Roses #4

Roses #4

8x6 oil on canvas $150. SOLD

unframed. 

This one has all the bells and whistles...

took longer, but

it was really a joy to paint.

Available  at 

M Phillips Fine Art Gallery 

for the 

 First Friday Ramble.

May 1st.

If interested call

 575.525.1367

Hollyhocks - New Mexico. Day 24 in the Challenge

Hollyhocks- New Mexico

10x8" oil on canvas - $500.Framed

 and for sale thru 

M. Phillips Fine Art Gallery

575-525-1367

day 24

Artist Note.

Only a few more days left in the 

Leslie Saeta 30 Day Challenge.
(big smile)

This painting was painted from a 

plein air watercolor sketch I did 

earlier this summer.

It is larger than my usual blog size

and I have an agreement with 

the wonderful people at the (above) gallery,

Mark and Gail,

that anything larger than 8"x8" goes

through them.

It has turned out to be a win-win 

situation for all as their large and beautiful

 gallery is only one block

south on Main Street from my tiny,

Daily Painting Gallery. 

in the

Artist Guild of Southern New Mexico.
studio space.
We send interested collectors
in each direction!

Apple Tree Blossoms and W/S Info

Apple Tree Blossoms

8x6 oil on canvas panel $125.

click HERE to purchase SOLD

A favorite place in Santa Fe, NM.

Artist Note.

I have two, 3-day workshops on how to use the 

Fracturing Technique with your own personal vision.

 June 3-5th

June 11 -13th

Both here in Las Cruces, NM

Please email me if you are interested. 

juliefordoliver@gmail.com

Colors of Winter

Colors of Winter

5x7in oil on canvas panel  $100.

Bosque Del Apache, New Mexico
Once again a mix from photos and imagination.

Artist Note.

I prefer this scene with winter colors rather than
the greens of summer. When out painting plein air
I always find green difficult to get the right harmony
and it is a real struggle to achieve a natural appearance
of the many subtle, different shades in front of me.
If I go more decorative then it can be fun and bright,
but if I try to mix what I actually "see" then all heck
happens and I have many frustrating attempts.
Back in the security of my studio I can work with green,
but then I lose the freshness I value from the outdoor
sketches. Any solutions or suggestions will be gratefully
received.

My outdoor/travel palette is:
T White
Black
Yellow Light
orange
perm Aliz
Cobalt blue or Ultra Blue
Transp Oxide Brown
I mix my purples from the alizarin and ultra
My ochres by adding purples to the yellow
My GREENS
from black and yellow or ochre
blue and yellow plus red or T brown.

(Phyllis - can you spot it?)

Freesias and a Neat Product

Freesias

5x7in  oil on canvas panel  $100

Beautiful freesias bouquet from Trader Joe's in Albuquerque.
I love having friends who travel up there and bring me
back  flowers to paint..

Artist Note.
This demo shows a bit more detail than the last floral I posted.
But still trying to only suggest the outer flowers by
shape and color.

I want to share a wonderful product from
Fine Art Name Plates
When I had my bird nest show last year I had a very large
painting of a Sandhill Cranes's nest and ordered a name
plate for it. See below.
This is what the owner came up with for me. He placed a
beautiful Sandhill Crane on the plate.The people who bought it
were just as thrilled with the name plate as they were with the
painting. They said it added a lot of class.
I truly believe it helped sell the expensive painting...and for
a very small amount of money.

The company has different sizes, prices and different shapes
Yes- that is a Twachtman  plate at the bottom.
They also have an excellent clientele which they would not
have if they did bad work.  I thought I would pass it
on as everything I have had a plate made for, has sold.
Maybe the plate had something to do with it?
The gallery I am in loves them.
And just in case you are wondering
...no-one in my family owns the business!!!!

Watercolor Weekend - Peonies

Peonies in Porcelain

6x8in watercolor on acid free paper

Day 15 -  WOW - half way through the 30 in 30 challenge.

Check out all the other artist's paintings here.
This challenge offers a wide variety of many wonderful paintings.

Hope you have a wonderful day and I thank you for visiting my blog.

