Happy New Year

Have a good year. As for me I will continue to paint. I don't know if anyone is listening as I am very unpredictable about these post. I guess I will write when I can as an archive for history if I ever become famous.

Watercolor Pencils

This is a picture I did of a friend who is currently serving in Afghanistan. He's a good guy and I miss him. I use to work with him at Discovery Alternative School.

Now for a little discussion about watercolor pencils. I do have a preference in this area. I for the majority of the time use the Derwent Brand of pencil. They have the inktense which is almost like oil after it is dry. There is also the standard watercolor pencil and the professional grade. I do use a variety Derwent products including the Aqua Tone, and Metallic pencils. I sometimes use some off brands for filling in backgrounds. I have used the prismatic pencil in the past but find that the lead in the pencils breaks very easily and this is frustrating. I hope you find this interesting.

The Deer

This is a 12" by 16" Watercolor pencil on canvas Picture Matted in a 16" by 20" matte. Cost: $125.00. Can be seen at Bargain Hunters Outfitters in Downtown Comstock Park.

Micheal J. Had some questions about the finish that is used on the watercolor. I generally use either, Krylon Matte Finish 1311 or Krylon UV-Resistant Clear/ Acrylic coating. There was also a question about using gouache, gum Arabic and honey. I have never used any of these and will have to look them up to learn about them. I am pretty dumb when it comes to knowing much of anything besides what I do. Sorry about that. I am still learning.

Thank you for the question and once again sorry it took so long to get back to you. I have been doing some painting and not taking much brakes since Art Prize to join into the talking world.

Elaine J. Hoogeboom

Bird Dog

This is another picture being Displayed at the Bargain Hunter Outfitters a sporting good store in downtown Comstock Park. It is a 12" by 16"
painting in a standard 16" by 20" matte.

Because these watercolor paintings are on canvas they need a final spray fixative. They do not need to be put under glass when framed because of this technique. Hope you enjoy this picture as it was very fun to paint.

Watercolor Pencil on Canvas

Thank you very much for posting on the last two pictures. I was wondering if anyone even read this stuff. This is a picture of a man fishing. Fishing is my passion and I miss it a lot lately. It is a watercolor pencil on canvas and I used a dry and wet technique. This is were you draw the back ground and then use a spray bottle and brush to blend it. The technique makes for a little blurriness of the background and then I try to get more precise with the focal image. This is a 12" by 16" painting that will be displayed in Comstock Park at the Consignment Outlet on West River drive at the center of town. I have a few different pictures presented there and the owner is excited about my work. The them for the store is hunting, fishing, and wild animals. If you get a chance stop by and see them. It is a very interesting shop.

The pictures from Art Prize are now being displayed at the Forest Hills Fine Arts center for the next week or so. If you didn't catch them at the Art prize this my be your last chance to view them.

Sorry about not writing for a while. I got very sick and have been battling with health issues for over three week. I have been on antibiotics for about the last two and finally feel that I am getting better. I will try to be more consistent with my writing. I hope the two folks that did post comments are still in the audience.

Sincerely,
Elaine J. Hoogeboom

Dancing Girl

During art prize this year a man approached me about the dance and movement of the Indian's. He said he had a great photo of

a young girl dancing and emailed it to me. This is my

interpretation of the picture.

It was a lot of fun drawing this picture and I liked the movement. If anyone else has a picture they would like to see done I will sure give it a try. By the way this is a 12" by 16" watercolor painting on canvas. It will be matted in a standard 16" by 20" matte. I will probable sell it for $125.00. It is not framed.

No its not a photo!

This is a watercolor picture painted on canvas that is 12" by 16".



I went the the HRS action tonight and became quite upset. People think my drawings are photo's and just don't get that they are not unless you point it out. This is a real problem for me as well as a major issue for the sale of my work. This problem seems to undervalue my work and discourages me from trying to sell it.

