30 in 30 Collage January 2016!

My collage! Congratulations everyone!

#30 Good Things

 #30 of the challenge. 8x10 oil.
Lilies are symbolic for so many things: love, purity, devotion, rebirth, resurrection, life, hope, miracles, and the list goes on.  All good things! So I thought it would be a good subject for my last painting in this challenge. What a great way to start the year. This month has been fun and challenging. My brushes are tired! But also, to see and appreciate the art and the efforts of so many friends, all supporting each other. Thank you (artists and all)  for your support and comments. And thank you to all who have given my paintings new homes! I can't wait until September to do it all again! I hope everyone has a 2016 that's filled with all of those words that this flower symbolizes.
............Until tomorrow and another painting!

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#29 It'll All Work Out

#29 of the challenge. Sometimes, whether it's a stranger or a friend, I think we all need someone to say, "It'll all work out".  Maybe this man is in the middle of a crisis. This is one of those paintings that named itself after the fact! On the other hand, maybe he simply wanted a cold beer. Then the title would have to change, and I'm too tired!

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#28 "I'm Not Getting Involved Again"

#28 of the challenge. As anyone can see, I love doing these birds! Didn't even plan it this time. I just started with the three strokes of dark paint and went from there. Really fun, and when I was finished, the title came from THEM. They just looked like they wanted to start some more mischief and one of them is uncomfortable with it. Goofy. 

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#27 Free Parking

#27 of the challenge. This is just a little scene from my memories and imagination. I want to be there! But alas, 3 more paintings to do.

I really have appreciated all your comments!

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#26 "Are We For Real?"

#26 of the challenge. I am just barely keeping up, but I still am! So for this I needed a plan. No lounging around. No fiddling, fussing, or stalling. I needed a painting. I decided I would just concentrate on shapes and contrasts. When I was done, I felt kinda sorry for the poor people.  They don't know if they're real, but I know they're having fun!

My class started today. What a totally delightful, fun, and open group of people (with more to come!).  It's going to be a great session!

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#25 It's Speaking to Me

#25 of the challenge. When a painting speaks, we listen! It's always fun to find just the right one that moves us in some way. By the way, I am offering free shipping in U.S. on all my paintings for the challenge month! 

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And, it seems my blog is once again being mailed out to subscribers!

# 24 Dare to be Different

#24 of the challenge. I did a rough sketch of a few pears and decided to do wild colors. So it was a good exercise in using glazes. It's hard to see the layers, but the glazes are great for creating some harmony (a little of each pear's color applied to the other pears). Also to tone down bright colors (although not much here!), and to give depth and luminosity. It was very fun! 

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#23 Let's Not Get Tangled Up In This

#23 of the challenge. More fun birds! And when I finished, I realized that they looked like they might get tangled up......in their own legs! 

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#22 Take Notice

#22 of the challenge.  Another "free flowing" floral. Just enjoying the process. Still on track and I know you all are, too!  

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#21 Little Town Flirt

#21 of the challenge. I had fun with this one, partly because I was humming this song the whole time, and the painting just fit with the title. I love those oldies, and Del Shannon is one of my favorites. So, ladies, hang on to your man, because this Little Town Flirt is back in town!   

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#20 Hidden Treasure

#20 of the challenge. I took a photo last summer of a bunch of kids looking for, and I assume collecting rocks. I loved the composition, so it is filling my number 20 slot. It's oil, and 10x8.

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#19 Are We There Yet?

#19 of the challenge.They are almost there maybe. I was really in the mood to paint a mother with her baby. Maybe because I'm feeling so blessed to be a mother. I had fun making those chunky big strokes in the foreground!

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#18 Us Four

#18 of the challenge. A small floral. I think I'm ready for spring now! I love the blues over the reds. This was very fun. Just one mark after another until I really liked it!

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#17 I Only Drink Diet

#17  I Only Drink Diet.   This is my bio! Yes, I am guilty of eating bad foods, while drinking diet pop. It popped into my mind the other day, and I thought it might be a humorous little painting. So it will take the #17 spot! 

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# 16 Elvis

#16 of the challenge. A giraffe. I've never painted a giraffe, but it was really fun. I have to give credit to my husband for the cute name. I asked what I should name him. He said, without blinking and very seriously,"Elvis". Almost like he was waiting to use it. It's getting pretty goofy around here these days.

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#15 Don't Panic

#15 of the challenge.  This has deep gallery wrapped edges that are painted. No need for a frame. Very textured, too. I should have taken photos along the way, as it evolved 10or 12 times. Geez! After I was finished, I looked at this and thought "they look panicked". Hence the title. Kinda how I'm feeling at this halfway point!!

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By the way, I didn't win the lottery. Maybe next time I'll buy a ticket.

# 14 Let's Get Away"

# 14 of the challenge.  It's frigid here in Michigan. And windy with blowing snow. And we haven't seen much sun lately. So when I approached my studio, I knew I wanted to pick up corals, oranges, and yellows. Ahhhhh, I feel warmer already.

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#13 "I Hear She's Gluten Free"

#13 of the challenge. This started out as 2 marks of blue paint (heads). Then some bodies with poses.

Then little dresses. Then basic background shapes. Then....it hit me: They're waitresses! So I went with it.The blues started the whole thing again!

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# 12 "I'm In!"

#12 of the challenge. I think of the word "enthusiasm" when I look at this guy. One definition of  it is

"intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval". It is one of the most valuable assets we can have, and practice, in my opinion. If we can "bloom where we're planted", so to speak, we are light years ahead as far as living and enjoying life. Of course I have failed at this quality from time to time. Life gets really hard sometimes. But for the most part, the person with enthusiasm stands out, and stands a better chance at true happiness.  Whether applying for a job, being a parent, an employee, an artist, a plumber, a banker. Be enthused! Let it show!
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