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.

Windows To The Words #11 - Matched Pairs

Matched Pairs - Red Hair
Windows To The Words Challenge #12 - Matched Pairs
acrylic on 9" by 12" Claybord

Good Morning, Sherry!

Today, I've replaced my banner image. My blog will be 1 year old on April 21 and this is the first change I've made. Some things have changed and I wanted a new look!

The painting was done during my first painting phase in 1986. My name was Becky Kastelic at that time; I married Paul Leone in 1990 changing my name (obviously)!

I found an article in an art magazine discussing shadowing. I am so disappointed that I did not keep the article and do not know the name of the author/artist that I used as a reference image for this painting. Maybe someday someone will recognize her work and I'll finally be able to credit her.

And, yes Sherry, I am back at the easel! I can't thank you enough for your caring words!

Beckie

Monthly Painting Challenge #3 - Creek Reflections

Creek Reflections

11" by 14" Acrylic on wrapped canvas

This is the 3rd Monthly Painting Challenge presented by Pam Van Londen. She does pick beautiful photo's, but they are not easy - for me - to paint. This one hit all my Uh-O buttons. Trees and water and reflections are three of my weakest painting skills. I guess that is what a challenge is all about! Thanks Pam, good job!

A Few Good Artists

I've spent several hours looking over my most favorite site, The Daily Painters Gallery. This is the site I found last year, thanks to Googling "flamingo", that eventually led me to start painting again. It was all so overwhelming at first, so everyday I looked at every painting and said the name of the artist. After about 2 months, I was familiar with many artists and was collecting at an alarming rate; both space and finances have curtailed almost all purchasing. I do have a wonderful collection now, you an see many of them are in albums on my Facebook gallery.

Today, I've made a few observations that I am going to discuss a bit. The artists are among many of my favorites but there are so many - I could go on forever!

First is Carol Nelson from Aurora, Colorado. I can't say enough about her current project. She is painting 100 portraits in (about) 100 days. As of yesterday, she has done 66 of 100. In addition to this, her husband has received a donor kidney from their son. Carol, what are you thinking? My hat is off to you and I seldom take my hat off (literally) for anyone! What I find particularly helpful, is she posts the reference photo she is painting from, something that "we" usually don't do. It is a wonderful project that has already enhanced her skills and could turn out to be a very useful sales technique. She put out a broadcast request for anyone to submit a photo. Since she is a known artist with a following, there is little doubt that she will be able to sell many of her paintings. If I had better self discipline, I'd try it just for the experience; sadly, the 2 or 3 entries I'd receive (That is supposed to be a joke!) wouldn't be that much training! For a quick look at her Daily Painter's Gallery click here, but don't miss her blog.

Next is Liza Hirst from Dordogne, France. What caught my eye is a series she calls "My Things". In DPG, I saw over 25 paintings of her "things", like earrings, household items, blue jeans and hats. I'm not a big fan of the 'single item' painting, but this one was more personal and therefore more interesting. Liza paints beautiful and complex paintings of which I am a big fan - I love you Liza!! I've visited her blog many times in the past, but today, only looked at her work at DPG click here. There is a link to her blog from there.

I've admired Robin Weiss from Poulsbo, WA, but today, I really became a fan! His detail and colors are exactly what I'd like my style to be. There are a few specific paintings I want to mention.

The 23rd Psalm: Both the title & subject are so dear.

Bees on Lavender: Couldn't help myself, just like it!

Cows on the Edge: Need I say more? This is fun!

The Walker: Light and shadows are one of the things I haven't learned yet. This, to me, is a knock-out example of lighting, and a beautiful painting. You can never go wrong with pink trees!
For a quick look at his Daily Painters Gallery click here.

And lastly, I'm going to be a bit indulgent and mention "the one that got away". This is one of my most favorite paintings of all time as it reminds me of my daughter, Mary Ellen when she was that age - it's the hair - and there is nothing I love more than ME! For some reason, I did not buy this painting, I think it was a bit out of my budget at the time, but I go back and admire it often!

