FIRST 2013 CHALLENGE

I am going to begin 2013 with a challenge set by Leslie Saeta, as she stated on Facebook and her blog .... 30 paintings in 30 days.  January holds at least two trips for me, but I think I can still do it.  To add to Leslie's challenge I want to explore a limited palette.  I hope to gain knowledge and control with only three colors and white.  The choice is to use one palette for the 30 paintings or mix it up and use different palettes.  My decision is to use one palette for the entire month and explore it as much as possible.  Decision no. 2 is what colors should I use?  I did some research (which was overwhelming!) and there is an incredible number of limited color palettes.  I narrowed the number down by focusing on well known artists such as Anders Zorn, Kevin McPherson, Lori Putnam, and many more.  As I said it is overwhelming, but I had to choose just one and after thinking it over I decided it really didn't matter which palette I chose.  I just need to stick with it for the 30 day duration and I know I will learn from it. So .... drum roll, please ..... I chose the Lori Putnum limited palette.  Her paintings are stunning and with a simple click to her blog I can access useful information that will help me with this journey.

Lori's palette consists of Cad Yellow Medium, Pyrol Red, Ultramarine Blue and Titanium White.  She uses and recommends Blue Ridge Oil Paints.  I determined to go all the way and ordered those colors from Blue Ridge.  

To begin my study I made a traditional color wheel and hope to do a Munsell color wheel, too.  I also took the primary colors and secondary colors and made an abbreviated color chart by adding white to 4 values.  And, again, I hope to get another color chart painted making neutrals.  I've done color charts before and I highly recommend them. 

 The 30 in 30 challenge officially begins January 2.  So check back and see what happens with my paintings and check out Leslie's blog and join the challenge!  It's going to be fun!!  

2013 is going to be a great year!

FACE No. 85

4x4 Oil on Panel
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I returned from our holiday travel early this morning.  It feels good to be home again!  Our Christmas was wonderful and I hope yours was, too.

I painted this mug shot before Christmas and just now getting it posted.  His nose grabbed my attention and I was in the mood to paint a profile.  When I began this series I had no idea how many I would paint.  I still don't know when I will stop.  I find faces to be so interesting and there is such a variety in these mug shots.  I learn something new with each one.  

WOMAN FROM ETHIOPIA

6x6 Oil on Gessoed Panel
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This was painted from another photo reference from Steve Evans.  His photographs are beautiful and he is so generous to allow his photographs to be used.

I've painted very little in the last few weeks and I have really missed it.  There will be little time until the first of the year so this will be the last post for awhile.  

To all my blogger buddies ....

PEACE

LOVE

JOY

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

TIN CUPS

12x6 Oil on Panel

For a larger view click painting.
As a photo reference I used a photograph from Steve Evans.  I discovered this fantastic photographer through Taryn Day's blog and her wonderful paintings.  Please take a minute and discover these works of art from Steve and Taryn.

For more information on this

painting click HERE.

GREEN APPLE STILL LIFE

8x8 Oil on Panel

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How did December arrive so quickly?  Our tree is up and decorated and more decorations will be added this evening.  Some presents have been bought and are ready to be wrapped.  Still more to be purchased, cookies to be baked, cards to send.  Christmas is almost here!!  Busy and exciting!

For more information on this

painting click HERE.

ABBY

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

NFS
This little girl with pink cheeks and braids is my granddaughter, Abby.  She is a couple of years older now and she still has pink cheeks and sometimes still wears braids.  Abby is not only beautiful, but she is smart, has a wonderful sense of humor, kind, talented in music and art, .......... :-)

Remember Art Linkletter?  Just try not to laugh!
Have a wonderful first weekend in December!!!

FACE No. 84

8x10 Oil on Gessoed Panel

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For more information on

this painting, click HERE.

SOLITUDE

12x6 Oil on Panel

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I hope y'all had a good Thanksgiving!  Mine was a week full of good food, laughter, and the best family ever!!  I love it when we can all be together. 

Now it is time for a return to the easel.  For the past few weeks I've had a struggle.  It was wipe out after wipe out.  After a week without painting, I am hopeful that when I go to my studio tomorrow I will encounter a better day.  

"Solitude" is one of my paintings that survived.

For more information on this painting, click HERE.

TEXAS LANDSCAPE 2 and HOME

6x12 Oil on Panel

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This is the second landscape I painted from the same reference photo I used in "Texas Landscape 1."   It's fun to interpret it just a little bit different.

