Day 30 - Grapefruit

Today is Day 30 in the 30 Day Challenge!  Last day of the Challenge...Wow!

I went to the fruit stand one day during the challenge with the intention to buy pretty fruit to paint.  When I got to the check out counter the girl who was checking me out said "Wow, you really have some colorful fruit there."  I had to laugh because I bought it specifically to paint, maybe to eat later.

This is a Louisiana grown grapefruit.  There was a basket of them at the front counter so I picked one with a leaf left on.

"Louisiana Grapefruit"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Artist Note:

The challenge is over but I have had a wonderful experience interacting with other artists and exploring and growing as the month went along.  I challenged myself this month to paint still life paintings from real life on 6 x 6 canvas.  Sometimes I think its more difficult to paint smaller.  But through the month, I got faster and gained more confidence as I went along, concentrated on shadows, color, brush strokes and value.

Thank you Leslie Saeta for initiating this challenge.

Now I am off to paint bigger...

Day 29 - Mango

This is my entry for Day 29 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

Although today is Day 30 and I am posting Day 29...behind schedule I still will not give up.  I did paint this painting yesterday but had problems with the photo and gave up until I could take the picture with a little natural light.

"Mango"

6 x 6 - oils on canvas panel

Day 28 - Cup of Love

Today is Day 28 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

Valentine's Day is coming!  Be sure to tell someone how much you care...

"Cup of Love"

6 x 6 - oils on canvas panel

Artist Note:

I've been real distracted lately and its showing, but I have an excuse.  I finished hanging an exhibit in a local restaurant today of my abstract art (blog to follow soon).  

Day 27 - Cluck Cluck

Today is Day 27 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

This little chicken is actually a pitcher and is rather large.  Because of the size restriction I put on canvas size for this challenge he is a smaller version of the real deal, but I am very happy with him.

"Cluck Cluck"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Day 26-Pink Morning

Today is Day 26 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

For today's challenge I painted a pink rose which reminds me how very close we are to Valentine's Day.  What a wonderful time of the year to receive and give something to your sweetie that says I love you!

"Pink Morning"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

SOLD

Pink Roses mean Happiness, Romance, Admiration, Sweetness

There are many variations of pink roses and all hues of pink communicate sweetness and elegance. Light pink roses show happiness, joy and admiration. If you want to send an expression of gratitude deep pink roses are perfect because they symbolize appreciation and thankfulness.

Ref: http://www.squidoo.com/RoseColorMeaning

Day 25 - Blue Pitcher

Today is Day 25 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

For this entry I chose a little blue pitcher that was so special to my Mom.  I'm running behind on my paintings because I have a lot going on here.  I am no longer ahead of schedule and I don't like not being ahead on this.

"Blue Pitcher"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Day 24 - Salt

Today is Day 24 of the 30 in 30 Days Challenge!

For today's entry I painted my salt container.  I like to use salt this way instead of a shaker when I cook.  I feel it gives me a little more control over the salt I am adding to food.

I do have an ulterior motive for painting this.  I also have my paintings on Daily Paint Works and this week's challenge is to paint glass.  So I am working in doubles today.

"Salt"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Artist Note:

I had a lot going on yesterday, so I didn't get to spend as much time on this as I would have liked but here it is anyway.

Day 23 - Tangerine

Today is Day 23 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

This tangerine was picked from a tree in my yard.  This tree was planted the same time as the lemon tree in yesterday's blog post, but for some reason the lemon tree is probably twice its size.  Although I don't get quite as many tangerines as the buckets I get from the lemon tree, it is an adequate supply.  Thank you little Tangerine Tree.

"Tangerine"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Did you know:

• Tangerines are a good source of vitamin C, folate and beta-carotene.They also contain some potassium, magnesium and vitamins B1, B2 and B3. Also contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin.

• New research from The University of Western Ontario has discovered a substance in tangerine skins that not only prevents obesity in mice, but also offers protection against type 2 diabetes, and even atherosclerosis, the underlying disease responsible for most heart attacks and strokes.

• The tangerine has a darker reddish orange skin and the mandarin is lighter orange in color.

• It'll take about 1 pound of oranges to produce an 8-oz. glass of juice.

Ref:
http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/Juicing-Citrus/Detail.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangerine
http://in.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070330015633AATWZWo

Day 22 - Lemon

Today is Day 22 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

For today's entry I painted a lemon from my yard.  When we first planted the tree, it was very small and in a few years has grown to produce more lemons than we can possibly use or give away.  Lemons are usually ready to begin picking in November.

