Zelma Cinnamon Fine Art

Iris Progress

2012-01-12T11:03:00.009-05:00

This paper is truly a challenge to me! I am used to working on Arches 140lb CP and this is very different. I like that I can lift and lightly scrub. On the other hand, I am not used to having to do either. I need to work on this paper more.

It's coming along...

New Year, New Projects!

2012-01-11T15:37:00.008-05:00

I hope everyone's new year has gotten off to a great start.

My first new project for the new year...The Purple Iris I painted a few months ago. This one is much larger at 10 x 14 and more detailed. I am working on Arches 300lb HP.

I will be back soon to post updates.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Glad Tidings!

2011-12-23T11:26:00.008-05:00

Behold, I bring you glad tidings of great joy,

which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord! Luke 2:10-11

Take time this Christmas season to remember the true reason we celebrate.

Merry Christmas!

Mask

2011-11-05T09:46:00.006-04:00

It has been soooo long!

This is the third of my mask series with just one more to go.

Projects

2011-08-16T10:25:00.005-04:00

Wow...how time gets away from me!

I have been working on a few projects for my friend to take with him on his mission trip back to Ecuador this year. The largest piece is a timeline of Biblical prophecy, 3.5ft by 6.5ft, in Spanish.

The next project is a much smaller, 2ft. x 3ft. map of the seven churches in Revelation. I'll be back when these are completed!

Iris

2011-05-19T11:13:00.005-04:00

I love these Iris and their purple color!

They grow in my yard and I have intended to paint them for several years but have never taken the time...until now.

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-07T19:14:00.007-04:00

This is my Mom when she

was about 27 years old.

I am so thankful that she

is still with me and will

celebrate her 84th birthday

later this month.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Swan

2011-04-25T21:50:00.003-04:00

The Swan...I'm pretty happy with the outcome.

Small Details

2011-04-17T22:41:00.004-04:00

I will be working on the small details for a few more days. I'm not sure that I will achieve the "glittery" look I was going for but this has been quite fun and I have learned so much!

Gettin' There

2011-04-15T10:36:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm gettin' there. I've tightened lines, added washes, I've dibbled and I've dabbled. I have started shading on the white part of the mask and am just about ready to remove the masking. That is the part I really enjoy, when I get to work on the final, small details.

Color Study

2011-04-09T21:27:00.004-04:00

I am still working on the swan mask but couldn't wait to start working on the next one. This is a small color study (6x6). I'm glad I decided to do this first. I will probably leave off the collar and change the head dress. This is by far my favorite mask.

The Ugly Duckling stage

2011-04-06T14:39:00.001-04:00

Here is a photo of the ugly duckling stage. Hopefully this will emerge as a beautiful swan.

Swan Mask Progress

2011-04-04T12:02:00.004-04:00

This is a progress shot of the Swan Mask I'm working on. My goal is to have this look like gleaming brass, sparkling crystals and glitter!

Swan Mask

2011-04-03T07:20:00.003-04:00

This is the line art for the next one which is a laser cut, brass, Swan mask. When I have some good natural light I will post shots as I add color. It is coming to life!

Musicale

2011-04-01T19:29:00.005-04:00

Here is the final painting..."Musicale." I am sure that if I left it in place for another week I would be working on it even more but I am considering it finished.

The line drawing for the next mask is on paper and the highlights are masked.

Thanks for stopping by!

Unmasking the Mask!

2011-03-27T08:06:00.004-04:00

I am removing the masking as I work my way down the painting. Unmasking the mask...so to speak. I seem to mask way too many places and end up covering most of them as I paint!

I have had moments of panic, well...that may be a little dramatic...but I did have a very strong urge to call my former instructor and ask for her help.

I love her but I didn't call and am very pleased with myself that I am pulling this one off.

This will be finished in a couple of days and then I will have the next one on paper by the weekend. I will post the final painting when it is ready!

Musical Mask Progress

2011-03-22T18:42:00.006-04:00

Choosing the right colors for the background is always stressful for me.

These will definitely be adjusted but this is the progress I've made so far.

Otherwise I am enjoying this painting.

Thanks for stopping by!

Venetian Mask

2011-03-15T19:39:00.003-04:00

I'm having a lot of fun with this Venetian Mask. I was struggling with the golds being bland and boring until I added the Alizarin Crimson....Now it sings!

