Peace on Earth

"Peaceful View"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Nothing more to say.  Grab a glass of wine and enjoy the view.

Coastal Bound

"Colorful Marsh"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Looking to escape the early winter weather so I head a few hours south to the coast.  I love the colors of the marsh in any season.  While it might not be in the holiday theme, it makes me smile.  Ummmh, now I'm

thinking that Shrimp & Grits might make the Christmas dinner menu.

Pickled

"Pickle Ornament"

6x6 Oil on museum quality panel

$95 

An old Christmas eve tradition in Germany was to hide a pickle ornament deep in the branches of the Christmas Tree. The parents hung the pickle last after all the other ornaments were in place. In the morning the first child to find the ornament would receive an extra gift from St. Nicholas. The adult who finds the pickle traditionally gets good luck for a year.  My family tradition is a little different arising this summer over my niece's birthday.  A misunderstanding lead to her grandmother thinking she wanted a "pickle" for her birthday.  So this Christmas, she's getting a "pickle" ornament.  What's one of your traditions?

Stocking Stuffer

"Stocking Stuffer"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

While some of the Daily Painters have been painting some great Christmas ornaments, I've been wiping out mine.  I've decided I just have been not been painting my favorite Christmas things. So back to the drawing board & some oranges.  Oranges are always one of the favorite things in my stocking.  We'll see whether I can paint some a bit more holiday inspired before the 25th. 

Figuratively Speaking SOLD!!!

"On the Beach"

12x9   Oil on Linen

$750 (unframed)

SOLD!

Having fun getting back into the figures.  Loving the blues in this piece, evidently I'm wishing for summertime instead of the gray, drizzly day that we have.  Enjoy your weekend. 

Eat, Drink, No Paint!

Today was our Christmas luncheon and here's some of my crew.  It's hard to "wrangle" this group but they sure are tons of fun.  We exchanged "bad" unsigned paintings in a Chinese gift exchange.  I have to say although they were suppose to bring "bad" paintings, they all were good.  But of course, what would I expect from my very talented girls.  Thanks to all my students for their support through some tough days.  Love ya!  Now go paint!

Headed to Spain - SOLD

8x6 Commission

This is 2 of 3 commissioned paintings that are headed to Spain.  I enjoyed painting 2 landscapes (arches, actually) & this painting of the gentleman reading a book with a spectacular view.  Commissions can be pure joy or pure hell, luckily this was pure joy.  Thanks, Dennis for allowing me to paint these.  And by the way, my bags are packed awaiting the plane ticket.  It's in the mail, right?

It's all about the Surface - SOLD!!!!!!

"Sloping to the Right"

6x6  Oil on Board

$95

Everytime I finish my painting obligations, immediately I want to experiment.  I've never painted on board until today.  What fun.  The brush skims across the surface & paints react differently.  I painted this from an old study that wasn't particularly appealing but now I really like the view.  Might have to paint more on board but it's back to figures tomorrow.



Easel Time for Me

"Reading in Bed"

12x16  NFS

Paintings delivered, shipped or picked up.  All commitments fulfilled.  What a relief!  Deadlines are necessary but I love to find a few hours at the studio to paint anything I want.  Haven't done any figurative pieces in awhile, so I dove in. Got to this point, decided to stop and live with this for a little bit.  Know I want to loose the pillow "squares" to the left,of the figure & define the book but not sure if I want to do much more.  A truly fulfilling day at the easel. I'll be back at the easel for some more "Little Gems" this week. 

Black Friday Sale

I have chosen 10 "Little Gems" for a Black Friday Sale.  These will be priced at $65 but the sale ends Sunday, Nov. 28th at midnight.  Get ready and shop.  To access the 10 paintings for sale, click this link...Black Friday Sale!

My Pleasure - SOLD

"Remains of a Day"

6x8

SOLD!

I was commissioned by a dear friend to paint 3 scenes from his trip to Spain this summer.  They are gifts for the friends/family that he stayed with during his trip.  This was the last piece I painted but I think my favorite.  The streaming light was just gorgeous...hope I did it justice.  Thanks, D for the honor to painting these pieces from your wonderful trip.  Now I just have to figure out how I can justify the airfare to "hand" deliver the paintings. 

What's Your Name?

