January Roses

16x20 Oil on Linen

In a classy frame

Work in Progress

This was certainly a good time consuming painting for me. Roses are difficult to paint and White no less! I've been wanting to paint the blue glass vase for sometime now and with the white roses I thought they made the perfect pair. I feel the painting is a success despite my struggles that I won't elaborate on. Struggling is one of the best learning tools that I have, in my frustration I push myself harder to figure it out.

Thank you so much for your visit!  Snow is suppose to be on the way tomorrow finally! I've literally been depressed that we haven't had our share of it yet this year.

Spring Forsythia

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16x20 Oil on linen

I am pleased with this painting,  but I am toying with the idea of cropping it down.  I'm still debating if I have too much empty foreground, so the size could change. I had a lot of challenges in this painting, one is when it was time to start painting the forsythia branches that I would be able to put them in without making them look too heavy for the painting, the goal was to make it light and airy with a natural feel and the second challenge, making sure my glass vessels don't fall over!

I feel I need a whole lot of practice with this sort of painting but oh, I do enjoy the challenge!

The cool, wet, windy weather is hanging on this spring, but I am feeling the desperate need to get out of doors to paint....hang on to your hat because I don't think I can wait much longer   :)

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Class Room Studies II & New Studio Work

Here are some more class room studies from the Ron Arthaud class I'm taking. It is so fun and very different for me to explore the simple shapes and passages of colors set out before us. I am always intrigued from the moment I get to class, seeing what kind of STUFF gets tossed in the middle of the room to paint from all angles so that everyone can find something interesting. I am still working with a limited palette and really I have no desire to expand on it at this moment. Part of the fun for me is to see if I can mix the huge range of colors I see with only the basics.

9x12 Oil on Linen   "Let's take a break"

I'm considering doing a series of "BREAK TIME paintings" What do you think? I loved the hats that one of the ladies brought in and of course adding the cup tells a story!

9x12 Oil on panel

A rusty oil can, cloth and the frightening part for me a white hand cast.I am glad I pushed past my fear to get those fingers in there! I would like to do some more studies with the casts.

8x10 Oil on panel

Bags, bags and more bags! Oh and a rusty can smack in the middle to break up all that paper....here I was concerned about the red, as red commands your attention! I really enjoyed painting the bags so much that I've worked on some more in my studio.

WHAT'S Happening in the STUDIO?

16x20 Oil on Linen

 A very nice still life is started while the wind is raging outside - hopefully I won't "Ru in it"!

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Classroom Studies

12x16 oil on canvas - Simple Shapes study

10x12 Oil on linen - Paper Bag Study

8x10 Oil on Linen - Plein air study, just gathering information

Here are couple of really fun studies from the class I'm taking with Ron Arthaud. This class is very laid back and fun. Most definitely making me think outside of my Box! The last is a quick plein air study from earlier this week when I was able to get out in MY classroom in the snow for painting and a little cross country skiing before the weather took a turn for the worst.

 

Below is the beginning of a larger palette knife painting.

For this painting I work on a section and let it setup (dry) for a few days so when I start putting on the next layer of thick paint it won't muddy up my sky and distant mountains. I am sure praying this painting turns out...love it so far!

Palette Knife Oil on chessoed hardboard

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