Venetian Masks

2011-03-11T11:23:00.005-05:00

This is the line art for the first of the series of Venetian Masks.

I have included notes from one of the music books I use in handbell choir. I love these masks!

Kraft Foods

2011-02-23T14:06:00.006-05:00

I wonder if Kraft Foods would be interested in producing Chili Pepper flavored JELL-O...

A friend of mine saw the last post of three peppers and said...If you drew an E shaped pepper and placed it between the first and second peppers and placed an O shaped pepper on the end...

Third in a Series of Peppers

2011-02-22T15:39:00.007-05:00

Here is the third pepper painting of 4 that I have been working on . One more and then on to a series of Venetian Masks. The image is more Alizarin Crimson and Winsor Red than it appears.

Tablecloth Step-by-step

2011-01-28T14:31:00.003-05:00

Make a free slideshow design

The Finished Product

2011-01-24T16:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the finished product.

Chili Progress

2011-01-22T11:55:00.004-05:00

Another progress shot of the Chili.

The plate is more turquoise than shown here.

Chili Progress

2011-01-21T09:39:00.003-05:00

This is after several layers of various "reds," such as Winsor & Newton Alizarin Crimson, Winsor Red, Opera, Cadmium Red, Brown Madder. I have also used New Gamboge.

Next I will be working on the plate and the background colors.

Chili Beginnings

2011-01-20T13:00:00.008-05:00

This is the beginning stage of my latest Chili painting. It occured to me when I started this how much I enjoy painting chilies. The more texture they have, the better, and the reds, there are so many that can be used.

10 x 13

140lb Arches cp

And the Winner is......

2011-01-17T20:40:00.006-05:00

Lisa Reed

Congratulations!

Send me your information and I will send this your way!

Thanks to all of you for participating.

I enjoyed this so much I am planning my next give away!

2011-01-12T09:02:00.013-05:00

This is the cover art for a local church choir directory, another of the projects I have been working on in my absence from posting.

Remember to leave a comment for your chance to win the Red, Hot painting! I will accept entries through Monday the 17th.

A Winters Slump ~ Red Hot GIVE AWAY!

2011-01-10T13:16:00.024-05:00

I am in a winters slump!

Yes I said SLUMP!

Don't you think slump is a funny word? It struck me as sounding so funny I wondered if it really was a word, so I went to the old Funk & Wagnals...actually it was dictionary.com...and looked it up. Indeed it is! I knew it was but I get this way sometimes, like when I am in a slump! Am I the only one? Surely not...

To help my mood I have decided to give something away...

RED, HOT!

8 x 10 ~ 300lb cp

Here is how it will work...

Leave a comment on my blog about how you "get out" of a slump when you have one...then post on your blog about the give away including a link to my blog. You will be entered in a drawing to win this painting. One entry for commenting and one for including a link back on your blog...be creative!

Ecuador

2011-01-08T10:55:00.017-05:00

Here is some of the art I was working on during my "lack of posting" days. This photo is of the Andes Mountains where my friend Carey serves as a missionary for two weeks each year. He teaches a class of pastors, preparing them to share the Gospel with the KeeChee (not sure of the spelling) Indians in this region. Carey asked me early last year if I could create visuals to help the pastors gain a better understanding of the scriptures. The work had to be painted on something that could be packed in a suitcase yet large enough for the entire class to see. I painted on white muslin.

This photo shows some of the work I did. You can see the "bride" and part of the "building" on the wall.

These are the pastors who were in his class for two weeks, shown in their classroom.

This is the entire group shown in front of the art. Carey is on the front row in the light blue shirt.

I have a few friends who go on mission trips regularly. One friend has taken art to two areas of Russia and I expect to begin work in the next few months on visuals for this years trip to Ecuador.

Well, I am out of space so I will share my "red, hot secret" with you in the next post...soon!

...and Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T10:15:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I apologize for being away so long...

I've been working on various art projects and will share them with you soon.

If you are a painter of florals there is still 9 days to enter the International Artists Floral and Gardens Competition by going here. I entered the Poinsettia..."It's That Time of Year," and the crystal roses, "Spring Enchantment."

Check back in a few days...I have something to tell you...

