Dear Friends,
(I had some problems with my email program and it didn’t send to any of you with gmail addresses. The problem is fixed for you to receive them, but persist for me sending them from my art email address: diane@dianeconstantine.com. Hopefully, by the next mailing this problem will be solved. I didn’t want you to miss this letter, though.)
Ah, I don’t know where the time has gone. We are into February and I didn’t get a letter written to you! I continue to try new techniques and work on landscapes.
The mountain was a demo and trial of some new techniques. It is just a generic mountain, but a chance to try to get depth and perspective right. This was painted with dark blue paint, but it looks much better as a black and white. Someday, I’ll be able to do a credible job of the Southwestern US terrain where our son, Michael, lives.
The two sketches in circles use a technique a group in India practice. I’m challenged to think of things I can sketch or ink in a circle. You will see more of these from time to time.
My favorite of these paintings was the winter landscape from a tutorial by Paul Clark. I was surprised how very few strokes were needed for the house, tree and tuffs of grass to look right. After my long practice with realistic painting, I’m amazed at how complete a painting can look with very few strokes put in the right places.
My takeaway this month is that many times, less is more. Less color made the mountain look more natural. Fewer things in a tiny circle help us focus on what it most important. Our mind fills in the details on the winter landscape. For example, more details cause our minds to check if the lines are all straight and parallel. We relax more and enjoy the scene if we are not struggling to see the minute details.
My life is so much less complicated than years ago. Yet I can stew over many things. I’m learning the importance of finding the core issue and ignoring the things outside of my control. Then I try to do something meaningful about the things I have control over.
Next Friday, the 13th, our church is sponsoring a Tim Tebow event like a prom for special needs adults. I will be filling most of my free time next week in completing one part of the whole event. You may not see anything from me for a few weeks. You might want to uplift this Night to Shine in your prayers. It is a huge undertaking, but so very rewarding!
May God Bless you!
Diane
You may like to see my artwork posted on my web site. Click: https://dianeconstantine.com/category/artistic-inspiration/