Living your life with gratitude

I just returned from a trip to Austin, TX, where Creative Catalyst (now called Streamline Production Inc) filmed 2 videos of my painting process. The painting above, “Enduring Love”, is one of the videos.  It’s a story about a couple with the orbits of love coming their way.  And even tho there might be some hard times mixed in with the good, they lived their life with gratitude. I’ve heard several stories lately about friends who are grateful, even in tough times. It truly is a good practice. Finding the good in situations brings more goodness into your life, and makes us healthier and happier.
Check out my website soon (www.karenknutson.com) to get in on the early bird discount for my videos. The first one is a charcoal pour process.  You will love it!

Day 30! 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Life of the Party"     Sold
Acrylic          7" x 10"  

“Life of the Party” is my exclamation on the end of this 30 Day Challenge. I just wanted to do something wild and free. The under-painting had pink, yellow, and orange. I really liked the pop of pink, so I tried to save that color vibration. See below:

Step One

As the painting progressed, I decided to outline some of the details within the sunflower, kind of like Gustav Klimt. This 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge has been the hardest one that I’ve done. This was my 5th time that I’ve done this challenge. I’m always amazed how many new ideas come to me because of painting every day. I thank Leslie Saeta for offering this challenge. It always pushes me to new levels and it gives me a chance to offer my paintings at this discount sale for my longtime supporters.   Thanks to you all for reading my blog and liking my work!  

Day 27 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Dragonfly in Gold"     $75
Acrylic, permanent markers, gold foil        7" x 10"

I have to admit that I grabbed this from my stash of finished paintings  Confession: I didn't do this within the 30 Days.  But I'm attending a Paint-in and I want to paint large paintings and try new things.  That's what I love about Paint-ins.  We exchange ideas, and have critiques at the end of each day.  For many of us, its a reunion, only seeing the other artists once per year. There are usually 40 of us attending.  So much fun!!!!  This painting was originally $155, so this price is a steal, specially for this 30 Day Challenge.  I use gold foil paper instead of gold leaf.  It's so much easier.  This process will be shown at my workshop in Bradenton, FL on March 8 and 9th.  It's called, "Painting like Gustav Klimt".  Here's the link:  http://keetonsonline.com/GImages/180308KK.PDF

Before and After! Makeovers are good sometimes!

"Proud in Pink"
 Image:  29"x 21"  Framed:  38" x 30"
Acrylic Painting on Paper        $2000

The painting on the left was painted at the Joyce Ells Paint-in last Fall. I knew that it wasn't done, but decided to set it aside till I knew how to solve it. First of all, paintings at Paint-in's often have problems because you are among 30 other artists with lots of interruptions and gabbing during your creative process. I'm not complaining cuz I love Paint-ins. I am there to reconnect with my art buddies rather than having the goal of creating masterpieces. Anyway, I have had this landscape in my mind for at least 5 years with a dusty pink barn and Holstein cows leading up to the barn. I finally decided to paint that image. But then I lost my nerve to add the cows. No worries, cuz at least I had the pink house and barn. Someone came by and remarked how awful the colors were!😳 Pretty gutsy of her, don't you think? Well, that made me even more determined than ever that the pink barn STAYS!

So, this week, I needed a painting for a national competition and decided that it was time for me to finally do a makeover on this painting.

Things I wanted to change:

1. I didn't like the brown colors.

2.  I felt that the light pathway lacked interest.

3. The painting lacked the "wow" factor, so I decided to add bright colors.

4.  The center of interest needed to be made more clear.

So, I worked out a color triad that went with pink. Yes, the pink has to stay!  I used cobalt blue, Quinacridone magenta, and hansa yellow medium.  I also added a tiny bit of raw umber and Bahama Blue.  I got out my chalk and made a better pathway of light.  Then I wiped out the new pathway, using rubbing alcohol.  If you know me at all, you know that I love the color, red.  I knew that if I showcased the building by red, that I would be a happy camper!  I instantly felt better after the red was added.  I think this is a good lesson for all of us.  Some of my BEST paintings are the ones that I struggle with.  They appear deeper, if I can only make it past the ugly teenage stage!  Now, I love the new colors and I like the new design too.  Fingers crossed that it will get accepted into the show that I entered.  Time will tell..... But the most important critique of your paintings is always YOU, and if you are pleased with the outcome, nothing else matters!  

