Sunday, December 28, 2014

This and That.

 

 I made this one with Yvonne.
We girls got together for a paint night.  
There is something really gratifying about painting with a friend.  You somehow spur each other on to choose, attempt, and complete a work. 


Prints or the original can be purchased at: 

These desert flowers are a reflection on the unexpected beauty we find in nature. 
Prints or original can be purchases at :

When learning to paint, don't be afraid to make mistakes.  Expect that you might even hate some of your work at the start.  At the same time, you'll be amazed how many people say, "Will you paint one just like that for me?" 

Mr. G, the art teacher at my school, gave me lots of helpful getting-started advice.  "You don't have to buy expensive paint to make nice paintings.  Liquitex Basics work just fine."  I have occasionally added a pricier paint, and haven't found it to really outshine the basics, unless I was looking to add a different (thicker) texture. 

My painting goals for 2015:  paint and post pictures at least weekly, sketch almost daily; learn figures and faces; progress with animal drawings. I want to try something outside of my comfort zone monthly--a building, a different color or angle. 



Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Deserts and Hills

I've had a lot of fun already this Christmas Vacation.
 

 

I'm fairly happy with this Frio River painting.  I would like to put some kids playing on the bank, or maybe some deer.  Or wild turkeys. Maybe a small dragon! Or a stegasaurus.

 The painting above is a whimsical moon to hang in my friend's bathroom.  It needed to match Lowe's "Coral Passion" shade, so I hope we covered that!  There are metallic bronze highlights on the branches.

I've perched the paintings on my piano on top of the fake greenery.  Nice effect, right?



 When you set up your paints, carefully order the placement of your coffee cup.  There is a little Hunter Green floating in there!
Cactus Textures are just wonderful. I love the shades and the beauty combined with the prickly quality.   

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Frio River

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I'm starting this one from the fall photos we took at Thanksgiving.  

It's easiest to paint places that live in our memories, places we long to visit.