The Blues

I haven't completely stopped painting this holiday... but I came pretty darn close. Lately I have been working on a couple smaller watercolours (I move between the two as I get frustrated). But, today I had a request for a musical painting... a perfect excuse to take a break from the watercolours. I found the perfect reference photo from morguefile.com and I just knew that I had to give it a try. I kept my palette nice and simple: titanium-zinc white, indigo blue, and burnt sienna. I also kept my brushes simple: I only allowed myself two 'larger' brushes and no fiddly details. I was to keep this one simple.



"The Blues"
reference by clarita100 at morguefile.com
14" x 11" oil on canvas
© 2008

There is still a few details left to go. The strings still need to be added and I want to strengthen the whites in few places once the paint is a bite more tacky. Overall, this one was a tonne of fun and nice and relaxing. I'll post a final photo once the details have been added and in better light.

Pansy Garden

With all the snow falling (and on the ground) I decided to paint something to remind me of warmer times... something spring-ish. I also do have to admit that pansys are my favourite flower and I think I have somewhat figured out how to paint them.



"Pansy Garden"
3.5" x 2.5" watercolour
© 2008

Coffee Still

I think I'm done this one. I've changed the background to a more greyish blue which I think complements the warm orange tones in the coffee. This painting was an exercise of loosening up a little (something that I do not do nearly enough) and to just enjoy the process of painting without worrying about being overly realistic. Its was lots of fun and... was wonderful to paint something 'warm' during the cool nights we have been having lately.



"Coffee Still"
8" x 10" oil on canvas
© 2008


Speaking of cool nights, I thought I would include some of my snow pictures that I've taken over the last few days. I am sure there will be ample opportunity in the next week or so as there is another large snow storm heading my direction.



Snow at the university
© 2008


Snow outside my place
© 2008


Snow on the drive home
© 2008

Snow and Coffee

Though it may appear through the lack of regular updates on this blog that I am not painting often, the opposite is quite true. I just haven't been finishing much lately, mostly due to the fact that I am working on larger projects this month. My 'nearest' to completion paintings is below and the only thing left is the background. I started out thinking that a nice orange/burnt sienna colour would look awesome, but, now that I see it I am second guessing myself. Now... I am leaning towards a greenish-blue. Thoughts? Suggestions?



"Coffee" Work in Progress
8" x 10" oil on canvas
© 2008


This weekend saw the first snowfall in Vancouver. Though, snow does not happen all that often (or so Vancouverites will say) it does seem to cause panic on the streets. There is suppose to be another snow storm cruising through the area tonight which mean more snow pictures tomorrow.



Snow!
© 2008

Holiday Berries

With the holiday season right around the corner, I thought it would be fitting to paint at least one holiday themed painting this year. One can find these prickly holly plant all over Vancouver and their prickly leaves let you know if you've come a little too close.



"Holiday Berries"
2.5" x 3.5" watercolour
© 2008

Apple Splash, Work in Progress

Got a little more done on this apple painting yesterday and today. Its been staring at me from the easel for the last couple of weeks and I've decided that it is about time that I finished it. Most of my effort yesterday was taming the 'fluorescent'-ness of the greens/yellows of the apple. Today, it was working on the background (a nice glaze of indigo) and working on the details on the water stream. I've been working more tonight and post that update tomorrow when I have some natural light to photograph it.



Apple Splash, work in progress
11" x 14" oil on canvas
© 2008

Coneflower

I think I am finally done this one... The flowers gave me nothing but trouble and I definitely need lots more practice in that area. Lately, with all the rain and gloomy weather, I have been finding myself painting spring-y paintings with a longing for warmer weather already.



Coneflower
4" x 6" watercolour
© 2008

Work in Progress, and Banana Muffins

I didn't finish my painting tonight... but I had a good excuse, I was making banana muffins (recipe below)! I, for a while, thought I had ruined this one by over painting the flower. I managed to rescue it by scrubbing and blotting to lift some of the paint. The greens I'm starting to figure out, but flowers are still my nemesis.



untitled
4" x 6" watercolour
© 2008

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Banana Muffins
1/3 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
2 eggs (beaten)
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup flour
1/2 cups bran
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
chopped walnuts

Beat butter and sugar and creamy and then add bananas, milk, vanilla, and eggs. Stir in the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth but do not over mix. Fill muffin pan, sprinkle with nuts and bake at 350 for 22 to 27 minutes.

I've been experimenting with soy flour (1/2 cup) and with spelt flour (1 cup) and it tastes good!

Untitled Chickadee Painting

I couldn't let the first of the month pass by without a post. Nothing completed to post, but I'm working on a new chickadee painting (no title yet) with some cone flowers included. I'm still working on painting flowers and I'm getting more confident each time I paint one. This little guy should be done in the next couple days and I will definitely post it when I'm done.



untitled
4" x 6" watercolour
© 2008