Art from the Land of Enchantment

Art Supplies

I enjoy shopping for art supplies almost as much as I love painting!  Well, maybe not quite.  Of all the brushes I have, this old worn one is one of my favorites.  It's an Isabey and at one time, I think it was a flat.  But I have worn it down to an angle and because it's also a bit stiff, it works better than some of my newer, smoother brushes.

I paint with Liquitex Heavy Body Acrylics and I use lots of blues in my paintings, especially the Pthalo blues (green and red shade).  Recently, I added a new color to my palette - Raw Sienna.  I love this color!  Very warm and earthy.

I used a glass palette for years, but living in a dry climate really makes my acrylic paints dry out even faster than normal.  I looked for a flat plastic covered container to store the palette in when I wasn't using it, but couldn't find one big enough.  I finally gave in and bought a 12x16 Masterson Sta-Wet palette, just to store my glass palette in.  However, the paints still dried out while I was painting, so I was constantly spraying water on them.  Finally, I decided to get the sponge and palette paper that goes with the Masterson Sta-Wet palette and it does work great.  It's a bit expensive, but I used my 40% off coupons from Michaels and that helped.  There are simple and cheaper ways to do this and there are several tutorials online that show you how.

Feel free to share you own favorite art supplies!

The Cider Barn - Acrylic Painting on Canvas

The Cider Barn

This is an acrylic painting of a barn on the Rio Grande Heritage Farm located inside the ABQ Biopark.  The farm is a 1930's era year-round working farm.  The barn is used for making apple cider and vinegar.  I spent a day at the Biopark taking pictures one day and this was a scene just waiting to be painted.

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrap canvas.  The edges are painted, so it can be displayed framed or unframed.  The painting will be delivered UPS ground service, varnished and ready to hang.  Shipping to the continental U.S. will be calculated in Paypal during checkout.  For all other destinations, please contact me for shipping information using the link above.

Click here to view larger image.

©2013 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, The Cider Barn, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 16 x 20 inches.

Adobe I - Work in Progress - Another Step in the Process

Adobe I - work in progress

This painting has taken another turn and I'm just having fun with it.  All these memories of Belen come to mind and old sketches have been waiting years to become paintings.  I don't want it to get too O'Keeffe-ish, but there really was a buffalo skull in the home I lived in.  Let's see what happens next.

Adobe I - Work in Progress

Adobe I - work in progress

I decided to fade out some of the rectangular shapes of the adobe molds.  I'm hoping this will give the illusion of dust in the air, which is common in New Mexico.  I'm also hoping it will add to the emotion of the painting, which is what I wanted.  Now it's getting fun, thanks to my "muse".  You know who you are.

Adobe I - Work in Progress

Adobe I - work in progress

Here's the next step in my painting of Adobe I.  I really wanted this to be a more emotional painting, but the composition is very rigid.  This is probably due to the subject matter, but I do hope to loosen up with it as I progress.  I am trying to remember what it felt like to live there and walk by that adobe farm.  I remember dust and tumbleweeds and beautiful light and pulling my baby girl in her little red wagon.  I still appreciate these things now many years later, even though the baby girl is all grown up.  ♥

Adobe I - Underpainting

Adobe I underpainting

Here's the next step in my process of painting Adobe I.  I used a Burnt Sienna and Titanium White mixture to create the underpainting.  I'm not sure what will come next in the process.  Stay tuned.

Trying Something New

Adobe I sketch on canvas

The ideas are just flowing these days.  Not enough time in the day!  Recently, I shared my works in progress.  However, yesterday my son encouraged me to paint something abstract, just to help me loosen up and have fun.  I have seen so many wonderful abstract artists and get so inspired looking at their work.  Some of my favorites are:

Cody Hooper

Mark Yearwood

Filomena Booth

Sally Trace

Joyce Watkins King

Ruth Palmer

Babatola Oguntoyinbo

Poteet Victory

Phillip Vigil

There are others and I may add them to this list in the future.

