To be Published!

"Peaches and Green Ribbon"
Colored Pencil on Sanded Paper
7 x 10"

Ann Kullberg has a series of books of exceptional colored pencil work.  I'm thrilled to say that my colored pencil drawing "Peaches and Green Ribbon" has been selected as one of the 90 works to be included in her CP Treasures III in print soon.  It has made my day!

Peach and Purple Ribbon in Mixed Media

"Peach and Purple Ribbon"
5 x 7" Colored Pencil and Washes
on Un-primed Cotton Canvas

I recently became aware of the work of Robert Kogge. He is teaching an online class in mixed media on Craftsy.com. Robert's technique involves colored pencil along with ink washes on unprimed canvas.

I was so excited to try out the technique (yes, I signed up for the class) that I fudged on the materials.  I didn't have the #8 cotton duck so I cut up a tote bag - same material. I didn't have the waterproof inks so I used some Neocolor II wax pastel crayons that I've had forever. There were a few other things that were on the list of materials that I didn't want to purchase until I tried the basic technique.

Always being a sucker for texture in paintings/drawings, I loved working with the cotton duck. In person the drawing almost looks like it is done in needlepoint. As soon as I finished this small experiment I ordered all the official products and now will sit by the mailbox waiting for my new toys to arrive - #8 cotton duck, Higgins waterproof inks (red, yellow, blue and black) and pumice. Stay tuned.

Big Old Apple

"Big Old Apple"
5 x 5" Oil on Panel
Click Here to Purchase Painting

Painting shown in a suggested virtual frame

I tricked myself into painting today. I told myself I would just block in the apple...then I told myself I would just paint the background...OK, then just the shadow....until the painting was done.  It felt SOOO good when I finally put the brush down. I have to remind myself that it's a building process and I can take small steps.

Pear and Shadow

"Pear and Shadow"
5 x 7" Oil on Panel
Click Here to Purchase Painting

Framing idea in a virtual frame

It's been a challenge to find painting time in the last few months. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my husband was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in March.  He just finished what the doctor called the "standard treatment" and has fared very well by not suffering from the myriad of side effects.  A little hair loss and fatigue.

Folks have been urging me to carve out some time to paint, but as my fellow artists know time is one component. State of mind can affect the process. Some days I almost felt like I forgot how to paint. I think this is my third painting since Mark's diagnosis.  I didn't forget how - it just felt like I did - until I picked up the brush and pushed the paint around.  Thank goodness!

Two Up for Auction

"Earthy Pear" 6 x 6" oil on canvas panel
SOLD

"Trio of Pears" 8 x 8" oil on canvas panel
SOLD

Two paintings up for auction on eBay.  Bidding starts at 99 cents.

"Tree Line #30"
Shown in Virtual Frame 

"Tree Line #30" 6 x 8" Pastel on Paper
SOLD

This reminds me of a misty morning.  The paper is watercolor paper that has been sanded to accept pastels and give a very soft effect.  I used a sanding block to sand the surface before applying the pastels.

Catching Up

"Pitcher and Rose"
5 x 7" pastel on sanded paper
SOLD

Getting back to a little painting, some in oil and some in pastel.

We've had a life-changing month. On March 4th, my husband went to the doctor for some really troublesome symptoms.  Since then he's been diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, been in the hospital for five days, and gone through round one of chemo. 

I've had days where I didn't think I could ever paint again, and days where I have longed to paint for my mental health.  Like everything else, in those two extremes are the reality - I will paint when I can.

"Couple of Cherries"
5 x 5" oil on Gessobord
SOLD

Truman Park

"Truman Park"
8 x 10" oil on panel
SOLD

"Truman Park" in virtual frame

I started this painting earlier in the week. As it sat where I could see it for most of the week I decided it had become too "precious", too fussy, too something.  So I attacked it again with the palette knife and "roughed" it up until it lost its preciousness.

It's painted in an impressionist manner with....well...impressions of the bushes, trees and sky.  The goal was to not be afraid of adding color and there are tons of color in this.  I especially like the turquoise in the shadows.

Peach on eBay

"Peach"
5 x 5" pastel on brown-colored sanded paper
SOLD

"Peach" shown in virtual mat and frame

The pastel makes the peach look particularly fuzzy!