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T19:32:00.001-05:00

Bowl of Pears

2010-07-15T09:12:00.008-04:00

I found the photo for this painting about two years ago on WetCanvas and I am finally getting around to working on it. This is painted on Arches 300lb CP paper using Winsor and Newton Transparent Watercolors.

Here it is...

2010-06-16T09:29:00.005-04:00

Here it is...now I need to come up with a title...before Monday.

A little more progress

2010-05-28T10:11:00.002-04:00

Laurin McCracken

2010-05-18T20:16:00.004-04:00

I am looking forward to the next three days...studying under the direction of watercolor artist Laurin McCracken. To see his amazing work go to www.lauringallery.com.

Progress

2010-05-14T10:22:00.004-04:00

It is coming along...

Progress Shot

2010-04-29T10:44:00.004-04:00

I'm happy with how the roses are coming along and I am obviously not going to make the May 15th show with the watercolor society. This willl be ready for the June Open Show at the art center.

I'm Baaaaack!

2010-04-01T13:08:00.002-04:00

I have been away for a while. My husband underwent tests to determine whether or not the symptoms he was having was lung cancer. Thankfully he does not have it.
My Mother was in the hospital with heart pain and had tests but she is home and doing well. I was able to paint some during this time but it was so difficult to focus.

I am back now and working to finish this for a May 15th show with the Knoxville Watercolor Society.

It is funny...when I started this the thought of working on the roses stressed me to no end! I have actually found them to be quite restful after working so long on the crystal. I think this is one that I am going to be happy with when it is finished.

Crystal Vase Progress

2010-02-08T13:10:00.009-05:00

Here is a photo of the progress so far. I am much happier with it since I enlarged the sections and can actually see what is in there! I am almost to a point that I can remove the masking.

I compared this photo with the one before I started over (January 26th) and the colors are so much more alive in this...just what I wanted.

Fresh Start

2010-01-31T10:33:00.008-05:00

I missed a very important step in this entire process. I always enlarge my reference photo in sections so that I can have a better understanding of what I am trying to convey to the viewer. For some reason I didn't do that until a few days ago. Needless to say I spent a couple of hours lifting and scrubbing so that I could get to a place where I could have a fresh start.

We have several inches of snow which is the most we have seen in 10 years or more so we went out for a while yesterday checking on family members but today I plan on staying inside and spending some extra time on this painting. Thanks for stopping by!

More Progress

2010-01-26T11:53:00.009-05:00

...and another progress shot before

going back to the drawing board.

This is much too dark but I will have

to wait for the sun to shine again before

I get a good photo.

Whew!!!!

2010-01-18T14:00:00.003-05:00

Here is a shot of the progress I am making on the crystal vase of roses.

Whew!!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T13:01:00.005-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Christmas is my favorite time of the year but I am ready to start 2010 more focused on my art.

My plan this year is to approach some local galleries. I have my painting ready for the Dogwood Arts Festival this spring. This month Knoxville Watercolor Society will be showing at the Knoxville Museum of Art and I am looking forward to that. My entry for the KMA show is "Fiesta Chilies".

I love it when I read blogs and the artist says I am soooo busy preparing for this show or that show. I want to make that happen for myself. It is much better for me to be tired from being too busy than from having nothing to do. Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T08:24:00.006-05:00

Wishing

everyone

a very

Merry

Christmas!

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 8

2009-12-11T12:15:00.010-05:00

This is a blind contour of the poinsettia that I have on my desk at work. The pot didn't make it into the drawing...the phone rang and I lost my place so I continued with the petals.

To participate, click on this link to Diahn's blog and see how easy it is!

Loosening up!

2009-12-08T12:10:00.008-05:00

Let me begin by apologizing for the photo. It seems that I have only had time to shoot this piece when it has been raining and so I only have a mediocre photo to show.

I started this painting earlier this year. The reference photo was taken in the summer of 2008. The vase and roses are my Mothers. The roses now grow in my own yard but the bush came from one she planted more than 40 years ago. When she sold her home and moved to a condo I had to have a start and these are the 1st roses from that bush.

I am really loosening up with my drawing. If you remember a few months ago I had a shot of this vase on the drawing board. Well, I put away my trusty ruler and started the drawing over. The roses were already drawn on a separate sheet of paper but I started the vase over completely.

