MUSCARI

12x6

Oil on Panel

For purchase information click HERE.

DAFFODILS

6x6

Oil on Panel

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SPRING FLOWERS

8x8 Oil on Gessobord

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I had a blast painting these flowers!  I don't know what kind of flowers they are.  The tag said "stock."  Their fragrance filled my studio, which was amazing.  Don't you love having fresh flowers in the house?  It is such a treat!

I continue to work on three larger pieces and they are coming along.  I have to say that there still is a struggle, but it is lessening with each day and I am now looking forward to each challenge that comes my way.  I'm learning so much.  Happy, happy, happy!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK-END!

BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click here to bid on this painting.

This is a week late for the Happy Birthday to Carol challenge on the Daily Paintworks. I say "better late than never." So a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAROL!!! You are one of my favorite artists, a fabulous teacher, and just a fantastic person!

FIVE HYDRANGEAS No. THREE

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I believe this will be the last hydrangea painting ..... at least for now.

$65.00 free shipping in US

FIVE HYDRANGEAS No. TWO

8x8 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

A few days ago the morning light shone beautifully on our outdoor fireplace. I took the hydrangeas I bought at Central Market outside and set them down in the light. I think it made a nice painting.


$150.00 free shipping in US

FOUR HYDRANGEAS

8x6 on Cradled Panel

Learning to paint is learning to see. More contrast. More contrast. To create you must think: cool, warm, related color, reflected color, dark, light, thick, thin, dissimilar spaces, opposite contrasting movements,---like music, slow, fast,; but all must relate to create symphony both on canvas or in the music hall. Every painting needs active and quiet areas and feeling of poetry and drama. If painting gray day, make it gray. Use gray and silver. If painting sunny day, use oranges, red, yellows, greens—make it happy. Every element of painting must tie together, must have unity, must express mood." -Sergei Bongart

This is such a fantastic quote and one that hits home for me! I've been reading a little about other artists and viewing their work. Dan McCaw is one artist that I've liked as soon as I discovered him. I'm trying to simplify and look at shapes and design more than the object I am painting. I am discovering new ways to look at everyday objects and it is exciting! I want to use less detail and push the boundaries (whatever those self imposed boundaries are). It is a bit scary in some ways to leave the familiar to explore and experiment. But, growing in art is why I began this blog.

$100.00 free shipping in US

SPRING IRIS

12x6 Oil on Gessobord

$150.00 free shipping in US

IRIS

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord n

Central Market had these beautiful irises and of course I bought them. It's a reminder that spring is just around the corner - at least officially! With this weather we are having and seeing some of the trees beginning to leaf spring is already here in Texas!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!

CABBAGE ROSETTES

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

I found these flowers at Central Market. I bought them to paint for this month's Some Texas Artists Like to Paint challenge. Nancy Medina chose to paint flowers for the month of February. It's a good subject for this month. Click HERE to see some great flower paintings!

$65.00 free shipping in US

Katie's Flowers

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

This will be the last of the flower paintings for a while. These beauties are past their prime. Luckily more flowers are available when I am ready to paint them again. By the way, Katie is my graddaughter. The first of nine to be born 13 years ago. She gave me the vase and the flowers remind me of her sunny personality!

On another note - I am sure you heard that Tony Curtis passed away. He was in one of my all time favorite movies, Some Like It Hot with Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe. Even thinking about it will bring a smile! Thanks to YouTube I can share with you a clip from that movie. Click HERE and ENJOY!

Katie's Vase with Flowers

8x6 Oil on Canvas Panel

I wanted to try a different support and found a canvas panel from Raymar in my stacks of panels. It defintely feels different and it took quite a while to become accustomed to a little more texture than the smooth gessobord I normally use. At this point I still prefer the gessobord, but I am going to paint once in a while on the canvas panel as it does bring a distinct texture to the painting. I ordered some panels for Carol Marine's workshop I will be attending next month (can't wait!) so I will have some here to play with when I feel like it. They will be used as well as the gessobords from Ampersand I will bring. What are your favorite supports? Does the size of the painting determine the type of support you use?