Day 20: 30 Paintings in 30 days!

"Country Charm"       NFS

Image:  11" x 15"       Acrylic painting

My early years on a ranch were such happy memories.  Every now and then, I just need to paint a farm scene.  Actually, if we are getting specific, I was raised on a ranch in Montana.  No farms in that area, only ranches.  It was a great life!
This painting was so much fun to do!  Layers of acrylic.  Although I'm not a quilter, I kind of paint as if I'm quilting.  Weaving layers of different colors and adjusting the colors as I go.  I will be teaching more acrylic workshops in the future.  Check out my website for my workshop schedule.  This painting is going to be entered into a national show, so I can't sell it yet.  If you are interested, let me know.

Workshop at The Villages, FL

Students with their paintings
The Villages "Paint like Gustav Klimt" workshop
 

What a wonderful week I had teaching in The Villages! The workshop students were so understanding about my recovering from pneumonia, and instead of me coming around to help them, we had them come up to my desk instead, so I could remain sitting.  It worked like a charm!  This class was such a joy for me to teach.  Positive attitudes and wonderful discoveries during the week.  They were so excited to learn the scraping with a credit card technique, and they even conned me into teaching them "wire drawings".  Loved my time there with these beautiful ladies, and Beverly Hennessey as our host.  She really knows how to make everyone comfortable.

Painting like Gustav Klimt

"Tribute to Gustav Klimt-2"  Acrylic on paper, $295, 11" x 14"

Gustav Klimt has been one of my favorite artists for many years.  I just completed teaching a 3 day workshop in my home studio.  There were 12 eager students who really did fantastic jobs with their paintings, which are pictured below.  We start these paintings by dropping acrylic paint on the surface and then spreading it with a credit card.  They liked that part the best!  This abstract beginning is perfect for us to use as an underpainting for the busy patterns in the outfits. I love teaching in my home studio, because I'm able to give lots more individual attention than in other workshops.  We all get to be such good friends by the end of the 3 days!

 

"Promise Granted", Acrylic painting with metallic accents

"Promise Granted"  Original Acrylic and metallic,  11" x 14"  $245

I'm preparing for my home studio workshop, "Painting Like Gustav Klimt", that starts next Tuesday.  One of the days, we will work abstractly.  This painting has gold foil paper on it, (much easier than gold leaf!) and metallic paint added for details.  I even did a little of my "wire drawing" on it. I'm so excited to share lots of fun techniques with the students!  It's a full class with a waiting list.  I did have a value plan when I started this painting, but it took on a life of it's own, halfway through. (See below)  In fact, I was ready to pitch it and start over at one point.  But I persevered and am very pleased with the outcome.  The title comes from the image of the round red shape that comes from a higher place.  I was thinking of my friend, Kathie George, who is battling cancer right now.  My prayers are with her.  If you get the chance, be sure to sign up for her blog.  She's such a great artist and a fantastic teacher!

How I get my ideas for paintings!

"Rhythm of my Mind"

 

Do you ever wonder where I come up with my ideas for abstracts?  I have many different triggers to get ideas, but one of my favorites is to do "little abbeys" and then use that little 4" x 6" painting as my study for a larger painting.  I start out by dragging my loaded brush across the cold press 140 lb. watercolor paper, and the skipping action is how the whites are saved.  (I do this in a drybrush fashion.)  Then I add collage papers to liven up the colors and add a center of interest by adding a totally opposite color in that area.  After that dries, I weave a unifying color through the painting, and lastly add blacks near the center of interest.  Below is the small study that I used for the finished painting, "Rhythm of my Mind".  Even though the colors are different, you can see some similarities, I hope.

