I tried really hard to leave white space in this and make the clouds really light. I want to add a few birds or possibly other animals, but take them from images when I’m back in the studio. Once they’re in place I may add more to the water in the foreground. There is definitely something missing.
Another cloud study that I added a familiar landscape to. I rather like the texture in the lower half which was created by adding layer over layer of watercolor paint to wet paper.
I really wanted to do a cloud study and as much as I like cloud paintings, I always think there should be a bit of land for context. This turned into an Okanagan View. I’ve called it Two Pines. it’s important to leave white areas in watercolor paintings, or they get too dark. I think with this one I got the balance just right.
I’m away on respite. My Mum is with me, but there’s a whole house full of family to keep an eye on her, so the pressure is off. My sister is a great cook, so that burden is also lifted. I’m enjoying long days of rest.
It’s been raining cats and dogs as we’re being lashed by the tail end of several tropical storms, but the rain makes the colors in her garden so beautiful. Of course I have my trusty Koi watercolours with me, so I can’t resist doing some Plein Air on the patio. I may even paint some of those cats and dogs while I’m here.
This series will be posted for sale in my shop eventually, but currently you can purchase by contacting me directly. They are painted on 140lb Acid Free 4” x 6” Cold Press Finish watercolor paper. Each comes with a certificate of authenticity and ships in a stiff card envelope for protection.
A great way to get a jump start on your holiday gifts. October Special price $50 including shipping within North America. Items will ship October 30th in plenty of time to beat the rush.
Also, remember to check out the sales I have currently at Artfinder. I’m thrilled to report that I made the selection for small sculptures in their holiday collection. Yay! That’s out of thousands of art works. Take a look here
My Postcard for the 2017 LYA Swap - showcasing some of my work
The final postcards of the 2017 "Liberate your art" postcard swap were mailed and the swap is coming to a close. Even though all the postcards have been mailed, we still have a final celebration April 14 - 16, when Kat Sloma reveals the video, the number of participants, destinations and the art she has created for the 2017 swap. This is a chance to connect with fellow artists, see more of the postcards and find out where they landed.
This is the 2017 Video - This year mine is just before the word CREATE
This year I'm away, so most of my swap postcards will be waiting when I get home. Before I left I did receive a side share from David Wolanski, who collects addresses and randomly mails out postcards throughout the year. His postcards always seem to arrive when I'm at a low ebb and they really brighten my day. Thank you David! His peaceful black and white image is below and you can see more of his work at www.davidwolanski.com
Side Swap from David Wolanski
Then I received my first swap postcard just before I left. I was in such a tizzy with last minute stuff that I managed to take a photo of the postcard with one of my sculptures and neglected to copy the back info. Sorry, whoever you are, but I do love your sunny postcard. I will share your name with the other cards when I get home.
Mystery postcard (see my blog in last week of April to see who it's from.
PS this sculpture is for sale, if you love it contact me.
Through the wonders of email and Facebook, so far three of the people who received my postcards have contacted me.
Christine B. - New Haven, CT USA
Kindly offered to send me a card in return - Thank you Christine, it' a lovely thought and something I may copy next year.
Beth L. - Bloomsburg, P.A. USA - Who shares a love of history and antiques.
Antique shop http://lavenderandoldlace.com
blog http://agardenersart.blogspot.com/
Fran P. - Little River, South Carolina USA - Thank you for contacting me Fran. I love to discover where my art has flown.
Can't get enough of the 2017 Liberate your Art postcard swap?
I've created a blog about past LYA swaps. Here are all the videos of art postcards and stats on the swap. Visit the past blog hops, each with links to the artist blogs and websites. I'm going to drop in to a few each day this year until the next swap. It's a great way to spark ideas for 2018. Bookmark this post, or better tet, follow my blog for free lessons, ideas, progress images, art, home decor and more.
(If you're having trouble viewing any of the videos, go directly to my blog by clicking on this blog title, or at www.paintamasterpiece.blogspot.com )
TOUCAN AT NIGHT
Watercolor on 140lb Strathmore cold press
An unusual intense watercolor depicting a Toucan in a forest at night. Another in my sketching process for a commission. Painting available at Daily Paintworks.
ABSTRACT BEACH
Mixed Media
6" x 4" cold pressed watercolor paper
A theme I often work with because I love walking on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves. This painting uses multiple types of brush strokes and many colors to depict the land and the water. The medium is watercolor with a touch of acrylic in the waves.
I'm tinkering with an idea for a large commission and so I'm making some watercolor sketches. I find this really helps to crystallise the ideas buzzing around in my head. The sketches are for much larger paintings. Some are quite pointillist and others have sweeping brush strokes. They are all available through Daily Paintworks.
I'm tinkering with an idea for a large commission and so I'm making some watercolor sketches. I find this really helps to crystallise the ideas buzzing around in my head. The sketches are for much larger paintings. Some are quite pointillist and others have sweeping brush strokes. They are all available through Daily Paintworks. Click on the slideshow to the left to purchase.
HAPPY HEART - Sweets for my Sweetie
6" x 4" watercolor paper
3 day auction
The perfect Valentine ... Sweets and Hearts. You can still get it in time for Valentines Day if you Act fast. I can send a printable file and then mail the original to your SWEETIE.
BOYS AND GIRLS
6" x 4" watercolor paper
3 day auction
A sweet card with blue, red and gold cards. Glinting edges in golden copper. The hearts can represent boy and girl children as well as a golden unborn child. The hearts can also represent years or kisses and the blue dots stars in the heaven.
Act fast to bid in the auction and receive it for your Valentine.