Tree Line on Ebay

"Tree Line"
6 x 8" pastel on rust-colored sanded paper
SOLD

"Tree Line" with a virtual frame

"Harbor Lights" went quickly yesterday with the "buy now" option.  It's on its way to TX and a new home with one of my favorite artists.  Many thanks to her!

So "Tree Line" is going on the auction block today.  I've shown with a virtual frame how it might look as a 9 x 12" or 12 x 16" art piece all framed out with double mat, and frame.  You can frame it however you like or I can assist you in the framing.

Pastel on Ebay

"Harbor Lights"
6 x 6" pastel on sanded paper
SOLD

"Harbor Lights" in a Virtual Frame

Time to move the pastels from the inventory, so they are going on Ebay.  "Harbor Lights" is the first.

It is shipped unframed, but I can arrange for framing if you let me know.  It needs to be matted with glass and framed.  Would make a lovely 12 x 12" finished piece.

Adding Color

Work in Progress
8 x 10" oil on panel

5 x 5" oil on panel

I've had a big jump in the last couple of weeks in employing and even understanding color.  I have been reading and studying the work of some wonderful colorists. While I have always loved pure color, I have always wanted to add more color to my work.  

I show these two works as an example of my change in thinking (and I have a long way to go to be successful with using more color in my work.)

The first is a work in progress and I started off with some pretty intense color, you might even be able to see some of the bright blue still showing on the upper right corner which hasn't been finished yet. I've just been adding color adjusting temperatures and values.  Most of it is painted with a palette knife.

The bottom photo is a small abstracted landscape I did around the holidays.  I think I used four colors, blue, white, naples yellow and green.  I did sell it so I'm sure it was appealing to some, but I'm trying to stretch myself.  

Somewhere in between the two will be where I end up, I imagine.

The Big Apple

"The Big Apple"
6 x 6 oil on canvas panel
SOLD

You were thinking NYC?  No, just a big apple.  This is another in my "Scratching the Surface" series.  It didn't start out to be a scratcher, but as I was nearing the end I knew I wouldn't be happy with it until it had those soft edges and texture.

I use an embossing stylus to scratch into the wet paint.

Pinks

"Pinks"
6 x 6" oil on canvas panel
painted with a palette knife
SOLD

Back at the roses again, but this time with the palette knife. It's a sure-fire way to keep them loose.

Blue Pitcher Finished

"Blue Pitcher"
8 x 8" oil on panel
SOLD

I went to bed last night thinking yesterday's start to this painting was very stiff....not much happening with the quality of the paint application.

I woke up thinking I wonder what would happen if I painted the last layers with a palette knife.  Well, I found out.  I actually like it much better and the next one I'll use the palette knife from the beginning...maybe. It's a bit like trying to frost a hot cake.

Work in Progress - Blue Pitcher

Work in Progress
"Blue Pitcher"
8 x 8" oil on panel

I've recently been reading about the work of Camille Przewodek and her approach to painting that she learned from colorist, Henry Hensche.  It was from this reading I discovered the idea of painting still life outdoors.  I had heard of it before, but many years ago and it was not in the forefront of my mind.

Today was my first serious effort to paint outside on the deck, or at least start out there.  My deck off the bedroom faces east and I lose the sun about 1pm, so then I came inside (it was windy) and worked on the painting for most of the afternoon.  It was so fun and I got so lost in the layering of paint and colors. 

I have more I'd like to do to this painting tomorrow, but I'm pleased with my initial efforts. This is sooooo different for me - in composition, size, paint application (once you get a couple layers of paint on you have to lay the paint on with your brush flat to the canvas) and definitely in the quality of light.

Outdoor Still Life - Well Sorta

"Lemon in Morning"
5 x 5" oil on panel
Click here to purchase painting

When the weather gets nicer I want to paint still life setups outside on my deck which faces the east and gets morning light.  I'd like to capture more color and reflected light than what I usually get with an indoor setup. Just need to mix it up a bit.

It's still cold and windy here in northwest Denver so this lemon was outside on a piece of pink construction paper (shhh - don't tell my granddaughter I used a piece of her sacred construction paper).  I sat inside at my table by the window and painted through the glass.  Hey, worked for me.  I'll be all ready when the warm weather comes.

Blue Bowl and Brown Eggs

"Blue Bowl and Brown Eggs"
6 x 6 oil on panel
Click here to purchase painting

This was a little different for me today.  I took more of an impressionistic view of the light and color.  I laid out my masses and then refined the shapes in terms of drawing and color (hue and temperature.) Don't let anyone fool you, eggs are a pill to paint.

