Finding Beauties by Sally Shisler

Still painting smalls.  Gearing up slowly for bigs.  Experimenting with new surfaces and substrates.  For a long time I've used Centurion Linen sheets mounted on either superior quality gatorboard (which survives a surprising amount of abuse) or Ampersand gessoboard - which is more recently. Going through my stock (you know, the stuff that we buy then squirrel away for use in the next brilliant painting, which will obviously be better because of it...then forget we have it), I found some Ampersand wood blocks 4x4".  I never used them for anything because I hadn't realized I ordered the ones that were about 1.5" thicker than I wanted.  Anyway - found them yesterday and decided to try them out for my smalls.  Being impatient and ill prepared to do this the right way, I painted directly on the wood without any kind of priming.  Loved the light color of the natural wood - very useful in establishing values right away.  And really love the way my knife sails right over the surface. Which solves a lot of the issues I have with poorly made strokes. They are never perfect as in my mind, but I think maybe on this wood I have a better chance of making the strokes I intend.  I have developed a HUGE pet peeve about unexpected dips and valleys in my knife strokes - especially around my figural pieces. It's because I use the movement and direction of the knife to support the overall design. Knives create depth in the paint.  For me, I think this must be studied carefully before making the marks. Sometimes I think about the next single stroke for a very long time. Might be akin to surgery. Not sure how I ended up with this mind set after beginning my knife painting adventure years ago with large canvases so that I could experience freedom and spontaneity. These smalls, though, have turned out to be invaluable little lessons in all the important things that go into successful painting. This painting has strengths and weaknesses.  I am trying to let go of the harsh judgements I make and find contentment in the parts that are good and sound.

Important News:
• Private Lessons in my studio.  Those interested, please call or email me at 321-331-3045 or scshisler@gmail.com to make an appointment for a 3 hour or more session.
• Palette Knife Technique and Philosophy scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th - Friday September 26th at SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden Florida.  Please call or email me at 321-331-3045 or scshisler@gmail.com.
• Palette Knife Technique and Philosophy scheduled for June 6th -8th at The Art School in Sandy Springs - Atlanta, Georgia.  Please call or email Donna Thomas at 404-313-7356 or theartschoolinsandysprings.com.

• Wine and Paint  It's becoming a wildly popular trend across the globe and now is soon to come to Winter Garden Florida. Plans are being finalized for weekly evenings at SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden Florida.  Join me and other painters for the fun - I will be facilitating. Schedule to come out soon.
• "Sally Shisler - A Collection of Beach Paintings from 2010-2014   Keep your eyes peeled for my First Self Published Book of 4x4" palette knife beach paintings a la Potthast. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

Beach Tot by Sally Shisler

Beach Tot - 201437 4x4" Oil on Board
Choosing the right colors/color temperatures and values.  I began the painting with a wash of very thinned out burnt sienna.  Applied with a brush - again, looking for the joints of the figure and emphasizing them by pushing down on the brush tip, then continuing on to the next with as much of a calligraphic quality as possible in this small size.  Easier to do with a brush than with a knife.  Laid down the rest of the color notes with brush, then dove in with my knives to commit the color choices (with all their relative inherent features - value, temp etc.) and add features of the palette knive -  stroke direction, depth, hard edge, tapered edge etc.  Am happy with the result, though I feel that the shadow underneath the tot could be lighter.

Important News:
• Pick Your Passion Please come this Thursday, August 7th from 5-8 to see two of my latest paintings at the Opening of SoBo Gallery's members only August exhibit; 127 S. Boyd Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787
• Private Lessons in my studio.  Those interested, please call or email me at 321-331-3045 or scshisler@gmail.com to make an appointment for a 3 hour or more session.• Palette Knife Technique and Philosophy scheduled for Wednesday, September 24th - Friday September 26th at SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden Florida.  Please call or email me at 321-331-3045 or scshisler@gmail.com.
• Palette Knife Technique and Philosophy scheduled for June 6th -8th at The Art School in Sandy Springs - Atlanta, Georgia.  Please call or email Donna Thomas at 404-313-7356 or theartschoolinsandysprings.com.

• Wine and Paint  It's becoming a wildly popular trend across the globe and now is soon to come to Winter Garden Florida. Plans are being finalized for weekly evenings at SoBo Art Gallery in Winter Garden Florida.  Join me and other painters for the fun - I will be facilitating. Schedule to come out soon.
• "Sally Shisler - A Collection of Beach Paintings from 2010-2014   Keep your eyes peeled for my First Self Published Book of 4x4" palette knife beach paintings a la Potthast. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

Swallowtails by Sally Shisler - June Worskhop Begins 2 Weeks from Today!

