Art for Oklahoma Victims

Tumbling Poppies

A group of artists from around the country are participating in a fundraiser to benefit those who lost so much during the recent Oklahoma tornado.

I'm offering Tumbling Poppies (6x6" acrylic, ready to hang) for auction - all proceeds, minus shipping, will go to the Red Cross for Oklahoma. 

To see my piece ...any many other donated paintings, click on the link below.  You can then bid on my painting...or any other.   Winners end up with a gift for themselves while helping out a tornado victim.  I do hope you'll consider being a part of this event.

Click here to bid!     Just scroll down to fine this - and other 'good cause' art work.

Dylan at Dillon Beach

This little guy is our niece's son...the photo taken from his first trip to the beach.  Evidently he was both attracted to and a little fearful of it all.  But in the photo it looked like he was embracing the adventure.

My plan was to do a quick study so I just used part of an old canvas. It went along quickly and seemed to be developing into the final... so decided to finish it then and there.  Ended up cutting the piece of canvas off the stretcher bars; final piece was about 5x7.  Our niece was tickled with the surprise and did a lovely job framing it.

Spring Diptych

Thought I'd share another side of my painting journey with you. Very different than my usual..no? Painted after being under the weather a couple winters back. It was gray and drizzly--had been for awhile.  So when I finally got back in the studio I found myself painting something joyful - needed some spring around me.

I began with the left canvas-not thinking diptych at that point  Using a long round, I began drawing and swirling loosely, making big gestures, flowing lines and abstract shapes.  The 'flowers' evolved on their own. It was like watching film develop. Worked in paint and pastel, juggling between wide and skinny brushes.

About two-thirds of the way it became obvious it would be a two-piece canvas (36x48).  The funny thing is the second half was pretty hard to paint.  Trying to get the rhythm and energy to match the first was a challenge (it's easier to work on both canvases at the same time when you want to make a diptych).
What a ride!

And the winner is......

Thanks to all who participated in the "Salute'" print giveaway.  Stay tuned for future art adventures.

And now...the WINNER is....(drum roll pls)...Cindy Campigli!
Will mail your print this week, Cindy.

Tulips Galore!

This is one I especially enjoyed painting because the flowers were "for no special reason" gift. And because it pretty much painted itself ---I didn't really plan the vase or abstract-y feel that developed....it all came about organically as I painted fast and furious two afternoons 'cuz tulips dance around so much.

For more info..or to buy this piece, Click Here.

Sitting on the Dock.....

When I finish a painting I put it on my drying shelf and wait to see what it might tell me. Yesterday afternoon I glanced up and knew immediately what I needed to do. The original figure was too big- shoulders overpowering the small boy. Also I felt like the very dark water competed with the figure too much.  Made some changes and here's the result.  Hope you like it.

OH! and "Tom Sawyer-ish" is NOT the title....but it makes me think of Tom.  Any catchy title ideas?

A Print Giveaway for May

   Would like to win this giclee archival print?

"Salute"

Ways to Enter:  (you'll be entered for each action you take)

• Check out my website, comment below telling me which is your favorite painting.

• Like my Facebook page and comment below that you did.

• Comment on your Facebook page with a link to this giveaway, then comment below.

• Share this giveaway on your blog and comment below when done.

This giveaway ends Sunday May 19th at midnight.

A Wedding Dress..and more...

Two studies from last week's class: the first is a 20 minute value study. The assignment was to choose two colors and paint the scene with only three values: light, mid-tone and dark.   Our model Tanya slipped into the wedding dress and grabbed up the skirt in both her right and left hands. She was standing on a little grassy knoll in the park at the harbor.  It was a really sweet pose.

The second image was a lesson on painting light coming through fabric.  She wore a sheer blue tunic over her bathing suit. And just in case you're wondering...no, that's NOT the sun :-)  It's a parasol but I ran out of time...

Dana Point Plein-Air Painting

The model was standing at the surfs edge

Just home from a three-day workshop with Peggy Kroll Roberts in Dana Point  -what a gorgeous spot- and the weather was great. I don't do a lot of plein air.  It is very different painting where people walk by, stand behind you to watch, talk with you.  I don't mind it when I'm in a group like this, but not as comfy when alone.

It's a challenge to work with an instructor who paints in a very different style but learning new techniques helps me grow.  There is always something I can apply to my own work. The studies are still wet so I left them with my friend Linda, who generously hosted me while I was in Orange County. Can't wait to get into the studio tomorrow and do some new work.

old dog - new tricks...!

Yes, you CAN teach an old gal new tricks!   Proof?  Today I created, as part of Leslie Saeta's May month of artists' tips, a link button.  Using picmonkey - a very easy on-line tool to use, I created this visual 'link' button - I added it to my blog today. When clicked it will take the visitor to my workshop web page schedule.  Now if only I had the fall schedule already.  Stay tuned; dates should be available soon.

First Collage

Every day this month Leslie Saeta, artist and mentor to so many, is sharing a wide variety of technical and marketing tips.  What a generous spirit!  The other day she blogged about ipiccy - a site that allows you to make posters, collages etc.  So I gave it a try. I thought the white borders were going to be gray. And the text more visible.  Oh well ;-)  It's a start - will play with it more.  It will be fun to use for photos and other creative projects.

Tumbling Tulips ....

acrylic on canvas      TUMBLING TULIPS       click to enlarge

This little painting was one of several small pieces I painted for my Dec. Open Studio.  Several of its 'siblings' found new homes.  I was planning to sell the last couple during Spring Open Studios (this month) but it was just too soon to ramp p again.  So...this 6x6" framed (shadow-box), poppy orphan is looking for a cheery home.  6x6" framed.  $130
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