Flaming Lava reposted

In August 2011, I took a three-hour art class with Ed Furuike in Honolulu (http://www.furuikeart.com/web/) on oil painting with a palette knife.  Ed is a Hawaiian professional artist who really enjoys teaching.  I was delighted to be in his class and marveled at what one could do on a canvas with a palette knife.  I completed “Flaming Lava” below which he mailed to me.  I couldn’t believe I did it with a palette knife.

I chose the model from one of Ed’s magazine photos and bravely started what I had never done before, with his guidance and help.  Then he suggested that I add a white bird to the scene (barely discernible in the upper middle part of the frame).  When there is a volcanic eruption, Hawaiian legend says the lone white bird is Pele which travels alone and is protective of its domain.

Flaming Lava, Oil on Canvas, 14" x 18"

I still don't feel comfortable with palette knife painting but I have finished an abstract piece I called "Tsunami" done mostly with a palette knife (see below) and recently started a seascape with a combination of brush and palette knife.  I will post an image when I finish it.

Tsunami, oil on wood, 13" x 14"

Two more recent paintings

Early light was based on a magazine photo which inspired me to paint it with the subtle colors of a hazy, cold, morning just starting to get lit up by the sun.

Early Light

Flaming Lava was the piece I did during a knife-painting class in Honolulu with Ed Furuike.  I chose the model from one of Ed's magazine photos and bravely started what I have never done before, with his guidance and help.  Then he suggested that I add a white bird to the scene.  When there is a volcanic eruption, Hawaiian legend says the lone white bird is Pele which travels alone and is protective of its domain.  The photo doesn't do justice to the actual colors and the textures in the painting.  I am really pleased!

Flaming Lava

Painting with a Palette Knife

I just got back from a 4-day stay in Honolulu which included a 3-hour art class with Ed Furuike on oil painting with a palette knife.  I had so much fun in his class, despite the fact that it was my first time to paint exclusively with a palette knife.  I was doubtful I would finish the painting in time but I managed and had fun doing it.  Ed provided the canvas, all the paints, paper palette, etc. and will mail my finished painting to me when it dries completely.  I really enjoyed the class and meeting his students who welcomed me so warmly.  I look forward to putting what I've learned in 3 hours into practice.  We'll see what happens.