Painting Every Day

Childhood Revisited

2012-02-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

This painting was inspired by a 1949 black and white family photo, and an opportunity to be part of a gallery show titled "Childhood Memories". I really enjoyed working on this painting.

Bhutan Fields Among Mountains

2012-02-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

This is the new and "improved" version of my Bhutan painting of a couple of months ago. I hope I have conveyed the immense drama and beauty of this special place on earth.

NYC Winter Morning Sunshine

2012-01-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is my first attempt at a city scape. I ran outside with my camera when I saw the early morning sunlight illuminating the upper east side streets as New Yorkers were heading to work and school last week. I hope this painting conveys my joy at the sunshine overcoming the darkness of a cold winter's night. The bicycle shop on the corner, SOULCYCLE, expresses it all.

Herding Buffalo in Winter

2012-01-17T08:46:00.000-08:00

I was excited to paint this striking scene from a photo my son-in-law took while on watch with the Buffalo Field Campaign in Yellowstone, Montana in December. I chose a limited palette for this stark, but beautiful winter landscape. Inspired by the many masterpiece paintings I saw during my visit to NYC last week I want to spend every day painting for the rest of my life! It is such a joy!

Bridge over River in New Hampshire

2011-12-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is the completed version of a painting I posted earlier. Among my many New Year's resolutions, I intend to paint more often and to improve my drawing skills in my Thursday morning portrait drawing classes. I resolve to devote Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to painting in the studio. I also resolve to spend more quality time with family and friends. I'm looking forward to 2012 and all the adventures and excitement ahead.
I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year, filled with great art, great music and love.

Winter

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am sharing an older, popular painting of mine from 2009.

I will be going to NYC to visit some dear friends in a few weeks. I plan to photograph some urban winter landscapes (street and park scenes) for future paintings. Architecture, figures and faces of NYC could be a nice theme for the new year.

Let me know if any of you would recommend particular galleries or exhibitions I should visit while there.

Exploring the Beach on Horseback

2011-12-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Only during the late fall and winter can one see horses and their riders enjoying our local beach. It is always a magnificent sight.

Some old Tools

2011-12-14T10:37:00.000-08:00

Old tools reflect old times when most things were made by hand with a labor of love. My oil paintings are also handmade with love and sometimes a lot of labor. As the year draws to a close it is time for remembering and honoring the past and opening ourselves to the wonders of the year ahead. Glance back, but look forward.

Christmas Tangerines

2011-12-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

I so much enjoy painting these small still lifes. I saw this bowl of tangerines on my kitchen counter and felt compelled to take them upstairs to my studio before anyone should eat them. Still life painting involves very careful observation. I am currently taking a wonderful portrait drawing class to further develop my observation skills. Now, I find myself wanting to draw everyone I see...faces are so intriguing and beautiful.

Somewhere in New Hampshire

2011-11-29T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is a work in progress. It isn't finished yet, but I wanted to post something for the day. I may post it again when completed or when re-painted on another canvas. It doesn't yet say what I want it to.

Thanksgiving Day 2011

2011-11-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

It is Thanksgiving Day in America. A time to reflect on what we are truly grateful for. It is also a time to remember those who are unfortunate or in need and those loved ones who are far away (in time, or distance).

God's blessings on all and may love and understanding bring us together again and again.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Still Life with Brussel Sprouts - Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000-08:00

These beautiful brussel sprouts on the vine just begged to be painted! I combined their natural beauty with a hand painted pitcher from the cupboard. The small bowl was added for extra balance.

Introducing my daughter, granddaughter, and me

2011-11-17T16:47:00.000-08:00

Distant Clouds in Bhutan

2011-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Following a friend's suggestion, I am posting a painting that is still in progress. Most paintings take many days and many adjustments/changes before they are "done". It is also easy to "over-do" and lose the freshness and original concept for a painting while worrying about details. I invite suggestions about how "finished" this painting might be.
I regret that I don't have any further details or information from my friends who took this photo.

