August 30 paintings in 30 days!

August has just about arrived and I can't believe it.  My aptitude for blogging is truly lacking and I see the last post I wrote was so long ago that it certainly qualifies as another lifetime...especially factoring in everything that has been going on in the world in 2020.  So, since the blissful post of yore, where I was painting away in a covid-free world (or so I thought), it is almost laughable to say -  things have changed. Artists (and frankly everyone) around the world have felt the ramifications of covid and, we all know it, so, I am not going to go into any details about that here.  (if curious though, see my past 3 newsletters here, here and here to read some of what I have been doing since January...)

As I was saying, it is the last day of July, 2020 and after mulling it over, I have decided I need to do a 30 in 30 again, where I paint and post 30 paintings in 30 days...I'm feeling the yen for just that kind of thing. So, stay tuned future selves..  I'll be starting my August 30 in 30 on Sunday, August 2nd and I am excited! I will be posting here every day, as well as on my facebook, Instgram and dailypaintworks pages.. Woo Hoo!  Hold on to your hats... :)

The making of a solo show

Last night I hung my solo exhibit, Spirit ○ Animal, at Art Plus Gallery. I have been actively preparing for this show the past 3 months and am a little in shock now that it is finally hung, perhaps similarly to when you are preparing for finals and you don't quite know what to do with yourself the day after you take the last test. I put a lot of work (literal blood and sweat... no tears) into the theme and creation of this show in an effort to weave some new ideas and mediums together with my love of animals and my life long interest in spiritual matters.

Over the past few months, I wanted to post more posts about the process of preparing for such a show.. the planning and designing, surface preparation, painting, frame design and building, finishing and preparing the work for sale... all this between being a mom and a gallery director! But, alas, I found myself so busy with painting and frame making (and momming and directing)  that I just didn't have a lot of time left over for blogging and telling y'all about what the heck I am doing.  If you are here, reading this now, I just want to thank you for taking the time to check this all out.  Below are just a few highlights from the past few months, and a little sneak peek at my freshly hung exhibit.  I am looking forward to sharing my work with everyone who makes to it the opening on May 11th, and, fyi, if you can't be there, the show runs through June 3rd.

Its great fun to take progress shots of my artwork as I complete it.  I don't always have a chance to look back on it right away, but going back through my pics later, I'm always grateful to find these painting 'diaries' to remind me  of what works and how I got there...

Telephant, oil, 12"x12", on display on APG

Below are just 3 of the about 50 works I have on display in Spirit ○ Animal...

Chickadee with Cherry Blossoms, 6"x6", oil, for sale at APG

Lost in Thought, 20"x20", oil and mixed media, for sale at APG

Nevermore, oil and mixed media, 12"x12", for sale at APG

You may also know that I make frames in addition to painting.... It isn't the most glamorous part of the job, and I find that only a few can really appreciate what goes into making frames... The past two weeks, I made close to 40 frames, which even I can't comprehend.  It takes a lot of math, staring at the wood, hundreds of cuts with a variety of saws, sanding till your arm is numb and plenty of loud music for me to make so many in such a short amount of time. Oh yeah, and the most important thing... the support of my husband.  (Yes, he brings me coffee and dinner, washes the dishes I don't have the energy to wash and makes sure I know he has my back...) I wish it was as easy as the pictures make it look, but all I will say is, IT'S NOT. :D   And the pictures skip Plenty of steps. But...this gives you a brief idea of the frame making process and the piles of wood I have to manipulate through it all. To be truthful though, I am not in this business because I like to do things the easy way.  Just the opposite actually, as the easy way is often thoroughly boring... 

And finally, after putting all of my paintings in their brand spanking new frames, and making them look all professional and what not, I get to hang them up in the gallery!  The absolute best part of the whole thing....

So, the show is hung, and I am most pleased with how it all came together.  A wonderful thing about intensely creating work... ideas build upon ideas... I have so many new things I want to explore from all I found in the past few months...There is so much more to come! Thanks for reading and looking and I hope to see you at the opening on May 11th!

