I'm sure you think this is what I've been doing instead of posting my work but not true!
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop in the El Dorado National Forrest. It taught me many things, facing fears of height and walking over cable bridges. To get to our beautiful cabin you had to cross the bridge suspended 20' above this water, carrying all supplies in and out. While there, we were reminded to watch sunny spots to make sure snakes were not there sunning. We won't even talk about snakes. I did many sketches, learned to shoot a rifle and play black jack. Oh yes, we DID paint, here is evidence. I learned to love this area and have a series of the American River in progress, I will try to continue to share. Now that fall is here it's time to get serious again about painting indoors all those wonderful sketches and small paintings I've done out in plein air. What did you do over the this summer, care to share?
As July comes to a quick close, I thought I had better get a few more posts into my blog. This little painting started as a sketch on Fir Island where a few old barns remain. There is still farm land and the area is ideal for landscape painters. When you are out painting, you loose track of time and wether or not it's too hot or cold. Hopefully the enjoyment of the time is conveyed in the painting. What do you think?
This painting was done with a palette knife and I originally posted it in April of this year. After many positive comments on this work I decided this was the one I'd start my auction with. I said earlier blue was a favorite color and I love the roses. Our yard is full of flowers and I can't tell you the number of glass jars and vases I have. Could this become a series? I hope so! And by the way, wish me luck on this auction adventure. Why, thank you!
Hidden Away Gem is the first painting that has gotten two very nice comments in the same day. I feel progress is being made. Sometimes you just have to let go and explore. I learned that from Jennifer Marine, whom I took a Webinar with a few days ago. She was speaking of being inquisitive and not afraid to push buttons to see what happens. Lord knows I've done that enough in real time however, she was talking about building our blogs and working on facebook. So, this also applies to life and art. Let go, let that paint fly and enjoy. Watch out, cause I'm still going after your button.
Sometimes, the chef is out and I'm left to fend for myself. Well, variety is the spice of life and I go for it. This is a small painting, 7x5 and what fun I'm having using these small formats. As a member of Daily Painters Showcase and most recently, joined Daily Painterworks, working small is needed, especially with "daily" being the key word. Painting more does make your work get better. 
For many of us, it's that first cup of coffee that starts our day. A few sips and all is right with the world. How do you start your morning? Add a little note in here and let me know.
Warm weather is finally here. Makes you want to really to dust off those goals you set at the first of the year and get started. One of my goals was to do more painting and see how much I can improve. Follows the path of life, see how much better we can live how lives. Both are worthy in my mind. What's your take on this?
I was one of the many clowns in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade here in Seattle last November. Yep, that was me waving and tossing candy. It was really weird doing this portrait but fun. Children love hugging clowns and adults gave high fives. What was surprise, was to learn the number of adults are uncomfortable with, or down right afraid of clowns. Who knew? That's todays trivia. What are your thoughts?
I know you're suppose to use odd numbers of things but sometimes you just feel like breaking the rules. Each pot at three tulips in them so I decided to paint them that way. I sorta like the way the knife work takes you away from counting and makes you look at the texture. Hope it works. What do you think?
I think we all experienced enough rain in April. The creeks in our area, Lake Forest Park, sure had an abundance of water. It did create some havoc but made for interesting paintings. I really enjoy working with these small panels, (5x7's) and my guerrilla oil painting pochade box. Do you like it?
This one is hot off the grill, eh, excuse me, I mean easel. I haven't been happy the last few days with my painting output so thought I would do this little painting for the daily painters challenge. Simple setup, straight forward painting and really, sometimes a little work turns out better. Love these small 5x7 sizes. I read recently a hundred small paintings outdoors will really improve your work. I plan on putting it to a test. Actually, any amount of painting will improve your work. The sun is still out, a rarity in Seattle these days, so here I go. If you see me wave!
Don't you love a sense of adventure? It's sorta like life, never know what's around the corner. Humm, that's pretty deep, what do you think?
My goal is to post more often and improve the photo quality of the paintings shown. If anyone has an idea how to do that would you let me know? Thanks. If you've attended many workshops or just a few you'll often hear the instructor tell you it's all about brush mileage. For you non painters, it means painting more, applying yourself and you know what? Those guys are really on to something. The more I paint the more I become aware of lights and darks in a work and the importance of color. OK, I'm off to work. More later.
Usually, you have tea with lemon. Why not made a little change and try a lime. Tea and life are sort of alike, sometimes you just need to get out of a rut and try something different. Since painting this little 6x6, I've added a glaze and changed the background a little. I'll post this again and see if you like it better. See? Change is, good. What do you think?
Blue is one of my favorite colors. I enjoyed painting both the flower, which was a challenge and the blue glass. I'm seriously thinking of a series of glass and flowers, lord knows I have an enough of both. Our yard is full of beautiful flowers thanks to my husband Roy so I have no excuse. Do you have a favorite flower and if so, what is it? Let me know.
This little 6x6 Oil was done for The Daily Painters Challenge. The challenge was to complete a painting of a white object on a colorful background that reflects color into it. Sitting amid chaos reminds me of our world right now. So much chaos going on and it reflects on us all, just without the pretty colors. What do you think?
I've posted this painting on Daily Paintworks to be auctioned along with many other artists for the Japanese relief fund. The sale of these paintings are being donated to a charity of choice. I choose the International Medical Corps. Please visit The Daily Paintworks Challenge and find a piece of art that will just fit into your home. It will serve a good cause. One, for the buyer and second a very good deed. One person can make a difference, two or more, well, as artists and in our own way we hope to make a small impact. Are you thinking about it?
Again, the painting has more depth than it shows here. Morning rays is a painting that just seemed to come together while I was having my coffee. Start of the day. So, here I must add thanks to the wonderful Irit for inviting me to join Daily Painters Showcase and kicking my butt verbally, getting me to paint and post. Not an easy task. Also a thanks for the warm welcome I've received from other artists in the group. Starting the day with a cup of java and good things to share through painting... Doesn't get much better. What do you think?
