30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS

“I must have a prodigious amount of mind; it takes me as much as a week, sometimes, to make it up!” 

― Mark Twain

I've been on the fence about joining Leslie Seata's 30 day challenge.  For some reason I just could not make up my mind.  I hate to think what would happen if I had a major decision to make in the last couple of weeks.  Good grief!  At any rate I did make a decision (finally) and that is to participate and join the more than 300 artists in the challenge.  And I even made a decision on what to paint ..... "Food Dance."

Do not plant your dreams in the field of indecision, where nothing ever grows but the weeds of "what-if."  ~Dodinsky

Yep, just too much thinking!  Sometimes ya' just gotta do it!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y'ALL!!!

RED BOW

12x12 Oil on Panel

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GREEN BOW

6x6 Oil on Panel

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It isn't the size of the gift that matters, but the size of the heart that gives it.  ~Quoted in The Angels' Little Instruction Book by Eileen Elias Freeman, 1994

BABY ARTICHOKE

6x6 Oil on Panel

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I bought some small artichokes at Central Market the other day.  Just had to paint one.  There are so many beautiful greens in this vegetable.  Fun to paint!

VENICE, ITALY

6x6 Oil on Panel

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This was painted for Bill Guffey's Virtual Paintout.  This month the location is Venice, Italy and visited through Google Street View.  It really is fun to virtually explore and paint.  Take a minute and look at the other submissions.  You just might want to join in the fun!
  

STUDY IN WHITE

6x6 Oil on Gessobord

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JOE COLLAGE

JOE No. 6

5x5 Oil on Gessobord

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I think this will be the last "Joe" in this series and this is my favorite.  It's been a lot of fun painting Joe in different ways.  Now it is time to go to something else.  At this time I'm not sure of my direction, but I have some ideas I would like to explore.  Isn't painting a blast?

Have a wonderful, creative week-end!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Well, I finally have a website!  It took me a long time to put it all together, even though FASO is an incredibly easy way to go and I recommend it.  I would work on it for a while and then leave to do something else and that would repeat for weeks.  But, now my website is complete!  Please take a look and give me your thoughts on it.  Thanks!

Click here!

JOE No. 5

5x5 Oil on Gessobord

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Hellooooo Monday!  I hope y'all had a good week-end.  Mine was lots of fun.  It began with an amazing Harry Connick, Jr. concert.  If you ever have the opportunity to see him .... well, you simply must!  There was good food and wine, a little shopping, and a movie, Dallas Buyers Club, which was really good.  We had fantastic weather here in Texas.  Yep, it was a good week-end.

And here is Joe No. 5.  He is colorful and fun.  I am really enjoying Joe and his different personalities!

JOE No. 4

5x5 Oil on Gessobord

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Another Joe .... he's quite interesting and with each painting his personality changes.  Fun!!  

If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.

Vincent Van Gogh 

Have a wonderful week-end, friends!!

WORKS ON PAPER SHOW 2013

These four paintings are on their way to the Fort Worth Community Arts Center for the 12x9 Works on Paper Show.  Works for this show must be on paper and mailed in a 9x12 envelope.  This exhibition will be from December 6 - 27.  This annual show began in 2005 and attracts hundreds of artists and patrons each year.

Fort Worth Community Arts Center Website HERE.

JOE No. 3

5x5 Oil on Gessobord

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Here is Joe again and looking a little different.  More to come .... he's fun to paint!.

JOE No. 2

5x5 Oil on Gessobord

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I think this is "Creepy Joe."  He didn't begin as creepy and I didn't have creepy in my mind (really!!) .  I wanted to add squiggles, but just couldn't do it.  My paint kept doing its own thing!  However, if you need someone to scare little kids, he's your man!  I'm sure he would have been popular on Halloween.  

I used paints leftover from another painting and I don't remember all the colors, but here are a few - Cad Yellow Light, Permanent Green Light, Ivory Black, Olive Green, Titanium White and I painted Joe on a black ground. 

JOE No. 1

5x5 Oil on Panel
Click HERE to go to the Daily Paintworks Auction.

This is Joe* and the beginning of a new series.  I will paint Joe using different palettes, supports, etc. in order to explore his face.  I have used Joe's mug shot as inspiration for this project and look forward to seeing what happens.  In this painting I used a red ground and a limited palette of yellow ochre, flesh ochre, ivory black and titanium black, similar to the Zorn palette 

I want to thank all those who emailed me to inquire why I wasn't posting.  Nothing major, just needed a break from the computer.  I've been painting and destroying and painting more.  In addition I am getting new eyes - yep, it's a miracle!  My eyes have cataracts to be removed. My right is finished and has 20/20 vision and surgery for my left eye is next week.  I've worn glasses or contacts since 3rd grade and now will not need them.  What a wonderful time in which we live!!!

