Painting Daily Oil Sketches by Carolyn Hietala

Hall's Jewel Tea "Teacup & Yellow Rose" Still Life Oil Painting 5"x7" canvas panel. A work in progress no longer..... DONE! Not for sale at present.

2008-02-22T09:47:00.005-05:00

Finished!!!!

Rose just beginning to "breathe." Now the detail work will continue on the background / saucer / cup / rose / tones, values & hues adjusted.

Still establishing shadows & color blocking in preparation for detailed work ahead. As this little painting nears completion, I am anxiously looking forward to bringing the rose to life. There's lots more to be done!

I paint directly over my sketch.... the real fun begins now.

Third Session: After third turp/wash (this time Burnt Umber) I wipe the canvas very lightly with a kimwipe to remove just a little paint from the highest points of the cloth. Then I lightly apply payne's gray straight from the tube to establish the shadows. The background is ready for detail but after drying.... so now I move on to the teacup & saucer / rose.

Second Session: Closeup of the actual porcelain tile of the countertop in my reference image for this painting. See how using turpentine washes in layers (letting each completely dry before applying another) utilizes the canvas to develop a stipple pattern needed to duplicate the tile. Here I have only added two washes thus far (payne's gray + burnt umber) and will continue until satisfied w/results.

This charming deep yellow flower is "Graham Thomas" English Rose. The teacup & saucer are in an antique china pattern called "Autumn Leaf" by Hall.

Working from a photo I have taken....
First Session: I did a quick placement (I call a dot'n dash) then using these reference points sketched the flower, cup & saucer followed by color blocking an underpainting. A quick turp wash of the background and this little painting begins. In the next painting session I will complete the background before proceeding on the subjects.
Carolyn Hietala

When I'm not painting I am stocking up on reference photos for future nature paintings. This image however should not be viewed by the "squeamish."

2007-09-05T08:02:00.000-04:00

Yummmm!

I use the EOS Digital (SLR) Canon Rebel XT Camera

My Nature Photography Blog

http://carolynhietalanatureartpaintings.blogspot.com/

Purple Plum & White Cotton Handkerchief Still Life Art Oil Painting by Carolyn Hietala Available (click here for sale details)

2007-07-23T09:41:00.000-04:00

This small original painting is on 4"x4" stretched canvas and is available for purchase. I truly enjoyed painting this little gem!
Photo & painting copyright protected.

Painting sessions on Kittens & Mixing Bowls.... (still a work in progress) begin by color blocking nesting bowls....

2007-07-07T16:41:00.003-04:00

Still adding detail.....
Breaking out the tiny brushes for detail now! After the potholders I paint cat hairs. Then back to the rest of the painting. detail... detail... I don't mind that the vintage potholders are faded..... just adds character right? And now one of the kittens (now all grown up) resides with a family member and is indeed a "real character."

Things are really beginning to "take shape" now ;0)

Sixth Session: I apply a very thin layer of linseed oil to the bowl then with a tiny amount of titantium on my filbert I lightly drag the brush over the entire bowl... then again in the reflective areas. I will let it dry and move to the kittens. Tomorrow will continue on the bowl with alternating color glazes until it speaks... "I'm pottery" ;0) I also begin underpainting the potholders.

Fifth Session: Have deepened colors by turpentine / burnt umber washes. Now detail work begins.

Fourth painting session: Establishing background & lighting / bowl shadows not yet defined as still building up color / tinting kittens ears etc. with rose madder. Now the whites need to dry more before I can continue on the kits. & potholders so will set it aside and continue other works.

Update: Third painting session I tinted the background with wash of ultramarine / lamp black. Then applied titanium white to the kittens / potholders. Next I began to establish the calico pattern on the kittens even though the white is still wet. I am still building up the color / contours of the bowl along with adding shadows inside with asphaltum by Gamblin. The top rim I painted with unbleached titanium which was a perfect match to the bowl's color.

Second Painting Session: Still using a turpentine wash of Burnt Sienna I block in the bowl so as to gradually build up color. I'll let it dry for now and begin painting the potholders with white in preparation for glazing. I will post that progress tomorrow.

Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalapaintings.blogspot.com/

"Death By Chocolate" Kisses Caramel & Dark Chocolate & Fly ACEO Miniature Oil Painting... Available via eBay... UPDATE:SOLD

2007-07-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Third session: A surprise is added to the composition as you can see.

Update second session: Background begun & while drying..... on to the kisses for detail.

First painting session: on this little ACEO artist trading card. Hard to paint candy when all you really want is to eat it. Good things come to those who wait. I'll set it aside to work on others and post the completed here. Probably two more sessions until done with the last being for detail.

Now go right ahead.... have some Chocolate!

Carolyn Hietala http://carolynhietalaaceoartcards.blogspot.com/

Here's a small 4"x4" oil painting on stretched canvas.... "Plum Delicious & Hanky" (click here for purchase information)

2007-07-05T21:15:00.000-04:00

I call this one finished! It is my first still life painted with very dark shadows and am looking forward to doing more like it. The appearance is very "Rich" and will show even more depth & drama after varnishing. My Dad would be pleased to see his hanky included ;0)

I have done a quick color blocking on the handkerchief and now detail can begin.