I did manage to drop some materials at Gallery 154 and the Mercury Head galleries. Both look quite crowded so I don't think I will get accepted. More on education later as I am tired tonight.

Painting on Canvas

I continue to question whether I should continue this blog as I do not know if anyone is reading it. I have decided for at least a short time to thy to give information on the way I do art. I use Fredrix Watercolor canvas as the surface I work on for the majority of my paintings. It is an authentic 100% woven cotton artist canvas. It has a special coating that preforms similar to a cold press or tough watercolor paper yet provides a very distinctive look that only canvas can provide. Watercolor canvas will accept all water-media and mixed media techniques. This would include: watercolor pencil which I use as well as Transparent and opaque watercolor, acrylic and watercolor ink, and fluid acrylics. This information was learned by me from a pamphlet included in the watercolor canvas pad I had used.

The picture at the right is a watercolor pencil on canvas painting size 12" by 16". It is matted in a 16" by 20" matte. Cost is $125.00. Please feel free to comment it you are following this blog so I have some idea that someone is actually out there.

Black Eyed Susan

This is one of my favorite flower paintings. It is a 12" by 16" water color pencil on canvas. The cost if you care is $125.00. It is matted so it would fit in a 16" by 20" frame. That is pretty standard. Art prize is over and I am pretty whipped. We have the kids for the weekend so yet another weekend with out painting. Took Zack fishing at Rockford but didn't catch any thing but tangles. Oh well it was fun and relaxing. Not having to talk is good.

The End of Art Prize for me.

Well this was the last day at Art Prize for this year. I tryed to be there at least some time every day. Although very tiring I am glad I meet the challenge. Lane Cooper was very helpful in this as he kept me laughing. Thank all of you for comming down and seeing me at the Civic. This picture was done right before Art Prize begain. It is a 12" by 16" watercolor pencil painting. It will be put in a 16" by 20" matte. I have a lot of art and all of it is for sale. A 5" by 7" matted in an 8" by10" matte is $45.00 Dollars. An 8" by 10" matted in a 11"by 14" is $65.00. A 12"by 16" matted in a 16" by 20" is $125.00. If the picture is framed by me it will cost $375.00 or lower. I heard many positive things over the last two weeks and will try to keep up this blog so you can know my progress. Thanks again for your support. Elaine J. Hoogeboom

ArtPrize artists with disabilities: Words fail her, but art doesn't | MLive.com

ArtPrize artists with disabilities: Words fail her, but art doesn't MLive.com Here is a cool article on me and the other Two Legacy trust winners. It is in the Grand Rapids Press on Monday 10/4/2010. Enjoy. Sorry I have been to tired to blog for the last couple of days. This art prize stuff is really wearing me out.

Art Prize 2010 and the Beat goes on.

This is me and the two other artist that won the Legacy Trust Prize. Phil Seagal is first in the picture. He painted a lot of birds. He is quite and plays bird sounds that put me to sleep. I am in the middle. Lane Cooper is on the end. He did a real neat sculpture of the medical mile construction from a birds eye view. He is very funny and a lot of fun to be around. A lady prayed over me and Lane yesterday so we would be healed. I don't feel much different but Lanes wife said I just need to be patient. Another one of those patient challenges. Oh my god I think I will go nuts.

Yet Another Art Prize day

All in all it was a hectic day. Up early to babysit the kids and then home for a quick nap. I had these pictures with me all day to remind me why I'm doing all this. Willa is 3 and loved her doll house. We played with it this morning. Art Prize was not as busy as it was over the weekend. I was interviewed by the press who will take photo's tomorrow. Not bad for an old lady. I saw Tim Pierre and his wife and it was fun to see a familiar face. I was pretty punch drunk by the end of it all. Good night.

