No.612 The Largest Plein Air Painting

 

 

Mt. Vernon Tulips

Oil on Stretched Canvas

11" x 14"

 

This is by far the largest plein air painting I've ever done. I had hoped to "wow" someone into taking it home from the tulip fields. Interestingly, I noticed that people were less likely to come close and talk to me while I was painting this than when I was painting the much smaller versions. My guess is with this size they were able to satisfy their curiosity from fifteen feet away. Whereas, they would have to come within "chatting range" to see the much smaller ones. Lesson learned. :)
 



 

 

 

You meet the nicest people and the best photographers in the tulips fields. Another photo of me by a kind passerby, Thu Pham. Terrific shot, Thu! Thank you!!!

No. 611 Cherry Blossoms with Pears

 

 

Cherry Blossoms with Pears

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

 

Out of the four paintings I did with cherry blossoms, this one is by far my favorite. Spring is an absolute feast for the painter that loves flowers. Each year I think I need to clear my calendar so I have plenty of time to enjoy the bounty. Sadly, each year I forget to do just that.

 



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No. 610 Cherry Blossoms with Rabbit

 

 

Cherry Blossoms with Rabbit

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

 

Yes, another attempt at those fabulous cherry blossoms. Also, the debut of my Japanese rabbit figurine. She was purchased at a Japanese antique shop on Whidbey Island. Lots of wonderful still life props there! The little rabbit was about all I could afford though. Any suggestions for a name?

 

Preparations are underway for class next week. Lots to do! Things to buy, lessons to plan, friends who are teachers brains to pick, deep breathing to calm nerves... 

No. 609 A Warm Spring Evening

 

 

A Warm Spring Evening

Oil on Stretched Canvas

11" x 14"

 

Okay, I will admit I've been having fun painting larger these days...

 

Things are going great getting ready for my oil painting class. It's almost full! There are just two spots left. I've got a really wonderful bunch of students of all skill levels signed up. I'm so excited!

No. 608 Just Can't Get Enough

 

 

Just Can't Get Enough

Oil on Canvas Panel

6" x 6"

 

Yes it's true! I just can't get enough of those tulips. No wonder the Dutch went crazy over them. The endless variety of shapes and colors are nothing less than intoxicating. That fact they symbolize spring is icing on the cake!

 

I had a request to stop teasing about my oil painting class and give specific information. :)

The class will be held in historic downtown Snohomish at HollysImages Art and Design Studio, 1024 First Street, Suite LL02 (lower level, downstairs), Snohomish, 98290. It will start at 10am so we all can avoid rush hour traffic and end at 1:00pm. Ever so often, I hope to talk people into going out to lunch after class at one of the many cafes within walking distance. :)  The cost is $20 per class. It starts on Wednesday, May 6th and is an ongoing class. If you are just getting started with this luscious medium, have some experience with oils or just looking for artist camaraderie while you paint, this class is for you my friend. :)

 

If you would like more information or would like to reserve your place in class please don't hesitate to email me at dsmcm678@yahoo.com.

No. 607 Primary Tulips - the Extended Version

 

 

Primary Tulips with Fruit and Melon

Oil on Canvas Panel

11" x 14"

 

Alright, it's the enlarged version of Primary Tulips complete with honeydew melon. This was a kick to paint and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I spent a couple of days working on it and  really appreciated having the opportunity to tackle it on a new day with a fresh eye.

 

More information on my new oil painting classes:

I really hope that people who attend my classes not only learn something but have an opportunity to meet other people of like mind and discover friendships they will treasure for years. So, as in my favorite classes of the past, there will be a definite social aspect as well as learning.

 The morning class will be open for beginning to intermediate oil painters. I plan to start the class with a lesson on a fundamental art concept and a short exercise. The last two hours of this three hour class will be for painting whatever my students are interested in with assistance from me. They can choose between photos or still life set ups.

 

 



No. 605 and 606 Silver Boat with Lemons Day and Night

 

 

Silver Boat with Lemons - Day

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

 

So I had this wonderful idea a while ago of painting a still life in two different lighting conditions. This is as far as I've gotten. I've been having so much fun painting during the day that the night scenes just aren't happening.

 

Silver Boat with Lemons - Day

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

 

On a separate but very exciting note, my dear friend Holly has opened her own art studio in quaint downtown Snohomish. She is allowing me to teach oil painting classes there. So starting May 6th I will be teaching a morning and evening class on Wednesdays. How exciting is that? I've learned so much from the great teachers I've studied with and my daily painting practice. I can't wait to share it all! I'll be posting more about the classes in the next few days.