Sweet and Innocent

When we got together for a paint day, we set the stage.  Flowers, ice cream, vegetables, chips, and hummus.  Acrylics, watercolors, canvas, and instructional books.  

Judy brought flowers with her--eucalyptus and clover, I think. The fragrance is innocent and fresh. The blossons are dainty. 

I quickly sketched in paint.  I intended to go back later and layer thick dabs of paint on. My daughter J said, "No, Mom, it's pretty just like that!  I can't take it home today because I'm taking the other two.  I want it."  I guess I'll have to do a larger one for me and give it the Van Gogh treatment. 

The still life is not my best subject, but these flowers were in my favorite color.  Reminded me of raspberries. 

Not Trees

My daughter K. says it's time for me to paint something different, something architectural maybe.  Something Else.  Something that is Not Trees.

But I love trees!  And water.  Calm spaces.  

But that is exactly why I need a change.  I'm going to start with finishing my desert. My son would like this one, since he spends a lot of time in the desert. 

Then, let's try a still life. I love the contrast between the oranges and the blue wood. 

Architectural, huh?  I haven't done any buildings for awhile.  Little cabins don't count as buildings. 

Hmmm. 

Maybe this.

Or this. The detail on the steps is like lace.  

I've started the yellow one.  I think it needs cats. 

Bowl of lemons

Phase 2. I'm imitating someone else's very nice arrangement, not marketing this, but trying a new approach. Plus, K likes lemons in her kitchen. These are clearly not trees.

Now, how to give the bowl depth?  How to make the fruit more 3-dimensional? 

I like working out these problems. 

I continue to get interest on these.  I was not originally going to sell, but the questions continue.  So, here's a possible price list. 

My current prices are as follows: 

For a finished product that I dreamt up, 40$ plus shipping for a 16X20.  

For a custom 16X20, $50. For a custom 18X24,  $70. 

If you have already purchased the canvas, $30 plus shipping. 

Does that sound fair? 

Now, if it all gets out of control and I quit my job and buy a studio, then take a vacation and study in Paris, paintings will cost much, much more. And if I buy a villa in Italy to support my muse, I'll need an Art History degree, and more canvas.  And maybe an assistant.  So prices will continue to increase. 

And if I default on the villa, become homeless, live on a street in London, prices will go down.