Anne

9x12

acrylic

This is Anne. She was a commissioned Christmas gift. I loved the composition of the photo reference and had to paint it. Thanks for looking and have a safe and Happy New Year!!

Dragonflies for Paige

                                      click to bid                SOLD            SOLD

This spring, my niece Paige is trying to go to Lima, Peru to help local doctors provide health care and education. I was going to hold onto these little paintings but I decided to try to sell them, to help raise funds for Paige. They are on the DailyPaintworks.com auction site. 100% of the proceeds will go to Paige's trip. Each of these small paintings are 4x4 on gessoed panel. I couldn't center my links. Hopefully you will see how they correlate with each painting!

What?! It's Christmas already!!

"Goose"

6x6

acrylic

It has been awhile since my last post but I have been painting...a lot. Thank you to all of those who commissioned paintings this holiday season! I hope that the recipients of your gifts will be happy. Here is to a Merry Christmas and a great 2014!!! Cheers!!

Marina Blue

 8x8

acrylic
sold

I am hosting this week's challenge on the Daily Paintworks site. So, all you artist friends out there, come out and play! You don't have to be a member to post. You will have to register though. This is from our  marina. Everyday the water looks different but I liked how there was little texture with an almost mirror like reflection. Happy Monday! 

Focused

This is Fern. She belongs to my niece Aimee. The image actually does too. Aimee is a professional photographer and owns a pet sitting agency. You can see Aimee's photography by clicking here. 6x6 acrylic on gessobord. Sold.

White Apron

11x14

oil on cradled panel

sold

This is from my trip last year to Monterey. My friend and I were the first customers for dinner. We took liberties and went around the restaurant taking pictures. They were very nice about the whole thing. I finished this under Stanley Goldstein. I study with him every Monday night. He is a walking encyclopedia of art as well as a great artist.  I haven't posted in awhile as I have been working on some commissions that I just can't be satisfied with yet. I keep going forward, thinking eventually they will come together. Ever been there?

The 30 in 30 Collage

I just learned how you can go to PicMonkey and make a collage of your photos. Artists will be posting today their collages of the "30 in 30" challenge. Visit Leslie Saeta's blog to view all of the wonderful work out there. I am ready to rest up and get back to some commissions. Thanks again for stopping by. Here's to more painting!

Day 30! ... Parked

This is the end of the 30 day challenge. I just want to say "THANK YOU" for following me, making comments and looking. It has really meant so much. I am lucky to feel supported by you. This is from a photo I took in San Francisco while on a photo field trip in Carol Marine's workshop. I spent a half hour yesterday on this and then I finished it this morning.  6x6 acrylic on gessobord. If you would like to see the artists participating in this challenge click here.
Thank you everybody!

Day 29, Butterfly Work

I was a little panicked last night, as I had no idea what to paint for today. I ran across the photo reference for this at Wet Canvas. I had wanted to paint a bee but couldn't find an image that would work. So here is the end of my efforts for today. I got up at 5am and finished at 8:00am. Happy Sunday! There's only 1 more day left of the challenge. 4x4 acrylic on gessobord. Sold.

Day 28, The Work Horse

Last April my friend and I attended the plein air convention in Monterey. On our last day there, we went around the neighborhoods and took lots of pictures. This truck is from one of those. If you ever have the opportunity to go to the convention, I would highly recommend it. Its like being around art rock stars. There is so much info shared. It was very inspiring to me. I am going this year again. Maybe I will see you there? 6x8 acrylic on cradled panel. Sold

Day 27, Hummingbird

You know how you feel when you have an off day? I feel that way about this painting but because I don't have time to paint something else, here it is. Thanks for looking! 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 26, Back Lit Kitten

Another image from the Wet Canvas image library. Kittens are so irresistible. I just can't help myself.
6x6 acrylic on gessobord. If interested click here.

Day 25, Black and White Kittens

Its day 25 and  I have survived. I had to say that since it rhymes. Okay, I am taking liberties. This is from an image I got at Wet Canvas. 6x6 acrylic on gessobord. Sold.