The artist is Johanna Bohoy of Beverly Farms, Massachusetts and the painting is:

Reflections: There is actually another of Johanna's paintings that is still available that I've had my eye on for a long time. If only wishes paid the bills! For a quick look at her Daily Painters Gallery click here.

The last observation I made was how many artists get a 'theme' and paint it several times or even many, many times. Fruit, apples and pears, seem to be very addictive. I've tried that myself. "Lions" are my biggest theme - four of them so far! Hope you enjoyed my thoughts.

It's Been a LONG Time Coming ... But I'm Back!

John T. Alsop Bridge, Jacksonville, FL

better know as MAIN STREET BRIDGE

6" by 8" acrylic on canvas board

painted for my oldest friend, Dottie's book!

back and front cover of:

Remembering Jacksonville
a collection of local lore taken from:

The Florida Times-Union column:

By the Wayside by Dorothy K. Fletcher

This is the book I've mentioned in my most recent posts. Please go to Amazon.com to see the book - and buy it, too!

Dottie, I'm so proud of you and so honored that you choose me to paint the cover! Who would have ever thought in 1959 when we met, that 51 years later this would happen? OMG! Thank you also for your generous payment I received "for this honor"! The painting is my gift to you as congratulations for your 4th publication. Well done!

DSFDF Artist-Exchange Challenge

DSFDF Challenge entry

acrylic on 10" x 8" x .75" on wrapped canvas

Reference Photo of unknown exchange artist

Most of you know about Different Strokes for Different Folks - DSFDF. It is an extremely well attended challenge just over 1 year, hosted by Karin Jurik, an artist in Atlanta. This Challenge was done last year and apparently it was so popular that Ms. Jurik repeated it this year. I wasn't painting at this time last year and did not know anything about this or any other Challenge, so I am very glad to be able to join it this year. There are an amazing 180 entries, that is 180 artists painting each other, compared to last year with 130 artist entries.

However, humbling, is the word that comes to mind. It is so intimidating to paint someone else, but I've looked closely at the 43 paintings entered so far and almost everyone tells of their own struggle with this challenge. I considered painting it over - and perhaps over again, but felt that all I would be doing is wasting time. It was a challenge, not a commission. Hopefully the learning from the project will suffice!

To the artist that I have been entrusted with, I am sorry that I am not a better artist. It would have been my pleasure to paint a wonderful likeness winning your approval. Please know that I would have liked to do a better job! Since you are also painting me, I can only hope that you are struggling as I did! My skin colors and facial detail are not my strong suit. I love portraits but so far haven't learned enough to do them justice.

Aside from my painting, this challenge and the work of the other artists is fascinating and a learning experience. Please take the time to visit DSFDF and see for yourself!

NZ Art Guild Challenge #16 - Photo Challenge

West Yellowstone Angel Lodge

acrylic on 14" by 18" Centurion Wrapped Linen

Email me for availability beckielboo@comcast.net

Whew! I'm doing a little better about getting a few painting ready. This is for the New Zealand Art Guild Challenge #16 and it's their last challenge for the year. This is my 5th entry with them. It is also a piece I'm very fond of. The challenge was to paint the Angel statue. I added from one of my favorite places, West Yellowstone City, MT. When my Mother and I were there in 2003 on our 10 week RV journey, it started to snow on the beautiful lodge pole pines. Due to the weather, I was unable to stop along the road to take as many photo's as I wanted and have longed for them ever since. I used this opportunity to paint them as a backdrop to the statue. If only Mother could see this one!

GOOD NEWS UPDATE: I have also completed the Main Street Bridge, St. John's River view for the book cover of Dottie Fletcher's book, Remembering Jacksonville, to be published this spring. The best news is not only did Dottie like it, so did her publisher and they have accepted my painting. Since this is painted by request for Dottie's book, I will not be publishing the painting until her book is published. BUT, I couldn't wait to tell you the GOOD NEWS UPDATE now!

