Day 132 Incense Burner?

 

Ned's Thing-a-ma-jiggy

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

Okay, upon closer inspection I now know it's not a vase. It's

certainly not a teapot (now I feel very silly for even thinking that).

Could it be an incense burner? I think I may just have to ask Ned.

 

This is the same still life set up as yesterday, just closer and

painted on a different surface. It's interesting to see how much

the painting surface affects the look of a piece. I have discovered I'm

less frustrated switching surfaces if I use a different type of brush on each.

I find it easier to paint on canvas with stiff hog bristle brushes and on

gessobord with much softer synthetic brushes.

Day 131 Another Vase from the Mueller Place

 

Another Vase from the Mueller Place

Oil on Canvas

5 x 7

 

I'm referring to the white vase. Now that I think of it though, it

might actually be a teapot. The very top looks like a tea strainer and

on the back there is a very teeny tiny spout. Whatever it is, I really

like it! I think I'm getting Ned used to the idea of me borrowing

items from his world travels. Let's see what I can make off with next time!

Day 130 - Ebey's Landing with PAWA

 

Ebey's Landing with PAWA

Plein Air

Oil on Canvas Board

8 x 10

 

This is a return to the plein air paint out this weekend. The first day, you might

remember, we painted at a snow covered Fort Casey. The second day we met

at one of my family's all time favorite haunts on Whidbey Island, Ebey's Landing.

Just a few patches of snow were left. This is the view looking south toward Fort Casey.

Sometimes you can even see Mt. Rainier from here - sometimes. There is a wonderful

hike up on the bluff that I highly recommend. It was great fun showing this place off to

the other members of the PAWA group.

Day 129 Pangur Ban and the Forget-me-nots

 

Pangur Ban in the Forget Me Nots

Oil on Canvas Board

5 x 7

 

After putting the kids on the bus, my neighbor and I often take a brisk walk

around the neighborhood. Upon returning from one of these morning jaunts

we discovered Melissa's cat Pangur Ban (Celtic for white cat) making himself

comfortable right in the middle of Melissa's patch of Forget-me-nots. I dashed

inside for my camera certain he wouldn't be there when I got back but sure

enough he was. Pangur Ban must have been comfortable indeed.

Day 128 - The Lighthouse

Lighthouse at Fort Casey

Oil on Canvas Board

8 x 10

If you saw my earlier post you have already heard how our first  PAWA paint out of

 the year turned out surprisingly snowy. Most people cancelled but a few hardy

souls made it out to paint. Standing in the sun with my snow boots and several

layers of clothing on it wasn't too bad and it was beautiful!

Day 127 - Thank you!

    I've been struggling on finding a way to store fabric for still life backgrounds. To be able to see them all at a glance instead of digging them out of the cupboard would be wonderful. I mentioned this to my ever resourceful neighbor and she suggested a rack with dowels to hang them on. Thinking this was a great idea I then turned around and described it to my husband. He, with just a slight bit of prodding, built and installed this wonderful rack for me. Aren't I the lucky one!
    So a HUGE thanks to Melissa for the idea and to Don for the creation and installation of my new fabric rack. You guys are awesome!

    I've been waiting for an overcast day to photograph more paintings. Washington never disapoints so this afternoon that's what I'll be up to. In the meantime, this is a plein air painting from our trip to Wyoming two years ago.

Day 126 Primrose visits Nicolai Fechen

     A little over a week ago my friend Dina and I took in the Nicolai Fechin exhibit at the Frye Art Museum in Seattle. A Fechin has to be experienced in person. The amazingly thick strokes of multicolored paint can't be enjoyed properly in any sort of reproduction. If you get a chance, I highly recommend seeing it. The fabulous Frye is free. There's even free parking and it's easy to get to. Click here for more info.

 

Day 125 Pansies in Incense Burner

 

Pansies in Incense Burner

Oil on Gessobord

5 x 5

 

The lid to this Japanese incense burner has little holes

perfect for poking little pansies in.

Day 124 - Painting in the Snow

Friday morning I peered out the window in shock. Snow? How could it be? Today was the day I was supposed to drive to Whidbey Island and co-facilitate the first plein air paint out of 2013. Have I ever told you how much I dislike driving in the snow? I used to reserve vacation days specifically for snow days. A true perk of being a stay at home mom is that I don't have to drive anywhere on a snow day. Oh the things I will do for my plein air group. So I packed up and headed off. It's March for Pete's sake, how much snow could there be? I made it to the middle of the island before I gave up and hid in a grocery store for a few hours. It did finally stop and I was able to meet up with those who could make it at a snow covered Fort Casey. It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon. Crazy huh?

 

Hiding in the Greenbank Grocery Store and Deli waiting for the snow to stop.

 

Painting at a snow covered Fort Casey. Can you see the deer in the bottom

left corner? Deer are everywhere at Fort Casey.

Day 123 - Pansies are in

 

Pansies

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

If you  want to know what flowers are on sale at the

local grocery store just check out what I'm painting on my

blog. You got it, pansies are two for $3 at Fred Meyer right now.

