Glazunov's Sunset

I loved starting this painting, but finishing became a technical problem of sorts. My goal is to mesh both impressionistic and realistic painting styles. I'm not trying to photographically depict these florals, but give a mood- a feel of the flower's energy or essence. This is part of a floral series to be hung June 1st. Much of this painting is attributable to the classical music of Alexander Glazunov.

Almost ready to hang!

Two propped & finished paintings,  drying  before a final coat of varnish. Yeah! Sorry about the glare, I'm having problems photographing oils.  Both paintings 36X36; will be part of a series focusing on florals from Santa Ynez Valley.

The orchid painting was fun, learned many lessons. Can you tell which orchids I enjoyed painting the most? I got lost in YoYoMa and other classical music while painting this piece.

The Russian Sage was a new technique of distressing the canvas before starting to paint in oils. I collaged Asian or rice paper onto this canvas, then stamped and painted abstractly on this background. Finally painting the still life directly over this textured start. The finished piece has a lot of texture and mystery behind an impressionist type of painting. I'll do this again as it was a challenge but fun!

Valentine Moon

I wish I could do tonight's moonrise justice, but this is the best of my photo ability today. I was outdoors watering (don't tell my neighbors!) at sunset and the moonrise was ethereal. I dropped the hose and ran inside for my camera. Still thanking God for this moment.

A Winter Bouquet

It's been awhile, but here's what's on my easel. This was inspired by an online watercolor class that I belong to called Create 38. Each month there are challenges and assignments. This month's challenge was called 'Pathway to Spring'.
My challenge was to stay loose, have fun and give a feeling of warmth. I painted this with the help of Yo Yo Ma, Beethoven and Franz Liszt!
I enjoyed buying flowers, arranging them and painting for the last couple of days in a warm studio. I'm mentioning the 'warm' part as I've been thinking of loved ones in the Midwest right now with subzero weather. Crazy cold even for the midwest!

Quick Study of Orchids Listening To Jazz

Day Whatever.....OK, it's 17! I'm grumpy today; thought all night about my intentions for taking on this  challenge- and this is what I've concluded:

I'm noticing that sketches are time saving and meet with higher success day after day. I also need practice sketching and practicing time management when sketching and painting quick sketches- so that may be where I go from here.

Today's painting did help lift my mood. This was a 30 minute timed study: contour drawing of a bouquet of orchids that are in my studio. The colors were what spoke to me today. Enjoy!

Karen

PS I'm leaving tomorrow for a week so if I'm not able to download from my phone onto this blog I will put  the paintings on Facebook. 

Day 16- It's A Wash!

Well, this started with a wet wash anyway. It's after 10PM and I'm calling it quits on this beauty. Perhaps this can be saved, but not tonight. Boy, what does one write when it's a painting that's gone bad?  Sometimes this happens.

This was an assertive attempt at a busy scene. My plan was to lay in a wet wash of light and mid tone values. I wet both sides of the watercolor paper and started floating in color only to discover that I needed to leave for an appointment in 30 minutes (not enough time to finish the 1st wash). After a couple of more starts and stops I looked down at my paper and realized this train had jumped the tracks.

A scene like this needed undivided attention from the artist. Humbly, this is my product for Day 16.

Day 15: The Chocolate Shop

Today I was itching to get out of my studio so I packed up my plein air supplies and headed for my favorite coffee shop! The chocolate shop adjacent to my destination stopped me in my tracks. Ta Dah! I purchased my coffee, then hurried outside, placed my cup on my car and leaned against my car while I sketched. I was standing in the street so needed to finish this quickly- not everyone likes plein air painters! If you notice the lower right part of the painting, a car had pulled up while I was sketching what is ONE COOL, old tractor. I thought "Really?!?" but went ahead with what I saw in front of me.

In this sketch/painting my goal was to describe the feeling of heavy shade in front of this building. Not sure if I achieved this goal, but this was good practice. It always is. Humbling and good.

Also, some people have asked me about my supplies: This is my travel version. Everything in the bottom photo fits into the cosmetic bag (I love those free bags!) The only things that don't fit in the bag are the sketch book and a cup of coffee! ;-)