I have a few paintings in various stages of planning and progress and hopefully will have several more to post before the end of the year.

Hi to all my friends and thank you for being so patient with me since I have not been blogging as regularly as I would like.

Art Challenge #22: Turbulence

Long Play Turbulence

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

available $148 plus $8 shipping

email me for Paypal invoice

Yes - NO?? - Yes I say, I almost forgot how to access my blog, it's been a month! Why? I really don't have an answer. My life seems to have spun out of control - for no good reason! Slowing down? A little, maybe, but I hope it's just a valley!

I did go on a cruise earlier this month and am going to Orlando later today to visit another theme park - Animal something. Getting lot's of small projects done but unfortunately, of N.R.S.V. or of N.R.V. That would be: "no redeeming social value" and "no redeeming value".

I did find a box of old coins sitting on a box in my daughters old closet. I have no idea why it was there or where they had been, but they were my Fathers. I looked up the value of many of them and found out this: A $2.00 bill is and always will be worth $2.00 - period. They are not scarce, endangered or increasing in value - even the old silver bills.

I did find out most old silver dollars, dated 1881 to 1923, are worth about $16 to $20. I guess the valuable ones are in someone else's collection!

And finally, I learned these questions:

1. Just what do you do with a box of old money?
2. Cash it in for a few dollars profit?
3. Save it for your descendants?
4. Give it away?
5. Count it once-in-awhile and dream of really big profits?

My Father was a coin and stamp collector. I was the most like him and the least liked by him. Therefore, I was the only one that followed in his footsteps, I too, became a coin and stamp collector. He really did have nice collections of each, mine are still worth face value!

During the 60's, my Grandfather dug up many old mason jars filled with old silver coins he had buried in his garage sometime between the depression and WWII. Maybe he knew he had enough money to live on and would no longer need his buried treasure or maybe he got caught up in the coin collection, but he gave all the coins to my Father. I so clearly remember newspapers spread out on the carpet covered in silver and more silver. I really felt like I was from a rich family!

They lived in this Cherokee, Kansas home for just over 50 years. My Grandfather sold it to one of the children of the family that lived next door. My first husband was also from Cherokee and occasionally hears news about the people and town. It seems Nancy and her husband were the lucky finders on one overlooked mason jar of silver coins. Can you imagine such a find? I smile every time I think of how they must have felt, almost like winning (a small) lottery! The story goes, they were concerned that if we, the grandchildren, learned of their find, we might try to claim it. I'm sure, under the same circumstances, I would have felt the same way.

Secretly, I did expect to inherit Daddy's coins and stamps, but he did know what to do with them and sold most everything. Oh cripes, I really should paint more!

The painting is for the 22nd Challenge - Turbulence of The Artists Challenge. After 15 consecutive entries, I missed #20 - Shifting Shadows and #21 - The Reveal. It was time to let my OCD take a vacation and besides, I just couldn't think of how to paint either of those topics! My ego took a hit for it, but those and several other things just fell into the black hole of my indifference while I was spinning.

I wish two things:

• When I'm feeling productive, I wish I could get more things done.
• I wish I felt productive 80% of waking time. Instead, when I am feeling productive, I stay up 2 or 3 days in a row and then sleep for 24 hours. Isn't that counterproductive?

And even with all that, I just can't get much done. My mind thinks of 20 things I want to accomplish. The clock allows for only 6 or 8 of those things. I wonder, just when will I get those 6 or 8 things done so I can move onto the seventh thing?