Summer Explorations in Maine

2011-11-09T09:41:00.000-08:00

The image of a man and his dog on the rocks above the swirling surf near the Pemiquid Lighthouse, was the inspiration for this small painting. For the past two years I have wanted to paint from this photo that I took on our vacation in Maine. It will be on display and for sale at the upcoming art show fundraiser at the Lowell Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA (December 2 -4).

Above the Sea

2011-11-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

This is a view I have painted before. I find a quiet heart and peace within me when near the ocean. I find the same prayerful mood when in the mountains. I wish that I could convey in my paintings the deep appreciation and love for the beautiful places and special people in my life. It is a goal.

Walking on the beach today, an exceptionally warm and sunny November day, I felt gratitude for all life's blessings.

Rocky Mountain Fun

2011-11-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

October Afternoon on My Favorite Beach

2011-10-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Colorful skies above, ocean waves and sand make for a great Sunday afternoon walk. It was a time to celebrate nature's beauty, think things over and feel gratitude for one's life and loves. A beach is always a good place to visit when you need to be inspired or consoled. I tried to convey the peacefulness of this place on earth.

The Bass Player

2011-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

I loved painting this from a black and white photo. Distilling the image and creating the colors brings a different kind of joy than what I feel when attempting to paint something exactly as I see it in a photo. It feels more like I "created" something new and that I am recreating myself as well. When life's many ups and downs challenge me, I take refuge in the process of painting. Memories of my daughter playing this bass accompanied me on this artistic journey. I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Warm Sunshine for Mother and Child Revised

2011-10-12T08:51:00.001-07:00

Revised yesterday's painting. I'm still not content; I may have to work on this some more...

Warm Sunshine for Mother and Child

2011-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

This is my second attempt to capture the intimate relationship of my daughter and granddaughter as they rock together in the warm sunshine. I chose to put the rocker outside with the distant marsh for background. It seems friendlier and more colorful than my earlier painting of them.
Upon seeing it on the screen, I realize that I need to "redo" the baby's face and head...it appears too small. Painting infants is very challenging. I will revise and improve this painting and post it again tomorrow. It is a work in progress!

That Loving Feeling

2011-08-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is a painting of my daughter and her newborn getting to know each other. I tried to show the natural intimacy of the moment.

Lovers enjoying the clouds

2011-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

This is a whimsical painting of two summer lovers having a picnic atop a hill. Lots of imagination. I love the dream like clouds above the couple.

Sunny

2011-08-05T04:59:00.000-07:00

This is a self portrait from a photo of my trip to Honduras and Guatemala in 1978. Exploring a beach and village called Paradise, I felt the "wind beneath my wings" and my feet in touch with the earth.

Storm Coming

2011-08-02T18:27:00.000-07:00

My latest painting has been a challenge. I still feel it may be unfinished and ask my artist friends for some constructive critique to help me "complete" this study of a dark storm over Essex. Any ideas or comments?

October Sunset

2011-07-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

The skies in New England are awesome! This is from a photo I took on the coast of Maine. I painted it on a Hardwood panel rather than on linen or cotton canvas. I found that it was better to use soft haired brushes for this smooth surface. I like to experiment with different painting materials.

View from Echo Farm

2011-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is "Echo Farm" revised after previous post. I think I have made some important improvements. I like it much better now. A sunny winter day in New Hampshire.

Echo Farm

2011-07-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

This was a winter view from our house at Echo Farm, NH in 2002. I have wanted to paint this for many years.

After posting this, I see that I want to make some small changes....so, my next post will be a revision of this post.....stay tuned.

Broken and Abandoned

2011-07-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Intrigued by this abandoned property in Sonoma County, I took a picture back in 2006 with the intent to paint from this photo some day. My imagination tells me there is an unresolved mystery here.

