cathy's watercolors

Two of a kind...

2012-01-22T07:46:00.000-08:00

I recently went to the Dr.'s office and couldn't help but notice the beautiful artwork they displayed,all from the same artist. Watercolors,acrylics,all beautiful Some of my favorites were a combination of both mediums with a little pastel and ink thrown into the mix. This is what i would love to do this year.

Both paintings are inspired by a nineteenth century stone work.
Acrylic ( which i know nothing about !) and watercolor, pastel and watercolor pencil. Actually the acrylic has a failed watercolor underneath but you can barely see it.

Orange you glad it's Sunday:)

Miracles do happen

2012-01-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, two posts in two days... thanks to Martin Luther! The white and flowers are the colors my daughter-in-law picked for our grand- daughters room. Well sort of the color of the walls are the most wonderful green,anyway that and the thought of a new arrival this spring influenced my lighter than usual mood.Actually the white flower painting photographed quite dark.... to new beginnings:)

The good the bad and the ugly

2012-01-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

I painted the sunflowers over holiday break, and in my true fashion i managed over squiggle the center sunflower. Impulsively and merrily i scratched away without a care or thought( obviously). So this is in my failed pile. the tulips are this mornings practice on scrap paper. My computer runs so slow that is is difficult to post. That and the failed paintings have resulted in less posts and comments. I plan on buying a new computer soon. In the mean time i have resolved to commit to posts and comments .... weekly i hope!

Another,like the other....

2011-12-16T06:22:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying my limited palette and quick wet on wet morning paintings.

This could very well be my Christmas card. The colors didn't photograph as rich as they are. The colors i used were my old favorites,that i haven't used in while. They are; sap green, ultramarine and perm. rose. When i first started painting these were my go to colors. Although, admittedly i was more into controlled painting at that point. Now i love the flow and bleed and freedom that watercolor allows.

Holly

2011-12-13T14:17:00.000-08:00

I painted this before work this morning. Sat down to look at another painting that flopped and started to play. The painting is actually a bit darker than this i had to photograph it in the morning before the sun was up.

Today's work....

2011-12-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Pinks are a bit 80's i need to add more dark colors.

So much time has passed....

2011-11-27T06:49:00.000-08:00

So much time has passed since i last posted. No excuses a few failed paintings and then this... not my favorite but a post at least. I have missed everyone and now to visit your blogs:>)

3...three

2011-10-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

I seem to be stuck on sunflowers. This painting needs a bit more of something? I will try, try, try not to overwork it. I thought about Charles Reid and Jane Minter as i painted this. Admittedly, both painters have different styles,still they are two of my most admired painters. So in painting this I thought about both painters yet tried to keep my own style. Having said that, i will definitely need to add more of ...... ?

It's been a while since i have painted i haven't been feeling well, and quite preoccupied by it all. Hopefully,now i will be able to concentrate on painting a bit more. ( happily)

Very interesting show on television Bravo,The Next greatest artist. The show is a competition among artists given challenges from arty folks.

One more time!

2011-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

I added some additional color and highlights .

Challenged

2011-09-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning is my favorite time. The first day of the weekend - freedom unfolds itself in all of its glory and allows me to choose what i want to do with my day. So i decided that i would look for inspiration, i told myself that the first picture of a flower that i saw i would paint and well, this is the result. Rather boring actually but the color is good.

Labor Day Sunflowers

2011-09-03T08:09:00.000-07:00

I actually painted this painting earlier in the week but i felt that it wasn't finished and i didn't know where to go with it so I stopped. This morning
I took a fresh look at it and, though it doesn't photograph with as bright of colors that it actually has,I liked it. It has a distressed look that is quite appealing to me as i continue on my journey to loosen up my paintings.

Close up

2011-08-27T09:38:00.001-07:00

Looking close at flowers you realize the complexity of the colors,patterns and textures. It is a delight to get lost in the moment and contemplate how to paint it to show off natures beauty. I am not a botanically correct painter, though i used to try, most of my flower exist only in my imagination.

It's been a while

2011-08-15T17:08:00.001-07:00

Painting this was a bit of a challenge. I find about half way through a painting i get sort of lost? This time i stepped away for a few days. My inspiration has been and is my garden,which is just beautiful this year. Filled with natures surprises,such as self seeding unplanned Cleome. Back to the painting, I was stumped so i sectioned of the painting and began working on small areas. this gave me more an understanding. At any rate i came up with this and as i was painting it dawned on me that it has rather a tissue paper collage sort of feel. I think it was the yellow gamboge (D.S). Wonderful paint... Glad to be back!