On another note, I just returned from a great 2 week vacation with my sister, Julie.  Once a year we take a road trip which includes sights, food, and LOTS of laughter!  We both look forward to this time we have together and begin the planning (of which there is VERY little!)  just after Christmas.  Each year I treasure this experience, but I am always are happy to return home!  I've posted this little video before, but it is so endearing and a good way to begin your weekend with a smile.  So........ enjoy!! :-) 

TEXAS LANDSCAPE 1

12x12 Oil on Cradled Panel

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On a beautiful autumn day a couple of weeks ago I drove to Glen Rose to paint.  In my rush to leave I forgot my mineral spirits - remembered just as I was approaching the Glen Rose square.  I was also short on time, so decided to leave my paints in the car and take some photographs.  The Texas landscape can sometimes be barren, but not this time.  Because we have had some good rain this season, the land displayed her color in all its glory.  I am continuing to discover the joys of painting the landscape and Texas has some beautiful and interesting views.

In keeping with this little Texas theme and with politics present, here is a quote from Molly Ivens .....

 Good thing we've still got politics in Texas -- finest form of free entertainment ever invented.

AND, btw, I voted yesterday ..... have you?

CROATIA

 12x4 Oil on Panel
To view larger click on painting.
Virtual Paintout is a challenge using Google maps.  Bill Guffey chooses a different site  each month from any place in the world.  November's virtual trip took us to Croatia.  It certainly is a beautiful country and was fun to do a little exploring for a painting.

For purchase information click here.

RESIGNATION and SADNESS

12x4 Oil on Panel

This was painted for the Daily Paintworks Challenge suggested by Jo MacKenzie.  Her challenge was to paint an emotion.  This young man appeared to be sad and resigned to the fact that he was arrested.  Thanks, Jo!  This was a good challenge.

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WAITING KAYAKS

12x6 Oil on Panel

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These colorful kayaks appeared to be waiting for someone to take them out.  The day was clear and the water calm so it was a perfect time to be kayaking.

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SAILBOATS AT SUNSET

6x6 Oil on Panel

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This painting was inspired by an evening in South Carolina.  The colors were amazing and the air was clear and held the fragrance of early autumn.  Sweet memories.

Source: icanread.tumblr.com via Zesty on Pinterest

HAVE AN INSPIRATIONAL WEEK-END!!

BIRCH TREES

12x6 Oil on Panel

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This was painted for the Daily Paintworks Challenge.  Christine Striemer provided a lovely photograph for us to use as a reference.  Please take some time and look at all the different   perspectives taken from some talented artists.

For purchase information click HERE.

SALT MARSH 2

12x6 oil on Panel

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FLORIDA FOG

12x6 oil on Panel

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While visiting my sister in Florida we took a walk on the beach on a foggy morning.  It was quiet and beautiful.  I took some photos and this painting is from one of them.

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ABANDONED

8x8 oil on cradled panel

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From Cape Cod back home to Fort Worth.  Beautiful mornings call for plein air paintings.  Unfortunately, I had a limited amount of time so I grabbed my camera and took some reference photos.  I came across this interesting old house that looked as though it had been abandoned for quite some time.  

A man builds a house in England with the expectation of living in it and leaving it to his children; we shed our houses in America as easily as a snail does his shell. 
Harriet Beecher Stowe

AT THE CAPE II

12x6 Oil on Panel

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I like exploring a subject and Cape Cod is providing endless possibilities.  It is such a beautiful area and so interesting.

$150 plus S&H

Daily Paintworks

AT THE CAPE I

6x12 Oil on Panel

For larger view click on painting.

This is another scene that I will revisit on the easel.  I love painting from my Cape Cod photos.  Maybe next year I will go again with brushes and paints packed in the car!
Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. 
Twyla Tharp 

$150.00 plus S&H

CLICK HERE.

TRINITY RIVER

6x8 Oil on Canvas Panel

To view a larger image click on painting.

Linda Reedy and I spent a morning painting at the Trinity River last week.  The air was cool to begin our day and warmed as the morning progressed.  It was a perfect time to be outside with brush in hand.  

Linda Reedy

Trinity River

CAPE COD COTTAGES

12x6 Oil on Panel

For a larger view click on painting.

I wanted to revisit the cottages on Cape Cod.  It is so peaceful there and painting these little buildings brings back a feeling of calm that I enjoy.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
Thomas Merton

JUST ONE and THREE

I happy to post that "Just One" and "Three" are on their way to Nueva Street Gallery in San Antonio.

Three

Just One

Please take a look at their artists and if you are in the area stop by!

(Big Smile!!)

WET STREETS

"Wet Streets" has been accepted into An Artists' Christmas - a fund raiser for Campfire USA.   Of course, I am very pleased to be a part of this show!

SALT MARSH

12x6 oil on Panel

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$100.00 plus S&H

Click here to purchase this painting.

THREE

4x12 Oil on Panel
For a larger view just click on the painting.

Another boat painting from Kennebunk and I really like it!  It's been fun to explore the water and how each boat has its own unique reflection.  I like how the atmosphere adds to a meditative and serene feeling.  This was a very satisfying painting to work on from start to finish.  

