Tuscan Vineyards 9 x 12 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello Hope everyone had a good holiday. I haven't been painting this week with all the holiday activities, but did this one last week. Starting a new series " Enchanting Italy" for a show coming up in March. This is one from my Tuscany trip this past May. I'll be leading another workshop in Tuscany in October 2012 so will get to see Tuscany in a new season. If you are interested in going on a painting trip to Italy check out this link for details or email me at patfiorello@aol.com. There's an early bird discount on registrations by 12/31/11, so if interested, still time to check it out this week. Happy New Year! |
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuscan Vineyards
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Will You Believe Artist Myths or Be Responsible for Your Own Success in 2012
The Lily Pond 12 x 12 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello A fried of mine, Aletta de Wal, is the founder of Artists Career Training.com where she offers products and services to help artists "make a better living making art". She and I share an enthusiasm for shattering the "starving artist" myth and we have worked on several teleclass and ebook projects to help artists create their own success. There is no reason for artists to suffer and struggle in the name of their art, when knowing and taking action on some practical approaches, and then being persistent over time, can lead to success. Recently Aletta published a newsletter dispelling some other artist myths. Click on Artist Myths to see tips. Consider sometimes myths are convenient to keep around because they allow us to blame something or someone else or circumstances and not be responsible for our own actions ( or lack of action) and results. Aletta is also author of the upcoming book: "My Real Job is Being an Artist - What You Should Know Before you Quit Your Day Job (or Get One)" which is due to be released Winter 2012. I had the honor of reading and providing feedback on a recent draft. I have read and own many art marketing books, but hers is by far the most substantive and comprehensive book I've seen on the topic. It delivers no nonsense, practical guidance for artists. I look forward to re-reading it when it comes out and will keep you posted on the release once a firm date is set. In the meantime, this time of year is always a great time to reflect back on what you accomplished this past year, lessons learned and then create goals for the new year. It's easy to forget what we accomplished over the course of the whole year,. We also may miss the big picture when we are looking at what's coming up next. Looking back on the year, I feel grateful for having set a clear plan with goals like getting into another gallery outside Georgia( I did get into a new gallery, the Spencer Gallery in Charleston SC as well as a second new gallery The Art House in Atlanta), studying with some excellent instructors ( including Robert Johnson, Dan Edmonson and Hedi Moran at the Scottsdale Artists School) and painting lots to build my "brush mileage" and skills in oils comparable to my watercolors ( painted over 150 oil paintings) as well as led 2 painting workshops in Italy and my other ongoing classes and workshops. I ended up having my best year yet, despite the challenges of the economy. Often people ask me how I can get so much done- and it is not anything magical or special. It really starts with a plan. If you don't know where you want to go- how will you get any there? Having a plan really helps to keep me focused and also to say no to opportunities that sound intriguing but might really just distractions from the things that are most important to me. If you haven't set your goals for 2012, I'd encourage you to find an hour of time between now and the end of the year and get out a a clean sheet of paper. Imagine yourself at the end of next year looking back- What 3-5 things would you be most satisfied with having accomplished? Write them down. Try to be as specific as possible. If you are genuinely committed to those outcomes( not just a "hope" or "try", then work back and see what actions you'd need to take to get there. Then as Nike says- Just do it! Having a plan in writing that you can see on a regular basis will help you stay focused and true to your dreams. Happy Holidays and best wishes for a new year that's filled with art, success and whatever''s most important to you! |
Sunday, December 18, 2011
A Christmas Carol
For Me? Silver & Gold
6 x 8
Oil Painting
by Pat Fiorello
Well we are fully in the swing of the holiday festivities. I spent the past few days exhibiting as the featured artist at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta. For those of you not from Atlanta, it's like our own smaller version of the Lincoln Center- an arts campus with Theatre, Symphony and the High Museum- the arts center of the city.
The Alliance Theatre performed their holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" and the Symphony featured the Holidays Pops. There were lots of other musical performances in the spirit of the season and families taking pictures in front of the big Christmas tree.