House in Pecos, NM

House in Pecos, NM.

watercolor on moleskin paper  5"x7"

Day 9

Pecos, New Mexico, is a very old, rural town and it is
where Longmire , the TV show is mainly filmed.
I was there recently and managed to get some great
sketches and photos. It is a gorgeous mountain area and
the native sunflowers were in full bloom.
The tin roof is typical of the areas in New Mexico
where they enjoy snow and rainfall due to their
proximity to mountains and they are often on an adobe
structure. This house is small by today's standard and
the average families were larger then than now. Can
you imagine 6oo sq ft... and six kids?

Artist Note.
My fracturing video is still selling on the Daily Paintworks
site (see top right.) I have been amazed and delighted
by the response. I feel that even if it causes an artist to
experiment for only a little while, something to help their art
will come out of it.
I came across a Sue Harrell painting and the thumbnail
caught my eye. She is trying the fracturing technique
and doing a fabulous job . She gave credit to the video.
Thank you, sue.
Check her out... click here Sue Harrell

New Mexico Storm

New Mexico Storm

watercolor

Day 8

Our afternoon stormy weather will soon be gone and the clear
blue skies of fall will be with us.

A fresh week starts with the
Leslie Saeta 30 in 30 Challenge
I have enjoyed seeing some amazing artist's work and I would
not have known about them if it wasn't for this challenge.
Our thanks to Leslie...again. Hope you take the time to check
it out .

Farmers Market #18 - Red Umbrella Sketch

Red Umbrella Sketch

6x6in watercolor on acid free paper  NFS

#3 in the 30 day challenge.

Many of us use an umbrella for shade here in the
bright sunshine of southern New Mexico. I use one
very easily...
I was raised using one in England for a completely
different reason.

Artist Note.

My watercolor weekend was spent on doing quick
sketches like this one inspired by a photo taken at
the farmers market here in Las Cruces, NM.
I did not draw first. I started by
placing spots of color next to each other and corrected
angles and shapes with negative painting. If you look
you can see the red of the umbrella under the green and
it doesn't bother me a bit!
The purple shoulder went out too far so I blobbed in a
small dark to indicate the lower part of the sleeve
and did not "tidy up."
These small watercolors are invaluable for me
testing what works or doesn't - what I like or don't like.
This was done on Strathmore  mixed-media #400.
I find I like the surface for a sketchy approach.

Thanks for all the great comments. I wish I had the time
to answer them but I will enjoy visiting your blog.
Please know that I do appreciate YOU.

Farmers Market #4

Farmers Market #4

6x6in  oil on canvas panel  $100.

The colors are so amazing at these markets. Here are
Grapes, bananas, strawberries, limes and mangoes. WOW!

Artist Note.

No people in this one. Just a straight on view of fruit.
After the previous complex compositions - this was easy.
Worked on the weigh scale today. NOT so easy!

Farmers Market #1 and winner of the painting.

Farmers Market  #1

8x6in oil on canvas panel $125. SOLD

I have started to do a series of the Farmers Market in Santa Cruz, CA.
I took photos and did some sketches and I want to do them
while it is all fresh in my mind. This is the first one and my focus
was to capture the sun and shade.

Artist Note.

I expected to have the winner of the Studio Tour Giveaway before
now, but dear hubby Jim has dragged his feet. It is all Wimbledon's
fault. He has been glued to the TV.  It was only when I started the
heavy sighs and quiet mutterings before assuring him that it really was
quite alright if he didn't really want to do it (Tennis had finished for the day)
and with that he went off to his office
and spent quite a while diligently reading them.
Finally, he came back and told me  he did not
discharge his responsibility lightly, and I was presented with a great
flourish, the person he thought should get the radish painting.
AND THE WINNER IS... ROGER AKESSON!
The reason he picked him was because he liked that Roger
said I inspired him. Lovely of you to say that Roger - thank you so much.

I think Jim was surprised at the many nice comments. He has never
read that part of my blog before. He said it was hard to choose.
I was surprised only two artists wanted the handy tool and that was
STEPHANIE BERRY and LIANA YARCKIN   
(please send me your addresses)
It is a magic tool and can do many things besides how I use it
so I know they will love it.
Thank you all for the great comments...big smile...and glad so many
of you enjoyed visiting all the studios. I know I enjoyed them too.

Mums, Cherries and great App.

Mums and Cherries

6x8in oil on canvas  $125. SOLD

This is the second painting I have done of these spider mums.
The first one was a demo for last weeks workshop.
I did not get a good image of it before it went.
I loved the color combination and decided to paint it again
while the flowers were still perky.

Artist Note.