"Blueness"

12x12 Oil on museum quality panel

$900

Providence Gallery, "Hip to Be Square" Show, Dec. 3rd

My students are a gift.  Today in class, I called one of my students "Natalie"...not only is that not her name, I don't know anyone by that name and she actually knew that I was talking about her.  God love "Natalie" and all my students.  Despite my "lapses" they have suggested that I post snippets of  knowledge on a weekly basis.  So later this week, I will add a page to my blog where I will post a new teaching "snippet".  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Gray Day

"In the Red"

12x12  Oil on Linen

$900

It's a gray day today so I'm happy to have something "sunny" to share.  This is one of a few pieces that will be part of the "Hip to Be Square" show at Providence Gallery opening Dec. 3rd.  Give me red paint and I'll paint forever.  I think this should be my motto. 

Spent the Morning in Spain

Last Pomegranate

"Pomegranate, Revisited"

10x10  Oil on Linen

On Reserve

This is the last pomegranate painting for a little while.  Although I will admit to looking longingly at the pomegranate sitting in my studio and wanting to cut into it.  However, a gallery show calls for a change in direction...I'll keep you posted.  An aside note, be very careful for what you pray for because it might "boomerang" on you big time.  A dear friend seems to find humor in my situation but that's a story for another day. 

Quiet Sunday

"Pomegranates"

6x12   Oil on Linen

On Reserve

Officially I did nothing today.  Unofficially, I did nothing today too.  I just thought it sounded better if I phrased it in an "official" manner.  Doing nothing today involved staying in my pjs, watching "Dial M for Murder" and drinking cider.  Haven't done this in a long time and I'm loving it.  Here's my most recent "obsession" painting of pomegranates.  I've done a few to date and thought I was done with them until late last night another pomegranate painting popped into my head.  Busy week ahead with several deadlines but hope to paint it soon.  Have a blessed week. 

Brain Freeze

"In the Orange"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Nothing, nada, zilch.  I have brain freeze.  Can't think of one thing interesting to say...except have a fabulous weekend. 

Back to Blue - SOLD!!!!

"Hydrangeas in Blue"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Available at Open Studio Sale

Brushes & paint are flying at the studio.  Just a few days left before my studio sale.  A friend installed some shelving in my studio for me to display my "Little Gems".  It's so satisfying to look up from my easel to see this paintings all lined up.  It's easy to feel like I haven't painted much while doing this small works.  However, when I see 5 shelves filled with paintings from the past few weeks, I think, who painted those? Hope to see you at the sale.

My New Obsession

"Pomegranates"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Reserved - Randy Higbee 6x6 Show

I've drank pomegranate juice, I've painted whole pomegranates but I've never cut into a pomegranate. It's different experience cutting into yourself.  Pomegranate juice running & seeds rolling everywhere.  This is one the most exhilarating experiences I've had at the easel in awhile.  You could say I'm "pumped"! 

No Flowers Today

"Blazing Color"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Available at Open Studio Sale

Decided to take a break from posting my floral series today.  On a rainy day last week, I came across this beautiful leaf on the ground.  Love how gray days always intensify color.  Having never painted a leaf before, I found it a bit of a challenge to keep it from appears too flat.  Think I'll really enjoy looking at this piece come winter, when the trees are bare.  Now I'll go back to painting some more flowers.

Is a full night sleep really necessary?

"Blue Flowers"

6x6  oil on museum quality panel

Available at Open Studio Sale

Click for Invitation

The first part of the week I got less than 4 hours sleep a night and was very productive in the painting department.  Example, today's painting was done yesterday.  Last night, I got a full 8 hours and couldn't paint $&((@# today.  So I guess I have a choice... Really reduced sleep =  Productive Painter OR  Full sleep = Productive person in every other aspect of my life.  Happy Wednesday. 

Ummm, it looks like a...?

"Peachy Keen"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Reserved for Randy Higbee 6x6 Show

Here I go again.  Painting a flower that I have no clue it's name.  Now in my defense, this is a silk flower and sometimes it's hard to tell what it is.  Ok, so you're not buying that excuse.  How about I lost my glasses and can't see what it is?  Not buying that either?  Alright, lets just call it what it is...I have soooo much knowledge in my head, no room remaining to hold names of flowers.  Yeah, that works for me.  Well, I'm now off to work on my PhD in Nuclear Science. 

