available, will post them here first.

Hope all have enjoyed Spring so far.... and are looking forward to all the new seasons ahead.
I know that I am.
May it be an UP day!K