Lake High in the Mountains

2011-07-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

I started this painting some years ago and when it surfaced again this week, I decided to complete it (without any reference photo). I like the quiet but majestic mood of this scene.

Summer Garden Bouquet

2011-07-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

This painting is an alla prima attempt to share the happiness these flowers from our garden bring me.
Have I succeeded?

Short Update

2011-06-27T11:29:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. I have been working on several paintings, including a commission, and have selected a few of the smaller still lifes to post today. Stay tuned for more expressive landscapes and portraits soon. Happy Summer to all.

Pair of Pears with Lime

2011-06-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

Preparing the Eggs

2011-06-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

Good Evening!

2011-06-27T11:22:00.001-07:00

Good Morning!

2011-06-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

Old California Barn

2011-06-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

The shadows and bright sun on this barn reminded me of California summers as a child playing make-believe in the old barn.

Potted Geranium

2011-05-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Our sweet geranium begged to be painted again this month.

Pink Dolly

2011-05-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Painting dolls is like painting both a portrait and a still life object. Paying particular attention to the soft edges and roundness of this lovely creation, I hoped to illustrate the warm cuddliness of this special doll.

The Start of Something Good

2011-05-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Garlic, Onions and Red Peppers are the beginning of many great tasting dishes. They are staples in our kitchen and always ready to serve as inspiration for dinner. I especially love the brilliant red color of peppers. I am back to doing small still life paintings after a month long break from painting.

Sausalito Houseboat (Modified this week)

2011-04-06T10:14:00.001-07:00

Sometimes, in fact often, when a painting dries, I will see something that I'd like to change about the painting. Can anyone guess what I changed today on this one?

I'm getting ready for the Melrose Arts Festival this weekend (April 8 - 10). 48 Artists, including myself, will be displaying recent works for sale at a fun filled (music and food and art lovers) event. The location is: Melrose Memorial Hall, 590 Main St., Melrose, MA. Friday night is a preview party from 7 -9 with music by the Bruce Gertz Trio, with snacks and cash bar ($10 admission at the door).
Admission is FREE on Saturday (12-7) and Sunday (11-5).

Come join the fun and stop by my booth and say "Hello".
I hope to see you there. Sunny

Sausalito Houseboat

2011-04-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

I painted this yesterday from a photo I took in Sausalito, CA, several years ago while visiting with dear friends, Phil and Karin. They have lived on a houseboat for more than 30 years in Sausalito. This is not their houseboat, but one whose colors attracted my eye.

Boats at Rest (Reworked)

2011-03-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Sacred Space

2011-03-30T11:42:00.001-07:00

I painted this from a photo of the Abbaye de Pontigny kindly provided by the world traveling photographer, Robert Pyle.

Little Girl at the Beach

2011-03-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Old Oak by the Sea

2011-03-29T14:33:00.001-07:00

The Wild Sky

2011-03-29T14:30:00.001-07:00

Where Buffalo Roam

2011-03-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is an impressionistic approach to a beautiful view of a river valley in Montana where the buffalo roam.

Spring in Lord Square

2011-03-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

The dark sky, brilliant blossoms and lighted buildings were the inspiration for this painting. The high contrast makes it an exciting painting. There are tombstones in the distance.

Lightfilled Altar in the Abbey

2011-03-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

I painted this from a photo titled "Enchanged Light, Abbaye du Thoronet, kindly provided by the world traveling photographer, Robert Pyle. I am grateful to Robert for the opportunity to "catch the light" on canvas.

Our Geranium Bloomed in February

2011-03-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

After a long absence, I am back painting in preparation for several art shows this Spring. This painting was inspired by the brilliant red flowers in a flowerpot on the window ledge. Surrounded by piles of snow against the windowpane, these blossoms were a welcome reminder of summers past and future.

Tulips Looking for Spring

2011-01-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

A New Year, and New Resolve. Paint and paint better, and paint some more. After a month long hiatus from painting, I am enjoying painting again. I am currently working on a large painting, but took time for a small still life yesterday. I have much to learn about painting flowers. Practice, practice...