Justification

"Green Bottle"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Available at my Open Studio Sale

Click here for your invitation

Life seems to be getting busier & busier.  I find myself juggling the role of a full time caregiver, trying to paint for 5 different events, teaching & all the other daily chores.  I'm not complaining at all.  I just did something for myself that I would have "never" considered doing.  I just ordered groceries online.  Someone else is shopping for me.  Woohoo!  If you know me, you know how I despite going to the grocery store, except to shop for still life props,of course.  Of all the things that I do, shopping is the most daunting task.  So today, I celebrate a great day.  I painted, cleaned, paid bills & will shortly drive to the store, open the trunk & let someone else load the groceries.  Justification is a beautiful thing. 

Last Night

"Pear in Thirds"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

This is the piece that I demonstrated last night at the Charlotte Artist Society.  I did a few tweaks today, cleaning up some edges and adding a few bits of color.  Doing the finishing touches is a little like, brushing your hair one last time & putting on your jewelry before dashing out the door.  You just hope that you're not wearing blue shoes when you meant to wear black.  Have a good weekend and thanks again to the CAS for inviting me. 

Full Circle

"Pears in Blue"

6x6   $95

Today was a good day.  Not in the way of  sold lots of paintings (did sell 4) & not in the way that I lost 10 lbs. (that would have been a miracle).   But in the way of a surprise reconnection of the first group of artists that I painted with 10 years ago.  I did a demo at the Charlotte Artist Society tonight and was delightfully surprised to see faces from my artistic past.  These are the men & women who knew me when I didn't have a clue about how to paint.  We travelled and painted together for several years & on which I look back fondly.  While I have definitely aged, I now understand value & color.  I'll trade a few more lines for that knowledge any day.  Thanks guys for coming and not heckling (such restraint).  I feel like I've come full circle.

Kelleywarp Again

"Red Barn"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

On reserve by artist

What is it about a red barn that makes it irresistible to paint?  Is the complimentary colors of reds & greens or is it that barns & farms represents a quieter life.  I seem to be seeking some quiet, so I guess since it's alluding me, I can at least paint it.  As far as Kelleywarp goes, my camera battery is back on the fritz.   I was lucky to get a couple of  paintings photographed before it completely died but not all.  Paint a little quiet and then life says Oh, Kelley, you need a little chaos.

Obsession with Produce - SOLD!!!!!!

"Cantaloupe in Blue"

6x6    Oil on museum quality panel

$95  SOLD!

Confession time, I have an obsession with produce.  I don't mean love to eat it,  can't wait to cook with it.  I use to think my family just didn't like to go to the grocery store with me.  I now realize it probably had something to do with how I linger in the produce section...picking up different fruits and vegetables, laying next to each other.  I see other people just pick up the produce, place it in their baskets and off they go. I just think they don't get it.  Hate to image what they're thinking about my way of choosing produce.  It has come to my attention that I might have a problem because when I arrive home, unload the groceries and more than half my bill is produce & the produce is not for eating.  Yikes!! Has anyone started Still Life Painters Anonymous yet?

Elvis is in the Studio

"Calla Lily"

8x6  oil on museum quality panel

$95

One of the hazards of doing a demo are comments from the "audience".  I've been doing some for my classes this week and one of my students chose the Calla Lily as one of the demos.  As I was finishing my sketch, a student said how the initial drawing looked like Elvis.  The rest quickly agreed.  Not exactly the response I was expecting.  They tried to get me to see it...see the hair, the collar.  Nope, not seeing it!  Despite the laughter, I continued on.  My initial thought was to paint a purple background to compliment the yellows but that started another round of laughter about the morbid trend of the painting and talking about burying it.  There was also a brief discussion whether Elvis' favorite sandwich was peanut butter and pickle or p/b & banana.  I guess it goes without saying that the painting was finished after class.  I hope some lesson was learned during this demo, just not sure what it was but as least we had fun.  I left the studio humming "Walking in Memphis" with a whole different attitude. 

