Thursday, April 30, 2009

Indelible irises

"Indelible Irises" 9x12"
This iris painting is actually on a boxed set of cards that
you can get at the Christmas Tree shops. It's always a surprise
to see them there on the shelves among the other sets. The company
that licensed this image to make the cards, did so a couple years ago.
I never know which stores or where some of these things will show
up. I guess it would be hard to let all the artists know how, what and
where about all their different items. That would take some organization!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Stepping stones

"Orange poppy" 7.5x7.5"
These little paintings are great to do as "warm-ups"..a way
to get lots of color down and be loose. As artists we don't
practice enough and always want to sit down (or stand up)
at the easel (or table, or floor..or...) and create that masterpiece.
Not that there is anything wrong with that...but having a fair
share of "exercises", "bloopers" and "flops" makes us who we are
and when those paintings finally do come out as masterpieces we
should thank our "stepping stones".

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Iris study

This iris study is also from some time ago...I guess I am
recounting the earlier days...nostalgia..hmmm. I did finally
get around to acknowledging my fellow bloggers who gave
me the passion for painting award. What I have done is put
their links on the sidebar of my blog with the award image.
Hopefully I haven't missed anyone, let me know if I did..I went
through old comments and even did a search on google!
THANKS ALL!

Monday, April 27, 2009

Sunny day blooms

These sunflowers are from at least 8 or 9 years ago...I think
my color palette has changed a bit since then...Looking at this
piece the colors seem more timid? The negative background painting is
definitely starting to take hold. I organized the spring meeting of the
Vermont Watercolor Society, which was yesterday and it was
a full day. It was nice to see so many watercolor enthusiasts
together in one room..we had a good time!

Friday, April 24, 2009

Monday night figure

This was one of last week's figure paintings I did in my
Monday night open figure session. I really enjoyed that
evening! Everything seemed to work and the proportions
were happening. With flowers you have some artistic license
as to exactly how things look...but not with the human body!
but like "they" say...practice, pratice, practice...who are "they" anyway?

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Pansies

We are all familiar with this sight..right now the stores are
stocking all the early spring flowers. Pansies are hardy
here and can already be put out. I simply can not refuse
their delicate, colorful faces and just the other day bought
two six packs of yellow and purple pansies. Our planters
aren't out of storage yet and I'm buying plants...oh well.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Red Barn

"Red Barn" 15x22"
I just entered some work in a Land and Light show...so I
guess landscapes are on the brain. I have to frame another
piece for a landscape show today...there's a theme developing here!
I went over some older comments on my previous posts and
noticed another blog award...thank you so much to all of you
out there keeping an eye on my work, I really appreciate all the
positive feedback and wonderful comments.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Different Strokes entry

This is for those of you who don't go to my blog
directly and get an email post in your inbox...
I have a Different Strokes image on the sidebar of
my blog that I keep updated whenever I have
completed that week's "assignment" for the different
strokes blog. This is the newest contribution.
Companion of Diana statue.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Stargazing

7.5x7.5" "Stargazing"
My favorite part of the stargazers to paint are the stamen.
Go figure..but you really have a chance to use a lovely orange/
burnt sienna/reddish color. Plus they are such a striking part
of the blossom. And you get to splatter on the dark pink stains
on the inside of the petals!

Friday, April 17, 2009

Sunstreaked

"Sunstreaked" 15x22"
This piece is several years old, but I think it really shows
how I like to paint. I sometimes veer away from this drippy
negative painting style...but hopefully to always return to it.
This painting was started with random really loose and washy
"splotches" of yellow, just running a large brush over the paper
in several different places. While it was drying I dropped some
other pigment in a couple areas, like greens and blues..then had
to be patient for everything to dry completely. I sketched out my
design on that and developed the painting in gradual stages of
progressive washes, "carving" out the petals, stalks and leaves.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Huddled

"Huddled" 22" x 17"
The tulips are showing their greens, but it will be a little
while until we see their beautiful petals and all their
glorious colors. The daffodils I planted last fall don't seem
to want to come out and play..so they must have been too
far gone...oh well, I'll just buy some bunches at the store.
Busy times coming up, workshops, Vermont Watercolor Society
meetings, prepping for shows and all that comes with it. Better
busy than bored, right?

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

White Poppy

7.5x7.5"
White, purity, renewal, clean, brilliance, calm..etc..etc..
Using the white paper can often be difficult and my early
forays into painting with watercolors left my paper "muddily"
covered from side to side and corner to corner, barely showing
any of the beautiful white paper. I've since learned my lesson
(or at least one of them) to leave the sparkle of the white paper
showing through..I think it adds so much to a painting.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Hillside

This was a quick painting done during a Tom Lynch class
here in Vermont last year. I was trying for a wide stretch of
foreground and the more obvious building to play a smaller
role in the piece. It didn't get finished, but it was fun to mix all
the different greens of summer foliage.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Palette of Peonies

"Palette of Peonies" 15x22"
After a short break from blogging I'm back...I want to
thank everyone for their comments during rooster week
and beyond...they are truly appreciated. I also received
a blogging award! Today I am announcing a one day peony
painting workshop. It is Tuesday June 9th from 10 - 4 p.m. in
Burlington. I have a few spots left..so send me an email if you
are interested. There is a link on my website to contact me.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Siberian Iris

"Siberian Iris" 22" x 22"
I'm taking the rest of the week off from blogging (vacation)
...so I'll see you all again next Monday! Enjoy and may spring
bring forth all that blooms...

Friday, April 3, 2009

Who, me?

"Who, me?" 7.5" x 7.5"
That concludes ROOSTER WEEK! I'll do another week soon.
... for now they're off to roost!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Regal

"Regal" 15" x 15" private collection

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Rooster Peck

"Rooster Peck" 15" x 22" private collection