Monday, August 5, 2013

Watercolor Journal  -  Cherries

Cherries
Watercolor  5x7
 
I have painted in watercolor for many years but never started a watercolor journal.  The purpose of a journal is to make quick sketches of places and things you want to remember and possibly use for future paintings.  Watercolor is a great medium for adding color to those sketches. 
 
While we were traveling to Florida in June for vacation, I decided to pass the time by sketching these cherries that had caught my attention in a photograph.  This was my first attempt at painting "on the go".  Some people paint things they pass along the highway.  My memory is not that good--a photo in front of my face works better.  Even with a few jerks and bumps, there were no major mishaps and I was pleased with my experiment in "travel painting".  I  thoroughly enjoyed it.  This may become a habit. 
 
Happy Monday!  


Friday, August 2, 2013

Dahlonega Rose Emporium

Dahlonega Rose Emporium
8x10   Oil
 
The Dahlonega, Georgia Rose Emporium has been closed for many years, but I took several photos prior to its closing with the intention of painting it one day. It took quite a while but finally I ran across the photo and decided it was time to give it a try.  The house was on top of a hill and the owners planted many beautiful flowers besides roses and had pathways meandering through the property.  It was a beautiful place to visit and purchase plants.  I hope you enjoy the riot of flowers and the house on the hill--now a private home. 
 
Thank you for stopping by today.  Have a wonderful weekend. 


Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Paris Window
 
Paris Window
8x10   Oil
 
Obviously, I love blue shutters as this is the at least the third painting I've done with blue shutters and I'm sure it won't be the last.  As you already know, I love bright colors and the vine wrapping around the window and the stucco walls gave me plenty of opportunity to pour on the color.  Hope you are all enjoying the colorful flowers this summer.  With all the rain we've had, the flowers are beautiful and the grass is green.
 
Thank you for your comments on my paintings.  I appreciate your interest in my art.  It keeps me reaching for a higher goal.  I appreciate each and every one of you!  Have a great week!


Thursday, July 25, 2013

Darien Shrimp Boat

Darien Shrimp Boat
8x8  Oil
 
When we were in Darien, Georgia sometime back, I fell in love with this old shrimp boat.  Love the rust on it and beautiful turquoise color making such strong reflections in the water.  When we went back a few weeks ago, it was not there--probably out to sea harvesting all those delicious Georgia white shrimp.  I plan on painting this boat again. 
 
Have a great summer weekend!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Watermelon Time

Watermelon Time
Oil   5x7
 
We're in the heat (literally) of the good ole summertime, and you know what means--watermelon time!  I love painting watermelons because of the beautiful colors in the flesh and rind of the melons.  I decided to go pinker on this one than it was in reality--just wanted a pink composition.  Another granddaughter chose this painting for her collection.  Girls sure do like pink.  Have a great summer vacation!
 
Thank you for visiting today.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Cupcake with Umbrella

Cupcake with Umbrella
Oil   5x7
 
Sometime back I noticed a lot of cupcake paintings on several artist websites.  I liked the idea of  painting a yummy treat, and decided I would put lots of frosting on mine and add this cute little pink umbrella.  One of our granddaughters is the proud owner of the cupcake painting.  Nothing escapes the paintbrush around the Baker household.  Hope you enjoy.
 
I appreciate your visit and your interest in my art. 


Friday, June 28, 2013

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!


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Monet's Garden

Monet's Garden
Oil   12x12
 
It would be interesting to know just how many times Monet's garden has been photographed and painted.  I can certainly see why because it is such an interesting subject.  It's beautiful (although I've only seen it through photographs) and the famous artist, Monet, painted it himself many times.  Oh to be in such good company. 
 
As you can see, I loaded up on luscious color and had a great time painting the tree reflections in the lily pond--didn't add the lilies.  I like the canoe tucked alongside the bank and, of course, the famous turquoise bridge in the background.  This was another fun palette knife painting.  Hope you enjoy.
 
Have a great week and stop by again.  

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Santa Barbara Palms
Santa Barbara Palms
Oil    5x7
 
Since we are talking beach talk (from the last post), I thought I would post these colorful palm trees.  A couple years ago, we were fortunate enough to take a trip up the California and Oregon coast and what a marvelous trip it was!  Along the way, I photographed these palms in Santa Barbara.  I love palm trees and plan on painting some more in the future.  Since we don't see many palm trees in our area, I rely on my beach trips to gather information and photos to paint.  I hope I've added a little color to your day.
 
Thank you for your visit.  Please stop by again.  

Monday, June 17, 2013

Take Me to the Beach
 
Take Me to the Beach
Oil    6x6
 
It's the good ole summertime and I hope you are enjoying some wonderful vacation time.  When the weather gets warm, I always start dreaming of going to the beach.  There's just something about that water lapping on the shore and sand between my toes that keeps calling me back.  This bright pink umbrella and beach chair seemed like the perfect thing to post for day dreaming in June.  All we need is a good book and an ice cold drink.  So kick back and take a trip to the beach with me.
 
Thank you for stopping by today.  Have a wonderful week (and don't forget to dream about the sand and surf).