Day 24, Tulip Profile

Just a quickie. I did this in about an hour from a photo reference on Wet Canvas. This is a 4x4 on gessobord. Thanks for stopping by!

Day 23, The View

In April I took a workshop from Carol Marine. We went on photo trips during the week around San Francisco.. This was taken at the ferry building.  I did a smaller version in class (6x6) this is a 16x16 acrylic on cradled panel. To see other "30 in 30" artists click here. Sold.

Day 22, The Commuters

I sat at a corner cafe in San Francisco and took pictures for about 15 minutes. Intersections have a ot going on. I learned that day, if you find a setting, they will come. This is a 9x12 that I finished today. Acrylic on cradled panel. Sold

Day 21, Bird #3

This is from a photo I used at Paint My Photo. The hardest part of painting a peacock is the iridescence. Its been helpful that so far I have painted small. I could spend more time on this little 4x4 acrylic but its the weekend and there is more painting to do! To see the "30 in 30" challenge click here.

Day 20, Bird #2

My husband asked me "why did you paint a rooster"? Does that make a statement or what? Whatever, I haven't ever painted a rooster so that's why. A big thank you to Johnna Schelling who suggested another site you can get reference photos;  Paint My Photo. Its the site I used for this guy.  4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 19, Bird #1

I am surrounded by seagulls. They think they own the place! They sit at the top of our boat and drop mussels so that the shells crack open. We have yet to figure out a sure fire way to get them interested in our neighbors boat to hang out on (just kidding). As I leave off the boat everyday you can hear "crunch, crunch, crunch" as I walk on the broken shells...alas they have won. 4x4 acrylic on gessobord. To look at the other "30 in 30" paintings, click here.

Day 18, Puppy #3

Meet Neo. Yes, his parents are Matrix fans. Neo is a very sweet and mellow dog. This is from his younger days but he still has that sweetness today. I am hoping Neo will give Niko a few pointers...in a good way. 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 17, Puppy #2

This is Niko at 12 weeks. He has been a holy terror and the love of our lives. He is half husky and half lab and all rascal! (as noted in my previous post). 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 16, Puppy #1 AKA Umm...the dog ate my homework, I mean painting.

This is Jack. There was a whole painting until yesterday morning. When I came from upstairs, I had to look twice, Niko had something in his mouth. Need I say more? At least this time I didn't have to take him to the vet to get a stocking removed. Jo Mackenzie, my artist friend always post how she learns something each time she paints. Well, I have learned to keep my paintings up higher. Poor little Jack :(.  Not quite 4x4 acrylic on chewed gessobord.   To see the other artists participating in the "30 in 30" challenge, click here.

Flowers and Hat #3

This is my friend Sylvie. She is an amazing artist. You can check out her work at www.sylviecarr.com
Be sure to check out her murals.This marks the half way point! 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 14, Flowers and Hat #2

I have many photos of my workshop friend Mariane. We went to a little café at lunch which was also a winery. In the back of the building there was a beautiful flower field that had lavender and gladiolas. I think this is my 4th time painting her standing in this fleld of flowers. 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 13, Flowers and Hat #1

 

 

Yet another painting I did from using the Wet Canvas image library. There is something about the sun, a hat and flowers that I cannot resist. Thank you for stopping by! 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 12, Dragonfly #3

This is also a painting I did from a reference photo on Wet Canvas. This will mark the last of my insect series for awhile. So, I won't be "bugging" you. I know, I know but I just had to say it. :) 4x4 acrylic on gessobord.

Day 11, Dragonfly #2

When I was a kid, dragonflies were exciting to see. It was like seeing something magical. I think this guy can fall into that category with his red body and orange veined wings.

 This image comes from the Wet Canvas photo library. You have to register to use their site but there are thousands of photographs to look at and use. It is also a site to get lots of art info and participate in painting challenges.