I'm going to be giving a demonstration on this process this Thursday night for the Minnesota Watercolor Society.  The meeting starts at 7:00 and is held at the Christ Presbyterian Church, 6901 Normandale Boulevard, Edina, MN. Hope to see you all there! 

Summer Home Studio Workshop Schedule

Every Summer, I host 3 workshops in my home studio.  They are limited to only 10 students, so everyone gets lots of individual attention!  These really fill up fast, so if you are interested, sign up TODAY!  Seriously!

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May Workshop:  Wire Drawing and Illusionary People Workshop

 (3 Day watercolor, collage, and marker workshop)

Instructor:  Karen Knutson www.karenknutson.com

Dates:  May 6 – 8^th, 2015 (Wednesday – Friday)

Hours:  9:00 – 4:00

Place:  Karen’s Home studio (Red Rock Studio)

8621 Coachman’s Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 

Home phone:  952-934-0876      Cell:  612-940-9231

Cost:  $295

Contact:  karen@karenknutson.com to sign up

** (To register, send me an email.  The first 10 to respond will get in!  Then mail your check to 

Karen Knutson, 8621 Coachman's Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347)

This is my new favorite thing to do:  wire drawings.  They are done with permanent markers, but they look like they are wire sculptures!  That’s why I invented the name, “wire drawings”.  We will have one day of wire drawings, and watercolor paintings and the other days will involve learning how to paint groups of people in an illusionary manner.  You may or may not choose to add collage.  You know me, I will more than likely be adding collage, but you have the option either way. 

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June workshop:  Painting Textures with Acrylic- People paintings

 (3 Day acrylic workshop)

inst

Instructor:  Karen Knutson www.karenknutson.com

Dates:  June 16 – 18, 2015, (Tuesday – Thursday)

Hours:  9:00 – 4:00

Place:  Karen’s Home studio (Red Rock Studio)

8621 Coachman’s Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 

Home phone:  952-934-0876      Cell:  612-940-9231

Cost:  $295

Contact:  karen@karenknutson.com to sign up

** (To register, send me an email.  The first 10 to respond will get in!  Then mail your check to Karen Knutson, 8621 Coachman's Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347)

I’ll demonstrate painting people in this workshop, however, you can paint totally abstract if you would prefer. No drawing experience necessary.  I have shortcuts to make drawing people really easy!  This workshop will concentrate on how to get many textures that only acrylic allows.  We will be using rubbing alcohol, different surface textures, and many other tricks to come up with special effects. Each painting will have about 4 layers to produce the special effects.  So fun! I’m really enjoying acrylic most of all lately!  Can’t wait to share my tricks!

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July Workshop:  Paint like Gustav Klimt with Good Design! 

(3 Day Watercolor OR Acrylic workshop with collage and metallics)

Instructor:  Karen Knutson www.karenknutson.com

Dates:  July 28- 30 (Tuesday – Thursday)

Hours:  9:00 – 4:00

Place:  Karen’s Home studio (Red Rock Studio)

8621 Coachman’s Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 

Home phone:  952-934-0876    

 Cell:  612-940-9231

Cost:  $295

Contact:  karen@karenknutson.com to sign up

** (To register, send me an email.  The first 10 to respond will get in!  Then mail your check to Karen Knutson, 8621 Coachman's Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347)

We will get to doodle to our heart’s content in this workshop.  Acrylic actually makes this process easier, but if you’d rather work in watercolor and collage, that’s fine too.  This workshop will emphasize good design and lots of tricks to make the detail work easier.  We will also be working with several different types of metallic special effects and will be studying Gustav Klimt’s paintings. 

Surprise! Day 31 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Wearing their Paintings"        11" x 11"            $145

First of all, let me explain why I did a 31st painting.  In the middle of this challenge, I painted a chicken painting instead of my figurative paintings, due to the guilt of that long overdue commission painting.  I knew that the chicken wouldn't fit in with all my other collection, so I promised myself that by the end, I would replace that painting.  I will be making a booklet (published by Blurb) of this series, so if you are interested, mail me a check for $30 (includes shipping) with your shipping address and email, and I will mail you a copy upon it's publication.  It usually takes about 3 weeks to publish.  My address is Karen Knutson, 8621 Coachman's Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.

