Picket Fence Roses

 

Click Here to Bid - 6x6in. - oil on panel

When I was teaching my workshop recently in Apex, NC, I wandered some around the neighborhood of the airbnb where I was staying and took a few photos. My goal is always to keep my eyes peeled for anything and everything that appeals to me. It's like a treasure hunt that way. If instead I have my mind set on - old cars - for example, I'll miss other stuff. And I'll be disappointed if I don't find any old cars. This time I found these luscious roses in the morning sun with a white picket fence backdrop. Happy happy.

Dappled Red

Click Here to Bid - 6x8in. - oil on panel

A few weeks ago my husband and I drove down to Hamilton, MT, a small town about an hour south of us. We wandered around enjoying the lovely weather and I snapped a few photos when I felt inspired. We got into a conversation with a lady who had lived there all her life and was quite proud of her "work truck." Unfortunately hers was not in great light, but this one was.

Premium Parking

 

Click Here to Bid - 6x6in. - oil on panel

I couldn't believe my luck when I ran across this scene recently on a neighborhood wander. I had a lot of title ideas, but finally had to just pick one. I wanted it to be something like - woops, I think I left the door open again - but that was too long.

Stealth Parking

 

Click Here to Bid - 6x6in. - oil on panel

Here's another little scene from around Missoula. I think I need a pink and turquoise garage.

Where We Sat Last Night

 

Click Here to Bid - 8x8in. - oil on panel

During my recent EBB (several weeks where nothing went right in my studio) I ventured outside for new inspiration. I have been hesitant to take photos in Missoula, and I think it's because I have quite a few friends here, and I feel more self-conscious because of it. Well, I put that feeling aside and wandered around a few nearby neighborhoods with my camera (luckily everyone was at work). This was the first scene that really inspired me. And it took me 2 tries before I was happy with the painting. But I am. And that's always incredibly exciting after an EBB!

Front Garden

Click Here to Bid (6x8in. - starts at $100)

Here's another Eugene house painted in Germany, this one with some raised beds in front, ready for growing.

Come On In

Click Here to Bid (6x6in. - starts at $100)

This is a genuine Eugene, Oregon house that I painted (from a reference) in Germany, in my mother-in-law's kitchen. I went far to paint near. : )

Dapple Makers

sold.

This is another Eugene scene. I love tree trunks, but have always felt baffled by how to paint them. But then recently I overheard someone saying that if they saw another person paint a "brown" trunk they would throw up. And when I looked again I realized that they may contain brown, but they are lots of colors! Duh. It's another case of what your brain is telling you vs. what you really see. I think this is one of the biggest hurdles we face as artists, and believe me, it never ends.

Double Red Parked

sold.

I've been trying out some different brushes other than the (mostly) synthetic flats/brights I normally use. I've also been experimenting with different methods. For this one I scrubbed in some colors with a bristle brush to begin with, which left some textured strokes, then put in my regular stuff on top. After a few "failures," I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere.

Slanty Bits of Light 1 & 2

sold. (5x7in.)

sold. (5x7in.)

I'm going out on a limb here and showing you some experiments. I did two of this same Portland neighborhood scene in order to try out some things. On both I tried blocking in the whole thing first and then refining, which I don't usually do. BUT, I'm finding that works really well with landscapes, and specifically, foliage. I also used my new round brush on a lot of it. I'm not jumping up and down with joy about either, but my husband liked them, so I thought I'd put them out there.

I'd love to start a conversation about blocking in vs. not and process in general. As I try new things I have mixed results, and I'd love to hear what works for you, IF you feel like sharing. Thanks.