Closet Aprons

Closet Aprons

8x6in oil on canvas board  $125. SOLD

#30  - Final Painting for the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

 I want to thank Leslie Saeta for coming up with such
a positive Challenge. I have enjoyed seeing all the artwork
and have been introduced to some fabulous painters.

Artist Note.
The challenge I gave myself has been stimulating for me.
Time flew by and I never felt I was just painting to get it done.
I also learned to see beauty in a different way and that has been a
big surprise.
I am grateful for the support I received from so many of you
on this journey. And for not minding the vacuum, broom, detergent,
fire extinguisher etc.
For my final painting I wanted to push myself into more of an abstract
painting. I am hoping that most of you cannot really tell right off
what this is . By that I mean it is not explicit.
I have been inspired by Roger (Akesson) who has been testing
a voyage into more abstraction. To my mind, these aprons
were the perfect subject to give it a go.
Here  is a photo of the closet in the Artists Guild's Studio.
Just as it was - not arranged.
Notice how bright the aprons are. They are gifts from well meaning
friends who do not realize that color bounces back onto surfaces and
can effect your colors.

 I do wear them, but only at times when color does not matter.

The  light colored one is the one I usually wear for painting.
I made some artistic decisions by making changes from the
actual scene...more for color and linkage than anything else.
The talented artist,  Dean.  from Deano's Den has a great
 term for these artistic decisions; he calls them
 Artful Departures. 
Isn't that a great - doesn't it fit just right?

My video showing how I paint with the fracturing technique
will be released this weekend by Daily Paintworks. 
(Are you hearing that, Miss Patient Lavon?)

Dried Artichoke Flowers

Artichoke Flowers

6x8in oil on canvas SOLD




Day 29 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

I was muttering away last week about how I was missing
painting flowers and another artist told me she bet she had
a flower I had never painted before. She brought it to the
Guild today and she was right, I had never even seen one never
mind paint one. Here it is - the artichoke flower.
For those of you who were like me and didn't know about this,
the thorny part in the center of the
artichoke (that you cannot eat) becomes a very beautiful purple
flower. These were past their prime and were at the totally
dried stage but I still loved painting them.
There were three heads on the one stem - very dramatic.
I will be painting them again I am sure

Personal note...
The artist who gave me these flowers owns a winery here

in New Mexico with her husband. She is a really good artist
and does some of the posters for the marvelous festivals
they hold. She is taking a year off from painting,
BUT will be back!
Have fun, Denise, we will all miss you.

Rock Wall Shower

Rock Wall Shower

8x6in oil on canvas board $125.



Day 28 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

As I was having my shower this morning I looked up
at my ivy plant and thought how lovely it looked
and then it occurred to me...drum roll...
I have never painted my shower!
It is an unusual shower because it has two rock walls.
which travel into the house from outside.
Not everyone's cup of tea I know, but I have always
enjoyed feeling as if I was showering in a tropical
environment and that is why I hung the ivy in there.
This house was built in the mid 70's and has
some of the typical features like this huge shower
which is also doubles as a Roman style bathtub. (tiled)

Artist Note.

I painted this outside the shower but kept standing back
inside to check what I was doing and seeing. The glass
doors cast a bluish color shadow on the stones, and
I was not sure I wanted that, but when I slid open the
door at that end it wasn't as interesting to me as
with the shadow color, so I closed it again.

Guess who picked the red plant pot...
uh-uh, moi!

Other Lights of My Life

Other Lights of My Life

6x6in oil on canvas panel  $100.



Day 27 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

Three more days left in the Challenge!

Many years ago I had a virus which left me with what they 

call pinpoint pupils - preventing both my pupils from dilating. 

The only downside is that I am as blind as a bat from dusk to 

dawn without a light source. Caring friends and family have 

always casually linked my arm and guided me safely wherever, 

without a word being said, but on my own it was a 

different story and I became the flashlight queen...

never without one or two!. 

Have you noticed that along with the LED lighting, brighter 

colors and different styles and shapes have also presented 

themselves? It has been a joyful experience for me. 

I now have a wardrobe color range of flashlights.

My purple/cerise one is at the gallery or it would have 

been painted today.

Color it PINK!

Color it PINK!

6x6in oil on canvas panel  $100.