Day 10, Dragonfly #1

Day 10 and this marks being 1/3 through the September challenge. Time goes by fast, especially when you are committed to posting a painting a day. I have more to do on the other dragonflies, so better get busy. My friend Margot furnished the photo reference for this painting. I wish I could talk her into painting more. The woman has talent! Thanks for viewing. P.S. I haven't decided if I am going to try to sell these or not, keep you posted!

Day 9, Sunflower #3

This is the last of my little sunflower series. I have had a lot of fun with them. I am usually not a huge fan of the color yellow but there is something about it that makes me feel cheerful and upbeat. Thanks for looking! Check out Day 9 submissions from other artists on Leslie Saeta's blog. 4x4 acrylic on gessobord. If interested click here for the Daily Paintworks auction site.

Day 8, Sunflower #2

If it wasn't for the "30 in 30 Challenge", I would have titled this Dancing Sunflower. Thank you for viewing! 4x4 acrylic on gessobord. If interested click here to be directed to the Daily PaintWorks auction site.

Day7, Sunflower #1

 

Whenever I think of sunflowers, I think of the Van Gogh paintings. He painted 7 versions of sunflowers in a vase. I will be painting 3 sunflowers not in a vase but each will be very different. This is a 4x4 acrylic on gessobord. If you are interested, click here for the auction at DailyPaintworks.com.

Day 6, Beach #3

Although simplistic, these beach scenes are another way of looking for light changes. The sky is lighter at the horizon and the sand has some variation as well. The water also changes color from the distance. Hmm, maybe this is not so simple after all? This is the last of the beach series. 4x4 acrylic on cradled panel.

Day 5, Beach #2

One of my favorite places is Barking Sands beach on Kauai. There is sand and beach for days! Bring slippers if you go. The sand gets burning hot. 4x4 acrylic on cradled gessoed panel.

Day 4, Beach #1

This was the last of the 3 beach scenes I painted but I decided to post it first. I like it the best and it has more going on than the other two. The panel I used has a lot of texture to its surface and that is why it looks like I dry brushed it. I have decided that Open Golden acrylic paint is not heavy bodied enough for this type of surface. This is on a Dick Blick cradled studio panel. I plan on continuing to use them with my oil paintings though. 4x4 acrylic. 

Day 3, Rose #3

I am having fun posting and having friends and family asking about the challenge. The "30 in 30 Challenge" has been one way to create excitement and interest about what I am doing. Thank you to all who have "liked" and commented on my postings! And thanks to those who just look! By the way, Rose #1 sold to my friend...Rose! This is an acrylic 4x4 on wood panel. SOLD

Day 2, Rose #2

This is #2 for the 30 day challenge but it also #2 of 3 of my little rose series. I think painting roses teaches me subtlety. Petals transition going from light to shadow but don't lose color. I am learning and having fun in the process! This is a 4x4 acrylic on wood panel. Click here if you are interested in bidding on it at the Daily Paintworks auction site.  Happy Labor Day!

Day 1; Rose #1

This is the first painting of the "30 in 30 Challenge". It is a 4x4 on wood panel. I am trying to do 3 painttngs that have a theme. Obviously this first set of three will be roses. So for the next 2 days, that's right, you will see roses. Thanks for looking! SOLD

My Little Gallery and the 30 in 30 Challenge

This is a picture of my office wall at my day job. As you can see there are multiple artists and different subject matter but the uniformity comes in with each having the same 6x6 dimensions and that I have placed them (or tried to) with the same space between each. My plan is to continue to add to my collection. Who knows maybe one day it will cover my whole wall!

Here are some observations about my little collection; at least once a day someone stops by and will look at my wall. Even if the person has studied it before they will have a new favorite or haven't noticed a piece and will make a comment. My wall has started many conversations without me saying anything. People enjoy taking a break and looking at the wall. I have been able to relay a little info on the artists, where they live and how they sell their paintings.