One thing I have learned is that I enjoy my end result much more if I jump in and draw it instead of trying for technical perfection. I think the Friday blind contour drawing has had a lot to do with that. I stressed and stressed over getting all the different areas in the vase just right and I wasn't enjoying the process. I finally decided to just do it and I am enjoying this much more.

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 7

2009-12-04T10:00:00.008-05:00

This is a quick blind contour for this week. I wanted to draw something just to get back in the swing of things.

If you haven't participated yet, join in by clicking on this link to Diahns blog and follow the instructions...and have fun!

Oh by the way...it is a diet Coke bottle and I looked when I drew on the label and then again when I started the cap just so that I wouldn't draw over the bottle.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T20:30:00.004-05:00

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 5

2009-11-13T09:25:00.008-05:00

This is a quick blind contour drawing of something in my office.

I wonder if you can tell what it is?

Wrong guesses will not quell the pleasure I get from these little drawings but will ignite a desire to try harder.

I hope everyone will make time each week to take a part in Diahn's Blind Contour Fridays. I hadn't done these drawings in years but I can tell it is having a positive effect on my skills. Thanks Diahn!

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 4

2009-11-10T12:48:00.003-05:00

I am a few days late in posting for this weeks Blind Contour Friday but it has been a very hectic time. Hopefully things will slow down early next week.

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 3

2009-10-29T11:10:00.025-04:00

Here is the blind contour drawing for week 3 which is being hosted by Diahn. It is of a "Lady's Head Vase" with flowers which is one of my favorite pieces given to me by my Mother.

I have attached a photo of the vase for anyone who isn't familiar with Lady Head Vases. The flowers are the original ones that came with the vase many years ago.

Facebook First Annual Autumn Art Competition

2009-10-26T09:32:00.007-04:00

Here is the link to the Facebook First Annual Autumn Art Competition. Entries must be posted by noon on October 31st. Original work must have been completed during the month of October 2009.

Blind Contour Friday ~ Week 2

2009-10-23T09:13:00.006-04:00

Since I usually draw and paint in great detail I wasn't sure how I would feel about participating in the weekly Blind Contour Drawing hosted by Diahn but I am having fun. I find myself thinking throughout the week about what I can draw next. I was in a hurry this morning as I left for work I forgot to pick up something to draw...I copied Diahn and drew my left hand...HeHeHe. If you aren't participating you are missing out on the fun!

Struttin'

2009-10-19T13:51:00.004-04:00

I think I am finished with this guy. He is actually more teal than the blue in this photo.

I will set him aside where I can see him for a few days just in case I am missing something and then on to the crystal vase.

Blind Contour Friday

2009-10-19T11:24:00.004-04:00

I am a few days late but here is my blind contour drawing of a twig pumpkin I use for fall decoration.

Hop on over to Diahn's blog where she is hosting Blind Contour Fridays and join in the fun.

Crystal Vase

2009-10-13T17:31:00.008-04:00

While I am finishing the last details on the rooster I have also been working on the line drawing for the Crystal Vase. I want to have a simply detailed line drawing of this vase on file so that when I want to paint it in the future it will not have to be redrawn.

I have another painting "on the drawing board," so to speak and will show photos when it is further along.

More Progress

2009-10-07T11:09:00.005-04:00

I have removed the masking fluid
and still have work to do especially
on the eye area. After that I will start
on the background and then layer
the feathers until I reach the correct
values.

Havin' Fun!

2009-10-05T09:34:00.003-04:00

I am having a lot of fun with this guy!

Colorful Plumage

2009-10-03T18:07:00.005-04:00

I have to admit that I was a bit intimidated to put paint to paper since I have painted so many flowers. I am really enjoying working on this handsome creature with all his colorful plumage. I will post more as I make progress.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Plumage

2009-09-22T09:34:00.010-04:00

After working on the color sketch I decided to make this guys tail feathers a little larger by about 10%. I have also decided to go with colors for his plumage closer to those of the original photo which are more teal than winsor. He is the first in a series of four Roosters. I was inspired to paint roosters after admiring the work of Annelein of Watercolors.

We are off to the beach for a few days and I will post progress when I return. Have a great week!

Directors Award

2009-09-18T23:03:00.004-04:00

"Summer Elegance" won the Director's Award at the Fountain City Art Center Member's Show.

