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.