So, today I got really inspired to paint a subject I've always wanted to paint in an abstract style.  When I first moved to New Mexico in 1986, I lived in the small town of Belen, south of Albuquerque.  I lived next door to an adobe farm, which I had never heard of.  They had big wooden frames where they poured the mud into to make the adobe bricks.  Then they would remove the frame to let the bricks dry in the sun.  I liked seeing the rows of drying bricks.  I have sketches I made of the bricks and the frames from 1987.

Today, I decided to add to my works in progress, two more paintings.  They will be Adobe I and Adobe II, based on my sketches.  This one will be Adobe I and this is the basic sketch on a 20" x 16" canvas.  I'll be posting progress pictures here on my blog as I work on it.  I don't plan to change my style of painting, but I think this will be fun and will allow me to be more creative and have some fun with just colors and shapes.  I would like these paintings to be less representational and more emotional, recapturing that time when I was first experiencing New Mexico.

Works in Progress

Works in Progress

I like to work on several paintings at a time, usually three is a good number.  For me, it keeps the creativity flowing switching from one to another.  Also, if I get stuck on something with a painting, taking a break while working on another painting gives me a fresh view when I return to it.  When it gets down to the last details, then I'll focus on that one until it's finished.  I usually don't know which one I'll finish first until I get to that point.

Here are the three paintings that I am working on right now.  I'm in the beginning stages of blocking in shapes and colors.  These will change over and over again while I work out the colors, compositions and details.  These already have titles - from top to bottom - The Cider Barn, Vista Grande and Together.  I get ideas for paintings from what I see around me and many times, I know the titles before I even start to paint them.

October Morning - My First Painting of 2013

October Morning

Fall is my favorite time of year in New Mexico, especially October.   The hot air balloons are out and the cottonwoods are just starting to turn color along the Rio Grande.

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrap canvas, which measures 18"h x 24"w x 1.5"d.  The painting extends around the edges of the canvas, so it can be displayed framed or unframed.  The painting will be delivered via UPS ground, varnished and ready to hang.

Click here to view purchase details.

©2013 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, October Morning, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 18 x 14 inches.

The View from My Easel

I used to think you had to drive to Nine Mile Hill to see views like this, especially at night.  It is an incredible view from Nine Mile Hill, but I'm pretty happy with the view I have right from my own easel.  I can't believe that I wake up to this every morning.  I'm not quite sure how I ever ended up here, but I want to make the best of it while I'm here.

In the new year, I would like to do a series of paintings all inspired by this view.  I've been taking lots of pictures to capture those moments during the day that disappear within minutes, sometimes seconds.  I've seen beautiful sunrises, the mountains changing colors as the sun sets, all kinds of cloud formations, hot air balloons, sun and rain.  It's different every time I look out my window.  Like they say in the Southwest, "If you don't like the weather, just wait 5 minutes".

During the summer, the sunrise was really intense.  Now, it rises a bit more to the south and shines through my windows at an angle, so it's really pleasant.  I am awestruck every time I look out my windows.  I feel like I've been given a gift somehow.  I imagine how Georgia O'Keeffe must have felt when she looked out at the Pedernal, "her mountain".

I'm very excited about this series.  I don't usually work in series, but I think this is something I'm supposed to do.  I'm not sure how many paintings will come out of it or even what they will be.  Be sure to subscribe to my email newsletter to follow along.

Keepsake Box 1

Keepsake Box 1

This is an acrylic painting on an Ampersand Claybord Box.  The cactus bloom is painted on a kaolin clay ground surface and the rest of the box is made of wood.  The inside of the box lid and bottom are painted in acrylics.  The rest of the box is stained in cherry and finished with a satin varnish.

The price includes USPS shipping to the continental U.S. or local delivery.  For all other destinations, please use the link below to contact me for shipping rates.  Click here for a larger view.