Day 6 - Studying the Circular

Sometimes the most mundane places give you the most beautiful compositions! This man was at my local grocery and as I was packing my bags away, I sneakily snapped a picture of him. I love all of the patterns and shapes occurring all around him and just love his pose and expression.   They were great to break down and analyze to see just how everything fits together.  It turned out to be a very complicated composition to execute... I spent way too much time in my studio painting this one!  But in the end, it was exciting and fun to paint!  Challenging also in I don't know how many older men (try none...) I have actually painted in my life, so getting his gesture right took a bit of patience.  And the foreshortening  of his legs and arm.... Let me just say, this was a case of paint what you see, not what you think you know...

 Sadly, because it is still pretty wet, it was difficult to photograph without a glare... This is the best I could get for now...

And btw, tomorrow's painting won't be quite as complex...!

Studying the Circular, oil, 20"x20"
To purchase, please click here

Still alive and Focused on the Quest!

Hello to everyone out there in Winter land... Sorry I haven't posted for several weeks, but after the 30 in 30 that I took part in, in January, I needed to take a breather from posting.  (Although that is highly un-recommended)  I have many things going on in my life in addition to making art and it seems they were all happening during this oh so cold month.  They include my son's basketball which happens 3 times a week, getting my daughter to martial arts  and her job, cub scout's happenings, gallery sittings, entering work in shows, going to art openings, attending Valentine's parties, designing commissions and the list goes on.  And this doesn't even include the other things like cooking, cleaning, house repair, and of course, spending time with my family (which seems to be getting less and less these days.  I need to figure that one out..)  Anyway, sorry to talk about all the things that most of us deal with on a daily basis... but I just felt like I needed to explain myself... :)

So, in addition to all of the hectic-ness of my life, I have been experimenting with new techniques, styles and sizes in my studio this month.  I have been having so much fun, and can't tell you how excited I am about some of the things that are happening on my canvases lately!  I have been applying my own recipe of texture medium to canvases, doing a lot of pre-designing of compositions on photoshop and exploring themes like vintage poster art and movement, and working BIG.  I believe that this explosion of ideas and energy is a direct result of the intense work I did during the 30 in 30.  There is something to be said about creating a painting a day... just putting out a large amount of work continuously... that seems to really light the fire.  So, I will be posting these new and different paintings in the coming weeks starting with this one.  It's a biggie... measuring 24" x 30", it was the first of the experimental works I did.  I stood staring at the blank canvas and just kept seeing a tiger racing out of., focused on it's prey...  I wondered what should I paint on this big canvas?  A landscape?...  Head smack... It takes me a bit sometimes to hear the insistent voice and see the clear image that is being handed to me. But, I eventually pay attention.  This painting is titled "Focused on the Quest".  It feels like my life right now!  I really tried to convey movement, action and intent in this one and I hope it comes across!  I will be hanging this in the upcoming show at Art Plus Gallery if you would like to see it in person.  (It will be framed and ready for your wall!)  Paintings are always better seen live!

Focused on the Quest, oil on canvas, 24" x 30", $650

To purchase this painting, please visit Art Plus Gallery, 604 Penn Ave. W. Reading, PA, during the months of March & April

Daily Paintworks

I have recently joined an online group called Daily Paintworks.  Through this site I am able to sell my artwork and keep an online gallery of my art.  Yes I still have my personal website, but this is just another outlet to hopefully sell art through.  Many artists have had success through DPW and I hope to as well!  I have posted 5 or 6 paintings so far and it is awesome that I have gotten comments on some of them from respected artists!  The 21st century is truly a great time to be an artist.  To see this painting and purchase it if you like, click on the link below the picture.

Who will help me plant the grain?, 6" x 6", oil on panel, framed
 

To purchase this painting, or see it in DPW, click HERE.   Thanks!!

Lone Tree

One more landscape study for ya...  Again, I am enjoying playing with slightly thicker paint and trying to keep my colors pure. I love the shapes and color that landscapes afford!