HAPPY HEART V - The Patriot
6" x 4" watercolor paper
3 day auction
Stars and hearts, red, white and blue with silvery accents. For the patriotic couple. This super rare Valentine is for a person with defining taste. Only one original available and now on auction. Act fast and grab it for you sweetheart.
TOPIARY
6" x 4"
Mounted in an 8" x 10" Soft White Mat SOLD
I thought my readers may enjoy seeing which of my paintings have recently sold. I've always loved this painting for it's brushwork and the gorgeous combination of spring like colors. It comes as no surprise then that it sold in the spring.
I had the rare opportunity of being in the gallery when the piece sold. The gallery owner had cleverly placed some of my matted small works on the counter facing the door. I was just finishing up a change out and chatting with Cathy, the owner, and a customer breezed in. She was a regular customer and had some framing to pick up. This little painting immediately caught her attention and she bought it on the spot for a friend.
The customer said she has a box for gifts and when she sees something appropriate for a friend she buys it and keeps it until a special occasion. A lovely idea and so much better than dashing out the day before a birthday and trying to find something appropriate.
CAT ON A ROCK
6" x 4" Strathmore Windpower
Matted to 8" x 10"
These two kitties joined my pet portrait wall during my solo exhibition. Tomorrow the exhibition comes down, and Sunday is Mother's Day, so you can still drop in and pick up one of my small paintings for Mom. If you're out of town I can send you a copy to pop in the card and tell her the original is on the way.
SYLVESTER ACEO
2.5" x 3.5" Canvas Card
Mounted on 3" x 4" Cradle
You can just see Sylvester on the bottom right on this wall in the Coffee House.
HAPPY HEART VII (The Patriot)
Original Mixed Media with gold, bronze and silver
6" x 4" 140lb 300 G/M2
I read this article on how successful women start their day and I was struck by the propensity to meditate and exercise. Personally I use the early hours when I'm brightest to accomplish detailed tasks that I will be too tired or disinterested in to tackle later.
5am - 8 am (Time depends whether I've worked into the night or not, which is fairly common)
Get up, stumble to the bathroom. On the way turn on the kettle which I've filled the night before because my eyes are barely open yet.
5:15 - 8:15 am
Down that delicious cup of coffee which I generally take back to bed with me
5:15 - 8:15 am for a few hours
Tackle emails, check blog makes sense and went out OK, read incoming blogs, newsletters etc. and post interesting stuff to GET YOUR ART OUT THERE Facebook Group.
6 - 12 noon - I always have breakfast but timing could be anything before noon. Usually coffee gets me motivated and I eat when I feel hungry.
10 am ish - Have a nice hot cup of English Breakfast Tea. Oh so delicious!
10 - 1pm - Start work on my daily painting(s) - now the fun begins!
I'm curious what your mornings are like. Leave a comment or if you're shy feel free to email me.
HAPPY HEART V (The Rainbow) Original Mixed Media 6" x 4" Strathmore Postcard
This week I was inspired by the story of Corrina Thurston on Artsy Shark Feed. On reading the article, I realized that the most important thing I have learned this year as I move towards retirement, is DON'T MULTI TASK.
As a female, I have the ability to multi-task built in and I've always been a queen at piling more on top of an already busy life, but just because you're able doesn't mean you should. Last year I discovered that by working on one thing at a time I accomplished more and experienced less stress over half finished projects. I now say NO to adding things which don't further my goals and I'm far more relaxed and happy.
Corrina, who is building an art business while recovering from serious illness backs me up on this. Read the article below for her story.
I quite like this years choice of colours. I haven't bee a big fan of their recent choices, but I think this softer, return to the crib type combination is a good choice for our turbulent times. Of course pale violet blue is a favourite colour of mine anyway, but I can't imagine using it with pale pink. But you never know. Use the above link to take a look at what Pantone has to say about their choice. It's an interesting read.
Presented in a soft white 8" x 10" mat with backing board and archival bag.
Recently I read a blog by Dream Tolle Perry entitled "Who are you working for?" It is accompanied by a provocative poem, which sent me into thought. Click here to read it. Dreama's poem got me thinking about why I started to paint and why I'm still fascinated by the experience. I'd be interested in your views on this and more later ...
I originally clicked on Dreama's blog to see a peer approach something I have also painted (above). Life moves so fast and although this is a recent painting, I was a different person when I painted this jug, so I"m able to see it with fresh eyes. I ask myself, "What inspired me to paint this jug? What was I trying to convey?" "What does the piece actually say?" Then "What is not evident that would inspire, motivate and excite a desire to own this painting?
Initially I wanted to create a peaceful food related still life. French country evokes a relaxed and happy feeling in me and I love the sense of history in the rust. I think I achieved my goal, but how could I create more energy in another version? I would open the lid which would add angles to the composition and create curiosity about what it may contain. In another version I may intensify the blue of the jug and lighten and cool the tone of the creamy wall behind. In another version I may fill the jug with lavendar or blossom. That is the very reason an artist works in series, exploring different colours and lighting conditions, testing ideas and getting to know the subject matter.
Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh are two famous artists that loved to paint in series, continuing to develop their understanding of the subject matter. When you paint in series it not only gives an opportunity to learn, but offers the buyer many options. Some people love flowers, others love a certain colour or colour combination and others are attracted by an unusual viewpoint. Therefore painting in series gives both the artist and the art lover an opportunity to be inspired.
I think it unlikely that I will alter this painting, but I may very well paint more in the series and perhaps I will add a little of Dreama's blue to the mix.