Oh, Oh, I know this is a long post and this NEW item should rate at the very top of the post, but I can't wait to share this. My oldest friend - I've blogged about her before - Dottie Fletcher has asked me to submit a painting for consideration, of the St Johns River, a bridge and the Jacksonville skyline for the cover of her upcoming book to be published soon. I have studied the 2 photographs she sent me and prepared six small canvas'. I plan to sketch/paint with simple details three interpretations of each photo; something like a direct interpretation, an exaggerated interpretation and a rescaled perspective. If she likes any of them, I will then paint one or two large canvas'. Now this I'm really excited about and for my oldest friend in the world - who needs smelly old coin and stamp books that you don't know what to do with?

A few last thoughts about today's painting:

• I have every LP (long play) & 45rpm record I ever had. (No great surprise there!)
• I won my first 45rpm on a radio station in Atlanta around 1957 - One Hundred Pounds of Clay.
• Dottie and I used to turn the bass all the way up and sit on the floor leaning against the stereo console cabinet listening to Peter, Paul and Mary.
• Daddy bought that console with money made from his hobby of making shrimp nets.
• I have loved music all my life. I played the baritone, trumpet and french horn for 4 years. I was terrible at it and couldn't make a successful ombasure if my life depended on it.
• I still have my ukulele. It's on the floor of the attic resting close to the now antiquated vinyl that I'll never get rid of.
• My greatest personal disappointment was not having a singing voice. If only I'd known you don't have to have a beautiful voice to sing.
• I've never heard of the singing/reggae group Turbulence. They have more than 20 published albums since 2000.
• I love black people but I'm not crazy about the term "African-American". If we're American, we're American. I should call myself "Austrian (maybe German) with a touch of English, Swiss and back-yard dog-American".
• I have 2 black dogs and one red dog but none of them can sing.
• My previous dog, Garth Brooks, could sing - quite well. I've blogged about him before, too.

Say good morning Beckie!

DSFDF Challenge #27 - Week 49-51 - City Rooftops

City Rooftops
acrylic on 8x6 canvas board
available $40 including shipping
email me at beckielboo@comcast.net

This is the 27th Challenge of Karin Jurik's Different Strokes From Different Folks, week 49-51, City Rooftops. This is the second time I've entered this challenge. The good news is I was able to stay awake painting this one! Ah, sleep!

PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait... wait... Rank: wait... Traffic: wait... Price: wait... C: wait...

Art Challenge #19: Beyond Boundaries

Mei Mei Meets a Piranha

acrylic on 24" by 20" Centurion LX linen gallery wrapped canvas

Available $495 plus $18 shipping

Contact me at beckielboo@comast.net

The write-up for this post was doomed from the beginning! At first I was just too tired to do it. I was falling asleep while I was awake and when I'd move to do the next task, I realized I'd just been asleep! Weird! Then, earlier tonight, I came in and edited it with a really really great write-up - and you can guess - I lost it! Must not have meant to be!
So, this is the 19th challenge of The Artist Challenge hosted by Vikki North, Beyond Boundaries. It was not an easy topic for me, I started with the very uninspired and progressed to some interesting ideas but I couldn't develop them. I couldn't really say how I ended up with this, but once I came upon it, I knew it was what I wanted.
I'm sorry I can not rewrite what was lost. I took it as a sign, it didn't need to be said!

FTM Following the Masters Challenge #7

Self Portrait #7 - in the azalea's
acrylic on 8" by 10" canvas board

This is for Following the Masters Challenge #7 - Self Portrait. It is the first acrylic of myself I've done - oh yes, Paint Beckie in the Shower was acrylic - but certainly not of the portrait genre! I used the new color triad paints for my skin, but ended up completely covering it. I think that will either take a lot of work or probably a lesson or two! Optical illusion: The bill of my cap either looks turned up like a ball cap or turned down like a news-boy cap. It is a news boy cap, the kind I almost always have on! In the photo, taken in March 2008, it is actually a pink suade cap, I took the liberty of changing the color - because I could!

