Day 7 - Ducky Day for a Sail

 Another little ducky today - Its my birthday, and its what I wanted to paint, so, here she is.. :)

After I painted her, I was standing back looking at her and realized it kind of looks like she is in a boat, with a leaf for a sail.  And, I'll disclose, I did not plan that.. But, it gave me some new ideas and I'll be revisiting the bowl/leaf sailboat idea at least once more during the challenge. :) So, with that, I named the painting, "Ducky day for a Sail" and am calling her done.

"A Ducky Day for a Sail", oil, 8"x8", purchasing details can be found here

Day 4 - The Warm and Fuzzies

 So, books are another trope I come back to now and then.. kind of like grilled cheese and tomato soup.. Books are good for a rainy day.. or a sunny day on the beach, or to listen to while I'm painting... and, as a former children's librarian, my connection to and love of books is well engrained. and don't even get me started about book banning.. oy... Anyway, books are a refuge for me.  

And then there are ducks.. :)

As soon as I paired this little girl on these books, it just felt all over warm and fuzzy.. This one is a simple image mostly about my love of books and cute little animals.  I'm also loving the brushwork and saturated colors.. ♥

The Warm and Fuzzies, Oil, 8x8, Click here for purchasing details

Day 2 - I'll Light a Candle for You

 It's day 2 of the January 30 and 30 and I'm in the groove.. Leaning into yesterday's spark of Simple Gifts, today's painting is a different take..  Titled "I'll Light a Candle for You", this one features a Duck in Chucks, a trope I come back to time and again.. kind of like peanut butter and jelly.  He's wearing a birthday candle for a hat, and is atop a soft rainbow. All together, the image feels like a simple gift to me...

"I'll Light a Candle for You", 8"x8", oil on panel, click here for purchasing details.

There is something to being able to appreciate the little things in life that helps bring happiness and peace to the chaos.. It's the simple gifts that make up our safety net, I think.. :) The wee duckling here agrees..

To take this a little further, I paint a lot of small paintings.. 8"x8", 10"x10" and 9"x12" are some of the most common sizes for me.. but, if you look closely, you will see that I try to pack a lot into every mark I make on this small space..  My painting style is what is known as Alla Prima, which means all at once.  This helps me to keep my marks fresh and along with my often thick and juicy textures, I hope to convey a sense of joyful life in each small image.  Take a look at some of the details below..

And my imagery is fairy simple when taken by itself.. What intrigues me is when you put the simple things together you often get a story. I try to make my stories ones that convey happiness..

Day 20 - Daisy Duck

 Two thirds of the way through this challenge and I'm happy to still have some ducklings to paint.. There are more than a few folks out there with whom ducks resonate, and its true that these guys don't stick around for long in my studio.. I try to put something new and fresh into each duck I paint.. This one was largely about his expression as he 'breaks the 4th wall' so to speak.  It makes me smile to think that this little guy is engaging with the viewer, inviting you to, I don't know, come on in, sit down and have a quack (or something) :) 

Getting a tad technical, I also went a little nutsy with texture as I enjoyed painting impasto (thick, juicy paint) throughout the composition.. 

I don't remember the artist who said this this, but his belief was that, while all the elements and principles of art are important to make a good painting, the 4 most important aspects of a painting are value, edges, shape and texture. Generally, I agree. You will notice that I consider these 4 things carefully in every one of my paintings.. So, while this may just look like an innocent little duckling waiting for a quacker, look closer to see how I handled each of these four devices.

Daisy Duck, oil, 8"x8", click here for purchasing details

Day 7 - Fool in the Rain

Indian runners are one of my favorite ducks to paint. They are charming and so full of personality, plus they just seem like they should be wearing gumshoes and toting around umbrellas.. :)  

The title was inspired by one of my favorite Led Zepplin songs.. Fool in the Rain. I have always been taken by the story and the underlying message.. it is about a guy who is supposed to meet a woman on a certain corner. When the woman doesn't show up, he thinks he's been stood up. It turns out he was just standing on the WRONG corner, and is now a "fool in the rain." The last verse has him sprinting to try to get to the woman before she thinks he stood her up...