Lone Tree, 6"x6", oil on panela

5 trees

If you are interested, read my previous post for my recent thoughts on Landscapes.  These little studies I am doing are helping me to see shapes and colors and design my compositions.  This is a line of trees that caught my fancy for their mis-matched shapes and their silhouette against the bright blue sky.

5 trees, 6"x6", oil on panel

Having a snack - sold!

I love the feeling when I get a phone call from the gallery and they tell me someone has purchased one of my paintings!  I never thought it would feel so good to know that someone likes my artwork and wants it hanging in their home! I got the message yesterday that I sold my painting Having a Snack which was hanging in the West Reading Tavern.  Thank you for the blessing!

Two landscapes

Just over the Hill, oil on panel, 9" x 12"

So happy about the 3000 visitor status.  I know it's not much compared to some, but it is a milestone for me and milestones are important!  

I have been painting landscapes and farm scenery for the past month or so and these two paintings came out of this group.  There is a funny story behind them, actually, which has nothing to do with the paintings themselves.  I like to go on what I call picture walks and picture drives and often my son likes to go along with me.  During these times, I photograph whatever is interesting, hoping for some good reference photos to paint later on.  During this one drive I took in the Oley area, my son was along, enjoying himself, keeping me company. We had been out for over an hour and he really needed to use the bathroom.... Well, we were pretty much no where near a bathroom, so I pulled over to the side of the road (kind of a secluded area) and said this is as good as it gets, do you mind just going here alongside the road?  He was a bit embarrassed, but nature was calling so he tried to be as inconspicuous as possible.  Wouldn't you know, a car came along.  I did the first thing that came to mind and quickly started randomly snapping pictures, trying to draw attention to myself... 'Just taking pictures, nothing to see here!'  Here is the funny thing... the pictures I took, while not really paying attention to the subject, turned out to be some of my favorite of the day! You just never know.  So, maybe I shouldn't have told you that, but there it is.  These landscapes were born of a potty break!  Hope you enjoy!

Brown's Mill Trees, oil on panel, 9" x 12"

Blue Moo

Today is my hubby's birthday, so, firstly, Happy Birthday, Kevin!

O.k., next.  This little guy has been done for awhile, and I honestly thought I posted it but apparently not.  He was a cow at the long horn cattle ranch, however, he doesn't have the horns, so I don't know what's going on with that.  But the way he was looking right at the camera, and the challenge of painting black fur is what drew me to painting him.  This is one of my little 6"x6" paintings and is already framed and ready to hang!

  

Blue Moo, 6"x6", oil on panel, $75

Quaint farm cottage

Yes, you read correctly.  Quaint...  Some times titles for paintings elude me and at others the painting names itself.  Just depends, I suppose.  This one, I couldn't really come up with anything.  So, Quaint farm cottage it is.  Anyhow, I painted this one using a very bright under painting to see how that would affect the final painting.  Kind of liked it.  Going to keep on experimenting with this for awhile, I think.  So, the first picture is the final painting and the second pic is the underpainting.  As you can see, there is definitely a difference.  Enjoy!

Quaint Farm Cottage,  9" x 12", oil on panel

Moo-net

I am always trying new things in my studio.  Sometimes they work out, others don't.  Dreama Tolle Perry is an artist I have been looking at recently and I have been trying to figure out her technique.  She uses almost all transparent oil colors and has a method in which she applies them onto the canvas that gives the paintings vibrancy and light.  That is what this cow painting is about.  There are things about the painting I like and others I am not necessarily pleased with, but all in all, good learning experience...  When I finished this little girl, I thought it kind of looked Monet-ish, hence the name, Moo-net..... I know... very cheeky, but what do you want?  Anyway, I also love using this online slide show maker to show the painting's progression... Hope you like!

Moonet, 9"x12", oil on panel, 2013

October Newsletter

My October Newsletter is out!  I am running a special deal on commissions this month (and into November)  If you ever thought about commissioning me to paint a pet portrait, now is a great time to do it.  Pet portraits make wonderful gifts!  Think ahead to surprise a loved one!