Sunseeker II - New Painting

Sunseeker II

I love the water lilies you can find throughout the ABQ Biopark.  This one is painted in acrylics on canvas.  The edges are painted, so it can be displayed framed or unframed.  It will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Mailing via USPS is already included in the price.  Click here for a larger view.

©2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Sunseeker II, Original acrylic on canvas, 8 x 10 inches.

Sunseeker I - New Painting

Sunseeker I

I spent a day at the ABQ Biopark back in the summer.  I loved all the water lilies on the ponds.  This one is painted in acrylics on canvas.  The edges are painted so it can be displayed framed or unframed.  It will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Mailing through USPS is already included in the price.  Click here for a larger view.

©2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Sunseeker I, Original acrylic on canvas, 5 x 7 inches.

Tickled Pink - A New Painting

Tickled Pink

Tickled pink - that's just how I felt when I found this beautiful little pink cactus bloom inside the Desert Conservatory at the Albuquerque Botanical Gardens.  This is an original acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas.  The edges are painted, so framing is optional.  The price includes local delivery or UPS ground shipping to the continental U.S.  For all other destinations, please contact me for shipping information.  

Click here for a larger view.

© 2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Tickled Pink, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 20 x 16 inches.

Back to the Easel

It's been weeks since I painted.  I just moved and still getting settled in.  I hope to put my easel up today and maybe even paint a little over the weekend.  My studio will be a little corner of the living room, as usual.  But the view is quite different.  Who would ever have guessed that one day I would be having this view from where I live?  I feel very blessed.  There's enough inspiration here to last me a while.  I look at it as a year long vacation.  Then, who knows?

Featured in the Informed Collector Newsletter

Along the Rio Grande

My painting, Along the Rio Grande, was selected as an Outstanding Acrylic in the May 2012 BoldBrush Painting Competition.  As a result, I was featured in the Informed Collector newsletter on July 9, 2012.  I am very honored and grateful for this and just wanted to share it here.  Here is a link to the newsletter article.

Paint Savers

Thanks to Dreama Tolle Perry's blog post, I have been introduced to Paint Savers.  I just received my order today and I think these just might save me a lot of paint.  I paint in acrylics and live in the southwest, so my paints dry out very quickly.  I prefer to paint on glass, so these are perfect for quickly protecting my little piles of paint from drying out.  Visit paintsavers.org.

Outstanding Acrylic in the BoldBrush Painting Contest

Along the Rio Grande

I'm very happy to have my painting, Along the Rio Grande, selected as an Outstanding Acrylic in the May 2012 BoldBrush Painting Contest.  Congratulations to all of the winners!  Click here for the complete list of winners.

The BoldBrush Painting Contest is a monthly contest open to all painters and accepts oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, egg tempera, colored pencils, dyes, etc.  Award packages total over $6000 each month. 

My Agave - A New Painting

My Agave

Several years ago, I had a painting entitled Agave that was stolen from me by a frame shop owner.  I wrote about the experience here in my blog.  I always liked that painting, so I decided to paint a similar one.  This one is not for sale because I would like to keep it for myself.  This is one of my favorite plants to paint and my favorite color combination.  

Fine art prints are available on Imagekind.

©2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, My Agave, Original acrylic on canvas, 24 x 20 inches.

Painting Parties and Copyrights

A Spring to Remember - © 2002

Painting parties seem to be gaining popularity these days.  A painting party is a class where attendees bring their own art supplies, pay a fee and copy a work of art by another artist.  Every one copies the same artwork and takes home their own version of it.  It sounds like a fun setting to get together with others and learn a little bit about art.  However, organizers of these events should take some time to determine if the works of art they are providing to the class are protected by copyright law.  

Some of these businesses are using works of art by contemporary artists, living artists whose work is protected by intellectual property laws.  I came across one of my own paintings on a site called Creative Canvas AZ.  Apparently, they have used my painting entitled A Spring to Remember in their painting class.  I did not give them permission to take and use an image of my painting in this way.  I did contact them through two email addresses on their website.  They basically ignored me, because the image has not been removed nor did anyone respond to my emails.