Happy to be back posting and looking at all the wonderful art that y'all create and post!

*Joe is not his real name.  I named him Joe because I like that name and it just didn't seem right not to have him named in this series.

DAY 14 by Linda Popple

3 GRANNIES ON BLUE

6x6 on Panel

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DAY 13

3 GRANNIES ON RED

6x6 Oil on Panel

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I really enjoy painting apples.  These green ones are bright with shifts of subtle values.  Fun to paint and good to eat!

DAY 12

BRUSHES

16x11 on panel

I wanted to use a panel that I found (finding lots of things since the move!) in my panel pile. Again (like yesterday) the surface was so different and again I almost quit.  I powered on just playing with the paint that was leftover on my palette and old brushes that are frayed.  It was really fun!  There are drips, thick paint, lost edges, sharp edges, soft edges, and with everything else a reminder of how much I LOVE to paint!!!

DAY ELEVEN

FLOWERS No. 3

7x5 Oil on Panel

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This painting began with something else in my mind.  However, I started the painting on clay board, on which I have never painted.  It was impossible to work wet on wet.  The oils almost dried as soon as the paint hit the support.  I almost put this away and paint on gessobord or a canvas panel, but decided to stick with it and just go with the flow.  Although I won't use clay board again, I like how this turned out. 

DAY TEN

FLOWERS No. 2

12x12 Oil on Panel

Well, it's the tenth day of the challenge and participation continues.  So far, so good.  :)

DAY NINE

FLOWERS

4x4 Oil on Panel

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DAY EIGHT

VINTAGE LADY

10x8 on Panel

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This painting is from a vintage black and white photograph.  The photograph appears to be from the 1920s or 30s.  She looks to be wealthy and aware of the makeup, hairstyles, and fashion of the day.

DAY SEVEN

CINDY

6x6 Oil on Panel

NFS

This is one of my live BFFs (yes, I have live friends!).  We've known each other since we were young mothers.  She is one of my closest friends and I love her dearly.  

DAY SIX

SKULL No. 2

8x8 Oil on Panel

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Another view of my new BFF.   She and I make a good combo.  I enjoy painting her and she is always available when I need her.  Plus, she brings in videos of her relatives which we watch during breaks.  I just can't ask for anything more!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK-END!!

DAY FIVE

SKULL No. 1

8x6 Oil on Panel

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My new companion in the studio is a skull I purchased from The Evolution Store.  All kinds of interesting items are sold there and I thought a skull would be interesting to paint and help  me to learn structure in the face.  You will be seeing this skull more.  She is a great model and fun to paint!  I should give her a name!

Day Five of Leslie's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge continues.  Take a look!

DAY FOUR

TWO PLUMS AND A LIME

4x4 Oil on Panel

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This will be the last of the plum paintings .... at least for this group of plums.  They were delicious!

DAY THREE

THREAD

4x4 Oil on Panel

Day Three and continuing ...............

DAY TWO

TRES

4x4 Oil on Panel

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30/30 Challenge

I had to paint these again.  The dark purples and blues are hard to resist.  I see a sugar plum snack in my future .... I'll let you know if they are good!

DAY ONE

"SUGAR PLUMS"

4x4 Oil on Panel

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Ready - Set - GO!  Day One of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  This is a small bowl with dark purple sugar plums.  These plums are very small.  I haven't eaten one yet as I plan to paint them again.  I thought the only sugar plum was a candy so when I saw these at Central Market I had to buy them to paint.  They really are beautiful.

30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS CHALLENGE

I had a difficult time deciding whether or not to participate in Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  I want to work larger and doing 30 daily paintings in 30 days calls for a smaller format.  However, since the move I have had so many wipe offs that I need a big push to return to a working routine and this fits the bill.  I plan to work on larger works, too, but these small paintings will aid in that direction.  I have no theme.  Last January for this challenge I painted with a limited palette.  Next month I am just going to paint and perhaps these small paintings will inspire larger ones (that actually stay on the canvas!).  To all the artists that are participating I really look forward to seeing what you paint!  It's really fun!!!

HAVE A FANTASTIC LABOR DAY WEEK-END!!

MY STUDIO

It's a beautiful day here in Texas.  I thought it would be a good time to share with you my new studio space.

This is my current work area.  My easel is in storage, but that's ok.  I have the "Paint On" Karin Jurick table top easel that I use most of the time.

Everything is right where I need it and within reach when I am working. 

I even have a small sofa when I need a break or to read, look at blogs ...................

One of two bookcases for still life items, sketch books, panels, whatever I need.

 Here is my sink with lots of stuff I haven't put away yet.  I guess there will always be stuff that takes up space!