I think we've all believed the worst of a situation, only to find out that we were mistaken in some way, or just didn't have all of the facts.. Its a good reminder to make sure to pay attention, reserve judgement and make sure you know all the facts before coming to a conclusion. :)

Fool in the Rain, oil on panel, 8"x8", click here to purchase

Day 5 - Little Ralphie with a Cherry on Top

This little guy popped into my studio today along with some delectably plump cherries, making a lovely little composition... I love painting ducklings and cherries too.  Its so satisfying to capture the softness of the duckling beside the jewel-like juiciness of the cherries.. yum! One thing I usually do as part of my painting process is conduct a bit of research on my subject matter.. I like to find out obscure facts and find connections, and, reading a bit about ducklings today, I found more than a few fascinating facts about ducks that I never knew before… amazingly, ducklings can swim almost immediately after hatching ..their eyesight is highly developed, even allowing them to  see ultraviolet light and, they have 3 eyelids (as do all birds - how did I not know this?)

Anyway, this little guy... too cute! :)

Little Ralphie with a Cherry on top, Oil, 8"x8", click here for purchasing details

Day 3 - Sunshine, Lollypops and Rainbows

Today's painting is titled "Sunshine, Lollypops and Rainbows" and she was inspired by the many little ducklings wearing shoes that I have painted before.  But more than that, I am currently reminded of my childhood.  

I remember as a kid, whenever I had to go to the doctor there would inevitably be a lollypop (or if it was the dentist, a little rubber animal!)  at the end of the visit… we all looked forward to that little lollypop, and in fact, to me, it was the most important part of the visit! Those were the good ol’ days and, I think it’s safe to say, we aren’t in lollypop land anymore... 

I have doctors on my mind because I've recently been to the doctors quite a bit myself, and, over the past few days had my son to several doctors as well.. and while there are no lollypops to help sweeten things after a shot or when you are feeling sick, I've found that most of the nurses and doctors are sweet enough to make up for things.  In this time of heightened medical awareness, this little duckling with her cheerful spiral lolly is for all the nurses, doctors and other medical staff who are doing their best to brighten your day, even while they are seeing patient after sick patient themselves, and even if they can't give us lollypops anymore..  Thank you for all you do!

This gal is for sale on my daily paintworks site. For purchasing info, please click the link below.

"Sunshine, Lollypops and Rainbows", oil on panel, 8"x8", click here to purchase

Day 20 - Upsy Daisy

 Good morning :)  Another edition to my Ducks in Chucks series - titled Upsy Daisy,  this time the duck is an Indian runner (one of my favorite kinds of ducks) and he is sporting vintage Chucks, toting an oversized daisy. From what I can tell, these are one of the very earliest versions of Chuck Taylor sneakers and were a brown canvas with what looks like a hard rubber sole.. Scroll down to see a picture of one :)

Upsy Daisy, oil, 8"x8", purchasing details here

If you'd like to read more about the evolution of Chuck Taylors check out this article :)

Day 16 - Do You Have Some Time For Me

Today's painting is of a little duck in a different but equally iconic style of shoes, Mary Janes.  A classic shoe, I've found that ducks look just as cute in them as they do in Chucks.  This little one needed a balloon to balance things out.. a red balloon :) When thinking about what to title this painting, I was reminded of the song 99 red balloons by Nena.  It was a popular song when I was a teenager and I remembered it begins with the line "Do you have some time for me?" And so the title was born.  

Naturally I had to look the song up and then watch the video.. and and then read a bit about it too.  It has an interesting history and is actually popular in 2 languages, English and German. If you'd like to read more, check out this link 

Do You Have Some Time For Me?, Oil, 8"x8", Purchasing Details click here

Day 15 - Stepping Out

 Every now and then a little duckling in Chuck Taylors shows up in my studio asking to be painted.  And sometimes, a patron makes a special request for one!  This guy is the result of the latter :)  I started painting Ducks in Chucks a few years back and was amazed to find that I may have been the first person to think of pairing these two up.. Chucks are such an iconic shoe and many people love them, including myself.  I have owned quite a few pairs of these and still have a few pair that I break out when I'm feeling it.  Today's duckling is sporting a classic pair of black hi-tops and has a bowtie and umbrella for a bit of extra cuteness. He's definitely stepping out for some special yet fun occasion! This guy is already spoken for, but if you'd like a duck in chucks all your own, you can contact me here :)

"Stepping Out", oil, 8"x8", reserved for purchase

Day 15 of the 28 in 28 - Duck Chuck Illuminated

 Another cheerful duck in chucks for today's entry.. In this one I was specifically thinking about one of Pantone's colors of the year, "Illuminating".  (see picture below)

Pantone usually chooses one color to be the thematic color of the year, but 2021 warranted 2! Illuminating is a bright, sun shiny yellow that is meant to heal, give hope and energize.  I love that!  This little duck is also meant to be a bright spot, hopefully bringing a smile to your face :) the other color, ultimate gray, can be seen below too.

