Day 27 - A Rocky Start

While we are nearing the end of the February challenge, I am just beginning my journey in watercolor.  It's actually not been a rocky start at all, the contrary in fact.. but this study was partially about one way of painting rocks in watercolor and that is the title that popped in my head, so, it is...  

This method of painting rocks is a neat trick that involves a credit card and timing, plus the proper amount of paint and water.  But once you know, you know.  And, while this was not the main painting we created during this particular class (it was just a study to practice rocks) it is actually one of my favorites from the class so far.  I love just about everything in it.. how the colors blended, the trees.. the rocks, of course, and the reflections.  The mountains in the background were actually put in in a different class when Mick was teaching us a method of painting distant, snow-covered mountains.  I had painted them and added a wash on the rest of the paper and then put the mountain practice aside.. A few weeks later, when he had us practicing rocks, I pulled out my mountain study and decided to use them as the backdrop for a rocky spit of land.. I'm glad I did!  

"A Rocky Start", watercolor on Arches rough paper, 8"x12", NFS

Day 22 of the 30 in 30 - Tourist in Seoul

Seoul is the 11th most visited city in the world.  Located in South Korea, I wouldn't have thought it would be a popular tourist destination, but upon reading about Seoul, I found that not only is it apparently beautiful, but the South Korean people are said to be kind and respectful of each other and visitors.  According to one visitors site, the South Korean's way of life is "Work hard, play hard", and Seoul is reported to have an active and fun night life as well as an amazing park system.  When you look at a map of Seoul, you can see a huge park that resides smack in the middle of the city. This scene, while not in that park, is located in the area of Seoul called Yongsandong, and is near their National Museum.  I liked the small pagoda like structure with the mountain rising in the background.  Also enjoyed painting this young lady, enjoying her day as a tourist.

Tourist in Seoul, oil on panel, 4"x18"
to purchase please click here

Day 6 of the 30 in 30 - "Under the Supertrees, Singapore"

 From my "Glimpsed" series, Singapore is #4 on the list of the 20 most visited places in the world.  I never would have thought to myself, "Gee, I'd like to go to Singapore some day." But after discovering the Super Tree grove which is a multi sensory park in Singapore, I have reconsidered.  From the Supertree Grove website, "Measuring between 20 and 50 metres tall, these iconic tree-like vertical gardens are designed with large canopies that provide shade in the day and come alive with an exhilarating display of light and sound at night."  I wouldn't mind seeing this...   But, honestly, I don't know if it could  compare with the Redwoods out in California and Oregon.  That is hard to beat.

Under the Supertrees, Singapore, oil, 4"x18"
To purchase, click here

Saudade & Day 15 of my Holiday Painting Spree

Today is the beginning of the 3rd week of my Holiday Painting Spree! That means I have a new painting to giveaway.  This is one that I painted during one of the 30 in 30's I have taken part in and is a landscape from somewhere in Brazil. I found this scene while wandering around Brazil in Google Street View and the clouds and patterns in the landscape captivated to me!  The painting used to have a different title, but I've changed it to "Saudade", a beautiful Brazilian word that is unique to their culture.  According to wikipedia the meaning of Saudade is "A deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone that one loves." Somehow, I thought it was a fitting title.  Enter today for a chance to win this painting at my website, www.karenweberfineart.com  Thank you and have a great day!

Saudade, oil on panel, 6"x6", framed

AND...

Today's Holiday Painting Spree painting is one of a series of butterflies I have been doing.  Today's is titled "Something Special". This painting is framed in a unique double frame, making it extra special! To purchase, please visit my DPW gallery here

Something Special, oil on panel, 

Day 16 - Under the Big Oak

My usual method of painting is what is known as alla prima - meaning 'all at once'.  This means that I paint wet paint into wet paint and  try to paint the entire painting in one day (That could mean several to many hours depending on the size and complexity).  If scale and time do not allow, than I will make sure that I complete a section so that I don't have to work into it in the next sitting.

There are some paintings, however, that I have started, and, well, couldn't figure out how to finish.  Or knew there were still problems with it, but just couldn't figure out how to solve the.  It happens.  

This was one such painting.  I had the general landscape sitting around in my studio for over a year.  I decided I was ready to finish it today!  

I changed some values and colors... pushed some bushes and trees around a bit, and, in sticking to the figurative theme of this 30 in 30 for me, I added the 2 tiny people in the middle ground.  I'm calling this one done!

Under the Big Oak, oil, 12"x12"
to purchase please click here

Day 9 - Pagoda Hills Vineyard

I am so lucky to live in the beautifully diverse countryside of South Eastern PA.  Close by my house is a vineyard that welcomed me and my painting buddy, Russ out to plein air paint the other day.  It was a hot day.. what you might call indian Summer, with crickets singing away and butterflies visiting the late season flowers all around.  I was taken by the lane that led down to the barns and the big old tree that we found out was unfortunately having termite problems and may not make it much longer.  Anyways, I am not an expert plein air painter... it is something that really challenges me and seriously wears me out by the end of it.  But I'm always ready for another excursion.  Painting out of doors is just the best experience.  Technically a landscape, the little person walking with the dog (look close... he's there...) makes it semi-figurative so I get a pass today!

