Day 18 - Join Me For Tea?

Have you ever been to a tea party?  I have fond memories of one I went to when I was a little girl, in a bonified tea room.  I don't remember much, but I do remember the pretty teacups.. the fancy cookies and just being enchanted to be there.  Maybe that is why I like painting tea cups so much.. Teacups have made it into many of my paintings, indeed, and I've definitely pondered why.

"Join Me For Tea", oil, 8"x8", purchasing details can be found here

...perhaps another reason I like painting teacups is because I used to make pottery years ago and made my fair share of teacups..  So, I've explored cups from the standpoint of actually designing and making them. I appreciate, for instance, a well designed handle, or a particularly elegant curve in the body of the cup..

 I also love that teacups and even drinking tea is symbolic in many cultures.. for instance the Japanese tea ceremony considers all aspects of having tea sacred from the preparation and serving of the tea to the types of vessels used. (read more about this beautiful ceremony here)  

And lastly I thoroughly enjoy drinking tea!  Earl Grey, Yunan Bo nay, Special Gun Powder Green tea, and Jasmine are some of my favorites but I've a whole cabinet full of different kinds.  

So, I guess that is enough reasons why I paint teacups, don't you think? So anyway, will you join me? :)

Day 17 - On Closer Inspection

I love painting birds, and sparrows are one of my favorites.. They are just a friendly bunch who often will hang out in groups and are very common in many parts of the world.. Their markings are so pretty to capture as well.. :)

Marbles on the other hand.. no, just kidding. I do like painting marbles and in fact I love marbles in general.. pretty little mini universes that they are and all.. But man, I haven't painted marbles in several years and I forgot just how hard they are to paint! The reflections, transparency, shadows and distortion.. all in this tiny ball, are challenging to say the least. I am not complaining, I promise...  I enjoy trying to capture the complexity and hope I do a half decent job at it.. Not sure if I achieved half decency with this one or not, but I'm pleased enough.

On another note, if you have marbles from your youth, don't get rid of them! I was looking up marbles on eBay when looking for reference pictures and 'vintage' marbles are quite expensive!  So, save your marbles folks!

"On Closer Inspection", oil 8"x8", purchasing details can be found here

Day 13 - Mid-Century Euro Robin

Good day :)  

Todays painting is titled "Mid-Century Euro-Robin" and it is a simple little one with a mid-century modern style teacup and an adorable European Robin.. I like mid-century modern design and the funky little drawings that are sometimes found on the products of the time. I think this teacup is just the sweetest and like not only the design on it but also its little circular handle..

If you are not familiar with the term, the Merriam Webster dictionary describes it thusly:  Mid-Century Modern (MCM) is a style of design (as in architecture and furniture) of roughly the 1930s through the mid-1960s characterized especially by clean lines, organic and streamlined forms, and lack of embellishment.

"Mid-Century Euro-Robin", oil, 7"x7", purchasing details can be found here

Years ago, when I was bored in school and would doodle in my notebook, often, my doodles would look similar to the doodles below.. I didn't realize it at the time but I was definitely channeling MCM...

And European Robins... I came across these cute little birds awhile back when looking through pictures of...wait for it... cute birds!  If you google "Cute Birds" I guarantee European robins will make the list somewhere :) According to this website  "The European Robin is seen throughout most of Europe year-round. Although it is called a robin, which is a member of the thrush family, this robin is actually a flycatcher. This very attractive bird is recognized by its orange face and breast"

Just do yourself a favor and google European Robin.. nearly every picture you will find is adorable. :)

Detail from today's painting..

Day 12 - Tea for Two

I have painted so many birds in my career as an oil painter.. but it's so strange that I don't think of myself as a painter of birds.  It's just that they often seem like the right thing to add into a composition.  They are often colorful, which makes it easy and fun to choose the perfect accent.  In addition, they are perchable, flyable, poseable, come in all sizes and add life to what could otherwise be a 'dead' composition... And, birds are revered by cultures the world round.. they appear in stories both ancient and new, as symbols, talismans, spirit guides and companions helping to weave a story within my work ..So Versatile are birds that no wonder they end up in many of my paintings! 

