statue of liberty painting--by gardega

I painted this for ambassador publishing. I handed it off yesterday and it was approved. Art is only done when you stop painting, you can noodle anything to death. There comes a time to let the baby go off into the wild blue on its own. I could always make things better but you also have time factors and have to move on to new works. Every painting I do (even illustration) is done with a new approach and a certain zone of discomfort. I would probably be better doing cookie cutter illustration but I like to learn and learning sometimes requires failure. I think this piece works it will print well. Sometimes printing ruins a piece and sometimes it makes it better. my favorite part is the flame, the least being the under part of torch. A bird is useful to show scale in any work. Clouds can help separate things. The statue clashed with the blue and the clouds worked to pop it out. Always try for a diagonal in art, never be static..or too centered...If you are painting for print always paint larger. It will look better when shrunk! (chinese secret)

on my easel

Here is the original painting for a book cover. This is one of my favorite covers to date. I offered it to a friend who is beating cancer. I like to give art to friends. I have a very small circle of very good friends so I dont have to give away a lot of art. I need to stop giving away art because I sell most of my work and I can always use extra money..plus I have very little of my own work around..all sold...sad

art lessson by gardega

When you paint anything, even an illustration, you must find enjoyment in the piece. Enjoy the process of whatever you are working on, if you arent buying/ believing in what you are painting the nobody else will..Sometimes it is a challenge to "lose yourself in a work" but if you dont, the energy wont be there and art is all about a transference of energy.In this piece I turned the liberty into a self portrait (my art director didnt notice) and gave a slight hint of a "tear" if you dont understand why the liberty would would be shedding a tear, I cant hep you. I love slipping "art" into illustration..it is not the norm in illustration but it keeps me interested...