How to Paint a Cosmic Galaxy Background

I had a really great time creating this tutorial for you today. It was actually my first time painting such a cosmic space-y environment so I enjoyed learning it myself as much as teaching it! 

What's on my palette:

• Titanium White
• King's Blue Light
• King's Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• Violet Cobalt

I also mixed in slight amounts of the brightest yellow parts of Kaya's skin tone in order to help tie the painting together. 

The dark background (that is dry already in this video) is comprised of Phthalo Blue, French Ultramarine, and King's Blue. 

Enjoy the starry night show!

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originally posted: June 13, 2017

Prints 'n Stickers 'n Stamps - Oh My!

Hi Friends! Happy Full Moon weekend!

Ok, so today's share might seem a tad unremarkable to some, but realize that my excitement lies more within what these little gifts and accents symbolize rather than what they actually are (I'll explain later;) )

I can't help it, I'm just really proud to share all the little things! Like, for example these really sweet vinyl stickers I've had made twice now. How clear and bright is that image?!? Along with these postcards I got last year that I use for 'thank you' notes and I've always been in love with my teeny tiny business cards. 

Plus I recently designed these super sweet stamps for authenticating my prints and giving a more polished look to my outgoing artwork parcels. 

Now let me tell you why these small things are so meaningful: 

All of these little bonus goodies with coherent logos and the same 'look' and branding and all that good stuff that I pack with every purchase as well as hand out to folks I meet, is exactly what you would expect a well-seasoned professional artist to bring to the table. I mean, don't get me wrong, I have been creating and showing work locally for years, but it is only within the last few months that I've actually starting culling together all the trappings of an artist who actually "knows what they're doing." Ha!

Simply having prints available is totally new for me!

I guess what I'm trying to say, dear reader, is that I am tremendously grateful that my ambitions as a career artist are starting to blossom in ways that I could have only dreamed they would. Because these are all tangible objects associated with sharing my artwork, they're meaning feels all the more real.

It's truly amazing what the smallest symbols of professionalism or achievement can mean to one artist working her very hardest to make it in this bustling world:) 

PS. Make sure you pop on over to my Instagram @caleighbirdart asap because I'm doing a Full Moon Goddess Print Giveaway this weekend! The winner receives an 11x14 inch gallery quality giclee print of their choosing from my two recent Bohemian Goddesses oil paintings. Yay!! 

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originally posted: June 10, 2017

Nude Drawing Session Etiquette

Since I brought you all into my usual figure drawing space last week, I figured perhaps some of my fellow artists might want a little intro or brush-up on how to follow polite protocol when drawing from a nude model. (I also have links at the end for those of you who think you may want to try nude art modelling yourself!)

For the most part, this entire summation points back to respect for the model. Basic rule of thumb: be polite and don't be a creeper. Not too hard, right? 

View fullsize

View fullsize

So here's your handy lil nude model session guide, and make sure to check out the vid for more detailed explanations behind everything and to see me make some pretty goobery faces while discussing creepers!

Nude Modeling Etiquette Rules:

During Figure Session:

1. Give the model their personal space 
2. DON'T BE A CREEP 
3. No talking to the model - ask the moderator if you see a pose adjustment, etc
4. No talking to anyone else
5. No cell phones or cameras out ever

During the Break:

1. Allow model to robe themselves privately
2. Don't discuss that session's or previous sessions' models with fellow artists
3. Only talk to the model if they make themselves part of the group and welcome conversation
4. Do not ask the model personal questions or out on a date, nor talk about any aspect of their body 

End of Figure Session:

1. Help tidy the studio
2. If you think you may want to hire the muse for your own work - definitely watch the video where I share my experiences with that and best advice on how you can do so without being a creeper;) 

So hear me out on this week's vlog for details about each rule so you (and your gracious model) can feel great about drawing the figure from life! Yay!

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Here's a great resource for well-explained etiquette rules:

http://terrystricklandart.blogspot.com/2015/01/etiquette-for-aritists-and-their-nude.html

And a very reassuring blog for students who are nude-session-newbies:  

https://www.cassart.co.uk/blog/the_art_students_survival_guide_to_life_drawing.htm

Plus the most comprehensive guide for models you could ask for:

http://www.berkshire.net/~brenaud/MiscFiles/modeling/modeling4.htm 

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originally posted: June 6, 2017

Goal-Worthy Contemporary Galleries

Hey-o friends! This week it's all about stepping up the game and vying for some face time for my recent goddess portraits so I've been doing a ton of research these last two weeks deciding what kinds of galleries might be a good fit for my Bohemian Goddesses oil paintings.

While diving down multiple awesomely artsy rabbit holes I discovered a few super cool galleries whose artists are totally inspiring me with their use of color and skill in technique. I'm not yet sure if I'll actually apply to all of these by any means, but they are definitely cool enough to share and hopefully visit when I'm in the neighborhood one day. 

So pop around the mainland with me for a lil contemporary art gallery tour:

Arch Enemy Arts

Philidelphia, PA

"Located in Philadelphia's Old City Disctrict, and with an emphasis on the lowbrow, pop-surrealism, urban, and macabre in a wide range of mediums, Arch Enemy Arts was chosen as Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly"™ Best Art Gallery"

Helikon Gallery & Studios

Denver, CO

"Helikon Gallery & Studios is Denver's premiere art space for contemporary Illustrative Arts, ranging from portraiture, illustration, and figure work to imaginative and narrative art from around the United States."

Principle Gallery

Charleston, SC

"Principle Gallery Charleston finds joy in sharing museum-quality works from established American and International artists within the realm of Contemporary and Classical Realism.  The gallery invites you to explore its light-filled space for monthly shows featuring fresh, exciting work."

Sirona Fine Art

Hallandale Beach, FL

"Sirona Fine Art is a grand showcase for artists who embrace classic academic structure and technique, yet have an understanding and facility within the modernist landscape in which their work is viewed. Art can appeal to the senses, the emotions and the intellect equally or separately, as long as it connects."

Thinkspace Gallery

Los Angeles, CA

"Thinkspace was established with a commitment to the promotion and dissemination of young and emerging art. The gallery is a catalytic conduit for the emerging New Contemporary art scene, and is dedicated to the exposure of its tenets and its artists."

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Well there you have it folks! Some super sweet places full of artists you could literally drool over all day. If you know of any gallery spaces that may fit my style I would be so grateful if you drop a name in the comments. I'll keep you posted on any submissions or acceptances on this end! Fingers crossed:)

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originally posted: June 3, 2017

3 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Paint Tubes

Hi friends! You know how I'm always throwing in little tips and tricks to help reduce waste and use less plastic and other materials? Well today's tutorial hits on those positives PLUS is a super awesome way to save serious money on painting supplies. 

I am sharing with you three ways that I have personally used to get every last drop of paint out of their tubes. I use oil paint, but this works on watercolor or acrylic paints too, as long as they are in little metal-type tubes. We all know how expensive quality art supplies can be so figuring out any ways to make those dollars stretch is totally essential. 

For squeezing your paint tubes effectively your options are basically a book (or other flat object), pliers, or - my favorite - a tube wringer. Check out this short video detailing those methods and see why the wringer is what I recommend most.

Are there any other great ways you've found to conserve paint, or any other material in the oil painting process for that matter? Leave me your experience in the comments!

PS Here's that link for a tube wringer from Dick Blick Art Supplies. 

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originally posted: May 30, 2017

Live Figure Drawing Sessions

Welcome to my favorite art space away from home! I am so excited to invite you into my usual Monday night haunt:)

This nice, big, expansive classroom upstairs at the Honolulu Museum of Art School is where I attend a weekly open figure drawing session featuring a wonderful variety of some of the best art models in town. The photo above was actually taken right from my seat during one of our short breaks (which is why the model is dressed!) so you can get a feel of my exact view. 

Loving my homemade sketchbook so much! Here's my tutorial

It's just referred to as an 'open figure session' because there is no instructor or leader per se, rather just a group of 4-5 artists that have been attending for many years that all help run it (the group has been getting together for 25+ years!). Usually around 20 - 25 people attend each session, from college students looking for extra model time to fatten their portfolios, to retirees who's kids are all grown and they can finally take the time to make art for art's sake. Since I'm there so regularly I have become pretty friendly with most of the hosts so I help out a little and now I even bring the music every other week. It's fun! We chat, we draw, we nibble treats and sip wine - what more could you ask for? It's a great sense of camaraderie just chillin' with so many other like-minded artists up there:) 

As far as the flow of the session goes, the models do about 2 1/2 hours worth of poses, including a number of two to ten minute poses and then culminating in three 20 minute poses, so all the life drawings I share are all created in 20 minutes or less. If you're curious about the goings-on or etiquette of the figure sessions, check out my slightly silly 'Figure Drawing Session Etiquette' blog/vlog. 

When I first started attending last year I felt like there was no way I could get anything done in such a short time frame, but it has actually really helped me hone my skills and be more deliberate with my markings. Plus I love the naturally occurring 'unfinished' feel that is created when I literally run out of time and can't do any more.

These are all 9x6 inch charcoal and white chalk drawings, but I also do a lot of pencil drawing in these sessions too, especially for the quick two minute gesture poses. 

Coming up soon on the 'To Do' list is definitely making these available through my website. Folks seem to really like them and they are too nice to just fill up my sketchbooks and get dusty on the shelf. I mean dang! I need to get a few framed and hung around my house too! 

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originally posted: May 27, 2017

Brand New 'About Me' Page - Whew!