Swallowtails - 2014044x4" Oil on Linen
This painting is for sale at The SOBO Art Center in Winter Garden Florida throughout the month of May.  Please email me at scshisler@gmail.com, 321-331-3045 for purchase information, or Mary Keating at 407-376-8657 or mkeating@@wgart.org.

An intriguing subject - bearded man with tattoos.  Look closely to see if you can find the swallowtails. Didn't mean for it to be the "Find It' game, but seems it became that.  Fun!  I actually love this painting.  The subject very different from my sunlit figures. Of course as I went along I had Sargent in mind. Certainly not his gorgeous buttery brush strokes, but my painting became more about designing the negative space to support the positive. Learning to marry the darks/lights of positive/negative space is a good lesson.

Upcoming palette knife workshop at the 127 SoBo Art Gallery Classroom 

Friday, June 6th - Sunday, June 8th. 

Email me directly to get detailed information about workshop content:  

scshisler@gmail.com. Or call me at 321-331-3045.

Click this link for online registration form:  

Registration for Sally Shisler Palette Knife Workshop

The main focus will be on loosening up with palette knives; painting larger with more freedom, movement and intuition.  Class is limited to 10; 5 spaces left!  Cost for 3 days is $300.  Supplies not included.  Click here for supply list from Jerry's Artarama. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Oceantide" by Sally Shisler

"Oceantide" by Sally Shisler SOLD
(4x4") - 201303

This last few days I have worked on painting nude figures.  I am reminded of what I learned in school when I studied medical illustration - avoid provocative focal points. It's natural for the eye to be drawn to human 'parts'. We all know what they are. (Kind of like faces where the eyes, nose and mouth can easily be hastily rendered with symbols that we learn).  It can be challenging to avoid bringing too much focus to these areas, but when it's done effectively, the painting can become more than a sexy picture.  Hopefully I've achieved that here. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Redheads" by Sally Shisler

"Redheads" by Sally Shisler
(4x4") - 201218

Greetings to all.  It's been a long couple of months, and as you probably have come to expect from me, another stretch of time where other things have had to be shuffled to the top of the priority list. Aside from family (which does always come first), I got a new job as an administrative assistant/office manager.  And boy do I love it!  Takes more time away from painting, but hopefully with a steady income, I can go about painting as more of a passion and less of a duty with pressure to perform. Some day I dream I'll be able to do nothing but paint...

This is a scene from right around Labor Day at Cocoa Beach here in Florida.  One of the last big beach hoorahs for many folks.

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Afternoon Fun" after EH Potthast

"Afternoon Fun" after EH Potthast
(4x4") - 201217

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Bon voyage..... At last, our summer vacation has arrived!  We'll be heading out tomorrow morning; returning next weekend. I will not be bringing my painting equipment, but will have my camera close by.  This is one of the years we'll go to Anna Maria Island here in Florida.  PLENTY of beach scenes!
All I'm bringing is my suit, hat, sunscreen & flip flops.  Oh - a beach chair too (critical). Today's painting was all about cadmium yellow.  It's a tricky one, to be sure.  For me anyway.  It rather goes along with the last study I did of Potthast (below), Balloon Vendor.  Though this time I really wanted to explore what cool, cold weather light looks like.  This too is on gesso board.  I'm loving it!


Don't forget - if you happen to be in the Orlando area during the month of July, you can see my paintings in person at Steinway Piano Gallery (SEE BELOW ANNOUNCEMENT FOR INFO).  There will be an artists' reception on Thursday July 12th, from 6-9.  It's not likely that I will be able to be there, but I will have a 'spokesperson' there to talk to.  I can also meet people by appointment anytime after July 16th. 


There's much in the works lately, and though you haven't heard from me in over a week, rest assured I am working away at organizing my upcoming year.  Workshop Survey will hopefully go out tonight.  However - as you know, I am known to have a hard time doing things exactly when I hope too.
Anyone who has recently asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested and you will be part of the survey.  I want to get some idea of where and when the vast majority of folks would be able to attend.

