No pears painting #97

 

     This was an acrylic painted I started awhile back.  While cleaning the studio I thought I'd paint over with oil and finish it.  It makes me think I want to get some bigger canvases and use bigger brushes to cover more areas.   Set up my larger easel, while cleaning up in my messy studio, and think the change will do me good.

Time for a nap painting #96

 

     I know I've become addicted to pears, but I just had to do one more before they completely bit the dust!   I've really tried to work with the economy of strokes here, going so far as finding myself holding my breath as I apply the stroke, hoping it will do exactly what I want it to !! ha ha 
     I've thought a lot about how I'm applying the paint (especially since I've been on a regiment of daily painting for the 30/30 challenge)   I realized during this one that I must be conscious of putting MORE paint on my brush, instead of moving the paint around that's already on the canvas.... Each new revelation is valuable to me, with these 'baby steps' hopefully allowing me to move in the direction I want to go: to free up my work and make it fresh, communicating my subject without overworking the surface.....   I try to learn something new with each endeavor...

From above painting #95

 

     Long ago I did an 'above' point of view, and thought I'd like to tackle it again, to see if my skills had improved.  I really enjoyed making all the brushstrokes 'count' in this one.... 
     Also: reading a great art marketing book I just ordered from Amazon, and getting lots of pointers !  It's called,. I'd Rather be in the Studio.    Great argument in the book for writing an Artist's Statement.... I've never done that, but now I'm composing one gradually in my mind...  Try this book... good stuff for all artists !

New view painting #94

 

     I thought I'd try a different point of view for today.  It's always fun to look at something a new way, I think !

Big brother painting #93

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     Many varieties of pears, as well as other fruits, at Whole Foods.....  Here are two very different shaped ones.... reminded me of a big brother and his two sisters.....

the Andrew sisters painting #92

 

     I just had to get one more pear painting out of these.  They somehow looked like 3 singers on stage.  I've gotta stop before I have a 'pear series' ha ha .

Twosome painting #91

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     I really like the way these guys stand up, like they are having a conversation.  Here's to day 6 of the challenge... Now, I'm not 'ahead' anymore, gotta get going today. paint, paint, paint.....but first-(at lunch today we're all going to find out the gender of our new baby which is due in June..... woo woo !)

Single Pear painting #90

 

Sometimes simple is best, I guess.    I was trying to get several done, and in doing so, simplified-- ha !  I really liked the way this one turned out.

Persimmon trio painting #89

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     This is the first of the persimmon paintings.  The were VERY red, as I said before, but I think they still 'worked' for me, especially using the complementary blue-green for contrast..... what do you think?

Really red persimmons painting #88

 

I love to paint persimmons now.  The green tops are so distinctive.  These 3 sort of changed colors, I think, because they sat in the studio in a plastic bag for a day or two over the holiday.  I couldn't quite find the time to paint them, so they were very dark and red when I finally did.  Day 3 of the challenge already !

Time with Dad painting #87

 

     Here is DAY TWO of the challenge.   I had some fun reference photos, and wanted to paint them, but kept putting it off.  This seemed like the perfect opportunity to 'make it happen', as my daughter likes to say.  My darling, insightful co-worker (art teacher) used to say all the time, "The way to begin, is to begin."  and sometimes it's just THAT simple. !  Inspiration comes from DOING, not just contemplating what to do.... ha ha 
     I love to observe the interaction of children and their parents.  On this Saturday at Tower Grove park, I enjoyed watching this little boy and his dad.  They were mostly in the shade, with hints of sunlight, as they sat and splashed in the big fountain.

Tower Grove Playground painting #86

 

30 Paintings in 30 Days starts today.   I've enjoyed getting motivated by this challenge.  Here's my first one.... check out the others on Leslie Saeta's blog: http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/
     This is from a reference photo I took at the park this fall.   There's a great farmer's market at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, and while you're shopping you can listen to live music.  Just on the other side of the pavillion there is this wonderful fountain that the little kids love to play in.   Luckily I had my camera and got a few good shots.  

Finished #4 today... guess we start posting tomorrow... woo woo...

Just finished painting #3 for the challenge !

          It seems all I really need is a fire built under me to get me moving ! Ha !

     I just finished the 3rd one, and it's a bit bigger than usual.... but you'll have to wait til the new year to see these.  tee hee !

Stripey bouquet painting #85

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     I really do enjoy painting sunflowers.  They are now all gone from my favorite haunts, like Dierberg's floral shop, and Whole Foods, so I guess I will have to wait now til next summer or fall.     This grouping I painted as my demo at a local gallery.  I set up my still life and lots of my friends and family came to watch.  They had wine and cheese at the gallery.  They have an "Open House" once a month.... Fun !

30 paintings in 30 Days Challenge.

      I just joined this challenge, to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  It's been a while since I've done one daily, and I need to get back to that discipline.  The new year is about as good a time as any, I figured.  Leslie Saeta from Artists Helping Artists is sponsoring her challenge.  Check it out, or JOIN it !!  great way to get motivated, and back in the Studio !!

     check it out here... http://artistshelpingartistsblog.blogspot.com/

Mary Janes for baby painting #84

 

     This sweet pair of Mary Janes was given to me by my dear sister, when she found them at one of her thriftstore 'haunts'....  We used to have antique booths together, you see, and some habits die hard.  I loved the pink on the insides of them, plus just the general look and feel of baby shoes, so they were a natural for paintings.   I really do love painting them, and the red patent leather ones, too !! ha ha

Peppers

 

     I took a picture of this awhile back, but didn't get a good shot .  I think this one is a better representative of the colors.  I used to scan my dry paintings, but then I got to posting them before they were dry, so I couldn't put them in the scanner....ha !   Carol Marine's workshop gave us helpful hints on photographing paintings to post the pictures.... The key is to work outdoors, no direct light, presto... it works !

Play with Me painting #83

 

     We used to wear oxfords when I was in school.   Brown and white was as popular a combination as the black and white variety.   These were the days LONG before velcro ! ha !  Mine were made by Spaulding, and they were expensive for mom to buy, so you were Very lucky when you were able to get a new pair... so proud !

Donkey Party shoes?? painting # 82

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      My sis and I used to have booths at the antique mall right outside of St. Louis, and we had lots of fun buying, selling, painting furniture, and working together in this little business venture.   We have since given that up... (in the hopes of having more time to paint) but, I still have a few items from my accumulation.  I used to love to buy that old vintage stuff !  Well, this is a box from the old 'pin the tail on the donkey' game that we used to play at parties when I was little, back in the day.   Thought it would make a good accompaniment for these classic red patent leather mary janes.   Brings back memories of my daughter and grand-daughters tiny feet, too.