Holiday Distractions (2)

Where have I been regarding these blogs? Please carefully look at these pictures--they may explain much. The top one is of our 11-month old Lhasa Apso/Pekinese "poopy" named Molly. She is perturbed (DUH). The second picture explains why.... Allow me to introduce Mindy Pom-Pom Kainer--age 9 weeks, weight 3.1 pounds, and a butterball Shih Tzu who was tucked into my 10-year-old daughter's doll cradle for a nap (by, guess who?). May they play in peace and let us rest through the night....

Jingle Bell with Candy Cane

Oil on canvas panel, 6x6--View eBay listing--Bids start at $75

This didn't photograph well--the bell is more of a silvery gold. Regardless, I am still in the Christmas decorating mood--just hung glass icicles on my garlands which adorn my staircase railing. The jingle bell is from Mom's tree--I assume she wants it back (though I have the PERFECT spot on that garland...).

Daisy

Acrylic on canvas, 9x12--SOLD

Here's another local pooch--a Boston Terrier puppy named "Daisy." I'm particularly fond of the pink pearl necklace her owner made for her (which also has a diamond pendant). Too adorable!

Jasmine

Acrylic on cotton canvas, 9x12--SOLD

Here is precious little Jasmine, a local pomeranian. My puppy, Molly, was not thrilled with the attention I gave her fluffy "rival." However, Molly finally had her first professional grooming this morning. Now that she is presentable, perhaps I should get started on her portrait (before releasing her into the wet backyard...).

If I Had a Hammer

Oil on cotton canvas panel, 6x6--Purchase for $75
Yes, this is "in color." Very monochromatic. I tried painting some nails with this; alas, they looked hideous and I removed them.

Blue Ball

Oil on canvas panel, 6x6--SOLD

An ornament in its natural setting....

Red Christmas Ornament

Oil on canvas on panel, 6x6--SOLD

'Tis the season....

Pear Meets Cookbook

Oil, Canvas on panel, 6x6--Click here to view eBay listing

Here is my warped sense of humor--a plump, juicy pear lurking over a cookbook that is opened to pear recipes. Words such such as peel, core, boil, chop, and slice are visible. What is the pear thinking? God save the cook.

Plated Pears

Oil, Canvas on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $75

I need a lesson in buying and storing pears. No matter how careful I am, they always get soft and mushy within a day. Hence, this painting was done quickly--I swear I saw the pears age before my eyes!

2010 Wall Calendar

Premium glossy cardstock, 8.5x11 when closed, Purchase for $15
My 2010 wall calendar of food art is finally available. I'm selling it through eBay (Buy It Now) for $15 (plus $4 shipping and handling). You may also contact me to purchase it directly.

This spiral-bound calendar features twelve of my daily paintings (the cover is used for March). Please visit my eBay page to see all the paintings that were used. Thank you and enjoy!

Pear Jam

Oil on Canvas on Panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

This is my new fave!

Sewing Threads

Oil, Cotton canvas on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

Dynamic Duo

Oil on canvas on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

Double yolks are cool!!!!

Egg Yolk, No. 1

Oil on cotton canvas panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

Eggs must be my "comfort food." Though I've painted them numerous times (and am usually pleased with the results), I've labeled this as "number 1" because it is the first yolk I've done as a daily OIL painting.

Cut It Out

Oil on cotton canvas panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

No lectures--just a gentle reminder that the Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 19th. Best wishes to all participants (including a few of my loved ones) tomorrow!

Pomegranate Seed

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

I'm fond of the title for this painting. Who cares about the bohemoth pomegranates when that poor little seed is alone on the ground?

Pomegranate Pair

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--SOLD

Since these little devils are $2.95 EACH at my grocery store (and I can't figure out how to enjoy them properly), I only bought one. I used an apple as a stand-in for the second pomegranate, then just switched them around as needed. (Guess what subject will be painted tomorrow? Might as well make the most of my investment!)

Pomegranate

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

I still can't figure out how to eat these things--the seeds are so "seedy." I think I'll stick with using them in Christmas decorations as they do in Colonial Williamsburg each year.