Now, a little about this painting.  I've always gotten a kick out of artists holding their full sheet paintings in front of themselves, because it looks like they are wearing their paintings.  So, this was so fun to do, and complete the background with a Frank Lloyd Wright look to it.  I'm hoping that the figures don't pop off the page right away.  I tried to make you see an abstract first and then, later, discover the figures.  By the way, this is me and a Florida friend, when I taught her how to paint in acrylics for the first time. It brings back such fond memories!

Collection of all 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

Well, there you have it!  All 30 Paintings to view in one glance!  What did I learn from this challenge?  That it is better to be prepared with meals and sketches ahead of time.  I love that Leslie Saeta features this every year, because it gives me the push that I need in January after not painting at all in December.  I discovered many new tricks and they are all shared on my daily posts, so if you are a student, you might want to look back over this past month's posts.  For those who want to buy a book of these paintings, just send me a check for $30 (this includes shipping) with your mailing address, and email to : Karen Knutson, 8621 Coachman's Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55347.  It is size 6.5" x 6.5".  I made one last year of my bird paintings, and really liked the quality of the Blurb product.  Thanks to all those who purchased many of these paintings.  It's always so rewarding to have you buy my artwork for your homes.  If interested in any of these, I've tried to keep updating them as to whether they have sold or not, so each day should have the details of each painting status.   I can't thank all of you who commented or "liked" my paintings as I posted them on Facebook.  It really means a lot to hear what you think!  And special thanks to my wonderful husband for encouraging and supporting me when the house hasn't been cleaned all month and we've been eating take out food most days.

Day 30 of "30 Paintings in 30 Days"

"Cheers"              11" x 11"             $145 SOLD
Acrylic on paper

Wow!  I made it!  I wanted to do a toast to all the friends and family who have supported me in this 30 Day Challenge, hosted by Leslie Saeta.  So here's to all of you!  Cheers! :)  It's been quite a ride!  I always wonder if I will do it again next year.  I've done this for 3 years in a row, every January.  I challenged myself to painting figures with abstract backgrounds and I have to say that I really learned a lot!  Yes, I'm glad I did the challenge, and I'll probably do it again next year.  I could really feel the fatigue this year, far more than any other year, so I may have to find a way to make my paintings more simple.  You know how well I do simple....NOT.  Below is my value study (only 2 values) that  really helped me as I selected colors.  I wasn't "feeling" which colors to use in this painting, so finally, I grabbed a napkin that had colors that I liked and that really helped me out.  Try it! BTW, the figure on the left is ME, and the right figure is a good friend.  Wonder if she will know this is her?

Day 29 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"College Finals Week"       11" x 11"      $145

I guess I may as well admit it; my favorite medium is collage!  Whenever I add collage to my paintings, I become completely immersed in the process and hours pass, without even having hunger pains! I had a total different plan when I started this painting.  But one thing I've learned over the years is to adapt to your painting.  When it's telling you something, listen!  Below is my wild underpainting, and my value sketch. But when I got to the mid stage, I noticed the circle rainbow shape that was behind her head and I thought, "go with it".  (see photo 3 below) I would love to do a large painting of this image!

Day 28 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Party Girl"               11" x 11"                  $145
Acrylic on paper

Today, I used one of my past abstract paintings as my inspiration for the design. (See below) I knew that I wanted to have earth tones plus zebra print and the Jazz color of aqua.  So, I would think that the painting would have gone smoothly!  Not true.  I tried another way of starting my painting, and it caused me lots of problems.  I'm going back to the middle value wild beginnings that I did before.  I am posting the painting when I thought it was complete (see photo 3 below), so that you can see why I changed it. When I analyzed it, I realized that I needed to make her hair a darker color so that it would show up against the circle background.  I also glazed the gold area with nickel azo to brighten the yellow area.  And I glazed the dark center area with pyrolle red light, and it really made that area richer.  It really made the painting better.  These last minute changes can really improve a painting.  I like to turn my paintings upside down, so I can really see the values, instead of the subject.

