Farmland

Our farmland and forest seem to be fast disappearing, replaced by ugly buildings. I feel so sad to see beautiful areas with trees being uprooted. Progress is needed, but can't we have both? I love to paint landscapes and more aware that many places I've gone to paint are now condo's and apartment complexes. Guess I must paint faster to keep just ahead of the bulldozers. What are your thoughts?

Lemon Tree 2

What a learning curve I'm going through. I do know some of these things but putting them into practice evades me. Example, I love to paint lemons and really enjoyed this composition however, after what I call finished, kept nagging. I read an article on values and had the aha moment. Those darn lemons (actually I didn't say "darn" but we will let that go) didn't have a strong value structure. Back to the easel and here it is, better I tell you. I know this about values so why do I over look the obvious at times...I think it's impatience to get something done and on to the next project. I have so many goals so guess I better add SLOW DOWN, to the list. Your thoughts?

Spring's around the corner

I haven't posted for a few days so thought I would share what I'm working on. This is a little different for me. High keyed (very light colors) and lots of hard lines.With a little work, softer edges and more variety in this painting, it should look quite different. Sort of like just before you put your dress on...well that's the only way I could explain this. Now you get the picture, right? Stay tuned for the final version. Meanwhile, I will continue to show other work more completed, promise.

Profile Sketch 2

I've redone this original little painting and took away the wings. There were a few other things I was going to do but sometimes letting go is best. I've learned from this one, so it shall rest and I will move on. Any idea how difficult that is for me? Learning many things and it so still early in the year. How promising!

Sunflowers

Well, this completes albeit late, my thirty painting in thirty days. As I've mentioned before, December and the early part of January were not kind to my husband health wise but he is doing much better now. I was determined to finish my paintings, learn from the experience and enjoy the process. All were accomplished. If this is a down side it's ok, found a box with about thirty five small canvases all ready to be painted. I don't think I will continue a painting a day but I'll try to come close because I plan on working a little larger which is more time consuming. So, what's your latest discovery?

A Beauty

When I leave home and go up or come down the driveway I always look at the beautiful line of roses my husband grows. The different color combinations are awesome and everyone could be a painting. There is such an emphasis on working "en plein air" or outside to be with mother nature. You can't make up those colors and it really helps you to see and paint better. Yes, many artists are strictly studio painters and do a magnificent job and wouldn't go outside if their life depended on it. If, however you don't mind a total stranger telling you his aunt Jane is an artist while you're fighting wind, sun. clouds, bugs, rain and other little atmospheric conditions, this is for you to try. So, go smell the roses!

Green Apple

As I said in my last post, I love the produce section in the grocery store. This apple was so green it just looked like another color was needed to make it even more vibrant so, a touch of red was added. Now to find another subject and solve it's color balance. Each  time I do a series of small paintings, I learn so much. It's like being in a little workshop of one, each painting helps you continue to grow. There's truth in the adage, practice, practice, practice.

Fat Cat

I chose this pear because it reminded me of a fat cat sitting in a window. Let your mind go wild in the produce section and you too will find many things to paint. It could also be me sitting after all the gala holiday get togethers but I prefer to keep this image as the pear, it saves my dignity. I also look for little boxes, bags, anything that will look interesting in a still life painting. This takes in every shop known to mankind, not just the grocery store. So, what catches your eye and it makes you think? Not sure...give it some thought and let me know.

Peachy

After dinner, sometimes it's nice to have a glass of wine and piece of fruit. Less filling but tasteful. Should the waiter mention chocolate lava cake, the wine and fruit are out of the window. Actually, chocolate anything andI"m a goner. That is my confession for the day. Feel free to leave your obsessions, guilts, pleasures right here, they are safe with me. Time to be back to painting, see you tomorrow.

Revisit to Sultan, WA

Going up toward to mountains are lots of little populations that are an artists haven. These quiet little roads and farms are wonderful to paint. You have such a sense of peace while wondering when this will be plowed under to make room for another apartment complex or big houses. Right now we can only paint and put this rich history on canvas.

Single Pear

Pears and Lemons seem to be favorites to paint. The subject seems simple enough if you get the shape correct. Sometimes being observant isn't a strong suite, I want to paint and get those colors on that canvas and disaster strikes and another wipe off occurs. doing this series of thirty paintings in thirty days has taught me to slow down even with small works and pay attention. It's like the daily life things we do, stop, look and pay attention, surprising what you see in front of you. Try it!