#56.... Went to a Garden Party.... of 60 paintings in 60 days for $60

You just never know where you will find flowers planted! Creative gardeners see differently...as did this one who recycled a 'past it's prime' upholstered chair. It served another purpose, as the little black & white kitty decided it was a great place to lounge! Love the use of the old 60's style light base behind it as a planter, too...

Went to a Garden Party

 

plein air 5 x 7" oil

$60

 



Great frame find and a WIP...

When I spied this little gold frame in the thrift store, I kept telling myself not to buy another frame! Then I rationalized that it was #1..wood...#2 in great shape...#3 a great price! So I caved...little did I know that the miniature that I did a couple of weeks ago and put in a black leather mat so it could be floated, was perfect for this frame. At least it was after I added the little black grosgrain ribbon border. To me it looks as if they were made for each other!

                                              1 1/2 x 21/4" acrylic on hardboard panel
                                                         ***********************

Now my next dilema, is how to finish this WIP ( work in progress) of a rooster...

I am totally open to suggestions; I considered suggesting a farm scene behind. I tried a couple of other things by laying mylar/acetate over the painting and painting around it. Glad I did, because I didn't like what I added so I was able to just wipe the plastic and was back to square one!

I look forward to your feedback and ideas........ thanks, Ruth Ann

Trial and error....try again!

Experimenting in the miniature painting field. I decided to try painting it even smaller, to qualify for a 'true miniature'.  I went for less painting and tried to keep it from being over-worked. I also wanted the foreground boards to have the warm underglow that I remember from when I took this shot....

This new attempt is 2 x 3"........

 

Now to find a frame.........(guess I should have picked a size I had a frame for.)

 

Going to go back and experiment with the bluebirds that I captured recently....

 

Thanks for looking.......

Experimentation....marble and oils, acrylic, too!

Today I finished up one that I have been working on for a couple of days and having trouble getting just the color I wanted. It was too intense, then when I toned it down it was too dull, then I added another color and it seemed just right...........until it was completely dry...then it was too dark.

I knew that I would recognize the right color/value when it was acheived....

                                            'Patience...'                 12 x 12" acrylic on mounted panel

Normally, I don't paint a subject repeatedly but I keep wanting to explore this one. I am really happy with the texture of the barn siding. Even though the cat is the main character the barn plays a huge role in making the star shine.

I then decided it was time to play and there was this piece of marble that I have been meaning to paint on. I researched a little and found moisture would really be a bad thing on this so I considered colored pencil, but I really wasn't sure; then I saw these oil pencils that I have had for many, many years.

Not sure how to use them and decided to explore on my own rather than search for the answers. I wanted to see what I could learn. Here is my first attempt. (I did learn a few things.)

                                                  3 x 8"              no title...any suggestions?

# 25...A success! The Calico Barn

As I posted on my blog yesterday, there is bound to be a success if you keep plugging away! So today I returned to the studio, determined to try again. Then another photo caught my eye and I decided to play with the acrylics again. I just tried to respond, grabbed a surface, got the drawing on and started applying paint. All the while just thinking, "what if"....what if I tried this technique???, what if I tried this color?...what will I get if I mix these?...I don't have the red I want or the right colors to make it, so what if I change my plan? will the painting still work?

Fun, learning and I think, a successful painting day!

                                    # 25 The Calico Barn
                                     6 x 6" acrylic on museum mat board  $75

(Looks like there is a blue cast....may be my monitor, but it may also be the cool bouncing light from my north window in the studio when I photographed it.)

Thanks for looking and I hope you find your success today!   Ruth Ann

On the 31st day, I rested.......

Well, I didn't really rest! I just took a break from the studio to take care of my much neglected house and long list of errands! I did accomplish most of them and even cooked a nice supper. It was so warm, I wanted to grill the chicken, but no charcoal and no time to shop.

I really wanted to be painting! This 30 day challenge has got my creative juices flowing and I am trying to plan in my head some major paintings. I also am packing a couple to ship to new homes. A few others are for some upcoming competitions and one or two  may end up at one of my galleries.

                                                   
                                                       30 paintings in 30 days

I am still pretty surprised that I could produce that many paintings in that short of time.


Since I plan to work on larger paintings, I will update as I progress with each painting and you can see how I approach it. The idea tomorrow is to brainstorm composition for one or two.

Start each day with a smile and get it over with.     - W.C. Fields     

Painting #17 ...Watching Over You

Today is dedicated to a very special person;  a successful professional in the  health industry as an RN, BSN,  a devoted mother, an adoring sister, a compassionate friend, a truly amazing daughter..............but most of all, one that is blessing us all with her existence, to celebrate another birthday, despite the attack of cancer that she continues to battle!

Here's to you, my darling daughter ,  Melissa Lynne Sturgill Windau!!!  You are my inspiration and joy...may you celebrate many, many more!!!

Watching Over You     8 x 8" on wood panel   NFS

Although TIGGER is gone, he lives on our memories................