Beat the heat!

2011-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since i visited my blog let alone painted and posted. I have been busy with Ruby( my new pup) and the garden. Finally had a moment to paint,trying to beat the HEAT!

Easy does it.

2011-07-06T09:07:00.000-07:00

One never knows what will be the inspiration for a painting. While playing with watercolor pencils and paint i noticed how much i loved dark violet,fuchsia and light green next to each other. The painting is also inspired by day lilies from my mothers garden now planted off of my screened porch,bursting with daily flowers.

Morning Practice

2011-07-05T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted a painting. I have been busy training my new puppy Ruby. So this is a much needed practice painting, actually all of my paintings are practice:)

4 paintings

2011-06-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Let me explain... the landscape attempt needs a bit more darks but it was an initial attempt. I would like to try more landscapes this summer. I sure got a lot of granulation, probably from the spritz of water i flushed it with.
The Tulips are this mornings inspiration,just a beginning i will continue with it. I used a big brush and lots of water very quick and impulsive.I think i like the colors that blend on the paper are my favorite, a rather happy painting. (My mood at the moment anticipating summer vacation.)
The Iris received a water spritz as well. The Petunias are in need of stamens in the center of one of the flowers. I think i have painted that painting a million times. Petunias are the most difficult for me.

sunflower

2011-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

I didn't draw this flower it started out with a yellow wash. Then each morning i would add more color and detail. I used a photo as of sunflowers as my study but the colors directed my every impulse.

It was really exciting to look in on the painting each morning and add a paint here and there. An art fix for the day before work.

Good Morning

2011-05-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post. Most paintings have fallen short of my expectations. Time is on side though, summer months equal R&R. (rest and relaxation).

Mom's Day

2011-05-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Painting after painting have been utter disasters. I think i haven't spent enough time thinking about the painting in the pre- painting stage... quite typical of me and my impulsive self. I have freedom issues. I was about to abandon this until i started to play a bit more to try to salvage it. The texture in the photo is quite interesting ? It doesn't appear on the painting itself? Sad thing is there is the most delicious bit of orange in corner that is not in the photo that i so enjoy.

The world is a better place with good moms... simply irreplaceable.

Lost and Found

2011-04-21T07:04:00.001-07:00

I painted two forsythia paintings. I drew the more detailed painting first while the much looser version was painted without a drawing. I prefer the looser version. I think maybe i will go back in and very carefully add a bit more negative painting.

The more detailed painting i really got lost in and couldn't figure out where i was going? Does this ever happen to you?

Early morning painting

2011-04-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Every time i begin a painting it's almost as if i am learning to paint again. I ask myself the basic questions over and over and can't find the answer. Then the brush takes over, i will catch myself saying... LEAVE IT,but then i don't.

Painting this i remembered my teacher putting in bits of dark in paintings that really helped lift the colors. Sometimes i think good painters do just that they know where to add the dots and dabs.

Points of interest

2011-03-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

I have been working so hard lately i haven't been able to visit and comment on all of my blog friends posts.

I did manage to paint this pear painting. Actually the only thing that interests me about this painting are the stems. I have been thinking about trying a bit of collage or stamping or script. Something.... mainly i want something that is more interesting to me. Not sure what.

So happy it's the WEEKEND!

Praying for Japan .

Colors of Peace

2011-03-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sap green,perm. rose, yellow gamboge, scarlet lake, cobalt blue.

The colors that dreams are made of. I am trying my hardest to loosen up. Finding lines i need to keep or create ,while losing those that are not necessary. A challenge to be sure but there is nothing like being lost in a painting. Time stops,stress and troubles disappear. ahhh

Learning to paint and loving it!

2011-03-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

The other weekend my husband and i visited Ann Arbor,which we often do. We love the atmosphere and the shops of this diverse University of Michigan town. Well, I bought two new sable WN brushes and let me tell you what a different experience painting has been. The brushes hold an incredible amount of water OR paint depending how you use them. So being playful and loving process more than anything i play and play. Seriously wonderful brushes.

Not a fence!

