Glow: First Studies in Oil

I recently discovered the beautiful work of Karen O'Neil. My favorites are her paintings that glow. This little study was inspired by her citrus slices. I learned (under the last layer seen) that the best background colors must not distract from the clean "lit" high intensity areas to achieve the best effect.

I then set up backlit orange and lemon pieces and worked on a different background choice.

Backlighting causes a bright area of reflected color on the tablecloth. Again, many layers of colors were scraped on and off the background here. I can feel a series coming to work this out!

I added the Pay Pal Button for 2016 calendars. If you would rather a different way to reserve/pay for yours, let me know. I am happy to report that they are already finding new homes. THANK YOU!

2016 Calendar is in the works

2016 calendar is printing now. It will be $29.95.
NC state tax added will make it: $31.31 for NC residents. Shipping/Handling to US by Priority Mail: $7.15: total $37.10 if out of state
or $38.46 if shipped to an NC resident

I will work on a Pay Pal Button to add to this post.
I can send a customized Pay Pal button by e mail if you send your e mail address to discount for shipping to single addresses, or you can reserve a calendar and bring a check when you pick yours up.

Last Zinnias

Last Zinnias/ oil on board/ 8 x 8/

These are the last zinnias (and cosmos) from my garden this year and I just had to try and paint them between commissions.

I am also working on creating a calendar for 2016...details soon

Horse Study

Horse Study/ oil on gesso board/ 8 x 6/ Low Country

September has been a busy month!
I enjoyed a workshop of fabulous new students that are all now enrolled in weekly ongoing classes. Plus, I have been involved in the organizational details of a local art sale with several brand new artists that will occur this week. I expect once the sale is done that I will resume more regular on line updates. I have been obsessed (again) with understanding color. I am wondering whether to post some of that information here. Alternatively,  I have been asked about a possible class at Nash Arts. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

This little painting is of a horse that I saw on a day collecting images with Sharon Thorp earlier this summer. The format of the painting was inspired by a painting I saw on line of a commissioned hose portrait. I loved the unfinished look.

Sunflower Study #

Sunflowers Study #2/ oil on gesso board/ 8 x 8/ SOLD

I have not had a chance to paint and post lately. That is not to say that I have not painted. In fact, I have painted things that I love. However they are large watercolors that I shall offer at the upcoming sale or submit  to upcoming juried exhibitions. I have also painted studies. Some of these are working on seeing and painting color and others are requirements for my on line class assignments.
Today, though, I completed another sunflowers study. The filler flowers are butterfly bushes. I loved the interplay of colors in this one.

Little Gull Sketch

Gull Sketch/ oil on board/ 4 x 4/ Low Country

A sketch of a gull at the beach. I had small pails in the composition but they were distracting. I would have known this if I would have done a thumbnail value sketch....
I will offer this, though I plan on re doing it with more finish.

Sunshine!

Sunshine!/ oil on board/ 7 x 5/ SOLD

I was working on "glow" to give the feeling of this glorious summer day in this small painting. I hope many of you are packing for a long beach weekend and have great weather,  just like the day this little one enjoyed!

This is my post for Day 3 of Leslie Saeta's Challenge (link) and I have to go paint to get ready for tomorrow.