Fleur de Lis

Finally finished the "Fleur de Lis."

Iris Progress

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!

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!

Mask

It has been soooo long!

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

The Swan

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

Gettin' There

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

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.

Swan Mask Progress

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!

Musicale

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!

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

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 Masks

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!

Third in a Series of Peppers

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.

Chili Beginnings

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

A Winters Slump ~ Red Hot GIVE AWAY!

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!

...and Happy New Year!

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...

Bowl of Pears

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...

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

A little more progress

Laurin McCracken

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.