New Corn Series painting: "Hot Tub"

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

"Hot Tub" Oil on Canvas 30"x40" copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

It's a sultry summer early evening, the sun will set in a few hours... snuggled in the hot tub, he whispers in her ear. My newest painting- "Hot Tub". 
I started on this painting in September, at the end of sweet corn season. The couple reclines in my pasta kettle- I had to stuff a towel in the bottom to keep them from sliding in the water while I painted.

Artist Interview

by Dena Tollefson

Thank you to Mary Zeran for the very nice interview she did about my art and processes! Click here to see it in her blog http://maryzeran.blogspot.com/2010/12/dena-tollefson-artist-conversation.html

Have a great day!

"Covenant" Acrylic on Canvas 30"x24" copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

New Gallery: Grand Opening of The Avenue Art Gallery and Photography Studio in Urbandale Iowa

by Dena Tollefson

Had a great time at the Grand Opening of The Avenue Art Gallery and Photography Studio yesterday. Thankfully the snow that hit northern Iowa stayed away.  I did a painting demonstration of my unique Daubism technique. Gallerist Jill Kelley has a beautiful gallery in a wonderful location. Artist friends Nina Vetrova Robinson and Paul Monska are also represented at the gallery. I am so delighted my sorority sister Janelle Jacobs Siders was able to attend!


Dena Tollefson Painting demonstration- this is the first layer of oil paint over an acrylic underpainting.



Gallerist Jill Kelley at the Grand Opening



New Corn Series Painting: "The Seduction of Sampson"

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Here is my latest Corn Series painting: "The Seduction of Sampson"

"The Seduction of Sampson" 30"x40" Oil on Canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

It's dark, warm and damp in the field... There Sampson waits amongst the tall, ragged grasses, awaiting Delilah. In one quick moment, Sampson's lock of shorn hair dangles precariously, representing his loss of strength after Delilah, disguised as butter, makes her move.

Mindy Eilers named that Painting

by Dena Tollefson

Thank you so much to Mary, Janelle, Nina, Troutbirder, Paul, Tammy, Mindy & Celia for the great painting name suggestions here, by email, and on Facebook! It was hard to narrow it down.

Mindy Eilers has has come up with the perfect name- "Covenant". It really captures the essence.

Thank you again for everyone's fantastic suggestions!
Have a great evening
Dena

"Covenant" 30" x 24" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Help me name this painting!

by Dena Tollefson

Untitled copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson 30"x24"acrylic on canvas

Please help me name this painting! I just finished this abstract and need the right title.   I am excited to hear your ideas! I'll be checking here and on my Facebook page Dena Tollefson Art to see what you come up with... Please put your name ideas in the comment section below.

Take care
Dena

Sneak Peek: U of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Tollefson Abstracts Exhibit

by Dena Tollefson

Here's a sneak peek of one of my 12 paintings in the upcoming University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinic's Gallery One exhibit, sponsored by Project Art.

"The Last Week" 28 x 22 Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

The painting above is entitled "The Last Week".  This painting is about the last week of Jesus' life and his disciple Peter's decision of whether he would acknowledge Christ of deny following him. On the left corner of the painting is the jail, Golgotha with the 3 crosses in on the right. The fractured bird crowing in the center reflects his final decision and eventual regret for his betrayal. This painting is one of two studies in blue.

This exhibit runs Oct 18, 2010 until Jan 21, 2011 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics 200 Hawkins Drive 8023 John Colloton Pavilion Iowa. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact John Hansen, Visual Arts Coordinator Phone 319 353 6417. Visit the Project Art website http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/projectart 

I hope you can make it to the exhibit!

New Corn Series painting: Marie Antoinette: "Let Them Eat Corn"

by Dena Tollefson

Here is my latest Corn Series painting - and a step-by-step of what it looked like in process. This blog posting is a continuation of my June 15, 2010 post entitled Painting Demonstration: Corn at the Window: Marie Antoinette (Let Them Eat Corn).


Underpainting  for "Marie Antoinette: Let Them Eat Corn" copyright 2010  Dena Tollefson Oil on Canvas 40"x30"

I had set this painting aside until August to concentrate on a commissioned painting. Got a great ear of corn from Knights's farm, put the spotlight on in the studio, and got to work. Here's the photo of the next step with the fields started and the kernels developing...

