THREE YEARS OF 30 PAINTINGS IN 30 DAYS

Well, I suppose practice is the key. This is the 6th Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge that I've taken part in.

The first challenge back in January 2013 launched my ACEO series of miniatures and also this daily blog. The challenge was a grueling process for me, forcing myself to adapt to such a tiny canvas, but it helped me immensely and the series has proved very popular with my galleries.

January 2013 - 30 paintings in 30 days

The next challenge in September 2013 continued with the ACEO series and taught me how to simplify my set up because I was traveling at the time. This was my most successful challenge to date as far as sales go.

By January 2014 I should have been more prepared, but I think this challenge was the most difficult for me. After the intense pressure of shows, holiday sales and time dated commissions, I like to relax in January, organize my studio and sort through paperwork. The challenge added pressure at a time of the year I don't need it and every painting was a struggle. Many of these paintings were of the larger Mini (4" x 4") and Miniature Masterpiece (6" x 6") series and I can even see one 16" x 12" which took several days. However, looking back I can see my creativity was really bubbling. Some of these are my favourite paintings to date.

Next was an interesting collection where I was experimenting in many ways. I was starting to add figurative work and collage to my repertoire. At the time I was also preparing for a submission of 20 new paintings around 100 sq ins, so many of these were larger than the norm - 16" x 6", 18" x 24", 30" x 15" and 24" x 36". I also introduced a new series of "Raw Edge" paintings with proved very popular because of the simplicity of matting.

In January of this year I created another 30 paintings. This series was all about texture. Acrylic paint tends to dry very flat, so the manufacturers have supplied us with many additives to make the paint 3D. For this challenge I was determined to test mediums and textural products in my studio and focus more on layering and non representational ideas.

I tried two kinds of gloss gel, three kinds of modelling paste, matte gel, tissue paper, crackle and various iridescent, fluorescent and interference paints. I also tried a variety of substrates from Canson Arches board and tiny deep wrap canvas to Strathmore water-colour paper. I tested different ways to prepare canvas panels. I learned a lot in this process and really enjoyed breaking away from the norm. If you are interested in acrylic technique, this is a great series to scroll back to in my blog.

And here we are with another collection. This time I challenged myself to practice my abstract skills. Abstracts are not popular in this neck of the woods, so I rarely paint them. However I am a frustrated abstract painter and most of my ideas these days involve massive paintings with interesting texture, collage and mixed media. This challenge was play time for me.

One of the things I learned in the process was to allow the painting to rest in stages and add more layers over time. This layering process adds interest to abstract works. I think I'm a better painter after this series. Now even when I go back to landscape, seascape and animal paintings I can apply the techniques learned and add interest to my larger works.

I think this AFFORDABLE abstract series is some of my best work to date.

Posted at #4 on Leslie Saetas Blog

AFFORDABLES - Sunset I

SUNSET I
Affordable Series
9" x 12" Canvas
Regular $100 - Special $75



Today I worked on an AFFORDABLE abstract based on a beautiful sunset photographed by my friend Bob Jones. I fell in love with the dove grey and brilliant orange combination.

There are only a couple of days to take advantage of my special price on the AFFORDABLE series. All the paintings will revert to their $100 price on October 1st. I will still include shipping to North America and the UK.


Day 29 of 30 paintings in 30 days
Posted on Leslie Saetas blog as #4

AFFORDABLES - Journey III

 

JOURNEY III
Sea Dean
12" x 9" or 9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA

View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I'm taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 24

For a theme I've chosen abstract expressionist/impressionist explorations. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette, so it's time I created my own series.

So here is "Journey III", which follows on from JOURNEY I and II with similar circles and waves. Gold flakes shimmer and shine in room light. The paintings look wonderful together and could hang as a group with more of the series yet to come. JOURNEY III is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 24 - 30 paintings in 30 days

Posted as #30 on Leslie Saetas blog

AFFORDABLES - Journey II

JOURNEY II
Sea Dean
12" x 9" or 9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA

View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I'm taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 23

For a theme I've chosen abstract expressionist/impressionist explorations. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette, so it's time I created my own series.

So here is "Journey II", an abstract for adventuring. This follows on from JOURNEY I with similar circles and waves. I have included a cross of silver iridescent paint and some delicate glitter to add mystery. The paintings look wonderful together and could hang as a group with more of the series yet to come. JOURNEY II is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 23 - 30 paintings in 30 days

Posted as #2 on Leslie Saetas blog

AFFORDABLES - Pastel Lines I

PASTEL LINES I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA

View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I'm taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 12

For a theme I've chosen abstract expressionist/impressionist explorations. I've painted many abstracts, but I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting palette, so now I'm working on my own series.

"Pastel Lines I", is a soft and delicate abstract modeled on a watery sunset. The paint is impasto, deep texture and finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish. The painting works well any way up, but I like the top one best.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 12 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted as # on Leslie Saeta's blog

AFFORDABLES - Multi Lines I

MULTI LINES I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA

View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Closeup of Texture

I'm taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge with over 700 fellow artists. This is day 11.

For a theme I've selected abstract expressionism/impressionism. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting palette. It's time I created my own series. I've painted many abstracts, but I would like to develop a recognizable style.

"Multi Lines I", is a lighthearted, fresh abstract. The painting is highly textured, scattered with iridescent platinum paint (it looks grey in the images) and finished with Gamvar, museum quality varnish. The painting can be displayed any way up. For larger impact a triptych of similar pieces would work well. They look stunning displayed over a couch or in a master bedroom.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 11 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted as #6 on Leslie Saeta

AFFORDABLES - White Lines I

WHITE LINES DETAIL

WHITE LINES I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA

View my large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

With over 700 artists I'm taking part in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge DAY 10

For a theme I've chosen abstract expressionist/impressionist explorations. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette, so it's time I created my own series.

