Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Watermelon and Cherries


Watermelon and Cherries
10"x10" oil on panel Gifted!

Artist Note.
This was started as a demo during the 
June workshop. 
I finished it a few weeks ago.
It is bright and cheerful and 
given as a wedding gift 
to a very dear friend's
granddaughter.

AND...
I did it!
I hibernated from all distractions
for over a month.
No visiting blogs or writing them.
I found I went thru 
major blogging withdrawals.
I went off social media, too,
and immersed myself into
painting for my November show.
I emerged with seven 
completed paintings from
48"x39" to 9"x12"
and 
several good starts.


I am now back in the classroom
and my busy, but stimulating
 life starts up again.
Can't wait to get around to
catch up on everyone's blogs.

Thanks for all the
encouraging comments on my last post.
You are great!

46 comments:

  1. Wow!! I LOVE this, those gorgeous colors, it's so vibrant! Good to see you back and congrats for completing 7 paintings..I know what that is like, I did it last year but it took me longer than a month, well done!

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    1. Thanks Karen, we both love to use colorI. I love your sewing series colors.
      I can understand it taking longer than a month - my 7 are but a start...it will take me several three day weekends to get enough for my show.

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  2. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful painting and oh my goodness were you missed. All's right with the world now that you are back Julie.

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    1. You are so sweet to say so - thank Blanche. I am so impressed you are posting and your landscapes have lovely edgework.

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  3. Yay, Julie's back, beautiful watermelon, can't wait to see all you new work :)

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    1. Good to be back, thanks, Leesa, and I hope to get back into the flow... not there yet.
      I loved seeing your Crow and Peacock painting. Very creative with beautiful colors and I enjoyed the story.

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  4. Congratulations Julie, it was not an easy task. I am happy you are back! I really love the way the fruits compliment each other in this painting. Gorgeous work!

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    1. How nice of you, thanks, Celia.
      I really enjoyed seeing your poppies. You have a lovely way with watercolor. I agree - painting from life is so much better.

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  5. Good to see you back, Julie, and with such a mouth watering offering!
    You certainly have been productive in your hermitage - it's the only way - be nice to see the work at the appropriate time.

    I've even dropped facebook to try to gain more hours in the day ... alas there never will be enough.

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    1. Hi, Master Boat Builder guy!!! I LOVED seeing the photos of the boat. The beautiful lines made it look very classy. So clever. Any sore thumbs or no nails involved?
      I had a month of painting mostly with acrylics and by the end of the month I was ready for oils.

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  6. Love that watermelon:)

    Loins of steel! You managed to stay away from social media and email for a month! Good for you and it sounds like a productive time.

    Back in the saddle:)
    Libby

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    1. Hi Libby - so good to hear from you - thank you.
      I enjoyed seeing your months work and was impressed as always. Looking forward to seeing what is next.
      Productive - yes. I was amazed to discover how much time is actually spent on social media, but it took cutting it out completely to be able to focus on my own imagery. No FB, Pinterest, Instagram etc.
      Working the series I was interested in how one painting led into another. I began with 50 starts and ended up with seven completed. Some I have on one side but tossed or gessoed the rest. It was a fabulous month for my inner Julie!

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  7. So glad to see you back! You've been missed! This is gorgeous and that is one lucky person to receive it.

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    1. Hello Sharon. You have been through an ordeal and kept turning out beautiful paintings - now that is is motivation for us all.

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  8. SO good to have you back Julie! I always say that I'm going to take a break but YES it's a bit addictive and I believe that I'll be getting a cataract operation in the next few months so if that happens, I'll take a short break! L,OVE your painting and what a nice gift!!!! She will love it!!!!! It makes me want a piece....the perfect summer fruit!!!

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    1. Your eagle is magnificent and you should make a print of it.
      Iconic!
      Thanks for the really neat comment, my friend.

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    1. Thanks, Kim. Neat to see your white water-tower - masterful use of white.

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  10. Dear Julie so glad you are back...missed you. The watermelon and cherries is absolutely delightful. Happy that you had productive time off. Take care and have a great day. Hugs!

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    1. Neat to see you also took a month off. I was happy to catch up and see my two favorite "S's" Love your tomato painting too.

