From Rain to Shine

"Parked"

8x6   Oil on museum quality panel

At DPW Auction, click here to bid.

 Since my last painting was a rainy street scene in NY,  I decided to cross the "pond" for a sunny street scene in Italy.  Love being able to change continents without leaving home & the weather is more predictable that the local weatherman forecast.  Ah, the magic of art.  Don't you just want to hop on that motorcycle and venture down the narrow italian streets?

Rainy Day Colors

"Rainy Day, New York"

8x6  Oil on museum quality panel

At DPW Auction, click here to bid

There is something about a rainy day that I find intriguing.  Colors are more intense and oh,lala, those reflections.   Truth be told, I paint marsh scenes just to play with the reflections.  Now I'm going to play with rainy days for the reflections too.   So if you're in Charlotte on a rainy day & you  see a blonde precariously holding an umbrella & a camera, that will be me.  Don't block my view!

Is there a Boa in Your Closet?

"Yellow Camisole"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

At Auction on DPW, click here to bid.

For the past week, this has been what my students have been painting in class.  What better way to allow them to loosen up...Lingerie & a Boa!  It's fun to see how they approach this subject.  From fear to fearless but in the end, they all did well.   I've had the advantage of studying the subject for a week and couldn't wait to paint it myself.   Headed to my closet again for some inspiration.  BTW, I just purchased the boa a couple of weeks ago.  Not a standard item in my wardrobe. 

Back to Provence

 

"Provence Time"

6x8  Oil on museum quality panel

At Auction on DPW, click here to bid

I recently completed a painting for a couple's wedding of their trip to Provence.  So enjoyed painting it that I decided to go back for another try.  Don't you just want to wander in the fields of lavender? Hope you enjoy the view.

Bees & Honey - SOLD

"Honeydew"

7x8  Canvas mounted on foam core

$185

Once again my friend, Julie Hill, is poking me about not being a sappy person.  So here's my final response, the above painting is as sweet as I get (get it "HONEY"dew).  While I can't quiet buy into the sappiness, I do treasure our friendship.  I just ask that we don't encourage her anymore.  I can only handle so much sweetness.  And remember that along with the "honey" comes the bees. So while she presents herself dripping in honey, the stinger is always poise to strike.  Now, I'm off to watch Dexter to remove any lingering sap!  Enjoy my palette knife painting.  Have a fab (non-sappy) week.

TGIF

"Low Country Sundown"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

At Auction on DPW, click to bid here

I've painted so many marshes, that you'd think I'd be tired of them.  Nope!  There is always a surprise somewhere along the way.  Be it in the grasses (they change seasonally) or the beauty of the skies.  I just feel blessed to be close enough to the marshes to have ample inspiration.  Happy weekend.

Wedding Bells

"Provence with Love"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

NFS

This is wedding gift for a student's brother.   He and his fiancee visited Provence last summer and Carol shared some of his beautiful photos with me.  So I thought that I would paint them a memory from that trip.  Sentimental, I know.  As my friend, Julie Hill, will tell you I don't have a sentimental bone in my body.  Or it is just well hidden.  I just like to keep her guessing.  Best wishes to the happy couple on their very special day.

Painting Zone

"Peaceful View"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

At Auction on DPW

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Buy/Auction/16475

Peaceful mood, peaceful painting.   Nice to be in the painting zone again.

Paint & Pain

"Pathway"

6x6   oil on museum quality panel

$125

 

A few days ago I sliced my right index finger and thumb.  Bummer!  So I've been having a blast trying to do lots of things with limited mobility.  Never realized how many things require the use of your index finger & thumb together.  So, painting wasn't on my list today.  However, enter Julie Hill, my dear friend.  She was having none of me not painting despite my whining that my thumb was hurting.  So just to prove to her that I could still paint, I wrapped my thumb with 3 band-aids & off I went.  I have to say I choose a simple subject that would allow me to use only a big brush.  Glad I pushed through.  Thanks, Julie.  I'll call when my thumb stops throbbing!

New Workshops

It's been too long since I last posted but I've been busy with my art career just not painting.  I'll be sharing some of the exciting news over the next few weeks.   Been painting a little over the last 2 days but not quiet ready to post.  Wow, not painting for more than a month makes diving back in a little scary!