I had originally called it Queen of Hearts but the name never felt adequate for such an elegant flower.

This is the painting I started in January for the Dogwood Arts Festival not realizing the entry deadline was only one week away!

Back To The Old Drawing Board!

2009-09-07T11:16:00.005-04:00

Finally, I am beginning to paint again! This summer has been one that I did not focus on my art for some reason. Maybe I just needed a break. Whatever the reason I am glad to be back to the old drawing board!

This is a color study of my next painting. I saw the reference photo of this guy and fell in love with all those feathers! I am trying to decide whether to make him brilliant like the attached photo or go with the more subdued colors in the reference photo.

What was I thinking?

2009-09-04T11:02:00.006-04:00

I haven't painted my living room in years! Well, It is a combination living room, dining room and kitchen with a vaulted ceiling. It has been painted several times just not by me. I had forgotten how much like real work that is! Ugh. When I was 30...not a problem but now that I'm...not thirty it is too much! I will pay someone before I tackle that job again.

For 3 days I rolled and brushed and cleaned spatters and lugged around a 5 gallon bucket of paint and rested and started all over again. I worked full days to accomplish the goal of finishing all those rooms during my weeks vacation. By 5:00 on Tuesday I was leaning against my kitchen counter trying to reach the wall with the small roller, telling myself, "Every stroke you make today is one less you have to make tomorrow!" "Come on you can do it!" Thank God that job is complete!

I was finished by 5:00 on Wednesday. No, the hallway wasn't painted neither was the peak of the vaulted ceiling but I was finished! On Thursday I could barely get out of bed I was so tired and stiff. My dear hubby was off on Friday and he finished the hall and the trim at the top. I managed to clean thoroughly and get everything back in place, minus things I didn't need and I am very pleased with the results. Now just 6 rooms and two baths to go!

Daniel

2009-08-22T11:51:00.009-04:00

Still not much going on around here in the way of art so I decided to post this portrait of my oldest grandson. Daniel was 9 months old when I did this using Prismacolor Pencils on pastel paper. He is now 13 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and just as cute as ever!

I have been doing a lot of decluttering and this week I plan to paint the main level of my house. I feel much more creative when things are organized, so I am working toward that goal.

Have a great weekend!

Kelly

2009-08-09T11:29:00.013-04:00

I haven't painted in a couple of weeks so I pulled out this watercolor portrait that I completed just over a year ago. This was my first watercolor portrait and was painted from a professional photo.

Another giveaway!

2009-08-04T15:05:00.003-04:00

Pop over to Cathy Johnson's blog and leave a comment. You will need to scroll down to the CD post to enter. She is a great artist and is giving away an instructional watercolor CD to one of the first 30 to leave a message. Good luck!

Friday

2009-07-31T17:38:00.011-04:00

Friday was a wonderful day for me! It was my birthday and my fantastic husband whisked me away for brunch at la maison de gaufre. We did some sight seeing at the quaint ville de fontaine and then took in a movie at le cinema regal. As the heat of the afternoon began to ease we headed for a nice bike ride along les collines de sterchi trainent. Macaroons would have made my day perfect! Ahhhhh, it was still a wonderful, wonderful day!

Have you noticed how everything sounds so romantic and wonderful in French?

Have a great day!

"Spring Cascade"

2009-07-20T16:50:00.005-04:00

Finally "Spring Cascade is finished!

I have to say I learned so much from working on this painting. When I chose the photo for this I thought, "How difficult can painting white flowers be, I've painted them before?" That was my first mistake, they aren't white but the softest blush of pink.

My favorite part was and still is the way the buds cascade from the top down the left side of the painting.

Great Giveaway!

2009-07-10T09:31:00.007-04:00

I have had so much going on that I haven't posted in a couple of weeks, but this just couldn't wait!

Diahn is giving away a piece of original art each week until the end of the month when her new Estsy shop opens. If you want in on a chance to be one of the lucky recipients check out her blog.

Quick Study

2009-06-24T12:47:00.006-04:00

This is a quick study I worked on during my lunch break on a scrap piece of Arches 140lb cp. This albino peacock was fun to work on. I love peacocks, with their iridescent feathers. They are such showoffs! I don't appreciate that in humans but in peacocks, I do.