2011-03-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

The other morning as i worked on "over working"this painting, my husband walked into my art space and asked,"what are your working on?" Then he looked at my painting and said ,"oh a fence???? " Then he proceeded to say looks a little muddy????? whaaaaa? I said well lets just call it abstract?

Seriously it's just a piece of paper. ugh. And it was a heck of a lot of fun to.... over do!

Early morning practice and WIP

2011-02-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

Lately,before i go to work i have been painting for about 30 Min's.. Usually after work I am just to warn out to have any creative spark. sot the flowers were this weeks practice. I am drawn to the blue greens and pinks.

Today i started painting the mirror with flowers.... favorite things yet again. I am seriously trying to loosen up and hope to add only a bit more color and definition on this. Unfortunately my photography skills leave much to be desired.I've managed to cut off the right side of the painting. Perhaps i will re ~post when complete... happy painting.

interiors

2011-02-13T10:44:00.000-08:00

I couldn't decide on colors on this one,which is usually not my problem. I was also thinking that i needed a floor lamp but i was to far along in the painting when i decided so i had to settle for a lamp on the fireplace. I am finding interiors so much easier than flowers? Crazy.

I just noticed the crooked lampshade,now it is like home:)

Louis XVI and the flowers#2

2011-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

I am going to play a bit more with this and see what happens. Maybe a few more defining lines. The most challenging thing about trying to paint in more of a loose fashion istrying to find the lost and found edges. What is it that defines the form? What should be left in what should be taken out? While i was painting this i was thinking of my friend Barb,when we painted together, I watched her paint and was impressed at how her eye directed her rather than the still life itself. hmmm.

Louis and the flowers

2011-02-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

The post really should have been titled some of my favorite things.

I feel a series coming. A few more of these would be fun.

interiors

2011-02-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Fun with decorating and doing as i wish. Not sure how much i like the yellow against the blackish gray. Regardless, no risk taken here,it's just a painting!

Chairs

2011-02-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

More sketches with a similar feel. Chairs with a heart and I rather like the chair with the door. I like the juxtapose between the painted and the simple unpainted door and frames.

Early morning sketch

2011-02-03T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am a self proclaimed decorating junkie. I love magazines, blog sites, antiques and anything having to do with decorating,design gardening,and architecture. I like the idea of placing a lamp where it isn't suppose to be. In the painting the lamp is on the bench to make room for the flowers in front of a floor to ceiling window. I think i like that idea.

Tulips in the snow

2011-02-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

I am home today because of a blizzard, yes blizzard? We had a terrific storm last night in Michigan. Honestly i feel like i live in the arctic...brrrr. Tulips are on my mind, with all of the cold and snow. Looking out at my garden it's hard to believe life exists under all of the snow. But alas, in just a few short months Michigan will be enjoying another beautiful spring.

I am still trying to loosen up playing with lost and found edges while still keeping colors vibrant. It looks much easier than it is. Funny i always thought painting loose meant fast painting, now i think the opposite is true. One painting is wet in wet the other is not,both are 5x7.
Now let's see should i mix paint on the palette or on the paper hmmmm?

Learning As I Go

2011-01-30T10:49:00.000-08:00

Painting Sunday, a nice break from the work week and a marvelous distraction from anything that causes grief,despair and stress.

Saturday morning,bright and early i hit the local library determined to pick up Flower Painting in Watercolor by Charles Reid. In doing so i ran across a few more books that peaked my interest. In painting this picture, I thought about the contour drawings of Reid and the brush strokes he advocates. Then i thought about the artist in the best of watercolor Splash 8, Mckibbin and who talked about putting his watercolors in the shower for half a day and scraping and stenciling them.

His painting was beautiful and full of texture and light. I loved it.

After all of that inspiration i went through some references determined to loosen up ,and well, as you can see i need a bit more practice which is fine because I'm enjoying the ride! Happy Painting.

Flowering Quince

2011-01-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

I believe this is Flowering Quince,my moms favorite. The article from this reference discussed bringing in branches from flowering bushes and forcing them to bloom in January. I have forced branches in late February but never in January.According to the article the process is slightly more involved. Our weather has been bitterly cold lately the highs have barely reached 14degrees F.Flowering branches would be such a treat.

After photographing this i added a bit more color. Fuchsia of course. I am trying not to over work this!

