

Discover more from Somehow I Manage – Allie’s Monthly Newsletter
This email is BURSTING with photos and scans I am nearly at my content limit! I learned so much on this brief trip. I felt open to exploring new ways to use the medium “gouache” which I so often use. Rebecca introduced three ways to use the paint: Opaque (very little water for a graphic look), Transparent (watery), and Lush (a quick color fill that requires very loosely blending the colors with your brush and having them blend more on the surface while you quickly apply the paint). We also explored ways to create texture with dry brush and splattering.
I quickly found out that I was the “landscape painter” in class, which was mostly made up of very talented illustrators. Landscapes are definitely my comfort zone and I created some final paintings that I’m really proud of! I’ve scanned them and uploaded them to The Crafted Prints – they are available for purchase at various sizes. The originals are also for sale! Just reach out via my email allie@allieyacina.com
An exercise I struggled with during this artist retreat was getting away from the reference photo. I would definitely like to work on this more – I think it’s a matter of trusting my imagination and intuition. I think this will help me move more into narrative and illustration work which could be very fulfilling for me.
On day three or so, Rebecca had us quickly sketch from a reference photo to get down the basic information, then put away the reference photo and make a quick drawing from the sketch. Then, we put away the first sketch and make a final drawing and painting from the second drawing! My final result looked too stiff in my opinion. I was also experimenting with more muted colors so the final piece looked so unlike “me”. I was reminded again that it is important to make “bad” art! I’m happy to report that I made some more “bad” art yesterday and will continue to make more as I experiment and leave my comfort zone.
Thanks for reading! Take care and have a great rest of your summer :)
Letters from an Artist Retreat - Pt. 2
Stunning work, and I loved getting to get a glimpse into this retreat! Huge fan of Rebecca.
Loved hearing about your trip and seeing your beautiful paintings!