Art Prize 2010

I've been doing my time at Art Prize for the past 4 days and am totally exhausted. I find it is easier to paint three days with out sleep than to do 2 hours of talking to people. Most people would just walk by if they aren't talked to. When they do stop they are amazed that my works are not photo's but watercolor pencil on canvas. I am down that I have seen very few people that I know. Over the years as a social worker I have seen literally thousands of people yet with the massive crowds that are coming through I have only seen 6 people from my past that I know. At the end of the day this is discouraging as well as sad.

Art Prize is going well. I am very tired and noticed that I am more tired after two hours of talking with folks that I am if I paint for three days straight. I don't know why this is or what to do about it. Just standing there smiling just doesn't seem OK. Oh well I will do the best I can. By the way feel free to comment on any of the work or my blabber.

This picture is a 12 by 16 inch picture I did about a month ago. I liked it and still do so I share it with you.

Tired and Nervous

I am having some difficulty sleeping for the last three nights. Anxious about Art Prize I guess. What silliness. I live to paint but struggle with the social meet and great thing. My speaking goes out the door and I feel pretty moronic. I am still hoping to get some galleries to look at my stuff and offer me a position in there gallery. I will see about this after the next two weeks.

I have been busy the last couple of weeks building a doll house for my granddaughter Willa. She will be Three years old. Here are some pictures of it.

I think it really turned out great. I also built all of the little furniture's. It was a real challenge but also very fun to work on. I may work on another one for her for Christmas but it will have to be bigger and better. Maybe I will just keep it for myself who knows. I will see if she likes this one. This project was very different from my normal watercolor paintings.

Art Prize

It's only 4 days away. I am very nervous about all the hype and activity that happens during Art Prize. I hope I make it through it all and get to the other side. I guess my goal continues to be getting enough notoriety to get picked up by a gallery. It is very frustrating to produce work that no-one sees. Hopefully this year people will stop and see these. Hope to see you down at the Civic Theatre in Grand Rapids.

Willa

I have been doing a lot of paintings for my grandson so it was time for one for the granddaughter. This is Willa in all her glory. We were at a restaurant for my birthday party and while we were all talking and eating she got into the birthday cake. She look so funny with the purple frosting all over her face. So this is her picture and I will hang it in her room if she wants it. She is a redheaded handful and I really Love her spirit.

Lilly Pad

I really liked this picture. Originally I took the picture at the Zoo. Zac and I went to a photo class together. I think we took more pictures of the flowers than the Zoo Animals.

Zack's photo

My grandson Zack asked me to paint this picture for him. He is an amazing little guy who is 4 years old. We went to a photo class at the zoo. He took this picture before the class and really liked it. I painted it for him and it now hangs in his bedroom. He says he loves the picture because the flowers up front are clear and the ones in back are blurry. I don't know were he comes up with this stuff but he is right on with depth perception. He also loves the shadows. I really love the picture too. It is a watercolor pencil on canvas picture.

Art Prize

I continue to think and plan for art prize. I have designed a card to pass out as well as a tee-shirt to wear. To see the final sight for the Art Prize web go to: Http://www.artprize.org/artists/public-profile/591

Afgnanistan

This is a picture of a freind of mine who was in Afganistan. He use to be a teacher at Discovery Alternative School were I worked. Both of our lives seem to have taken a turn to the unexpected.

The newly weds

This young couple was married on the banks of the Grand River in July of 2010. Ti seemed like the hottest day of the year. I painted this picture as a wedding picture to celebrate their wedding.

I want more grandma time!

This child needs more grandma time. He is featuring his scrunchy face for the world to appreciate his atttitude. I enjoyed painting this little man and can totally appreciate his ways. Hope his grandma likes the picture it was done for her birthday.

Ok. These are the six images for the art prize contest. 45 days until the contest begins. Then hopefully two weeks until I hit the winners circle. The Legacy foundation promices to get us a lot of publisity and I will truthfully be glad when it is over. I tend to get nervous in crowds but know this is a part of getting my name out there.

The sixth painting

This is the sixth and final painting in the Dance into manhood series. It will be on display for art prize at the Civic Theatre. I hope a lot of people get to see it this year as last year I was in a venue that was so far out no one came to see anything. Oh well that's life.

