Tuesday, September 29, 2009

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!

Monday, September 28, 2009

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.

Monday, September 21, 2009

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?

Sunday, September 20, 2009

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....

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Chocolate Hug


Acrylic on Artists' Panel, 6x6--$75
Along with a kiss, everyone deserves a hug--don't you agree?

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Chocolate Kiss


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD
No calories! (Don't be surprised, though, if you find a bag of kisses in your shopping cart....)

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Conch Shell


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD
Some daily painters spend a maximum of one hour on each painting. I tend to agonize over each one for a longer period of time throughout the day. This drastically reduces my actual labor rate to less than minimum wage when I sell something for less than $100. Above is an attempt at more fluidity (and less of a time commitment). Yes, it is more impressionistic in style. For those of you who collect my work, would you even consider buying something like this or is it "just not ME?"

Friday, September 11, 2009

Civil War Bullets, No. 1


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist
Virginia (actually, the East Coast in general) has Civil War battlefields everywhere. My Texas-born husband and I are smitten with this part of American history. Here are some bullets from his collection atop a wooden box with dovetail joints.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Royal Flush - Spades


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75-Purchase from Artist
O.K. I guess I'm committed to doing hearts and clubs. Therefore, this royal flush can be considered number 2 in a series.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Royal Flush - Diamonds


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--$75 Purchase from Artist
This is my first attempt at painting playing cards--definitely a challenge painting straight lines free-hand! I cheated with the chips, though--a quarter made an excellent template.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Oyster Shell


Acrylic on Artists' Board, 6x6--SOLD
My family and I went to an oyster bar in San Antonio recently. My daughter was mortified when I asked for a doggie bag for the oyster shells! (Clearly, she didn't realize their artistic value....)