The Last Day -- Day 30 -- 30 Day Challenge

Orchid

Oil   6x6

 

For the Last Day of the Challenge, we have the elegant, regal orchid.  I thought it only appropriate to end this journey with a special flower (of course, all flowers are special). 

 

This has been a very rewarding journey for me in so many ways. First, I exceeded my own expectations in that I did paint every day even though I didn't think I would.  I met some wonderful friends online from around the country and world. Even though I'm not new to the internet, I still find that so amazing.  I feel that I've taken steps forward in my painting ability and managing time to paint.  I honestly don't believe any of this would have happened if it had not been for all of you--my wonderful friends and fans.  You have taken your time to follow my progress and send comments and it has built up my excitement and energy level and kept me interested and focused on the challenge ahead.  You cannot know how encouraging and supportive you have been, and how important that is to anyone on a quest. 

 

Also, my sweet husband has made it possible to paint, post, etc. for so many hours every day by helping out with everything at home and being my biggest fan and cheerleader.  He never complained but instead went above and beyond to make things easier for me.  My children kept up with each and every painting and kept encouraging me along the way.  So good to have a fan club right here at home.

 

It has been fun and I'm so glad you came along on my Wild Ride.  Even though I must catch up on some things at home, stay tuned to see what we might have in store going forward.  Thank you ALL SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!  I couldn't have--wouldn't have--done it without you!!!

Day 27 -- 30 in 30 Challenge

Yellow Hibiscus

Oil   6x6

 

This was fun to paint.  I even got pretty excited with the block in--the initial stage of the painting because I could see that it was going well from the beginning.  I think that bright center is what really drew me to painting this flower, but as it turned out, I enjoyed trying to depict all those dips and ruffles in the petals as well. 

 

If you have followed this blog since the beginning of the challenge, you may remember that when I announced I had signed up for the challenge, I stated up front that I probably would not paint every day but would paint when possible.  Lo and behold, I really got into it and have only missed the first day because we were out of town.  Who would've thought it--I surprised myself.  Of course, I may be bragging too soon because there are still 3 days to go.  Wish me luck. 

 

Have a great day!  Thank you for all your encouragement. 

Day 26 -- 30 Day Challenge

 

Star Gazer Lily

Oil  6x6

 



I've been looking at the photo of this flower for sometime thinking I would like to paint it.  I'm so glad I did.  Those vibrant reds and pinks were so much fun to work with, and I like the side view. 

There are lots of talented artists posting their paintings on Leslie Saeta's blog each day.  If you are interested in checking out other art work, be sure and visit her blog at www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com .  It's fun to check it all out.  You can click on an artist's thumbnail art photo and it will take you directly to their art blog.  Have fun!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and thank you for checking in with me today.  You are appreciated!

Day 25 -- 30 Day Challenge

Bird of Paradise

Oil   6x6

 

I remember when I was growing up, my aunt in Alabama always had Bird of Paradise in her flower garden.  She would take it into the plant house in the winter.  I always thought the flowers were so exotic and fascinating and I haven't changed my mind.  They are so beautiful with their unusual shape and bright colors, and they do look like a bird. 

 

It was a bit of a challenge to paint trying to work in all those wonderful colors and spikey shapes.  I started out painting with a brush--then changed to a palette (painting) knife and back to a brush. 

 

Only 5 days to go on this challenge.  It seemed so daunting when I first decided to sign up.  I thought I must be crazy to even consider it, but I can't wait to paint every day.  My "to do" list of household chores is growing each day, but so far, I've been able to ignore it. 

 

Thank you all for coming along with me.  It has meant more to me than you will ever know.  

Day 24 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Just One Rose

Oil  6x6

 

A pink rose just for you.  I wanted to give a little recap to my non-painter friends about what all goes into getting a painting posted each day.  Thought you might find it interesting.  First, I sift through numerous photos looking for the perfect one with just the right lighting because in art, it's all about  light and shadow.  (If I was really smart, I'd be painting from life--real flowers).  Secondly, that photo has to be drawn onto the canvas.  Then the fun begins--the painting.  I'm not a fast painter and I tend to love the details, so I usually put at least 3 hours painting time into these little 6x6 paintings.  Then I clean my palette (where the paint is mixed) and brushes.  Next it has to be photographed and loaded to the computer and cropped (haven't gotten into editing yet).  I then load the photo onto my post for that day and write a post.  I publish that post to my blog, to Leslie Saeta's blog--the artist who issued the challenge, and to Facebook and post it to my log of paintings.  During the day, I check the blog and Facebook to see if there are any comments and, if so, I reply to those as timely as possible.  I also try to comment on other artists' blogs.  I've done that every day for the past 24 days!  It's been like the Mad Hatter's Wild Ride--but just plain fun. 