I have decided to add my Dad's vintage cotton handkerchief to the composition and used a detail brush to sketch it in with titantium white. Dad loved plums and was never without a handkerchief in his pocket.

Now I begin on the background deciding upon on a dramatic effect using deep shadows to show off this subject.

This is the beginning of a miniature painting done in photo realism style. Now it will dry before a background along with more glazes and details are applied. Plum delicious already ;0)
Update: Have to buy a replacement plum before I can complete.... gone but not forgotten!

Carolyn Hietala

Kittens & Vintage Brown USA Pottery Mixing Bowls w/ Pot Holders. Still Life Oil Painting is work in progress...

2007-06-30T15:40:00.000-04:00

I am excited about painting this work in progress as the largest of the nesting mixing bowls and the potholders are much used (and loved) heirlooms. The kittens were rescued by a friend and are now adults. They found wonderful loving homes as well.

I mapped out the kittens / potholders in washes of ultramarine violet and the bowls in burnt sienna. I prefer ultra. violet as the cats are predominantly white with pale red / brown.

This oil is on 10"x10" stretched canvas. Stay tuned for progress reports ;0)
Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch No.2 Damselfly Photo Realism Update: another layer of background color applied & detail begins! Not for sale.

2007-06-28T16:38:00.001-04:00

Loads more work to be done on background, damselfly & stick.... highlights begin to build.... more detail, more color.... etc! Starting to come alive ;0)

I am mapping in the background and trust me..... it will look a lot better soon! You'll notice that I have covered some of the detail in the damselfly but after taking this photo I was back to work.... cleaning it up before setting it aside for another day ;0) Normally I would have planned the background prior to beginning the painting but since the original photo was taken on a back porch deck..... well after starting it already I decided a trip to the local pond was needed! Algae and beautiful reflections might look more interesting. One great thing about painting in oils is that you can paint right over top in the event you change your mind. Next time you see this painting it will be completed and appear very different than it does right now. I'll be back!

The colors I have used thus far are as follows: Burnt Sienna, Payne's Gray, Ultramarine Violet, and Titanium White. I use filbert brushes for the most part since the painting is small (for linear detail) and also to achieve photo realism. Brush strokes are smoothed so they won't show.

After the drawing of Sienna/turp wash was dry I applied a second layer of paint on the background... even actually covering the damselfly body. While wet I immediately used a small filbert dipped in turpentine (wiped almost dry with a kimwipe) to clean up my initial drawing except for the wings. Since the background paint was not applied thickly over the wings drawing it still shows through for future reference.

While this new layer of background is drying I will now move on to the stick and then to the damselfly for detail work. Oh those wings.... so intricate! Tomorrow if the background is dry I will apply transparent glazes to it to achieve proper color and tone; complete the detail in the stick and insect, then allow all to dry for application of highlights. If all goes well it should be on eBay in a few days.

Some advice: Kimwipes are awesome for wiping and cleaning small brushes.... dust free!

The Damselfly is closely related to the Dragonfly.

Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch #2 Damselfly 5"x5" stretched canvas. Very detailed. Close inspection of damselflies reveal their intricate construction.

2007-06-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

This painting, still a work in progress, was begun a few months ago but I had set it aside to dry.....got busy and simply forgot about it. Oops. I intend it to be very accurate to the photograph my daughter took of this little insect. It actually landed on her arm during the photo session.

I began with a careful drawing using a turp/oil wash of burnt sienna, a really tiny brush and a steady hand of course. No second cup of coffee ;0) I then proceeded layering thin color washs to establish an underpainting on which to build.

At first glance, one would not notice all the amazing work Mother Nature did on this little insect.....not to mention its brilliant colors. The wings alone are a work of art and I am sure they will be interesting to paint. The Damselfly is a close relative of the Dragonfly and of course...... a favorite meal of Trout ;0)

Congratulations to Mother Nature! Thanks to my daughter for providing me with a beautiful reference photo!

Carolyn Hietala

Moth Pupa Oil Painting (step by step progression) Painting-SOLD 100% proceeds to benefit ARK (Area Rehabbers Klub) Wildlife Rehabilitation in Virginia

2007-06-18T07:56:00.000-04:00

The Catalpa Sphinx Moth Pupa

that inspired this small painting..... shown cradled by a paper towel so as to not roll off the palette while I'm painting! I would have appreciated that it had stayed still though ;0)

(don't forget to click on images to enlarge)

After final color adjustments, detail & glazing applications, highlights, varnishing......

DONE!

Detailed commentary about this painting's progression can be found in my Nature Art blog: http://carolynhietalanatureartpaintings.blogspot.com/ It was painted last year and I thought it might be nice to have the step-by-step included in this blog..... so here it is.

This work was painted from real life subjects (right down to the smallest gravel and moss) that I gathered from my property..... each rested on my easel as I painted.

Now go and compose your own "little gem" oil painting ;0) Enjoy!

Carolyn Hietala

Vintage Feather Pillow No.3 "Cat Sleeping... Do NOT Disturb" Update on oil painting: SOLD

2006-11-25T16:54:00.000-05:00

(click on photo to supersize)

Update 11/26/2006: Painting is completed.

It's always a challenge to get colors "just right" and these pillows are well worn; some are quite dingy, faded and stained. In addition, all the layers of glazes and other techniques have to work well to achieve an authentic aged appearance. (feel free to email with any questions / view the progression up to this point in November 17 post)

I portray them as they are in real life..... much loved. Charlie seems to love them too.

Carolyn Hietala

Oil painting of my cat Charlie sleeping on those vintage feather down pillows. Counting sheep again! At least he's not stealing paint brushes.

2006-11-17T13:33:00.000-05:00

This is No.3 Vintage Feather Pillow..... still in the process of completion but nearly done. It will be available for purchase in a few days. I began with a turpentine/oil wash in Ultramarine Blue to sketch the pillows and place the cat. With sporatic spot tracing on the cat I established in key areas the direction of the hairs. This is my Charlie and I want it perfect! Of course I have to paint all those little hairs on...... and not to mention those pillow stripes.

Since this is being painted in layers where each one must dry before another is applied.....I work on other paintings in the interim. Glazing with thin washes allows the texture of the canvas to reveal an extremely realistic cloth pattern on the pillows. Now I will paint Charlie while the pillows dry in preparation for their next layer and post an update soon.

This is on a 5"x7" canvas panel. You can see a photograph of Charlie on my Lifeoncanvas Blog. Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch #1... Shawnee Pottery Shakers (click here for purchase information)

2006-11-14T16:26:00.001-05:00

PAINTING COMPLETED

Available in gallery at

McCool's Of Bon Air - Richmond, Virginia

I will probably do a little more touchup in a few areas and refreshing of the highlights before I post this finished painting. But for now I will set it aside and begin another little painting. I will be using these Salt and Pepper Shakers in a larger painting so this was a good exercise. I have really enjoyed this little painting.
Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch #1 ... Shawnee Salt & Pepper Shakers ... I will discuss the oil paint colors I am using in this work still in progress.

2006-11-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

I still have more detail, color adjustments and highlight work to be done before this painting is completed but would like to share with you the colors I have used thus far. The photograph had to be taken using artificial lighting, therefore the glare, but the colors are very close to the original. The paint is still wet.

Titanium white, burnt umber, burnt sienna, brown madder, ultramarine violet, ultramarine blue, payne's gray, cadmium-barium green deep, chrome titanate yellow. All are Grumbacher Pre-Tested oils.

Carolyn Hietala

Shawnee Salt & Pepper ... Painting viewed on easel with pottery shakers still life setup. "Sailor Boy" and "Little Bo Peep" immortalized in oils.

2006-11-07T20:05:00.000-05:00

Shakers are shown in the art studio with the easel setup.

The lighting and angle is different than in the actual painting...... and you can't see that they are missing their cork stoppers. As a child I actually played with these as a special treat whenever I was ill in bed so they never "made it as shakers" but admired on the what-not shelf.

Isn't it wonderful to take the ordinary and elevate it to portrait status? After all these are heirloom treasures though tattered with age.

Carolyn Hietala

Update on Painting Daily Oil Sketch #1 ... Shawnee Shakers ... work in progress ... toning down background underpainting

2006-11-06T19:14:00.000-05:00

Session Four.

Before proceeding further I felt the need to tone down and begin establishing my lighting in the background using a flat stiff bristle brush. I have yet to determine what the final color will be to best support my subjects.
Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch #1 ... Shawnee Shakers ... Session Three ... Paint brushes used

2006-11-03T20:40:00.000-05:00

While I continue this work in progress.....
a brief word about the paint brushes I am using.

From front to back:
1) 5 Windsor & Newton - Sceptre Gold - 101 - sable/synthetic blend
2) 4 Americanpainter - 4500 - filbert - (Loew-Cornell)
3) 2 Americanpainter - 4500 - filbert - (Loew-Cornell)
4) 0 Loew-Cornell - 7650c - spotter
5) 10/0 Loew-Cornell - 7120 - rake

Most of the painting is done with the Windsor & Newton. Detail and some blending with the rest. I do not purchase expensive brushes for my oils but for qouache.... well that's a different story.
Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch #1 ... Second Session ... Shawnee Pottery Shakers

2006-11-02T18:04:00.000-05:00

Began painting sailor boy and worked a little more on girl.

Would have loved to have come closer to completion today but my dog Maggie needed to visit the vet so I missed the bright morning light. Ceramic objects have such depth of color and refraction of light due to their high gloss translucent glazes. A challenge to paint and natural daylight certainly brings out their beauty.

Carolyn Hietala

Painting Daily Oil Sketch # 1 ... Shawnee Salt & Pepper Shakers

2006-11-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

First painting session.

5"x5" MDF panel.

A color study for a larger painting.

Carolyn Hietala