The App - Paper Camera - a steal at .99cents
I have known about this app for a while now but am only just
finding out how it can help artists like me who do not use photoshop.

All the programs can be used to help explore your own painting imagery.
Here are some before and after pics to give you an idea.
the one below is a regular shot with my phone

Below are some of the different programs from the app
using the same image. Click to enlarge.

The program above is very handy for seeing warm and cools
in the same color family. It is called Andy Pop

this one breaks the
shapes
down into
black and white.
(Not values)

This one above is perfect for checking the negative shapes
It is in Comic Boom and I use it the most.

Comic Boom outlines
and so emphasizes the
negative shapes - which is
invaluable for me.
Warm and cool areas
stand out. Look at the top
of the window  and the wall
behind and see how
blue the shadow is.
A great reminder of
warms light -
cool shadows!

This one is taken in one called Neon.
(this is the first demo of the mums) You can take pics of your
paintings and try them in different programs to see if you like
your art better in any of them.
It all helps to seeing your art a different way.
The artists who use Photoshop have this ability at their fingertips but
I do not have it. Very expensive and the learning curve is huge.
This one is perfect for the computer challenged, like myself.

It also includes ones called Pastel Perfect, Acquarello, and Granny Paper.
I cannot show them all but for the price I have no hesitation
passing on the recommendation to try it. After taking the shot
it downloads right into your camera roll.
If you are into exploring your
own direction in art this can be a lot of fun as well as
maybe useful. I found it very useful for helping me see
the negative areas more clearly. If you paint portraits it will turn so
you can take a shot of yourself and when in Comic Boom
makes it so easy to see the planes with color changes.

Mr Beaver at Home

Mr Beaver at Home
6x8in oil on canvas NFS

I was invited to join a small group of artists who
participate together in a monthly challenge.

The DB Challenge
They are:
Diana Moses Botkin    http://dianamosesbotkin.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Berry              http://suzanneberry.blogspot.com/
Vicki Ross                   http://vickiandrandyrossart.blogspot.com/
All are fabulous artists and I felt honored to be asked.

The guidelines  - It should be FUN!
But Diana also wrote, it should be a chance to play, explore and learn something
without the thought of marketability of the painting pleasing anyone but
ourselves. That drew me in.

I admit I laughed when I read the challenge for my first month.
So will you... it is  "Rodents."
Anyone who has been following my blog knows I have
just completed a series of bird nests so is it any wonder
my rodent of choice has a huge nest. Tree branches and
trunks replace twigs and grasses.
This was from a photo I took in Colorado near Lake Dillon.

Below are the other member's paintings.
Some really skillful and creative imagery going on here.
I am hoping being in their company will
challenge me to come up with some creative results myself.
I encourage you to look at their excellent blogs.

“Of Mice and Lego Men"

Oil on hardboard, 5"x7"

©2013 Diana Moses Botkin

"Pink Squirrel"

16" x 12" pastel

© Vicki Ross

"Really?"
12"x16" Oil on linen
©2013 Suzanne Berry  

Fractured Flowers

Red and White

6x8in oil on linen SOLD

I have had so many emails asking if everything was okay that I thought I would pull up something I did almost a year ago and visit for a while.
I love the colors in this one.

Artist Note.

I have found I can no longer multi-task in my painting subject matter and output.
My whole focus is on the theme of my show and painting anything else
seems unnatural to me. Do any of you have the same problem?
I had to do a demo for the Artist Guild last week and found it very difficult.
It has been five years since I had a one-woman show - preferring instead to exhibit in invitationals.  I only needed about 10 extra (but larger) paintings as I have been working on a series close to my heart for almost three years, just for the pure pleasure of it. I have found there is the world of difference
of painting something in a relaxed and inquisitive way and painting for a deadline.
I am sure some of you are nodding your head in agreement.

I want to thank you all for your wonderful comments on my last post.
Because of the time it would take, I dare not get on the computer to start visiting 
everyone's blogs and I have gone through genuine withdrawals because of it. 
I really miss the fellowship and stimulation.
I am BUSY! I come home from teaching and start painting. I do have three day weekends when a lot gets accomplished, but for every good painting I have to toss some others. I am working on a large
48"x36" piece which may not make it in the show unless it all comes together. Struggled today.
But only one more weekend to go until everything is delivered to the framers,
then life should return to normal and I will happily start visiting
your blogs to catch up and replying to all comments.
Thanks for being understanding and supportive.

