30 Paintings in 30 days

Thirty paintings in thirty days!  I wasn't sure I could do it.  I wanted to complete the challenge and get a blog started.  I would have never done the blog without a major push!  

Some of my artists friends have asked me what I got from doing this.  I would like to share with you some of the positive things about the challenge.  If you are an artist, I would like to encourage you to join us in January for another challenge.  (Make sure you get your blog up and running before January if you would like to keep hair on your head!)

1.  I have had almost 2000 page views from 12 different countries in 30 days. (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Poland, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Ireland, Turkey, Italy and the United States!) That alone is unbelievable!

2.  I have learned something every day.  Some days it was something small.  Some days it was something I was doing wrong.  But as the month went on, I became more aware of lighting, composition, values, edges, lines, and color harmony.  

3.  I learned I don't want to paint things unless I have a very good understanding of them.  If it is a person or an animal, I want to know it.  I want to study the eyes and understand how they are lit.  I want to know the personality of it.  If it is a flower or a field, I want to know how it feels and smells.  If it is clouds, I want to know where the sun is and what the weather is.

4.  I became more aware of my equipment and how it would function.  I knew exactly what would happen when I touched that brush or palette knife to the canvas or panel.

5.  I learned if I prepared what I would paint the night before when the lighting wasn't the best, I wouldn't waste precious time in the morning with good light.

6.  I was able to tell the Director of a gallery to look up my blog and view my work which gave it a more professional presentation.  I was juried into their Holiday show.

7.  I learned I had some very good friends and family that would support me and encourage me!  Many of you wanted to purchase the paintings.

8.  I believe that God gave me a deep desire to do what I am doing and share it with others.

If you have a desire to do something, whether it be painting or something else, try it everyday for 30 days.  You will learn so much about yourself and your topic!

I would like to thank Leslie Saeta for hosting this challenge!  I will plan ahead for January!

Sunset- Painting Number 30!

Whoooo Hoooooo! Painting number 30 in 30 days!
I started this challenge with a sunrise to indicate God's hand in a new beginning.  I thought it would be appropriate to end it with a sunset to indicate His control over all things!
I am more than overwhelmed at all I have learned this month.  I would like to thank Leslie Saeta for hosting this challenge of 30 paintings in 30 days for 1053 artists in over 9 different countries!
I could not have made it through the month without the encouragement of the people who were so faithful to view my work and make comments.  Your love and support means more to me than you will EVER know!
Many of you have asked for pricing and I will get that done.  While giving that thought, I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you.  So I am doing a give away of one of the paintings.  If you have made comments or liked my painting post, make a comment with which painting you would like.  I am going to put all the names in a basket and have someone pull out a name on Tuesday, October 7, one week from today.  I want to give back to you, who have given so much to me.  I love you all!  My cup runneth over!
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Poinsettia 2

O.K., I admit it...I am a type A personality.  I have worked too hard this month not to have the full 30 paintings for the 30 days.  I was not going to let 1 day stand in my way.  So I decided to paint another poinsettia because I knew it would be quick and I am so tired.
This is painted with a palette knife.  The lightest color is orange but it doesn't show up well on the photo.
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Another Field

When you grow up in the country, there is something you love about the dirt!  My Daddy used to say when you get the sand between your toes, you always want to come back to it.  It is true.  I love riding through the countryside and watching it change with the seasons and the crops.
I love painting a plowed field just as much as one that has a crop in it.  It is all part of the process.
Painting reminds me of farming.  There are steps you have to take if you want a successful farm or painting.  Farmers have to think about what crops grow better in which season and in which soil.  Painters have to decide which type of painting they can be successful with and what colors and tools to use.  Farmers have to think about  rainfall, pests, and temperature. Painters have to think about values, hues, and temperature.  Farmers are continually thinking and planning ahead. Painters are always looking for their next painting.  Farming is a twenty-four hour a day job.  Painting is also.  Farming is hard work. Painting is too.  The harder a farmer works the more people say he is lucky.  The harder a painter works the more people say they are talented.  It all boils down to one thing...the more you work at it, the better you get!  Farmers and Painters have to do the best they can and let the Lord do the rest!
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Cloudy day