I love to paint flowers but I need a break from them from time to time. After the crystal and roses I have a commission piece and then maybe a full sheet of a peacock.

I Love Garlic!

2009-06-19T13:53:00.005-04:00

I have been wanting to sketch more in my spare time and none of the items on my desk say, "sketch me!" So...this morning when I was packing my bag I noticed this wonderful little gem just sitting there and I could smell it! I popped it in my bag and here it is.

I absolutely love garlic! When a recipe calls for 2 cloves, I use 4...or 6. It will probably not last throughout this weekend. I am sure I can find an even better use for it once I get home...garlic olive oil, roasted vegetables, spaghetti sauce...mmm.

Have a great weekend!

"Spring Beauty ~ Revised"

2009-06-16T12:33:00.019-04:00

This is the revised version of the Rhodie (below) that had the brick wall as a background. After scrubbing the bricks I layered Winsor Violet then Cobalt and Winsor Yellow allowing each layer to dry before proceeding to the next.

Finally I dripped color (including some opera and rose madder) and let it run while I held the painting upside down. I also took some of the WV and darkened some of the shadows on the petals, added some highlights to the leaves and lost some of the edges.

I am not sure if this shows on your monitor but the main color of the background is Winsor Violet which seems a little too blue in this photo. I will live with this for a few days and probably end up tweaking it a little more.

I still plan to paint this on a full sheet at some point AFTER I finish the crystal vase of roses.

Have a great day!

Coming Along

2009-06-13T16:30:00.004-04:00

Another update on the pale pink flowers of "Spring Cascade."

I have worked on the values and adding color to make it more lively. I am still not happy with the shadow in the center flower but I will work on that over the next few days.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Ugly Duckling Update

2009-06-08T17:21:00.008-04:00

I think I may have over reacted...just a little...ok...quite a bit.

After scrubbing my deep, purple shadows and areas of the rose madder wash, which I liked when I first applied it, I walked away and thought about what I wanted to accomplish and how I wanted the flower to look. The advice I was given was well intended but it was not my style to paint that way. Now if this will work with the other shadows I think this painting will be worth framing!

The Ugly Duckling

2009-06-07T11:12:00.005-04:00

Here it is...the ugly duckling! This painting is at that terrible stage where I would just as soon throw it away! I am not going to of course but I have thought about it.

I was given advice to have nice, strong shadows at the same time I thought maybe some should be stronger than others. I chose to go against my gut feeling and painted all strong shadows. I should have listened to myself and then if it wasn't right I could have darkened them.

I painted a wash of rose madder over the flower on the left (with the arrow pointing toward it) and was not happy since I want the flowers to retain the white in the petals. If you look closely you can see that I have begun scrubbing heavily on the flower to lift much of the damage I have done. O well, as a wise friend of mine said, "Art is also about learning."

"Spring Cascade" Progress

2009-06-01T17:09:00.004-04:00

A quick update on the progress of "Spring Cascade."

Dreams

2009-05-27T14:26:00.007-04:00

I have been having some vivid dreams for a few weeks. I have illustrated my dreams from time to time over the years so I thought it would be fun to share some of them on my blog since I haven't had time to paint for a few days.

This was "designed as I slept" a few nights ago for my pastor's wife, Heidi's bridesmaids. Tim and Heidi have been married for nearly 20 years so it has nothing to do with reality and she will not be using my design.

This bridesmaids "ensemble"consists of an asian style jacket covered in white sequins accented by a scroll design created using black bugle beads. Soft flowing wide leg pants in black complete the look for the contemporary wedding! Sounds to me like something out of the J. Peterman's catalog.

"Spring Cascade" Update

2009-05-22T20:57:00.004-04:00

I took this to work today and worked on it during my lunch break so there is not a lot of progress. I was so excited when I began working on all the color on the limbs.

Here is a close up.

I Can't Help Myself!

2009-05-20T09:16:00.019-04:00

This painting will be, as I mentioned before, a painting of a crystal vase and roses. Both the vase and roses are my mother's. The roses are from a bush she planted about 50 years ago.

I know that I should be working on "Spring Cascade" but I had been thinking and sketching on this for about a week and I just could not figure how to draw the cuts in the crystal.