Cardinals are brilliant and very common here in PA.  Whenever I see one, I think of the belief that, when you see a cardinal, you are seeing a messages from loved ones who have passed and they are letting us know they are here, checking in... true or not, it is always soothing the soul to think about.

This cardinal is joined by an even smaller brilliant friend, perhaps a message to the cardinal, or perhaps coming in for a sip..  And so it is a cup of Tea for Two..

"Tea for Two", oil on panel, 8"x8", click here for purchasing details

Day 8 - Missing the Point

 I don't usually share my opinion on current affairs... but, I have always revered books.  In an earlier decade I was a librarian and that experience solidified my stance that books are sacred.  With the current state of affairs in the U.S. where book banning is suddenly in the news and many books are being singled out to be feared, hated, removed or censured,  I felt called to communicate my stance on the banning of books.  

When a book is subject of scrutiny and people are afraid that the message within is too dangerous to be shared, I feel that it is important to take a critical look at why, and then brace to protect that book and the message it contains.

Over the past few days, I have been looking at lists of books that have either been banned or have been highly contentious at one time or another. Having personally read many of the books that are on these lists, I have a few observations.. It seems a book may end up on one of these lists for one or more of the following reasons.

The message of a banned book holds the power of motivating one to look at the world through a different lens. 

The story within empowers the reader through its message.

The story, message or themes inspire self examination. 

the book helps a person to accept and value someone who is different than they are, 

It helps a person understand that their view of the world has been limited and there is much more to life than they ever imagined.  

Sometimes banned books put into words cultural wrongs that people are afraid name.

It might illustrate hateful behavior or circumstances of the past.

And sometimes a banned book brings a voice to people who do not have the power to speak for themselves.

Whatever the reason, the moment a book is under scrutiny and is in danger of being banned is the moment we should look carefully at the message that book holds.  It usually means it is time to read that book. 

Below is the painting that was inspired by my love of books and by the current spate of book banning. All of the books I have pictured have been banned at some point (or many points) in history. Yes, the Bible is one of the most banned books in the world.. And did you know that A Wrinkle in Time was banned in part because the young female character was just a bit too plucky.   Harper Lee's novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, was banned because of the themes of racism it explores as well its message that it is one's behavior, character and actions that they should be judged upon, not their social status or how they look. 

  I think that the people who are pushing to ban books from public and school libraries are truly missing the point of the far reaching good that can come from reading a book with a powerful message or story.  A good book, or classic piece of literature can help to teach us to be critical thinkers about our past, present and future, and can give us the tools to create a better world. 

It is a mockingbird I have painted atop the stack of books.  An arrow has been shot, perhaps aiming for that mockingbird.  But it missed.  While it has pierced the books, they remain intact and the mockingbird lives to sing another day. You know, it IS a sin to kill a mockingbird... 

"Missing the Point", oil on panel, 12"x12", click here for purchasing details. 

Day 30 - Orange You Sweet

 Today is the last day of the Daily Artwork Challenge and I am always in a bit of shock that a month has passed and I've actually done it..  I think of artists that have dedicated themselves to painting every day all of the time.. not just a month here and there, but every month, every year.. 

No matter the challenges, each time I've done one of these I have discovered new things and gained so much in experience and ideas. This time the challenge also coincided with my Barktober specials so I was able to do some commissions along with my own work which was a lot of fun, and mixed things up a bit. 

Today's painting is titled "Orange You Sweet" and came about because of the painting I posted this past Thursday of the sparrow on a teacup full of cherries.  I thoroughly enjoyed painting those juicy cherries so thought it would be a good idea to explore fruit a bit more.  I am predicting even more fruit in future paintings because of how much fun it is.. the colors are irresistible and honestly, I can practically taste the fruity juice when I'm brushing on the bright reds, oranges and yellows.. more please!