Pagoda HIlls Vineyard, oil, 11"x14",
to purchase, please click here

 

Day 7 - Once in a While

Here is another painting from that group of pics I took one hot summer day a few weeks back.  This time starring my son and daughter!  They are both too good to me. The title just popped into my head, but I like it so I'm sticking with it.  I think I'd like to try this basic subject in a larger, looser painting with perhaps a more horizontal composition.  And, I must say, it was hard to paint such a small painting today, after days of painting larger ones!  I recommend going big to any artist out there.  Anyway, this one is 9"x9", a cute size at least.

Once in Awhile, oil, 9'x9"
To purchase, please click here

Day 3 - Watching the Sky

Well, it is 3 minutes to mid-night... I was painting all day today, and it is the weekend so, family is home.  It's always hard to be in my studio when I know everyone else is downstairs, but, during this challenge it must sometimes be done.  So, this painting was complete a few days ago as I am ahead of schedule. I am just not always the brightest bulb in the pack and am just getting around to posting now.  So, here it is, "Watching the Sky"..

Watching the Sky, oil, 12"x24",
To purchase, please click here

Day 3 - Layers 1

Today's painting is one of 2 that I designed to be hung as a pair, or separately.  The original idea came from a much smaller stripey I did awhile ago and posted on instagram. I got so much positive feedback on that one little stripey that I decided to try it bigger.  Due to the dimensions, however, I needed to re-think it on two canvases.
Stripeys evolved from end of the painting session excuses to use up all of the left over paint on my palette.  I often save my paint by freezing it (this keeps oil paint fresh for much longer than just covering it)  But eventually the paint that I have saved over and over just needs to go because I need to start afresh with clean colors.  Nothing wrong with the old paint... just ready to move on.... So, I would grab a small panel, take my palette knife and just start painting it on in a purely abstract way. Some of theses turn out to be pretty interesting!  I like using the palette knife because it frees me from thinking about subject and just lets me talk about paint, color and composition in a purely elements and principles kind of way...  And... it allows me to use paint like a millionaire! (that is, lots of it!)  My recent stripeys are layer upon layer of paint.... in essence paintings over paintings.... It is what makes them so appealing to me!
So, here is Layers 1.  Below it is a close up of some of the juiciness, and below that is what Layers 1 could look like in your house!  Both paintings are custom framed and will be in the new show at Art Plus Gallery, opening January 8th.  Click here for details.

Layers 1, oil and cold wax, 16" x 20", framed
To purchase, please click here

Layers 1  Closeup

Layers 1  ~ Could be in your house!

Day 25 - As Above, So Below

Today I wanted to uber challenge myself and paint a big one... I painted an 18" x 24" landscape, again, from Idaho.. The contrasts and colors out West are just incredible.  Why is that?
Anyway, being that it is a bigger one, I am not sure if I am actually finished.  I think I need to go back in and fix some details up here and there.  Other than that, I am happy with the contrasts and the composition.  Being that it was bigger, I also had to work very differently than I usually do -  I used only big brushes and spent less time on the sketch and more time on the values and colors... This one isn't for sale just yet.  Stay posted as it will be eventually!  I'll have a better picture of it too.. this one was done in my studio under lights... not my preferred way of photographing. Oh well.  It's Friday.  I'm beat!

As Above, So Below, oil on panel, 18" x 24"
not for sale...

Day 23 - Jerome, Idaho

I was attracted to this scene because of its intense contrasts and the dramatic composition.  It is another scene I captured by travelling around in Google street view.  It is the only way I can see the world right now.. but it is a satisfactory substitute for now... I guess.. ;)  Anyway, as I was painting, I struggled with the mountains in the background, which were of course an important part of the picture.  I scraped it off no less than two times, then decided to paint it using a palette knife.  I love the way they turned out!  It is a lesson I need to remember... when the painting is not going the way I want... Scrape it off!  It almost always turns out better....

Jerome, oil on panel, 6" x 6"
to purchase please click here

Day 22 - The Valley

There are some places that exist in the world that look like a fairy tale... this is surely one of those places.  I don't know what goes on here in this little glade, but I have many images of what life might be like.  One thing I think is... that car I painted yesterday must be parked somewhere behind those trees... :)

The Valley,  oil on panel, 9" x 12"
to purchase please click here

Day 12 - Montana Daydream

Wow... today was the rainiest day I have seen in a long time in Eastern PA... I thought it would be nice to paint a sunny day landscape with warm hues to brighten things up a bit.  I have to say, though, there are those days in the studio when you think a painting is going to be simple, there is no good reason why it shouldn't be straight forward.... but for some reason, it doesn't work that way.  Today's painting was exactly that way.  This one fought me tooth and nail and I am not convinced it shows just how much effort I put into it.  But, that's o.k.  You learn something from every painting, good or bad.  So this one is called Montana Daydream... maybe because I was daydreaming of a sunnier day...