"Lemon"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Did you know:

• Lemon oil may be used in aromatherapy.

• The low pH of lemon juice makes it antibacterial.

• A halved lemon is used as a finger moistener for those counting large amounts of bills, such as tellers and cashiers.

• The juice of the lemon may be used for cleaning. As a sanitary kitchen deodorizer the juice can deodorize, remove grease, bleach stains, and disinfect; when mixed with baking soda, it removes stains from plastic food storage containers.

• Lemon oil is also used as a nontoxic insecticide treatment.

• Throw lemon peel in your flower beds to deterr cats from digging.

Ref:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon

Day 21 - Pomegranate

Today is Day 21 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

For today's entry I painted a pomegranate.  I love the rich red in this fruit...but I don't eat them...

"Pomegranate"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Interesting Wikipedia facts on the pomegranate:

• In preliminary laboratory research and clinical trials, juice of the pomegranate may be effective in reducing heart disease.

• In a limited study of hypertensive patients, consumption of pomegranate juice for two weeks was shown to reduce systolic blood pressure by inhibiting serum angiotensin-converting enzyme. Juice consumption may also inhibit viral infections while pomegranate extracts have antibacterial effects against dental plaque.

• Ancient Egyptians regarded the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. According to the Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical writings from around 1500 BC, Egyptians used the pomegranate for treatment of tapeworm and other infections.

• In the Ancient Greek mythology, the pomegranate was also known as the "fruit of the dead".

• Pomegranates continue to be a motif often found in Christian religious decoration. They are often woven into the fabric of vestments and liturgical hangings or in metalwork. Pomegranates figure in many religious paintings by the likes of Sandro Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci, often in the hands of the Virgin Mary or the infant Jesus. The fruit, broken or bursting open, is a symbol of the fullness of Jesus' suffering and resurrection.

• In China, pictures of the ripe fruit with the seeds bursting forth were often hung in homes to bestow fertility and bless the dwelling with numerous offspring, an important facet of traditional Chinese culture.

Day 20 - Pear

Today is Day 20 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!  Wow!  We are 2/3 of the way through.

For today's entry I painted a pear.  I've been trying to work on value as I paint and concentrate not only on the shadow, but on the reflection the pear cast on this hard surface.

To be eligible to win one of my 30 Day paintings for FREE, click on the "Join this site" button on the right hand side of this page and follow the prompts...

"Pear"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Interesting Wikipedia facts:

• Several species of pear are valued for their edible fruit, while others are cultivated as ornamental trees. 
 
• In 2010, The People's Republic of China was the top producer of pears at 15,231,858 tons.  Second in line was the United States at 738,085 tons.
 
• Pears are a good source of dietary fiber and a good source of vitamin C. Most of the vitamin C, as well as the dietary fiber, is contained within the skin of the fruit.

Day 19 - Red Apple

Today is Day 19 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

I went shopping yesterday and bought a bag of these beautiful apples...to eat...but I decided to paint one too.

The change in still life setup is giving me an added interest changing things up a bit for me.  I am not a creature of habit, so this is working for me.  I am happy to be able to use my larger brushes and concentrate on value.

"Red Apple"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

According to Wikipedia, here are some interesting facts about the apple:

• Basic research suggests that apples may reduce the risk of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. Apple peels contain ursolic acid which, in rat studies, increases skeletal muscle and brown fat, and decreases white fat, obesity, glucose intolerance, and fatty liver disease.

• In the United States, it was once tradition to bring an apple to the teacher on the first day of elementary school.

• Apples appear in many religious traditions, often as a mystical or forbidden fruit. One of the problems identifying apples in religion, mythology and folktales is that the word "apple" was used as a generic term for all (foreign) fruit, other than berries, but including nuts.

• In Greek Mythology, the apple was considered to be sacred to Aphrodite, and to throw an apple at someone was to symbolically declare one's love; and similarly, to catch it was to symbolically show one's acceptance of that love.

Day 18 - Avocado

Today is Day 18 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

Okay, I admit it I am getting a little antsy.  I like painting a variety of surfaces and sizes and subjects.  For this challenge I have narrowed my painting to still life paintings on 6 x 6 canvas panels.  I thought well small size can be quick...not too much detail right...wrong.  It seems to take longer for me to paint smaller...guess that is because I am using a smaller brush.