Definitely going to need some practice on these babies.

Day 122 - Tulip in Medicine Bottle

 

Tulip in Antique Medicine Bottle

Oil on Canvas

5 x 7

I discovered this really cool glass bottle with glass stopper in one of our antique

cupboards the other day. If I understand the family history correctly

Don's great grandfather was a country doctor. Winne, Don's mom, talked about

going on the rounds with her grandfather. I'm guessing this might be one of his bottles.

Family heirloom or not it is a pretty cool little bottle and I found it in my own house!

I think I need Don to dig out the other family antiques.

Day 121 - a little late

Lone Tulip

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

A bit of a late post today. The internet browser on my computer, where

all the photos of the paintings are stored, would not work no matter

how many times I rebooted it. So I gave up and went to bed.

This morning, while showering, it occured to me we had more than

one internet browser on our computer! The epiphanies that occur

while one is showering.

Day 120 - A Little Drama

 

 

Tulips with Oranges and Lemon

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

I really enjoyed painting with this rich, dramatic color scheme. If I remember

correctly I was listening (alright and singing - aren't you glad you

weren't here to hear that! My poor dog.) to music from Phantom of the Opera and

Le Miserables while I was painting it. So this seems like a fitting result.

Day 119 - Ned's Vase

 

Ned's Vase and Tulip

Oil on Gessobord

5 x 7

 

As the title implies the vase in the background was

graciously (well, mostly graciously) loaned to me by Ned

Mueller. You can't see it really well here but it has a beautiful

patina. Ned has several things I'd like to borrow (picture me gleefully

rubbing my hands together). This is just an ice breaker.

Day 118 - Painting at Mom and Dad's

 

Tulips at Mom and Dad's

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

One of the great things about having plein air painting equipment

is you're prepared to paint just about anywhere. I hauled my

painting equipment to my Mom and Dad's apartment and painted

away while Dad went shopping and Mom took a nice long nap.

Day 117 - They keep coming!

 

Tulips in Japanese Jar

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

These beautiful yellow tulips reminded me of peonies when

they opened. I guess Carol Marine has been having problems

with her tulips holding a pose as well. Her readers had some

suggestions. One was to put a penny in the vase, another to add

ice cubes and still another was to put them in the fridge for an

 hour before you paint them. My suggestion? Let them do

their thing. Meaning put them in the vase, turn on the light

and go do something else for an hour. After an hour or so they have done

all the moving they are going to do and they are much more willing

to hold that pose.

Day 116 - But wait there's more...

 

Orange Tulips with Glass Vase

7 x 5

Oil on Gessobord

 

Within a very short time of bringing these tulips in from the

garage they practically exploded! I turned my back on them

for a moment and they went from modestly closed to

"Hey baby, look at me!" wide open.  Not a bashful variety I guess.

Day 115 - Oh yes, more tulips

Tulips at Night

7 x 5

Oil on Gessobord

 

I almost forgot to post this one. The tulips with the red streaks

in the petals were very long lasting. I think I got a whole

weeks worth of paintings out of them. Money well spent.

I have to admit in the past I've turned my nose up at tulips.

So much money for a flower that fades so quickly. I've

noticed that setting them out in the garage at night really extends

their life span. Now I'm hooked.



Day 114 - Tulips with Black Vase

 

Tulips with Black Vase

Oil on Gessobord

5 x 7

 

There is something about this color combination that just turns me on.

I really had to simplify these tulips. It's too bad you

can't see the real thing because they are magnificent!

They practically make me weak in the knees when I study

them. Score another point for Central Market!

A quick daily painting just doesn't do them justice.

Day 113 - More Copper

 

Copper Tulips

5 x 7

Oil on Gessobord

 

Is it me or is there a whole lotta orange going on here!

 

I subscribe to an art blog called MAKING A MARK. The author

is Katherine Tyrrell and she writes about art for artists and art lovers. I

think she is based in London. It's a great read for anyone who can't get

enough info about art. Yesterday she talked about a botanical illustration

exhibit in London. Today she gave the link to the fabulous new website for Rijksmuseun

in Amsterdam. Oh my goodness you have to check it out. You can zoom

in on the photos of the paintings so tight you can see individual brush strokes

and cracks in the paint of a Van Gogh or a Vermeer. For the musuem

click here. For the MAKING A MARK blog click here.

Have fun!

Day 112 Love that Copper Cup

 

Copper Cup, Jar and Tulips

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

I have to admit I've really enjoyed painting this copper cup.

I  love the way colors reflect on it's coppery surface. The longer

I paint the more reflected color I seem to see. What a beautiful discovery!

Day 111 - Sunday Morning Tulips

 

Sunday Morning Tulips

Oil on Gessobord

5 x 7

 

This painting has a definite Sunday morning, coffee and croissants, reading

the newspaper and listening to some great music feel to it.

Happy Sunday!

Day 110 - Primrose goes to the Seattle Art Museum

 

Tulips with Book

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

Once again, I will say one of the true perks of doing a painting a day

is the excuse to buy gorgeous flowers. When I picked these tulips

out, I was so excited I almost started skipping.

