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!

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".

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!

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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...

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!

Regal

"Regal" 15" x 15" private collection

Rooster Peck

"Rooster Peck" 15" x 22" private collection