Orange You Sweet, Oil, 8"x8", click here to purchase

Day 28 - Suzume Cherries

Cherries are such a delectable fruit. When they are in season, a bowl of them is about the best treat I could have. Cherries have symbolized many things through time, but I like the symbolism of good fortune.. so here is a cup full of good fortune, topped with a little sparrow.  Suzume means sparrow in Japanese and these little industrious birds are symbolic of finding the joy in the little things in life.  I like to think that by adopting the positive attitude of finding joy in the little things, we invite good fortune into our lives.. This little painting carries that message within.

Suzume Cherries, oil, 10"x10", to purchase click here

Guess where I was when I painted this...

Day 19 - Buttonwood Sparrows

 Good morning :) Today's painting is a new one in my Three Little Birds series.  I designed this one at the same time I designed day 5's painting - Good Things Come in Threes.  Charmed with sparrows and their curious little gazes.. it's fun combining 3 in the same painting to create entertaining compositions.  The leaves are changing color every day, inspiring this warm palette of Autumn leaves.

Buttonwood Sparrows, oil, 6"x12, purchasing details here

Here's a pic of my mobile studio set up while I painted this one :)

Day 18 - One Enchanted Tea Party

 As I've mentioned before, I have a penchant for painting teacups with things in them or perched upon them. Seems the more I paint teacups, the more ideas I have for how to tweak this motif. This painting is of a teacup with a cupcake nestled inside and a birds nest replete with eggs on top.  Interestingly, many species of birds lay blue eggs, but the one I chose to adorn the top of this nest of eggs is a house finch. House finches are plentiful in my neighborhood and somehow I did not know that they too came from blue eggs..  I liked the neutral gray of this little bird, along with the warm neutrals in much of the rest of the image, the main pop of colors being the blue eggs and the warm tones in the shadows.  As I was about to write this post, the word enchanting popped into my head and I thought, yes this would be one enchanted tea party to attend, should something like this be served! :)

One Enchanted Tea Party, oil on panel, 10"x10", click here for purchasing details

Day 20 of the 28 in 28 - 3 Little Kings

 Today's painting is a continuation of my 3 little birds series, inspired by the Marley song of the same title. This one features 3 little brown birds known as wrens.  Wrens are secretive by nature, so we don't always see them, but they are also the focus of a folk story that elevates them to the king of all birds. The story goes that the Wren won a contest to see which bird could fly the highest in the sky because she cunningly hitched a ride on an Eagle's back..  Was she cheating, or was she just smarter than everyone else?  Your call, but if you'd like to read the whole story, click here. :)

3 Little Kings, oil on panel, 7"x14"
To purchase, click here

Day 16 of the 28 in 28 - "Melodies Pure and True"

 I have an ongoing series based on one of my favorite Bob Marley songs, "3 Little Birds". When I hear that song, my blood pressure immediately falls and my breathing deepens...  the relaxation washes over me and I am thankful for Bob and his sweet crooning.  My 3 little birds paintings are an ode to this song, this feeling and this way of being.. sometimes it is best to let things go, not worry and know that ultimately, Every little thing is going to be alright.

Today's painting features 3 dark eyed juncos, which is a type of bird that I personally think are under valued.  Aesthetically, their feathers have a beautiful range of neutral colors from an inky black to soft white with subtle pinks, blues and ochres glinting through.  They used to be very common to see at bird feeders here in SE Pennsylvania, but I have read that their populations have dwindled in recent years.. while still considered a very prevalent species, this article from the Audubon society raises concern.  In any event, our feathered friends are a gift to the world and should be respected and protected, other wise, we may have some very big things to worry about...

To hear the song of the dark eyed junco and bring a little spring into your day, click here.