Painting in Process at my easel "Marie Antoinette: Let Them Eat Corn" copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson Oil on Canvas 40"x30"

The final steps to complete this corn painting were to restate the light around Marie and the window, and add details of the stalks of corn up closest to the window. I reglazed the distant sky at the horizon with a combination of titantium white and a bit of cad yellow. Also worked on the reflected light hitting the kernels on Marie's side opposite the window. I added cad orange highlights in her corn silk hair. Below is the completed painting.


Completed painting: "Marie Antoinette: Let Them Eat Corn" copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson Oil on Canvas 40"x30"



Goya's Disasters of War Exhibit at Cedar Rapids Museum of Art

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I attended a really neat lecture on Goya's Disasters of War copper plate etching prints at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art  this past Thursday.
The speaker was Phil Lasansky, son of artist Mauricio Lasansky, who with his wife Lori, own over 300 Goya prints. It was interesting to hear his insight contrasting his father's style, whose small  print editions allow focus on individual work with hand coloring or other special details,  with  Goya's, where multiple identical prints were made with each larger print run, intending to bring the work to the masses.

Francisco Goya was a court painter during the war and these prints were a record of his reaction to the horrors of the Peninsula War between France and Spain in the years 1807-1814- he kept this graphic and grisly body of work quiet- perhaps to not conflict with his role as court painter to royalty. He made this war record of 80 different images with copper plates- 7 print editions were made after his death. The Lasanskys own several sets, prints on loan to the museum are a complete 7th edition print (second best print - after the 1st edition- the original copper plates were faced with steel in a process to make the plates better able to withstand the rigors of the printing press).

 I was very impressed with Phil's in-depth working knowledge of printmaking process and his focus and dedication to collecting.  Click here to learn more about Goya's Disasters of War etchings on loan to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art- the exhibit runs until December 12th, 2010.

Thank you Carl and Mary Koehler History Center- Corn County Exhibit!

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Here are photos of the Carl and Mary Koehler History Center Corn County Exhibit where 6 of my Corn Series corn paintings are displayed now through May 2011. I attended the opening day Saturday, Aug 23rd.  It is a great exhibit- colorful, well-curated and very informative. Melanie Alexander did an outstanding job- the lighting and signage are expecially nice. Check it out!

North view of the Corn County exhibit, oil painting"Corn II" by Dena Tollefson on right hand wall

Dena Tollefson with corn paintings L-R "Corn I", "Rapunzel", and "Corn III: Attraction"

Here is some prehistoric corn they found buried in the ground

South side of the exhibit with early 1900s plow

The History Center did a great job with signage 

Exhibit west side

The exhibit covers prehistoric corn up through modern day uses/inspirations for corn

the exhibit includes interactive elements

Left: "Self Portrait in Corn", oil on canvas, right: "Corn IV" by Dena Tollefson

History Center

615 First Ave SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401

phone 319-362-1501

http://www.historycenter.org/

Tollefson Corn paintings in "Corn County" at the History Center

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I am delighted to have my paintings be part of the upcoming exhibit "Corn County" at the  Carl & Mary Koehler History Center in Cedar Rapids! I met with Executive Director Melanie Alexander today and dropped off 6 Corn paintings including Self Portrait in Corn, Corn IV, and Rapunzel. The exhibit runs August 28, 2010 through May 2011. I hope you can come out to the History Center (615 First Avenue SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and check it out! The exhibit features corn's history and all of its forms and inspirations. Click here to learn more about the Corn County exhibit

"Corn IV" 36"x24" Oil on Canvas copyright 2008 Dena Tollefson

More Buzzzzzzz

"Bumblebee John" on easel in studio 6"x4" Oil on Canvas

Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

My mother loved the little bumblebee from my easel shown on my July 24 2010 post - she named it Bumblebee Edgar after my grandfather, Edgar Gnewuch. I am giving it to her and my father as a gift- made a few others and continued them past the underpainting stage over to the final daubism stage. The thick oil paint will need to dry for at least 4 weeks before these bees can be signed, framed and sold. I am excited as people are wanting them off the easel. Am having to fight the temptation to frame them early- don't want to have the paint adhere to the frame if they are not sufficiently dry.  Shown here is Bumblebee John from the new Bumblebee series. I like how each little guy has his own personality.

What's in a Name?