There is still some work that needs to be done, such as shelves and window coverings, but I have to say I love this room.  I wish I could say there have been lots of good paintings since we moved, but I admit that there have been LOTS of wipe offs!  I should be discouraged, but I'm not.  It happens to us all at one time or another and so the painting will continue!  That's what happens with addictions!!

I always enjoy seeing the studios of other artists.  I hope you enjoyed seeing my space.  Hope you are having a wonderful, creative day!!

GREEN APPLES

6x12 on Gessoed Board

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Trying to get back into a routine.  With unpacking, organizing, and company it is slow going.  I've done some painting (yay!!!), but not posting.  I've painted this previously and it proved to be a good subject to begin with.  I love apples - to paint and to eat!

HIS ROBE

12x12 on Gessoed Panel

It's been quite a while since I have posted anything on my blog.  This summer has been busy with family and building our house.  And the house ........ DONE!  We close tomorrow and moving will begin on Saturday.  YAY!!!  

In addition, I have been painting at TCU in a figure painting workshop given by one of our local artists, Carol Ivey.  It has been so wonderful to paint a model.  It's also been fun to be with other artists.  

BLOGLOVIN'

As some of you might know, Google Reader is shutting down from the 1st of July and as from that date, you will lose the list of blogs you follow. I personally use Bloglovin’, as most of you, but for those of you who don’t, you can easily transfer the list of all the blogs you already follow so you don’t miss out.

Here is how to import all the blogs you follow from Google Reader to Bloglovin’. It's fast and easy. Don't delay, because tomorrow it will be too late!

Thank you to Taryn Day at Awake and Painting for this post!!

HAND STUDY

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This week's challenge at Daily Paintworks was submitted by Claudia Hammer, the Hand Challenge.  I wanted to keep it loose, but I find that difficult when painting 3"x3" so I think I fussed with these hands a bit too much.  I'm still satisfied with how they turned out.  I may do this again on a larger support.  It was a great learning tool!

FACE No. 100

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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Hooray!  100 mugshots!  After painting 100 I will say that I have learned a lot about the face and about myself.  When I began this project I didn't want to commit to painting a certain number.  I had no idea if I would like painting the same thing over and over.  I've heard other artists express that painting one subject many times is a great way to learn.  So true!  I also didn't know if my free subjects were actually free.  I was concerned that my mind would wonder about their crimes and that would disturb me (a cost of inner peace) and I have to admit that there were times when that was true.  But, for the most part I was able to focus on just the face with its many expressions, hair or not, mouth open or closed, angles, etc. I experimented with many palettes, sizes of formats, and brushes.  I painted tight and loose.  Some portraits were good and some not so good.  I enjoyed painting each one and will continue this project as I have so very much more to learn.

To see all 100 mugshots click Presumed Innocent  and thanks for all the encouraging comments you made!!  Each one helped me go to the next mugshot. 

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!!

NORWAY - GOOGLE STREET VIEW

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord
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This week's challenge on Daily Paintworks is to paint your virtual vacation from Google Street View and was suggested by Layne Cook.  I chose Norway and found an interesting street with shadow and light patterns.  I didn't intend to paint just flat shapes, but, well it gradually happened.  I like the abstract quality that emerged.

FACE No. 99

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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This young man had no hair and the darkest, thickest eyebrows.  Another lesson.

FACE No. 98

4x4 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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Now I know I will paint at least 100 mugshots!  Hooray!  Two more to go and it is exciting to have these paintings under my belt.

In other news, I spent the weekend in San Antonio and had the pleasure of meeting Susan Carlin and seeing her lovely gallery, Nueva Street Gallery.  Susan has sold two of my paintings.  If you are in San Antonio stop by the gallery.  It's a fantastic space with abundant light and beautiful works on the walls.  Plus, you will meet Susan, a talented and generous artist!

Me and Susan

Nueva Street Gallery

FACE No. 97

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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Her hair says fun.  What a wild color!  But her expression says creepy.  She was really fun to paint!

Have a great weekend, friends!!

FACE No. 96

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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FACE No. 95

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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I used a black ground for this painting and my brush strokes were a bit looser (for which I am striving).  Of course, his hair attracted me and the angle of his head.  He was really fun to paint!  Now there are only 5 more paintings to reach 100.  Golly Gee!! 

FACE No. 94

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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When I began this series of mugshots I had no idea how many I would paint.  I certainly didn't expect to be close to 100 and now I know I will make it to that number and probably continue beyond 100.  There is still so much to learn by painting these faces and I enjoy the process.

Have a fantastic, creative weekend!!

BRA 6

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

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Just had to paint one more!
Have a fantastic weekend!