In the meantime, I have 3 new workshops to announce.  If you are interested in taking a 1 or 2 day workshop, hit link below for more information or to sign up.
http://kelleysanford.blogspot.com/p/workshops.html

Workshops & Life Gets In the Way

"Holly Hill House, Catalina"

9x11   Oil on Linen

Time is flying this summer & I can't seem to get control of my easel time.  Between a couple of workshops, teaching, family time & house guests, painting time was scarce.  Today's painting was a demo that I did yesterday during my "Simply Colorful" workshop.  We focused on simplifying subject matter and allowing color to "sing".  It was a great group and I thoroughly enjoying watching their progress.  A special thanks to Rusty for the home grown tomatoes!!!!  I will be offering this workshop again, so if you're interested email me to be notified for upcoming workshops or classes. 

From the Pantry Series, # 3

"Sardines, anyone?"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$125

I've been a little behind in painting for my "From the Pantry" series.   After the first two paintings, I quickly discovered that I, in fact, have a very boring pantry!  Recently moved, I'm assuming that I just threw out all of my "inspirational" items.  So what is a girl to do, go shopping, of course.  Who knew, that Sardines came in such colorful tins.  I'm now changing how I stock my pantry.  By color, not content!  Might make for some interesting paintings, not so sure about the meals. 

"A" at Play, # 5

"Catching Frogs"

8x8  Oil on museum quality canvas

Reserved

Any bets on how many she caught?

"A" at Play, # 4

"Mudhead, Amanda"

12x12   Oil on museum quality canvas

Reserved

While I knew that I would enjoy doing this series, I didn't quite realize the challenges that I would come up against.  As I started to paint this piece, I quickly encountered the "mudhead".   Mudhead is term coined by the painter, Charles Hawthorne.  He had his students paint models in bright sunlight with their faces in shadow.  Hence the term, mudheads.  One of my favorite artists, Frank Gardner, set himself a challenge of 100 Mudheads and created a blog about it.   Check it out, it's fascinating and wonderful work.  I, myself, am exhausted on the very first one.  Thanks again to my wonderful model, Amanda.  

P.S.  I also recommend Charles Hawthorne's book  "Hawthorne On Painting".  It's a collection of notes taken by his students offering sage advise.   If I could only remember everything he said, I'd be a fabulous artist. 

"A" at Play, #3

"Ice Cream Break"

6x6   Oil on museum quality canvas

$125

Don't you remember those summer days of our youth, playing hard, sun beating down and then looking forward to getting ice cream?   Living vicariously through Amanda's summer and wishing for those carefree days once again.  I've heard through the grapevine that Amanda's summer is not totally carefree, some work might be involved.  Anxiously awaiting the next set of photos from her Mom. 

"A" at Play, New Series

"At Rest"

8x8  Oil on museum quality panel

Well, I'm back painting from my crime partner Julie Hill's photos.  This started with Julie going out to paint "en plein aire" and it ended with her having a new summertime job...taking photos of her daughter to supply my next summer series.   To make things a little more interesting, fellow blogger & wonderful artist, Dana Cooper, threw me an Amanda Paint Off Challenge.  So Julie is feeling the pressure to supply her "best" friend  photos, Amanda's making her list of what would she would accept in payment for her modeling, Dana is working on getting her own set of shots and I'm happily painting away. Stay tuned...it could get very interesting.  Have a Happy 4th!!!!!!!!!

From the Pantry Series, #2

"Olive Oil Bottle"

6x8   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

This is 2nd in my series "From the Pantry".   However, I have to say in all honesty, that the olive oil bottle wasn't from my pantry.  It was sitting on the counter next to my pantry.  I had something else pulled from the pantry to paint and couldn't remember where I put it.  Does that count?  I'm going to enjoy this series if I can only remember to bring my pantry items to the studio.  My bad memory may be the downfall of this series.

En Plein Air

"Frolicking"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

My partner in crime, Julie Hill, has been trying her hand at plein air painting the last few days.  While painting from some lovely sites, she's been "kind" enough to share her photos with me.  Living in California with beautiful scenery and wonderful weather has made me a little envious given that I'm currently landlocked and hot!  So while she paints the scenery, I've to decided to join in by painting her daughter playing in the stream.  Thanks for sharing Julie and tell Amanda that she is the perfect model. 