I recognize several other artworks on their site that were copied from other artists' work.  Evidently, they are copying these images from some of the print on demand sites on the internet.

There are many older works of art in the public domain that are okay to copy without permission.  Here are a couple of articles on the subject of public domain.

Artist's Copyright FAQ: What is 'in the Public Domain'?

Welcome to the Public Domain

I'm not trying to ruin anyone's fun, but I am asking organizers of these painting parties to take the time to research the art first.  Show some respect for the artist who created that work of art.  Some artists may not mind having their art copied, but take the time to contact them and ask first.  Furthermore, if you ever use someone else's art on your website, be sure to give credit to the artist and a link back to that artist's site.

One more thing - copying works of art can be a great learning experience, but it's much more fun to create your own!  :)

NOTE:  It has been brought to my attention since writing this post that copying works of art for learning purposes is not actually copyright infringement.  However, it might be copyright infringement if the teacher or student is making money by selling or exhibiting the copied work.  At the very least, I think the person who is hosting these parties needs to have a basic understanding of copyrights and explain this to the students as part of the class.  They also need to attribute the artwork to the artist who created it.  

Along the Rio Grande - New Painting

Along the Rio Grande

One of my favorite places is along the Rio Grande off Alameda in Albuquerque.  I especially like it in the winter because these grasses that grow along the water's edge turn a nice rust color.  The air coming off the water is very crisp and cold.  However, it's also beautiful during October, when the cottonwoods are yellow and the balloons are out for Balloon Fiesta.  People enjoy biking, horseback riding, picnicing, and taking pictures in this area any time of the year.

This is a painting I did a couple of years ago, but I never really liked it.  I tried reworking it and nearly gave up, putting it in a closet for months.  Recently, I took it out and resumed work on it.  I finished it today and I'm much happier with it.

It is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas.  The edges are painted dark brown/black so it can be displayed without a frame.  However, I think more traditional paintings, such as this, probably look better custom framed.  It will be delivered varnished, full signature on the back and wired for hanging.  UPS Ground shipping is included with the price to the continental U.S.  Please contact me for details on international shipping.  Click here for purchase details.

©2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Along the Rio Grande, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 18 x 24 inches.

Sunlit Agave

I've wanted to paint this agave for a long time.  It is based on a photograph I took close to sunset.  I liked how the sun just barely touched the tips of the leaves.   I love the naturally abstract shapes of agave and cacti, which is why I enjoy painting them so much. 

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas.  The sides are painted dark brown, so it can be displayed unframed.  The painting will be delivered varnished and wired for hanging.  UPS Ground shipping in already included to the continental U.S.  Click here for purchase details.

©2012 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Sunlit Agave, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 18 x 14 inches.

Desert Bouquet has a New Name

Cactus Roses

I've don't think I've ever done this before - changed the title of a painting.  Desert Bouquet was painted in 2010 and, honestly, I've never really liked the title.  So, yesterday, all of sudden, I just decided to rename it Cactus Roses.  I know "cactus rose" can also refer to a type of succulent, but these red blooms on my cactus just remind me of roses, for some reason.  Actually, they look a little like poppies, too, but I'll stick with roses.  So there, I did it.  Cactus Roses is available for purchase here on my website.

My Palette

Artists' palettes are as unique as the artwork they create.  Lori McNee shared a great article today on her Fine Art Tips blog called Show Me Your Palette.

I missed my opportunity to share mine, but I had taken this picture of mine a few months ago.  Someone mentioned that it looked like spring and actually, it was the result of a painting of tulips.

I have no real method for laying out my paints.  I paint in acrylics, which dry quickly, so I just place small amounts on the palette, as needed.  I use a clear glass table top palette from Paragona.  I love how it cleans up easily with a little water and a glass scraper.  I've tried all kinds - disposable paper palettes, plastic, wooden, but the glass ones are my favorite.  I love it when I find something that works for me.

A Painting Just for Me

Agave

Several years ago, I had some paintings stolen from me by a frame shop owner.  Click here to read the entire story here on my blog.  I always hoped that my paintings would find their way back to me, but that has never happened.  One of my favorites was entitled Agave.  It was painted in acrylics and measured 24"h x 20"w.  It was inspired by another agave painting I had done back in college.  That one was painted in oils and measured 36"h x 30"w.  I loved it and hung it in my home for years.  However, cracks developed in the painting over the years due to inexpensive materials that I had used as a student.

So, I painted Agave in 2002.  Unfortunately, at the time, I did not take digital photos of my art.  What was I thinking?  So, the picture here was scanned from a photo the frame shop had used in an ad.  It's not a good photograph, but it's all I have.  The new painting will be the same size, 24"h x 20"w and painted in acrylics on canvas.

I did paint a similar one a few years after that entitled Agave II.  But I've always missed the first one, so I've decided to recreate the same painting.  It will be just for me and I will title it My Agave.  The original will not be for sale, but I will have reproductions available for purchase.  I will share it here and in my email newsletter.

Some Morning Inspiration

I went out around 7:45 this morning and noticed as the sun was rising, the sky was a beautiful dark blue.  The treetops were catching the sunlight and they were all aglow.  I ran in and got my camera and drove down to one of my favorite spots on the pedestrian bridge on Alameda.  This is the old Alameda bridge that is only open to walkers, bikers and horseback riders.  It's a beautiful spot anytime of the year to see the Rio Grande, the Sandia Mountains, the Corrales Bosque and the wildlife.

Of course, in the ten minutes it took me to get there, the sun had already slipped behind a big cloud, so some of the drama in the skies was gone.  But, it was still beautiful and gave me some new inspiration.  I've been planning a long time to do a series of paintings around this area during different times of the day and different seasons.  I think this is the year to do just that.

Prickly Pear - New Painting in Small Works Collection

Prickly Pear

This prickly pear cactus is painted with acrylics on a canvas board, which measures 6"h x 6"w.  There is a slot on the back for hanging and the painting will be varnished with a satin finish.  Shipping is already included to the continental U.S.  Click here for purchase details.

© 2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Prickly Pear, Original acrylic painting on board, 6 x 6 inches.

Poppy III - New Painting in Small Works Collection

Poppy III

This is an original acrylic painting on canvas. The actual canvas size is 2.5"h x 3.5"w, which is an ACEO size. ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. ACEO's are the same size as other types of trading cards and are a popular way to collect small pieces of art. The painting is signed on the bottom edge and on the back.

It will be delivered varnished and comes with display easel, as shown. Shipping to the continental U.S. is already included.  Click here for purchase details.

© Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Poppy III, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Poppy II - New Painting in Small Works Collection

Poppy II

This is an original acrylic painting on canvas. The actual canvas size is 2.5"h x 3.5"w, which is an ACEO size. ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. ACEO's are the same size as other types of trading cards and are a popular way to collect small pieces of art. The painting is signed on the bottom edge and on the back.

It will be delivered varnished and comes with display easel, as shown. Shipping to the continental U.S. is already included.  Click here for purchase details.

© Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Poppy II, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Poppy I - New Painting in Small Works Collection

Poppy I

This is an original acrylic painting on canvas.  The actual canvas size is 2.5"h x 3.5"w, which is an ACEO size.  ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals.  ACEO's are the same size as other types of trading cards and are a popular way to collect small pieces of art.  Will be delivered varnished and comes with display easel, as shown.  Click here for purchase details.

© Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Poppy I, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Blush - New Painting in Small Works Collection

Blush

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas.  The edges are painted, so it can be displayed with or without a frame.  It will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Free shipping to the continental U.S.  Click here for purchase details.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Blush, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 7 x 5 inches.

