Painting with a knife

 Flaming Lava

I took a one-day class in knife painting when I visited Honolulu almost four years ago and completed a canvas painted solely with a knife.  It was difficult for me to adjust to the knife but the results were pretty good for a novice (see above).  I gave the painting to my nephew who lives in Waipahu.

Since then, I tried to incorporate a few knife strokes on my canvasses but have not been able to complete one solely with a knife.  I have watched a few videos about it and was transfixed with the ease with which the artists had filled the surface with stunning results.  Ten days ago, I went to an art store and bought a couple more painting knives to work with.  Instead of starting with a simple picture, I opted to paint the arms and hands of a farmer, and I am struggling.  I will continue working on it this weekend and post the results upon completion.  I hope it won't take me too long.

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