Artist’s Statement
My paintings of sunrise and sunset express the feelings connected to these times. Dawn represents hope and new beginnings, while dusk brings calm and rest. As a counselor, I want my art to help people feel comforted or inspired. My paintings are a way to bring peace, reflection, and emotion to those who see them.
Two-Day Oil Painting Process
Over two days, I focus on painting the changing colors and feelings of dawn and dusk. On the first day, I sketch and block in the main shapes, capturing the fresh, hopeful or peaceful mood. On the second day, I add details and deepen the colors to create a strong emotional feeling. My goal is to make viewers feel connected to these special times of day.
*sample of example painting pictured
Jeffrey’s Supplies List
PAINTS
I mainly use Windsor and Newton, but any professional-grade paints like Rembrandt, Williamsburg, Gamblin, Old Holland, etc., are fine.
The list shows warm and cool options for each color family I use most, plus a few extras in my palette. You may see other colors in my lineup.
Blues: Phthalo Blue, Ultramarine Blue, Cerulean Blue
Yellows: Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Yellow Ochre, Cad Yellow Medium
Reds: Cadmium Red Medium, Alizarin Crimson, Cad Red Light, Permanent Magenta
White: Titanium White, W&N Soft Mixing White
Other Colors: Ivory Black, Transparent Red Oxide, Raw Umber, Viridian, Sap Green
SOLVENT
Use Gamblin Gamsol or any odorless mineral spirits in a container with a lid.
(NO TURPENTINE!!!)
MEDIUMS
Use Liquin Light Gel to increase flow and speed drying (it doesn’t run off your palette), or any other alkyd-based drying medium.
PALETTE
Choose what you like. I use a piece of plexiglass on my EasyL Versa for plein air work. Grey paper palettes are also easy to clean.
BRUSHES
Bring different shapes and sizes—new or old filberts, flats, rounds. Include a paint eraser tool and palette knives of various shapes and sizes. Use both hog bristle (stiff, for pushing paint) and softer brushes like sable, badger, or synthetic (for glazing, blending, details, and overlay). I mainly use Rosemary & Co. brushes and occasionally ones from Hobby Lobby or Michaels on sale.
CANVASES
Bring several 16×20” (TONED) canvases or panels, or larger if you prefer. Also include smaller sizes like 8×10”, 9×12”, 11×14”, or 12×16”.
EASEL
The art center provides easels.
OTHER ITEMS TO BRING:
Viva paper towels, nitrile gloves, small sketchbook and viewfinder, pencil, Sharpie, and a value scale or engineer/arch. scale ruler.
