Clementines 3

More Clementines, or Smarties, whichever you prefer to call them. My display at the gallery will definitely have a theme. Not that that was my intention. I just get working on something and before you know it, I have a bit of a collection, or series, I suppose. Anyway, who can blame me? They're cute little colorful fellows that make great subjects. Notice the pink in these?

Clementines 2

4x6 oil on canvas. What can I say? I like oranges.

Clemtines 1

4x6 oil on canvas. Back in the saddle, or should I say office, and posting again. I've been plugging away in the studio but since it's no longer in my house, it's less convenient to post since my office is in my house. I've noticed my paintings dont dry nearly as fast in my new studio probably because I turn the heat way down when I leave so they rather pile up before I bring them up to scan and post.

Green Olives 2

SOLD

Green Olives 2 - Oil on canvas. This was a one stroke per color challenge. Interesting. I'm pretty sure I cheated on more than one occasion but it certainly does make every stroke count ~ which I'm sure is the point. I wont even post my second attempt at this technique. It was 3 strawberries. I struggle with those anyway in that the green tops always look cheesy and I havent concluded how to approach the little seeds in keeping with the integrity of impressionism.

Green Olives

I am sooo happy with the way these turned out! Working on looser, yet deliberate strokes is getting me where I want to be artistically.

This painting was done with less than usual directional overhead lighting. Sometimes, I just dont need all that drama.

Backlit Pears

Sold
These little red pears were my original subjects but after I set up the lighting I found that the warm orange reds in the apple added was a nice contrast to the cool crimson in the pears. I like the drama and while the pears are in the foreground, the apple clearly plays the leading role here.

Conversation Hearts

Just for grins I thought it would be fun to do a few of these little guys for the Chocolate Festival this weekend. I had to search far and wide to find frames for these little 4x4's which is why I like to stick to standard sizes.

Energized Solitude

I had several things in mind when working on this painting. The first was a degree of energy but at the same time a quiet setting. I experimented with my indigo against the red/orange browns and used a cold thalo green in some of the shadows. The indigo is warm enough not vibrate to much with the strong wood colors giving some quiet to the composition yet has enough strength and contrast energize.
I enjoyed playing with the towel folds and placement of the supporting objects in order to sweep the eye across the painting and back again. I'm also intrigued with how the lack of information makes for a more interesting piece. I wrestled with whether or not to add the brush but as it IS MY sink, I felt it was appropriate so long as it didn't gain to much attention.

Black Olives

Back in the kitchen. These little gems were entertaining enough to paint. I intend to do their counterparts, stuffed green olives in the near future.

A New Approach

After watching the entire first season of Work of Art, I am inspired and challenged to put more of myself into my paintings ~ so to speak. What does that mean? It's not literal, I can tell you that. I'm sure it's about who I am, what I'm about and my individuality, complexities, neurosis, obsessions and indifference's. How to achieve that in my paintings is my newest endeavor.

This painting was done from two photos I took of my aging Arab. Long shadows, cold, gray horizon and warm foreground. Almost a dream like quality. I underpainted him with crimson and couldnt resist topping off my shadows with a cool indigo as is my standard to incorporate some muse of color not found in life. I wonder what, if anything that says about me? So, is it eerie? Creepy? Romantic?

Krain Corner

Krain Corner, oil on board. I met with a few of my plein air friends at the historical Krain Corner for a paint out recently and this is what I settled on for subject matter. I had been out by myself earlier at a different location and by now the sun was getting hot. I am learning that it makes a difference when the sun is on your palette and panel as it was here. My colors are, well, not exactly what I expected after I brought it indoors. But, I believe it certainly does reflect the warm mid afternoon sun at any rate.

Blake

I did this from a photo I took several years ago. This is Blake. At least he took his shoes off this time before going into the water...

Another Deep Lake Day

Once again I find myself at Deep Lake looking for a suitable subject to spend my afternoon painting. This one was painted and repainted until I was finally satisfied with the way the background receded. After all, the portrait was of the tree and more specifically, the roots. Hopefully, the feeling of fall is picked up by the dashing of fallen leaves.

Deep Lake #6

I believe this is #6 anyway. I've been dating them but should probably number them. I will likely be back there again today. This one is a portrait of the log and I was afraid I may have to much going on in the rest of the painting but the more I look at it the more I am satisfied that the log was not overshadowed by the background but, in fact, supported by it.

Deep Lake one more time...

Could be that I'm saying too much in this painting. The jury's still out as far as that goes. This painting is another tree portrait. I'm going to have to find a way to better scan or photograph so as to not get so many glares on the brushstrokes.

Deep Lake Again

I know it's been a while since I've uploaded anything. I've been out doing some plein air recently and just havent been photographing my work and posting. Hopefully, with fall, comes fewer household projects and more routine which includes artwork! This painting was done at our beloved "Deep Lake". I'm happy with the simplicity of this subject but struggle continuously with which information to include and which to leave out.

