Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Art in Dick Blick Catalog


Two pieces of my art are featured in the new Dick Blick holiday catalog in their framing section.  Do you recognize them? Both the vintage christmas ornaments and partridge in a pear tree oil paintings are still in need of a new home.  Please visit my website (www.kristinekainer.com) for more information.


Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Friday, October 10, 2014

Fairytale Pumpkin


Copyright Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
Purchase Information


"They's something kind o' harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer's over and the coolin' fall is here --
Of course we miss the flowers, and the blossums on the trees,
And the mumble of the hummin'-birds and buzzin' of the bees;
But the air's so appetizin', and the landscape through the haze
Of a crisp and sunny morning of the airly autumn days
Is a pictur' that no painter has the colorin' to mock --
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock."

                                                                                               --James Whitcomb Riley

Available Paintings:  
eBay

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Monday, October 6, 2014

Australian Blue Pumpkin

Copyright Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
Purchase Information

"When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock,
And you hear the kyouck and gobble of the struttin' turkey-cock,
And the clackin' of the guineys, and the cluckin' of the hens, 
And the rooster's hallylooyer as he tiptoes on the fence; 
O, it's then's the times a feller is a-feelin' at his best, 
With the risin' sun to greet him from a night of peaceful rest,
As he leaves the house, bareheaded, and goes out to feed the stock,
When the frost is on the punkin and the fodder's in the shock."

--James Whitcomb Riley

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #harvestart #autumnart

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Thursday, August 21, 2014

Lobster Bubble Bath



Lobster Bubble Bath
Copyright Kristine Kainer 2014
9x12
Oil on Gessobord
Purchase Information

What is more sinfully delectable than a lobster or more relaxing than a bubble bath?  How about the two combined?

This painting is a definite departure for me.  Whimsical in nature, it combines my love of lobster (I'm anxiously awaiting our Lobstergram delivery next week for my daughter's fifteenth birthday here in land-locked Austin, TX) and the joys of a bubble bath in an old clawfoot tub in our 1928 farmhouse.  

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart #lobster

Kristine Kainer
AOT, CFAI, AWA

Gallery Links:
<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/lobster" style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration: underline;">lobster art for sale</a>








Friday, August 1, 2014

Purple Oyster Shell

© Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

This is a special oyster shell for an obvious reason:  the smooth inner shell (also known as the Mother of Pearl or nacre) is mostly purple.  Nature is full of surprises.  One just needs to pay attention....

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart #oysters

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Oyster Shell

© Kristine Kainer 2014
Size
Oil on Canvas
Purchase Information

As many of you know, I love to eat shellfish, then take the shells home in a doggy bag.  Recently, I was visiting my father in Florida and had the opportunity to dine on the freshest shellfish daily.  Unfortunately, bringing the shells back to his house, then lugging them home on the plane was not an option.  Thank goodness I had my handy dandy iPhone camera at the ready!  Here's to my model, somewhere in Florida.... You will always be remembered!  

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart #oysters

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA, CFAI

Gallery Links:











Sunday, July 27, 2014

Breakfast: Bacon, Egg, and Buttered Toast



Copyright Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
Purchase Information

It's the weekend--time ease into the day with the sights, sounds, and aroma of bacon sizzling in the black cast iron skillet, eggs gently frying in a melted dollop of butter on the next burner, and bread in the toaster turning a golden brown.  Just add orange juice (sorry, I still don't like coffee), a newspaper, and fluffy slippers--the perfect start to the day!

Available Paintings:  
EtsyWebsite

#texasartist #breakfast #eggs

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Friday, July 25, 2014

Steamed Clam

© Kristine Kainer 2014
Oil on Belgian Linen Panel (museum grade)
6x6
SOLD

I enjoy painting, then eating, my models.  Let's be honest, though--shellfish should not sit under the lights in an art studio for ANY length of time if the goal is to serve it for dinner (or a snack).  Needless to say, this was painted from a photo I took of the subject--in my kitchen--on my plate, immediately after removing it from the steamer.   Only seconds passed before it was eagerly eaten.  It was scrumptious!

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #coastalart #beachart

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA, CFAI

Gallery Links:
<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/clam" style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration: underline;">clam art for sale</a>









Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Cracked Egg



© Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

What did you have for breakfast this morning?  Hopefully, it was something delectable and nutritious like an egg.  Did you know that the vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants from an egg aid in brain function, muscle strength, weight management, and sustained energy?  I never truly thought about it.  Sounds like a "no-brainer" to me.  Guess what I am having for breakfast tomorrow?


Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #breakfast #eggs #foodart

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA






Eggs for Breakfast

© Kristine Kainer 2014
6x6
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Thanks to my last blog bestowing accolades on the incredible egg, I have been craving them day and night.  This painting was today's breakfast (yes, two eggs--I couldn't resist).  They are from my two chickens--organic, free range, etc.  What could be more scrumptious?