Football Sunday

2011-01-16T09:54:00.001-08:00

I managed to paint a few paintings before today's games. Yes I'm a fan.I can't believe it myself.

Last night i went to a painting class,Painting With a Twist. It's a new franchise in our state. The class isn't billed as serious art, everyone paints the same painting. We painted an acrylic painting called,the dancing sunflower,one of the better choices in my opinion. The Twist is you get to paint with friends while drinking wine and eating treats ! It was a lot of fun. I will post my painting soon.

Happy MLK day and of course Happy Football!

Calla Lilies

2011-01-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

This painting began with my new Christmas tube of paint. Yes i was disciplined at the art supply store and only bought a single tube of paint. The color is Holbein vermilion. So i played and am enjoying a mix of vermilion and magenta. This is a much larger painting that i didn't really care for.... composition issues. The winter is a good time to start working on sketching again. Try out some new ideas. Happy New Year.

Dogs for Christmas!

2010-12-26T06:30:00.000-08:00

Dog Paintings, painted for my daughter-in-laws sister.

Sorry about the really poor photos lately. I need to work on my photography skills. It seems that all of my photos lately have had a blue cast. My new year's resolution will be to work on that!

Paint, Wrap, Paint,Wrap #2

2010-12-20T12:02:00.000-08:00

Paint, Wrap,Paint,Wrap.....

2010-12-20T10:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas vacation is just fine with me. Plenty of time to indulge in all of the things I enjoy.

This is a painting of Columbine, and early spring flower that happily has self seeded and lines my walkway.

I am working on loosening up, and negative painting. Not an easy task but quite enjoyable.

Tis the season # 2

2010-12-14T08:45:00.000-08:00

I continue on with my Poinsettia paintings,mainly because i have a good reference. I used a bit of pastel on this one and tried to develop the darks a bit more. At first some of the darks were to much so i lifted some color and added a wash of magenta,which seems to be my favorite lately.

I remember the day when Aliz. and perm pink were my favorites. I suppose i need to broaden my palette and use different colors~ not yet!

Tis the season WIP

2010-12-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Snow day here in Michigan with sub-zero temps and ice. Beautiful really, but terrible to drive in. The icy blues are stunning.

I am going to add more greens and definition to some of the leaves. The trick is to keep it loose and not to dark. Very tricky business~ for me.
The veining on the one leaf is really wrong so i will need to try to fix it. I used a bamboo tipped stick to make the indentation so i may not be able to fix it. Watching colors do mix and blend is pure magic.

Santa sort of and looking for a miracle?

2010-12-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the bad photo of Santa. I'm certainly not a portrait artist.
In fact i think i need a few more colors in this or maybe just some darks to set it off.

The flower painting is a simple 4x6 that is looking for a miracle. It will take a little more time to develop. I'm thinking of yellow orange and turquoise with a few polka dots for added spice:)

Intuition

2010-12-05T07:45:00.000-08:00

As i continue on exploring yesterdays painting i find myself using my intuition to explore and satisfy my creative instinct and desire. There is really nothing more satisfying than having the time to explore and play with color and paint.

After adding more color i turned the painting on it's side and took photos of it cropping one and leaving the other. Looking at them now I don't know which is which and where is the original painting..... ?

Now and Then

2010-12-04T14:40:00.000-08:00

I'm working on an interpretation of one of my older paintings.

Much to do for sure,but a good beginning and starting point.

Stamens have, and and are still, my nemesis. It's always such a challenge for me to place them in some believable fashion.

I think i see potential in my latest painting. If not i plan on cutting it up for a different project? We shall see how it all turns out?

Actually, I am fine however my painting or projects turn out given the fact that i have so little time to devote to art. I am looking forward to the Christmas break. That is when i will have time to explore and play...

Happy Holidays!

Tulips and Blood

2010-11-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

In lieu of flowers

Painted for Julianne. In loving memory of Pfc.Shane Reifert,Alpha Company Nov.14,2010

Afghanistan.

How many more must die?

Simple is as simple does...

2010-11-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

This is really a different style of painting for me. Very simple with large areas of colors. I am really enjoying it. Gives the eye a break. My eye is not dancing all over the page wondering what line or squiggle to latch on to.(actually i usually don't mind that ) A departure to simplicity for the moment.

I see a few back washes that need to be lifted but other than that it's complete.