Ahhhh. It's been a while since my last post. I've been busy preparing for Art in the Garden which is this weekend. I have been able to do 3 miniatures, however, just to keep the brush wet:
For the record, I found strawberries to have a challenging translucent property that I'm not sure I was able to capture. It's likely, I'll be pursuing this again after this weekends show since I have some new information as to how to overcome this issue. All that said, I'm not terribly disappointed in how these three little beauties turned out. :)

Poster Award

Here's a picture of the painting I submitted. There are alot of techniques that I applied in this painting that apparently worked such as angles, edges and color: dark against light. If I could only apply all my learning in all my paintings... :)

Equine Art Show

Last week I had the good fortune to win the Thoroughbred Assoc. Equine Art Poster Award at Emerald Downs! What an experience! The opening reception was a fully catered event with free beer and wine and dozens of fabulous paintings to check out! I was in Heaven for sure. And to top it off, I found myself talking art with an artist who's art I've admired for some time now - Karen McClelland. Her work is stunning and I might add, won the 1st and 2nd place awards in the oil painting category.

Pepperments in Jar

Pepperments in Jar 5x7 oil on canvas
Back to the clear jar models but added the cellophane wrappers. These are fun little paintings. So much to see and decipher when painting clear objects. Who knew?

Silver Pot & Apricots

Silver Pot & Apricots 8x10 Oil on canvas.
Apricots continue to be a challenge for me as I'm hoping to achieve their soft, fuzzy skin and delicate color. Even their shadows cast on each other are more delicate in color.

Bronze Tin & Fruit

Bronze Tin & Fruit 8x10 oil on canvas

Silver Bowl of Apricots

Silver Bowl of Apricots 8x10 oil on canvas.
This was a fun painting. I'm really working to loosen up and enjoying every minute of it. Edges have become a priority for me as has reflected light. I've also been experimenting with background colors. I'm happy with the way this one worked out.

I wanted to post a picture of my new studio while in progress so you can follow along. The work is going so quickly though that it will likely be done next week! I still need to purchase my lighting but otherwise, I believe all the decisions are on track. I cant wait to move in!

Lemon Nectarine

Lemon Nectarine 6x6 Oil on Canvas
Back to my little paintings. This time I thought I'd work on a clear jar. I'm using a #4 filbert brush primarily with a #2 backup for tight spots but only if truly necessary. I prefer the larger brush strokes even on these little paintings for a painterly look.

Raining #3

Raining #3 16x20 Oil on Canvas
The finished product. Three herons fulfill the critter requirement. Fairly ghosty so as to not detract from the mood.

Raining #3

A work in progress:
Once again, I had the good fortune to design the cover for the Arts Alive! Poetry Jams annual poetry book. Given this years title, Rain In Thoughts, I wanted something especially pensive and dreamy. I knew I had to stay away from the reds and oranges this time and settled on blues for a peaceful, quieting mood. Sooner or later I will have to add the traditional critter, beast or being in a three pack. Hmmm..

Choosing Sides

Choosing Sides
18x18 Oil on Canvas

Deep Lake 2

Deep Lake 2 appx 8x11 Oil on Board. White ground.

Deep Lake

Deep Lake appx 8x11 Oil on Board. Black ground.

Federation State Park

Federation State Park appx 8x12 oil on board.
Venturing out by myself this time my only real concerns were bears and bad guys. Neither of which showed up so it was all in all a great painting day. Unfortunately, this photo has some glare :(

Creek By The 18th Fairway, 8x11 oil on board
Another beautiful day at the golf course.

By The Grange, 8x12 Oil on Board
Hidden behind a some bushy trees and shrubs was this red barn and a couple of sheds.

First Hole Oil on Board appx 8x11
A fairly bright day but chilly. We got the A-Okay to continue to paint here. There seems to be a plethora of landscapes here with varying levels and depths. I believe I could have stayed until my fingers were numb but my painting partner had other plans so we left after only one painting.

Third Hole #2 oil on board appx 8x11
This is the second of two paintings done yesterday. A view of the third hole of the Enumclaw Golf Course. Both of my painting buddies had left me alone to finish up the last half hour or so but all in all it was a great day of painting!

Third Hole

Third Hole oil on board appx 8x11
A beautiful day for plein air painting! This was the first of two done yesterday at the Enumclaw Golf Course looking back from the third hole. I was a bit unsure of how the golfers would take to a few painters setting up on their tee but we received nothing but positive responses. A bit inquisitive as to what we were doing but I'm inclined to believe golfers are a friendly bunch!

This is a section of our circle driveway by the wood stack. I got soaked the day I painted this. I finally moved up to the house onto my covered deck to finish the painting. I believe I'm going to look into plein air umbrellas..

Territorial View 10x20 oil on canvas. This is a view of Mt Rainier and the Cascades from my front yard. I did this one completely in the studio from a photograph. Guess I'm not hard core enough yet to stand out in the snow.

Cumberland #2

Cumberland #2 9x12 oil on board.
Finally made it out to paint on a beautiful day! My painting buddy and I drove around for some time before we settled down near the Cumberland tracks to start painting. It was such a beautiful day in our area and the sky was a rare blue. Ahhhh, to be back outside and painting...

Random Shed 16x20 oil on canvas. This is actually a painting I did last year. I took a photo of this shed from a friends field and did the painting in the studio.

Elephant Garlic: 5x5 oil on Canvas. $40
Garlic, tomatoes, fruit, candy.... Food. Always a good subject. Sits still for hours and even days at times (or at least until the hot light begins to take a toll).

This is the view out my front door. I left out some fencing that didnt do anything to enhance the composition.

Sweet Tarts

The prodigal blogger back to posting.
As usual, painting whatever I can find in the fridge!

Wet Alley

22x28 Oil on Canvas