Green Jar

"Green Jar"
6 x 6" oil on panel
Click here to purchase painting

I love this little green jar and I've painted it before.  Just had fun today pushing and pulling the paint around. Isn't fun what it's all about...in the end?

Pears on Green

"Pears on Green"
6 x 6" oil on panel
Click here to purchase painting

I've come back from the edge of impressionism from the last two days to something more traditional.  

I tried to paint a rose this morning and what was a disastrous beginning and middle ended up being a nice under-painting of a rose for another day.  So I needed to "get back on the horse" so to speak and paint another subject - the much more user-friendly subject of pears.  One can lose confidence very quickly in this business.  

I did like how the color palette turned out in this one, a little muted and harmonious. I believe I will be able to paint another day without worrying that somehow I've lost what little I had.

Impressions of a Pear

"Impressions of a Pear"
6 x 6" oil on canvas
Click here to purchase painting

Ode to a Pear

"Ode to a Pear"
6 x 6" oil on canvas panel
SOLD

Just needed to have a little fun today, so I pulled out an older painting and gave it a makeover.  It's one of my favorite things to do.  I used lots of color and added texture by scraping into the wet paint with my embossing stylus.  Haven't worked on any of my "scratching the surface" series for a long time.

Goal fun - mission accomplished!

Redux of a Rose

"Hey Bud! Version 2"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
SOLD

I painted this rose last week and I knew at the time I would revisit it.  I was so timid with the paint there was barely any paint on the panel.  I was so concerned about color and shape that I forgot about the quality of the paint.

So today I painted over it and the chant was "make juicy paint" as it has been for my two previous paintings. Now I'm much happier with it and the buyer obviously was as well. Sold to my high school girlfriend about 5 minutes after I posted it.

She is a wonderful gardener and is also the owner of "Blush."  I'm so fortunate to have so many family members and friends that support my art.

Juicy Berries

"Juicy Berries"
6 x 6" oil on panel
Click Here to Purchase Painting

Another day with the goal of juicy paint, and for today colorful reds.  Lots of fun pushing the paint.

Through Thick and Thin

"Apple Slice and Blueberries"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
SOLD

As I was working on the roses Monday, I realized I was so focused on the shapes and color I forgot to be generous with the paint and create thick and thin paint application areas.  So today I decided to just play with that concept.

According to the Bright Light Fine Art folks, especially Sherrie McGraw, chiaroscuro painting is all about the contrast between light and dark, thick and thin paint, bright and neutrals, open passages and passages where there is a lot going on.

Most of all she and David A Leffel talk about having fun.  I think as artists we forget to enjoy the painting process.  I'm learning to just love pushing the paint around without worrying about an exact replica.

Roses in Progress

Day 2 of Three Roses and a Grape
12 x 12" oil on Gessobord

Painted the roses, leaves and the vase today.  I will be working on it again for another couple of sessions to brighten some things, finish the tabletop and generally just "finish".

A Giant Among Us....

Working Title
"Three Roses and a Grape"
12 x 12" oil on Gessobord

After the frenzy of trying to finish a painting a day, I'm going to slow down and work on some larger pieces. This is from the same photo shoot as the small painting "Rose and Leaf".  The roses were so pretty that day and they are now starting to look a little brown around the edges, but they sure were fun to have in the house.  Might just have to buy another half dozen tomorrow...they'll be ready to paint by Wednesday or Thursday.

This is a HUGE painting for me...12 x 12".  I've had inquiries as to whether I'd paint a 30 x 30" and I'm not opposed - it's just going to take me awhile to get there.

Do the Hokey Pokey

"You Put Your Left Foot In"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
Click Here to Purchase Painting

Only enough time for a cherry painting today, but I love how this stem looks a little like a leg and foot.  You do see that, right?  LOL....

More Roses

"Rose and Leaf"
6 x 6" oil on Gessobord
Click Here to Purchase Painting

Shown in a virtual frame

I really worked to keep this painting simple in design, brushwork, and color.  I think I succeeded in the simplicity.

The roses I bought earlier this week finally started to open up, and yesterday I had a photo session with some simple vases and arrangements.  Yes, there will be more roses to come. The 30 in 30 Challenge is over as of yesterday, but I might just try for a 30 in 45 days challenge on my own of roses.  So much to learn.