Here I am with Scrooge ( aka actor John Curren) in front of the display with some of my paintings in the main lobby.
The "Gallery in the Galleria" is a program sponsored by Digital Arts Studio with a portion of the proceeds going to support the Alliance Theatre where they allow local artists to showcase their artwork. My work is more traditional in nature, so I thought it would be a perfect venue for meeting new people who have an affinity for the Arts. I've already had several happy people go home with new paintings and will be there today too for both the matinee and evening shows.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Morning Light
Friday, December 9, 2011
Holiday Flowers II
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Holiday Flowers 1
Monday, December 5, 2011
Hydrangeas & Delphinium
Thursday, December 1, 2011
White Hydrangeas and Red Pansies
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Italian Bouganvillea
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tuscany- Beyond the Poppies
Beyond the Poppies 6 x 8 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello I've been focused on primarily florals and still life's lately while doing my challenge of 50 floral paintings, but do want to get back into some landscapes as well for a new series I'll be working on in 2012 called "Enchanted Italy". I decided to get back in the landscape mode by doing a little "mini" study of a painting I had done in larger from earlier this year. This one was based on some photo's I put together from a trip to Tuscany where we visited the poppy fields. I liked the idea of looking beyond the fields to the villa in the distance. The villa wasn't exactly placed in the right spot, so using artistic license, I moved it to where I wanted it in the composition. If you have always wanted to paint in Tuscany, please contact me at patfiorello@aol.com. I'll be returning for my 5th year to teach another workshop in 2012. Click here for details. |
Friday, November 25, 2011
Still Life : Spode & Cherries
Spode & Cherries
12 x 16
Oil Painting
by Pat Fiorello
I bought this Spode china vase in an antique shop in NJ a few months ago and have wanted to include it in a still life set up. I like the delicate orchids and branch that lead you to the vase. I had a real one for the original set up, but also found a pretty good silk orchid branch at Michaels to use as a "stand in" for future set ups if I don't have real orchids available.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Take time to smell the roses
With Thanksgiving upon us, it's a good reminder to take time to smell the roses in life- the people, places and things your are grateful for.
Thank you for following my blog and sharing what I'm up to with my art. It is a personal joy to make art, but it makes a difference to share it with others too.
Hope everyone has a Thanksgiving filled with love and gratitude.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Hydrangea Study
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuscan Pottery
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Scottsdale Artists School Show, Painting Flowers Alla Prima
I was excited to learn that one of my paintings, Sunflower Morning, shown below, was accepted into the "The Best & The Brightest" Show at the Scottsdale Artists School. This is an annual juried show open to anyone who has studied at the school in the past year. I was there earlier this year studying with Hedi Moran. She was wonderful. The show runs from Jan- March 2012. If you happen to be in Scottsdale during that time you might want to check it out. I saw the show this year and there were some really magnificent pieces. The show is pretty competitive to get in so I was honored to have a painting included.
I'm also excited to announce that I will be teaching a new workshop in March 2012 in Atlanta- Painting Flowers " Alla Prima" in oil. Details are listed in the announcement below. Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested.
Thanks
Pat
Flowers Alla Prima
Oil Painting Workshop with Pat Fiorello
This 2-day workshop will help you to approach painting flowers directly in oil with a loose, fresh, soft approach. There will be demo’s, studies and instruction (including understanding and simplifying flower shapes and form, and mixing color for flowers and foliage, among other topics) and guidance while you paint from Pat. We will be working from your own fresh flower set-ups.
Pat is known for her romantic landscape, garden and floral paintings that have a soft, impressionistic feel. She has had over a dozen solo shows including shows at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Callaway Gardens. Passionate about flowers, Pat has studied floral arranging design at the Halls Design School. She teaches painting workshops in the U.S., Caribbean and Europe, including a past workshop at Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France.
Supply list to be provided.