Tuesday was my day to stay home and paint or draw. I had planned to paint but I can't help myself, I couldn't get the crystal out of my mind. I needed to solve this problem! I sat down to draw and came up with the 1st drawing to the left.

It looked ok until I stepped back and looked at the whole drawing. The cuts are much too small for the size I have drawn the vase. The vase is actually much shorter than this but I wanted to make an impression and to fill space so I decided to make it taller which means that everything has to be elongated.

After studying the vase by sight and touch, I came up with what you see in this photo. I still have to work on "seeing" how the cuts appear as they curve around the vase but I am to a point that I can put it down and finish work on the painting...I think.

If anyone has advice on drawing crystal PLEASE feel free to share! Thanks!

"Spring Cascade"

2009-05-19T12:06:00.004-04:00

Yes, it is another painting of pink flowers but I promise it is the last of the pinks...at least pale pinks...for a while. I started this painting, "Spring Cascade," before becoming so involved in the peony painting.

The next painting will be so much more involved than this. It too has flowers, red roses and a crystal vase. I am looking forward to the challenge of painting all the detail in the glass.

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T11:13:00.003-04:00

Ruffled, Yellow Iris

2009-05-04T09:26:00.004-04:00

Here is the progress on the ruffled, yellow iris. This painting is about 10x14. The smaller paintings are completed much faster which is a nice change from the full sheet paintings.

Here I go again...

2009-04-30T11:18:00.015-04:00

This is the line art for my next painting. I never thought much about painting flowers but here I go again. I have painted some portraits and a few still lifes, which I love to paint, but I seem to be on a roll with the flowers.

This is on a quarter sheet of 140lb. Arches watercolor paper which is what I use most of the time.

I still have to adjust the petals in a few places. In the main photo I am working from it is difficult to tell exactly how some of the petals curl, so I am studying several photos to determine some of those correct shapes.

Queen of Hearts!

2009-04-27T17:49:00.007-04:00

Art Contest ~ Check It Out!

2009-04-24T18:37:00.003-04:00

http://www.freep.com/article/20090424/ENT05/904240302

Gettin' There

2009-04-21T12:25:00.002-04:00

A quick update on the peony progress!

Spring Beauty

2009-04-15T09:02:00.008-04:00

I LOVE SPRING! Apparently I also love pink flowers.
The original of this painting has a brick wall as a background which I have never been happy with so I took it in to Photoshop and removed it. I am considering doing this as a full sheet at some point after the peony.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T08:48:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter everyone!

"Fiesta Chilies"

2009-04-03T09:41:00.007-04:00

When I started "Fiesta Chilies" I was intimidated by where to begin and which "red" to use first! It is one of my favorite paintings and the third in a series of Chilies.
My studio space is on the top level of my house and my computer is on the bottom level, two flights down, so I haven't posted or painted much.
I have been sidelined this week with tendonitis in my right foot.
It has been bothering me since January but I tried to take care of it on my own, which didn't work. On Monday I saw my podiatrist and he gave me a shot of cortisone. By Monday night I couldn't walk. Tuesday was quite a bit better and now I am wearing regular shoes! For the last two months Crocs have been my friend.
I will have an update on the peony next week. Have a great weekend!

Leaf Bubble Painting

2009-03-27T13:03:00.007-04:00

I have uploaded three images to show the progression of each layer of paint. The bubbles are easily recognizable in the first photo.

You can still recognize the bubbles in this shot.
I used them to shape my rocks and other items in the background.

I am pretty happy with the painting so far. I do have a few places on the leaf that are too dark but I am working on those.

I probably should have used a darker paint to create my bubbles which would have given it more texture and contrast.

Any suggestions or comments are welcome!

Have a great weekend!

Bubble Painting

2009-03-26T13:54:00.031-04:00

This is my first attempt at painting with bubbles! I saw the technique on Sandy Maudlin's blog. I found her blog when she was featured on Chris Beck's blog Brush-Paper-Water.

Both of these women are great artists and you should spend some time on each of their sites.

The mixture consists of 6oz. water 3ozs dishwashing liquid and 2oz fluid acrylics. Add ingredients and stir with straw. I noticed in one post that Sandy's students were using what looked to me like a straw for an atomizer so that is what I tried and it worked.I tried blowing bubbles with a mouth atomizer...use a straw!

