Saturday, July 27, 2013

675 VanGogh Sunflowers

I went as far as I want to go with this painting. At least at this time. The paint is very thick and luscious and uncooperative. So I'll leave it to dry and then see if I'll refine the details.

The flowers I used for this painting are now wilted. Though maybe they'll be good for drawings.

A friend gave me some beautiful shasta daisies in an amazing  pottery vase today. I'm feeling inspired.

Friday, July 26, 2013

675 VanGogh Sunflowers

 II got these great big sunflowers today at Thriftys. I set them up like a VanGogh painting. Will have to finish this painting tomorrow. Like the way the leaves are wilting. Hope they hold up overnight though.
The painting beside the setup.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

674 Classic Car Show

Here's a quick plein air I did at the Classic Car Show in front of the Empress. There were over a thousand classic cars there. Imagine!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

673 Yellow Roses in a Jar

$550
I picked up these yellow roses from Thrifty's this morning.  They are more leaves than flowers but I like the way the leaves look through the jar.
Flowers each have a meaning. Yellow roses signify joy.  Makes sense somehow.
Oil on canvas 16x20"

672 Little Carnation

$100
Here's the last of last weeks floral bouquet. I've been struggling lately with my reds. Sorry about the glare. Oil on gesso board, 6x6".

671 Rose in a Jar

Sold
This is the same rose that was in the last floral painting. It out lasted the other flowers. Well other than the carnation. This rose is called Fame.  It's from the Empress rose garden.  Oil on board, 8x10".

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013

A day at the Beach

It was such a glorious day at the beach. Tomorrow I'm bringing a sun umbrella and bathing suit. 

Willows Beach Sketches

I never go out without my sketchbook.  It is handy for keeping notes of things like appointments, to do lists, etc. (Good memory jogger). Well, I was looking for a note I had made last year and came across these sketches I did around this time a year ago. These sketches are from a day on Willows Beach.  I love beach scenes and have used my sketches for a number of oil paintings.  I was listening to the radio on my IPhone that day. I was impressed by a song called Beautiful Soul Song by Kobo Town. I've forgotten it but I'm going to search it. Maybe it will inspire me today. I'm heading out to Holland Point with my sketch book. (Did I say that in February I hurt my arm and have been sketching with my left hand since then. The sketches below are still using my right hand.)



It's my day off from the Empress

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Friday, July 12, 2013

670 Floral Bouquet (In Progress)

I painted this bouquet using only the lights in the ceiling of the gallery. There was some light coming in from the window that changed over the course oft he painting somewhat. There's still work to as there's a motif on the fabric under the vase. Plus I'm not sure I like the turquoise background. The cast shadows need to be darker and more blue green. Hopefully the flowers will still be fresh enough tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

663 Empress Front Entrance, Summer Day

What a fine day! Here's a front entrance of the Empress scene. The building was actually darker than I painted it being completely in the shade. But I wanted to give the scene a happier feeling so I kicked painted it brighter.

Friday, July 5, 2013

662 Bengal Lounge

Well here it is. I might tweek it a bit before the final  varnish but I'm quite pleased with it to go on with. I really like that cougar. I feel he is ready to pounce. 

Thursday, July 4, 2013

662 Bengal Lounge (In Progress)

Here I'm adding colour and some detail to yesterday's underpainting. Argh! I really have little patience for all those architectural straight lines and perspective. Just the same I'm quite pleased with  the feeling of depth. I like the planters but still want to get the carpet pattern believable.