Blue Cup

Funny thing about this cup - it was white when I bought it but then I painted the outside blue so it would be more interesting to paint - specifically a color that came directly out of the tube - "Baby Blue" or some name like that. While painting this I kept trying to get the right color - Thalo Blue and Cerrulean? Cerrulean and Ultramarine? Thalo and a tinge of Lemon Yellow? Maybe a smidge of Thalo Green in there too? All of the above mixed together? Well by the time I finished the painting, and struggling to get just the right blue it hit me like a brick on the head. Like duh. Why didn't I just pull the tube color and use the real thing? I fear the answer... I only learn things the hard way. Somewhere along the line I must have adopted the philosophy no pain no gain. If anyone wants the recipe for "Baby Blue," I've got it.

Blue Cup

Acrylic on Canvas 6x6" $100.

For more information or to purchase contact patti@mollicastudio.com

Grapes and a Strawberry

I did this last night at my class at Pelham Arts Center. 'Twas my last class for the Fall season. I worked with such nice students, who did really fabulous work and made me feel happy to be sharing whatever I know about painting. Its great to give back, and especially great to guide people on a journey of discovering their own creativity. I find it interesting how harshly everyone judges their own work, including myself. We all seem to be comparing ourselves to some standard in our minds of what our work should look like, when what really matters is that we have the courage to face that blank white canvas and put down our authentic reaction to what we see. Everytime we do a painting - or even a stroke - it's a good idea to pat ourselves on the back - just for doing it! A painting a day is one of the best ways I know of to not only progress as a painter, but to move forward in life in general. My all time favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt "Do one thing everyday that scares you." Facing a blank white canvas everyday will do it.

Grapes and a Strawberry

Acrylic on Canvas 8x10"

For more information or to purchase contact patti@mollicastudio.com

Pumpkins

How did life get so busy? Its a good thing I paint fast, seems like the only time I get to indulge is in between teaching gigs and planet earth responsibilites. Which is barely enough time to set up a still life and pull out the paints. I had set up this little still life set up yesterday for my students, and by the time class is over and we've scrutinized the colors, the shapes, the values, and everything else possible, I "know" the subject so well I'm ready to paint it myself. But as life often has it, I don't have the luxury of even an hour to sink my teeth into it, usually there is something else nipping at my schedule that requires immediate attention. That was the case yesterday, and by the time I got to focus on it, it was 11 PM. By midnight I was done, tired in a good way, and feeling that nice warm glow of finally having fed my ravenous painting appetite. Next order of importance, feed my growling stomach - cap the paint, heat the oven, pop a Sam Adams, and sink my teeth into a nice hot pizza.

Pumpkins

6x6" Acrylic on Canvas

For more information or to purchase, contact: patti@mollicastudio.com