Callas WIP

2010-10-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure where this is going. I have already lifted some colors, since this photo was taken, from the not fully opened flowers. It appears rather dark in the upper right. The photo is darker than the actual painting, but i still have a lot of negotiating to do. I have to find my way.

I will for sure paint another study of Callas.

Completed Iris

2010-10-23T09:56:00.000-07:00

I completed my iris painting this morning. This pinks began to take control so i tried to make them more subtle with some orange.
I also began a painting of Calla Lilies inspired by the bouquets at my son's wedding.
Happy times.

painting 013

2010-10-15T10:54:00.001-07:00

Purples have always been a challenge. More than any other color they get dull and lose their intensity. I need to work on this a bit more, just not over work it.

>.)(*&^%$##@!

2010-10-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Painting with friends at our newly formed art class, i was able to work with some new paint. Intoxicating and inviting my minds eye was taken over by the colors irresistible merging.

I am thankful for the distraction.

Wip

2010-09-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

I have been playing with this picture for the last week. I headed back to work this week and wow am i exhausted. Every time i pass the picture i just sort of swipe it with some color until the weekend when it completely drew me in.

I'm going to add some more purples and yellows before i call it quits. Oh and maybe some more squiggles too.

Unfortunately my study fell into my bowl of water so I'm just letting the painting speak to me,which is usually the case anyway.

The gift

2010-08-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

Old friends came over for dinner and gave us the most beautiful orchids. Honestly, the way they were packaged was even more thrilling to me, a color lover,yellow,lime green,pink,and orange tissue what could be better.

The photo appears much more blue then it actually is... too lazy to redo.

On second thought seeee the difference the actual paintings colors are somewhat in between the two photos. I rather like the added blue wash?

Actually the post was going to be titled random thoughts on nothing part 2... parties and clowns kept creeping in my head while i painted this... it must have been the colors. WHAT !?

It's hot outside!

2010-08-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Outside my window. This painting was dropped,stopped and cropped... really struggling with my creative process.

Ranunculus

2010-07-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Looks like a napkin!

Feast or Famine... a birds eye view

2010-07-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Mini narratives go through my head as i paint. Something like this... the bird is thinking,how can i save these berries,without them how will i survive the winter? I must remember my favorite bush,and tell my children so they can eat too.

Then it occurred to me that i could use some of my paintings as a writing prompt for my afternoon students? I think it sounds like fun,all kinds of good things could happen:)

Just added bird with yellow, gives it some lift I think:)

Electric Confusion~July Madness

2010-07-14T11:06:00.001-07:00

This is actually one painting 11x4. I had difficulty getting it all in one shot,so it is represented in three pictures.

My husband commented on the garden today,which he rarely does, saying,"do you think it's getting a little over grown out there?"

I must garden like I paint!:)

Finished

2010-06-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

I took a second look at my Poppies this morning, added some more watercolor and pastel. Now it feels more finished to me.

The gardens in Michigan are really lovely this summer. Everything is so green from all of the rain. Our warm spring has many of our flowers blooming early. Does that mean the ugliest August ever.... scary

Pictures of my gardens.

Please...

2010-06-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Boring really, something must change, background i think. I'm off work for the summer so i do have time to play. The home projects are always there,garden, home chores( which i love), but i like to paint so there shall be time. Life begins... hooray. Breath deep.

Room with a view...or not?

2010-05-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

More like what are you thinking painting the back of a chair and then putting it smack dab in the middle of a painting?? Actually a bit,well more than a bit, over worked. I must admit it was my inner child that whispered in my ear,Play, Play,and then there was that new tube of pthalo turquoise,hmmm.

Now that I think of it an appropriate title would be heaven or hell, with the crosses on the mantle and the fire below.

painting 174

2010-05-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

Bold and bright flower. The reference was a flower catalog.

I think I will put a few more washes perm rose on the tips of the flowers,maybe a few more lines too.

The fix...

2010-05-15T04:31:00.000-07:00

Not.

painters challenge

2010-05-15T04:03:00.000-07:00

Well sort of.... chopped and cropped not that pleased with the green line on the top tulip oops crooked. It's the thought that counts right? Off to another painting.

Random thoughts of nothing....