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Sunset Beach" by Sally Shisler after EH Potthast

"Balloon" after EH Potthast
(4x4") - 201216

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Short writing here, as I'm busy getting ready for a last minute decision to participate as one of 3 Florida gals to exhibit paintings during the month of July in Altamonte Springs, FL.  ACK!  So much to do! Formal announcement will come out this week.  Once again, I am so honored (OK - quite flattered too) to have heard from so many of you lately. Even when I mistakenly sent ya'll some of my old emails.  Not sure what was sent within those attachments.  Just praying it was on the up and up : )

Still working on organizing workshops too.  I will get back to each one of you individually very soon.  Probably will aim for 2 more for this year.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.

Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Walking in the Hills" 2 by Sally Shisler (after EH Potthast)

"Walking in the Hills - 2" after Edward Henry Potthast
(4x4") - 201209a

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Many of my most popular paintings have numerous purchase requests. For those who miss out, I always offer to paint a new version just for them (commission, if you will).  This is the second painting that I've done of this image.  The first one is a few posts below - it sold right away.  There are major differences in the two versions - on purpose, so that I'm not simply repainting the exact same thing.  The first version has a very high contrast quality with super white whites & dark darks.  I LOVE working this way, mainly because I'm pretty sure how to get the effect I'm looking for directly without spoiling the looseness and freshness of the paint application. Today's version has several mid-range gray valued colors. All are on the warm side of color temp, but some are warmer than others.  I'm thrilled that it's success comes not from strong contrast, but from well developed areas of local color.

I also wanted to thank all of you who have been leaving comments and emailing me.  It's wonderful to hear from so many people!  Of course, with that comes the pressure to try and get back to everyone - which I have to say that I'm not very good at.  I have good intentions, but those are worthless without some action.

About workshops - so many have asked, and yes, I still do them and I am in the process of putting together the next few for this year.  Probably will aim for 2 more.  (Next year I will be teaching in GA, and hopefully in TX - thanks to the honor of being invited as a Signature Member of Contemporary Fine Art International).  I have also put feelers out for the central NJ area). I'll keep everyone posted.

Anyone who has asked, I've put you on the list of artists who are interested. 

Finally, I believe I'm going to send out a short questionnaire soon to ascertain who is interested in studying what.  My endeavors & methods have changed a lot since I first began teaching a few years ago, and I'd hate to plan something that not everyone was expecting.

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"At the Beach" after Edward H. Potthast

"At the Beach" after Edward H. Potthast (4x4") - 201214

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Hats and umbrellas; umbrellas and hats...  For whatever reason, they are a challenge.  More importantly, I want to discuss the inclusion of a black person.  Because everything I've painted up until now has been creamy white folks. One of my husband's best friends is black. She asked me the other day why I haven't ever including someone black.  What can I say?  It was a terrific question!  I have to tell on myself and say I just never had the occasion to or even thought of it.  Black skin has a wonderful quality with MANY more variations in color and value than that of white skin. From rich dark prussian blue hues, to light caramelly tones, it offers lots of mixing fun!

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Beach Time" by Sally Shisler

"Beach Time" (4x4") - 201213

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Contemporary subject; classical colors.  I wanted to break out a little bit, tone things down from the last few posts.  Again (like in the Skinny Dipping paintings-sexy nude), I was wary of this piece being pigeonholed into a genre (cutesy mother, child) taking away from any merits it might have as just a painting.  I really love working with very dark darks - the transparent ones.  Sap green, alizarin crimson & ultramarine blue. Mixed together, they create succulent colors.  I had been trying out the M. Graham oils for a while.  Very good quality pigment that has walnut oil for the medium.  Not to mention very nice tube openings and tops. I thought it might cut down on the amount of walnut oil I use when I'm mixing my paint.  But it didn't.  Also, as much as I wanted the brand to work, it was just too pasty for me.  I'm back to the good old Winton & Georgian brands. These are student grade, but in my opinion, the best for what I do. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!

"Crashing In" by Sally Shisler

"Crashing In" (4x4") - 201212

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This was SO much fun!  You'll note that the bright white is actually from some glare off the outdoor light source (the sun).  It hits where the paint has the most depth, which is usually a challenge to get around when photographing the paintings. (There is a way around this).  But with this scene, the sparkles show me exactly where I can go back in and place pure white paint to suggest the waves even more effectively. 

Contact me regarding purchase and commission requests.

Unless otherwise noted, listed prices are offered to my subscribed blog members. If you are interested in purchasing a painting, but are not yet subscribed, simply enter your email address in the join box on my home page. As a subscriber you will receive special values on your purchases and periodic promotions will give you the opportunity to enjoy my paintings in real life at even more affordable prices!