Taking a break / Homework

I asked an artist I admire do a critique of my work. She said many things that I had been thinking of and gave me some new things to think about. I'm planning on taking a few weeks off to do some "homework". I want to practice ellipses (a lot), paint some white objects to get a better handle on value and also work on using more subtle color - less saturated color over the entire painting surface.

Also, I've been feeling pressure (only from myself) to create a painting every day. On days that I don't, I'm disappointed. Anyway, it's making me not enjoy painting as much because it's starting to feel a little like a chore to create a finished piece every day.

If I create something interesting, I may post it. Otherwise, I'll be back in a few weeks and hopefully I'll be better for it! If you have any good exercises you think I might benefit from let me know. This site has lots of useful information.

"Child's Play"

I painted this one a while back and liked it so much that I wasn't ready to part with it right away.

No new painting today (or the past 2 days). I have the flu. I tried to paint today but I was just too worn out.

Available: $100 + $10 shipping. Or send me an e-mail.

"Blood Oranges"
SOLD

This looks better in person (that's true of most paintings though). I have the hardest time photographing reds.

"Midnight"

I have been so busy framing paintings to take to a gallery this past week. Wish me luck!

I've been reading some artists' ideas about selling paintings online vs in a gallery and if you should charge more for pieces in a gallery or just raise all your prices and have them the same everywhere. I'm thinking it makes sense to have them higher in a gallery. If I sell paintings online I don't have to buy frames, take the time to frame them, take the time to transport them to the gallery, and most importantly I don't have to pay a gallery 40-50% of my sales. Anyone else have an opinion on that?

Available: $100 + $10 shipping. Or send me an e-mail.

"Tangle"

It might be hard to tell in the photo but I used my new Winsor & Newton's Dioxazine Purple in the shadows of the radishes and a little in the shadows of the leaves.

Available: $100 + $10 shipping. Or send me an e-mail.

"On the Path"
SOLD

On the path seems like a good title to ring in the new year. On the path to better paintings, to being a more patient and loving mother, to taking care of my body through exercise and healthy eating. Here's hoping all our New Year intentions come to fruition.

For me, one of the most frustrating things about painting landscapes is the lack of variation in colors. Fall scenes help with that.

"Not Quite Ripe"

I can't tell you how many times I wanted to wipe this off. I stared it last night and had to walk away or wipe. I finished it this afternoon. I think it came together in the end but it was frustrating.

Available: $125 + $10 shipping. Or send me an e-mail.

"Cup-a-Joe"

I usually paint on 6"x8" canvas covered panels from RayMar. This is on a 6"x6" stretched canvas that I've had in my studio for awhile. I like the panels better.

I sometimes worry that the bright colors I use "carry" a piece. I tried to keep this one more subdued and true to life.

Available: $75 + $10 shipping. Or send me an e-mail.