Here's a Fun One

Flo's Little Pinky
after Thomas Anfield
acrylic on 6x12 canvas board

When we were children, my sister grew 7 inches in one year. Naturally thin, she appeared to have really long arms. Beverly was the first grandchild and our Grandmother Flo nicknamed her Pinky when she was born after her favorite painting Pinkie, 1794 by Thomas Lawrence. Beverly went by that nickname until she was a teenager at which time our father told her she would regret being called Pinky dressed in a business suit. She says that was some of the best advice she ever got!

Anyway, every summer we would visit the grandparents in Kansas where Flo and our mother would often sew us pretty cloths. After Beverly's growth spurt, Flo was afraid Beverly would become self conscious about her height so when the measurements were made for our new summer frocks, Flo insisted to have her own measurements taken and whispered to our mother "What ever Pinky's arms measure, make mine 2 inches longer!"

It has been a family joke for over 50 years now that when something need to be "reached" for, Beverly can best do the job with her "overly-long" arms!

This was a problem I never shared! Please visit Thomas Anfield to see his wonderful monkeys, dummies, figures and pop art.

Last of Cousins .... for now!

Over the Threshold - Kathryn & Mark
acrylic on 8x10 canvas board

Fancy Fish
acrylic on 9x12x.75 The Edge canvas

The first painting was given to my cousin David's daughter Kathryn. She married last November on her father's birthday - nice tribute!

The second painting was given to my cousin Ted.

I hope all the recipients of the 6 paintings liked them. You just never know when you give something - actually true with any gift, not just a painting. The bottom line is a wonderful quote I've lived by for many years: The Gift is For the Giver! Not much else you can do unless someone "asks" - I like that when it happens!

Something for the girls...

Olivia's Baby
acrylic on 6x8 canvas board

Lambie

acrylic on 8x6 canvas board

Earlier this month my cousin Debbie told me she and her husband and three boys were vacationing with her two brothers and their families and her mother in Garden City, SC and if I got a "wild hair", join them. After a decent three hour delay from the time the offer was extended I called to accept. They were going for a week and as it was a seven hour drive for me, I determined the least amount of time I could go for was two nights and one day. I really did not want to horn in on any more of their time than would take for a really good visit. I learned a long time ago everything to be said would be done in four to six hours but with the long drive, that was not possible. She seemed really delighted that I was coming and so was I.

I had not seen Debbie and her brother Ted since 1986. They both live in South Carolina and I had never met their children the oldest of which just graduated from high school and the youngest was seven! The third cousin David and his wife were coming from the Dallas, Texas area and I had not seen them since 1993. I had not see their mother, Aunt Joyce, since 1995. It was definitely time for a visit.

Recently on Facebook I had seen a painting owned by Mary Ellen Bitner that her cousin had painted. I spoke to Mary Ellen about it and said "I wish my cousins would give me a painting"! Oh, be careful what you say because I immediately realized I was the one that needed to give my cousins a painting!

So, for the next 3 days, I painted 6 canvas'. I choose the largest and most detailed for Debbie, Ted and David. Then I wanted to do something small for the 2 little girls, Annabelle age 10 and Baylee age 7, Ted's children. I did consider painting something for Debbie's three sons, ages seven, fifteen and seventeen, but I did not really have time and honestly do not know anything about the interests of young men.

Finally, David and Sally have 2 grown daughters, Kathryn just got married and Kristina who is my Facebook friend. Again, I just didn't have time so painted a wedding photo of Kathryn and her husband Mark as a type of delayed wedding thought. Sally was so excited and said Kristina would also want a painting of mine. She was joining them at the end of the week but we missed each other. Since Kristina has been my FB friend for a long time now, I kind of know her anyway, and therefore will try to paint her something special.

OK, long story getting longer - but not much. I had a wonderful time. I enjoyed visiting with each of them. I really think we have reinforced our adult selves and they are now in my heart for the rest of my life. My Aunt Joyce is a real character and we had a grand visit. I'm sure she will find a little canvas coming her way, too!

The real surprise was my cousin Ted and his two daughters. I only met Ted as a young child, he is one year older than my daughter. He became a fine man and I completely enjoyed him and his beautiful daughters. The youngest, Baylee, adopted me within minutes - or maybe it was me who adopted her company. We shared a room, stories, cooking and even traded toothpaste so we could know what each others tasted like! I had not chosen which painting was for which girl but tried to paint two of my favorite animals and not make them completely childish. I showed them both to Baylee who was completely interested and when I told her I had a painting of a pig named Olivia she asked for the pig. Absolutely, if someone wants a certain painting of mine, it is already theirs!

Starting again...

May-En Pottsburg
8x10x.75 The Edge canvas

Pitiful? Absolutely! I'm only showing it because it taught me a lot. First and most important, DON"T TRY PORTRAITS WITH ACRYLIC! Maybe with the right lessons or a ton of failed attempts, I could get there. I did like my acrylic of Diane Sawyer and one self-portrait but mostly they have been dismal failures. However, I felt this one had elements of things I've observed in the last months of studying. Another interesting finding was on the first day, I thought I was finished and liked it. I can't remember now what I wanted to re-work but was really reluctant to do it as I was afraid I'd not like what I changed. It was so much better that I had to laugh that I had thought I was done. Goes to show what I read artists saying all the time: how to know when to quit. I guess you could just keep going and going not unlike the energizer bunny. In my case, that would probably have been a good idea, but this is where I finished!