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

How did you name that painting?  Naming a painting can be a lot of fun. I have been naming my little insect paintings (ladybugs, dragonflies, & bumblebees) after relatives and people I know.

Dragonfly Victor, for example, is named after Victor Newman on Young and the Restless (this is rather pathetic, I know, but I can't help myself as I feel I know Victor after watching him so long on TV- it is almost as though he is a member of the family!). Have named Ladybug Ida and Ladybug Hilbert after Tante Ida and Uncle Hilbert who lived in Wisconsin from my mother's side. Same with Ladybug Lydia, named after my grandmother Lydia Gnewuch. Ladybug Betsy is named after Elizabeth Rhoads Reed, an artist friend of mine. Friends Angie Rohret and Joanne Mauck inspired Ladybug on a Daisy Angie and Ladybug Joanne.

Dragonfly Victor 10"x8" Oil on Canvas Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

New Buzzzzz

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Last month I was at Catiri's in Amana doing a painting demo and a customer from Texas asked if I had any bumblebee paintings. I told him I have never painted a bee, instead he ended up purchasing one of my Ladybug paintings that day.

But what a great idea! So thank you to the Texas customer- a new series is born- the Bumblebee Series. Here is the underpainting of the first little guy, waiting to be turned into a Divisionism (Pointillism) painting. Next time he comes to Catiri's, I hope to have several bees ready for him to choose from.

Underpainting for first painting of new Bumblebee Series

6"x4" acrylic on canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Gearing up for 2011 exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Took down the Tollefson/Jones/Monska exhibit at the Lowe Center this Saturday to make way for Bill Kettlekamp and Larry Zirbel's exhibit which runs July 19- Sept 10th. I fought the temptation to look at Larry and Bill's work as it was being installed- want to be surprised and see it all put together and in its full glory for the first time when I go to see their opening reception. The little peek I had was great- they will have a wonderful show. Can't wait to see it fully lit!

 I am excited as Paul told me that Abby, Paul and I are slated to exhibit for the Marion Arts Council again next year- the challenge will be to come up with a new body of work over the next 10 months.! I had only one of my Daubism pieces (a small watermelon painting), at the 2010 show, the other 26 pieces were my abstracts and pieces from my Corn Series. I plan to bring all Daubism for the exhibit next year for 2011, so I had better get painting!.  Am also pleased that Paul's painting "Alliant Energy" and  my painting "Addonis" will be part of the Marion Arts Council's permanent collection.

"Addonis" 24"x30" Oil on Canvas  Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Marion Arts Council Permanent Collection 

Thanks for a great painting demo turnout!

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Thanks for the great turnout at the painting demo at Catiri's gallery in Amana! I was excited to meet folks from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Texas, Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Vermont, and all across the country. Here are a few photos of the event. I am seated at the easel demonstrating my Daubism technique of a new dragonfly painting. The painting is 12"x24". You can see the acrylic underpainting in the photo, just got a start on the oil painting.

Photos from Last Night's Catiri's Art Oasis Gallery 1- Person Exhibit Reception

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Thank you to Jenise and Ithiel Catiri for hosting an artist's reception for my 1- person exhibit! Here are a few photos from the event.

You are invited to the gallery this afternoon (Saturday, July 3rd) - I'll be doing an indoor painting demonstration of my Daubism technique. Will be there from 1-5PM... I hope to see you there!! Here's the address:

Catiri's Art Oasis
4506 220th Trail
Amana, Iowa 52203
Phone: (319) 622-3969
http://www.catiriartoasis.com/

Painting Demonstration: Corn at the Window: Marie Antoinette (Let Them Eat Corn)

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

New Painting in process- Marie Antoinette as Corn at her window

So I am thinking now of Marie Antoinette as corn. She stands, aloof and haughty at her window and surveys the rows of corn growing outside. She is indoors, living a luxurious life whilst the rest of the corn is sweating it out in the misquitoed humidity. The start of this painting is shown above on my studio easel.

I began this oil painting by toning my 40"x30" canvas with a wash of yellow ocher (see drips of underpainting showing). I love to have a washy, drippy underpainting- besides covering the white of the bare canvas, it creates an abstract start to the painting.

I have laid out the landscape through the window and have a good start on the distant clouds and sky. I like that a bit of the underpainting is showing in the clouds- plan to leave that as-is. Have used the same dark color (dioxadine purple mixed with cad orange) to make her hair and the windowframe. Will use this same color to unify her hair with the window as one compositional element.