So here is "White Lines I", an abstract for calming.  The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish. As I was painting this I could feel all the years of training guiding me in colour choice and placement. It was a magical experience.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship to you ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 10 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted as #10 on Leslie Saetas Blog

AFFORDABLES - Seascape I

SEASCAPE I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA -
Reduced shipping elsewhere.



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I am joining over 700 artists in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge - DAY 9

For a theme I've chosen abstract painting. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an colourful palette, so it's time to create my own series.

Here is "Seascape I", inspired by an island storm. Here I was concentrating on texture and using the palette knife in different ways. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

For this series of abstracts I will ship anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can mount, mat or frame and ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.

THE WAVE
6" x 6"
Canvas Card
SOLD 

I had the pleasure of visiting my Gallerist today and finding out which of my paintings had sold. It is always interesting to see what works and what doesn't in that location. Cathy is my main contact with the buying public ... my eyes and ears, because they rarely talk freely in front of the artist. As always many of my ACEO had sold but also many slightly larger paintings, mini masterpieces and small squares.

This wave painting had sold, but as usual I'm always happy to create another in the series in any size to suit your space.


Day 9 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Added as #6 on Leslie Saeta's Blog

AFFORDABLES - Sun I

SUN I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping in Canada, UK and USA



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

With over 700 artists I'm painting the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge - Day 8.

For a theme I've chosen abstract painting. I've painted many abstracts, but I want to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting palette. This is another abstract which progressed through many versions. The final palette is eye popping and strong. 

So here is "Sun I", an abstract that combines some of my favourite colours and my favourite symbol, the sun. The painting is finished to high gloss with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

For this series of abstracts I will ship anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can mat or frame and ship to you ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 8 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted as #9 on Leslie Saetas Blog

AFFORDABLES - Paradise I

PARADISE I
Sea Dean
12" x 9" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA


View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER

View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

With over 700 artists I'm painting in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 7

For a theme I've chosen abstract expressionist/impressionist explorations. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette, so it's time I created my own series.

So here is "Paradise I", an abstract of volcanic beauty. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish. There is a hint of Aztec about this painting, but I was also thinking of the volcanoes of Hawaii and Guatemala as I painted it. It is strange how some abstracts come together quickly and others take time to find their voice. This is one of the latter. I love the final colour combination and particularly enjoy the hints of gold iridescent paint and stamping.

I will ship this abstract series anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can ship to you ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.

Day 7 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted on Leslie Saeta as #12

AFFORDABLES - Organic I

ORGANIC I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited Time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I am joining over 700 artists in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 4

For a theme I've chosen abstract painting, jumping in at the deep end. I've painted many abstracts, but I need to develop a consistent style. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have a colourful palette.

So here is "Organic I", an abstract expressionist painting with BRUSHO crystal under-painting. I found this product quite challenging to work with, because unless used very lightly it reverts to dull powder when dry. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

For this series of abstracts, just in time for the holidays, I will ship anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can mat or frame and ship to you ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 4 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Posted as #3 on Leslie Saetas Blog

AFFORDABLES - Landscape I

LANDSCAPE I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I am joining nearly 800 artists in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 3

For a theme I've chosen to conquer my fear of abstract painting by jumping in at the deep end. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to focus and develop a consistent style. I love abstract expressionism, both to paint and to purchase. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette.

So here is "Landscape I", a palette knife painting using a mountainous landscape for inspiration. However, this is a true abstract which can be turned to suit your space. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

For this series of abstracts, just in time for the holidays, I will ship anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can mat or frame and ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 3 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Added to Leslie Saeta's Blog #150

AFFORDABLES - Rose I

ROSE I
Sea Dean
9" x 12" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

I am joining over 700 artists in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. DAY 2

I love abstract expressionism, both to paint and to purchase. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have a colourful palette, so for a theme I've chosen to conquer the abstract. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I must focus to develop a consistent style. What better way than creating 30 abstracts in 30 days.

So here is "Rose I", a painterly rose, inspired by an image taken by artist Evhe for her bi-monthly challenge. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

Just in time for the holidays, I am adding free shipping for this series of abstracts, anywhere in the UK and North America. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame. Should you prefer, I can ship with mat or ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 2 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Added to Leslie Saeta Blog #10

AFFORDABLES - Journey I

JOURNEY I
Sea Dean
12" x 9" Cotton Canvas Sheet
Limited time offer $75 includes shipping to Canada, UK and USA - Reduced shipping elsewhere.



View my online Gallery of large works and Limited Editions at ARTFINDER
View my online Gallery of small works at DAILY PAINTWORKS
Shop for Limited Edition ACEO and printed products here
Art Cards $5 and Art Postcards $3 here

Appropriately this painting marks the beginning of a journey for me. I am joining over 700 artists in the Leslie Saeta 30 paintings in 30 days challenge and this is the first day.

For a theme I've chosen to conquer my fear of abstract painting by jumping in at the deep end. I've painted many abstracts, but I feel I need to focus and develop a consistent style. I love abstract expressionism, both to paint and to purchase. When I visit a gallery it is always the abstracts that catch my attention, particularly if they have an interesting colourful palette.

So here is "Journey I", an abstract for dreaming. The lines and texture stand out from the surface. There are flecks of gold flake and transparent figuring. The painting is finished to a high shine with Gamvar, museum quality varnish.

For this series of abstracts I will ship anywhere in the UK and North America, inclusive. Your purchase will arrive ready to mount, mat or frame as you choose. Should you prefer, I can mount, mat or frame and ship ready to hang, please contact me for a quote.


Day 1 - 30 paintings in 30 days - Added to Leslie Saeta Blog #4