2010-05-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

Thoughts keep popping up in my head while I paint. It's really quite amusing, well to me anyway. Thoughts like,
big men shouldn't ride in tiny cars,unless they are clowns.
Or do you think that size 8 sweater makes you look thin?
How about, really Martha if my vacuum isn't picking up do i have to change the bag???? Here's a good one, congratulations you've just won queen for a day,oh sorry it was just a dream. Not that I'd want to win anyway ,the queens were usually the women who cleaned the most or had dozens of kids.

So I guess I should just start thinking about serious matters like paint and mixing and composition. On that note, last year I planted some Jane Magnolia's ( love the name) and my oh my are they beautiful. Magnolia's and the cover of House Beautiful were my inspiration for this.

I need to go back into it and get rid of some hard edges and darken here and there and play some more.

There wasn't much to say without ice cream the party was over

2010-04-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

WHAT? I thought of the title as I was painting! When I was a little girl I would sneak into the kitchen,ever so quietly to get a bowl of ice cream. I was certain that nobody heard me,then my mother would calmly say caaaaathy? She was my chubby checker.

It's funny what you think about when you paint.

Orchids from a photo. I guess I got a little carried away.Maybe I should crop it.

Tea Time-rookie painter challenge

2010-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Rookie painter has a challenge every 3 weeks.

This painting is my entry.

A bit of a change from m usual subject matter although the palette seems similar. I'll need to change that up in my next painting. One thing for sure is the color will be bold!

http://www.rookiepainter.blogspot.com/

Did you hear the music...I think it was rain!

2010-04-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

Ink,watercolor,pastel,mask.

Inspiration;a napkin

not a great photo,too lazy to fix it

Play time is over sister, now knock it off!

2010-04-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

And that about sums it up. Squiggle and dot, dash and dab= fun!

Beautiful cloudy spring day in Michigan. I am just really, really, really, enjoying time at home.

Watercolor and pastel, inspiration a Design Sponge Photo.White masked dots...hmmmmm?

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

Get your lily on....

2010-03-27T13:33:00.000-07:00

For some reason this painting photographed giant, I have no clue why and well, I'm not going to change it. I haven't painted in a week or so I have been so preoccupied with life's problems so it was nice to sit and play. I got a little carried away scratching the lilies and I think I will add a little more of a dark color to center of the big lily,or not.

Fun news my future daughter-in-law actually wants to use one of my watercolors as a shower invitation. Now we just have to decide which one:)

For the doing...

2010-03-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well Sunday, also known as fun day, was that indeed. I visited a bookstore and bought 2 new books; The Women, a novel about the women in Frank Lloyd Wright's life and Endurance Shackleton's incredible Voyage to Antarctica in 1914. I also visited an art store and bought a few pastels and some ink pens. I manged to use all of the new supplies on this painting. Like a kid in a toy store I couldn't wait to try them out. Who cares if the Lillie's centers are overworked!

"You do the work for the doing not for the fruit"

( David Lynch )

Or in my case to greedily use your new stuff!

I can see the future

2010-03-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning painting. Off to the book store.

All things considered

2010-03-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Call me crazy, today I went outside in the wind and rain and cut pussy willow and forsythia branches,a spring time ritual. Unfortunately the good pussy willow branches were at the top of the bush. I noticed them while chatting to a friend and decided that they were just too beautiful to pass up. So I attempted to cut them while hanging out of an upstairs bedroom window. Amusing to anyone who would have witnessed it,but totally unsuccessful. Needless to say I fetched the ladder and loppers and away I went.Success.

As for the painting I painted this today. I am not loving the buds at the top, what was I thinking. I thought I would post this since it is the closest thing to a successful painting that I've had all week.

Bizarro world

2010-02-27T07:19:00.001-08:00

There is a time ,when you confuse gouache for acrylic and your dog sleeps in the closet because she is too old to find her bed, and that you continue to work on a painting that screams STOP that one must know that they have entered BIZARRO world. A dangerous but fascinating place where caution is thrown to the wind and you wander until you are quite frankly done.

*Warning,bizarro world is not for babies.

Purple Haze

2010-02-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Purples Haze and a wish for spring

Below is a beginning painting of Iris. The last painting I did of Iris the paint was way too thick using mainly diox. purple. Now I seem am using a combination of magenta and Windsor blue or pink opera and cobalt violet in different combos. and it seems to be more lush and transparent.