I had a wonderful time with my friend Joy at Epcot. I found out that amusement parks are OK but I really prefer more natural settings! However, I was offered on top of my free birthday pass to upgrade to a 3-day ticket for an additional $52. Since a one day admission is now $79, that seemed too good to pass up, so in the next six months, I will try to go to Adventure Park to see the animals. The food was wonderful! I took over 100 pictures, maybe I can get 2 or 3 turned into paintings - maybe!

The weather is finally starting to cool off here in Northern Florida. Saturday it is supposed to be 72 high and 55 low. I've invited my family over for a night on the patio with the firepit in full blaze! I also have 6 or 7 challenges coming up over the next couple of weeks, just hope I can get to at least 4 of them. Sometimes it seems like challenge painting is all I do but they have taught me so much and lead me to places I would never have gone alone - so - for now, that is the way it is! I'm going to have to work hard next month - Sherry always has her entries in early and mine are always the last minute! The tortoise and the hare!

Hi Dottie!

Celebrating my 61st Birthday - Going to Epcot!

Joy No. 1

Soft pastel on 9" by 12" ruff pastel paper!

I've talked before about - one day - I decided to become a painter! That day was February 10th just past. Over the next few weeks, I set about setting up my new Studio. I had painted randomly and without imagination over the last 25 years, but had never taken it serious. I started alternating between acrylic and soft pastels. Out of the 110 or so canvas' I've done since, only a handful are soft pastels, I am just drawn to acrylic. I am going to show you my 8th and 9th attempts done on February 21 and 22.

The above painting is of one of my dearest friends, Joy. I met her about 28 years ago when she was barely out of her teens and in X-ray school in Decatur, Georgia. During her training, she rotated through my department where I was a seasoned Technologist, 11 years her senior and mother to an 8 year old. We weren't busy that first day and times were different then - or there - I don't know which. But without fear of reprimand for not multi-tasking and working like an obsessed super-worker, we were able to spend that day, propped on our elbows, across a small table and chat our life histories. By the end of the day, we were friends - more like sisters - for life.

It took me about a year to realize the reality and quality of our friendship. She was young, beautiful - captivating really and the most sparkling and vibrant person I'd ever met. What could she possible see in me, I was sedate, old and fat!

Ironically, we both ended up in Jacksonville for many years together. About 8 years ago, she and her family moved to Orlando. Her daughter, Tasha, is my God-daughter. We are family. She is married to a wonderful man and husband, Scott and they have a son, Nick.

But, back to the painting, although I thought I captured her, I was disappointed with it, the paper was too rough. So, the next night, I tried it again on velour paper. Now, this many months later, I'm not sure which I like the best. They each captured her in different ways. I hope you will see some growth on my part since February. Just think what another year or two (or twenty -yee-gads, I'll be 81!) might do!

Joy No.2

soft pastel on 6.25" by 9.5" yellow velour paper

This photo was taken 5 years ago at Tasha's high school graduation. You can see my 'raggedy-ann' hair next to her. When we are together, we are usually in each others arms!


Joy still has many child-like qualities that make her always fun to be with. She absolutely loves all things Disney. She and her family always have season passes and own a Disney vacation package that has taken them all over the country year after year. Her birthday is September 7th and mine is October 7th. While visiting her last May, we decided to spend my birthday at Epcot since I can get a free pass as a Florida incentive.

So, tomorrow, Wednesday think of us at Epcot eating our way from country to country! My daughter, Mary Ellen, will stay with my 3 dogs. Stella, my new rescue, has never made-up with anyone but me, so we are anxious to see if by staying here, they will finally get to know one another. Either way, Annie and Erin are the loving queens and will keep Stella in line! I'll be home Thursday - hopefully with a story to tell!

I can't wait for Christmas TV movies to start!

Santa Claus #1

acrylic on 12" by 12" canvas board

available $104 plus $8 shipping

email me beckielboo@comcast.net

I saw a documentary on CBS Sunday Morning about a artist that had painted a Santa Claus every year for about 20 or 30 years. He didn't sell them, nor, as far as I know, does he have them on line. My memory of them was they were large and magnificent! Would you happen to know the name of this artist? Or how to find out? I went to CBS Sunday Morning but was unable to trace him.

