Saturday, December 31, 2005

December 31 - Happy New Year!


What to paint at the end of a year? Why is it a milestone? I can tell you that October 12 will be the milestone, for then I hopefully will have painted 365 daily paintings (in addition to the larger pieces).
So what to paint? I thought that what would convey the idea of a celestial celebration (everyone looks up to that ball in New York, right?) I'd do some fireworks. A dim memory of a painting of Santa Fe at night... loved the dots of lights indicating the town. If you are curious, the little light on the left side I imagined is our place. Secluded, and away from the crowds.
I like working with the night scenes. Love the luminosity of the color, and the drifting smoke of the expended fireworks looking like clouds.
May you all have a peaceful and richly rewarding 2006.

Friday, December 30, 2005

December 30 - Little Thief


This one came together fast, even for me! I walked into the studio a bit after ten-forty five p.m., and here I sit at 11:32 writing and posting... after posting to the daily paintings group, and updating the site. Dang. Well, the simple background didn't hurt. It is larger though, 9 x 12 inches. I like the way his eyes are looking--so sly! The reference shot from the camping trip didn't show that kind of look. this was more of that complimentary blue/orange scheme that is easy on the soul and good for the eyes.
Now it is bedtime--more work to do tomorrow!

Thursday, December 29, 2005

December 29 - Two Goat Kids


I am finding that subjects aren't coming to me, I have to search them out. When I started this daily painting, I had what seemed like tons of ideas. Now I'm in my files, looking... but then again, it may be because I'm tired. Today's painting is a simple solution--We had buffalo two days ago, burros yesterday, and today goats. These are coming out of my reference files, in alphabetical order! (Passed by the cats' folder--have done enough of those lately.)
In doing today's painting, I was thinking of muted colors--as best as I can. I also wanted an orange/blue color scheme, and one with few darks.
I might work it over once again, if it doesn't sell. 5 x 7 on board, oil.

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

December 28 - On the road to Tripoli


Now here's a switch. I paint from photographs taken by my uncle, who was my dad's identical twin, from when he was stationed in Northern Africa. He took many pictures, and I have most all of them. Memoribilia, and useless to most of the family, but important to me. So I paint from them. The back of this photograph says, "This old Arab didn't mind having his picture taken. Between Homs and Tripoli. It was sure a hot day!"
I'm pleased he took notes. I know when he was there because I also have all his military orders. He led a very interesting life...
This painting is 6 x 4 inches.

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

December 27 - Small Canvas, Big Bull (Buffalo)


I go into the studio late, late, late. I am tired from a full day of running around, seeing about loose ends in other aspects of my life. Yet I know once I open the French doors to the studio, I will be up and gone in a heartbeat, completely content, and invigorated. So it was with "Small Canvas, Big Buffalo" I knew this afternoon that small was in the offing, because of my busy schedule. I just didn't know what--thought it would be a simple landscape--easy when I'm tired.
Now it is almost 11, and I'm happy with this one. The color is right, and that is of utmost importance to me.

Monday, December 26, 2005

December 26 - Yellow Slicker Morning


Here's the second painting that's featured in the soon-to-be delivered DVD on painting Colorfully with afternoon light and back lighting.
Now to buckle down and get the rest of my loose ends caught up...

Sunday, December 25, 2005

December 25 - Sentinel


First of the two paintings featured in my lastest DVD, "Colorful Oil Painting #3", this is a 12 x 16 oil of one of my past beloved pets, now forever sitting on a porch of my old house. I used this image to demonstrate how to mix good color for late morning and early afternoon paintings, and am quite pleased with the result. A lot of hard work, and intense concentration goes into the process--I have to both paint and talk, and think both about the painting under my hand, and also the plan for how to teach and cover what I know to be important for the lesson. There will be some editing of the verbiage--my gadfry, I never shut up while I painted the thing!! So much to share, talked myself silly.
Feels good to have a nice, colorful painting a day to show for it, though...
Merry Christmas!