 

You can tell from all this, my house is a wreck, we eat cold food and only wash clothes when necessary.  Just kidding, with the help of my wonderful husband, we manage to get by pretty well.  But I will admit,  midnight comes earlier and earlier these days.  I'm not complaining though.  I consider it a privilege to be able to follow my lifelong dream of pursuing art.  Don't know why I didn't do it sooner. 

 

Thank you all for coming along on this Wild Ride!  Hang in with me--you never know where we might end up.  



Day 23  -  30 Day Challenge

Orange Pansy

Oil  6x6

 

Good morning Monday!  We'll start off the week with an orange flower--that should wake you up.  Do you realize we truly are on the last leg of this 30 Day Journey--only one week to go.  It has really flown by, but then again, I've really been busy (as is everyone) trying to keep up with this challenge and everyday things that come our way. 

 

What has kept my excitement going and made me want to paint every day is the support and encouragement I have received from my many blogging and Facebook friends.  So many of you have told me how much you look forward to seeing what I will post each day, and that has given me more incentive to be sure I don't disappoint you.  Thank you!!!

Day 22 -- 30 Day Challenge

Pink Hibiscus

Oil  6x6

 

Last Sunday, my sister suggested that I paint a hibiscus.  We must have ESP as the just the day before, I had gone through over a 100 hibiscus photos deciding on a couple to paint.  So little sis, hope you enjoy my rendition of this beautiful, graceful flower.  Thank you for your suggestion, interest, support and encouragement.  You're the best!

 

I appreciate suggestions and comments.  Thanks you all for your continuing support of my efforts in art. 

Day 21 - 30 Day Challenge

Pink Water Lily

Oil  6x6

 

A water lily needs a lily pad--right?  So I veered a little from the total dark background and painted in the lily pad--just seemed appropriate.  Water lilies are so beautiful and come in so many vibrant colors.  I have quite a few more photos of these beauties to ponder for future paintings. 

 

Day 21--guess that means we're on the last leg of the 30 Day Journey.  Hope to see you tomorrow!  Thanks for all your encouragement!  

Day 20 - 30 Day Challenge

Red Iris

Oil  6x6

 

All flowers are beautiful, but when asked what my very favorite is, my first thought goes to the iris.  Or, as my granddaughter says, maybe this is just my "new favorite".  It is difficult to choose just one--we've been blessed with so many beautiful flowers to savor and enjoy. 

 



Only 10 days to go in the Challenge--how did that happen?  Time flies when we're having fun--and we have had fun.  Thank you for sharing this 20 days with me.  Tune in tomorrow.

Day 9 - 30 Day Challenge

Pink Rose

Oil  6x6

 

A pink rose for your Monday morning.  We off on running on Week 2 of the Challenge.  I like all the curves and ruffles in this rose.  Trying to get depth in a pastel flower is a challenge, but the answer to that dilemma is practice,  practice. 

 

Last week I attended a 2 day workshop with Barbara Janeicke, a very accomplished pastel artist.  However, the workshop was a "composition boot camp".  We worked strictly on simplifying the landscape and getting values correctly.  It was very good and something I need to work on.  With nothing major on my calendar (yet), it should be a little easier to work in the paintings this week. 

 

Thank you all for cheering me on!  I love it!

Waiting for the Meet

Waiting for the Meet

Oil   12 x 12

 

We are fortunate enough to live about 3 miles from the site of the 1996 Olympic canoe and kayak venue,  so needless to say, those sports are pretty popular here through the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club.  Check it out at www.lckc.org .  Three of our 6 grandchildren are on a kayak team, and each spring and fall we attend their all day regatta.  It's a lot fun.  We pack a serious picnic lunch and make a festive day of it.  Our kids always take home medals which makes it even sweeter.  And there are lots of opportunities for some neat photographs with all the colorful canoes and kayaks.  I loved the colors and reflections of these boats in the water and have lots more photos for future inspiration. 

 

Have a great weekend!  I appreciate your interest in my art work.  Thank you!



Cherries and Silver

 

Cherries and Silver

Oil  5x7

 

Depicting silver is a challenge as it reflects any and everything around it, and conveying the shine is another interesting facet of painting silver objects.  I really liked the bright and varied shades of red in the cherries. I have quite a few silver pieces to practice on, so you may be seeing more silver paintings.  I enjoyed this one so much, I plan on painting it again in the future. 

 

Thanks for your visit.  Stop by again.