The farmers in our community have picked the peanuts and plowed the fields again.  They will probably plant rye this time to have food for the animals this winter.  This cloud was hanging so low it looked like it was going to touch the ground.  I loved the contrast of the dark purple cloud and the freshly plowed field.
I tried using the palette knife in several directions to get the texture on this one.  It is fun to smear the oil paint around and step back and see what you have! Try it sometime!
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Coconut Palm tree

I love looking up in trees.  There is something majestic about that view!  There is almost always a breeze blowing in from the water near the coast. The soft gentle breeze  makes the palm fronds dance around.
One of the hardest things about painting is deciding when you are finished.  Have you said enough for another viewer to tell what you meant without boring them with too many details?  If the painting isn't working, have you spent too much time on it?  Is it time to move on?  The jury is still out on this one. What do you think?
I was attracted to the movement of the fronds.  I love to paint movement and life into things.  I probably got distracted by that.  I should have planned the different planes of the painting better.  By that I mean, I should have paid more attention to what was behind what.  I had to paint over things I had already painted because I didn't do it in the proper order.  That is my lesson for today.
Overall, I loved the colors and the sky peeking through the swaying fronds.  It was fun dancing with it!
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Train

Cliff's granddaddy worked for Seaboard Coastline.  We were entertained with many train stories.  I always wanted to get a picture with an engine coming toward me.  But I have a great respect for trains and would never get in front of one!  Well, not unless it was stopped.  Luckily the other day when we passed the track, one was sitting still.  I was able to get on the track for the photo.  So today I decided it was time for a train ride!
I have learned this month when you take a photo of your painting, it will show your mistakes immediately.  But I didn't do it.  It is a good lesson.  I will be so glad when I implement what I have learned!  When you think you are close to completion, take a photo and it will show you what to do next.  I need to soften the line between the gravel and the bush on the right side of the train.  It is obvious when you see the photo.  I will do it in the painting now.
There is one other thing I didn't see until I took the photo.  The Engineer is there on the left side! It gave me goose bumps!  Enjoy the ride!
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Red Purse

I decided I needed a purse to go with the heels.  So I looked in New York City, on the web of course, and found a store we all know that begins with an S.  Since the shoes were patent leather, the purse had to be too.  It would be shiny and reflective.  I love shiny things!  The price tag of $895 didn't even bother me because I knew I wouldn't have to pay it!  So I threw it in the cart and headed off to the studio.
This is a good exercise for my artists friends.  Because all of the reds are so close in color, you have to get the value in the right place in order for the form to read correctly.  Large shapes were defined into smaller ones as the process went on.
This could get addictive.  I love shopping when I don't have to spend any money!
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Red Shoe

This week has been full of late nights.  I guess I am getting lazy because I didn't clean the mixing area of my palette last night.  I had some red left over...imagine that!  I just can't waste it so I decided things were getting too serious and it was time for some playfulness.
I have had several fractures in both my feet so I can't wear the beautiful, sexy heels that I love.  So, you guessed it, the next best thing to do...paint them!  I started it in a poster like manner, then decided to loosen the edges just a bit.  I chose the Cadmium Green as a complimentary color to the red. I think it has a more modern look than some of the other greens. Don't you?  I think it would look great in a thick gold frame.  It would add to the juxtaposition of old and new.
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Fall Field

I love to ride through the country and see the different colors peeking through the woods.  Most of our colors are still green with a little yellow ochre.  If you are lucky you will see a tree turning yellow or some red in the bushes.  It is still quite warm in the 80's but it is starting to get a little cooler at night.  Hopefully the colors will become more vibrant soon! If not, I will paint them red anyway!
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Poinsettia

