Blue Ribbon

Somehow, my paintings are coming out much brighter than the original ones. This should wake you up with the contrasting colors. I've saved bits of ribbon over the years and thought it time to do something with them or toss them out. Guess I'll start a series. Another goal, geez.

Rose Cup

This little painting, 6x6 oil, was completed on one of our long gray rainy weekends. My goal was to find something cheerful and light. I know many are affected by the Northwest winters being so dark and gloomy so I figured I'd try to always find a warm bright subject by really pushing color. Hope I've succeeded what do you think?

Quartermaster Harbor-Oil

After completing this little scene in ink and watercolor, shown earlier in blog, I worked on an oil sketch. It's always interesting how different a painting looks in another medium. Variety really  is the spice of life. What have you done differently recently?

The last hooray

This little painting is called "Front & Center", a reminder that our summer is almost over. The roses continue to bloom as if to say they are not ready for this fall weather. I feel the same so I will enjoy the sunny days and get in as much painting and sketching as possible. What are you going to do? Yes, I'd like to know. So, waiting to hear from you.

Quartermaster Harbor

August 1st, I spent the day on Vashon, Maury Island to be exact. It was the annual Artists' Retreat. A day of being creative, sharing and renewing friendships. I also did an oil sketch but thought I would share one of my drawings. Are you a sketcher or painter or both? Let me know.

Road in Sultan, WA.

Sometimes when I'm out painting, I wonder why I want to go to all the trouble to travel in other countries when we have so much right here in Seattle. It's a life time of painting material with lots of hidden gems. That said, I guess there is something about seeing new landscapes, hearing another language, new food that stirs our souls. What do you think?

Guess Who Wanted To Come To Dinner?

One frosty morning not long ago, this Heron perched on our deck. You really can't tell how large this guy really is here but the wing span is enormous. He was so busy staring downward he didn't hear the sliding door open enough to get the camera out. His source of interest? Our Koi pond right below him. The point of this story? Glad you asked...it's ok to be intent but always be aware of your surroundings. Creed of the Plein Air Painter.

Coming and Going

Whattt! It's OK, I said the same thing. Can't believe I've painted chickens and I must say, they are my first. Once started, it was fun trying to get the feathers going the right direction. Thank goodness for having Bonnie for 15 years. He is a White Capped Pionus parrot that is in charge of our home. So feathers, I'm very familiar with. We are always coming or going in life with varies things and these two reminded me of that. One seemed to be coming into the picture and the other leaving. Guess this is where I should say we should all stop and smell the roses and enjoy. What's your take on the subject? Yes, of course I want to know.

Tree study/ St. Edwards Park, WA

I love painting outside, something exciting usually happens. You really need a sense of humor as well as one of adventure. The light continues to move so you must get as much information on your canvas before your shadows change. You learn to leave out a lot and get the important stuff. Our life is like that, lots of things we could probably get rid of and deal only with the important. What am I saying? Be kinder to yourself, enjoy life, friends and your good health. This thought came to me because I'm in year three, cancer free. Yep, I'm happy thanks.

Chocolate Chip

OK, I haven't a good excuse for missing so many post but if I think of one I will be the first to let you know.

Last week, I attend a three day workshop with Jennifer Diehl on painting cafe scenes. We had a great time and here is my study from that adventure. While not my style of painting, it's the reason we attend classes. Learn and add to your own bag of tricks. Every little bit helps. So now when I take those photo's and do sketches, you'll see more of me. Great reason to stop for a latte.

Tacking 12x16 Oil on Linen

It's boating season so I thought I would repost one of my favorite paintings. The painting brings back memories of my first outing on the timing boat for the sailboat races. Another thing about this image is the brush work. I think it was one of my first using a combination of palette knife and brush in an more free motion. It defines how I now paint. So, what triggers some of your memories? Yes, I want to know.

This little painting is titled, "Tulips" and today it was auctioned and sold. The money went to Northwest Hospital "Casting Call ". This is an organization that provides fly fishing trips on the Yakima River for women who have had cancer or presently going through treatment. It's a time to reflect on something different and not on medical issues. It's truly being pampered for the day if you can image that with fishing. The breakfast was held at the Seattle Golf Club, what a nice way to start your day eh?