JUST ONE

4x12 on panel

I am having fun exploring and painting from the photographs I took while vacationing in Massachusetts and Maine.  This small boat was located just outside the Hurricane Restaurant in Kennebunk.  We just finished a wonderful lunch and I looked out the window and spotted this boat and several others.  Of course, my camera was with me and I took several photos of these boats.

FACE No. 83

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Another mug shot, and heading to make 100.  I still like painting these faces and they provide a good way to warm up when needed.

$25.00 plus S&H

To purchase this painting click HERE.

THREE COTTAGES

11x14 Oil on Canvas

While on vacation I took hundreds of photographs.  With each turn there was something beautiful in Cape Cod.  I would love to have the opportunity to paint en plein air next time we go.  The next best thing is to have a camera on the ready!

$100.00 plus S&H

Click HERE to purchase.

A FACE FROM BALI

12x12 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

The HHG (Hilton Head Gang) has a monthly challenge and this month's challenge is suggested by Regula Scheifele, also known as "Baby Face."  She challenged us to paint from one of her fabulous photographs taken while she was in Singapore.  To see Regulas's Singapore blog, click HERE and to view other challenge entries from the infamous HHG click HERE.  

$100.00 plus S&H

To purchase this painting, click HERE.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK-END!!

FACE No. 82

8x8 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord
Click HERE to bid on this painting.

I returned yesterday from a 10 day vacation in Massachusetts and Maine.  No paints were brought, but I took LOTS of photographs and I am looking forward to going through them.  The northeast is such a beautiful part of our country!   We were fortunate to see the works of some of the artists I have been introduced to through the internet ..... Paige Railsback, Nancy Colella, Michael Rooney, Stanley Bielen, just to mention a few.  What a treat!  Pure eye candy!!

This mug shot was painted prior to our trip.  His closed eyes and broken nose attracted me.  He looks as though he has been the loser in many fights.  

FACE No. 81

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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FACE No. 80

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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You know how some paintings just appear on the canvas?  This is one of those paintings.  I knew immediately that I wanted to paint him.  Beautiful, dark skin tones and the shift of his head spoke to me.  I may paint him again in a larger format.  

FACE No. 79

8x10 on Raymar Panel

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This painting is larger than most of the mug shots I've done.  With his long face a larger format was needed.  I enjoyed working on this size and want to try various size formats in the future.
HAPPY PAINTING THIS WEEK-END!
A quote and a painting by Robert Henri:
Genius is not a possession of the limited few, but exists in some degree in everyone. Where there is natural growth, a full and free play of faculties, genius will manifest itself.
Robert Henri

To read a little about Robert Henri, click HERE.  If you don't have a copy of his book The Creative Spirit I highly recommend you buy one.  It's a good read and one you will return to again and again.

"The Laundres" Robert Henri, oil, 1916

LATVIA LANDSCAPE

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This small landscape in Latvia was painted from Google Street View.  I painted it for the June challenge at Virtual Paintout, but didn't get it photographed in time.  Being late seems to be the story of my life lately!  This month the paintout is in Thailand.
On another note .... please take a minute and look at Sheila Vaughn's project "Sixty Women  Who Know Something About Me."  Not only is it a creative series, but No. 22 is exceptional!!  Click HERE to visit.

FACE No. 78

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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I like this quote by Pierre Bonnard, one (of many!) of my favorite artists.
Draw your pleasure, paint your pleasure, and express your pleasure strongly.
Pierre Bonnard

Click HERE to read a little about Pierre Bonnard.
ENJOY
THE 
WEEK-END!!

FACE No. 77

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE to buy this painting.

Our family had a good 4th yesterday!  My Alabama group wasn't here :-( , but everyone else was and we enjoyed good food and each other's company.  The fireworks here in Fort Worth were loud, bright and beautiful!  Hope you had a good day celebrating our country's independence!

HAPPY

4th

of

JULY!!!!!!!

FACE No. 76

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord
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LUCIEN FREUD EXHIBIT

These are a few photos I took while visiting the Modern to view the Lucien Freud exhibit.   His portraits are amazing and at the same time some are disturbing.  He always worked from a live model and for the most part in his studio.  He knew his subjects well as they were friends and family and therefor there is an intimacy to Freud's work.  We didn't see the entire exhibit, but will return many times to come.


 It is so interesting to explore the techniques and working habits of artists.  Freud worked for   long periods of time, sometimes years, on each portrait.  The sitter sat for hours each day for weeks on end until Freud completed the work.  Each stroke was carefully worked with a new color, never the same.  He painted his day work and his night work in order to get different lighting.  His family life and social life were very limited as he spent the majority of his time painting.  


If you are in the Fort Worth area I recommend the Freud exhibit.  The Modern has wonderful bodies of work by other artists as well.

FACE No. 75

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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