When the bubbles have risen above the rim of the bowl, quickly lower your paper onto the bubbles and lift straight up. Bubbles lose color within a few seconds. Blow fresh bubbles each time you add a layer. You can dry between each color or not. I tried placing the bubbles where they would be appropriate for the painting I had in mind.

This techinque is fun and quite different than the controlled strokes I am used to. Tomorrow I will post my progress on this technique.

Update on the Peony

2009-03-21T19:20:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone!

Here is the latest full sheet photo of the progress on the peony painting.

Working on the shadows is pretty slow but I love taking my time and getting things just right.

Have a great weekend!

Incredible Shoes!

2009-03-18T14:05:00.020-04:00

These "shoes" were my contribution to a book my watercolor class produced to raise funds for the Fountain City Art Center.

Each "shoe" was an original work of art produced by

students of Mary Baumgartner.

The book of original art was auctioned at the Annual Spring Garden Party and copies were sold after this. Book sales raised nearly $1,000.00 for the art center.

Click here for more photos of the shoes.

Our project this year is a book of purses.

Shadows

2009-03-16T15:22:00.037-04:00

Here I have placed mostly random shapes of color to suggest leaves, branches and other light and darkness found in the shadows beneath the flower. The color shapes were applied using thin washes or glazes of color. These are allowed to dry completely before going further in this area.

This photo shows the first shadow layer over this entire section.

I used a mix of Brown Madder and Ultramarine Blue.

The Ultramarine Blue will give a grainy texture to the shadows.

I will repeat this step lifting color in some areas and darkening in others until I am happy with the way the shadow appears.

Here you can see that I have allowed the shadow color to flow onto the petal. This is so that the edge of the petal will be lost into the shadow and anchor the flower to the background.

I keep the edge of the paint wet just beyond where I want the paint to stop which prevents the paint from drying with a hard edge.

It is important to watch the paint while it is drying in case you need to add a little more water to keep the edge soft.

Glorious Morning

2009-03-13T19:41:00.004-04:00

This is one of the first paintings of flowers that I completed in watercolor. I love the way the morning light filters through the flowers.

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-10T09:34:00.013-04:00

I know Spring isn't officially here until the 21st but it is supposed to be near 80 degrees today! Next week will be in the 50's and 60's.

I was so inspired by Linda's delicious cupcake painting that I decided to paint this bunny, which is one of my favorite pieces that I use to decorate for Spring. It is really a mossy green but I decided to paint it purple, excuse me Winsor Violet and Opera.

Peony Progress

2009-03-09T10:03:00.008-04:00

I stuck to my plan and became more focused on the peony. This is the part I have avoided most...The yellow, heart shaped center.

I began with a Winsor Yellow wash and added some detail with Raw Sienna. Over the Raw Sienna I layered Quinacridone Gold. For the next layer in the darker areas I made a mixture of Opera and New Gamboge for a glowing orange.

I lifted and shaped as I went and it wasn't as difficult as I had expected. The green seeds in the center are a mixture of Winsor Blue and Quin Gold with a small amount of Aureolin. I used Alizarin Crimson on the curly stems. The black around the seeds is a mixture of Winsor Blue, Winsor Green and Alizarin Crimson mixed with very little water to acheive the deepest black.

Sir Frederic Burton

2009-03-06T12:21:00.035-05:00

Several years ago when the Internet was just gaining in popularity I was "surfing the web" when I came across a painting by Sir Frederic Burton entitled, "The Meeting on the Turret Stairs."

I felt the emotion between the subjects, Hellelil and Hildebrand so strongly that I HAD TO HAVE THIS PAINTING! I had no idea that if I had popped over to http://www.art.com/ I could have purchased a print.

Oh well.

I decided to paint one for myself which you see posted here. I used this method to teach myself how to paint (or draw) and I learned a tremendous amount about painting during this time.

I used colored pencil on mat board and added pastel to achieve the darkest values.

The original of this was painted in watercolor, is approximately 6 feet tall and hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland.

It's Me!

2009-03-05T12:17:00.011-05:00

I haven't painted on the peony in a couple of days so I decided to do a quick sketch of myself during my lunch break and post it on the blog.

I haven't drawn my portrait since I was in college!

My plan is to concentrate more on the peony in the next few weeks. I have one other painting under way and one that I am drawing before I put it on watercolor paper.