A change of Heart

"The Dowry"
13"x17.5" oil

I started blogging about a year ago. I was doing daily paintings, it is very popular nowdays and I wanted to be current. I have to say these are a great exercise to rapidly improve your skills, and I saw a big improvement in my work. It was an investment in me. I was trying to gain representation on one of the daily painting sites that are out there. What I realized is, is that's about all I was able to get done in a day. No, they don't take that long to do, but by the time I figured out what I was going to paint, set up lght it and paint, a couple of hours have past., and for me I had a hard time changing gears and getting focused with the kind of intensity that I need for my larger work. It ultimatly was not for me. I of course will continue at least once a week to be a student and do some quick more spontaneous daily work, but I am changing the focus of my blog. As I mentioned in my last post in September, I had a friend who used to say we have to paint with raw abandon, something that does not come in a tube and you can't buy. I love what I do and I am so passionate about my life as an artist. It's not an easy road, the highs are high and the lows (oh my gosh) you know. So I think I'll just keep it current, post when I have something to say and hope you enjoy.

"Melon Row"

This melon wasn't very sweet, and I would hate to throw it away. This was an exercise in speed painting. I had a friend years ago who is no longer with us who used to say "we need to paint with "raw abandon" and that dosen't come in a tube!"

"Summertime"

Hi everybody, pleaes excuse my absence. All I can say is I am glad August is over. Iv'e been busy with some larger paintings and I get so single mindedly focused I can't seem to change gears. School has started, yeah! I have also been working on a newsletter that I got in the mail today. I am working hard on self promotion and that takes extra time.

"Red and White"

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I have been doing my daily painting, but I have not been posting because my computer had the Trojan virus, so I have been without it for several days. When you have a teenager on the web it gets risky. You never know what you might get. Good to be back, I really missed not having the computer, five years ago I would have laughed at that. Oh well, you have to keep up with the times.

"Blue and Gold"

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This is one of my new favorite color combinations, love it! Had a great time painting today. It makes me feel bad for those who hate their job, what misery to watch the clock all day. Today flew by, I was almost late picking the boys up from school, I had to drop the brushes and scoot.

"Pretty Little Cup"

This was a fun one. Hope you all like it.

"Tea with Lemon"

I feel like I have learned so much since I started doing these daily paintings. I have painted for a long time, 24 years, but by compressing all the steps of picture making into one hour, give or take, it forces you to problem solve, deal with new composition, and color theory everyday. It's like doing your scales in music, it keeps you mentally and physically sharp. No pun intended.

"Fresh Sliced #2"

I enjoyed painting the first one so much, I thought I'd do another one. They could hang side by side, I think that would be neat.

"Fresh Sliced"

The tomatoes are in abundance right now. Don't you just love home grown tomatoes. They are one of my favorite parts of Summer.

"Dazzle"

AC fixed, Iam back in business. Any more time off and I might have to clean house.

HOT SPELL

I haven't been able to paint because the air conditioning in my studio is on the fritz. I know I should suffer for my art, ha! It is 103 degrees in Oklahoma and my studio is on the second floor of the garage, basically an attic. So, I'll be back asap.

"Sunflower"

"Summer Sun"

I just love painting Sunflowers. I think I'll do a few more. I wanted to do a plein air painting but the thermometer hit 103 here today with no change for tommorrow. I think I'll stay in and just think about painting out. Ha!

"Jasmine"

I'm not very pleased with this, but they can't all be winners.

"Earthly delights"

I picked these up at the farmers market, they were irresistable. They served double duty last night, after I painted them I cooked them with dinner. My boys gobbled them up. I swear they did! How you ask, well I sliced them thin, threw them in my cast iron skillet with some butter, yes butter, evoo would be healthier, season salt and pepper. I cooked untill just tender, topped with parmasan cheese and popped the skillet under the broiler untill cheese is golden brown. Good stuff and good for you.

"Tres Chilis"

I hope I spelled this right.

"Random"

After painting so many 6"x6" paintings, a 12"x12" seems big. I am trying to figure out how to set up a "sign up for my blog space like so many other daily painters have but I'm not tech savvy. I would also know how to have a "click here to bid" button. Can anyone help me?

"Back To Back"

Ok, this is the last part of this painting I will post. Maybe.

"Purple Orb"

This was actually part of a larger painting that didn't turn out, but I did like this part, so I cut the painting into pieces. Is that cheating?

"Just a Slice"

It's that time pf year again, the garden are full of vegatables and fruit. I back lit this slice of watermelon, the seeds looked cool.