Marian Jackson MDA

Practice really works.

Marian — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:17:15 +0000

My husband, John, attends most of my classes with me. He’s the tech guy who sets up my projector, screen, sound system, etc. After a beginners class where I taught John’s Rose, he decided that he ‘could do that’.

He did not want me to help him, he just wanted the instructions and a sample to study. Ok, so I set him up and he went to work. Below, you will see his first attempt. When it was done, he thought he could ‘do better’ so sat down and did it again the next day. Can you see the difference? He has more contrast, he can ‘see’ the darks now, he can blend the highlights.I was very impressed. Remember, this was with no help from me whatsoever. He did say that he hated the Raspberry pencil as it seemed to have a mind of its own so use a light touch when you get to that one.

I hope this will inspire you to try colored pencils and to keep practicing. [Please forgive the quality of the photos, they were taken quickly with my phone while the camera charges.]

This is his very first attempt at Colored Pencil painting.

This is his second attempt the next day. Can you see the difference?

Sharp edges

Marian — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 14:39:25 +0000

The way you hold the pencil and the position relative to the paper enables you to attain sharp edges – assuming, of course that you have a kept a sharp point on your pencil. That is of paramount importance.

Hold the pencil so that you are using the point and it is leaning over the object you are painting, like this:

Holding the pencil to give sharper edges

…rather than like this where it leans over the background.

Holding the pencil like this will not give sharp edges.

New Epacket

Marian — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:44:22 +0000

Yellow Daisy – painted with colored pencils

Yellow Daisy is a detailed study of glass, paper values and using yellows. Each petal is detailed and there are 2 large worksheets as well as the color step-by-step photos and the large photo.

I taught this class at the Middletown Art Center and was blown away by the quality of the student paintings.

I made this an oblong painting, roughly 8 x 14, and matted it with a 2″ mat and a silver toned frame. I wanted something other than the 8 1/2 x 11 size that I had been doing.

Purchase here Please note that this is an epacket. Downloadable instantly upon your return from PayPal. It is not necessary to have an account at PayPal to make a purchase using a credit card.

MAC Class photos

Marian — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 15:41:30 +0000

The class held at MAC – Middletown Art Center was one of the best ever. The room was great, everyone had their own table to paint at, lunch and dessert were spectacular [ I won't brown bag it again for sure!!] and the students worked hard with wonderful results. Thank you Patt Belisle, Executive Director of MAC, who also participated in the class. A great time was had by all.

Yellow Daisy Class, June 9, 2012

Yellow Daisy class June 9, 2012

Class in Middletown OH

Marian — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:17:18 +0000

Colored Pencils on Mi Tientes Paper

I will be teaching a class in Middletown OH, June 9th, 2012 at the Middletown Arts Center. Class Fee includes pencils and paper. 2 sizes available.

Don’t wait, the class in Monroe sold out within 5 days. If you are traveling in and require lodging please contact me for local hotel listings.

Saturday June 9, 2012 – 9:30 am- 4:30 pm

Cost Per student $60
Includes colored pencil kit and paper

Bring a brown bag lunch – chips, drinks, dessert provided

Intermediate to advanced students will learn colored pencil techniques and create the NEW piece titled Yellow Daisy.

Call or Sign Up Online Today!
(513) 424-2417
middletownartscenter.com

Printing Epacket Tip…

Marian — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:33:33 +0000

I cannot stress enough the importance of using the right paper for your printer. Companies spend Big Bucks to test their paper with their printer and their inks.

Most of us, I’m sure, buy bulk generic paper. That’s fine for most things but printing images where you need detail is surely worth a little more time, effort and expense.

You can however, combine the two. First, go out and buy a box or packet of premium paper [not glossy, or glossy photo] of the same brand as your printer.

Store it away somewhere safe as you will only use it by choice and not daily.

As an example, let’s take an epacket that has 8 pages. The first one is B & W text; the next 4 have color images, the next two are B&W diagrams and the last one is a full size color photo.

You will need 8 pieces of paper that you will layer in order. The first piece of paper can be generic, THEN TAKE 4 PIECES OF YOUR PREMIUM PRINTER BRAND PAPER, then 2 pieces of generic paper AND THE LAST PIECE WILL BE PREMIUM PRINTER BRAND.

(It’s important that you understand how your printer prints pages – first page first or last page first so pay attention to your printing before doing this as you’ll be wasting both ink and paper if they are in the wrong order. Also make sure that you put the paper in the right way up or down. Know your printer well!)

This way you will have good quality images on the pages that matter. It really, really works. It is buying the printer brand of paper specifically for your printer that is the most important.