Duck Chuck Illuminated, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to purchase please click here

Day 10 - Put Your Best Foot Forward

Every now and again a little duck wearing chucks shows up in my studio :) This guy came along today, putting his best foot forward and dancing to his own rhythm.. ♥ 

I find that doing these daily painting challenges is a way to practice putting my best foot forward.. by day 10, I start to feel the burn and the challenge gets real.  :) This guy is here to cheer us on!

Put Your Best Foot Forward, Oil on panel, 6"x6"
to purchase please click here

Day 1 of the 28 in 28 artwork challenge - Mony a Mickle Makes a Muckle

It is day 1 of the 28 in 28 artwork challenge and voila! It has snowed here in my little corner of the universe... I am happy and even grateful for the white weather. It reminds that life is structured in cycles and the time of the creative has arrived. 

Onward with today's post, a post of new beginnings, the beginning of a new challenge to create and post a new painting every day during the month of February! I am taking part in this challenge along with 21 of my artist friends from Art Plus Gallery in West Reading and the excitement among us is palpable, even within the social distancing moment that we exist.

Today's painting has a bit of a title... I'm calling this "Mony a Mickle Makes a Muckle" and I am just vibrating in my pants over it...  A whimsical bit of a Highland cow with a sweet duckling and several ephemeral butterflies, I initially went with the subject of this painting because I've been jonesing to paint a highland cow forever.. they are a sturdy Scottish breed that is able to withstand harsh conditions and intemperate weather and their beautiful fur and expressive faces are just too much... I needed to get my brushes into them!  Add a duckling and some butterfly joy to complete the picture. I was thinking about Scotland as I painted this gal, doing a little reading.. and came across this Scottish saying - Mony a mickle makes a muckle.. which translates to "Many little things make a big thing".  What a perfect way to begin the challenge! The many little paintings I complete this month will amount to much more than any one of them could and this little painting will start it all off. :)

If you are reading along and wish to follow the challenge, please check out the Daily artwork challenge Facebook page and like us so you don't miss a day :)

"Mony a Mickle Makes a Muckle", Oil on panel, 10"x10", unframed, $395
to purchase, please click here

Collage of all the paintings from the 2018 30 in 30 painting challenge

The finale of every 30 in 30 includes creating a collage of all of the paintings I created during the challenge.  In the past, it would take me sometimes hours to do this, because I typically painted on a variety of sizes of canvas or panels and I had to figure out how to get them to all fit nicely .  This time around, save for one painting (the plein air I did around the middle of the challenge), I painted on all square panels or canvas.  This made it a relative snap to collage them all in a nice organized way.  I say relative because there was still finagling I had to do.  But it was much easier this time round... 

If you read my first post from this challenge, you will see that I wasn't sure how things were going to work out for me. My son was just getting over a 2 month illness, during which I had spent little or no time in my studio.  I wondered if I would be able to paint every single day... but I decided I neede to do this to push me to get up there!  Things were going great, and then, mid challenge and for a variety of reasons, we decided start my son in cyber school.  I once again wasn't sure what would happen, because I knew that my life was going to be in upheaval for awhile while he transitioned into this type of schooling. I can say this, some life difficulties are hared to work around. But if you have the will and the ideas, you can generally find the time to create.  There were days I didn't get up into my studio until after dinner and painted until 9 or 10.  I didn't care for that at all.  But I wanted complete this challenge with all 30 paintings this time so, I forced myself to do it.  I am so glad I did!  Below is the collage of all the paintings and I love seeing them all together!

And finally, credit must be given to my husband who always picks up on the chores and cooking that I can't do because I'm designing a painting or actually painting the painting... or I'm just too tired! Thanks hubby... <3

And thanks again to you for reading this and following me through this challenge.  All the positive feedback has been wonderful!  

Day 24 of the 30 in 30 - "Make 'em Laugh - Cosmo Brown"

When I am feeling inspired to paint my whimsical duck paintings, I am guessing that I am being influenced by my past occupation as a Children's Librarian. I worked as one for just over 6 years and  I have to say that it was truly one of the best jobs I have ever had.  Heck,  I got to choose and read beautifully illustrated books to happy, un-jaded little children every week.  What more could you ask for in a job?  And of course you can't beat the free dissemination of information that public libraries offer and defend every day of their existence.  Public Libraries Rock and don't you forget it.  
The title comes from the classic musical "Singing in the Rain", because at first I thought about titling it "Quacking in the Rain",  but just couldn't bring myself to this level of absurdity... And then I remembered this quote from Cosmo Brown, a character in the movie. -  "No matter what, never lose your sense of humor... keep smiling and make em laugh"... If you haven't seen the musical, check it out.   Its a classic for a reason! And I just remembered, the first time I ever saw this movie, I rented it from the library I was working in!  Yay! Love it when life brings you full  circle...