Since this is the first year I am painting regularly, I want to paint several Santa's. I suspect (or hope) some my family members will want one. So, this is the first of what I hope to be a 2009 Santa Series. Don't forget, if I don't know you like one, I won't think to offer it to you!

I have used several new techniques and products in this painting. Recently, I attended a Liquitex Acrylic Paint demonstration given by Peter Andrew, Education Advisor, sponsored by Crafts and More, a local art and craft store. I used several mediums and agents that make the process of creating more interesting! I am so grateful to both Crafts and More and Liquitex for providing this program. I learned so much - just wish I could remember more! and the samples were great, too!

• Golden Flow Release - I had recently started using this product. I use it to make a smooth background. I really love the effect and use it often now. Mr. Andrew suggested adding a drop to your water bucket. It helps clean the brush and makes a quick release to thin paint for quick spreading. An unexpected result is my water bucket has never been so clean!
• Liquitex Pouring Medium - Maybe this isn't what it is intended for, but I used it to thin my soft acrylic especially for Santa's hair.
• Liquitex Iridescent Medium - I use this in probably every painting I do. I love iridescent and metallic colors and never hesitate to use them.
• Liquitex Liquithick Thickening Gel - Wow! This is really unique stuff. Mr. Andrew demonstrated it thickening soft acrylic to heavy acrylic. I used it to thicken heavy white to make the texture of the fur on Santa's coat. It immediately became thick and dry-like. I dabbed it on with a stiff brush. I really liked this stuff!
• Golden Gold Mica Flake (Large) - Loving the metallic effects, when I saw this product, I knew I had to have both it and the (Small) variation. I hadn't used it before, even on a test sheet, but couldn't resist adding it to adorn Santa's fur to add the Holiday look.

With a 40% off coupon for attending the program, I got the book, Putting People in Your Paintings by Laurel Hart. Even though this is a watercolor book, it is packed with useful information and I have read it from cover to cover! On page 62 is a great demonstration about using primary triads. I have ordered all the colors used to make them, but not all of them have arrived.

• High-Key Triads(Light-Value Triads)
• Red: Alizarin Crimson
• Yellow: Yellow Ochre, Gamboge, Raw Sienna or Transparent Oxide Red
• Blue: Manganese Blue

• Low-Key Triads (Dark-Value Triads)
• Red: Transparent Oxide Red or Alizarin Crimson
• Yellow/Blue: Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre with Manganese Blue
• Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red with Ultramarine Blue

• Light Skin Fleshtone Triads
• Red: Cadmium Red Medium
• Yellow: Yellow Ochre, Gambage, Cadmium Orange, Quinacridone Gold
• Blue: Manganese Blue

• Dark Skin Fleshtone Triads
• Red: Cadmium Red Medium
• Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red with Manganese Blue
• Yellow/Blue: Transparent Oxide Red or Raw Sienna with Ultramarine Blue

Only having Ultramarine Blue (so far) I used Cadmium Red Medium and Transparent Oxide Red to make the skin color. It was too red, so I added Yellow Ochre and Quinacridone Gold. I love people of all colors, but this is supposed to be a white Santa. Maybe he is Indian or maybe he is Universal. So don't give me the "Oh, I thought he was black, or brown, or red, or yellow or white"! He is Universal! It will be interesting to see what I learn with the triads as I use them to make more interesting people!

For now, all I want to say is MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Family Matters

Mama's Vase

11" by 14" by 3/4" gallery wrapped canvas

available $178 + $11 shipping

email me beckielboo@comcast.net for PayPal invoice

This is a picture I considered for TAC #18 Hidden Treasure. Everything in this painting is very special to me.