Montana Daydream, oil on panel, 6" x 6",
to purchase, please click here

 Here is a closeup of one section to show off the texture...

Day 8 of the 30 in 30 - Blue Roof

Life never stops, even if you have to paint a painting every day..... So, after helping to hang the new gallery show this morning and going to finalize plans on an upcoming solo exhibition I am having, I had just over 1 hour to complete a painting before having to get my son from the bus and take my daughter to work!  But, I got it done....
Today's image was found on Morguefile, the royalty free image site.  I was struck by the rich contrasts and strange colors.  I am including the original image here so you can see how sometimes I push the colors to be more of my liking. This one is very fauve, in my opinion!
If you would like to purchase this painting, please visit my Daily Paint works page here.

Thanks for looking!

Blue Roof, oil on panel, 6" x 6", click here to purchase

Two to Row

I painted this one today and posted my progress on facebook during different stages of the painting.  That was a lot of fun, and turned out to be a great thing.. I posted it on DPW as an auction, and already have a bid on it!  Yay!  I love DPW (Daily Paintworks)  Such an awesome platform for selling your artwork through.  So, this one is an image to remind me that I need to take a day to just go hang out near a creek or lake.  Haven't done that in so long.. and it is so healing...  If you are interested in placing a bid on this painting, please visit my DPW site here. Thanks!

Two to Row, oil on panel, 6"x6"
click here to place a bid

Blue Mountain Bend

If you followed me through my last 30 in 30 challenge, you know that I developed a penchant for google street view.  I am not in a place or position where I can travel the world right now, but love seeing new locales and painting my impressions of them.  This view is from somewhere in the Western U.S. where the mountains are plentiful and the colors are amazing...

Blue Mountain Bend, oil on panel, 6" x 6"
SOLD

Day 27 - Joy Ride

I do not own a motorcycle.... but I know many people who do.  Around here, motorcycles are a way of life for many.  Lots of Harleys.... plenty of every kind of motorcycle actually.  So, today's painting is for all you motorcycle enthusiasts.. (I know some of you are reading this!)  Nice weather is right around the corner!  Spring is only 52 days, 4 hours and some odd minutes away!
This picture is again from Google Street View and, well, its not in Pennsylvania.  The Yucatan, peninsula where I suspect it is warm motorcycle weather most of the year.  But, I bet they get rain and hurricanes on a weekly basis.  :)  Enjoy!
This painting is up for auction at my Daily Paintworks website.  To bid, please click here.

Joyride, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to place a bid, please click here

Day 26 - Colorado Abstract

So, as I have painted landscapes over the past few weeks, I have noticed that I am seeing them more and more as abstracted shapes, colors and values.  It makes me wonder if they hold up composition-ally when turned 180 degrees. Tonight I am posting a painting both as the original orientation that I painted it and flipped upside-down to see what I think.  Theoretically, in my opinion, the painting should be equally pleasurable to view no matter what the orientation.  (Right?)  I don't know, but I think this should be so.  So, today's painting, simply titled "Colorado" is up to you how you like it (as all of my paintings are, actually)...
This painting is available for auction at my Daily Paintworks site! Please click here to bid

Colorado, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to place a bid, please click here

(because it makes me smile)  Odaroloc, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to place a bid, please click here

Day 23 - Lake George, Colorado

I have discovered that I like painting the sky contrasting with a variegated, patterned landscape.  Particularly the landscapes one can find in the western U.S. where there are such a range of land formations and hues to the earth.  I love Eastern PA where I live... definitely a beautiful area... but you tend to see a whole lot of green, and then some more green.... Lush for sure, just not as stimulating to my eye.  So today's painting is from an area of Colorado called Lake George.  Painting the sky was my favorite part of this painting, and then getting the values correct in the foreground.  This one is definitely going to be painted big when I get the chance! This painting is available for auction at my Daily Paintworks website.  Please click here to see details or place a bid.

Lake George, Colorado, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to place a bid, please click here

Day 20 - East Fork Big Woods

Hello!  Today is a big day for me as I am delivering a commission in about a half an hour and am very excited... a bit nervous... I will be posting this painting tomorrow.
But today's painting is back in Idaho... a little place called East Fork, Big Woods River in Hailey.  I loved the dusky, muted tones in this picture and was drawn to the rolling hills in the background. Have a nice day!

East Fork, Big Woods, oil on panel, 6"x6"
to purchase, please click here