"Melodies Pure and True", oil on panel, 7"x14"
to purchase, please click here

Day 7 - Viva L'amor

Today my husband and I are celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary. ♥  I painted this painting in honor of love and the day he asked me to marry him.  That day, I was outside, working on my old junker of a car, a Nissan Sentra..(yes, I used to do that too...)  my arms were covered in black grease and I was a dirty mess.  It was a cold winter's day, mid January, and he came driving down my parent's driveway in his Ram Charger that we called the Big Blue Living Room.. he walked over to where I was as I leaned into the engine compartment, and stood there a minute. He finally spoke up and said.. "So... will you marry me?"  

My response...?

"Viva L'Amor", oil on panel, 6"x12", 
To purchase click here

"Are you kidding me?" I straightened up and looked at him carefully to make sure he wasn't pulling my leg.  You see, we had only been dating for around 2 months at that point...had only really known each other for a few months more than that.  So.. yes, I thought he was actually kidding... 

But he was not.  And he asked me again.  

And I said yes. :)

♥

Viva L'amor

Day 25 of the 30 in 30 challenge - Bird Bath

So this is another entry into my mini series of Visual idioms... I guess 'Bird Bath' is a kind of idiom..?Coming up with titles an be difficult. Sometimes more difficult than doing the painting itself!  But with this painting, as well as 2 others I recently did (Duck Tape and Rabbit Ears) the title came first.  Then I had to decide what kind of bird and what kind of bath... 

The bath was a no brainer.  I've painted claw foot tubs before and they are a lot of fun.. They come in all kinds of colors and have the best lines.  The bird took a bit more thinking.  I first looked up "what are the biggest birds in the world?".  I wanted a big guy, I knew.  I looked at ostriches, cassowaries (blue heads...), rheas and turkeys.. None of them quite worked.  In searching, I started to come across pelicans and remembered another pelican I had once painted.  The pelican I had painted previously had actually befriended a woman who lived on a house boat.  The story goes that she came across him and I think he was injured.  She cared for him and then come time for him to migrate, he did.  She didn't know if she would ever see him again.  Lo and behold, the following season, the pelican came back to her.  As far as I know, he comes back every season and hangs out on her house boat with her.  I love that so much.. So the decision was made.  Time to paint another pelican.  

As an aside, the nautical flag is the flag that symbolizes Charlie (C) and also means "Yes".  Always good to include a bit of the positive, I thought, and, maybe it's just me, but this pelican could definitely pass for a Charlie. :)

Bird Bath, Oil, 10"x10", click here to purchase

Day 22 of the 30 in 30 - Chicka Chicka Red Balloon

Good Sunday morning.  Day 22’s painting, titled "Chicka Chicka Red Balloon" is another take on the Red Balloon and an abstract background, with a twist...  When this idea popped into my head it was one of those that I almost pushed away thinking it was dumb.  A bird with a balloon tied around it’s middle... what? Here is how the conversation went in my head...

Ooohhh... a red balloon and a bird! 

No good. most birds fly all on their own...  Why and when would a bird ever need balloon assisted flight? This would never happen... 

But... when has the impossible stopped me?  

Yes, but what about all of the poor birds that literally get tied up in balloons that people release accidentally or on purpose..this is not good at all...don't paint this...

But then I thought, what if a bird purposely had the balloon around his waist?  I don't know.. maybe it was at a party and some other bird dared him to do it?  Or, maybe it was minding it's own business and found someone's red balloon and kindly was taking it back to them? Other scenarios vaguely passed through my head...still not entirely convinced, I then thought, I need to paint something, I should just do it... painting a painting a day requires flexibility and sometimes going out on a limb.

If you read my blog post about being open to the thoughts and images your brain produces and not censoring them, you will wonder, Why were you censoring yourself, Karen?  Truth is, I slip up sometimes and let negative Nelly talk.  If I'm lucky, my positive Patty poses convincing arguments and wins.  I was lucky this time and, I painted it.. I'm quite glad I did. After finishing it, I found myself just staring at, lost in some kind of feeling that I can't describe (ever have one of those?)   I still don't exactly know what to think of it, but the best way to describe it is it has a tension in the imagery.. a push and a simultaneous pull..  Is the bird flying, controlling the balloon? Or is the balloon pulling up, controlling the bird?  And, for whatever reason, I'm particularly happy with how the balloon came out :)

Chicka Chicka Red Balloon, oil, 11"x14", click here to purchase

Day 19 of the 30 in 30 - Duck Tape

I like ducks... I love vintage curiosities. These 2 guys seemed the most natural of companions.  This was one of those rare and special paintings that just painted itself. Do you know the kind of painting I'm talking about?  When the whole painting evolves naturally and every single brush stroke is some how exactly the right brush stroke. Such a joyful experience and I am extremely gratified with the results!

