Casco Bay

 

Casco Bay

5x7 oil on panel

$150

 

This was done from a reference photo I took last week when I vacationed on the Maine Coast. 

 

 

Zinnia in Red

.

 

Zinnia in Red

6x6 oil on panel

$150

 

I had so much fun last year painting Zinnias from the local farm stand that I decided to plant some myself. They add so much wonderful color to my garden.

I tried something different this time, usually I paint on a white gessoed panel, this one was black and I love the way it made the colors pop.

I am gearing up for Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge starting in September and I could use all the support and encouragement I can get!  She suggested picking a theme and mine will be still lifes using the various props I have picked up along the way and haven't gotten around to painting (and some old favorites too). To use a pilot expression I will also "keep it square".

 

Lemons and Peonies

 

Lemons and Peonies

6x6 oil on panel

$150

 

I have included my step by steps.  It has taken me 3 years and 300 paintings to start to find my style.

 

Umber sketch

Establishing darks

Block-in

Life is just a Bowl of Cherries

 

"Life is just a Bowl of Cherries"

6x6 oil on panel

$150

 

This was done as a study for a larger painting.  It was fun staying loose and letting the brushwork show.  I think I will do more like this.

Yellow Day Lilies

 

Yellow Day Lilies

5x7 oil on panel

$150

 

Today I painted in my garden with just the minimum amount of equipment.  I propped a small painting box on my lap and only had to go indoors once for needed supplies.  I think I will do this more often.

 

 

 

Peonies in a Glass Bottle

 

Peonies in a Glass Bottle

9x12 oil on panel

$250

 

I have been exploring the use of different mediums.  This one was liquin.  I felt it dried too quickly and although I like this painting I prefer oil as a medium, either walnut or linseed.

 

I tried another experiment with this painting.  My right hand is sore and swollen so I thought I would try painting with my left.  Just before I started painting I got stung by a yellow jacket and my left thumb swelled up but I could still hold the brush. 90% of this painting was done with my non-dominant hand.  Maybe it isn't as non-dominant as I thought.

 

This is painting #100!

In January I set a goal for myself to paint 100 paintings and then to evaluate my progress. It took me just a little over a half year.  Early on I saw improvement in my pastel landscapes but it wasn't until this week that I saw the same in my oils. Now its more fun than ever.

 

 

Peony Pair

Peony Pair

9x12 oil on panel $200

 

Inspired by Edouard Manet's "Branch of White Peonies with Pruning Shears", I spent a while arranging my still life to resemble his.

 

I have been experimenting with different mediums for more fluid paint.  This time I used refined linseed oil.  Yesterday's was walnut oil.  I liked them both.

raw umber sketch

block-in

Peonies

"Peonies"

10x10 oil on panel

$200

 

I did a painting of this still life in an open studio.  I was not happy with it and borrowed the vase of peonies to try again.  I read that oil paint should be the consistency of mayonnaise and I have been painting with it the consistency of peanut butter!   I decided to try a variety of mediums, this one was walnut oil and I really liked the way the paint flowed.  It was easier to soften the edges too.