Saturday & Sunday 3/17-18, 2012
9:30AM-4PM
Workshop fee: $300
Students- minimum 5, maximum 15
The Art School at Sandy Springs ( specific location tbd - either Sandy Springs or a nearby Atlanta location)
To register contact Donna Thomas at dthomas555@aol.com or 678-755-1079
Monday, November 14, 2011
Flower Study #50
Flower Study # 50 Pinks & Greens 6 x 6 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello This is the last of the series of 50 floral studies that I embarked on earlier this summer. This little one I did with a 45 minute timer on as an exercise to keep it simple and not overwork it. All 50 have now been posted on my blog, mostly during Aug- Oct of this year. You can also see most of them all in one place on my DAILY PAINTWORKS GALLERY where many are available for sale. If you see one that you are interested in, feel free to get in touch with me at patfiorello@aol.com I actually laid out all 50 in sequence on the floor to see how the paintings had evolved, the experiments I tried and what I had learned along the way. It has been a fun challenge and I am now ready to embark on a new sereis which I'm calling "Fresh from the Garden". The focus will still be flowers and I'll still do some small studies, but will shift more towards some larger pieces for upcoming shows. Stay tuned. I'll share them as I complete new work. I will also be teaching a new 2 day oil painting workshop in Atlanta in 2012- Flowers Alla Prima. For more information see The Art School in Sandy Springs and click on the March calendar. |
Thursday, November 10, 2011
2012 Painting Workshop in Tuscany
Vagliagli Villa Watercolor by Pat Fiorello This is a painting of a Villa in a small town called Vagliagli, near where I have been going each year to teach a painting workshop. I typically go in the Spring, but for 2012 I decided to change things up a bit and see Tuscany in the fall. We stay at a beautiful 12th century monastery which has been restored to modern first class lodging accommodations while retaining and old world authenticity. The views are spectacular and we have our own chef who cooks for us in an authentic Tuscan manner, including of course, plenty of vino from the local Chianti Region. The workshop will be October 13-20, 2012. It is open to artists of all mediums and experience levels. Please contact me at patfiorello@aol.com if you are interested joining us for a painting dream vacation. For more information see Paint Tuscany |
Our home base in Italy San Fedele, not far from Siena. To see a slide show of the rooms and surroundings click on facilities |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Flower Study #49
Monday, November 7, 2011
Flower Study #48- Poinsettias
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Flower Study #47 - Giverny Morning
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Paint in France
Monet's Church, Giverny France 22 x 30 Watercolor by Pat Fiorello The painting pictured here is one I did inspired by my last trip to France where I taught a workshop at Monet's Garden. I've been mostly focused on teaching in the US and Italy the past few years, but will be making another trip to teach again in France in Summer 2012. This time I'll be going to the Champagne Region and can take up to 7 workshop participants. Artists of all mediums and experience levels are welcome to participate. We are staying the the beautiful La Bonne Etoile Artists Retreat. La Bonne Etoile is located 60 miles southeast of Paris, in the small village of Fontaine-Fourches. Details can be found on the flyer on my website at: http://patfiorello.com/LaBonneEtoile_FiorelloJULY2012.pdf or contact me directly at patfiorello@aol.com. |
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Flower Study #46 Roses in Tuscany
Flower Study #46
Roses in Tuscany
6 x 6
Oil Painting
by Pat Fiorello
This is the latest in my series of flowers paintings. Decided to try another one that combines flowers and some background landscape. This is from a reference photo I had from the workshop I taught in Tuscany this past spring. The flowers on the table were so pretty. They were grown in the garden of the place we were staying. I brought them out on the balcony to shoot them in natural sunlight with the beautiful Tuscan countryside in the distance.