Miss Bonnie

I've talked about "MISS BONNIE" many times in conversation with friends. Don't think I've posted many photo's of him. Yes, him. We got Bonnie Marie at 10 weeks and he will be 16 years old in July. After year three, we discovered only the males have an extensive vocabulary. By that time, he was calling me Miss Bonnie and I returned the favor. My husband however insist on calling him Bonito. My real life version of a Boy Named Sue! So, what's going on with the pets in your life? Yes, I'm interested.

Spring Is Here

As I wrote on my Facebook page, today looked like spring, felt like spring so I was inspired to get a vase, add flowers and make a painting. This is a small 8x6 done in oil with a palette knife on a linen panel. I enjoy getting away from traditional and exploring color and what new marks I can make with my palette knife. It was an enjoyable morning. What did you do today? Inquiring minds want to know.

Fog, Beach, Seattle

I stood in the rain, actually mist and fog working on this painting. After getting home I realized with just a touch of a bright color, you add a little life. So, when you're out on a misty day with little color, look for those little patches of brightness. It will make your day. Right Christine?

I'll wait to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Blue Bowl

This little painting is 6x6 painted in oil on linen. I'm trying to paint with less brush strokes and being fussy in my work. Painting is so much like life, don't you feel a sense of freedom when everything is uncluttered? It's probably a polyanna approach also but that's what artists are all about, seeing the beauty. So, how's life treating you? Let me know and yes, I'm interested.

Could Rain

I thought today would be a good day to post "Could Rain." The clouds seemed to promise rain and finally, it's late afternoon and the showers are here. I'm working on my small paintings to try less is more so, while we experience weather outside, I'll just stay warm and dry inside and continue to experiment with paints and brushes. What are you doing?

Yellow Pepper

This is the year I try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I've been working with lighter colors although in this photo it doesn't come across that way. I am also using a new camera setup so eventually, all of these things will come together. Bear with me in this process. So, what are you doing? Please drop a line and let me know.

Treats

Treats, they look so innocent and pretty on a plate. Thank goodness this was painted during the Plein Air PaintingWashington paint in during our January meeting. Otherwise, I would have had a large mug of coffee beside my easel and who knows how many of these little delights would have survived. Temptation comes in many forms, this is one of mine. What tempts you?

Beach at Brackett's Landing

I was painting with a few friends in Edmonds, WA. It was cold and breezy and no sun however, no one wanted to be the first to leave so we kept painting. I must admit, I was one happy camper when I got back to my car with a hot cup of coffee. Ever have one of those days? OK, share!

Little Blue Vase-SOLD

What's the sense of painting if you can't have fun making new discoveries. Here is one of my attempts. I've gone into the wet areas and pulled out just enough of the underpainting to show a little of the stems. What kind of plant? Don't know, it's an artist following a muse. Take life and yourself less serious, you will like the results. Agree? Let me know.

Tacking

This is one of my favorite paintings. I was on the Timing Boat in Shilshoal Bay in Seattle. As the boats raced by I tried to sketch and also use my camera. It took a while to get in sync with one boat going down and the other up. My first few tries were either the tip of the sail or just water. The most important of all was trying not to get sick looking through a camera lens. Lesson learned? Keep trying, it's not always what we want in life but you will eventually get something. Just look at this painting, it's going forward and and I feel a mild sense of success when I see it. Going forward is going to be my motto for 2012. What's your?

Living In Vegas

Happy New Year to you. I wish good things and success in all your goals this year. My main goal this year is to FOCUS and follow through. I think as artists, we tend to be very easily distracted and start another project and then, another, and then...you get the picture. My example of what I want to accomplish is in this little painting. I paid attention to design and color, tried to keep it simple and stopped when I had nothing more to say. Someone related because the painting, "Lavender", now lives in Vegas. Now to continue this format...I hope! So, what are you going to do? Please, let me know. I'll be waiting to hear from you.