Day 27 - Hey Bud

"Hey Bud!"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
Day 27 of the 30 in 30 Challenge

This was a challenge.  I bought some beautiful pink roses at the grocery store, but they are tightly wound and it will be a couple of days before they relax.  I pulled and pushed leaves on this, but and was running out of daylight to photograph and get it painted.  Can't wait till it stays light later.

So I was stressed and started out with lots of detail.  The second half of the painting session was to remove a lot of detail that I didn't think added anything.

I will be painting this again on Wed or Thursday and see if I can start out simple and not have to retreat about half-way through.

Day 26 - Double Trouble

"Double Trouble"
4 x 4 oil on Gessobord
Day 26 of 30 in 30 Challenge
Click Here to Purchase Painting

"Double Trouble" in Virtual Frame

This painting is named for the fact that this rose was packed with petals!  I'm forcing myself to abstract and simplify rather than paint every detail.  My tendency when unhappy with how a painting looks is to add more detail rather than focus on quality of paint, shape, color and temperature.  I fall into my "drawing mode" rather than my painting mode.  I'm hoping since I am now aware I will stop myself.

Day 24 - Blush

"Blush"
5 x 5" oil on Gessobord
Day 24 of 30 in 30 Challenge
SOLD

The quest for painting roses continues.  When they are small like this and are the center of attention it seems that more detail is needed than if it were part of a bigger composition where the eye travels around.  So maybe a few more small studies and then a larger piece.

Day 22 - Time for Auction

"Fancy Pear"
6 x 6" oil on Gessobord
Part of my Scratching the Surface Series

Today was spent preparing my first shipment of paintings (13 of them) to Castle Gallery for the 19th Valentine Show opening February 7th.  So there was no painting today.  Shipment one is going out tomorrow afternoon, and shipment two (another 5 larger paintings are going on Monday - well, "larger" for me.

Now that I've got the Belmar Art and Frame exhibition delivered and the Castle Gallery is all set and ready for shipping, it's time to make room for a new paintings.  There are a few that I'm going to put of for auction. The first one is Fancy Pear, and the bidding starts at $10.

Then it will be time for Paint February...my own challenge...continuing on with the 30 in 30 idea.  Some wonderful opportunities have happened as a result of painting everyday. Why stop now?

Day 20 and 21 - Lots of Cherries

"Pears and Cherries"
11 x 14" oil on panel
For sale at a later date

"Adieu to You Too!"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
On Hold

I've been talking about painting larger for a couple of years.  Today was the day.  I had actually started "Pears and Cherries" several months ago and just got lost in the size and the application of paint. (I had done a colored pencil piece years ago from this photo set-up.)  I've been watching lots of videos on painting, brushwork and light specifically by David A Leffel and Sherrie McGraw as part of their Artist's Guild membership on their Bright Light Fine Art website.  As I have watched them, little light bulbs go off in my head - "Oh, that's how you do that!"  Looking at their work is akin to a religious experience for me.

The first thing this morning I did have to paint my little cherry just to get the pump primed.

Day 19 - Cherry and Shadow

"Cherry and Shadow"
2.5 x 3.5" oil on canvas panel
Day 19 30 in 30
SOLD

The cherry paintings are popular!  This one is going with a few other cherry paintings to Castle Gallery in Fort Wayne, IN for the Amour de l'art, their 19th Annual Valentine Show.

I'm so pleased to be included, and I just learned today that I will be included on the invitational postcard with the Pink Rose painting I did earlier this week.

Day 18 - January Cherry

"January Cherry"
4 x 4" oil on Gessobord
Day 18 of 30 in 30 Challenge
SOLD

Running on empty when it comes to cherry paintings, so that's what was on the easel today.  Twelve days to go for the 30 in 30 Challenge.  I might just make it, despite my whining every morning about painting, but I must say the whining is less and the "adult" painter steps up to the easel a little more confidently the last few days.

Day 17 - Rose Bowl

"Rose Bowl"
6 x 6" oil on Gessobord
SOLD

I love this little sugar bowl, it came from my husband's family.  It fits my intention of learning to paint roses.

My 30 in 30 Challenge has brought some nice opportunities.  One being a nice order from the Castle Gallery in Fort Wayne, IN, for their upcoming Valentine Exhibition.  This will most likely be shipped with 8-10 other pieces.  Niiiiice!