Waiting for the next snow storm in Michigan to begin this evening,not too bad only 2-6 ":)

Saturday afternoon

2010-02-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Color seems to be my main focus and lack of discipline causes me to do the line thingy.Oh well,life is short might as well paint as I wish,one never knows what one may discover.

The Groove

2010-01-31T08:09:00.000-08:00

The reference for this painting was a picture of a single vintage rose.As I began to draw it impulse took over and I decided to just splash on paint. Pink opera, perm rose, DS lemon yellow, Antwerp blue. When everything dried the painting developed.As I look at it now I realize the orange pastel,added at the end is too opaque and and that I need to adjust it. Initially, I was in the negative painting flow, always a challenge, since you have to see what isn't there, when I left the painting and came back to it ,I had a different perspective? The moral of the painting is stick with it or lose the groove.

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.

2010-01-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is a cropped painting of sunflowers. I have yet to find the perfect crop but I'm working on it.

I am also including a photo of my son and my dearest friend who passed on this week,after a horrific struggle with Ovarian Cancer. Words can not express my sorrow. She will be missed,my irreplaceable,fun, beautiful,loving friend. You are forever in our hearts.

Sharon and Andy 09

Bright and Cheery

2010-01-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

As I was painting this i could hardly stand the color, tooooo bright,even for me. I toned it down with some ink and watercolor pencils. A quick, fun painting of make believe flowers? May help ward off the winter doldrums.

On my way.... sort of WIP?

2010-01-08T04:04:00.000-08:00

I feel like it's been a long time since I've posted. No doubt that's because everything I've painted lately has ended up in the trash. This painting was on it's way, but when I gave it another look I realized that i liked the yellow green ,red and blue too. I'm thinking I have lost my rhythm, sort of like a writer's block?

I think this has possibilities,so on I go, happily into a weekend of painting.

Really I wanted to thank http://http://lauratrevey.blogspot.com/ for her inspiration to paint, she is posting a new painting everyday for the month of January.

A little bit of Christmas

2009-12-23T08:44:00.000-08:00

More holiday flowers. A time to reflect and count your blessings. Family,friends, and health.

I am planning on adding some yellow highlights to the leaves on this mixed media painting.

Holiday wishes

2009-12-20T10:30:00.000-08:00

Holiday wishes with all my painting misses.Working on a more transparent new year.

Amaryllis

2009-12-05T08:11:00.001-08:00

What I learned... glazing is a tricky thing and I need to work on it! I need to develop some reference sheets of favorite glazes.

Tis the season to plant bulbs!

2009-12-01T13:23:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving is over I can concentrate a bit more on painting. Watercolor and pastel ,Christmas Amaryllis.I am going to paint another Amaryllis with a stronger focus on the flower.

This and That

2009-11-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

A few paintings that I have been working on this weekend. The fall leaves journal entry was more about therapy than anything else. I am grieving over my dearest friends struggle for life. The pears are a WIP. I'm not sure where to go with these,so instead of rushing impulsively along I am waiting and thinking.The painting is inspired by a Harry and David Catalog.

Lastly,the paper weight is a possible gift, maybe Christmas. I bought a few of these last year thinking I would do this and never got around to it. Inspired by John Derian http://http//www.johnderian.com/index_decoupage_new.html

The last flowers from the garden

2009-11-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

This started out as a much larger painting than it is now. As I was working on this I decided to use a 5x7 mat and work inside of it. It was an interesting process. As I continued to look at the painting I just couldn't resist adding pastel and watercolor crayon and pencil.

I guess I am developing or working on a style.

As I was painting this I thought the title should be- Don't forget the fuchsia and momma loves lime green.

WHO ME ???? yipee

2009-11-04T11:51:00.000-08:00

Angela was generous enough to present me with the Kreative Blogger award which is amazing. I have such a difficult time negotiating the blog site that this is really a gift. Anyway as part of the award I must share 7 things about myself and bestow the gift on 7 other bloggers.

First things first
1.I love to paint and will often find one teeny tiny part of a painting that i love.
2. I collect antiques and all sorts of found objects
3. I love football
4. I love to sing when my son plays guitar
5. Gardening is my hobby
6. I enjoy a good book
7. I am a magazine addict
Now to pick 7 blog sites to give the award to.

Magnolias...