If you are not a subscriber, you can read my newsletter here... http://eepurl.com/GP1An

If you'd like to become a subscriber, click here... http://www.karenweberfineart.com/subscribe.html
I also always try to include tips about oil painting and information about upcoming art shows and events!
Thanks and enjoy this rainy day!

Unlikely pear, oil on canvas, 6"x6", $75.00

Reiffton Fire House and Social Quarters Commission

Well, last night was the 'unveiling' of the painting I did for the Reiffton Fire House...  It was so much fun and a huge success!  I thank everyone for their kind comments and am so happy that everyone is pleased with the results!  I enjoyed working on this commission as it used so many of my skills (not just painting).  I feel like a true painting historian!  I put my photoshop skills to use, photography, and of course painting.  Am excited to say that I got another commission to paint a historical house that has been in the Daniel Boone family!  This one will be similar in that I will have to do the same kinds of things I needed to do to complete the Reiffton painting.
 Without further ado, here it is.  Enjoy, and as always, thank you for looking!  Also, if you are in the mood for reading some more, look further below to read in detail about the painting and trucks in it... :)

Reiffton Fire House and Social Quarters 100th Anniversary Commemorative Painting,
Oil on Canvas, 18"x24", 2013

100^th Anniversary Commemorative Painting

The management and board of trustees of the Reiffton Social Quarters hired local artist Karen Weber to create a painting to help commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Reiffton Fire Company and social quarters.  The artist conceptualized the painting as a blend of old and new as it includes fire trucks that the company has owned and operated throughout the 100 years it has been in operation.  The image portrayed in the painting includes two antique fire trucks from the early 1900’s and 1951 and one contemporary fire truck which is still in operation as of 2013. 

The Reiffton Fire Company and social quarters building is also an integral part of the painting as the architecture is unique to the station.  While the building has expanded through the years to house more fire trucks and include the social quarters, the integrity of the architectural style has been maintained and its beauty has been preserved.

Prints of this painting are available through the artist.  You can contact her at www.karenweberfineart.com

This photograph is the property of a private collector and can be found by clicking here 

In 1930 a firemen's convention was held in Reading. Earl R. Anderson, a local publisher and member of the convention steering committee, photographed  many of the fire companies in Berks County. This is a picture of the Reiffton Fire Company with a pumper truck owned by the company.  The truck is circa early 1900’s.

(The picture above is from the Berks County Historical website.)

1951 Mack Pumper truck owned by the Reiffton Fire Company

In 1951, the Reiffton Fire Company purchased a new Mack Engine.  This engine served Exeter Twp. and St. Lawrence Borough for many years. The engine was sold to a collector and was returned in 2010 via flatbed truck from Texas.  The company started to refurbish the engine starting on the mechanical items. The engine went through several stages of upgrades. As of 2012, the pump maintenance was completed, pump flushed and pumped for the first time in over 20 years.  ETFD is one of the few departments able to save its history with a historical engine. 

The truck will be used in parades and other local events.  (Information gathered from /www.exetertwpfire25.com/news/archive)

Little Big Horn slide show

Hopefully you can see this cool slide show I put together using an online slideshow maker called slideful.com...  I love it!!!  I will be making more of these, because it was sooooo easy to do!  Enjoy!  This is a short progression of the little cow I call Little Big Horn.  He was at the long horn cattle ranch I have talked about before.  Just a baby... But growing his horns in nicely  If the slideshow doesn't automatically change, hover over the picture and use the arrows to change slides.. Thanks for looking!

Pecking order

Yesterday was the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser... It was an elegant and fun afternoon with lots of guests, music, appetizers, wine, cheese and of course ART.  I thank everyone who came out as well as my hubby for all of his help.  I wouldn't be able to do all of the art that I do if it weren't for Kevin.
The painting of the 3 girls below was from a picture I took at Lake Tobias Wildlife park. As with most places, there was a mix of people walking around but, I guess because of the location, there were lots of Amish people who were tourists just like me.  They were as interesting to look at as the animals were! ( I know that sounds bad, but I mean it in the most respectful of ways, people. I know Amish people aren't animals...) Anyway, I thought I'd show the photo to demonstrate the artistic license that I took with the painting.  Sometimes part of a photo is just right but others parts don't work.  The girls tickled my fancy as two of them were barefoot, and they were just so pretty with their cotton dresses and matching hair.  The sunlight was pretty, glinting off their heads also.