Nigrini Brown
8x10 acrylic on canvas board

I have long admired artist Michèle Nigrini from Rosendal, Free State, South Africa. Her use of color fascinates me. I painted big blotchy splashes of color under my painting and then "tried" to let the color float up through the painting. You can see I didn't come anywhere near the color use that Michèle accomplishes but I did see a looser style for the first time. It was a fun project, I'd like to try it again sometime.

Michèle Nigrini - 2008 Elke Dag Se Berg

Little Metal Mark Butterfly 1 of 2
8x8 acrylic on canvas board
In my normal "tight" style

Little Metal Mark Butterfly 2 of 2
8x8 acrylic on canvas board
Attempting "looser" style

The above 2 painting were done side by side. My goal was to really loosen up. As you can see, I really did not accomplish anything. I did, however, study butterflies and decided to concentrate on Metal Mark's. There are so many species, you have to start somewhere!

Lilina Metal Mark Butterfly
8x8 acrylic on canvas board

This was a beautiful butterfly on a white flower. I liked the way it turned out.

Cecil Irving is back!

CECIL IRVING IS BACK!!!

I have loved this mans work and just over a year ago, he quit blogging or posting on Daily Paint Gallery. But I am so happy he returned. You know how you get attached to your "friends" and I have a terrible time letting anyone go, so I am especially happy Cecil is ... this is difficult to phrase, I don't know what caused him to take a leave, so I don't know what to say ... I'm just happy you are (probably) well and (hopefully) happy and (joyously) painting! I think that covers it!

Please drop by his blog - Cecil Irving - American Aritst - and see his beautiful work.

I have 2 of his paintings, I wish I had a dozen!


FLOWER
5x7 oil - 3-11-09.


THE GYPSY
5x7 oil - 12-9-08.




Now to get my own house in order...

I'm thinking about it!

Tom Waits - Little Trip to Heaven

I must be the last person to hear this song, but man ... am I in love with it!

It is here for me - I want to listen to this over & over! BTW, GRAPEFRUIT MOON is right up there with it!



I'm dancing, swirling, twirling ...

Life is good...............

Pretty Eyes and Mouse Go Fishing

Pretty Eyes and Mouse Go Fishing
acrylic on 8" by 6" canvas board

I've been painting, Mary Ellen wanted a couple to send to her Dad and Step-Mom for Christmas. I offered - told her she could consider them commissions since she does so much for me! This one I painted with her Dad in mind, he is a fisherman. But after it was done, knew "Pretty Eyes" wouldn't be his thing! It is mine, however! Pretty Eyes is my sock doll from my childhood. And I love mice, so lucky me! Also, in case you wonder, the green hangy-down stuff is supposed to be a weeping willow!

Think I'll try to paint a few more soon - and post too! I miss it! Thanks for looking!

Painting in July...

Night Shop
after Jennifer McChristian
acrylic on 18" x 24" canvas board

This is a copy of a painting I really admire by Jennifer McChristian. I love attempting to copy a painting but it has such negative connotations. It isn't nearly as good as Jennifer's but it was a fun exercise for me. My brain is empty and if I didn't do this, I wouldn't do anything at all. I'm hoping to get back on my stool and paint regularly. Please visit Jennifer's website and enjoy her beautiful work, you won't be sorry.

I plan on giving this to Ron, my daughter Mary Ellen's boyfriend. Ron says just 2 more years and they can be common-law! Well, I think you have to live together to get that title, but he is a wonderful person and I love him for being so good to my daughter. Ron recently lost his Father who had an extensive work shop. So did my own Father. I'm sure that is why I was drawn to this painting.

I won Chubby!

I must have really wanted this little guy because I procrastinated for a while before logging into Steve's Globspot to see if he had selected the winners yet. OK, I thought, you didn't win - but the odds are much less than the lottery I thought - but so what, it sure is fun to play the game! I read along first to see who's names had been selected, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, names of the Three Musketeers, by Art Wench were the winners. I have to confess, I've only heard of Aramis, probably because it is a popular mens cologne! What's that say about me?

Reading on, I could hardly believe it when I saw beckielboo - I mean, I had to read it about 3 times before I could believe it! Gotta' go now, I have to let Steve know I've decided upon Chubby!

If you haven't already, go visit Steve Worthington's Globspot to see his work and his humor!

Oh, almost forgot to tell of the amazing coincidence. My previous post, announcing Steve's contest announcing his 100th blog post was also my 100th blog post!

Steve Worthington rocks

I am a big Steve Worthington fan. I first came across him when I started seeing mouse paintings by some of my favorite artists. Being the curious person I am, I investigated and found a really interesting person and a phenomenal sculptor.

To celebrate his 100th blog post, he is having - another - contest to win a mouse sculpture. Well, I really love his mice - my friends know how I feel about mice, so I have to do this.

