Day 19

Day 19 of the 30/30 challenge

     I am really having fun with this month's challenge.   I get excited about my paintings, and have fun struggling with the next composition.  (It also gives me a perfect excuse to visit the thrift store across the street for more finds)   ha, although my husband accuses me laughingly of being a hoarder..... I am NOT.... ha...

     A close up of yesterdays bouquet... I must paint these quickly, because, being in the strong light of my set-up, the flowers open up while I am painting, and it makes it hard to get the shapes and values right.  quick is best, as a photo does little good in this situation.

Day 18

Day 18 of the 30/30 challenge

     Today's painting is my favorite subject (or one of my favorites)  Flowers...

     Trader Joe's has the best flowers, especially appreciated when spring seems so far away here in St. Louis.   I loved the color on these,  the outsides are a muted orange, but even when they were only buds I could see a brilliant red center.   Had to have 'em.

Spiral vase #109

 

 

     I always loved this vase, but I had forgotten about it, tucked way in the back of my cabinet.  My friends delivered it to me filled with flowers awhile ago when I was recovering from surgery.   It was the perfect fit for my double bouquet, I thought.  I did have to place it lower on my work table, though, so I had to try and work with the background, which was my horizontal shade.  I was worried about doing the shade, but then I thought maybe it would add some interest.... Well, here it is, and I like it  ! ha

Cropped bouquet #108

 

 

     For today's challenge I just picked a portion of the tulip bouquet, trying to make a composition without the vase.    It was challenging, alright.   I like the way the flowers go off the edges.  The soft inner colors were a test for my eye... ha ha

Forward reach #107

 

     These are the second batch of tulips I purchased at, of all places, Walmart.    I was at a friends the other day and she had the most gorgeous vase of flowers.    She had gotten them at the market at Walmart.... who knew that I'd be giving them good 'press'?.. ha ha 
     Again, they moved during the night (I got them started after dinner), but this time I made sure I had the petals well established before turning out the light !!

Tulip dance #106

 

     Still one of my favorite flowers.  These tulips had such a natural sway to them, almost a dance. (and I LOVE dance !)  Anyway, I started them late last night, and by this morning they had certainly changed positions.... just like a dancer to never stand still !     I love this goodwill rectangular vase, so much fun finding the values and reflections !

Fickle tulips Painting # 9

     As I painted this morning, the still-life kept changing, as the tulips opened, and opened, due to the light I had on them, which warmed them up.   I still like the results, though.  So many of the things I think about and do when I paint I owe to Carol Marine, whose inspiration and knowledge are such a part of me now. Especially valuable are the hints and helps on how to apply the paint ! Visit her here to get 'inspired'. 

 Have a great, relaxing break from painting for awhile, Carol, and hope to see you back soon.

Day Two Hundred Sixteen

'Curly Tulips'

6 x 8 oil on panel
85.00 + 6.00 s + h

I started these last evening.... after American Idol...tee hee... Then, at about 3:00 or so, I was up, and couldn't get back to sleep~~~ so of course I got up to read, but painted instead. Finished the last bits at about 7:00am. What a schedule... Ridiculous, I know ! So good to be retired, and set your own time schedule !
These were on a different ground. I've tried using up the old paint on the palette, before I discard it, and just 'seeing what I get' to use for ground for future painting... fun !

Day Two Hundred Five

'Two Lips are better than One'

6 x 6 oil on panel
80.00 + 4.00 s + h

I found these at the Farmer's Market in Kirkwood, Mo. It opens on the first of April and offers wonderful fresh produce, plants, and now hormone-free meats and pies, too... great sign that Spring is finally HERE ! yay !