Day 26 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

Of course someone like me who loves a bit of color
would have a pink hair dryer. Right?
Actually, the story went like this... mine broke and
when I went looking for a replacement I read this one
gave part of the proceeds to Breast Cancer Research
That made it a no brainer. My reward has been the color
gives my spirits a lift every morning.
But did I EVER think of painting it until
this challenge - no way!

Winter Closet

Winter Closet

6x6in oil on canvas board  $100.

Day 25 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

It was a comment by Helen Moreda, laughing about the
mouthwash post asking,"have you visited your closet yet?"
that put this idea into my head. Thanks Helen.
My winter clothes last for years as they never wear out in
our short winter season.
I hang all my winter tops by color.
My hubby used to tease me about this until he started
helping with the laundry, and now he loves it because
he knows exactly where to hang up my clothes.

Artist Note.

My new computer with Windows 8 goes very, very slow
on Blogger to the point where I am waiting until I get home
to do it on my laptop.
I wonder if anyone else has this problem
or maybe I am doing something wrong

Allium - Dried Seed Head

Allium - Dried Seed Head

7x5in oil on linen  $100.


Day 24 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

This is a wonderful dried seed head from the flower of
the garlic plant. I have painted them when they are
in beautiful bloom, but never like this.
I have to admit I cannot wait to paint a flower.
Something glorious.... hmm, now what will it be?

Mint, Lime and Peach!

Mint, Lime and Peach!

6x6in   oil on canvas board  $100.


Day 23 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

Panic today,  what to paint?
I am having to resort to restroom stuff for the Challenge.
Love the juxtaposition of the colors in this one.
This is from the studio and consists of mint  mouthwash,
cups, lime hand cream and peach soap.

Artist Note.

I painted for a couple of hours on another piece only to wipe
it all off. Feel my pain?

Still learning Windows 8. Frustrating. Lots to learn!

I do appreciate you visiting my blog and thank you.

Fruit Seller

Fruit Seller

6x4in  Ink line on bond paper.  Not for sale


Day 22 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

I went to the dentist in Juarez, Mexico, on Monday
 (saving money!) and as we waited in the line of cars to
cross back over, we watched many individuals selling wares
of great variety. This young pregnant woman cleverly
carried fruit on her head. She had netting over it
to keep it all from falling out of the ingenious little
shelf/hat she had made. I presume she had more
fruit in her bag. It took us more than an hour in line
so I happily kept drawing different people. After crossing
the border for 8 years to see this dentist I now
 have enough sketches  to paint a series from them.

Artist Note


Hope a drawing counts for this challenge. True to my own
goal I have never drawn a person carrying something
on their head before.
It is the first time I have used a pen to sketch with in the car.
Usually I count on something I can erase - like a pencil!
The marks you see under the drawing are an erased
pencil drawing from a previous attempt. I liked the subtle
difference it added to the paper.

Tea Lights

Tea Lights

6x6in oil on canvas board $100.



Day 21 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

I love tea lights. They are so handy to place around
and last just a few hours.
This is the first time I have ever painted them and
want to do them again after the challenge.
I have a feeling they are something I would enjoy
studying

My computer change-over is taking up
precious painting time.

Lizard Art

Lizard Art

6x6in oil on canvas  $100.


Day 20 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

This is a funky but fabulous hand made lizard by an
Arizona artist. It is 14in long, made of clay and fired
with marvelous colors.
It brings us great pleasure when we see it resting
on the rocks in our yard. Living in the desert  we are
drawn to anything decorative in our water saving,
rock /stone gardens

Artist Note

My two new computers are requiring lots of time to set up
and get familiar with. Thanks for all the great
comments will be catching up ASAP.

Another Marionette

Wooden Marionette Horse

8x6in oil on canvas panel 125.


Day 19 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

Remember Puppet Pete from earlier this month?
This wooden horse was bought from the same man.
You will believe me of course when I tell you that this
horse also has a name... Trouble!    I kid you not.
He ended up sticking it on a post because it never worked
correctly. I tell you, this guy was a real kick.

Candy Mints

Candy Mints

8x6in oil on canvas board  $125. SOLD



Day 18 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.


The gallery adjoining mine always keeps a bowl of
striped mint candies for their customers.
I went trolling for something to paint after class ended

and they caught my eye.


Artist Note.

