Sunny Days!

I painted these sunflowers yesterday when the sky was cloudy but that's all it took to brighten up my day.  I used a transparent under layer then came over the top with opaque colors.   Keeping with Carol Mayne's theory of segregating warm and cool colors - see her book "What Color is the Light?" I was satisfied with the bright feeling the painting has.

Valentine Rose

My Valintine gave me this rose and it lasted long enough for me to paint it!

I was tempted to paint the baby's breathe and greenery but I resisted in able to focus on the flower.  Quiang Huang did a similar view on a rose bud which was my inspiration.    He is the master of roses!

Valentine Rose   6 x 6 " Oil on panel

I don't think I will ever tire of painting sunflowers.   They seem to call out "join us in this day ... life is sunny, bright, light hearted and long lasting!"  Hopefully, this painting captures a little of that attitude.

Sunflowers 6" x 6" Oil on panel



Morning Paper

This is my attempt at the "The Seated Figure Challenge" Posted by Dana Cooper on DPW Painting Challenge January 21, 2012. I started this painting - got distracted but came back to it today. Faces are difficult - even with just the slightest bit of information they are a challenge!

Grand Central Reader

Grand Central Reader is the January Painting Challenge for Lee A. Brown's A Day Not Wasted website.  There was a lot of information in the background of this photograph which I decided to downplay.   I like this gentleman ... not letting a moment go wasted while waiting for what?   The train?  A friend? 
Grand Central Reader 8 x 10" Oil on panel

Still Life .... Still Painting

The holidays have taken a toll on my painting time.   Yesterday was the first time since before Christmas that I painted.   I wasn't sure about starting and I procrastinted a bit.   However, it was a Still Life and I am Still Painting!    This is a stretched canvas using transparent paint and medium.   I can see now it was a bit too thin with too much of the canvas showing through.   Once more thing to consider when using medium and transparent paint!

8 x 8"  Oil on Canvas

Stacked but Uncracked

Some times the holidays leave me "stacked up" with to do lists, errands, gifts and baking.   This year I tried VERY hard to get things done ahead of time so I can enjoy time with my family home for the holidays.   So far, my list is stacking up but I am UNCRACKED!   I know I know .... I only have 2 shopping days left!

Stacked but Uncracked   6x6" Oil on panel