Winter Glow

2010-12-20T13:33:00.000-08:00

Winter is Here! The much awaited snow arrived today and may or may not stay until Christmas. Today's posting is of an earlier painting of mine that is currently hanging in a holiday show at Zumi's Coffee Shop.

Peace and Happy Holidays to all.

Fall in New Hampshire

2010-11-16T15:53:00.000-08:00

Bright colors on nearly every tree. New Hampshire woods in the Fall are spectacular. Unlike many of my more muted paintings, this painting reflects a sunny day with warm light.

Crashing waves

2010-11-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

The vivid blue ocean and energy of the waves crashing against the rocky shore make this painting dynamic. It is a compilation painting from memories of many ocean visits and a lot of fun to paint.

Sundown on Maine Coast

2010-11-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

This is a painting from a photo I took on our trip home from Monhegan. The sunset was amazing and we pulled over quickly to capture the beauty. It is the largest painting I have ever done...24" x 36" and was well received at my Open Studio Event this weekend. The painting conveys a quiet mood of an early October evening.

After the Rain in Essex

2010-11-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

The marshes in Essex are beautiful every season. The dark skies and low sun on the river make a captivating view just begging to be painted.

Contemplating in Robert Frost's Woods

2010-11-07T13:59:00.000-08:00

While on a walk on the Robert Frost Trail in Vermont, we stopped to watch the wildlife on the thrushy still waters beside the path. Everything was green, even Roger's shirt!

Waiting for the Other Cows to Come Home

2010-11-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

These black angus cows reside on Stockyard Road. They remind me of my youth when I raised black angus steers in 4-H. Cows remain dear to my heart as gentle (most of the time) souls who listen carefully and patiently wait for the sun to rise and the moon to shine.

The Quiet Side of the Island

2010-10-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today's painting depicts a quiet and cozy Cove on an island in Maine. It is a large oil painting,
24 " x 30". Painting this beautiful scene renewed my artistic muse this week. I am working to complete several new paintings for our annual Fall Open Studio weekend, November 12 to 14. Artist Muse Studios, 9 Water St., Amesbury, MA.

Lonely Artichoke

2010-10-19T15:15:00.000-07:00

Preparing artichokes for dinner, I had to stop and paint one of them first. Thus, dinner will be a little late this evening. The challenge today was to paint the exact colors of the artichoke and to paint them very quickly with limited strokes. Too often, I fuss with the painting too much and it loses it's freshness. I think this artichoke looks both fresh and realistic enough to cook and serve for dinner.

2nd photo of Tomatoes for Lunch

2010-10-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

More tomatoes for lunch (2 images)

2010-10-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

I painted the same still life set up of tomatoes today that I did yesterday. As an example of how different the colors appear on the easel and photos taken in different lighting situations, I am posting two photos of the exact same painting. The cooler toned one is more true to the actual painting, but I like the incandescent light effect that warms the other photo. Unfortunately color distortions are common in art displayed on the computer.
Painting the same subject again and again is a good exercise. I enjoyed painting these tomatoes.

Tomatoes Anyone?

2010-10-05T14:16:00.000-07:00

Our home has been invaded by tomatoes for the past month. Roger loves to grow lots of tomato plants in every corner of the yard. Looking for a subject for today's still life, I realized the obvious choice should be a tomato!

Ipswich River Late Afternoon (revised)

2010-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

In preparing this painting for the recent Ipswich Art Show, I made a few changes to the earlier posted version of this painting. I like to think it has been improved.

Late afternoon on the Ipswich River

2010-09-24T14:27:00.000-07:00

Last fall I took photos of our River (the Ipswich River runs through our town out to the sea) and all the fall colors. I painted this today in anticipation of the Ipswich Art Show next week. I will be contributing two paintings in a wonderful showcase of over 100 local artists from Ipswich. I am enjoying painting boats, something I never expected to be able to do. Shapes, shadows and angles make boats more fun than just landscapes.