Speaking of which...there is a "30 paintings in 30 days challenge" starting September 1. It has been created and hosted by artist Leslie Saeta. I will be participating. Yes, I am crazy but I do have a strategy. Paint small, real small. My paintings will be 4x4s. I plan on selling them through the dailypaintworks.com site starting at $30.00. You should see something new each day in September from me  :)

If you were interested in knowing how I mounted my paintings...here is the system. I used a level tool and 3M mounting strips. I envisioned the whole collection in the shape of a rectangle and tried to center it on my wall. I also tried to keep the same space between each piece.  Maybe you will start collecting small works and creating your own little gallery. There will be over 200 artists participating in the upcoming 30 in 30 Challenge.

Have a good 3 day weekend!

Striped Umbrella

My painting friend Carla was kind enough to share the photo reference for this scene. I can't wait to see what her version looks like. Maybe she will have it done by the time I see her next Tuesday, when we are meeting up to paint.  6x6 acrylic on gessobord. SOLD

The Observer

This is for the Daily Paintworks Raven Challenge. I completed this painting on Sunday. It was used as a break from a larger more complicated painting I am working on. Very fun shapes and colors. 6x6 acrylic on gessobord. SOLD

Kimba

Kimba is a sweet girl. She is a gift for her dog mom. 6x6 acrylic on cradled wood panel.

Mrs. Watanabe

Mrs. Watanabe is such a nice warm lady. She is a long time orchid club friend of my parents. She allowed me to photograph her last year when I was helping my Dad sell at the Manoa Orchid Show. So gracious of her. I have been working on the painting off and on for the past year with Stanley Goldstein on Monday nights.This is a 12x16 oil on archival linen panel.

Louie

Louie is a commission for a birthday gift. If you recall, he was part of my studio tour on the previous post. He is a small dog with a big personality. At least that is what I read into him. I have never met Louie in person. 6x6 acrylic on cradled wooden panel.

All aboard....my studio

Thank you for coming to this blog carnival event! I want to thank Marla Laubisch for inviting me. I met Marla through the Daily Paintworks site. The internet has opened up a whole new world of comaraderie and support for artists such as myself. I hope you have fun taking the tour of our studios. There are about 20 of us.  Now let's get started ....

 

 

 So here we are at the outside of my boat, the Nirvana. She is a 50 ft trawler and runs on 2 diesel motors. There are 3 staterooms, 3 heads, a salon, galley, aft deck and flybridge and of course I would need to add a walk-in engine room (for my husband's sake).

 

 These are our neighbors. The commercial fisherman start at 5 and 6 am taking out their customers. I use them for my alarm clock.

 This is the rear or aft view. Sometimes I turn one of those chairs around and put my feet up with a nice glass of wine. Want to come over?

 Now for the interior...here is a picture of a nice clean salon and galley.

 Here is a picture of when I have it all going with my set up.

 A closer view of the set up.  I use a table top easel that I purchased from Utrecht. (I have 3 art stores close by. 2 Dick Blicks and 1 Utrecht.) A re-closable palette is on hand as I use Golden Opens that last me for weeks. I paint a variety of subject matter but usually have pet portrait commissions going on, like Louie here. Gessoed cradled wooden panel has been my preference for surfaces for awhile. I have better control over my paint. I often use my iPad when working from photos. They are so versatile. I also have my coffee on hand...very, very important.

Last but not least, the storage area. I should also mention that the trunk of my car is a well used storage area for packaging material, panels and easels. You have to use what you can, right?

And here we are again to a nice clean galley. It is a marriage saver. Thank you for stopping by. If you would like to see the latest painting I have completed just sign up for an email subscription above my profile, on the right hand side.

Here are the links for the other participating artists ...

Carmen Beecher

Sally Binard

Michael Chamberlain

Taryn Day

Sea Dean

Cathy Engberg

Sharon Graves

Joanne Grant

Jacklyn Karabaich

Marla Laubisch

Jo MacKenzie

Charleen Martin

Cindy Michaud

Linda Nickles

Julie Ford Oliver

Kim Rempel

Johnna Schelling

Carol Schiff

Sarah Sedwick