Next step is to get back to HyVee for another ear of sweet corn- hard to find this time of year! They did have some shipped in earlier - it gets old quickly under the studio spotlight... I will continue painting this picture and show progress in future posts.

Thanks for a Great Turnout at the Light, Energy, and Color Exhibit!

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Thank you all for such a wonderful turnout at our exhibit "Light, Energy and Color" held at the Lowe Center in Marion, Iowa sponsored by the Marion Arts Council. The exhibit runs until July 16, 2010. It was great to hear fellow artists Paul Monska and Abby Jones explain how they made their art and thoughts behind it at the reception. I really liked Paul's Minimalist paintings of the iconic Cedar Rapids smokestack and Alliant Energy building- and Abby's Abstract Expressionism/Primitivism paintings - how she goes into a meditative state and then goes to town, getting paint on walls, floor, etc in the process.

"Self Portrait in Corn" 24" x30" Oil on Canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

"Corn IV" 24" x36" Oil on Canvas copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

I have received quite a few positive comments on my Corn Series- especially "Rapunzel", "Addonis", and "Self Portrait in Corn".  I am thinking about the corn as people- and trying to show their emotions through the paint. Since I don't do any nude paintings of people, personifying people through corn is a way to be naughty through paint, but still be conservative.

In "Corn III: Attraction", for example, the man stands behind her, she is dripping in butter. 
If you look closely at each pair of kernels in my corn series (especially evident on "Corn IV", shown above), the corn is painted in a way which looks like pairs of well toned men's bottoms. Scandalous- yes. More of the Corn series can be seen on my website .  Will be starting on another corn painting soon.

Art In Action Event a Success

by Dena Tollefson

Thanks to everyone who made the outdoor event "Art In Action" at Catiri's Art Oasis a success. Ithiel Catiri put a tent up for me which provided shade- made a huge difference and allowed me to paint the whole day for the demonstration. Met hundreds of people who walked by to see the demo, and got a good start on a new 24" x 12" tulip painting which will go into their July exhibit. It was a good day.

Painting Demonstration- Art in Action @ Catiri's Art Oasis

by Dena Tollefson
http:/www.denatollefson.com

"Daisy VIII" 4"x6" Oil on Canvas,  Private Collection. Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson  

I will be doing a painting demonstration of my Daubism pointillism oil painting technique at Catiri's Art Oasis in Amana this Saturday, May 29th. I will be meeting people and showing how I make my daisy series paintings-  Come on out for the fun-  this is part of Catiri's annual Art In Action event where there will be jewelry making, wheel pottery, painting and glass making demonstrations. Event is 10AM-5PM. If I am not at Catiri's at the moment, I will likely be found eating a cookie at the Amana Bakery 2 shops over :)

Catiris Art Oasis

4513 220th Trail
Amana, Iowa 52203
PHONE: (319) 622-3969

I hope to see you there!

"Energy, Light and Color" Exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Abby Jones, Paul Monska and Dena Tollefson will be exibiting over 50 paintings in a juried 3-person show entitled "Energy, Light and Color" at the Lowe Center for the Arts in Marion sponsored by the Marion Arts Council. Reception is June 3, 2010 6:00-7:30PM which is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. You are invited!!

The three of us will be giving an art talk at this reception to explain intentions behind the paintings. I am exhibiting my Corn Series and Abstract Series. Last week I wrote last week about the Corn Series- this week I'll write about the Abstracts... 

"The Last Week" 28"x22" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

"Noah's Ark, Gypsy" 40"x30" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson

"Sin" 20"x16" Acrylic on Canvas copyright 2005 Dena Tollefson

"Mountain Sunrise, The Flight" 18"x24" Acryic on Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

These Abstract paintings are all about symbolism with a goal of strong composition.  I first determine a theme or symbol for the painting and then develop a pencil or pen sketch to work out a composition of overlapping and tangential shapes which support the idea. I then lay out this plan with a thin layer of paint. The photos shown here are acrylic paintings, this approach is the same whether I am using acrylic or oil paint. I then continue building up layers by glazing color until the painting is complete.

My goal is to have connections between the small elements in the painting but have them read as a whole shape with a color balance across the painting. One should be able to divide the canvas in quarters and have balance and a sense of harmony in all quadrants. I use a lot of black and white with strong contrasts in these paintings to increased drama.