Available Paintings:  

#texasartist #eggs #breakfast

Kristine Kainer
AOT, AWA

Gallery Links:










Friday, July 11, 2014

Artichoke Half

Oil
16 x 20

What does one do with excess paint on one's palette?  Use it in a colorful way, of course!

One of my favorite vegetables is the artichoke.  Whenever I've cut one in half, I've always been awed by the amazing formations within--the leaves, the choke, and the delicate heart--all nestled along a vertical axis.  It is truly stunning.  Thus, this painting attempts to celebrate the innate beauty of this delicious thistle in a vibrant way.  Mmmmmmmmmm.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Rooster

Oil on Canvas Panel (Museum Grade)
6x6

Ten years ago, my family moved from the Washington, DC area to a farm in a rural part of Texas.  Of course, we wanted chickens.  Thrilled to learn that roosters are not necessary for eggs, we happily purchased a variety of young hens and soon began to enjoy the "fruits of their labor."

One day, a friend of my husband's announced that he knew someone who had too many roosters.  Would we be willing to take one?  Halfheartedly, we said we might be interested.  A week or two passed.  Then, our lives changed.  Upon returning from a day of errands, we saw a newcomer among our flock--a scrawny, white leghorn rooster.

This bird had issues.  It was mean.  And it didn't sleep.  The crowing began around 2 AM and lasted throughout the night -- ten minutes of the most maniacal screeching followed by twenty minutes of an uneasy quiet.  Then the peace would be broken again with more ear-piercing howling.  This lasted for eleven days--ten days too many.  Needless to say, it was me or the rooster.  I won.

As we ponder a return to the farm on a full-time basis in a few years, the thought of having a rooster has returned.  They can't all be like that first one, right?  Surely, the one we got was possessed, correct?  Please feel free to convince me!  Meanwhile, enjoy this colorful, QUIET rooster painting.  You'll have a great night's sleep.

www.kristinekainer.com
www.kristinekainer.blogspot.com

Monday, July 7, 2014

Tennis Ball - "Tennis, Anyone?"

Oil on Canvas Panel (Museum Grade)
6x6

My daughter recently returned from tennis camp at Texas A&M.  Who knew that this sport would become such an integral part of her high school experience?  Though she has far surpassed me in talent, we can still "hit the ball around" at the nearby courts--just as my dad and I used to years ago.  Fond memories and new ones to come!

<a href="http://fineartamerica.com/art/tennis" style="font: 10pt arial; text-decoration: underline;">tennis art for sale</a>


Monday, June 30, 2014

Sand Dollar


Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
40 x 30 x 1.5

This sand dollar was found while beachcombing near Galveston, Texas.  In folklore, these skeletal remains of sea urchins were thought to be the lost coins of mermaids.  I wish I had known that when my daughter was younger and the world was filled with magic and wonder!

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Blue Crab

Oil
10x8
SOLD

This gorgeous creature was caught off the waters of Galveston.  We were fortunate enough to be on the docks soon after the catch arrived.  We selected half a bushel, headed to our rented beach cottage, and--with plenty of Old Bay-- had a mouthwatering meal that evening.

Commissions welcome.


Friday, May 30, 2014

Oyster Shell for Dad

Oil on Canvas Panel (Museum Grade)
6x6
NFS

This painting is a second birthday gift for my dad, Lt. Col. Peter G. Scharf, USMC-Ret.  It is a companion piece to my previous post of a clam shell.  Dad is now enjoying both in his home in Florida.  Happy Birthday once again, Dad!


Thursday, May 29, 2014

Clam Shell

Oil on Canvas Panel
6x6
NFS

This clam shell painting is a birthday gift for my amazing father, Lt. Col. Peter G. Scharf, USMC-Ret.  I spent my childhood along the Eastern Seaboard, from North Carolina to Maine.  As a result of our proximity to the Atlantic, shellfish was commonplace in our home.  I fondly remember Dad leaning over the sink, shucking clams and slurping out the delicious meat and juices--as a snack.

Dad eventually taught me how to eat them.  At first, he paid me for each one I managed to "stomach."  After the first or second one though, I quickly realized how delicious they were!  I made some decent money that day....  Happy Birthday, Dad!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sewing Threads

Oil on Canvas Panel (Museum Grade)
6x6

These wooden spools belonged to my mom. I was surprised she still had some in her old sewing cabinet by her Singer. I think they are beautiful--much more charming than the hideous, cheap spools that are now sold. I also loved the price etched into one of them: 60 cents for 275 yards. Wow, those were the days!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Oyster Shell

Oil on Canvas Panel (Museum Grade)
6x6
SOLD

Another oyster.  Another delicious meal last month--slathered in cocktail sauce, horseradish (can anyone find "Gold's Horseradish" in their supermarkets?  I MUST HAVE SOME!), and the squirt of a lemon.  Briny goodness....