These candies have a cellophane wrapping and it was
interesting trying to capture the transparency with all
the shiny highlights.
On my first attempt I painted what I saw and
it turned into a real mess...shiny wrapping, white candy, red stripes
and highlights. Way too much all together.
I scraped everything off, and this time I painted the candy
without the wrapping and then I came back in with suggesting
the shape of the wrapping in the similar manner to when
I paint a wineglass or a glass vase. Just the parts that gleam.
 Much better!

 I think they make a very interesting abstract.
In fact my hubby had no idea what this painting was about...
and he enjoys one of these mints every time he visits the gallery,

Catching the Rays

Catching the Rays

8x6in  oil on canvas board  $125. SOLD



Day 17 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.

You can tell who is the boss of this chair.
He is getting old now but he loves to jump up on
the chair when the sun comes flooding through the room.
Not my dog. Not my chair, but I have known this dog
for 10 years now and as I pass by his eyes lift
up to follow me and his tail wags, but he does not budge.
I think he is scared I would dive into his nice warm spot.

Artist Note.

Small white animals are difficult to paint when they
are in the bright light... hardly any shadow, just all glow.
Hope you can tell this is a small dog and not a cat?
Come to think of it, it doesn't really matter
as long as you do not think it is a pillow!!
As I said, difficult.

Little Tin Birdy

Little Tin Birdy

6x6in oil on canvas  $100.


Day 16 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only
what I have never painted or thought of painting before.


This was a fun little gift a friend gave me for Christmas.
It never occurred to me that I would paint it.
This Challenge is making me see all kinds of
paint-able things.

Dominoes Anyone?

Dominoes Anyone?

6 x 8in oil on linen  $125.

Day 15 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge

My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

Oh wow - we are half-way through the challenge.

This is a box of Dominoes I have. It belonged to my father.
He was an avid player and in England would join a group
to play at the pub. He taught me Threes and Fives
I attached the link to the rules and was
delighted to find a description calling it a "true English game."
As I would always rather be drawing or painting than play
games, I did not satisfy his need for intense concentration
from a partner ...so the lessons did not last for too long!
I do like having his beautiful wooden box though and
I never thought of painting it before this challenge.

Bedside Light

Bedside Light

6x6in oil on canvas board  $100. SOLD



Day 14 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

This is the lamp in our guest bedroom. It is brushed nickel.
with a simple shape that I fell in love with. Doesn't really fit
our casual decorating scheme, but what the heck!

Artist Note.

I had to examine the light glow very carefully. I was tempted
to take the downcast light right up to the shade, but looking
carefully I could see that there is an area of shadow on the wall
up above where the light starts to fall, and the rim of the shade.
Neat to paint and I recommend it.






.

Puppet Pete

Puppet Pete

8x6in  oil on linen  Not for Sale




Day 13 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.


Artist Note.

A quick study of my marionette, Puppet Pete.
I found this little guy at a garage sale and the owner told me
his name and actually kissed him goodbye. I was startled
to hear PP say goodbye too! I fell for it... and much laughter
and good humor filled the room..
They must have had a lot of fun with their kids back in the day!

He is made out of wood which is nice. How his joints
are made is quite fascinating to me.
I always wanted to find a way to place him into  a still life.
This is the first time I have painted Pete and I know I need
to do it a few times to get familiar with him.

Extinguisher!

Extinguisher!

6x6in oil on canvas board  $100.



Day 12 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

It was the bright green tag which caught my eye on this
fire extinguisher.  I walked by it every day in the classroom
where the workshop took place, each time thinking the
green tag really makes the red pop.
I painted it during a couple of the model's break times.

Artist Note.

This Fire Extinguisher was up against an off white wall with nothing
around it, and not wanting a cookie cutter effect caused by too
much contrast, I first darkened the value of the wall (compare to
white border around the image) and then made a shape of darker
values for the eye to move in and out of by using
a method of paint application we were using in the class.
I was quite pleased with the result.

Band Ball and Tissues

Band Ball and Tissues

7x5in oil on linen  $100.



Day 11 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

I have never seen a rubber-band ball before.
My friend has made this from the bands that come around her
daily newspaper
Good idea, and I am going to start making one myself.

I have just arrived back home after a fabulous week long
figure workshop in Albuquerque.
I am looking forward to catching up with everyone's blogs.
But first...some time with my Mr Special and the dog.

Goose-neck Study

Goose-neck Study

7x5in oil on linen $100.

Day 10 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

I am staying with a friend who owns this goose-neck lamp.
I have been using it to light my still life set-ups, but tonight I
thought why not paint it. It fits the criteria - I certainly have
never painted it before and I love the reflective surface.

