Where's the Beef?

I painted yesterday, but I ran out of time to post. So, I'm posting yesterday's painting for today. It was painted from a photograph by my front gate. Hopefully some day, I will paint fast enough to do these en plein air. Wouldn't that be fun?

I'm off to mail letters, pick up prescriptions and buy art supplies.  I'm thinking of trying oils.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday!  :)

Red Grapes

Still Life with Orange

Vase with Plums

Yellow Bowl with Plums

Plum Perseverance

Puzzle Pieces

With these two pieces, I'm enjoying exploring the shadows. I want them to become less defined, and as I can see from the photographs, less dark. I love their inherent subtleties, and I want them to be so much more interesting. Now, to get my hand to paint what my mind envisions...ah, challenges. :)

I'm off to mow my yard this afternoon.  And I'm taking my camera with me.  Last week, the cattle -- that I've had such difficulty photographing -- came up to graze outside the fencing and watch me like, well, television.  Apparently, the riding mower has the ability to mesmerize bovine(s).  Who knew?  ;)

Old Friends

Many years ago, my friend, Kim, made these beautiful vessels for me.  A vase and a tea bowl.  Like her friendship, they are among my dearest treasures.

Bell Peppers

When you see me painting bell peppers, you'll know that my cupboards are completely bare.  I love to cook with them, but to paint with them?  Well, not so much.  ;)



Pear Duo

More reflections today...just not much time...wishing to spend all day painting.  Perhaps tomorrow!  :)

Morning Reflections

I've been wanting to experiment with reflective surfaces, but thus far, I haven't been able to achieve satisfactory results with my still lifes.  So, this AM, I went to the wonderful Wet Canvas web site and found this photograph.  Its a great source for reference material. 

Naptime

I am late in posting today.  My apologies.  Thunderstorms have brought welcome rain, but not-so-welcome disruption of Internet service, lol.  I worked on a little larger scale today.  This piece is 8x10, acrylic on canvas.

Red Delicious

Another bonus to daily painting...the grocery store holds such appeal for me now.  The produce section is alive with so many still life possibilities, lol.  I was lured by the tiny size of these apples, so I just had to put three in my shopping buggy.  And I think the horses will like them, too.  They may eat them in one bite.  ;)

Lemon Boats on a Sea of Ultramarine

I am spending this weekend painting my office/studio.  "Sand Dollar" is the shade of the day.  It is very windy here, so it is the perfect day to work on DIY projects.  Also, I found a great, little table at a local antique shop this week.  It is in pretty rough shape, but a fresh coat of paint will help.  And it's on castors.  So, I hope it will be very functional.  I am looking forward to having a bit more space to set up still lifes, etc.  Well, there is work to be done, so it's time for me to get busy!  Have a great weekend.  :)    

An Apple a Day

Apple Brown, um, Betty?

I found a scrap of chocolate brown velvet the other day, and I couldn't wait to use it in one of my daily paintings. I was worried that it would become too dark and muddy, so I lightened up the background.  Now, I wish that I had left it dark.  It really felt more rich and dramatic.  I guess that means I will have to try it again.  ;)

Complementary Color Study: Red and Green

At the market yesterday, I found the most beautiful apples.  The reds and greens are simply spectacular.  And inspired by God's canvas, I wanted to experiment with the complementary shades.  It was fun to play with such a limited palette, but I'm giving myself "squinting" wrinkles.  ;)

Thinking of those (and you know who *you* are) enjoying the fabulous Carol Marine's workshop in Rhode Island today.  Lucky artist(s)!  I hope you have a wonderful time.  :)

The Pear Stands Alone

Onion Blossom

Southern Bell

Pear's Eye View

Good Things Come in 3s

Shortly into my daily painting journey, I have found one thing that will completely (and happily) interrupt my schedule.  The arrival of triplets!  Our family was blessed by the birth of three healthy and beautiful baby girls on Monday.  Babies and parents are all doing very well.  :)

After all of the time away, painting today was a struggle for me.  I hope that tomorrow will be better.  See you then.  :)