Determination

This is the fifth image in the art prize series. He was a strong young man who was dancing very hard and fast. It was a pleasure to watch him as well as paint him.

The Things that make my life OK

Here is my buddy and his picture and the ribbon. Boy was he proud. These are the things that make things OK in my life. I won my case for disability so now I will get Medicaid to help with the health help I will need.

Discouragement

Today I am tired and discouraged. Tomorrow I will have a hearing to find out if I am disabled or not. Reality sets in. I find it difficult to accept. I want to run and scream and shout. I need insurance so I have to go through this. If I jump off a bridge will my paintings be worth more? I doubt it. Good thing No-one is really reading this crap.

Fourth Art Prize Picture.

This is the fourth picture in the art prize series. This young man was so innocent and sincere looking. I admired his dedication and reverence. Again, this is a water color pencil painting on canvas. This picture took me approximately three days of non-stop painting. It filled me with serenity.

American Indian at 2010 Pow-wow

Well it was a very fun but hectic Day. The grand kids were over and we did non-stop swimming. I didn't get to paint until after dinner. It is more difficult starting so late and being tired on top of it. I have to stop the flow of the work because I just can't get to the right place in my head were the beauty is. I painted this guy about a month ago. I say him at the spring Pow-wow. He was very interesting to me. This is a water color pencil painting on Canvas.

Captain Jason and Captain Melisa

These two wonderful people took Nathan, Zack and I fishing for walleye. It was a present from Nathan. I never had so much fun in my life. They like the picture of themselves when I gave it to them for a present. Turns out Jason has the same birthday as I do. Another Gemini in this world. He is a very good fishing guide.

Sparta Show

Had a good time last night at the Sparta Art Reception. My painting one a honorable mention ribbon. Zac got a ribbon but new it was not a first place. He handed out a business card I had made for him and was a little gentle man. We all were very hot but had a good time. He seemed to like this too.

Photo Shot

Had a professional photo shot at the Green Frog Studio today. I was very nervous but it went very well. The also had use speak to a public relations specialist, Mary Ann Sabo. VSA staff was also present. So far this is very encouraging. Tonight I will go to the Artist reception in Sparta with Zac.
This is the third picture in the Art Prize Series.

Second Picture in Art Prize

Well its a new day and here is the second picture that will be involved in Art Prize. Tomorrow I will have professional shots of the pictures and also of myself. Never really thought of doing that before. Zack, My 4 year old Grandson and myself will be in an art show in Sparta Michigan. He's a great kid with a great imagination and already quite the photographer (see the picture of the cactus above that he put in the Sparta show). I get a kick out of him because he is always telling me he has put in pictures to the kids "Art Surprise" and he always wins because other people just put plain pieces of paper. He wants me to enter this contest too. He is really excited about the show in Sparta. The people there do not think he took the picture by himself because it was framed so nicely and looked so professional. I am making a photo book of his shots for him to show off at the show.

Daane Deboer

Daane Deboer was a 24 year old Marine who recently lost his live in Afghanistan. His father is my brothers boyhood friend. I painted this picture for the family in his memory. My heart goes out to his family and his friends.

Another Year of Art Prize

Well here we are in 2010 and Art Prize is getting close again. This year I won the Legacy Trust Award so I am receiving help with all the hard parts. I already have a venue, Civic Theatre in Center City. Maybe this year people will see my art. Last Year was discouraging because I don't think many people even new some of use were out there.

This year I have decided to go with a native American theme. It is a series of paintings of young American Male's dancing. I call it Dance Into Manhood. The regalia at the Pow-Wow was wonderful which I found my inspiration in.

The picture above is the first of six. I will write about the others another day. The flow of the regalia was wild. Painting this picture was also a flowing experience. It took me about three non-stop days. I then fell asleep for a full day. It was exhausting but fulfilling.