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  11. Good for you Julie to rid yourself of distractions and focus on painting! Well done. Isn't it strange now, I find I get a bit of social media quilt if I neglect my posts, blog etc. But sometimes it comes down to a choice, paint or post. I'll take painting please, double serving, thank you.

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    1. Love your Minstral painting, Bruce. And the cupcake too!
      A really nice plug for Dreama's online course. She is amazing and I love her life attitude too.
      Thanks for such a nice understanding comment.

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  12. Thrilled for your success during your break and happy for your return to blogging. The watermelon painting is outstanding - fresh colors, appealing shapes and wonderful texture. What a precious gift for your friend's granddaughter! I'm sure she'll treasure it in her home!

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    1. So good to hear from you, Carol. Thank you for the great comments. ..make my head big!
      I see you have not been posting either. maybe escaping the Arizona heat? If so I sure hope you took your paints!

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  13. Welcome back, indeed, Julie! Well done on being so disciplined and focused, but you've been missed as you see!
    Watermelon and Cherries shows you've clearly not missed a beat; it's luscious in every way.

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    1. Hi helene - thanks for the lovely comment...luscious I like!
      Same goes for your "luscious" strawberries and I think you nailed the reflections on the table...they made it extra special.
      Yes, I was disciplined - had to be - I was surprised at how hard it was to stay off the phone/ipad and computer.

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  14. such a great bright painting :) perfect for summer

    and congrats on staying away so long

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    1. Hi Jennifer - I just visited your wonderful ladybug. it is great.
      Hope you are doing well. Thanks for the visit.

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  15. Welcome back, Julie!
    I'm glad you are here again. I love your watermelones and cherries. And once again I ask myself how you can do such impressionistic (I know that's no english word but you will know what I mean) pictures in this style in this little format....

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    1. Thank you, Beo. This one was not quite so small as my usual ones. I really enjoyed seeing how your used your journal to capture your trip to the sea. A very strong abstract using leaf,sand and ticket. Clever!

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  16. This looks so deliciously luscious!!!

    Welcome back! You are so good to be able to get off the internet for such a long period of time. I was hyperventilating just thinking about not being able to post when I leave on my trip to Venice. (Hopefully that is all worked out!) LOL Where is your show being held? Wish I was closer...

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    1. Thanks, Joan. it wasn't easy disconnecting but very productive when working on a series.
      Will you do all your work digitally or use your sketching kit when you go to Venice? Lucky YOU!

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    2. Sorry - forgot to answer your question...Show is in November. Still more work to do.

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    3. I may do a digital sketch or two while I'm there, but I'm planning to mostly work in watercolors or watercolors and ink. I did buy a small set of gouache to try...maybe for a few night scenes.

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  17. Good for you. (Each year I have one week with friends - our annual art retreat - and we just paint up a storm. It's refreshing not to hear news or TV or computer, etc.) It's wonderful you got so much done for yourself this month. Good luck on your upcoming show.

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    1. I enjoyed reading and seeing the pics from your annual retreat.
      I also enjoyed the WIP shots of the window. Your skill and vision are wonderful things to share. Thank you.

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  18. Awesome piece, so glad to see you post again and also accomplished so much in the time away from public eye! But I was missing your posts very much.

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    1. Bless you, dear friend. I am thinking of you as you go through the decision making process. Your new painting is beautiful and powerful. I love the way you paint the sea. Your title said it all!
      Thank you for missing my posts.

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  19. You are inspiring! I need to have the will to do the same. Love the colours in this painting! Well done with your personal challenge , a lesson for us all xxx

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    1. Thanks for the complement on the colors, Margaret, I felt the same way about your stunning magenta chrysanthemums.
      Thanks for showing the process steps.

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  20. Welcome back! What a lovely painting. I'm sure it will be a welcome and treasured addition to the happy couple's home. Sure sounds like you are ready for the show. Super!

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    1. Hello Carol...on your way to being called "maestro."
      It was neat reading about you getting the piano and hearing you play after such a short time. I am impressed with people who "do!"

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  21. Very beautiful summer painting !!!
    Welcome back Julie and happy Sunday !!!

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    1. Thank you Stelios, it is good to be back.
      I enjoyed catching up on your blog and seeing the stunning places you paint so well.

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  22. Wonderful depth achieved. Looks like summertime fun!

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  23. So glad you're back to the blog again! You are greatly missed!

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I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie