Art In The Making — A Step-by-Step Guide on Painting Landscapes

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Cherie Roe Dirksen

I decided to photograph my latest abstract landscape project as I was about to try something new — ‘dripping’ technique…you’ll see later on in this blog.

The Making of The Layered Landscape

But enough chitter chat, let’s get to the pictures…the first one was taken ‘the night before’ the painting was actually going to commence. This is what is called the ‘first coat’ stage. It is the application of the first layer of paint in the background and pretty much looks like a dogs breakfast:

Now with a good nights sleep in the bag, it’s time to do the second layer:

Yes, it still looks like a dogs breakfast!

Now you can sort of see where this might be going…

Adding some details to the background…

Adding a bit of palette knife work…

This is the ‘new’ technique of letting the paint drip down the canvas — I rather like the effect of this…

This is the final stage, nearly there…just need to add some final touches…then, voila — the finished product!

The original got sold the very next day but this is available as prints and greeting cards — click on the picture below to take you to the store:

The Layered Landscape by Cherie Roe Dirksen

Thanks for joining me on my painting journey…

And just remember: The Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’…

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A Look Behind the Scenes — Painting an Abstract Landscape

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Cherie Roe Dirksen

Photographing the Stages of Painting an Abstract Landscape

I photographed the process of painting one of my big landscapes. I thought it would make an interesting pictorial blog.

I have done a detailed description at the end of this blog outlining the inspiration and details that went into the piece, along with the title and measurements.

The original is sold but it is available as prints, posters and greeting cards.

Here it goes:

And then finally, drum-roll please, the finished product:

Cosmic Dance by Cherie Roe Dirksen

Acrylic and textured acrylic on Canvas — 40″ × 30″

INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ART:

It probably goes without saying that I love the work of Van Gogh. I had a dream the night before I embarked on this painting.

I was in a field and was looking up at the night sky and the stars. I’m not sure if the spirit of Van Gogh was with me or if he was standing by my side, but I was being shown how he saw the night sky. How the stars looked like wormholes and were dancing and twinkling. When I woke up I knew exactly how I wanted to paint this picture and this is the product.

This painting was also done to the sounds of Tchaikovsky. I was also burning lavender and vanilla essence which is very calming and soothing, and vanilla is said to be an aphrodisiac — so this painting is one for the bedroom!

(PS. No, I don’t paint in my Sunday best — this was taken the day after I finished)

Thanks for looking!

Don’t forget to subscribe and receive your FREE copy of ‘Creative Expression — How to find your inspiration….’

My Art Portfolio book is also available (click on book to take you to the bookstore)

You can follow me on Twitter and Facebook for daily inspiration and articles:

Painting the Windows of the Soul — Eyes

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Cherie Roe Dirksen

Look into my Eyes

There is nothing more captivating than looking into the eyes of a living creature. So much can be said without words when you look into someone or somethings eyes.

They are said to be the windows of the soul and for good reason — eyes are so expressive. And it is every artists desire to captivate the onlooker, with a pair of fixating eyes.

“Sometimes I could swear I see the eyes ‘flicker’ or move. He says I definitely ensnared a bit of his soul in there.”

Look at the Mona Lisa — her eyes follow you around the room. What a fantastic genius Leonardo was!

Below, you will find a painting of my husband — this one really creeps both of us out a bit. It is hanging in our bedroom and it is so much like Mike that we both feel it has a certain ‘Dorian Gray’ feel to it. Sometimes I could swear I see the eyes ‘flicker’ or move. He says I definitely ensnared a bit of his soul in there.

The Egyptians and Kohl

The ancient Egyptians used to burn Frankincense and make kohl from the ash using water. They would then paint it around their eyes, supposedly because they wanted to carry the protection of the Gods with them — most likely a tribute to the God Horus. Very interesting to ‘frame’ your eyes. They seemed to think it was an important feature, enough to highlight it anyway.

Back to the Art…

Here are some of my paintings that have the ‘captivating eyes’ theme: