Last of the year 2012

I believe, with all the things going on in my life, this will be the last post of the year.  I wanted to publish the last piece of art I've completed.  This artwork was a commissioned painting - the buyer requesting it as a gift for someone else.

 Best wishes for 2013.

November (!)

My goodness, almost the end of 2012; and I have definitely been neglecting this blog.  The still-life I mentioned previously is still on the board.  Other things have changed priorities.  I have a new portrait request just finished. 
Barbara and Friend

I've also finished my Christmas card for 2012. 

So you see, I have been doing some things.  I do hope to be more prolific next year.

Back again!

It sure has been a short and fast paced summer, or at least it's felt that way.  I get involved in a lot of yard and garden work during this time of year, which takes away from the artistic work.  However, I have managed to finish a beach scene - in blue tones. 

"Shoreline"
I keep reminding myself not to get involved in such detailed subjects.  They take way too long.  Unfortunately, I have a still-life on the board that is equally complex.  Maybe that one will go faster. 
And after that, I have a request for another portrait.  Seems as if my artistic life is planned out for the next month or so. 

This one took forever

Well, finally finished with this  group portrait that I'd been working on for over a month.  It's of my husband and his oldest daughter - and - it's a present for her; so shhh, don't tell.

Father/Daughter, Gardening in Common

Something Different

Have been taking a break from watercolors lately.  We live near several beaches here in the Pacific Northwest; and my husband is an avid rock collector.  We polish them up - and I've just finished this piece of lawn art.  Beach rocks and colored sand in an old window frame.
I don't do a lot of abstract art, but the materials just lend themselves to this style. 

Global Art finished

Ok then, I've finished this piece.  Need to matt it and and send it. 

Global Art Project

Halfway through the artwork for the Global Art Project.  My art partner is in Michigan this year.  We've exchanged emails and this painting needs to be shipped in the next week or so.  Need to finish - but am having a good time with this.

What happened to March?

I haven't been here in a while, and I'm not sure why....oh yes, I remember.  I've started a double portrait that I can't post until I'm finished and it's presented (as a gift).  I will be putting that up at a later date.  

In the meantime, I've started another piece.  Every two years I get involved with a group called The Global Art Project (for peace).  This is a nonprofit organization in Arizona.  

Their website is:  http://www.globalartproject.org/  

From their website:  

"The Global Art Project is an International Art Exchange for Peace. Here's how it works: Participants create a work of art in any medium, expressing their vision of global peace and goodwill. The art is displayed locally in each participant’s community. Global Art Project then organizes an international exchange by matching participants—group-to-group and individual-to-individual. The exchange occurs April 23-30 biennially, resulting in thousands of people sending messages of Peace around the world at one time—visions of unity simultaneously encircle the Earth. The art is sent as a gift of global friendship and exhibited in the receiving community."

Finished!

Well, finally I am finished with the latest painting.  Can't believe how the time has been flying by!  I have show plans for this piece, so I need to get "on that".
"Artist's Assistant"

Still-life at midpoint

I've managed to get my still-life with lilacs and cat to the halfway point.  The cat's face needs to be a bit darker, and of course, the bottom half is hardly touched.  I have venues coming up where this could be displayed; and several new ideas I want to start -- and it's February already!

Short update

Last week's artist league meeting was canceled due to large amounts of snow.  Things are back to normal now and most of the snow has melted in my area.  We were suppose to switch the artwork at Central Market last week, and that was delayed until this past weekend.  So - I have two new pieces up in that location - as follows:

Eyes Over Stomach















 
Treasure Hunt

First project of 2012

I've decided to work on something larger than usual.  This piece is almost a full watercolor sheet.  Hopefully that doesn't mean it will take a lot more time.  I was setting up a still-life to photograph; and our flame-point Siamese decided to help.  This is the photo.

So far I have in the basic tones for the whole piece.  I used mask-out for the flowers so I could drop in some darker color behind them.  This photo is with the mask removed.  I admit, it was a lot of mask-out, but I was going for detail and this was the best way to do it that I know.  I wanted to get to this stage right away and get the mask removed in a timely manner.  I have noticed the longer you leave the mask on the paper, the harder it is to get it off.