30 Paintings - Day 4

Well, I have gone completely off script ( or goal, whichever works for you). Today's painting is a watercolour, not acrylic or abstract and, it will probably go straight in the round file!

While shopping the other day, I went through one of those 'cattle-chutes' that so many stores have put in to guide you to the cash registers - mostly to make you wait where you have to look at products. I usually don't have a problem with impulse buys but this time I couldn't resist. I bought a box of 18 watercolour paints for $7.99. I know, I know, I know better but I was so busy laughing I just had to try them. Here is what the box claims are the 'features': good lightfastness, excellent transparency and tinting strength, superb working properties and, finally, suitable for all artists.

You can see from the above exercise that the colours are by no means transparent. There are very few colours that mix well to make a good third colour and often, when you do mix, you end up with muddy colours. I can't say much about the working properties as I wasn't using my regular paper but they didn't seem to be too bad. One good point - there is a silver paint that actually sparkles and it might be useful some day. If nothing else, I will be able to use these paints to show students what NOT to buy.

I have seen so many super paintings in the last few days at  Leslie's Blog 
that I feel like the 30/30 challenge has been going on for longer than four days. I hope you will take time to have a look.
 

30 Paintings - Day 3

I am sure 'not sure' about today's painting! I woke up in the middle of the night and started thinking about what I could paint and I think I jinxed myself.

Day 3

Is it good? Is it interesting? This started out as something else, then transitioned to another something and finally end up as you see it. Whatever I had in my mind was obviously confused - lol.

I will have to let this sit a bit before I decide if it is worth keeping or if I should just paint over the whole thing. Good thing it is only an 8 x 10. I haven't even given it a number or a name as I am so unsure about its worth.

I hope you will let me know what you think of this one and whether I should save it.

Remember to pop over to Leslie's Blog to see what the other artists are doing.

30 Paintings...Day 2

#1068 - Line Dancing - 8 x 10 acrylic

This piece made me think of the explosion of movement that some people put into their dancing. Followed, of course, by someone not quite as enthusiastic.

This is my second attempt at this style of work, using both brush and palette knife. I have seen similar pieces on Facebook and Youtube videos and have really liked many of them. It will be interesting to see how people in my area respond to these.

Don't forget to check out the work by other artists who are doing the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Here is the link - Leslie's Blog

See you all tomorrow!

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 1

Here we are again: a new year, a new 30/30 challenge. I have done a number of these challenges in the last few years, often using the challenge as an opportunity to try new techniques. This year I am going to focus on abstract acrylic paintings. I hope you will let me know what you think!

#1067 - From the Centre - 8 x 10 acrylic

It is not too late to join the challenge - check Leslie Saeta's Blog  for all the information. This is a great way to stretch your  skills and see what many other artists are doing too.

If you want to see what I have done in the past challenges , click on the right label below.

Be Careful What you Wish For

Yesterday, I was thinking and saying to friends that I thought we needed more snow so that the forests would get more moisture and, maybe the forest fire danger would be less during the summer. Well, guess what?

 Yesterday this little bush was clear almost to the ground now it is hiding again.

 The snow on the roof shows how much snow we had (I figure about 7 or 8 inches) because once, again the roof was clear.

I do love the look of fresh snow, especially on the cedar trees. However, shoveling is a real pain! They are forecasting more snow for the next few days so I guess we will get more of the snow I was asking for.

On a more creative note, I have done it again! I have gone over-board making those wire, glue and polish flowers.

I have used up all the right weight of wire that I had on hand so unless they sell like hotcakes I won't be making any more anytime soon. And, if they don't sell, I have enough houseplants that can use the extra zing.

Thanks for stopping by!

A New Venture!

Last week one of my friends posted a video on Facebook and I just had to try it.  Have a look - Nail Polish Flowers

I didn't have coloured nail polish so I used some fluid acrylics to paint my flowers. For my first flowers I used a Sharpie to make the petals and just some white glue. I did buy some sparkle nail polish for the final touch.

Once they were done it was 'what now?' time. So I decided to make a little flower arrangement.

front

back

dragonfly closeup

My daughter, Susan, suggested that I could make dragonflies and butterflies with this method too - so I did! BTW, the little 'vase' is recycled from a garden solar light and the 'grasses' are made with quilling paper.

I wanted to see it I could make larger flowers, so I made a tube out of glue, tape and construction paper. The glue I used didn't work with the larger size petals and I had to do some experimenting to find something that worked. I ended up using some of my husband's WeldBond glue.

I enjoy making the flowers and experimenting making other shapes too but, I don't think that making arrangements is my thing. So, what to do with the decorations I do make? Add them to houseplants, of course!

Here is a picture of these with a white background so you can see them clearly.

I think I will have fun making more of these and I think they might sell - especially the insects as they would work well in dried flower arrangements too.

At any rate, it is another creative play for me and I like being busy and creative!

I'm Still Here!

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 months since my last post. I don't even have the excuse of being too busy although I did have a cold/cough/flu thing for about 3 weeks and that really put a damper on things.

The Wynndel Christmas Craft Fair was quite successful for me; good sales and a few people signing up for quilling lessons. I also had a few sales at a local Christmas Pop-up store.

I haven't done a lot of painting but I did manage to get a few things done.

#1061 Soft Tones Poppy

#1062 - Into the Light

These paintings were actually just done to try out some new products; Soho Urban Artist acrylic paints and a Mimik Creative Mark brush. I ordered a number of things from a new (to me) company and received a number of 'gifts' with my order. How cool is that?

I decided to frame another of my painted feathers as people seem to prefer them that way.

#1063 - Hummingbird with Fuchsia

I figure the feathers look better with a bit of a background so I added the painted bird and some sky colour. This was a good move as the piece sold!

My final painting of 2017 was supposed to be part of a gift exchange at the Creston Art Club's Christmas party. Unfortunately, I was too sick to go.

#1064 - Northern Lights - 8 x 10 acrylic

But, now it is time to look forward to 2018 and I am starting off with the Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap. You can check it out on the Facebook page - LYA Facebook

I have many cards of my paintings already made and it is very easy to turn some of them into postcards so I was able to get my package off in the mail early. I won't share my cards but I figure I can share my envelope.

The postcard swap is a fun way to connect with artists from all over the world. Why not give it a try?

I have also signed on to do the 30 paintings in 30 day challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. The challenge will be in February this year and - I hope future years too as I think it is a better time than January. Find out about the challenge here - 30/30

So, it looks like I am finally getting my act together and doing some art - at least I am planning it - lol.

Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment.