Tracey Costescu Fine Art

Materials & Still Life Set Up Just a quick thank you to all the artists who came out to my Still Life Demo at Opus Coquitlam!  It was great to see so many artists interested in learning about the different methods of painting with respect to style, method and using less toxic, more environmentally friendly practice. I especially want to thank the Opus Staff for making me feel so at home. They are always super friendly, helpful and supportive.  It is so great to see staff that are truly are as inspired (dare I say addicted...) to art as much as I am who are really helping to create a community atmosphere for artists in Coquitlam.

Join me for a free demo at Coquitlam's Opus Art Store on November 18.  Creating a still life starts long before the brush hits the canvas.  We will start with tips on how to set up and light your still life, choosing materials and discuss various processes that can be employed to paint without solvents. We will also cover the different methods of painting a still life, Alla Prima (direct) vs Classical (indirect).  Examples of each method will be shown at various stages which will hopefully will inspire you to paint a still life the way that suits you best. Space is limited and registration is required. Please visit Opus Coquitlam or contact them at 604‑545‑0410 to register. https://opusartsupplies.com/how/demos/art-still-life-non-toxic-oils

Well, that was fun, well fun like a long workout is when you are done ;) It definitely helps to have good music when paint mixing as sometimes it can seem like it can take forever to get the exact mix you are looking for.  It is so worth it though as there is nothing better than having all of your paint premixed in clean little tubes so that you can squish out fresh paint every time you paint.   I have thought of mixing while sipping a glass wine or martini but I am sure I would end up with very sub par mixes ;) I don't premix all my colors but I find it so helpful to premix a flesh palette as I may not get the chance to paint every day, especially in the summer, and there is nothing worse than mixing up your paint and then having to through it all out because it did not keep between sessions.  Also, as some days I only have an hour to two to paint and if I have all of my colors premixed, I get to spend almost all of the time painting rather than g...

I often get asked about the materials that I use for my watercolor paintings so I thought I would post a version of my supply list online. I never use student quality materials and honestly feel like nobody should. Working on student grade paper can make even a seasoned watercolor painter feel talentless! Professional quality paint and paper allows even the absolute beginner to feel like they are working with their materials, not fighting against them. Student grade paints may be "cheaper" but they are filled will "fillers" so that it looks like you are getting more paint for your buck.  What you are really getting is a weaker pigment load so you use twice as much paint than you would if you had bought the professional quality.  The luminosity and handling also do not compare.  My advice, buy only three - four tubes to start and mix your own colors.  Your paintings will be more harmonious and you will learn so much about color mixing and how your colors w...

I often get asked what paints, brushes & supplies I use so I thought I would create a post with images for all us visual learners to make sharing the info easier. These are the supplies that I use when I teach my workshops and art classes.  My next class starts in March, please visit http://register.asapconnected.com/EventDetail.aspx?pk=343461 if you would like more information. Brushes   Silver Bristalon Synthetic Round s - Absolutely LOVE these brushes! They allow you to scrub to your hearts content yet the bristles stay together nicely and do not splay.  They may break down over time, but they always retain their shape and you don't get that annoying odd stray hair sticking out the side as you usually do with scrubbing brushes.   Silver Ruby Satin Synthetic - Again love this brush.  Excellent snap, soft yet able to achieve fine control.  Very resilient brush. Rosemary & Co Ivory Long Flat - Love, love these brushes for a...