Friday, May 16, 2014

Monday, April 28, 2014

Sand Dollar

Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
20x16

With temperatures already in the upper 90s in Central Texas, my thoughts turn to the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the beach.  Oh, to feel the sand between my toes!  


Friday, April 25, 2014

Lazy Susan - Fruit #2

Lazy Susan
24-inch Diameter
Commission

Here is a second lazy Susan--commissioned by the same client.  It was quite a learning experience, but so worth the effort!  I know what I'll be doing for Christmas presents this year....

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Lazy Susan - Fruit #1

Lazy Susan - Fruit #1
24-inch diameter
Commission

I was recently approached by a client regarding a functional art project.  Though I don't consider myself a decorative artist, I have had quite a bit of experience painting produce.  Above is the result--a 24-inch Lazy Susan.  I see more in my future....


Monday, March 31, 2014

Play Ball!

Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
10x10

Spring has sprung!  Dad has been attending spring training games in Florida.  That means one thing:  Opening Day is upon us!  Play ball!


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Live Oak in Spring



Spring in the Hill Country of Texas is glorious.  Wildflowers such as bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, and evening primroses blanket the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors.  This painting attempts to capture the remarkable beauty of the landscape at this time of year after the doldrums of winter.

Commissions welcome.




Sunday, February 9, 2014

The Prairie Sky


Oil on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
36x36

As promised, here is the final painting.  The barn and windmill are from our homestead in Schulenburg, Texas.  This kind of minimalist look is a definite departure for me; however, I am pleased with the results.  

I am still toying with the name.  The working title, "The Prairie Sky" is from the song, "Deep in the Heart of Texas":  
The prairie sky is wide and high
Deep in the heart of Texas

I've lived in this state for ten years and still don't know all the words (I am shocked that I haven't been sent packing!), yet that phrase keeps popping in my head when I look at this painting.  

Any other name ideas?  This isn't set in stone yet!  Let me know.  If I choose yours, I'll send an 8x8 print to you as a small token of appreciation.

I need to obtain a better photograph before providing purchase information (and will do another post on this blog at that time).  Please let me know if you would like to receive details as they become available later this week.  Thanks!



Thursday, February 6, 2014

Blending


As I began blending the white paint into the other colors, I completely changed my subject matter for this artwork.  In fact, I was so pleased with the result that I continued to paint and have completed the piece! The unveiling will occur this weekend.   See you then!

New Canvas - The Addition of White

36 x 36

Obviously, I paint for a living.  Unfortunately, some paintings don't find homes as soon as they become available.  Thus, I must "store" them on the walls of my home until they rotate into a gallery or are purchased online.  

In the previous post, my canvas consisted of a variety of blues.  Since this painting may need to reside in my green family room (over the couch) for awhile, I decided to tone down the vibrancy of the colors.  Splashes of white were added (see above) and will be blended in the next step (and the next post).  'Til tomorrow....

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

New Canvas - Paint!


I didn't procrastinate long.  I had leftover blue paints from my recent oyster on the half shell, so I put them to use.  I'm still working out a design in my head, but this is a start.  (Note:  Today's "helper" is Molly.)

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

New Canvas!

36x36

A new canvas--especially a large one--always intimidates me.  I have myriad ideas at the moment; procrastination is NOT on my agenda though and I must decide pronto.  Stay tuned....

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Oyster on the Half Shell

Oil
12x12
SOLD

I had the pleasure of returning to New Orleans during the recent Christmas holidays.  Every day, I had at least one meal consisting of fresh Gulf oysters.  This fine specimen is just one of the many juicy ones I devoured.  (Slurp, slurp.)


Saturday, January 25, 2014

Oyster on the Half Shell


Oil on Belgian Linen Panel (Museum Grade) 
6"x6"


This little gem of the sea was served to me at The Deckhand, an oyster bar in Round Rock, Texas. Fresh from the waters of Galveston, I had to immortalize its luscious beauty prior to devouring it with a squeeze of lemon and horseradish. The other patrons must have thought I was insane as I took pictures galore before allowing anyone in my family to touch the platter! (My family, of course, knows the routine.) By the way, it was delicious....

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Slippery When Wet

6x8
SOLD

Happy New Year!  Now that the child and husband have returned to school and work respectively, I broke out the acrylics (usually I paint with oils) and tried something whimsical.  The result is a mermaid luxuriating in a bubble bath.  I've entitled it, "Slippery  When Wet."  Enjoy!