A Different Kind of Day

On Thursdays I paint with a great group of artists, led by our fearless leader and awesome artist, Linda Whitehead. Well, thanks to her, we did something totally different yesterday: SCULPY!

She had purchased a little ceramic lady in Europe years ago. She has a little pack on her back, and she is a little toothpick holder. So cute! So our challenge was to replicate her. But I felt the need to do a different kind of lady, as I couldn't see myself using a toothpick holder (although after I saw theirs, I kind of wish I had!).. Anyways, I have never used this product, and I will tell you, it was fun! My lady is more of an island elder matriarch non toothpick holder.  I love them ALL! But mostly, it was a veering off the normal, and I don't think we stopped laughing. I will do more wacky people in Sculpy!

I Think We're Alone Now

 I set up a still life at home, and took a picture of it. In class, I put it on a TV screen for everyone to paint, including me. I talked as I painted (surprise, surprise) at each step. Everyone will bring in the finished paintings on Monday, but I'll tell you.......what a true joy to see all of the unique interpretations of the same photo! Everyone is really letting loose, and the results really show it. I can't wait to see their finished products. Have I mentioned how much I love this group?  

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Love Under Cover

This is another one that started out as a mark: one of the two faces in front. Then the next one. Everything else became one mark after another. I love painting this way! It's good to have a plan, but sometimes freedom comes with just figuring out as you go. Anyways, these two have big plans I guess!
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The Time I Love You Best

Boy, was this fun. I don't know why, but it was. I'm still playing with warm/cool juxtapositions. I want to sit right back there in the (very) cool shade on the right, while always having the choice to get out into the sun. Always keep your options open I guess is the message here. Or don't put all your eggs in one basket. Or, I want my cake and eat it, too. I'll stop now.

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The Little Red Boat

I'm waking up again! Life has "gotten in the way" since the challenge. Actually, I've been catching up on other things. I'm in the process of preparing boards, canvasses, etc. for a few big pieces. But at the same time I love the 8x10s, 11x14s, etc, even 6x8. I have 2 easels set up in my studio: 2 separate painting "stations", so that I can go back and forth. It's usually defined by oils vs. acrylic/water media. But anything goes! Back to work. I'll create my own challenge!

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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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