The Calm Before

We are preparing to evacuate for Hurricane Irma but have time of anxious waiting and preparing so I painted this. It is called “Calm Before” and is 30×40″.

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Painting Tutorial

This project is a different way to paint. I am using acrylics.
First step is to gesso your canvas. Then I did the entire painting in grays, black and white. Adding more details.

Then, I made a print of the black and white painting and used colored pencils to color it to see what colors I liked. There were lots of ways I could have colored it like with a blue water background. I settled on this one.

Next step is to use some of the more transparent colors added with glazing medium to slowly paint layers of thin colors overall. Its nice to put them over other colors to create a third color.

Working slowly with multiple layers gives more luminosity to the image. Then I make a three color palette with matte white mixed with yellow, pure white, Unbleached titanium white and also a mixture of white gesso and cadmium yellow to paint the background. This painting is 20×20″

Adding more details. Metallic golds are underneath the tan and yellow background brushstrokes.

Beach Tide expressions with metallic golds

Two new paintings with expressionistic stylings. I like the brushy strokes with touches of metallic gold. Of course, metallic colors do not show well in photography but in a room, look stunning. The long skinny one is 16×40″ and called “lone Star”. The larger one with the sanderlings running from the tide is 36×36″. Both are heavy gallery wraps ready for hanging.

Recent International sales of my paintings

The first painting ” Reflections in Water” is 24x48x1.5″ is was sold to a couple in Germany.
“Tony’s Bar in Negril” was sold to a woman in Australia. The hardest thing to international sales is properly protecting and boxing up. First I wrap with archival paper. Then I add a cut piece of masonite slightly larder than the painting to protect the painting, add stryophome corners then bubble wrap. The it all goes in a larger box.

Altered photographs of Beach Scenes

I love shooting but I also love the creative opportunities allowed in post production. Always start with a good high res photo and then add grunge textures and tints to some areas. I feel that this gives another emotion and interest. Just sold two canvases 20×30″ of shell and golden dune. I can make acrylic, metal and canvas prints any size.

Series of Rays and edge of tide continues

I started the manta and sting ray collection late this summer and it is continuing with new challenges. The largest one yet is this new one of one ray gliding over the sand in the shallows of the tide. First, I paint the sandy bottom, then add shells and fish and rays with a cool blue shadows. Then I make the refraction highlights on the sand and under the ray. The last part is the reflection of the sky hitting the top of the water with highlights.
“Ray Close to Shore” is 36×48″.
“Starfish Under Shallows” and “Starfish Fishing” are both 24×24″.

New abstract expressionistic painting of a Wave

“Cascade” is a new abstract expressionistic painting that started out as an abstract painting. The more I looked at it, I saw a wave in the underpainting and gradually brushed and palette knifed in some details and tints. I try to stay abstract but the more I work on something, the more details come out. My husband said STOP on this one. Its done. 48×36″ with gold metal strip frame. My website is linda-olsen.pixels.com for more information.

Finally completed mermaid painting after 5 years

“Tidepool” was started 5 years ago and I thought it was complete but revisited it,took it out of storage, put a clear gesso over it and worked for an additional 4 days. Since it is 36×60″, which is quite large, its a much more physical experience. I have to keep stepping back to anaylize and make adjustments. Finally I feel that it is done. Hope you enjoy this. She looks as if she is somewhat surprised to be seen while lounging in the seashore tidal pools.

“High Tide” painting part of a beach themed collection

If you have been following my blogs, you will notice that I have been exploring painting the ocean. I feel like the new direction of semi abstract brush strokes and expressionistic touches really suits the energy of the sea. Also, the horizontal shape suits the landscape and the sizes fit nicely on many walls. This one is 36×24″. Check more on my website: linda-olsen.pixels.com

Decorating with Beach related Paintings and Accessories

As an artist who is obsessed with the ocean and the beach, creating a piece of artwork that gives the feelings of peace to a patron’s decor is important. Trying to view artwork possible decor scenarios helps some patrons visualize a painting on a wall, giving scale and coloring ideas. I offer decor items like shower curtains, throw pillow, duvet covers, towels, shirts,beach bags with my artwork printed on them to spruce up your beach inspired home.
Check out
http://www.linda-olsen.pixels.com.