Romeo and Juliet

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

Here's a new take on Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet: Romeo (yellow apple) loves Juliet (red apple) and vice versa. They've been separated by forces beyond their control (invisible hands and a blue bowl represent their respective families); yet, the star-crossed lovers still meet secretly. (The balcony scene is represented by this painting--Notice how Juliet is "higher" than Romeo due to perspective. The bowl is the balcony) They profess their love for eachother. We know that there will be an untimely demise--Romeo will be eaten; Juliet will be turned into a tasty pie (then eaten). Their cores will finally meet again in the cold mausoleum (trash can or compost pile--you decide) where they will rest in pieces-er- peace.

Canada Goose Gourd

Okay, I'll admit it--I was playing with a dried gourd trying to be "craftsy." I just couldn't resist buying that mold-covered monstrosity--it simply screamed "Canada goose" at me in the pumpkin patch. After soaking, then scrubbing it with a bleach solution (I should have worn gloves), I used acrylics to paint my folksy version of one of these beautiful (yet extremely messy and noisy) birds. (Sorry golfers and football players--I know they wreak havoc on courses and other open spaces!!!). Don't know if I should try selling him or not. He looks quite cute by my fireplace and and reminds me of the migratory paths over my homes back East. Is there a market for such things?

Moonlit Beach

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--Purchase for $75

This is my first night scene. We had the most glorious full moon the other night and I wanted to combine its beauty with that of the ocean. I am utterly charmed by this one....

Eggplant with Lemon

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6, $100-Purchase Information

This looks rather dark--blame it photographer (me) error. It was the wrong time of day, the paint was still wet (hence, the little specs of glossy white reflecting from the window). I may "reshoot" this another time for better quality. Alas, I was in a hurry and already posted it on eBay--we'll see if anyone can look beyond my lack of talent in the photography department.

White Onion, No. 2

Oil on cradled panel, 6x6--Purchase for $100

Some people thought the first white onion wasn't colorful enough. This definitely adds a more vibrant background.

Red Grapes with Wine Glass

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6 -- $100--Contact artist

I agonized over this glass--not an easy item to paint. I may retweak the grapes later--just want to see what response I get at this point.

Pumpkin Posse

Oil on Belgian linen on panel, 6x6--$100--Contact Artist

Since I have little pumpkins scattered throughout my house for the autumn season, I thought I should make use of them in an artistic sense a few times. Happy Hallowe'en!

Last of the Summer Tomatoes

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 - SOLD

It's time to say goodbye to my summer tomato vines which produced next to nothing due to the severe drought in central Texas. I was happy to rip them out of my so-called garden. Needless to say, these tomatoes they came from the store.

Tea with Lemon

Oil on cradled panel, 6x6 -- $100--Contact Artist

Boy, there was a lot of white in this one. Creating variations was more difficult than expected!

Salsa

Oil on cradled panel, 6x6 -- SOLD

This painting was an absolute joy to do! I took photos at a chuckwagon cookoff a year ago and saw this scene at one of the campsites. It looked so artistic. I hope I did it justice with my painted version.

Pumpkin Pie

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6--$100--Contact Artist

This is probably my favorite daily oil painting thus far! Every pumpkin I've ever attempted with acrylics found its way into the trash. This is a keeper and will be used for the month of November in my 2010 calendar! I'm especially pleased with the pie plate--those undulating edges were a huge challenge to draw free-hand.

White Onion, No. 1

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 - $100-Contact artist

This subject was an excellent choice for working with variations of white. Look closely and you will see others, though--notably, ultramarine blue. Since this reminds me of the colors of winter, I plan to use this as the January painting for my 2010 calendar which is almost ready for printing.

Red Onion

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 -- $100--Click to Purchase

I adore painting onions. This is my first attempt using oils. The amazing part? I like the background. No fiddling with this one!

Candy Apple

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 -- $100--Click to Purchase

Would someone please tell me to keep my grubby hands off my paintings once I've signed them? Hubby hated the original background for this--even though I explained that it looked foggy and, hence, creepy for the upcoming Halloween season. Unfortunately, others agreed with him. (I hate admitting that he may have had a point and spent additional time agonizing over this predicament.)

This effort "breaks up" the gloomy fog" with a simple, diagonal line SLICING THROUGH IT as a knife slices through butter. Can I get more "Halloweenie" than that?