What you barely see, is the top of my Grandfather's dental cabinet. He bought the cabinet used in 1920 from a retiring dentist who used it from about 1880. My Grandfather then used it until he retired in 1970. My Mother inherited it and I have used it since 1994 for scrap booking supplies and now as a jewelry cabinet. It is a beautiful piece that my Father refinished and has been a cherished piece in our home.

My Mother made the vase. She enjoyed ceramic's in her later years and we all have many of her pieces. Inside the vase is lavender I bought in Waynesville, NC visiting my sister Beverly.

The two bunnies are from my daughter Mary Ellen's collection. I started her a bunnie collection when she was 3 or 4 years old. Although she no longer collects them, they are all over both our homes.

The basket is collapsible and made of a beautiful piece of wood and signed by the artist. I don't actually remember where I bought it, but added it to my collectibles in the last 20 years. Finally, the gardenias are from a Christmas decoration also about 20 years ago. I loved the look of them and have never put them away.

Let's see, I got my Grandfather, Father, Mother, sister and daughter included! Not bad - for a FAMILY MATTER!

Art Challenge #18: Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures

acrylic on 12" by 16" by 3/4" Centurian LX linen gallery wrapped canvas

SOLD to Sheila $206

I'd like to tell Sherry, Irina, Megha and Mary Thank you.
Thank you for your interest in me and my work.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Thank you for believing in me and letting me know.
You are all so special to me and I want to tell you in a special way, UP TOP!

This is the seventeenth challenge for The Artist Gallery, Hidden Treasures. I got up Saturday morning and took pictures of the special places where I keep treasures in my house. The painting is a composite of 3 things. The first is a shelf from one of my bookcases. The dolls are on a desk in my living area, the blue wizard is a favorite of mine. The antique powder shaker is from my grandmothers, it was in the bedroom I always stayed in; I don't know where it originally came from. I'm happy with this painting. It took many hours, for that, I was surprised!
The following quotes can say it better than I can.
About books:

• Books may well be the only true magic. ~Alice Hoffman


• For books are more than books. They are the life, the very heart and core of ages past, the reason why men lived and worked and died, the essence and quintessence of their lives. ~Amy Lowell


• There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island ... and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life. ~Walt Disney

About memories:

• As humans we look at things and think about what we've looked at. We treasure it in a kind of private art gallery. ~Thom Gunn
  
• The many memories I will forever treasure. ~K. Hooton, from Just Not The Same


• The secret of a happy life isn't buried in a treasure chest... it lies within your heart. ~Author Unknown, from Life is for Living

Art Challenge #17: The Gift

Precious

acrylic on 11" by 14" by 3/4" gallery wrapped 'The Edge' canvas

SOLD to Joy & Scott $178 plus $11 shipping

This is the 17th challenge for The Artist Challenge. It is so much fun working with this challenge and the great group of people. This challenge is The Gift - Wow - the sky is the limit with this one! AND, this is a special landmark for me! This is my 12th consecutive entry. The Artist Challenge is the 1st challenge I ever entered. I hope to make another dirty dozen! Well, maybe dirty isn't the right adjective, but what the heck! It make a good movie!

This is painted after the old master Gustav Klimt. The painting, The Three Ages of Woman was painted in 1905, oil on canvas, 180 x 180cm. It is now located in Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna, Rome, Italy. The painting is of an obviously older, distraught, standing woman looking down on a full standing young woman holding a child. For some reason, the painting is often divided into two or three images and made into posters and prints. I chose to paint the torso of only the young mother holding a child which is called Mother and Child.

There is nothing more precious than a mothers love for her child.
There is no gift on earth that is more precious to a mother.
My daughter is my gift. My daughter is precious to me.
I could think of nothing else when challenged to paint 'THE GIFT'!

I'm am including the whole painting, The Three Ages of Woman. It is such an interesting and complex painting. It takes a few minutes to take it all in. I included two different sites about Gustav Klimt above. They are both worth visiting. I hope you enjoy it!

Thank you for stopping by. It is always good to see you!