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Vine

The trumpet vine grows very well here in New Mexico during the summer.  It's always pretty hanging over a stuccoed wall.  This is an original acrylic painting on stretched canvas.  It measures 12" h x 9"w.  The edges are painted dark brown, so it can be displayed with or without a frame.  The price already includes shipping to the continental U.S.  Available for purchase here on my website.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Trumpet Vine, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 12 x 9 inches.

Chile Time

Chile Time

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrap canvas.  The edges are painted black, so it can be easily framed or displayed without a frame.  Will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Free shipping to the continental U.S.  This can be viewed here on my website.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Chile Time, Original acrylic painting, 10 x 8 inches.

Afterglow

Afterglow

This is an acrylic painting on canvas board, which measures 6"h x 6"w on  a 3/4" wooden cradle.  It will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Free shipping to the continental U.S.  Purchase details are here on my website.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Afterglow, Original acrylic painting on panel, 6 x 6 inches.

Chile Trio

Chile Trio

This is a set of 3 acrylic paintings on Aquabord.  These are unframed, but come with an adhesive strip for hanging.  Free shipping to the continental US.  Chile Trio can be viewed here on my website.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Chile Trio, Original acrylic paintings on board, 4 x 4 inches each.

Ristras

Ristras

This is an original acrylic painting on stretched canvas, which measures 7"h x 5"w.  It is a standard depth canvas with the edges painted black.  Ready to hang or frame.  Free shipping to the continental U.S.  Ristras can be purchased here on my website.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Ristras, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 7 x 5 inches.

My Original ACEO's Now Listed on Ebay

I have just listed 3 original ACEO's on ebay.  These auctions expire on 8/21/11.

Original ACEO Painting - Hot Air Balloons - Liftoff

Original ACEO Painting - Hot Air Balloons - Jazzy

Original ACEO Painting - Hot Air Balloons - Rainbow

These are original ACEO's painted in acrylics on linen-textured paper.  ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals.  It is a collectable miniature artwork the same size as a baseball card, which is 2.5" x 3.5".  They are signed on the back along with the title, year and medium.  Each painting comes in a white frame card with matching envelope and also includes a rigid vinyl sleeve. So the collector has the option to display them in the frame card or sleeve.

Casa San Ysidro - New Painting

Casa San Ysidro

Casa San Ysidro is located in Corrales, New Mexico, across from the Old San Ysidro Church.   It is part of the Albuquerque Museum.  It's such a quiet, peaceful place and one of my favorite places to sketch and take photos.

This is an original acrylic painting on gallery wrap canvas.  The edges are painted solid dark brown/black.  It will be delivered varnished, wired and ready to hang.  Free shipping in included to the continental U.S.  For all other destinations, please email me at gayle@gaylefaucettewisbon.com for shipping rates.

Casa San Ysidro can be purchased here using Paypal.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, Casa San Ysidro, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 16 x 20 inches.

One of Many - Print on Canvas

Reproductions of my painting, One of Many, are available in 3 sizes on premium glossy canvas.  The canvas is stretched on 1.5" stretcher bars and available in black, white or mirrored edges.  Just click on these options on each page to see what they will look like.  These are available in 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20, with ten prints available in each size.  This expires on 5/15/2011.

8x10 canvas print of One of Many

11x14 canvas print of One of Many

16x20 canvas print of One of Many

The Old Church is Finished!

La Iglesia de San Ysidro is an old adobe church in Corrales, New Mexico.  It is oftened referred to as "the Old Church".  It was built around 1868, but is no longer used for services. It is one of many of the beautiful old adobe churches in this state.

This is an acrylic painting on 1.5" gallery wrap canvas.  The edges are painted a solid brown/black color.  It will be delivered varnished and ready to hang.  Free UPS Ground shipping to the continental US. Please contact me at gayle@gaylefaucettewisbon.com for shipping rates to all other destinations.

This painting can be purchased here using Paypal.

©2011 Gayle Faucette Wisbon, The Old Church, Original acrylic painting on canvas, 24 x 20 inches.