Hilton Head Four Challenge - New Orleans

Our 9th Hilton Head Four (HH4) semi-monthly challenge was provided by Regula "Lulu" Scheifele.  What a great picture of a wonderful gentleman playing his guitar on the streets of New Orleans.  Now here is a man how really looked like he was enjoying himself.  Lulu said she bought even one of his CDs.  How fun if she played it while she painted his portrait. 

Play'n the Blues, 8x8" oil on RayMar panel ($150)

This was a very interesting challenge because it totally took me out of my comfort zone.  I thought faces were tough, but I found out hands are in another category of tough for me! That's what's great about challenges... they are something that I had wanted to try, but never took the plunge.  I think they've pushed me to go places I probably would not go on my own.  I'm learning so much about changes in composite and color.  I also know that I need a challenge with a deadline.  Nothing like having to post something on a specific day to get you moving and painting.

If you aren't already trying challenges such as The Daily Painter's Challenge find a couple of artist friends and start your own challenge.  

 Regula 'Lulu' Scheifele  

Willie Plays the Blues, 8 x 8” oil on gessobord

Maria Bennett Hock

Panama Hat, 10 x 10” oil on Raymar Panel

Chris Werst

#4 - Hilton Head 4 - Talkin Bout My Gull

This is Challenge #4 for the HH4 as we affectionately call our challenge group, so it’s time to start the cycle over again. Next pick will be dealer's choice and doesn't have to be a picture taken at the beach.  I'm looking forward to seeing Lulu's next pick.  

I had been reluctant in the past to do challenges.  As much as I am enjoying them now, I'm sorry I didn’t start sooner.   A challenge with friends works well for me, because I don't want to let my friends down by missing a deadline.  That's a push I need.  Challenges take me outside my comfort zone and try subject matter I probably would have avoided in the past. 

The challenges have helped me not to be so married to a reference photograph.  Now I try to think about how I can crop or change it to make it a composition that will be different, but still reflect the subject matter.  I initially painted the middle gull with its head tucked back and then did something I need to do more. I didn't like it, so I painted out the head and did it over again facing the other way. 

A big thanks to my husband for helping name this painting.

Talkin Bout My Gull,  8x10" oil on canvas board

Artist Chris Werst

Chris provided the photograph for challenge 

Of Course I know the Way, 8x10" oil on board

Artist Maria Bennett Hock

mariahock.blogspot.com

Jonathan C. Gull, 8x8” oil on board

Artist Regula Scheifele

www.regulascheifele.blogspot.com