Day 27 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Being in the Moment"        11" x 11" image          $145
Acrylic painting on paper

This painting started as a wild underpainting, as explained on Day 3 of my blog.  I squirted both heavy body acrylics and liquid acrylics onto a prepared paper, and spread them out, using a credit card.  Then I sprinkled it with water and let that set for at least 5 minutes before wiping away the water.  This created light spots.  Both steps are pictured below.  This painting is actually someone that I know from a Paint-in.  I actually used the composition from my photo, and lots the different angles.  The stairs created a good interest point for her to sit.  To her right, is a painting done by a dear friend of mine, Connie.  I loved the angle of the snow scene, being an opposite angle to the stairway.  Good design, and that was how the photo had it!  Rare when that happens.  I abstracted the area beside her head, and changed her dress color, so that I could paint my favorite color, red!

Day 26 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Heading for Happy Hour"       11" x 11"image       $145
Collage and acrylic on paper

I used the same value pattern as my last painting, "Suits".  But this time, I collaged with medium toned papers in the dark areas.  I forgot to take a  photo in this early stage.  I applied the collage papers using acrylic matte medium.   In the light areas, I tore up newspaper and collaged it in all different directions, so that the print wouldn't be readable.  I then painted a thin layer of gesso over the newspaper to make it a little whiter.  I like this painting, because the figures look transparent where they overlap the background.  Which painting do you like better--"Suits" or this one? They actually look pretty cool hanging together.  If you purchase both paintings, I give 10% off.

Day 25 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Suits"               11" x 11" image                $145
Acrylic

My husband's business moved to a new location, so I wanted to do a painting for his new office.  The real painting will be 30" x 38" so this is a warm up for me. This painting started with a colorful underpainting, but I limited my colors to cobalt blue and nickel azo gold with a touch of pyrrole red. I learned how to use a limited palette from Carrie Burns Brown.  She told us to pick 2 colors, and then make 10 mixtures from them with just those 2 colors, and then, adding white and black to get even more colors.  It's a great lesson and keeps your painting unified.  Below is the underpainting.  After that dried, this was more about wiping out the lights than actually painting the figures.  They were created by wiping out lights around them, using cotton balls with rubbing alcohol.  I'm late posting this, due to going out with friends last night, and I had 2 margaritas.  Needless to say, I didn't have the ambition to complete this painting when we got home, so I'm hoping to get one more done today to get ahead again.  Only 5 more days to go!

Day 23 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Windows to your Soul"             11" x 11"               $195
Acrylic

I knew that I wanted to do a more abstract painting today, but even I was surprised at this outcome.  I made color samples of rich earth tone colors.  I still started with a totally busy underpainting, pictured below.  Then I drew my value sketch for the abstract design with only 2 values. I made one of the sections large, so I could draw a face within that area.  I usually don't paint positive images, but this time, I was forced to give it a try, so the girls face has four layers of shadow patterns to build up the values.  I refer to Jan Kunz' book, Painting Portraits that Glow, when I need help getting the shadows correct.  The most fun part for me was integrating the abstract design within the face, and working the dark values into the design.  Odd coincidence:  I went to the movie, "Big Eyes" AFTER finishing this painting!  A great movie for artists.  :)

Day 22 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Showing off for Mr. Right"    11" x 11"    $195
(If you purchase both Mr. Right and this one, the set would cost $350)
She's such a flirt!  Trying to get the attention of Mr. Right.  I had lots of fun painting this one, because I had been through all the trials and new discoveries with the painting, "Mr. Right".  I did decide to add the stripe of collage paper in the middle and you'll see below that I added it to Mr. Right painting too.  Guess that's kind of breaking the rules, since I already posted it yesterday, but that's me for you.  One of my favorite sayings is, "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission".  If you are interested in buying both of these paintings, I'm offering them for $350 for the set, instead of $195 each.  Both are acrylics with collage.  They are pictured below. I can picture them with a deep black frame.