 

 

 

Here is Primrose hiding in the shadows at the Seattle Art Museum. She was so

intimidated she was quaking in her boots or I should say on her little stand.

My friend Suzy, whom I used to share a cubicle with at GTE Directories, and I were there to

see the Treasures of Kenwood House exhibition. You know, the one with Rembrandt in it.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, that is a wonderful exhibition. I highly recommend it. If anyone knows

 a good place to park near the museum that doesn't charge $26 I'd love to hear about it! 

I want to go back and see it all over again.

Next we have Primrose near one of the statues in the outside corridor. She's looking a little more comfortable. Does
anyone else remember these statues being outside the Capitol Hill building?

And here Suzy gives her a boost so she doesn't look
quite so insignificant.  We all need a boost like that sometimes don't we? I know I do anyway.
All in all, a trip well worth taking.

Day 109 - Not a Primrose

 

Copper Cup with Tulips

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

I bought some exquisite tulips at Central Market a few days ago.

I'd never really thought about the quality of cut tulips before.

These beauties were definitely the top of the line.

I know where I'm purchasing my cut flowers from now on.

Day 108 - Still Traveling

 

Purple Primrose #3

Oil on Gessobord

5 x 5

 

The third and last in this particular primrose series.

 

 

 

 

Primrose out for a walk with my dog Loui. I'm being very silly I know.

I can't seem to help myself......



 

Primrose hangin' with the crocus in my front yard.

 

Primrose making a Costco run. Good thing it's an oil and not a watercolor
out in all this rain. What an exciting life I lead, right?

Day 107 Primrose on the Road

 

Purple Primrose 2

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

 

As this primrose painting is pretty darn similair to yesterdays I tried

to think of something to make it more interesting. An silly little idea occurred to me.

Why not take it on the road? A little like the traveling gnome. So here we have

the traveling primrose painting....

 

First stop, Elizabeth Kincaid's watercolor class. You see here two of

her absolutely amazing watercolors. I meant to take a picture that included

my fellow classmates but forgot until everyone had left. I'll get them next time.

I'll try to get Elizabeth in there too.

 

Second stop, having a teriyaki lunch with my hubby. He is the one

that makes this whole painting adventure possible. Thanks Don!

 

Third stop, visiting my mom and dad in their new retirement home. My mom

recently had a major stroke. After three weeks in the hospital she was finally

able to come home again with my dad. A huge thanks to all the people

working in rehab at Providence hospital. We're so relieved to have her back home again.

 

Time to go home and feed the family. I forgot to take a picture of the girls this evening.

I'll get them tomorrow.

Day 106 Primroses are Back

 

Purple Primrose 1

Oil on Gessobord

6 x 6

 

The primroses I've collected over the last few weeks have been

merrily blooming their little hearts out next to my front door.

I couldn't let this valiant effort go unrecognized. I am sad to

report, though, that a few nights ago I set several of them next to my sidewalk to

catch some rain. The rain beat those poor little flowers to a pulp. Who

would've thought? Next year I'll know better.

Day 105 - Out on the Prairie

 

Out on the Prairie

Oil on Canvas

8 x 10

Plein Air

 

This is from a lovely late fall painting excursion near our property

on Whidbey Island. Our property is a jungle, really. It's always

so nice to come out to this open place and bask in the sun for a bit.

 

I have some outstanding news! I won 2nd place - small painting division

in Gallery North's Annual Miniature and Small Paintings Show. I'll

repost the piece that won tomorrow. I'm so excited!!! 

Day 104 - Catch up

 

 

Here is my "little" painting show at the Snohomish library. If you're thinking, "Wow,

she crammed a lot of pictures in a small space." You're absolutely right.

 

I entered three paintings in Gallery North's Annual Miniature and Small Paintings Show.

Tomorrow we head down to Edmonds for the artist's reception from 1 - 4pm. I expect

to be there around 2:00pm if anyone is in the area and would like to stop by.

There are some really amazing miniature artists in this area (ha, ha, couldn't resist).

I'm looking forward to seeing their new work. It's always amazing (now I'm serious).

 

I had a couple of requests to see the plein air painting of our cabin. I wasn't completely

happy with it, so I skipped out on showing the painting earlier. For the curious, I posted it below.

 

Day 103

 

Loosing Petals

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

These poor tulips were dropping petals as I painted them. I had

to paint quickly as painting from memory is not my forte. By

the time I finished, the white one was only a stem. And they

say there is no excitement in still life painting!

 

Setting up the display of paintings at the Snohomish library went

well this morning. I took a few photos which I'll post tomorrow.

Day 102

 

Yellow Tulips #2

Oil on Gessobord

7 x 5

 

My second painting from the PAWA paint-out.

I've been working hard all day getting ready for a display

of my artwork in the Snohomish Library. This is the third year I've shown

paintings at the library. My daily paintings and plein air

work are too small for the interior walls so they will be put in

a large display case in the entry way.

Well, I'm off to finish putting things together. I'll post a photo of the display tomorrow.