Twiggs Studio Tablecloth Series One Yellow Rose

Tablecloth Series One Yellow Rose, 6x6, Oil on canvas, Click to Bid

One large yellow bloom.  Once again, I'm inserting just a little more spunk into my otherwise very quiet paintings.  Just a little...   :)

Twiggs Studio Polka Dots and Yellow Roses

Tablecloth Series Yellow Roses, 6x8, Oil on Canvas, Click to Bid

I ventured out int o some unexplored territory here. I found some fabric that was unusual for me and a little whimsical.

Although it adds to a playful spirit, this painting is not about the polka dotted fabric so it was rather implied.

Cheery and Playful are the concepts here and in a little higher key than my usual. Mid key perhaps but still higher than low, correct? Still finding my way through Roses. Still re-inventing the wheel. But when I look at this painting I feel the light on the table top and I do feel cheery! :)

Twiggs Studio Original Oil Paintings Stump Studies 2 Lemons

Stump Studies 2 Lemons, 8x6, Oil on Canvas, Sold

This painting was a little challenging because I peeled the lemon first and painted it on the stump. Then I wrapped it back up in the peel and painted it at the base of the stump. I used the re-wrapped lemon and the previous lemon painting as a guide but it was a little trickier that it should have been. 

Didnt think that through, did I. :)

Twiggs Studio Original Oil Painting Lemon and Brushes Study

Lemon and Brushes Study, 6x6 Oil on Canvas, Click to Bid

I dont do a lot of deep perspective work. This piece made me really look at not only the perspective but atmosphere. I wondered what I was getting into but when it's all said and done, it's just shapes and colors. Paint what you see but consider the interpretation. :) 

So I say, "I see brushes coming towards me" 

But I interpret, "Yeah, but I want it to be a dark, hazy room with a strong spotlight." 

It's way more fun when I dont lock myself into realism and just play and take chances. :)

Speed Painting Jalapenos

Jalapeno Study, 6x6, Oil on Canvas

Ahhhhh... Speed painting.  I debated for some time about doing videos.  I knew there would be a learning curve and most likely new equipment.  So much involved.  So much to learn.  So much time in front of the computer.

Finally, this weekend I dove in.  It turns out I HAVE the equipment.  Or equipment that will work for now.  And I HAVE the software already! 2 different versions of video editing software.  So the only reason not to was the learning curve and all that time AWAY from the studio.

Some people may have waited until they produced a professional quality video but I say, "No time like the present!"   I learned so much about making a video this weekend that I'm pretty happy with myself - and a little fried.  It is what it is.  Like my artwork, it will grow and morph as I grow and morph.  :)

Making the video:

After I got the camera set up and I was ready to go I instantly froze with stage shock.  I've painted in front of people before.  It's not like I'm singing a solo at a concert or anything, right?  RIGHT???  Then I told myself, "Hey.  Nobody has to see this.  If it's a wiper, then so be it.  I start over."  It took a little while for me to convince myself  of that but once I got going I forgot about the camera.  Then I took a little turn and found myself picking at the painting.  Picking, re-doing, re-painting...  Sheesh.

I finally stepped away from the piece for the last time and looked at the painting.  Then I looked at the set up.  Painting.  Set up.  Painting.  Set up.  I had moved my easel while I was adjusting the camera and so my angle to the set up had changed.  Good grief.  I was so excited to get started, the composition (THE COMPOSITION!) got lost in the process.

Okay, what's next? Editing.

It took me hours upon hours to learn the 2 different software programs I have.  I googled.  I went onto forums.  I asked my FB friends.  One program would do one thing I wanted but not the other and vice versa.

At the end of the day (literally), I discovered how to utilize much of Sony Vegas and was able to put together what you now have before you.  Yep.  Hours and Hours and hours...  That's how I roll.

And so, you see, it cant be for nothing.  I have to show it.  I have quite a bit of time invested.  Not to mention emotional investment.  All the "AArrgg"s  and "Are you kidding me??"s as well as the "Holy Smokes!  It worked!" and "Yippee"s .   I guess this dogs not to old to learn new tricks!  :)

Aaaaannnd  I took notes. Lots and lots of notes.    :)
I'm hoping my next attempt will go much smoother.  It was actually pretty fun - now that it's behind me.

And just for fun, I'm offering the painting for $1 to my newsletter subscribers.   I plan to do more of these little videos with similar offers.  If that sounds interesting to you, head over to my website and put your email in the newsletter sign up page

Twiggs Studio Original Oil painting Stump Studies Red Pepper

Stump Studies Red Peppers, 8x6, Oil on Canvas, Click to Bid

What is it about this stump? Every time I start to set up a still life with a man made piece, I take it down and go back to the stump. I've ventured outside to find other "organic" props but nothing makes the cut. 

Certainly, the reason I gravitated towards the red peppers was the color. In fact, I was shopping for regular green jalapenos for a cabbage salad recipe and spotted these. Loved painting with red with the added advantage that they look/taste great in the salad too. 

All in all, while the red is bold and saturated, it's still a quiet little painting.

Twiggs Studio Original Oil Painting Stump Study Orange

Stump Studies Orange, 8x6, Oil on Canvas, Sold

I realize this is not an entirely new concept for a painting. Many artists have done the partially peeled fruit and successfully so, I might add. But it's new to me and I wondered if I could pull it off (peel it off? ). 

I wanted to keep the props organic (a new trend for me) and for some reason I've bonded with this stump. It's been in my studio before. I'm familiar with it and I've used it as a prop in recent years so now it's relate-able, I guess.

Anyway, how to get the composition from the bottom of the canvas where the little orange segments are to the top where the rest of the orange is - was the goal. The trailing peel was a workable solution. And a really nice one if I may say so myself!

I'm really happy with the way it turned out and I am excited to do more of this partially peeled fruit thing.

Stump Study Green Apple

Stump Study Green Apple, 8x6 oil on canvas, Click to Bid

Stump Studies part deux.

Autumn Leaves Original Oil Painting

Stump Series Fall Leaves, 8x6, Oil on Canvas, Sold

I've been saving these leaves on my window sill since fall. I knew the day would come when I would want to paint a fall leaf and they would all be gone if I didnt save a few.

The day came. :)