I have computer problems - again. This time the wireless
is not working. Started this afternoon. Hope tomorrow is better.

Thanks for all the neat comments.  You are all great!

Hot Sauce

Hot Sauce

7x5in oil on canvas  $100. SOLD



Day 9 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

Artist Note.

I am staying with a friend in Albuquerque and she has this
great bottle of hot sauce. I mean the bottle is great - I have not
tasted the sauce. She recommended I try painting it.

Workshop was intense and fun today. Cold wax was used as
the medium and I am looking forward to seeing how it dries.
I like the surface quality very much.

I enjoyed reading the comments and I thank everyone.
It is also fun hearing from new people in The 30 in 30 Challenge.
I will be visiting blogs when I return home.
And to the all those "blogger challenged" who sent me so many personal
emails congratulating me on being The Art Room blogger of the day,
I thank you, too.

Turnips Anyone?

Turnips anyone?

8x6in oil on canvas panel. $125.



Day 8 in the 30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.

I do not know why I have never painted Turnips. I have never cooked
them, never shopped for them so maybe that is why I have never really
looked at them. They are great.
Love the purple and cream colors along with their long arty tails.

Artist Note.

I painted these after a full day at the workshop. It took a couple of
hours and now I am bushed and going to bed. I do not have my
equipment with me to take really good photos so hope this one will do.

I do want to say that I loved reading all the comments about the red robe
and the "large versus small" answers to my questions.
Thanks so much for taking the time. It means such a lot to me.

I hate to brag, but a very nice event took place today.
I was featured on The Art Room.  If you have never visited this blog
I hope you click on and read the piece. I have been a follower since artist
Taryn Day started it. She usually has very interesting interviews or articles
about famous artists, dead or alive, but this month she is featuring bloggers.
What she wrote about my work I will treasure.

Workshop went better today.

My Red Robe

My Red Robe

8x6in oil on canvas panel  $125. SOLD

Day 7 in the.30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.
This time it is my old warm and comfortable red robe.
(painted before I left for the workshop)

Artist Note.

I was thrilled to read all the interesting comments regarding
the merits of painting large or small from yesterday's blog.
There is a comfort in knowing how others feel and it makes
me aware once again of the bond we all share with our love
of painting.
Thanks to all of you.

Guess who was the dunce of the workshop class today - yep...Moi!

Laundry Room Shelf

Laundry Room Shelf

6x6in  oil on canvas  $100.

Day 6 in the.30 in 30 Days Challenge
My personal goal  for this challenge - to paint only what I have
never painted or thought of painting before.
This is a perfect example!

Artist Note:

I am at a figure workshop so I did this painting and post before I left.
I actually did a couple ahead, an interesting experience for me
because I have never been able to paint more than one in a
day before. I usually do my small daily painting, which always takes
at least three hours or longer, and then I move on to a larger
piece.

I wonder if any of you artists share
or have an opinion on the following.

I find small paintings are harder for me to do than large paintings.
I challenge myself to produce something I would normally paint larger
onto this tiny area.

Organizing the space for full advantage takes a different approach
than with the larger size. Why is this?
Enter a room in any museum and usually the larger paintings catch your
eyes first. Color and strength of design can be quickly seen .
It doesn't mean they are the best paintings, just the ones with
the initial impact.
Place a tiny 6x8in on the wall without a big frame and it has to
have substance, emotion, design, and good color harmony, and even
then it can be a "walk on by" painting.
Looking at all the wonderful  paintings being done in the Challenge
can you judge their sizes before reading what they are?

Parsnip Trio

Parsnip Trio

6x6in oil on canvas board  $100. SOLD

Day 5 for the 30 in 30 days Challenge.

Here is another vegetable I have never painted before.
They are not the prettiest things, but do have neat
skinny ends. Their shape is similar a carrot, but unfortunately
they do not have a lovely color...reason not often painted?
It was hard to find them with leaves, but we have a farmers
market here and some were brought in just for me. Apparently
the reason you do not see them with leaves in the stores
they can give you a certain type of chemical burn.

Artist Note.

I am off to take a figure workshop in Albuquerque, NM.
It is for 5 days and I am very excited.   I am going to continue with
the Challenge, but most likely I will have to paint my piece
after class. We will see.  It may mean I will not have time
to look and comment everyone's blogs.
Stay in touch... please.