So I thought, okay there must be a solution.  Today I painted a single Avocado which changed it up for me.

"Avocado"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

There are a lot of facts about the Avocado I found interesting and I would like to share a few of those
Wikipedia facts:

• The avocado (Persea americana) is a tree native to Central Mexico,classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae along with cinnamon, camphor and bay laurel.

• Avocado or alligator pear also refers to the fruit (botanically a large berry that contains a single seed) of the tree.

• Avocados are commercially valuable and are cultivated in tropical and Mediterranean climates throughout the world. They have a green-skinned, fleshy body that may be pear-shaped, egg-shaped, or spherical. Commercially, it ripens after harvesting. 

• Trees are partially self-pollinating and often are propagated through grafting to maintain a predictable quality and quantity of the fruit.

• About 75% of an avocado's calories come from fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat.

• On a 100 g basis, avocados have 35% more potassium (485 mg) than bananas (358 mg). 

• They are rich in B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and vitamin K.

• Avocados have a high fiber content of 75% insoluble and 25% soluble fiber.

• High avocado intake was shown in one preliminary study to lower blood cholesterol levels. 

• Avocado is under preliminary research for potential anti-cancer activity.

Stapleton Kearns Workshop

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to tell you all about an exciting plein air workshop presented by the Lafayette Art Association.

The talented teaching professional, Stapleton Kearns, will be teaching on March 22-24, 2013 in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Stape is a wonderful professional landscape painter and teacher from New Hampshire.  He writes a very impressive blog filled with techniques, ideas and methods.  His website showcases his exquisite paintings.

The workshop will be at privately owned property in Cankton, LA. If anyone is interested in taking this workshop, please contact:

The Lafayette Art Association

(337) 269-0363

From the Flier Announcing the Workshop:

This is a plein air workshop in oils featuring the talented teaching professional from New Hampshire, Stapleton Kearns.  Stapleton Kearns is a professional landscape painter who will fill your workshop experience with valuable techniques, ideas, and methods based on a classical impressionist approach. We encourage you to "meet" Stape on his blog (http://www.stapletonkearns.blogspot.com) and read more about the artist at (http://www.meridiangalleries.com/art_stapleton_kearns.htm)

The workshop day will be structured as follows: teaching demonstration in the morning; attendees will need to provide their own bag lunch; then afternoons filled with painting and invaluable one-on-one attention from Stape.  Additionally, Stape conducts evening dinner lectures (dinner will be provided, on-site the evening of the 22 and 23rd at no extra charge to you).  These lectures will include discussion of many impressionist masters of the period and their techniques accompanied by a slide show presentation.  As well, you will hear about the fine painters under whom Stape has studied.

The 3-day workshop will be conducted on privately owned land in Cankton, LA which is approximately a 20 minute drive from downtown Lafayette.  There is a cabin on the property with bathroom and kitchen facilities.

The 3-day workshop will be March 22, 23 and 24, 2013.  The workshop fees are $330 for members and $360 for non-members. A $100 deposit will secure your spot for this 3 day workshop, and all fees must be paid by March 1, 2013.  Materials list available upon registration.  Participants must register in advance at the Lafayette Art Association, 1008 East St. Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503 or call for further information (337) 269-0363.  

Day 17 - Boo Bear

Today is day 17 of the 30 in 30 day Challenge!

My personal goal for this challenge has been to work from real life setups I create (no photographs).  All paintings are on 6 x 6 canvas panels.

"Boo Bear"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Day 16 - Incense Burner

Today is Day 16 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

The weather here is 36 degrees this morning and has been raining for days.  In South Louisiana when it rains, the cold feels so much colder than when it is dry.  Rainy, windy and cold weather make me want to stay home and paint.

The painting today is of an incense burner I have laying around my house.  The metal on the cone shape and the glass knob on the top are wonderful light reflectors.

"Incense Burner"

6 x 6 - oils on canvas panel

Day 15 - Mr. Piggy

This is Day 15 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!  Wow!  We are half way through already.

I created this little pig during my pottery class year.  Its a hand built piece that I didn't want to make but now am glad I did.  I have to admit, I think he is cute!

"Mr. Piggy"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Artist Note:

My photos are not a very good quality but its been raining for days here and I am taking the photos at night and inside...sorry.

I have been using the Blick brand canvas panels but last time I ordered from Utrecht and I like these a lot better.   The canvas tooth is not as big on these.  I probably should gesso them once before I paint on them which would fix the problem, but it has been a time crunch thing for me.