On the Way to Lobster Cove

2010-09-19T15:15:00.001-07:00

Today's painting is of the path to Lobster Cove, Monhegan Island, Maine.
We had a wonderful trip to the Island last September. I tried to capture the quiet mood of the island in this painting.

Painting Interrupted: Fire Sale

2010-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

Among other family crisis this month, my daughter, Jenny's Home was Destroyed in this week's Forest Fire in Boulder, CO. She and her husband, Aaron, are safe and sound, but have lost everything to the fire. Consequently, my creative muse has turned to finding ways to help them and I haven't even tried to paint.

I would like to sell paintings to raise funds for them. Should anyone be interested in purchasing a painting of mine (posted on this blog) please contact me and we can arrange a price. This is a fundraiser. A couple of the paintings are already sold, but nearly all here are available.

You can contact me at my email: sunnywest@comcast.net

In gratitude for your continued interest in my (interrupted) daily paintings,
Sunny West

Watching and Waiting

2010-09-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

This is an earlier painting I did of a small child in Kenya. I was drawn to the girl's eyes and the beautiful colors in the photograph taken by a young friend of my daughter. It is a small painting, only 8" x 10".

We are having another heat wave and a large hurricane is heading our way this week. Oh boy! Dark, wet excitement for New England this week.

Lantern Flowers

2010-08-28T17:48:00.000-07:00

Back at my studio today I found these lovely orange lantern flowers lying on my table. Someone very kindly left them there for me to find. Natural beauty waiting to be painted against a deep blue tablecloth... In spite of my plan to paint every day, I find that I need to take a break and recharge my creative energies now and then. I'll try to post daily again this month.

Beach Boys

2010-08-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have had a short vacation from painting this week. "Beach Boys" is a painting I did last summer of two brothers playing in the sand at Crane's Beach. Summer is fading, the nights are cooler and children return to school in the next two weeks. The leaves have already begun to change here in New England and my energy and enthusiasm for painting is returning.

Plum and Sauce

2010-08-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Back to painting still-lifes. Today's subject provided many challenges and many lessons. The purple plum tastes like summer's past. The small pitcher once contained Italian olive oil.

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Summer Skies over Cranes Beach

2010-08-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

I painted this today from a photo I took at the beach a week ago. I have painted on the beach before, but I find it very challenging to carry supplies, set up and interact with all the beach goers, winds and changing cloud shadows.

Early Winter at Appleton Farm

2010-08-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

My family visits Appleton Farm each year. It is the oldest American farm in continuous operation and now is held in a land trust and functions as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) growing food for many local families. This oil painting of the cows in their fields gained a lot of attention at a recent art show. Viewers were interested in the light on the cows and the fields.

Low Tide

2010-08-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

The weather has cooled some and I have my muse back today. This afternoon I started a larger seascape with an underpainting that needs to dry before I can continue. The small seascape you see here was from a photo taken this weekend at Crane's Beach. I am planning a series of paintings from that beautiful and festive day.

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Ipswich River Meets the Atlantic Ocean

2010-08-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

I painted this scene last summer on-site from the gardens around the hill-top Crane's Estate near Crane Beach. I painted this with a palette knife exclusively (no brush work) on a beautiful cloudy day.

Waiting to Sail

2010-08-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is a large painting I painted last summer and gave to my husband for Christmas. Unable to paint for a couple of days now, I feel the need to post a pretty picture for my fans.

Park Pond

2010-08-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

I painted this on location a couple of months ago and finally put the finishing touches on it today. The hot sticky weather is gone for now and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at the beach. We took lots of photos with plans of using them as inspiration for more paintings. Painting from photos is not the best, but it beats painting from one's imagination on most days!