This was an incredible day!
Lemoyne Gallery was founded in1963 in our state capital, Tallahassee, Florida.  They have an annual Holiday Show of 100 artists.  I met with the gallery director and was invited to participate in their show after she looked at my blog.
Therefore, I thought it was appropriate to use a poinsettia for todays post.  There is no white in this painting! The white in the photo is reflections from the sun because there is thick texture on the painting.  All I want for Christmas is a better photo editing application!
Christmas is coming soon!  Please plan to join us on Thanksgiving night for the show opening.
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Red Cardinal 2

We live in the middle of a pine forest.  When we moved here, the trees were small and we didn't have many birds around.  The trees have grown up and are getting thicker.  We have planted many trees and bushes to provide a better habitat for the birds, the bees, and the butterflies.   We see many different kinds of birds now. But is it any wonder I like to paint the red ones?!
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Seeing Red

I love painting reds!  My husband says I like any color as long as it is red.  That is about right!
I wanted to paint more red cardinals but decided to take the steps this time.  I used a piece of brown paper bag to do a little sanding to smooth the surface of the canvas. Doing this little color study, I  became more familiar with the eye and beak area.  I used an analogous color scheme of Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Orange, and Cadmium Yellow.  I used a touch of Viridian to mix with the Alizarin Crimson to make the black. I wish you could see him in all his glory!  He looks like he is going to start chirping any moment!
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Geraniums

My Grandma had geraniums all along the carport on the east side of her house.  She had many different colors.  I have always loved them because they seemed to bloom for a long time.  I buy at least 2 pots a year.  I usually kill 2 pots a year.  They don't like for their roots to be wet so I either overwater them or forget to water them at all.  The only way I will have geraniums is to paint them!
I painted this painting before I went to a workshop where I was planning to use the setup.  I wasn't   happy with the way the light was on the subject so I covered the surface with retouch varnish in order to get good adhesion of the new paint.  I really intended to only do a few touch ups. Somehow that doesn't work for me, so I repainted the complete surface.  I am much happier with the way it is backlit.  Now if only I had a little computer Jeanie that would make the colors correct on the screen, I would be a happy camper!
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Pumpkins

One of my favorite things about fall is the pumpkin flavor.  I use the pumpkin spice in my coffee and in protein drinks.  Anything I can sneak a little pumpkin in, I do.  They even make donuts with pumpkin flavoring...not that I know anyone who would eat those things.
This is another 4 x 4 on canvas.  It is on a cotton canvas that has a deep texture.  I usually sand them lightly with a small piece of brown paper bag or very fine sandpaper before I use them.  I was in a hurry and forgot to do that.  Therefore, I ended up using the palette knife in order to lay the paint on thicker.
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Interior

Sometimes I paint these little paintings to get color placements for larger paintings.  I find they have a certain charm to them, especially if framed in a wide gold frame. This one is 4 x 4 on canvas. Someone said they look like little jewels. They look nice on a small easel on a desk or table or in a bookcase.
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Golfing - Watercolor

I am sure you are wondering why I am painting yesterday's oil
painting in watercolor today.  It is because I realized I did it backwards.  Not the image, but the process.  I should have done this before the oil painting.  It would have saved me time and my colors, values and shapes would have been more accurate.
Painting is a skill, the more you practice the better it gets.  It's like when you cook something often, it gets better and better.  If I had painted the little watercolor first, I would have studied the tiny shapes better.  I would have been more aware of the subtle value differences.  I would have trained my eye to see the color differences more accurately.
I guess it is like training children.  You tell them over and over and wonder why they aren't getting it. I know that doing a color study and even a value study will improve my final product. So why did I decide to jump off the side of the porch when it would have been much easier to use the steps???

Golfing

His Dad is a manager of a golf course and restaurant.  Two of his favorite things to do are ride in the golf cart and try to swing at the ball. Anything that Daddy does is good enough to try.  I just love him wearing his little red diaper! Another lesson on anything worth having is worth practicing!

Swinging in the wind

I am very proud to have a great grandson.  His Mom has tried to limit the chemicals he is exposed to. She has chosen to use cloth diapers for him as much as possible. Kudos to her!
I wanted to do this little playful painting in her honor.