Day 14 - Golden Pottery

Today is Day 14 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

"Golden Pottery"

6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

I found this piece of pottery one day when I was headed to someplace else.  Have you ever been on your way somewhere and discovered a treasure in an unexpected place?  This is what happened to me.

I saw this teeny tiny sign that said "pottery" so I begged my husband to STOP and turn in.  We went down this tiny gravel/dirt road with big potholes and overgrown brush everywhere.  It finally opened up to this huge warehouse filled with wonderful pottery.  This is one of my pottery finds I bought there.

The small piece on the bottom left is one I made in pottery class.  This is such a tiny painting, I will paint it again larger.  The piece of pottery I made has an eye protruding out of it.  I think its rather cool.

Give Away Reminder:
Two weeks into the Challenge I would like to remind you guys that I will be giving away one of these pieces of artwork created in this 30 Day Challenge to following members who have joined my blog.  You have to be a joined following member on my blog to win.

To learn how to sign up I've provided a  link of instruction on how to follow a blog and join the site. It is very easy to do...

http://support.google.com/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=104226

Day 13 - Pottery Pumpkin

Today is Day 13 of the 30 Day Challenge!

This is my favorite piece of pottery I made while taking classes a couple of years ago.  Pottery is usually a dipping process to glaze the pottery and most of the orange was dipped, but then my teacher handed me a paint brush and it was heaven for me.

"Pottery Pumpkin"
6 x 6 - oils on canvas panel




















Artist Note:

This painting was painted from real life in my studio, not from a photo.  I did have an old photo of it in my photo library and thought I would just post it here also for you guys to see...

Crums and Glue Heart

About a week ago I was contacted through Google+ by an extremely talented musician from Australia, Meri Amber.  Meri was gathering artwork in the shape of a heart to use in her newest video which accompanies her song "Crums and Glue".

Meri is an extremely talented artist.  If you have not had the pleasure of watching Meri Amber's videos, listening to her music and reading her blog, you are missing out!

After listening to her beautiful song, "Crums and Glue", I created this heart to represent my interpretation of the feelings the song portrayed.

After sending the heart to Meri she wrote this wonderful article on her Blog and I have linked it for you all to read.

http://www.meriamber.com/blog/2013/01/crumbs-and-glue-heart-maria-randolph/

Check out Meri Amber's site and I think you will all agree she is simply AWESOME!

Cold Season

Today is Day 12 of the 30 in 30 Day Challenge!

With the way this crazy weather has been acting, I got the idea to paint tools for the cold season.  I hope I don't jinx myself by saying this, but I am so glad I am well!  I keep telling myself its the Vitamin C I've been taking.

I'm managing to stay ahead of schedule for this challenge and this gives me piece of mind.  Before I began this challenge I would ponder about what I would paint next and I spent way too much time deciding.  This challenge has helped me organize my thoughts and make a mental list of ideas to paint.  Usually when I finish one I am immediately setting up another.  It's also pushing me to paint faster.

"Cold Season"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Jester Doll

Today is Day 11 of the 30 in 30 Challenge!

This little Jester was something I inherited from my Mother.  Mom loved and looked forward to the Mardi Gras season every year.  Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!

"Jester Doll"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel
SOLD

Teapot

This is Day 10 of the 30 Day Challenge!

It's been raining here for 2 days now and very gloomy outdoors.  When the weather is bad, I love curling up on the sofa with a good book and a nice cup of hot tea.  I love teapots and this one is special to me because it was a Christmas gift from my children.

"Teapot"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Just the Babysitter

Today is Day 9 of the 30 Day Challenge!

This little chicken is a whimsical piece I have laying around that makes me laugh.  I'm staying ahead in my paintings and this is giving me piece of mind.  This is helping me work faster, put things in and leave them alone...trying not to be so fussy.

"Just the Babysitter"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Aline's Pottery

Today is Day 8 of the 30 Day Challenge!

I have to admit producing art is not a problem, it is knowing that I have a deadline brings a little stress into the situation.  So far I have been able to stay a day ahead of schedule and that helps.

Today's piece is from pottery created by my aunt that passed away a couple of years ago.  She was a potter and an oil painter.  Although, she and I did not live in the same city, we would collaborate over the phone and share information on art, techniques and theory.  I am very grateful to have a few special pieces of her art.