Make 'em Laugh - Cosmo Brown, oil, 6"x6", to purchase click here

Day 18 of the 30 in 30 - "Family Outing"

I had to revisit the duck family today.  I figured Sunday was a good day to check this sweet little clutch out again as they could be just coming back from church or maybe going to Mom-Mom's... I left this one very gestural as I was pinched and had to limit my time in the studio.  As an aside, it is really a good exercise to sometimes give yourself an hour (only) and finish a painting in that time.  Makes you plan and work efficiently, plus gives some good lessons along the way...

Family Outing, oil, 8"x8", $135, to purchase click here

Day 6 of the 30 in 30 - Duck Norris

Well, yesterday's painting sold fresh off the easel!  I thought there may just be a need for some karate ducks after all, so I painted a sequel today. :)  I love painting these ducks and am so grateful that there are people out there who appreciate them right along with me.  There is an interesting story behind these two guys, and if you'd like to read more about them, you can check out my blog post from yesterday :) 

Duck Norris, oil on panel, 6x6, to purchase click here

Day 5 of the 30 in 30 - Red Chuck Kicking Duck

It can be hard to come up with titles sometimes!  Especially when the painting is just plain silly like this one.  When painting this guy today, I was thinking of a few things...the Eagles big time win, of course, and also my daughter who has her black belt in taekwondo.  She practiced endless kicks and punches and I know it played a big role in who she is today! This duck is confident in his red chucks, kicking butt and being cute...

There is another side to him that I'd also like to share. First, let me show my painting for today which is available for sale at my Daily Paintworks site.  Link to buy is under the pic...

Red Chuck Kicking Duck, oil on panel, 6"x6", to purchase click here

So, the idea for this painting was 'borrowed' from another painting I did last year.. I had to paint this duck again.. just in a slightly different pose with different colored chucks.  

A good friend and avid collector of my art (we'll call him Q) commissioned me awhile back to paint him a pair of Chuck bedecked ducks.. He had a specific purpose in mind - His ducks were to be wearing turquoise and pink chucks, and have the ribbons indicating prostate and breast cancer.  Below is the pic of the finished commission... 

Don't Mess With This, oil on panel, 9"x12", SOLD

You see, Q is a 2 time cancer survivor!  He found out a few years back that he had prostate cancer.. Thankfully, he went through treatment and is in remission for it... but then a year or so later he found out that he had breast cancer.  Yes breast cancer! He went through treatment for this, and thankfully again, he is in remission!  Wow!  So, first of all, men have breast tissue too, and second of all, they can get breast cancer... And lastly, Q told me that men who have had prostate cancer actually have an increased risk of getting breast cancer!  They are linked, apparently.  So, PSA - if you are a man, get checked for prostate cancer, because it can happen to anyone!  And, if you are a woman (or a man who has had prostate cancer), get your mamograms! (Q calls these man-o-grams if you are a guy... :)  Among other great things, Q has a wonderful sense of humor and passion for life that is inspiring!

Day 4 of the 30 in 30 - Blue Mary Janes

These Ducks just keep coming out of my brush.  This one is simply a study in cute happiness, as I believe she is quite satisfied with her shoes. I would assume that blue MaryJanes exist in this world of varied footwear.  After painting them on this happy duck, me thinks I may have to search me out a pair! That is after tonight's big game.. Off to make Nachos and other goodies!

If you are interested in purchasing, please click the link under the painting. :)

Blue Mary Janes, oil on panel, 6"x6", Click here to purchase

Day 20 of the 30 in 30 - "Roller Derby Ducky"

How many of you out there (assuming you were born early enough to not only remember the 80's but have actively participated in them) had a pair of roller skates and a "Hang Ten" tee-shirt?  Well, I lived through the 80's (showing my age here...) but, alas, I was not an avid roller skater...  But, I had an epiphany the other night....  My ducks need roller skates!  Upon looking for images of roller skates, I started coming across AMAZING images of roller derby skates and of course all things 80's.  Along with that came the iconic Hang Ten shirts with the two little foot prints on the upper left and the rainbow stripe across the chest.  It became evident that I needed to put all of these elements together, and so, Roller Derby Ducky was born.  And what better day to paint such a painting than on this day of peaceful transfer of power, when so many people out there are looking to smile just once. I hope this painting is the reason you did...  :)  

Roller Derby Ducky, oil on panel, 9"x12"
to purchase, please click here