Inspired by a Teacher

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I dropped off 27 paintings on Saturday to the Lowe Center for the Arts in preparation for an opening on June 3rd... There was a wonderful woman there working on a grant who was very helpful. When I heard her name, I wondered if it could be the same person who was such a positive influence on me as a child- I was delighted to find out this was Mrs Renfer, my beloved 5th grade art teacher!  (Mind you, I am now 44 years old- this was a long time ago). Mrs Renfer is an appointed member of the Marion Arts Council and volunteers at the Lowe Center. What a neat blast from the past!

Thank you, Mrs Renfer, for the positive, creative energy you have bestowed on your students. I am grateful to you.

The Corn Series Exhibit

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I am preparing for an exhibit for the Marion Arts Council at the Lowe Center for the Arts. The exhibit features Iowa artists Paul Monska, Abby Jones and Dena Tollefson, running from May 22-July 26th 2010.  An artist's reception with art talk from Paul, Abby and Dena, open to the public, runs 6PM-7:30PM on June 3, 2010. I hope to see you there!

Our exhibit is titled "Energy, Light and Color". I will be showing 25 pieces from my Abstracts Series and Corn Series. I'll talk in this post about the Corn Series. Next post will describe intentions behind the Abstracts Series.

"Corn III: Attraction" Original Oil on Canvas 24"x30" Copyright 2008 Dena Tollefson

The Corn Series focuses on corn as people: what would they be like if they were really human? How would human emotions be carried out by the corn?  I have had a lot of fun doing these paintings. There are 9 of them in all, 7 done as smooth botanicals, 2 done in my Daubism (pointillism) style.

"Rapunzel" Original Oil on Canvas 48"x24" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

"Addonis" Original Oil on Canvas 24"x30" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

On these smooth paintings, I am focusing on the curve of each kernel- how the light hits it, how each one is unique and how they sit next to one another. On the Daubism paintings of corn, I focus more on the color play and work to build up a texture following the contours of each kernel, the corn silk, the husk.

"Leonardo" Original Oil on Canvas 22" X 28" Copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

Did you know? Facts about Dragonflies

by Dena Tollefson

Did you know...
The dragonfly can fly up to 30 mph. That is speeding in some neighborhoods! They can even fly backwards.

Did you know...
Dragonflies represent light and joy in the Japanese culture. They represent dear departed ones to some Native Americans. Some people think you will have good luck or hear an excellent  message from far away if a dragonfly lands on you.

Did you know...
Urban legend says a dragonfly lives only one day. This is not true- a dragonfly lives 4 months or longer, some several years. They start out as an egg laid near the water. They hatch into a little larva and spend most of their life in this larva stage where they gobble up mosquito larva and other such tasties. They are hunted by fish and frogs during this time. While underwater, they swim and have gills. Now large and mature, they leave the water, stake claim to a reed or stick, and form a casing. The dragonfly then goes into  the process a butterfly or moth goes through when they transition from larva to adult form... they metamorphasize into their final stage- a beautiful dragonfly.

Did you know...
Dragonflies don't live up to their scary name.  They don't try to bite or sting humans- but watch out if you are an insect!

Click here to learn more about dragonflies http://www.dragonflysoc.org.uk/faq.html

Dragonfly Series

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

I am doing a series of pointillism (Daubism) paintings on dragonflies- the subject below is Libellula pulchella, commonly known as the Twelve Spotted Skimmer Dragonfly. It is found all throughout the continental United States as well as southern Canada. As a chiId, I had a specimen of this dragonfly in my insect collection- I was always facinated by its strikingly bold wing markings. If you look closely, you will find 4 Libellula pulchellas in this painting.

"Dragonfly Symphony" Oil on Canvas 30"x 40" copyright 2010 Dena Tollefson

The 12 Spotted Skimmer has fragile wings and a strong body. It is found in ponds and other wet areas, eating small flying insects - such as those nasty mosquitoes! Click here to learn more about this dragonfly.

What's in the Paint?

by Dena Tollefson

Question- Why is the oil paint on your canvas so thick - almost like peanut butter? How long will one of your paintings last?

Cymbidium Orchid III 30"x24" Oil on Canvas 2004 Copyright Dena Tollefson

Private Collection

Answer- The paint is thick because I use artist's grade artist's paint. By using the best materials available, my paintings will last for generations.