"Aline's Pottery"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel




















Artist Note:

I think I am getting faster trying not to fuss so much over each piece, keeping in mind my deadline and that I have many more to go...most of all I am having fun!

Door Stops

This is Day 7 of the 30 Day Challenge!

Here are a couple of old things I have laying around.  The iron belonged to my great grandmother.  The old glass insulator was another found object by my father.  They had a purpose but I have re-purposed them as door stops.

"Door Stops"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Time

Today is Day 6 of the 30 Day Challenge!

For this still life I picked this little clock to paint and a red gerber daisy to bring in some color.

There is a lot to be said about time.

Time waits for no one...

Time flies...

Time marches on...

Don't waste time...

"Time"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Time quotes:

Men talk of killing time, while time quietly kills them.  ~Dion Boucicault

As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.  ~Henry David Thoreau, "Economy," Walden, 1854

You may delay, but time will not.  ~Benjamin Franklin

You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. ~Charles Bixton

When we are doing what we love, we don't care about time. For at least at that moment, time doesn't exist and we are truly free. ~Marcia Wieder

Whether it's the best of times or the worst of times, it's the only time we've got. ~Art Buchwald

“Time lost is never found again.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Artist Note:

I've been playing with using less paint which will allow my background color to come through a little more.  This is pretty subtle, I think, but it also changes the look of the painting, giving me an old antique feel.  For this painting I toned my canvas with raw umber; some I have used black and some burnt sienna.

I painted the time on this clock at 5:00, which means a lot of different things to different people.  This  idea is making me aware of how important time is to everyone.  What does time mean for you?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Gentle Gathering

Today is Day 5 of the Daily Challenge!

I have to say this has been fun, but it has also been a challenge, especially on the weekend.  I am learning a lot from this especially as commitment and dedication ring loud in my ears.  I've really enjoyed seeing what everyone else is painting and the challenges they are blogging about.

"Gentle Gathering"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Snack Time

Today is Day 4 of the 30 Day Challenge!

For today's painting I used one of these cute little tiny apples my husband brought home.  He was so proud and excited about how super sweet they were and wanted me to try one.  I immediately scooped one up, but not for the reason he intended.  I headed straight for my studio with it.

My sweet little grand baby, Clayton was visiting and playing around in my studio with me and when I looked, he had this funny little look on his face.  You guessed it, he ate the apple...Yummie Nana!

"Snack Time"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Little Iron Duck

This is Day 3 of the 30 day Challenge initiated by artist, Leslie Saeta.

This Little Iron Duck is one of a pair that I inherited from my Father.  This piece lives in my bookcase where he works hard at holding up books.   Years ago, I displayed the pair together on the coffee table but one of the them is not quite balanced right.  When anyone accidentally bumped the table the duck would tip over, do a nose dive and kerplunk, another dent in the coffee table.  My husband hated them because they were always falling, but looking at them makes me laugh.

"Little Iron Duck"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel




















Artist Note:

I started out toning my canvas with black which gave me a darker undertone in this piece.  I used the same 2 books in my setup with the exception that I placed the black book on on top.  This caused a problem and I felt the dark color was too dominating so I changed the color by adding a light blue alternating with a reddish purple.

Red Pitcher

This is Day 2 of the 30 day challenge.  I chose for my "theme" to paint a small still life painting every day.

Additionally, I am offering to my blog subscribers "a painting giveaway" at the end of the 30 day challenge which means I will be giving away one of the paintings that I create on the 30 day challenge.  To be eligible to win, you have to be a public subscriber to my blog so your name will be placed in the giveaway bucket.  The winner will be announced here in 30 days.

To subscribe to my blog, just click on "join this site" and follow the prompts.

"Red Pitcher"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel




















Artist Note:

This is another of the many pitchers I made when I took pottery classes.  I used the same 2 books that I painted in yesterday's still life painting and a piece of greenery I had laying around.  I toned the canvas with a blood red mix and as I painted I kept my paint thin so the background would show throw in some places.

Favorite Things

Leslie Saeta is holding a challenge on her blog to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.  I have decided to join the challenge because I think it will be fun and push me to paint more.  Today is Day 1 of the Challenge and I am committed to producing a small still life painting each day.

"Favorite Things"
6 x 6 - oil on canvas panel

Artist Note:

This little cup and books belonged to my father who passed away many years ago.  He loved black coffee and would drink it from this tiny cup.  The books are a couple of his favorites by Kahlil Gibran.