Low Country Revisited - SOLD

"Glow on the Marsh"

18x24  Oil on Linen Panel

There was a time when I painted marshes quite often.  Then I lost interest in the subject but when you come across a scene as beautiful as this...hard not to grab the brush and paint away.  

Well, that was different

"Stand Tall, Study"

9x12  Oil on Linen/Board

$250

As I started the demo in class this morning, my brush swept across the support & well, I thought that was different.   I'm so used to knowing how my brush & paint will react on my support that I was shocked when the brushstroke didn't look or feel the same.  Awhile back I ordered a couple of sample boards with not my regular canvas attached.  This one had the Belgian Linen (lovely) but single primed.  I love painting on linen but this one just didn't hold my brushwork like my other support.  I like this painting but it  has a very different feel about it.  Live & learn.   Stepping out of your comfort zone is good, I just now know that single primed Belgian Linen probably won't live in my toolbox.  It's so important to be as knowledgeable about your "tools" as your skills. 

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.

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!

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, #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. 

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.

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.

Not a Weed in Sight

"California Dreamin'"

8x6  Oil on museum quality panel

$95

(Having PayPal button issues,

email me at kelleyart@gmail.com if interested)

Looking back a week ago, I was struggling to get out of the weeds and start painting again.  One week later & paintings are flying off the easel.  Yipee!  Last night my friend, Julie Hill, was so kind to share a wonderful photo of her morning commute to drop her daughter off at school.  Little did she know that I was going to snag her picture and paint it.   Inspiration shows up just when you need it.  Thanks Julie and I hope she will paint her vision of this picture.  Julie, are you listening? 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.