What is Your Color IQ?

I’ve had many people ask me about my artwork, “How did you know to put that color there? I can’t even see that color in the reference photo?”

I’ve always had a knack with color. It’s one of the few things I truly feel I do well. I can look at a color and be able to match it without holding the two colors next to each other. Color has also always been one of those things that fascinates me: the psychology of color, color trends, color mixing, etc. I should have gone to work for Pantone and never looked back.  Many men, but not many women have various forms of color blindness, while others have very strong color vision and color acuity. Check out this test I found that you can do to determine your level of color IQ: http://www.xrite.com/custom_page.aspx?pageid=77&lang=en

I find this so interesting and I hope you will too. I scored a zero – which indicates I have perfect color vision (at least until cataracts set in at some point). What’s your color score?

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The Paradox of Creativity

I just read a great article on people who are creative and some of their personality traits. Click here to read the article.

Did You Ever Wonder?

Did you ever wonder how colored pencils are made? I was fortunate enough to tour Faber-Castell’s manufacturing facility last summer in Stein, Germany; however, we weren’t allowed to take pictures for the obvious reasons of giving away trade secrets. I also wanted to tour Caran d’Ache’s facility in Switzerland, but they do not give tours. But you’re in luck, because they have a video of the production process! I know I’m a colored pencil nerd – but this stuff fascinates me. Take a look for yourself…

Colored Pencil Tutorial Now Available

I’m excited to share that I have collaborated with Ann Kullberg to author a tutorial that is now available, starting today. You will be able to experiment with my favorite, Art Spectrum Colourfix Suede paper using colored pencil. To learn more about how to order this kit, please visit: http://annkullberg.com/collections/still-life-floral-kits/products/silver-reflections-in-depth-colored-pencil-project-kit.

Fans of Ann’s Facebook page can receive a 15% discount on the kit.

Silver Pitcher Photo Reference

Final Colored Pencil Artwork

This is a very detailed, step-by-step approach to learn this technique. I hope you’ll check it out!

“Morning Preyer” Receives Award at CPSA International Exhibition

“Morning Preyer” Hanging in City of Brea Gallery

I am so thrilled to announce that Morning Preyer received the Award for Excellence last night in Brea, CA at the CPSA 21st Annual International (juried) Exhibition.  It was one of 17 award winners out of over 125 entries that are currently on exhibition at the City of Brea Gallery.  The exhibit will be open through September 13, 2013.  I now have to get one more piece accepted in the annual international exhibition to receive CPSA signature status.  Hopefully, I will achieve this in the 22nd Annual International Exhibition in 2014! I’ll keep you posted.

Morning Preyer Accepted at CPSA International

I’m so pleased to announce that Morning Preyer has been accepted into the CPSA 21st International Exhibition this summer in Brea.  It was one of 127 entries accepted of over 600 entered.  While I’m excited for this piece to be accepted, I’m disappointed that Reflections on Cool Jazz was not.  I can still enter it again next year, and plan to do so.  This is the second time my work has been accepted in the international show and if I’m accepted a third time, I will receive signature status in CPSA.  The show this year is in Brea California the last week of July.  I’ll be attending the show and look forward to seeing the exhibition in person.

Under the Wire

Just five days before the deadline, I’ve managed to enter two pieces into the Colored Pencil Society of America international exhibition.  The first piece, Reflections on Cool Jazz was completed in late 2012. You can see a photo of it on my Gallery page.  Morning Preyer was just finished yesterday after a big push to get the piece done in time for the March 31st deadline.

Morning Preyer
12″ x 12″
Colored Pencil on Colorfix Suede paper

 

 

I would not consider where I live “out in the country,” however, we’re fortunate to have lots of indigenous oak trees which provide great habitats to all sorts of species of birds.  Morning Preyer  is a Cooper’s hawk who nests each year in either our trees or our neighbor’s trees.  This one was perched on our fence and seemed to have no problem with me and my camera as I clicked away.  I loved the way the sun hit the leaves in the far background and chose to illustrate the background just as the camera saw it.  This year, the hawks are not in our yard, but our yard is still part of their hunting ground.  This one was intent on catching something to eat as he patiently waited on the fence.  Our yard is home this year to a family of screech owls, who keep watch by day and hunt at night.  Hopefully, they will provide some opportunities for photos as the owlets grow and leave the nest.

Reflections on Cool Jazz, unfortunately, was not juried into the Hunting Art Prize exhibition this spring.  Because it was not juried in, however, is the reason I was able to enter it into the CPSA international exhibition.  I’ll keep you posted on how these two do in the judging in April. One never knows…

Thanks to many of you who have “liked” my Facebook page.  Many of you are fellow artists and it’s been a great way to get connected with you.  The Facebook link is on the right  column of this page…stop by and say “hi” if you like.

Change of Plans…

After recently completing “Reflections on Cool Jazz,” I discovered an opportunity to enter the piece in a Texas-only art competition.  The competition known as The Hunting Art Prize is held annually in Houston and is one of the nation’s more revered art competitions.  It is limited to artists living in Texas and limited to two-dimensional drawing and painting pieces using only traditional media (pencil, pastel, paint, etc.).  No sculpture is admitted, nor is photography or graphic art (computer generated).  The piece must be available for sale.  Juried pieces are on exhibit in Houston in the spring and only one is selected as a winner.  Even though I was planning on entering ‘Cool Jazz’ in the CPSA International Exhibition in 2013, I have changed my mind and am taking a shot at this prestigious competition.  If it is not accepted, I will then enter it in the CPSA show.  Let’s see how the judges like colored pencil artwork!

Portrait in Sepia

After having finished the Saxophone piece – which is now titled, “Reflections on Cool Jazz,” I felt I needed a break from the intensity.  I’ve had this picture of my son for about 5 years and always liked it.  The photo is black and white, so I decided to illustrate it in sepia tones.  I used all Caran D’Ache Pablo pencils in the sepia tones, plus black and white.  This piece is done on Stonehenge paper, which I’m still not sold on; however it worked satisfactorily with the oil based Pablos (which I love).  Here’s a photo of the work:

 

“Just Been Swimmin'”
Colored Pencil on Stonehenge Paper
8″ x 8″
Not For Sale
Copyright 2012, Lisa M. Mills

Last Call!

This weekend is the last opportunity Dallas-Fort Worth area art lovers will have to see a great colored pencil art exhibit.  The Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society has a members exhibit currently showing at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, Texas.  We have a wonderful group of artists, many of whom have had national and international recognition.  The show continues through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.  There is no charge for admission.  The Forrest and Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery is upstairs at the center.  It’s located at 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, Texas 75082.  I hope you’ll come by and see it!