Rainy Day Peonies

Rainy Day Peonies
Oil on panel, 10x8

After a very busy day, I come to my *new* easel late - and I’m trying out this “French Revolution” easel table top!  I rarely sit at a table to paint, but thought I would give it a try.  It worked beautifully - which also means it will also work if I need to paint in the car, due to rain or hail or the many other conditions that arise mid-painting!  I loaded my new palette, minus a few colors, as this one is smaller.  I also chose a few brushes (several of them from My Artscape), but I have yet to add small tubes of paint to the box.  I tried out both angled brushes tonight - and I like them!  I rarely stray from my brights and flats when in the oils, but I liked the strokes I could achieve, especially when it came to leaves and petals.  This painting makes 1230 in 1230 days - and what a wonderful day it was, Baby Nolan came home!

still life set up

April Magnolia

April Magnolia
Oil on unstretched canvas, 4x4
purchase here

Each day, it seems my magnolia tree grows more beautiful - so abundant with blooms it is!  I simply can't resist capturing such wonder in oils!  I have used my new brushes on this small painting - and how I wish I had bought one in every size!  There will be no time for going by the art supply store before I leave town, so I will have to make due with what I have.  These connoisseur 2102 brushes are holding their shape so well, and I love the way the paint cleans out of them so quickly with safflower oil.  They are synthetic, which is new to me, but so far, I have not found a single down side. The marks they make are clean and they blend like a charm.  I just love finding new, amazing art supplies!  It feels like Christmas! Painting number 834 in 834 days.

Yellow Rose in Bloom

Yellow Rose in Bloom
Oil on panel, 6x6

It has taken me all day to get this painting finished!  Starting after Piyo strength class this morning, I have had countless interruptions.  From family dropping by for a little impromptu party, altering a dress for tonight's Prom - complete with all the preparation involved and a photo shoot out on the lawn, I have just snuck in brushstrokes where I could!  I am studying the flow of paint on the petals, how to breathe life into each stroke.  I have always thought roses to be a challenge, so the extra study can only help to master these complicated beauties!  Today was warm and beautiful, but the winds have been howling - and storms are predicted for tomorrow. Maybe I'll switch things up and work with a little charcoal tomorrow.  Painting number 468 in as many days :)

Roses in White

Roses in White
Oil on panel. 8x6

I think roses are so hard to paint!  I had a different painting already sketched out from yesterday, and this morning, it simply did not call to me.  In fact, I shunned it - completely turning my back on it.  And in it's place, I choose something difficult?  What was I thinking?  Why do I allow my heart to lead me so?  I can only hope to capture the beauty of roses on canvas.  Their form, petals and shades evade me - but I will not let them win.  Competitive to the end, I am going to keep working on the rose until I master it - be it tomorrow or next year!  Painting number 408 in as many days.