I'm planning to go back to teach another workshop in Tuscany in October 2012. I'll be sharing more information about this painting opportunity in the next few weeks, but if you have an interest, please contact me at patfiorello@aol.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
10 Minute Challenge "Strawberry x 4"
"Strawberry x 4" 6 x6 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello Today I took on a "challenge" sponsored by Daily Paintworks. The challenge was to set a timer and paint one object in 10 minutes. Then do it again, for a total of 4 times. I picked a strawberry . It was more fun and less daunting then I might have thought to keep your painting time to 10 minutes. It does force you to be selective and only get in what's most important. Could be a good warm up exercise on a regular basis. To see other paintings I have listed, click on DailyPaintWorks gallery . |
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Flower Study #45 Geraniums in Italy
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Painting Fall Trees
Fall Gold Watercolor 9 x 12 |
Yesterday, I taught a workshop at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA with a focus on Painting Fall Trees. Above is a quick watercolor demo I did for the class. the colors werent' quite at peak yet, but there were still some fun fall colors to paint. Below are some photo's of trees, one of my students painting and some bright autumn mums that might be a fun future painting. it started out a bit cold, but turned into a beautiful day to be outdoors inspired by nature.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Flower Study #44 Classic Lilies
Flower Study #44
Classic Lilies
12 x 16
Oil Painting on Panel
by Pat Fiorello
I had done a painting a few days ago of one of my floral arrangements from my flower design class. After looking at it on screen, I realized that I had really reduced the size of the lilies and it had lost something in the translation. ( See flower study #40). So I decided to give it another go.
Instead of using the exact same arrangement, I used another similar arrangement which is pictured below.
The flowers are long gone, but I did have a photo. The colors in the photo appeared much yellower than I liked, so I made some adjustments to tone it down.
I'm glad I decided to do it again, I'm much happier with the painting the 2nd time around.
To see others in my floral series or to buy paintings on line visit Daily Paint Works.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Still Life Painting : Oriental Vase and Oranges
Oriental Vase & Oranges 9 x 12 Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello |
In his program, Dan supplies the photo's of some great still life set ups along with an on line video( and permanent copy on CD) . There are 10 lessons in his still life series and he also has a similar landscape series available. The lessons build on each other and get progressively more challenging.
This was number 8 of the series of 10 and it was definitely challenging. In hindsight, I wished I had done it on a bigger canvas. I could have used larger brushstrokes in describing each of the elements since there is a lot going on on this small canvas.
These classical dark style still lives are probably not my personal style, but they have been great training. Dan is an excellent and generous instructor who consistently provides spot on feedback. I have really enjoyed and learned a lot from his instruction and would highly recommend you check his programs out.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Flower Study #43 Loosening up
Flower Study #43
9 x 12
Oil Painting on Panel
by Pat Fiorello
For this painting, I focused on trying to get a looser feel, with a bit more movement. I did more of a close up vignette rather than a full still life or painting including a vase. Kept the background simple, with some of the toned canvas visible. Plan to do more in this direction, continuing to contrast hard vs soft edges.
9 x 12
Oil Painting on Panel
by Pat Fiorello
For this painting, I focused on trying to get a looser feel, with a bit more movement. I did more of a close up vignette rather than a full still life or painting including a vase. Kept the background simple, with some of the toned canvas visible. Plan to do more in this direction, continuing to contrast hard vs soft edges.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Flower Study 42- Grand Bouquet
Here's the initial block in to establish general placement |
Monday, October 10, 2011
Flower Study 41- Flowing Roses, Wedding Flowers
A large arrangement suitable for the altar at a wedding |
Here I am in the gazebo we decorated |
The final day of flower design class, my 5 classmates, and I staged flowers for an entire wedding |
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Flower Study #40
Floral Study #40 Lilies in Classic Urn 6x6 Oil Painting on Panel by Pat Fiorello This is another in the series based on floral arrangements I did in floral design school. |
I'm not too wild about lilies ( compared to some of my other favorite flowers like roses, hydrangeas, delphinium etc..) and the lilies seemed pretty big in the real arrangement, so I made them smaller in the painted version. I do think it lost something in translation so this may be one to try over. I just happened to watch the Daniel Keys video on painting lilies yesterday and after seeing that may have some new approaches on handling the big lily.
This was the symmetrical version of this arrangement, but there is also an asymmetrical oen that might be a bit more dynamic composition for painting.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Flower Study #39
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Painting in Italy
Below is a demonstration painting I did the first day of the cloistered monastery where we stayed.
San Tomasso Gargnano Italy 12 x 16 Watercolor by Pat Fiorello SOLD Here are some other photo's from the workshop. |