Jenny's Wedding Day

2010-08-06T08:06:00.001-07:00

This is a painting I did in January of my daughter, Jenny. She was speaking with friends, gesturing with her hands, as she always does, in the photo I took from a distance. Her figure was reminiscent of John Sargent's models and I couldn't resist the painting challenge. I really like how it turned out.

Essex Boats at Rest

2010-08-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

These boats were resting in the estuaries of the Great Marsh in Essex, MA during a low tide and on an overcast day. Colors are always more brilliant when the skies are gray. It is a larger painting 18" x 22 " and much of it was done with a palette knife.

Beets!

2010-08-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Today's painting is a very loose painting of some beets from our garden. The wet earthy beets were a deep purple color to start and then the hot spot light dried them to a muddier color. I tried to keep wetting them, without disturbing their position, but gave up and made them a quick study rather than a detailed painting. By posting my uncensored daily efforts, I continue to show my work and my challenges. Some days I am more successfully creative than others. Stay tuned...

Candle Light Reader

2010-08-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

This lovely silver and glass candleholder was found by the side of the road. With a little polish, it now serves as a lovely table light. The red book is "Leaves of Grass" by Walt Whitman. Sometimes it is nice to spend an evening with candles and poetry.

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Grapes Galore

2010-08-02T15:50:00.000-07:00

Painting grapes is rather fun. There are different approaches and different degrees of exactitude. I hope today's rendition is exact enough, but not too detailed. There are many subjects that I need to paint again and again to fully understand the nuances of color and shapes. Expect to see more grapes during the year ahead.

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Monhegan Harbor

2010-08-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

I painted this from a photo I took last September on a trip to Monhegan Island, Maine. I was awed by the brilliant sunshine below the threatening dark skies and tried to put that excitement into this painting. I'm including it today as an extra posting because I was unable to paint and post a new one yesterday. I can recommend a trip to Monhegan to anyone wishing to experience a truly rustic fishing village that also serves as an artist community. About 50 people live on the island year round. The cottages and hotels are open only during the summer and fall. It is a walking, birding and painting paradise!

Captured Wild Black-Eyed Susans

2010-08-01T12:29:00.001-07:00

Summer flowers just beg to be picked and painted this month!

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Julie's Candy Bowl

2010-07-30T14:58:00.000-07:00

Looking around in the studio today, my eyes fell upon this beautiful handmade glazed blue bowl with candy inside. I debated about removing the candy and painting only the bowl...because it is so lovely, but couldn't resist the challenge of painting the candy too. When finished, I realized the bowl by itself would have made a better composition. Today's lesson: Don't paint just what you see...paint what you see that is beautiful and artistic!

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Afternoon Light in the Music Room

2010-07-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

The light coming through the red curtains in the music room caught my eye today as I was looking for something special to paint for today's blog. Of course, the light continued to change as the clouds passed by. It is a cozy spot in our house, especially because of our favorite piano and the red red curtains.

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Let's go for a Swim

2010-07-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

It has been too humid and hot this week. I've been working on some paintings for the blog...but haven't completed them as yet. So, today I am posting an older large painting I'd like to share. It is of the Ice Pond on Monhegan Island. Another visit to Monhegan Island would be just the thing to escape this heat!

She Posed For Me Today

2010-07-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

I made my first attempt at a Live Model Portrait today. The model got tired and lay down to sleep before I finished. It was more challenging to try and finish it from memory. This was initially a very loose painting, but I had to "fiddle with it more than I intended" and now it looks not quite as fresh with broad strokes as I had planned. Many good lessons today! Perhaps I should pay my model to stay awake! Perhaps I should put the brushes down when the model falls asleep? Perhaps I should find more models that are not so sleepy? I look forward to finding more opportunities to paint people. I love the challenge! I like painting living models more than painting photos of people. It is much easier and I think the results are more life-like.

