Day 11 - 30 Day Challenge

Pink Tulip

Oil  6x6

 

I like the depth in this open tulip and the light hitting the edges.  I'm off to paint with some ladies today and, hopefully, will have something to post tomorrow from that painting session.  Normally, I prefer to paint at home in "solitary confinement", but have received several invitations to paint with a group.  It is always rewarding each time I do as I learn so much just from listening and seeing other's work, as well as being inspired by working with those with whom I share a common interest.  Artists are a very giving group, sharing their knowledge and encouragement. 

 

Stayed tuned!  

Day 10 - 30 Day Challenge

John's Morning Glory

Oil  6x6

 

My friend, John, sent me several beautiful photos of morning glories from his yard. He's a great photographer and took close ups with good lighting.  Thank you, John, for sharing your photos.  This was a joy to paint.  I do love morning glories--oh well, I guess by now you've got the idea that I love all flowers.  But then again, who couldn't love such amazing creations. 

 

I have been working  really hard trying to get prepared for the next 2 weeks of paintings.  Spent hours choosing material and getting the drawings ready.  Of course, I had already spent many hours going through photos, but I'm looking for those special ones.  I think I should surely have enough to get me through the remainder of September. 

 

Thanks for hanging in with me!  I'm enjoying all your comments.  Thank you for taking the time to comment!

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!

Day 8 - 30 Day Challenge
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Pink Hollyhock

Oil  6x6

 

I think this one qualifies for being painted today since I started around 9:30 p.m. and finished at 12:30 a.m.  this morning.  My husband thinks I should get a little earlier start with my next painting. 

 

I really wish you could see the real paintings.  The photos just aren't doing them justice.  My photography skills are severely lacking.  I do love hollyhocks and these were especially beautiful. 

 

Thank all of you for following my blog!  It means so much to me and makes me want to keep on keeping on.  I really appreciate and welcome all your comments!  Have a wonderful day!

Day 7 - 30 Day Challenge

The Rose

Oil  6x6

 

Day 7 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Challenge--week one finished and I'm still excited and hoping to maintain my momentum.  Check out Leslie's blog at www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com .  She has 400 artists participating and you can see thumbnails of all the paintings being posted.  Of course, you can click on those to go to that person's blog or website to view more.  If you're not already on my email  list, be sure and sign up to receive each new painting as they are posted.

 



The romantic red rose!  Shame on me, I've been hesitant to paint roses because of the complex petals, but this one caught my eye because of the beautiful back lighting.  I am pleased with the way it turned out.  I'm ready to try another one. 

Hope you're having a great weekend!

Day 6, 30 Day Challenge

Magenta Day Lily

Oil  6x6

 

I really love the bright throat of the day lilies against the color of the petals.  This one had the creamy outer ruffled edge that added another dimension making it even more special.  I have other day lilies I'm looking forward to painting.  So be sure and check in every day to see what's "new and improved".

 

Have a great weekend!

 



Day Five, 30 Day Challenge

Iris

Oil   6x6

 

We're into Day Four of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Challenge to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  I'm having so much fun with this in spite of juggling so many balls in the air at one time--painting, photographing, posting, choosing painting subjects, as well as all those things that get in the way such as meals, clean clothes, etc.  To add to that confusion, I'm in an art class today and tomorrow all day.  But, it's a fun adventure. 

 

We had several of these beautiful lacy iris in our sun garden this spring.  They are pink with purple edges and lots of folds and lacy edges--a lovely flower. 

 

Thank all of you for cheering me on!

Orange Tulip

 

Orange Tulip

Oil  6x6

 

An orange tulip for the fourth day of the Challenge.  I love the light falling on this tulip and I'm enjoying painting close ups of flowers on a dark background.  The dark background really makes the flower "pop".  I have chosen several flowers to paint for September, so stayed tuned to see what's in store. 

 

Thanks for following my progress this month.  



Sunflower

Sunflower

Oil  6x6

 

Day 3 of the 30 Day Challenge and I missed the first day because I was out of town.  However, I'm patting myself on the back because I completed 2 paintings while we were gone.  We were "glamping" in the Great Smokey Mountains with family.  If you're not familiar with that term, it is camping with a "glamorous" twist--my kind of camping.  A camper with almost all the amenities of home--wraparound windows for a beautiful view of the creek, fully equipped everything, comfortable bed, etc.  The purist say it's not really camping and I would tend to agree.  But, it works for me.  We all spread dinner together every night and had a good ole time making memories.

 

I painted this sunflower while were gone and it was a joy to paint.  I had a great photograph to work from and it came together without too much fussing over it.  Love sunflowers. 

 

See you tomorrow.  



The Last of the Hydrangeas

Last of the Hydrangeas

Oil   8x8

 

 

I picked these from our yard and got the last blooms except for a few lace caps.  I placed these in a tea glass and started painting.  I enjoy painting glass and seeing the different colors reflected.  Of course, the flowers are fun too. 

 

I have joined artist Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge for the month of September.  Now that is a challenge!  Leslie suggested that we choose a theme for the month.  Leslie issued this same challenge in January of this year, and I followed some of the artists at that time.  I thought about throwing my hat in the ring, but just coming off the Christmas holiday, I felt I needed some down time.  However, I promised myself that the next time she issued the challenge, I would take her up on it, so here I am today.

 

I will start out with florals, but will probably choose other subject matter as the days progress.  The object is to paint some every day; try new techniques and just have fun putting paint to canvas.  I can't say I will paint every day but I'll sure give it a try.  We'll see where this road leads.  Wish me luck.