Clown Fish and Literary Tree II

I absolutely loved snorkeling!  Swimming with colorful fish in beautiful blue, warm water was amazing.  The fish were inspiring, as were paintings on a restaurant (The Fish Hopper) wall, in Kona, by Artist Shelly Maudsley White .  I'd never really considered painting fish, but my trip to Hawaii inspired just that, and here is my first fish.  A tiger clown fish, painted on wood.  

 

I, also, have a painting, "Literary Tree II" that I am sharing today.  I finished it a few weeks ago.  I used lots of torn paper, from that old French Novel that I've been using, and matte medium, to form the tree. Both paintings will be in my Etsy Shop later today.

 

Mauna Kea Observatories

Our first day in Hawaii we flew from Oahu to the Big Island, and drove to Mauna Kea.  It's the tallest mountain in the world, 13,796 feet above sea level; 32,000 feet from the Ocean Floor.  It's considered the most sacred place in all the Hawaiian Islands, and before we started our journey to the top a beautiful blessing was given.  Then just as you reach the summit you can see gorgeous, white and silver domes...the telescopes.  The world's largest observatory.  We were very fortunate to be able to go inside the Keck Telescope.  It was quite the experience being at almost 14,000 feet above sea level, and seeing inside the massive telescope.  The view wasn't so good on that day...it was very cloudy, but still amazing.

Hawaii

Hi!  I've been away for a while...  My husband surprised me with a trip to Hawaii!  I hadn't been there, and have always wanted to go, so it was an amazing surprise.  We had a wonderful time, and saw a lot of beautiful, interesting places.  I will post a few of our photos over the next few days.  Starting with Kona, a photo of the view from our room. 

We had a great lunch at Bubba Gumps.  The best part was the gorgeous view from the deck of the restaurant, but here's a picture of us.

 

We spent a few evenings watching the Sunset from Waikiki Beach.  One evening we swam in the ocean while watching the sunset.  Being from Oregon I had never attempted to swim in the Ocean; way too cold here, so I finally have that checked off of my bucket list.

 

A 20 Minute Painting that took 30 Minutes

This painting started out to be a 20 minute painting, but I was talking to my daughters, and it ended up being more like 30 minutes.  The 20 minute paintings are a great exercise, and I've always loved spontaneous Art with lots of brushstrokes...so, that's becoming a goal of mine.  I tend to blend...A LOT.  Hopefully, I will be painting 16X20 canvases, in 20 minutes, with thick, juicy brushstrokes...eventually.

 

I'm learning a lot about myself through these quick paintings.  It's very hard for me to leave the imperfections.  I want to clean everything up, finish adding shadows, and get the correct proportions.  But, I love seeing more movement, and those brushstrokes...so, I think I'm loosening up a bit. LOL

Etsy Coupon Code

Hi!  I just wanted to let you know that I've decided to have a "Spring Thank You Sale" in my Etsy Shop.  Use coupon Code SPRING2013 at check out and receive 25% off every item in my Shop.  The Code will be good today through Friday April 26th!  Click HERE and go directly to my Shop.  Thank you, so much, each and every one of you!  I appreciate your friendship, wonderful comments and support more than you could ever know. 

NIBBLEFEST Trees!

It's Nibblefest time!  The theme this month is TREES!  Auctions start at $0.99!  The auctions begin on the 20th of each month, and end on the 27th.  Artists can add art up until the day before the auctions end..so check back often.  I call my tree, "Literary Tree".  I created my tree by tearing pages from that old French Novel that I've been using...Les Mis.  I,also, used napkins and shiny gold tissue paper.  I especially like the way the bark of the tree looks...with the words showing through.  The three flowers, on the right, were created with paper, and paint, also.  You can click on the banner to the right, and it will take you to the Nibblefest auction page.  Have fun!

Tropical Cat

"Tropical Cat" is even brighter in person...  I was in Michael's Craft Store the other day, and the Neon Pink and Orange really jumped out at me.  I love bright color, but this bright...is a first for me.  I think I'm ready for Summer!!!

Second 20 Minute Painting

Here is a picture of the 20 minute painting, and then a picture of the finished painting...because I couldn't stop at 20.  There wasn't much there after 20 minutes...I really paint slow...so many layers.  As I was painting this piece the news came on, and I couldn't believe it...my heart went out to the people at the Boston Marathon.  I continued to paint, and pray.  Later I thought, when I looked at this little cat, that she looked like she was praying, too. 

20 Minutes

"Prayers" Finished

20 Minute Paintings

Hi!  I joined a group/class, at The Trodden Path, where we set a timer and paint for 20 minutes.  The only rules are: when that timer goes off...stop painting.  Rule number 2, post the painting, even if you hate it.  I happen to like my first painting.  It looks a lot better in person than in the photo.  It's, of course, a cat.  I really like the idea of painting for only 20 minutes, and not worrying if you don't like the finished product.  I plan to mix things up, and paint different subjects...  It's going to be fun! 

 

"20 Minute # 1"

Raccoon and JRT Painting

 Our own, Rory, was the JRT Model for this painting. The memories of raccoons on our back deck; when we left cat food out, inspired the raccoon. One night we had baby raccoons looking at us; while munching away. They are really cute. This painting is listed on eBay.

JRT Fox WIP Finished

I think the Emerald Green Hills in Oregon are influencing me, right now.  Oregon is especially gorgeous in the Spring.  I remember, a few years ago, flying into Portland, after visiting another State, that's not quite so green...and the vibrant Green took my breath away.  So....JRT and FOX has an Emerald Green background.  I think I will call this painting, "Spring Walk". 
 