Clueless

"Hyacinth"

6x6   oil on museum quality panel

$95

This is one of the demos that I did this week for my students.  I've been trying to show how I start paintings with simple shapes and allowing the definition of the subject to come at the end of the painting.  I'm  much less concerned with kind of flowers these are and more about capturing my emotional reaction to the colors and shapes through the design and brushwork.  I think it's a good thing that I had no clue that these were Hyacinths because I might have been more likely to paint an exact replica.  Sometimes, clueless is a good thing.

"In Blue"

"Kiwi in Blue"

6x6 on museum quality panel

$95

This the second painting in the "In Blue" series that I'm working on for my Open Studio Sale in a few weeks.  I usually don't paint dark backgrounds but I'm kinda liking the change.  We'll see how long it lasts.   I've been busy getting my studio revamped.  Actually, I've not been busy at all, a wonderful student/designer spent  last week totally reworking my painting studio space.  Thanks, Mel.  It looks wonderful and I'm now totally inspired to get back to painting at the studio.  I'll post some photos soon.   

Back at the Easel - SOLD!!!!!

"Grapes in Blue"

6x6    $95  SOLD!

Oil on museum quality panel

It has been almost 2 weeks since I've painted and that is way too long.  I get kinda grumpy when I can't paint.  So needless to say, friends and family will be relieved to know that I'm back at easel.  Busy getting ready for my Open Studio Sale in a couple of weeks, so I'll be posting some preview pieces.  Have a great week from a "blissfully" painting away artist. 

Feeling Like Fall

"In the Pumpkin Patch"

NFS

Been enjoying the fall weather and looking for those pumpkins patches.  It's my favorite time of year, especially with the miserable hot summer we've had.  I like the way I handle pumpkins...no knives, no mess to clean up and no rotting pumpkins.   Happy October!

Still Here- Sold

"Silver Cup"

Sold

I seem to have been missing in action for the past week and half.  But the good news is I've known where I was.  Life has interrupted my "travels" but never fear I will be back at the easel this week.  New paintings & destinations await.  Thanks for checking in on me.  See you soon. 

Everyone's Going Somewhere

"Lavender Fields, Forever"

7x5    $95

So many of my fellow daily painters have been painting French, Italian & Cape Cod scenes, I was starting to feel left out.  So today, I packed my paints and headed to Provence (not literally).  I can just image sitting under an umbrella at the edge of the field, the sun shining brightly, drinking a glass of wine & painting.  What a beautiful thought, too bad, reality is it's September in the south, high humidity, it's raining and the bottle is empty.  Oh, such a wonderful, brief escape.  Where do you want to escape?

Looking Foward to Spring?

"On the Tour"

SOLD

This is a piece I did earlier this year and was based on  a photo from one of my favorite cities, Charleston, SC.  In the spring, I'm planning to meet with a girlfriend from California and introduce her to this quintessential southern city.  So California girl meets the south.  Her name is Julie Hill and is a fellow daily painter.  We connected through our blogs and over the last 6 months have become good friends.  We've never met in person but talk several times a day, so this will be the first time we actually met.  Let's hope she can survive the humidity, southern accents and grits.  Looking forward to it! 

Working With What You Got

"Nectarine & Carnations"

7x5     $95

Teaching 5 oil painting classes a week has offered big lessons for me almost every time.  It has helped reinforce the fundamentals as I paint, pushing me to paint either something I don't want to or paint when I don't necessarily feel like it.   Several of my classes have been painting only in gray scale all week.  I've done demos in gray scale, no problem.  Today might haven taken the cake.  When I went to the store on Monday to gather my fruit & flowers, the choices were not great but since it was to be painted in gray scale, I didn't concern myself with the color.  However, today I did a demo in color.  Let's just say that pink carnations, nectarines & a turquoise drape are a bit of a challenge to harmonize in a painting.  Maybe next week we'll paint donuts! Oh, and did I mention, I didn't have the panel size I really needed?

20 Minutes

"Last of Summer"

7x5   $95

What do you do with less than 30 minutes to spare & watermelon that is lovely but not so tasty?  Of course, you paint!  Normally, I wouldn't consider going to my easel with such a little amount of time but I'm glad it did.  It forced me to quickly note on the canvas what was in front of me.  Just grabbing the essence and nothing else.  It feels a little unfinished but very direct and fresh.  Which is exactly what I want my paintings to convey.  I highly recommend setting a timer and seeing what happens.