Sprightly & his friends

He is looking for names for his 3 new turtles. Proudly, I was the first with suggestions!
And we get to guess twice! My first entries are "Uno, Pesky & Snapdragon". Wish me luck, but better yet go there yourself, read the rules and enter. If you win - good for you, but please tell me! Go to Steve Worthington's Globspot ... NOW ... What are you waiting for?

While in Waynesville, NC

I felt your kiss and could wait forever...
Acrylic on 16" by 20" canvas sheet

I spent the first 2 weeks of May in Waynesville, NC with my college roommate Sheila. We have had the pleasure of spending several weeks a year together for the last 5 years. Sheila has 4 grown children, 3 boys and 1 girl and soon to be 7 grandchildren. If I could only get her to blog & paint!

We met at Kansas State College of Pittsburg, now Pittsburg State University, in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1966 where I attended for the next 2 years. My parents were raised there and my Mother & her sister both attended there and my Father's 2 brothers graduated there. I felt it was a family tradition. Besides, my grandparents were still living and it gave me an opportunity to spend lots of time with them. I later attended hospital based certificate programs for X-ray and Nuclear Medicine, a better fit for me.

This year, Sheila's oldest son Peter graduated from college at the age of 32 with a fiancee, 2 pre-teens and new baby. Good for you Peter, that is a heavy load indeed. I have never met Peter, but thought his accomplishment warranted recognition. Besides, I wanted to paint while I was in Waynesville anyway! I don't think Peter liked it, Sheila only said after I inquired, that he was pleased. Oh well, that is why I don't usually give a painting away unless someone asks for it. You just never know what someone will like or not and with so much personal involvement, you hope that the recipient likes your effort.

But the background story of this painting is that it was originally painted by Irene Corey and Brad Bisbey. I was lucky enough to buy Brad's but Irene's had already been sold, or I would have bought it also. They apparently joined together to paint the same subject as Brad stated in his blog that Irene had shared the photo with him. I hope they will not mind that I tried it too. For reference, I am including theirs.


Waiting by Irene Corey, 5" by 7" oil, 5-31-07


Waiting by Brad Bisbey, 8" by 9" acrylic

What do you think? Different but the same... It's like the challenges we participate in to see how each artist paints with their own signature.

Monthly Painting Challenge #4 - Brick Wall

Brick Wall with a Touch of Purple
Soft Pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" gray velour board

Gee, I'm glad I did this one! I really like it! And I haven't worked with Soft Pastel's in almost a year. Funny how you can get stuck on one thing. If I had the self-discipline (I HATE THAT PHRASE) I have about 8 paintings I'd like to do. Three are for gifts and really need attention. And you know what? When I mentioned to my daughter Mary Ellen that I had done a pastel last night, she had "Respect and Joy" in her voice. I was proud, too! Thanks Pam, what's up for next month?

Boo Hoo - Windows To The Words #12 - For the Birds

Eastern Bluebird
acrylic on 6" by 8" canvas board

Missed again, but still wanted to paint for James. This was the Windows To The Words challenge for March, but I just didn't get it done.

I just can't explain this one!

Tadhgán and Chiara's Secret
acrylic on 12" by 12" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

OK, I can explain their names. The red haired girl is Tadhgán, which is the Gaelic spelling for the Irish name Teagan and means "poet". The dark haired girls name is an Italian name of Irish origin and means “dark”. I love to find just the right name for my imaginary "friends" and they have to be just right! Usually, I do not use unusual spellings, but this time, just couldn't resist the beautiful Gaelic spelling.

I have not varnished this piece yet. I always photograph paintings before I varnish them! I just cannot get past the glare otherwise. However, this time, I know this piece will "pop" with varnish. My intent was to dress them in party cloths as I think they are at a night club.

OK, the truth is, I started this for a challenge I no longer participate in. Ironically, I got the name of the challenge just a little confused, but thought the painting still worked. It was "Silence" and I thought it was "Secret". Since they both have their eyes closed, it could have still worked but I decided to leave that challenge and this painting has been sitting on my "unfinished" rack for a few weeks.

Since the women are so obviously interested in one another, I thought it deserved an explanation. I'm not gay, but sometimes I wish I were. There are so many unattached women - but - you are what you are, and I have no desire to change my stripes at my age.

TMI - Too much information? Sorry!

The Virtual Paintout #14 - Stavanger, Norway

9 Schiøtz gate, Stavanger, Rogaland, Norge
Acrylic on 11" by 14" by 3/4" wrapped canvas

For the 14th Virtual Paintout in Stavanger, Norway. This was fun as I dramatically altered the colors.

I'm trying to do more "big swoopy color" and this nearly all white image was just too bland for my taste. I don't usually display my reference image, but this had to be seen to understand how much I altered it and yet it still looks like the reference image. I chose it because of the items displayed in the windows. It reminded me of a home my Mom and I saw on our RV trip that had large dolls in every window. It was fascinating.

The funny thing is, there is nothing like it entered. Nearly everything is watercolor and mine sticks out like a "bright thumb"! I am gaining a real appreciation for watercolor, however. I haven't tried it, but as I study other works, I can see it really does have many advantages.