Bosque at Dawn

Bosque del Apache, NM - Dawn

Progression oil sketches. Each 6x8in   NFS

It was before dawn when we arrived and I had my plein
air kit set up ready to go as the sky started to get light.
I painted in the basic shapes and I was amazed how light
it became before the sun actually broke over the horizon
The closest reeds were really dark and the far trees bluish
and mauve colors. No green
I added the few details of the cattails at the end.
Below.
The sun started to illuminate the top of the reeds.
The trees started to get a green cast.

Next.
I turned the easel to the right and by this time the sky
was getting blue and the bright green of the new reeds
growing through the old ones was almost a shock.
All this change during the course of less than an hour.

Artist Note.

These sketches were basically color studies for a
painting in my upcoming May show. I found what I
was after thanks to the help of a ranger, and got some
other sketches completed. Great painting time and
a great hubby for going with me! It was a two hour drive
and we arrived before dawn...you can figure out
why I think he is great.

Please understand if I cannot reply to all the comments
at this time, but know I read and truly value each one.

Shutter and Flowers

Shutter and Flowers

8x6in oil on canvas panel  $125.

How colorful can I get? I see the colors this bright
and I paint them. This was fun after working hard
on paintings for my May exhibit.

Kitchen Sink, New Mexico

Kitchen Sink, NM

8x6in oil on canvas panel  $125 SOLD

It was Lisa Graham who sent this comment on
my last post of a Chili Ristra hanging by a door.
"Whenever I see a Ristra I always think of an old
Mexican kitchen with a large window over
the sink and shutters. 
Then I want to make enchiladas."
I could see the image she created so clearly in my
mind and this is what I came up with.

Artist Note.

As this developed entirely from my imagination,
it kept on growing when I added items as I
recalled them. Most likely from the many,
many kitchens I have been in in Mexico and
El Paso.
Hand painted tile, no granite. No dishwasher.
Garlic and Chili Ristra's hanging by the window.
Tomatoes ripening on the windowsill.
Casual flowers or pretty weeds in a jar.
If she painted it...
Lisa's version most likely would have a plump,
motherly type rolling out the flour tortillas.
All painted in her wonderful unique style.
See her work HERE
Thanks for the inspiration, Lisa. I enjoyed
painting this.

February Snow

February Snow

8x6in  oil on canvas  $125. SOLD

My daughter sent me some photos after the huge
snowfall they experienced last weekend. 
This is a composite of a couple of the images.

Artist Note.

Here is a black and white to show the value of
the snow in the shadow. A middle value counts
as a dark -  so even though it is a snow painting,
mine is 3/4 dark pattern
At the Guild I have a board with the following
guide for division of light and dark patterns in
a painting. It can be helpful. These are
approximations, but you can get the drift. It
helps to have a dominant light or dark pattern.

2/3 light
1/4 dark

1/4 light
3/4 dark

1/3 light
2/3  dark

3/4 light

1/4 dark

Adding Carrots

Adding Carrots

8x6in  oil on canvas panel  $125. SOLD

Back in early January I was out of town taking
a workshop PLUS participating in the 30 in 30 days
Challenge. My self imposed goal was to paint only
things I had never painted before and this time it was
Turnips.
This is the painting.
I should have called it
Lonely Turnips!
Painted at night under
warm lights.








This time I painted in the daylight - cooler tones.
I went to the store and bought another turnip to get
the colors better and added carrots to make this
a much more complete painting.
Don't you agree the top painting has more interest?
At least it tells a story!

Artist Note.

I am really thrilled to be able to show two more
artists who are trying the fracturing technique.

Ann Feldman sent me a wonderful email telling
me about the excitement she felt over her first attempt.
and when I went to look I could see what a fabulous
job she did.

Ann Feldman (click on name to see work)

generously gave credit saying she enjoyed learning from

the Fracturing video and made me feel really great.

An ACRYLIC artist had a go and was very successful.

She adapted to the medium and used Golden open

acrylics for the end part. Her name is Anna Vremann

(click on name) She has a couple of fractured pieces 

on DPW. One is called Fractured Onions and is

 about 5 paintings in. Another is the Cardinal.

She shared in her email how much she had enjoyed

doing it.

I hope you go and look at these artist's work. .

It is not easy to try something new and then allow

other artist to pop in and comment.

I thank them very much.