Paints come in different types- here are some examples

• Artist's Grade (also known as Professional Grade) Artist's Paint
• Student's Grade Artist's Paint
• House Paint

Artist's oil paint is much different than house paint.  

Artist's Grade (also known as Professional Grade) paint consists of a vehicle/binder (usually linseed oil) + pigment (very concentrated ground up color). This concentration of linseed oil plus pigment is very thick and viscous. Since the mixture is only oil + pigment only with no fillers, etc, the mixture comes out of the tube like tootpaste or peanut butter. It is very long lasting and enables the artist to create work which will last centuries. This same mixture of oil + pigment has been used by artists through the centuries and has stood the test of time.

Student grade paint is similar in composition to Artist's grade(vehicle/binder + pigment), but it has a lower concentration of pigment, therefore may not provide the color intensity and tinting strength that artist's grade paint does. I use only Artist's Grade paint as it helps me get the color strength I need.

Interior house paint consists of a vehicle/binder +filler + pigment + water. Adding the filler and water dilutes the tinting strength of the paint and affects its long term permanence. When you paint a wall in your house, you will expect the color to fade over the years. Paintings made with Artist's Paint do not experience this type of fading

House paint is an option for some painters- in fact the late painter Jackson Pollock used standard enamel house paint and sometimes car paint for his famous "Drip" paintings. The concern with using this paint is that it is not intended to last for hundreds (or even thousands of years) as artist's paint is. Conservation is being done to protect many Jackson Pollock paintings so they do not deteriorate before their time.

Waiting For Paint to Dry

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/

Wow! How long does that painting take to dry?

I get that a lot.

"Pond XII" 40"x30" Original Oil on Canvas copyright Dena Tollefson 2009

Private Collection

Oil paintings can take years, even decades to dry completely!

According to the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, the chemical and physical changes which occur during an oil painting drying process continue years past the point when the painting is dry to the touch. Click on their link above to learn more.

Oil paintings take a long time to dry, especially those with a very thick application of paint, such as my Daubism (Pointillism) work shown above. The largest marks are made with a silver vegetable serving spoon (spoon reserved for this purpose). Oil paint is buttered on the back of the spoon for one stoke of paint, then the spoon is wiped to receive another buttering.  This is done to keep the colors from smearing into each other and to keep each stroke of paint smooth and crisp. All other marks are made with palette knives: sizes ranging from very large to very small.

Here are 4 types of drying times I consider for my paintings- each artist has their own timetables based on what type of paint they use, any additives such as stand oil or additional linseed oil, poppy oil. etc:

1. Drying time between adjacent strokes of paint so daubs don't smear: 4 days-8 days 
2. Drying time where surface of painting is dry to touch: 2 weeks- 5 weeks
3. Drying time between painting completion and framing: 4-16 weeks
4. Drying time point where painting is solidly dry down to core- 1-10 years or more!

So the saying, "It's like waiting for paint to dry" is really true.

Dean Aldrich: Showcasing Pointillism

by Dena Tollefson

The unique version of Pointillism I developed called Daubism is written up here by Dean Aldrich, whose blog named Tackad showcases abstract paintings with writing or dots. Calligraphy, postmodern pointillism, marks, gestures & scribbles, text and language based works. Check it out!

Adjacent Complementary Colors: Making Paintings Sparkle

by Dena Tollefson

Question: Why do some paintings appear to sparkle?

Choice A: Artist has snuck glitter into the paint hoping you won't notice
Choice B: Artist has applied the theory of adjacent complementary colors
Choice C: Artist has modified your eyes as you sleep in a bizarre attempt to change your vision

Answer: If you chose "B", congratulations, you are right!

You've probably seen this phenomenon in action in a science or psychology textbook- stare at a yellow object and you will see a purple afterimage. Stare at a blue object and you will see an orange afterimage. Stare at a red object, a green afterimage appears.  Click here to try it and learn about  rods, cones, photoreceptors, and the psychology of how our eyes handle adjacent complementary colors

It's science!

Artists understand this optical principle and will employ the scientific principles of how the human eye works to their advantage to create a sense of excitement in their artwork. When 2 color complements are placed adjacently, they create an optical pop or sparkle. Paintings which incorporate adjacent complementary color theory will excite the human eye.