Sgt. Pepper

Oil on artists' board, 6x6-- $100

This painting was completed on 10/9--John Lennon's birthday. While filling my peppermill that day, the title to the ground-breaking Beatles' album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, popped into my head. Thus, this painting was created and is named in honor of my beloved Fab Four. (Note: The background colors represent the colorful uniforms worn on the album cover by John, Ringo, Paul, and George, respectively.)

Radish Clique

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 - $100

This was a "speed painting." I went out of town on Friday and tried to paint loosely and quickly. I'm rather surprised with the results!

Here We Go 'Round the Prickly Pear

Oil on cradled artists' board, 6x6 - $100-- Click to Purchase

TS Eliot's "The Hollow Men" is the inspiration for this painting. I'd never seen a prickly pear until moving to Texas. At a workshop I took recently, a classmate did a painting of this odd fruit. I was smitten and decided to try my own version. Now I can't get that poem out of my head (thanks, Mr. Cummins).

Hitchhikers

Oil on cradled artist's board, 6x6 --$100 -- Contact Artist

I'm in Halloween mode, thanks to a ten-year-old who continues to try on her costume. Here is her witch's hat along with the ever-present candy corn at this time of year.

Candied Apple

Oil on cradled artists panel, 6x6 -- $100--Contact Artist

In honor of childhood memories and Halloween, here is my version of a candied apple. I tried to create that glossy, almost fluorescent surface and think I came pretty close. In addition, dentists of the world should rejoice--this painting is "easier on the teeth."

It's Inevitable

Oil on cradled artists board, 6x6 -- $100 -- Contact Artist

I craved Toll House cookies. I had to let the eggs come to room temperature. The result: warm, chewy chocolate chip cookies on a rainy afternoon AND a daily painting! Two for the price of one.

Expecting

Oil on cradled artists board, 6x6--$100--Contact Artist

I'm really pleased with the skin of this fruit even though specs of white appear in the photo. In actuality, the painting was still rather wet and it was a glisten from the slight dimensionality of the oils. It looks great in person. (The title, by the way, refers to the avocado half and pit reminding me of the shape a pregnant woman. Come to think of it, my face had that greenish tinge at times while incubating my little one....)

Pucker Up

Oil on Artists Board, 6x6 --View eBay Auction

Voila! I may have "hit" upon my style--not quite impressionistic, but not photorealistic either. I got creative with the title. This could be a fun way to market!

Happy Trails Banner Project

The Happy Trails Banner Project has begun! For the month of October, Georgetown, Texas will celebrate its role in the historic Chisholm Trail with 55 banners throughout the historic district. My banner (above) is in front of our public library (yippee!). Even better--I am the first artist listed in the program AND my banner is the starting point for the tour! (Can you tell that I am excited?) If you are in town, don't forget to vote for your fave. (The original painting is still available for purchase. Let me know if you are interested in details....)

Lemon Study in Oil

Above are two 6x6 panels of lemon studies. I took my first oil painting class last week with the inimitable Carol Marine and, though I've painting in oils before, I was self-taught: my techniques were lacking. These lemons were part of an assignment--paint 10 miniature paintings in ten minutes each. The thought was that improvement would be apparent by the last few. In my case, number 10 wasn't the best--I was hungry and wanted lunch! Otherwise, I'd say the assignment was a success. I think it's time to devote an entire panel to a lemon using oils. Fingers crossed!

Black Plum on Weathered Board

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--SOLD

I adore this old board I found at my farm in Schulenburg, Texas. It gives this painting a "countrified" feel. The board itself, though, was a challenge to paint. Capturing the myriad of colors inherent in it took more time than painting the plum. (I got the most enjoyment from the pit!) I am truly pleased with my efforts on this one.

Empty Clam Shell Backgrounds

Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD

I must have too much time on my hands. (Actually, I'm procrastinating on designing my 2010 calendar....) I've changed the background of this empty clam shell to a more soothing, watery blue. Improvement or mistake?

Pepper Pals

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist

Opposites attract--I'm a nervous Nellie, hubby is calm; I am a pessimist, hubby is an optimist; I get things done immediately, while hubby procrastinates. These peppers represent our marriage--spicy, yet mild--like many other couples we know....

Chocolate Hug

Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--$75

Along with a kiss, everyone deserves a hug--don't you agree?