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Garden Fresh Broccoli and Squash

2010-07-26T16:21:00.000-07:00

Yet another day for the air conditioner....this is quite a heat wave for the East Coast. The garden loves the sunshine and heat and is producing our dinner daily. While waiting to be cooked, the broccoli was relaxing in this white flower pot when the yellow squash urged me to paint them together. My on-going challenge is cropping a still life set-up with my view-finder so that the composition is interesting, if not unique. I hope to make progress on this skill during the year ahead. Watch and see and tell me how I'm doing.

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Small Seascape

2010-07-25T09:38:00.000-07:00

I painted this seascape last year and though it is very small, it portrays the motion of the water and the light on the shore very well.

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Lipstick Reflections

2010-07-25T09:28:00.000-07:00

I finished yesterday's painting this morning. Sorry for the delay. This still life was far more challenging than others. I'm not sure if it is the subject or my feeling under the weather (really really humid and hot), but it shows the hard work and educational opportunity that painting every day can be.

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Morning Light on the Edge of the Woods

2010-07-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

Today's Post was painted yesterday en plein air. The painting I am working on today isn't finished yet. The light on the birch trees against the dark dense woods pleased me and I tried to capture the mood of the woods in a quick painting.

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Home Above the River

2010-07-22T14:15:00.000-07:00

I painted outside (plein air) today with a group of friends called the Newburyport 10. We had exquisite weather, low humidity, lots of sunshine and wind to keep the bugs at bay. Our location was a lovely park along the Merrimac River in Newburyport. Today's posting is one of two small paintings I completed in the sunshine. It was a perfect New England summer day and I enjoyed it so much I look forward to getting outside more often with my paints. The morning concluded with a group lunch at a Chinese restaurant with lots of friendly conversation and laughter. I am so lucky to be an artist!

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Delicious Peaches to Share

2010-07-21T13:53:00.000-07:00

These peaches were too pretty to eat without painting them first. After a long hiatus I returned to my studio today to paint. I had a wonderful time there visiting with artist friends who share studio space in our old mill building. Belonging to a community of artists is vital to me and many other artists, as well. The support, encouragement and critical feedback from other artists sustains my passion for painting. We share ideas and resources, inspirations and experiences, personal lives and triumphs. Sometimes, we provide "talk therapy" and "art therapy" for each other. Other times, we share vegetables from our gardens! Today I shared these peaches with Sandy for lunch.

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Lubec Gardens

2010-07-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

This is a painting I did a month or so ago. It is from a photo taken on an overcast day. When the light is gray the colors of flowers are more vibrant. This is a special addition to July 20th posting.
Doesn't it look inviting?

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Ready for Work

2010-07-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

With little time to paint today I attempted to do a "loose" style painting of some of my brushes. Not entirely happy with this painting, but honestly putting my results on the blog each day, I am posting it anyway. I don't feel it is always very wise to hurry when painting. However, when painting alla prima and especially in plein air it is often necessary to rush to finish something before the moment passes, the light changes or the rain comes. I wasn't facing any rain in the house today, but I did have an appointment to keep. Lesson learned....start the painting earlier in the day!

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Roman Feast

2010-07-19T17:44:00.001-07:00

This loaf of Italian bread, colby cheese and grapes became the focus of our afternoon snack and then, at my daughter's request, the subject of today's painting. It is true that anything can be painted. But, I am also learning that some subjects make more interesting paintings than others. So far, on this venture to paint something everyday, I like my Peaches and Cream painting the best. Perhaps I will paint more pewter with fruit in the weeks ahead.

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Maine Coast with Lupines

2010-07-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

The coast of Maine is renowned for the explosion of Lupines in June. Another too hot day today so I chose to paint indoors from a photo. I hope to visit Maine again this summer and paint some of the incredible views of the villages, the ponds,the rivers and the sea. Summer light and sea breezes make Maine a favorite location for many artists.

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Cherries on Top

2010-07-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

An ice cream dish filled with Cherries for a hot and humid Saturday afternoon. Yum. But, first I had to paint them.

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