Monday, September 10, 2012

How to Paint a House


Bet you thought I was still painting cabinets.   This painting was started in July and then the weather went crazy and I spent a lot of time outside trying to keep my gardens and yard from frying.  Then I started painting my kitchen cabinets and that went on for four weeks.  Now, I'm happy to say, I'm back to my autumn folk art scene.  I love painting autumn scenes.  This is by far my favorite time of year. 

A few years ago I used to travel around the country teaching seminars on my style of painting and for me painting a house is like putting a puzzle together.  Old houses have a lot of different sections.  I take lots of photos and really study them before I start my drawing.  I wanted the light source to be hitting the house from the front, leaving the side of the house and the area under the porch in the shadows.  That is why some areas are white and others are gray.  I basecoat using thin coats of paint and a flat brush that fits the area that I'm painting.  Smooth coats of paint will make it easier when I start adding all the details.  I'll keep you posted on how the painting progresses and when it will be listed for sale.

Catherine Holman

5 comments:

  1. I would love to have 1 millioneth of the talent you have! Looking forward to seeing this one completed.

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  2. Very interesting. Just seeing the angles and the basecoat colors and the shadows...well, I'll just echo Penny...wish I had a wee bit of your talent. Looking forward to seeing it all come together.

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  3. Ahhh, how well I still remember painting your houses and watching you paint the one on the wall at Steph's. They are like puzzles and I always enjoyed doing them. Still have all my books and patterns that I got way back then and would never part with them. I haven't done one in awhile, maybe over the winter. Have fun and can't wait to see it done!!

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  4. Wish I lived in your area, so I could have been a student. And you are right, I thought Oh my she's painting the whole house. I find the composition of a row of houses/buildings and light sources a difficult decision. So I'll watch carefully. I've been wanting to paint our family homes for ever, they are not as interesting as old homes, but it would be fun just to have them in our family books. Heck maybe a photo would do?

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  5. Cathie, I am so glad you got your kitchen cabinets done-feels nice when a project is complete! Can't wait to see the house you are painting when it is all done-you are one talented lady!!

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Thanks for taking the time to share your sweet comments!