New WIP Painting

I am working on a new Jack Russell Terrier and Fox Painting.  Not too far along, but I thought I would share the WIP.  I paint, very slowly, using lots of thin washes to build layers of color.  What I have painted, so far, is about 4 or 5 layers...and I have a long way to go.  I love my work, and feel so blessed to be able to work at a job that I love.  The only hard part of being an Artist, working from home alone...well, not alone, but with only the Fur Family...the only conversations are in barks and mews.  So, I am really excited that it's Friday, and I am going out for dinner...with humans!  I love my Fur Family, but it will be nice to hear words spoken.  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Nibblefest Time!!!

This month's theme is, "Nursery Rhymes"!  I just finished my offering, "Three Little Kittens", and listed it with the other Artists' work!  There are some great paintings...be sure to check them out.  You can click on the clickable banner, on this page, to go directly to the auctions.  Have a great evening!

New Print "Finnegan Fox"

"Finnegan Fox"

"FLOR"

I have two new prints in my Etsy shop today.  "Finnegan Fox" is now a large 12"X8", Archival Print, and "Flor" is 8"X8".  I'm really happy with the way the prints turned out.  I have three more that I will be posting later today and tomorrow.  Thanks!!!  I'm off to work on commissions, and my Nibblefest Entry.  The theme is Nursery Rhymes this month...should be fun!

Day 6 "Sammy"

Yesterday got busy, so I didn't finish a painting for Day 7...  And, I'm just now posting Day 6.  So, now you know a little more about me!  Sometimes the best of intentions don't work out, but I did accomplish more by having a goal in mind.  My Day 6 painting is titled, "Sammy".  He will be listed on Ebay tonight.  I hope your weekend was wonderful!

Day 5 "Edmund"

We were celebrating our friend's 60th Birthday last night, so I didn't get around to posting Day 5 yesterday.   I really enjoyed painting this guy, "Edmund".  The combination of painting on wood, and painting free is very addicting.  I'm finding that I want to paint bigger, too....so, I see an investment in paint, and some very large pieces of wood in my future.  I hope everyone has a fun, relaxing and creative weekend!

Day 4 Francis Painting

I was painting, my Day 4 painting, while listening to the TV today...waiting to see who the new Pope would be.  And, I decided to name my painting, "Francis" in honor of the new Pope.  He sounds like such an amazing man.  I noticed after finishing the painting...that I had painted something that looks like white smoke at the top of the cat's head.  The power of suggestion?  This painting was, also, inspired by Gritty Jane's new class, "Paint Like A Child".  I joined the class Jane started today, and I watched two videos, one with a small girl painting huge canvases, and one with Picasso.  These two videos were so inspiring.  I will add the link to Jane's class above, if you're interested.

My 7 Day Challenge

I actually started yesterday with, "Clarice", and today I have, "Finnegan Fox". I decided on Sunday to challenge myself. The Challenge... to finish a painting each day, for 7 days. I have promised to not neglect my commissions, as well. So, not much housework this week, but a lot of fun!

 

"Clarice"

 

                                                 

                                                                  "Finnegan Fox"

"Jasper"

"Jasper" is finished, and now Gus and I are going for a long walk!  He's been waiting all morning.  It's gorgeous here today!  Looks like Spring!

Treasured

The first thing that I noticed in my e-mail this morning was...Miriam Schulman included my, "Kitty" in her beautiful Etsy Treasury.  Miriam, also, has a very interesting post on her blog about Painting Transformations.  The two paintings that she transformed are wonderful, and have inspired me to go through my, "Closet of Misfit Paintings"...maybe they can become new, again, too!  Click HERE to see Miriam's "Grasshopper", and HERE to see her, "BUTTERFLY".  Have a great weekend!

Morning Walk In The SUN!

Gus and I went for a walk this morning, and it was so beautiful! Just look at those warm rays of sun!

The deer were out enjoying the Sun, too!

                                               

Watching us walk by...

                                                    

Gus is SO HAPPY!

The Creeks are still full and gorgeous

Bella Painting

Happy Friday!!!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I decided to start mine off by listing a new abstract Cat painting...on wood.  Still love painting on wood!  I love painting the abstract cats, too.  I never have a plan...just start painting, and it's fun to see who shows up.  This little girl is, "Bella". 

"Fox" painting

Hi!  I've been working on commissions, so not a lot to post about lately, but I did take time to paint a little "Fox" .   The fox started out Day 1 of a "Painting a day, for 10 days" FB challenge, but Day 1 was the only day I had time for.  Hopefully, they will do it again, it looked like fun!  I'd have something to post about everyday, too! 

Nibblefest Time

The Nibblefest theme this month is, Domestic Animals.  I had planned on finishing another painting for this months' theme, but ran out of time, so, "Paris" it is.  All auctions start at $0.99, and will end on February 27th.  I  hope the week is going well for everyone!  My week is going great, but is very busy.  Time to take a break and watch Survivor, American Idol and Modern Family!  If I can stay awake.

Suzette Is Finished

"Suzette" is finished!  In French Suzette means lollipop.  That would be a cute name, too.

"Paris" and "Suzette"

I'm still having fun with the mixed media pieces on wood...in a neutral palette.  I have finished, and listed, "Paris" and the painting in the background, "Suzette" will be finished tomorrow.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I will be cleaning house, and painting!