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.