Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Last of the Ballerinas

This is my last painting of Catherine and her friends as they were excitedly practicing for the big show. I liked just putting in gestures quickly. The oil Bars are fun to work this way. If I can only remember to leave it alone and not show every little detail! Thank you again for stopping by and leaving comments, I really enjoy hearing from everyone. This painting was done from sketches and photos. I used to take my granddaughter to her class every week. Think I will go back and do some more sketches. Only now you have to run it by someone and let them know you are an artist!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

The Mauve Hour

My Grandmother used to describe the hour just before the sun set as the "mauve hour" everything was tinged with that lovely mauve color, of course she lived in Tucson for 9 months every year and we were in upstate New York. I could never really see the Mauve Hour until I visited her when I was in 4th grade. My Aunt was a painter and I tagged along with her as she painted. She painted the landscape of Arizona and Mexico and Hawaii, and would talk to me about the colors and how different they were in each place. I am still trying to capture and recognize the unique colors of every hour when I am painting. I did this painting of my granddaughter from a sketch and photograph. The room did take on that mauve glow.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Waiting and Memories of the Nutcracker

I was just bringing the ornament box down from the attic and one of the nutcracker ornaments fell out reminding me of taking our girls to see the Nutcracker, and taking my granddaughter to ballet class. It is so much fun watching the girls as they get ready for the big night. This painting "Waiting" was one I did as Catherine was waiting for her turn to perform. I loved how the last of the sun came streaming through the high windows. I think I really love painting people best, and especially children. My concern is I don't want to get trite. So, any thoughts on the subject of painting people and not getting trite would be greatly appreciated. One artist who does a great job with people is Tracy Helgeson, her series of "People we know" is so unique, but I also love her landscapes.

I have been going through my sketch books and pulling out some pencil sketches to use for paintings. I have a few more of my ballerinas. Hopefully I can share them in the next few days.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Well once again it is Christmas time and I am beginning to panic because I haven't started doing any of the usual, cookie baking, or card writing, or decorating. And, I haven't painted for a few days either!! I do promise once January 1, 2011 rolls around I will paint every day. After all I did when I was working on the books.

I did the grapes in Oil bar and had fun with the high lights on the grapes and, and the reflection of the bowl on the table.

I am off to bake Sarah's sugar cookies. If there is a Sarah out there who took Tole painting classes from me in Nashua New Hampshire a long time ago, please say hi. Those cookies are favorites of my family and friends. I lost Sarah's address in one of our many moves and have always regretted that I could not remember her last name. But I remember her every time I bake those cookies. I have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people and I am really enjoying meeting so may great artists through the internet. So, happy painting. If you have any questions about oil bar let me know, or just share some painting thoughts. I love hearing from you.