I seem to remember a tape dispenser like this on my 3rd grade teacher's desk.. a cast iron 'whale tail" design put out by 3M in the 50's.  One of them weighs several pounds, but the beautiful lines and balanced design make me want to have one anyway. And what else would you put on top of one of these but a duck? :)

Duck Tape, Oil, 11"x14", Click here to purchase

 

Day 30 of the 30 in 30!!! - "I Honor the Place"

Today is the last day of this 30 in 30, and I cannot believe it!  It has been the absolute best 30 in 30 I have challenged myself to in so many ways...

I want to put this out to all of the people who have followed me through this round of paintings.  I have had over 700 page views on my blog since it started, which for me is a big deal! :) Plus lots of great feedback on my facebook and instagram.  Also, I met some new artists who are also participating in the challenge and amazingly, I have sold about 1/4 of the paintings I created!!! I appreciate all of the support, love and encouragement people give me every time I do one of these, and this time has been especially wonderful!  So, this painting is in honor of y'all... 

Namaste 

I honor the place in you 

in which the entire universe dwells.

I honor the place in you which is of love, light, peace and joy.

When you are in that place in you 

and I am in that place in me,

We Are One.

I Honor the Place, oil on canvas, 8"x8", to purchase click here

I tried to fill this painting with as much light as I could logically fit in... with glints of gold and rosey highlights to produce as much visual joy as I could... <3 <3 <3

Day 29 of the 30 in 30 - A Shining Affirmation

White... is not a mere absence of color; it is a shining and affirmative thing, as fierce as red, as definite as black... God paints in many colors; but he never paints so gorgeously, I had almost said so gaudily, as when he paints in white. 

-Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Shining Affirmation, oil, 8"x8", on hold

I painted this while working in Art Plus Gallery today. I love my gallery!  And, a huge plus of this job is when I am in the gallery I get to sell art and make art... where is the flaw? :)  It is an affirming thing to be an artist, even on the hard days. I am truly grateful to be able to do what I do. <3

Day 28 of the 30 in 30 - "Bluebird for Happiness"

Bluebird for Happiness 

This merry little feathered friend, 

so cheery, bright and blue,

because he brings true happiness, 

I'm sending him to you! 

Bluebird for Happiness, oil, 8"x8", to purchase click here

Day 27 of the 30 in 30 - "Morning Call"

I have a penchant for vintage things.. particularly product designs that are found in the 1950'5.  This tea cup is a cup made by Lu-Ray and was in their pastel dinnerware line. Lu-Ray made this line from 1938-1960 and if you like clean, simple, soft lines, elegant design and pastel colors... this is the dinnerware for you.  The baby chickadee sitting on the edge of this cup is singing a joyful song, maybe for his breakfast.. or perhaps a cup of oolong tea?  

Oh, and thank you to my hubby for the title. :)

Morning Call, oil, 6"x6", to purchase click here

Day 26 of the 30 in 30 - "Spool of Gold"

Did you know that juncos are in the sparrow family?  There are 5 types of dark eyed juncos and they range across Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.  And they form monogamous relationships... meaning they are one of those rare breeds that mates for life. :) One last little interesting nugget of junco info - They are often called the 'snowbird', as in the eastern U.S. they appear at the start of the winter and then flies north again in the spring!  So, Eastern U.S.-ers... enjoy them while you can, because they'll be gone soon!

Spool of Gold, oil, 6"x6", to purchase click here