2009-10-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Magnolias or big happy flowers. The yellows need a little more lift and some of the pinks are over worked I will try to work on them without over doing it,or maybe try again:)

Magnolia

2009-10-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

I saw my sister at the Ann Arbor Antique Fair last week and she reminded me that our mom loved Magnolias. So in honor of my sister and my mom I attempted a closeup of a Magnolia.

My sister also mentioned that she was running out of my watercolor cards, that I give out as gifts,and as the conversation continued she mentioned that she would love to have one of my paintings. Now here's the deal,my brother-in-law is a REAL artist, with degrees etc. Sooo If I can frame this to my liking it will be a gift to my sister. I just hope I'm not embarrassed by it when I see it in her home.

That would be Magnolias not Dogwoods, although mom loved those too.

This summer I planted 3 Jane Magnolia bushes.

chandelier completed

2009-10-11T13:37:00.000-07:00

I decided to add more definition to the chandelier so I used gouache and ink. The colors are quite intense,but I still like them.

After a drive in the country I know I need to concentrate on a fall palette.

chandelier wip

2009-10-04T15:22:00.001-07:00

If you look closely you can see the chandelier. I have yet to decide where to go with this painting I know I need a few more dark colors and a little more definition in the chandelier itself. I do like the movement created by the vertical lines. Maybe i will use aliz.. crimson as a dark?

Glads

2009-09-30T12:23:00.001-07:00

Well the few paintings I have completed lately have been scary bad. It seems I have lost my ability to do detailed paintings of chosen subjects. Instead I find myself considering color over everything. In this painting of Glads, Iwas sickend by the orange I used as and accent color.

I decided to try to salvage the painting by cropping it and adding pastel and wc pencils. So the result is ... not sure yet need to take a break and look at it later.

Meanwhile I just needed to post something.

Calla

2009-09-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Calla's are from a wedding I attended this weekend.I placed them in depression glass sugar shaker. A send off into fall and back to work for me.I also attended the Detroit Jazz Festival this weekend,just terrific,great music for free. As for the watercolor,the flower spike in the middle of the flower needs a bit more yellow.Such a substantial flower,really lovely.

This mornings parctice

2009-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

So I couldn't help myself,using cut up mats I decided I would like the painting more if I cut it in half.
So I did. Then I added watercolor pencil and pastel. At first I only liked the top without any additional adjustments,but after I worked on the bottom half the top looked dull,so I added just a bit of watercolor pencil and pastel. Now the colors are vibrant which makes up for the poor drawing on the yellow flower.

I need to walk away from this and then decide what comes next,if anything.

Mini

2009-08-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

I really,really,really cropped this painting down. It now fits in a 3x2 fun frame bought at Michael's for fifty cents. Unfortunately I lost many of the lighter colors. Interesting though,in real life, it sort of looks like an oil. I may just add some lights with pastel or maybe I could try acrylic?

Dark colors

2009-08-07T10:15:00.000-07:00

Added some dark colors now I think I'm done.

Coneflowers & Petunias in a mason jar.

Hammer time

2009-08-07T08:39:00.001-07:00

Isn't it true that each painting has it's own rhythm and that when you begin ,at least for me, it isn't until near the end that you find it. I guess that's when you need to as Rhonda athttp://rhcarpenter.blogspot.com/ says we need to pay someone to sit behind with a hammer to make us stop.

Still looking at this I see areas that need to be addressed hopefully I'll be able to stop.

A morning in the garden

2009-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

A morning in the garden. I am going to continue to work on this. Maybe put some darks 0n the top right hand side.

I was chuckling the entire time I painted this,the birds were singing so loudly and flying about,it made me so glad to have the trees,flowers and bird baths that they so enjoy.

abstract flowers

2009-08-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Worked on this a bit added more watercolor and some pastel. Framed it in a basic 5x7 frame. I need to paint the coneflowers in my garden.

Around the house #2

2009-07-31T10:35:00.000-07:00

More practice,actually that's all I really do, is practice. Well it's a beautiful day in Michigan and silly me sat inside and painted. Tomorrow, or this evening ,I will have to go outside and paint some of the flowers in the garden.

More around the house paintings of my bedroom. The armoire was a great find as was the chair.The armorie was purchased at an antique show, the chair was bought second hand and slip covered.

The abstract started out as violets,also in my bedroom. The painting wasn't going that great so i cropped it scrubbed it,painted it and now feel the need to add some hard lines. Maybe look for the violets,that will be the difficult part.