"From the Pantry" - New Summertime Series

"Spicy"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

With summer comes my desire to find good, fun, easy on the brain kind of books.  So in that vain, here's my new series of fun, easy on the brain kind of paintings.  In cooking they say if you can hit the salty, sweet, sour, spicy & crunchy notes in a dish it's a good thing.  So I hope to hit all the right notes in this series.   Not so sure about the crunchy but I'll give it a try.  Happy Summer!

Knock at the Door

"Penny's Flower"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

I recently moved & have been unpacking, getting organized & trying to "decorate".  All things that I love to do, NOT!  It was so nice to take a break from 'house duties" to get back to my studio.  Last Friday, a knock at the door brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers from a friend & fellow artist, Penny.  I was surprised that she had sent flowers since our last conversation was about how I wasn't inspired to paint flowers at all.   I'm sure she knew that if I sat and looked at these gorgeous flowers all weekend  that I'd be painting them again.  Penny is one smart cookie.  Thanks Penny!

Never Painted That Before

"Looking for Dinner"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Chicken & cows are subjects that a lot of beginning artists paint.  So, I'm not sure how I missed out on painting them when I first started.  But since picking up the paintbrush again, I seem to be searching for new subject matter.  It's kind of like, as an adult, trying to do the things that you wish you had done as a kid.  Unsure whether I'll attempt another chicken but glad to cross it off my list.  The good news is that it's much easier than climbing that giant oak tree that I always thought I should attempt and now I get to have a stiff drink when I'm finished.  Cheers!

P.S.  I have added a couple of new workshops for this summer now listed on the left side of my blog.

Balancing Act

"Precariously Balanced"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

This is for this week's Daily Paintworks Challenge.  The title so describes my day in the studio.  Balancing the tubes of paint, balancing my thoughts as I get back into painting & balancing the panel which did not seem to want to stay on the easel.  It always seems to work out but some days it just shouldn't be this hard. 

Rumors of My Demise - SOLD!!!!!!!

"From the Flower Shop"

6x8   Oil on museum on panel

I can't believe it has been 2 months since I've painted.  Frustrating doesn't even begin to explain how my day at the easel went.  Wiped one but was determined not to leave without a completed painting.  If I hadn't pushed through today, tomorrow would probably have been a bigger disaster.  I think I set my expectations too high.  Wanted to try out a different color palette, work on my edge quality & anticipated painting flowers that weren't available at the florist.  In the end, I was just happy that I remembered how to mix colors and which end of the brush to use.  Getting that first piece behind me is a good feeling.  I'll be back at the easel tomorrow with slightly less ambitious goals. 

P.S.  Thanks to all who emailed or called me during my absence to make sure that I was still alive and hadn't given up painting. 

 

Painting Blind

"Down the Street"

6x6  Oil on Panel

$95

This was a demo for one of my students.  Trying to show how to simplify a complicated scene.  I got the bare essentials down and then she took the photo with her & leaving a painting unfinished drives me crazy.  So painting without reference photo & a scene I wasn't familiar with, I dove in.  Painting blind is an understatement.  I certainly challenged me in new ways...can't say that I didn't kinda like it.  I'm just grateful to have a little time back at the easel.  Happy day!

P.S. Sorry, not the greatest photo.

As One Door Closes, Another One Opens

"A New Day"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Transition comes sometimes whether you want it or are ready for it.  About 5 years ago, I started the journey as the primary care giver for my parents, not what I expected to happen but as the saying goes...it is what it is.  In some ways it was an amazing time and the hardest thing I've had to do.  This journey is about to move into a new phase, the time to turn the care giving over to others more qualified.  The next few months will be the transition and my posts may continue to be a bit sporadic but I hope you will continue to follow what's on my easel.  Art has been my escape and I look forward to settling down in the very near future in front of the easel on a daily basis.  Thanks for the support of my students, family & friends.  

Unplugged, Unintentionally

"Harmony"

9x12

10 days ago before I was so rudely unplugged from the world, I was about to post this piece that I'm working on for my coastal gallery.  I love to paint water and the marsh grass allows these lovely opportunities to play in the water.  Have couple more to go and I will share, providing the universe doesn't "unplug" me again.

Moving On

"Hindsight"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

Reserved

This is the last of my jockey series (just for a little bit).  It's been challenging and exceeding fun to explore through these paintings.  I'm not done yet just looking for the next subject matter.  These paintings have been reserved because I'm entering them for Randy Higbee's 6x6 Show & Sale.  Happy Day!

Brother, Oh, Brother!

"Jockularity"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

Reserved

The title is courtesy of my brother.  This is what happens when I'm unable to come up with a title and the only person that is nearby is my fairly witty but sometimes corny brother, steps in.  Actually he is visiting me and I, in my moment of desperation, asked for a title.  After a few decades of hanging around him, you'd think I'd remember not to do this.  Anyway, still having fun with this series...one more to come. 

New Subject

"Enter Madame"

6x8  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Continuing to stretch the abstraction in my work, I decided to attempt a floral.  I've painted still lifes for so long, thought this might give me an advantage but I found myself struggling to be accurate.  In the end, I was pleased with the outcome.  Having taxed my brain in painting, I've completely lost the ability to name my works.  So I've decided to steal the names of movies from one of my favorite actors, Cary Grant.  The names might not really reflect the painting but a girl has to do what a girl has to do.  Now have to go rent "Enter Madame", having never seen or heard of it. 

This is Fun

"Backstretch"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

This is my third shot at pushing some abstraction into my work.  It's so much fun playing with color and the movement.  I think I might be getting the hang of it...oohs, probably just jinxed myself.  Oh well, off the find something else to abstract.

Diving off the High Board

 

"Betting on Orange"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

Reserved

As an artist, I hope that I never become stagnant in my work.  Staying in one place with my art would be the day that I walk away from painting.  For several months, I've been wanting to explore some abstraction in my work but haven't had the right subject matter to make me take the plunge...until now.  Off to the Races was the first painting I attempted to make a shift but while it was a "nice" painting, it didn't hit the mark.  So I'm back at it.  Not sure where I'll end up but diving off the high board is the only way to find out.

When a Horse is a Mule

"Off to the Races"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

 Veronica Clark,  is a dear friend and wonderful artist specializing in animals.  V & I used to be studio mates and I never attempted to paint animals because I wouldn't be able to capture the beauty that V could.  However, many years ago on a painting outing, I found that the only subject available was my worst nightmare, a horse.  So I dived in and "painted" the horse.  Upon bringing the painting back to the studio, I asked Veronica what she thought of my painting.  In her wonderful British accent, she said..."Nice mule".  So fast forward 8 years and here's my latest attempt at a horse.  V, I'll patiently await to hear whether I've improved and can now hear..."Nice horse".  A honest critique goes down better with a lovely accent.  Everyone needs a "V"!

I hope to post some more "horses" next week that are a bit different.  Having fun pushing out of my comfort zone. 

Boogie On!

"Boogie On!"

6x6   Oil on museum quality panel

NFS

A few months ago I finished a piece of  my nephew & brother kayaking and loved the movement in the painting.   My niece wanted to know when I was going to paint her.  I didn't want to hurt her feelings but I had to wait until I had the "right" image.  I found it this weekend and got busy.  She is full of energy and a barrel of fun.  K's, I hope you like your painting and BOOGIE ON!!!!!  Hugs from Aunt Kel.

Small Study, Big Idea

"Interlude"

6x8   Oil on museum quality panel

$95

In my classes this week, we're working on a landscape & this is demo from today's class. I'm  trying to work on some larger pieces for my favorite gallery at the coast.  These smaller pieces are letting me work out what I want to explore in larger formats.  I really like the high horizon in this one and playing up the color in the marsh grass.  Now the only question is...how big do I want to go? 

Unexpected Painting Time

"Abundance of Radishes"

6x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

Fitting in 3 whole hours of painting time doesn't exist in my world most days.  But today, my Wednesday students had their lives going in different directions (Hawaii, Kentucky, etc.) and that left me with no students and a quiet studio.  So I managed to complete a previously started 12x12, paint the radishes & almost complete a second 6x6.  I packed in as much as I could today and left the studio feeling great.  Now I'm off to do my favorite chore...grocery shopping.  I can just feel that euphoric feeling evaporating quickly.