This is a great series. You can watch it on Prime Video. There is also a portrait painting version. This semi finals made me wonder what I would have painted. I would have broken the bridge up for sure but none of the pieces really worked for me. What did you think of the semi finalists? How would you have composed a piece for judging? Now it is on the finals! 

I choose three colors to paint these tulips. What three colors would you use? 

I have started to teach individuals on line again . I guess it is time to start "er" up. I will be changing my website to reflect this pivot from being in full isolation to now being an active teacher again. 
There have been some major life changes that have made me come to that decision. 
So this video is about putting more color into your portraits. Color value swap outs are the key here and also improving your value range. That is almost always the place my online coaching seems to fall into. We all do it and we all can improve in that area. 
Please subscribe to my Youtube channel or tell a painting buddy about it. I hope to produce some more involved content soon. 

It is super cold here so I am taking an online class with David K Lobenberg. He is a wonderful teacher. He is showing me how to inject more color into my portraits. 
As far as weather it is below zero. I have heated boots, heated booties, heated vests and a heated mattress cover. Oh and hand warmers too. I wish I had fur like the dogs. Funny that they shed this time of year. We are always picking up hairballs.  Glamour at the Mackenzie's 

I have been painting barns in my neighborhood. I have a great tip for a free App. that can help you find the values you want in your work. I made a short video about it which you can find below. 

There are so many colors in a shadow depending on what is surrounding an object. The last red one is the most dynamic. If the sun it out today look for all the color in the shadows in your home. If you like this video please hit the subscribe button on the lower left hand corner. I have many watchers but not as many subscribers. So don't be a grinch ! give me a thumbs up a comment and a subscribe for the holidays. Said with love. 

It took me a long time to understand this concept and once I did it seemed obvious. It is fun to look for examples of white in the sunlight and in the shade and really isn't that what painting is all about? looking and seeing? 

Finding the light in December is always a race against time. The sun is up for such a short amount of time. Especially when the wind is blowing and the clouds are casting shadows. But the light is there you just have to look for it. 

Having fun painting china animals in different set up situations. I find it amusing. Do you remember the Hostess snowballs from childhood. The penguins think it is an amazing snowball both in size and color. If you have not subscribed to my Youtube channel yet , please do. I have some great guest artists coming up to share with you. 

While I am training  a puppy in real life I am having fun with my little "dog circus" of miniature figures. It is fun to play with proportion and humor.