Irises

Did you know those prepared canvases have the coolest texture? I always buy the cheap two packs and gesso the canvas myself. My friend brought me 5 gorgeous pre-primed canvases of several sizes. I started with a blue background, then used some acrylics thinned with glaze. The effect is really delicate and misty looking

New quad

I started a new multicolor quad, this one for Kristin.

The challenge is to make it different from the last quad I did.  When I paint for people, I don't want to produce a lot of duplicates. That's boring.  After all, I paint for fun, not because I have some great artistic vision.  I combine their vision and my enjoyment and try to come up with something that will delight us.

Hopefully, I will never go off the deep end and cut off my ear, or paint with sheep's blood or carve revolting sculptures. While that makes art deep and interesting, it does not induce a person to hang it on a wall.  

I received new paint this week, some from Kristen, and some from my wonderful colleague and boss.   Remember when you were a child, and you opened up that new pack of Crayolas? Or the new set of markers?  I looked at those paints and thought of all the fun to come with putting it on canvas.  I wanted to play Christmas music in the background. 

Unexpected visitors

There were pelicans in the pond today! At first, they looked like an overturned horse frothing up the water. A closer look revealed 7 individuals diving for-- what? Tadpoles? Fish?

Moody blues

I got this too dark at first, but was able to lighten and brighten.

I watched a youtube video to learn techniques:Video from GagnonStudio-clouds at night

I learn something new with every attempt.  I will keep working on this painting and on a couple others I started that don't yet seem complete. 

There's soup in the pot.  A tribute to my German roots--all cabbage and beef and rice.  It's a chilly day, good for reading and painting and little household chores. 

Moody blue reflection

I'm working on a moon picture. The challenge will be mating the top and bottom seamlessly. I have questions and wish someone in my circle was an avid painter.  Do I make the moon perfectly circular?  Must clouds be cottony and realistic, or can I just show the energy of the scene without reproducing it? Because, after all, a camera would duplicate the scene more faithfully.

Twisted Trunk

A journey back to fall--I posted this and a friend immediately claimed it.  I love it when someone "gets" my painting!

Rocks!

I keep seeing darling painted rocks on Pinterest. Ready to try some of my own!