Pecking Order, Oil on panel, approximately 8"x8" framed

$75.00 at my website

Hello All!
I am busily preparing for the Wine and Cheese Fundraiser at the Goggleworks this Sunday.  There will be wine and cheese (well, yeah...) as well as fabulous art for sale (think gifts...) great auction items as well as musical entertainment and other tasty appetizers. Very excited for this event as it will be my first time participating...  Here is one of the latest 6"x6" paintings I have completed.  I am so happy with my brush work and colors in this painting.  This little cow was caught on camera a while back at this unexpected Long horn cattle ranch near my house.  If you would like to purchase him, come to the fundraiser on Sunday from 2-5... Get there early, or he might be gone!

Little Big Horn, Oil on Panel, 6"x6", $75.00

Chicken Chat

I didn't exactly lie.  I am sorry blog-a-sphere.  I have been ultra busy and finally have a moment to post a pic.  (And the energy...)  In my last post I promised a chicken a day for at least 10 days and then the very next day I didn't post!!!  Bad form...  Any way, today, a chicken for you.  And  just to make my apologies sincere, its actually 2 chickens!  This one, my friends, is one of my favorites.  Hope you like!

Chicken Chat, 6"x6", oil on panel

Click here to purchase.

What happened to August?

Well, school has begun, the kids are off and I have literally done more work in the past 2 weeks in my studio than I did all summer long.  I haven't figured out how to add 5 hours to my day yet and when the kids are home from school, that's what I would need in order to be able to be painting on a regular basis!  So here we are and not one post in the whole month of August.  I apologize to my loyal followers (are you out there?) and promise to be better from now on.

Enough of that.  So it is September and I have been painting chickens.  They are in the new harvest show at Art Plus gallery, which incidentally is having an opening tonight.  And I painted a new one yesterday!  The chickens are residents at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, which is out by Harrisburg.  I took lots of pics back in July when we went, and these guys stood out as the ones I wanted to paint first.  There is also this duck which I haven't painted yet, but will!  I also spent a good portion of last week finishing up the frames for these buggers.  Fun, but time consuming.  Also extremely budget friendly which is always a welcome thing! I will post a chicken a day for at least the next 10 days so, come back tomorrow for some more poultry pleasantries!
And now... Chicken (or possibly a rooster...) #1.... and this ones called, "Are you lookin' at me?"

Are you lookin' at me?, 6" x 6", oil on panel

Summer Roses

So, I have been painting.  I just haven't been doing a lot of posting.  We are getting ready to go on vacation, I am busy with my garden and summer stuff, and time just seems to get away from me.  Today, I made some collages of the rose paintings I have been working on for the past few weeks.  These paintings were done from photos I took of the beautiful rose bush that is in my back yard. It blooms perfusely (sp?) in spring for about 2 weeks and then its done until mid to end of summer.
The first 4 paintings are on 6"x6" panels.  I recently ordered these panels because I know of other artists who paint on panel and wouldn't paint on anything else.  They definitely take some getting used to as they react completely differently to the brush.  The paint has to be a different consistency as well, and after painting on several of these panels, I came to realize that you must also put medium down on it first and then paint wet into wet.  Geeze.  For those of you who use oil paint, I hope this makes sense.  For those of you who don't, you may choose to disregard all of this nonsense.  Regardless, I did come up with some nice rose paintings, and well, frankly, one or two I don't like as much.  But you can't love, love, love every single painting you make now then can you.

Summer rose collage.  Each painting is done on separate 6"x6" gessoed panels

2 summer roses.  Both are oil on canvas