As I'm sure you know by now, ether as a creative yourself or just by reading along, there are a million tiny things to do to continue turning this dream of a sustaining art career into a reality. Some of them I love, some of them I less than love.... but something about writing 'formally' about myself just gives me worse writer's block than anything. Ugh! 

Just try and guess how often my Bio and Artist Statement get updated as a result? I have a horrible habit of procrastinating those rewrites until they are embarassingly stale - which is terrible since that's usually the first place folks look on the website right after checking out the artwork! C'mon, get it together, Caleigh;) 

So take five minutes to read my newly reworked short summation and then you can thumb through a little slide show of some recent works. I would certainly love any feedback in the comments too!

Please Note: It's in third person which may seem odd since I wrote it and I normally write in first person on my website, but that's just how things are done in the art world.

"Caleigh Bird is a figurative artist living in Hawai’i whose blend of contemporary and classical realism serves to portray her modern subjects in true-to-life bold character, while still being rendered as carefully as the traditionally trained masters she has spent her life studying here and abroad. While primarily an oil painter, Caleigh is also known for her signature greyscale portraits in graphite and contè, as well as for creating weekly live model charcoal drawings on a colorful array of toned paper.  

One of the most important aspects of Caleigh’s work is her desire to help foster an inclusionary atmosphere in the fine art world by portraying a culturally rich group of subjects. She believes that the modern art scene in general, from its exhibiting artists to its muses, should be ever more representational of all the unique citizens of this earth, so she uses her work to lovingly highlight the beauty and character in everyday people from all over the world." 

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originally posted: May 24, 2017

Two New Bohemian Goddesses!

I am always beyond thrilled to finish any piece of art really, but these two oil paintings of contemporary women from far reaches of the world have turned out especially beautiful and full of character, in this humble artist's opinion. 

So get inspired by these fashionably creative Bohemian Goddesses!

First let me introduce 'Nubia', a marvelous muse who is an experimentally creative and artistically gifted modern South African woman that treats the face, both her own and others', as her preferred canvas. Nubia enjoys using bold, eye-catching color application when practicing her unique brand of makeup artistry, as well as trying out basically every hairstyle under the sun. She is a ground breaking and inspiring fashionista, and I personally can't wait to see where her skills take her!

12x16 inches, oil on linen mounted on birch panel; pricing and prints here.

If you would like to see more of her makeup artistry visit @nubiasilvermakeup 

And on the other side of the planet....

'Zumee' is a loving and supportive wife and mother in Sulawesi, Indonesia. She is a watercolor artist who has a real eye for color coordination, whether on the page or in her wonderfully put together fashion sense. Zumee not only enjoys painting in her own time, but she and her artist husband also make a point to pass their love of creativity down to her young daughter Aluna.

10x14 inches, oil on linen mounted on birch panel; pricing and prints here

To see some of Zumee's watercolors check out her Instagram @zumeeoscar

I really feel that my Bohemian Goddesses series is my most important body of work thus far. If you haven't yet read why, check out my Artist Statement here. 

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originally posted: May 20, 2017

Aidin Portrait Drawing

Hello fellow art lovers! Due to the positive feedback I received from the first one (thank you!!) I made another portrait demo vid for your viewing pleasure. 

If you remember from a few weeks ago I was featured on a really great blog No Model Lady so this is that portrait. I really loved the drawing Michele sent for me to draw from and I just had a feeling 'Aidin' would turn out to be one of my best portraits yet!

As for all my pencil portrait drawings, I'm using a range of B pencils and a white conte. If you're curious about my specific materials check out this earlier post with all the details. 

Hope you enjoy seeing Aidin's face come alive; I feel like it really starts to pop when watched along with this great copyright free music I found.

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originally posted: May 16, 2017

3 Reasons NOT to Edit the Dialog in My Vlogs

Welcome to another view from paradise! I took my first solo hike not too long ago and while I was out I filmed a little vlog for you, dear reader, discussing the level of editing I choose to do on my videos and why.

If you've watched any of my vlogs or tutorials thus far, then you've noticed that I pretty must just let my vids roll, rather than breaking up and hyper-editing the dialog sections. Many other vloggers do a lot more editing in that regard than I do, which turns out looking really nice and professional, but daaaaaaang..... it takes a lot of time! Time that I would personally rather be spending at my easel! 

That's pretty much reason Numero Uno for my decision to keep the editing to a minimum, but go ahead and check out my short 4 minute vlog to hear the other two reasons as well. If you're a vlogger also, perhaps you'll also agree that there's a reason to my rhyme and be able to decide on the level of editing you want to commit to, too. PLUS the whole time you get to enjoy the great view of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean from the back of Pauoa Valley. Yay! What a great place to have a lil chat!! 

[ Side Note: The pic up top is actually from my Kuli'ou'ou hike, and not the hike from this vlog... but hey, you understand - somehow it's harder to get epic shots of yourself when you're in the middle of the wilderness alone.... go figure ;) ]

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originally posted: May 13, 2017