"Sunflower VI" 36"x48" Oil on Cotton Canvas copyright 2009 Dena Tollefson

I oftentimes use this technique of strategically placing adjacent color complements in my work. For example, in the painting "Sunflower VI" above, I lay strokes of orange & blue and strokes of yellow & purple directly next to one another throughout the whole painting to
1. Add sparkle to the painting and
2. To draw the viewer's eye across the top of the painting and to the curving focal point where the dark seedhead meets the swirling petals.

Next time you view a painting which seems to sparkle at you, check to see if the artist has employed the technique of strategically placing adjacent complementary colors!

Nikki Janda Named that Painting

By Dena Tollefson

We have a winner! Nikki Janda's title "Soleil du Soir" (French for "Evening Sun") is the winning title idea to name the painting below. There were 19 title entries from 13 people between the blog, FB, and emails. Thank you to everyone for the great ideas and inputs!!! Very creative and well thought out ideas. Have a fantastic evening

Name That Painting

by Dena Tollefson

Help me name this new painting!

This painting needs a name- maybe your idea will be used!

Add your suggestion in the comment space below, write your idea on my wall at my Dena Tollefson Art Facebook page,  or send me a private message. Here's your chance to name a piece of original art. This painting is a 16"x20" original oil painting by Dena Tollefson
I look forward to your ideas!

Art Collector: Patric McCoy “The Power of Original Art”

Art Collector: Patric McCoy “The Power of Original Art”

Your Favorite Color Combos: Facebook Poll Results & Color’s Impact on Mood

“Pears XVIII” Original Oil on Panel 6”x8” by Dena Tollefson

“Daisy II” Original Oil on Panel 4”x6” by Dena Tollefson

by Dena Tollefson
http://www.denatollefson.com/


So here are the results from my informal poll “Tell me your favorite color combos” from Facebook: Thanks to all of you who contacted me with your inputs.

Your favorite Color Combos Poll results
1. Blue and White
2. Green and Blue
3. Pink and Green
4. Blue and Gold (tie)
5. Green and Gold (tie)


Ever wonder why we react to certain colors? Why we pick certain colors?


My Approach
I try to keep a balance of colors – warm and cool, deep and light in each painting I do. I pick a dominant set of 2-3 colors at the start of the painting which determine the overall look- for example, in “Daisy II” shown above, I wanted to make a pink and green painting. I decided to use the 3 colors pink (white + alizarin crimson), green and white. This is the dominant palette. Now I added purple and yellow to balance out the warm of the green and the cool of the pink. Then I go back in and mix the dominant colors together to create a gray or “mud” color to use alone or mix into all the other colors in the painting so that only a few marks will have pure pigment from the paint tube and there will be color harmony.


In the painting “Pears XVIII” above, I wanted to do a painting with where the dominant colors are blue, green, and gold. So I added secondary colors of red and orange help balance the cool blue. I mixed the the colors in with each other to make the “mud” color which helps pull it all together.

Here is an excerpt from the article How Color Affects Mood, by Abby Hoicowitz, Annie McNerney, Lamour Hudson, and Rhett McCoy :

“The authors of Impact of Three Interior Color Schemes on Worker Mood and Performance Relative to Individual Environmental Sensitivity also say that color affects mood. They explain that red, blue, and green create the most obvious results. They say that white does not usually test well because it is a neutral and common color. They also said that red causes alertness and high excitement, while blue causes relaxation and low excitement. Finally, the authors also say that blue and green cause feelings of security and tenderness.Our group also found a lot of information from internet sources. For instance, Starr Walker says that "colors are neither good or bad but, they do influence the human psyche."
She goes on to say that this is because of the different vibration levels of colors. Red has a much higher vibration level than black, while clear bright colors are more positive and emit a higher vibration. Dark or muddy colors give off a lower vibration. Walker says that the colors that a person chooses to wear can affect their mental state. The following are her interpretations of colors:

White = purity and clarity;
Red = power and strength;
Pink = sensitivity and love;
Orange = stimulation;
Yellow/Gold = energy;
Green = harmony in mind, body, and soul;
Blue = healing and calmness;
Violet = spirituality;
Brown = earth like; and
Black = depression and seduction.”

click here to see their full article
http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/nsfall99/labpacketArticles/Final1.HowColorAffectsMoo.html