Boomer

I am a little anxious about posting this painting.  This was my cousin, Andrew Boatright's dog, "Boomer".  The two of them were inseparable.  Boomer got a serious illness and passed away.  Andrew was devastated.  I promised him I would paint  a portrait of Boomer.  I hope this meets his expectations.
And by the way, Andrew, Boomer and I had a little chat this afternoon.  He doesn't want you to be unhappy.  He asked me to give you a message.  He said he will be waiting for you at the top of the stairs when you get to heaven.

Fall

Fall is in the air.  The leaves are starting to change color and drop off the trees.  The air is cooling a little even though it is still very hot.  It is getting dark at 8:30 p.m. instead of 9:00 p.m.  I am working on stronger compositions.  Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Bantam Rooster

Another little rooster of the Bantam breed of chickens.  Here in the south we call them "Bantys".  I am working on loose brushwork and color harmony.  The color is still not correct on the photo.  The color of highlights on the tail is turquoise.  If anyone out there knows how to correct this, please leave a comment below so we can all learn.  Thank you for visiting!

White Rooster

Hopefully this picture will be a little larger.

White Rooster

My Grandma always had Bantam chickens when I was growing up.  They just ran lose around the farm.  I had a white Bantam Rooster that I got as a chick.  He made the strangest sounds  when he first learned how to crow.  He continued to try every morning and never gave up.  He finally got it and I loved to hear him wake me up.  We can learn a lot from the chickens!

Cardinal comes to visit

I love to hear the birds signing outside the studio window.  Look who came to visit!

Hay Fields

I love riding through our county in the fall.  Many of the fields have hay rolled up as the farmers are preparing to have food for their livestock during the winter months.

Praising Him

I first painted a larger version of this beautiful garden at Susan Eberhardt's lovely home in Panama City, FL. during a workshop with Guido Frick.  I wanted a smaller version that would be nice on an easel for a desk or bookcase.  I thought this would be a perfect size for "Praising Him."

Stormy Evening

We have had lots of rain.  Several surrounding counties in north Florida are getting flood warnings.

Day 5

There were several purposes for doing this painting challenge.  I knew it would force me to get my blog up and learn how to post to Facebook and Pinterest.  I have struggled with posting all week.  Photos had the heads of the birds chopped off. The color of the photo would be totally different from the painting.  It has been completely frustrating.  Today I spent time on the phone with Apple support trying to figure out what the problem is.  They showed me how to do the color correction and resizing in iPhoto.  I think this may work, so I will push forward.  Because this is so important in moving ahead with my art, I am counting it as today's exercise.

Southern Ingenuity Day 4

Last year when we were eating at a restaurant in Apalachicola, Fl., I noticed one of the doors had an unusual lock on it.  Everytime I think about it, I have to chuckle to myself.  It is a prime example of "Southern Ingenuity"...making things work with what you have!
I am struggling with the computer and posting my paintings.  So far not one of the posts have turned out with correct color or size.  I apologize for the mishaps but I must push forward.  I will get it...for I am Southern!

On the Edge Day 3

Day 3 has been hairy, to say the least!  I tried to download a software program to get better color for the paintings and be able to size them correctly for internet posting.  The program put a virus or malware or some other unknown species on my computer, locking it up.
Patience with such things is not my spiritual gift!  When I saw this goose on the edge of the water, I knew she was the painting for the day. I feel like throwing my hands up, too!  The color is totally off...too saturated...I shall work on that tomorrow. I am learning, therefore I will press on!

Sandpiper_Day2

Cliff and I spent hours watching the birds this weekend on the forgotten coast of Florida.  These little sandpipers amaze me the way they scoot around looking for insects.  Thank you, Harold Frontz, for teaching me how to paint them with character.

Sunrise Day 1

I did it, I did it!  Finally, I started my blog!  I wanted to begin with light. So I chose a sunrise. This is day 1 of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.