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Weeks ago, I challenged a few artist friends to join me in a "Painting Small to Large" challenge. It has been good for us, as a group, to get going on some larger pieces.

 

We started with a pencil. Yes, I believe it's important to first create the design from the get go. Take your time to do this with at least two thumbnails, while simplifying the large shapes and dividing them into no more than five values.

 

This allows our minds to get into the creative state. I find this is a very good practice, especially if you are not set on what you want to say with your finished piece yet.

 

It works well in field painting, and is even more important when going big.

 

I decided on a floral and a Grand Canyon piece.

      

After our designs were decided, we painted a value study.

 

This is a great way to become settled on your design ideas, and I strongly believe that it will prepare the mind for the creative process as you move along.

 

Here is my experience with this approach to painting big. 

 

After the sketches, value studies and color studies you have learned a lot about solving problems. You know now what works. 

This is key - you also have trained the right and left side of your brain - the left side on how to tackle it and what not to do - and when you get to the big piece - the right brain can take over with the creative process and experiment.

 

Remember this - each sketch and study has prepared you for the freedom to create this larger piece. 

 

Also, each sketch and every study will have its own life. So then, the big piece will have a life of its own. DO NOT TRY TO COPY or it will show. (haha I know this from experience)

 

I think it makes painting the final piece a joy, because you've already done the hard work to prepare. it's going to flow!

 

Next, then, the color studies.

   

Next, Go Big!

      

 

Going big, I began with the Grand Canyon piece. I decided to tone the canvas very warm with Quinacridone Rose. I came back in the morning and decided to add a second wash into it, using the values and temperatures that worked in the color study. No opache paint at this point. 

 

Please note: I was very careful to hang on to the original large value shapes, while varying the values within each shape slightly, without moving outside of the value group.

 

         

 

Today I mixed the sky colors, then the foreground colors, into "mother color piles". I began with the sky and then began to paint the foreground with loose strokes within the larger shapes.

 

I tried to keep the sky simple so as to not take away from the canyon and foreground.

 

Stay tuned for the next step!

I am currently in the process of acquiring a space in the new Sacramento Art Complex, where the Smith Gallery is opening a Midtown location. I will have work on display there beginning in May. This will be a new studio space where I will teach and show my work during gallery hours and also on the Second Saturday Artwalk each month.
www.sacramentoartwalk.com     www.smithgallery.com
The address is 2110 K Street in Sacramento. More info to come!

Come see the 50-50 show! The reception is tonight. 911 20th Street in Midtown. www.20art.net

Hope to see you,
Randy

The daily painting has begun. I've been at it for two weeks. I would have posted sooner, but have been overwhelmed with the business of art theses days. All good. Anyway, my 50 paintings have a theme, "Enter". Each one will have an entryway, some a door, others a gate or another way to enter into a new environment. These entryways make us think. There is a mystery in what lies beyond. There is a story beyond each doorway we pass through.
Check back with me when you can and I'll continue to give you a hint of these stories that intrigue us. I won't be posting all 50 paintings but I do encourage you to come to the show in April at the 20th Street Gallery in Sacramento. If you are unable to attend the gallery you may contact them if you are interested in purchasing any of these little pieces of fun!
Thank you for sharing your time with me.
Warmly,
Randy Blasquez

I just want to thank all of you who came out the the Old Sugar Mill last weekend to see the show. The turnout was great. I appreciate you.

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of you, and God Bless You!
This has been an exciting year of painting. I love what I'm doing and I'm looking forward to more painting in 2008. I am in a good place it seems and a lot is happening art wise.
I'm getting geared up for the 20th Street Gallery 2nd annual 50-50-50 show. This means painting 50 paintings in 50 days. 50 artists will be selected to show again this year, but with many more applicants I'm sure. My painting is ready to submit and I'm taking it down to the gallery tomorrow. We'll see if I get to be one of the participants on January 15th. The painting begins on January 30th.
NOW SHOWING: FOLSOM FINEST AT OLD SUGAR MILL
The show is hung at the Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg, California. Not far from Sacramento, this is a wonderful place to see and purchase exceptional art, wine, and enjoy lunch. This show, Folsom's Finest art group, will show for 3 months! I am so blessed to be a part of the group and show. Very good company.
There are 4 of us on show, each with a unique style in different mediums. Julie Bjorgum has a wonderful mosaic of 16 paintings. It all fits together on a 14 feet wide by 30 feet tall brick wall. Each piece may be purchased individually, or you can purchase the entire wall of art! These are very special pieces that Julie has created especially for this show. A cannot miss!
Lisa Deniz has also worked very hard to create one of a kind wall sculptures. Her wall, as with Julie and the rest of us, is 14 feet again, by 30. My favorite part of her display is another can't miss! She has created some very fun faces from iron and glass. Amazing. Just think lips, yes, lips.
Okay, Brandy Hart Ureel has really outdone herself this time and has put together a wonderful display and as with Julie, she put together a mosaic of large paintings. Her concept is born and created with such amazing heart. The colors and figures are worth the 15 minute drive outside of Sacramento.
See what I mean? Well I guess you really have to go to SEE it. Please join us for our first reception at OLD SUGAR MILL. Come early, have lunch and taste the wine as you enjoy the art show. Go to www.oldsugarmill.com for directions and more information. This place is quite a find.
Have a wonderful Christmas and blessed New Year.

Last May, "Folsom's Finest" artists studio tour showcased the original artwork of Tour organizers Brandy Hart-Ureel, Lisa Deniz, Julie Bjorgum and Randy Blasquez with visiting artists Michelle MacKenzie, Allison Carlos and Marisa Sayago. Visitors were able to view and purchase over 500 works or original art, meet the artists and peek into working studios. Folsom's Finest Tour, a two day event May 19th and 20th featured a full range of mediums including oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, sculpture, fused metal and glass, charcoals and mixed media pieces.
Join us again in May 2008:
Admission is free. 20% of all sales will go to the Mercy Hospital in Folsom "Flight For Life".
Go to www.folsomsfinest.com for more information

Join the fun this coming May on the weekend of the 19th and 20th. Go to www.folsomsfinest.com and get the latest information. Seven artists in Folsom have been working to prepare for this event that will benefit the Play For All, a fundraising initiative for a recreational facility that will allow our community's disabled children to play alongside their able-bodied peers. We will be showing hundreds of original artworks in our home art studios.