That Would be 32!

More Radishes, 6 x 6, painted February 12th  -- part of the group!

I kept counting and re-counting, but here are the 32 small paintings -- all 6 x 6 -- for the patrons of the Huntsville Museum Gala in March of this year

Yes, I was going to have absolutely NO problem doing the small patron gifts for the gala event in Huntsville, AL the first weekend in March. I was just going to breeze through these warm-up paintings last November and December and easily have the number requested by the co-chairs (two charming gals from Huntsville who donate tons of time and inspiration to the museum gala, at which I am this year's featured artist).  Need I say that last Tuesday I had far short of the required number?? Having sold or given away some of the intended pieces, I still at NO time had anywhere close to 32. So for the last week, I have been steadily at the easel.  Again, I am reminded of and truly appreciate the steady output of the daily painters, who create 300 + each year with skill and aplomb!

Meanwhile, the boxes were sent off today, with 32 little artworks between glassine paper and bubble wrap, all done and gone and --yippee-- we leave to visit dear friends in Florida tomorrow!

Radishes

Radishes, on my counter, leaves already wilting

Well, I just love radishes:  the crispiness, the taste with salt (though I haven't tried them with butter too, which is a popular way to serve them), the contrast of the red and green, the firm round shapes with the messy leaves.   Guess I am in a bit of a radish phase.

Radishes, in the market at Coustellet (love the white tips on these French ones)

Radish Rhythm, 16 x 20, first painting I did of radishes, 2008

Radishes and White Roses, Oil Sketch, 16 x 12, done in 2010 

Set Up of Radishes with Hydrangeas in a Tin Can (2011)

My block-in of same, having changed tin can to glass jar; meanwhile, entire painting was soon 

wiped off and forgotten!

 Radishes at Rest, 6 x 6, done in 2011, now it lives in Paris : )

Radish Study, 2011, very few leaves, really free and sketchy

I think as far as painting them goes, I have a way to go -- But I am still enjoying them almost every day in salads or alone with some fleur de sel purchased in St. Remy last September!

Long Time, No Blog!

Tulips in Mercury Glass, 18 x 14, Oil Sketch

I've been accomplishing things, and having fun too... all paintings for the Huntsville Museum Gala this March are actually in Huntsville, I have been painting with less investment and more freedom, I taught THE most fun workshop last Sunday at Huff Harrington, and we leave tomorrow to see the kids in Alaska (not one's fave destination for January, but oh well)!  So things are good, perking along -- I am stretching my wings and hoping to sail this year on positive energy, and on appreciation for all of my new and old friends in this art life!

Reunion Provencal!

Hillside Memories, 20 x 20

Fun evening last night...some of the wonderful Provence travelers from last September joined me and Michael at our home for a petite reunion.  Everyone brought champagne, wine, hors d'oeuvres, various spices, dips, cheeses, and even some paintings!  We remembered our delightful 3 hour (oui!) lunches at some of the most charming restaurants in the countryside, as well as beautiful evenings at Les Murets, overlooking the Luberon.  

Luberon Vista, 20 x 20

New experiences and friends await as we anticipate this September's version of L'essence de Provence! Love it.

Top Ten

Well, it is that time (i.e., the end) of the year, when we are deluged with top 10's on movies, restaurant openings, books, etc.  So, why not add to the fray?  I'm posting my top ten "whoa" moments when I discovered certain paintings.  They follow in no particular order:  some are works by my friends, some by well-known painters, and some that I just swerved across on the internet. Enjoy this varied and interesting assortment!

Tom Balderas

Jacob Collins

Kathy Cousart

Neil Hollingsworth

Isabelle Melchior

Gavin Brooks

Juanita Kauffman

Zhaoming Wu

Bill Davidson

Evert Ploeg

Happy New Year !

Amaryllis Thoughts

Studio Table

Last week at the flower market, I found some beautiful cut amaryllis, which were headed for my dining room table.  The flowers took a petite detour into my studio, where I wanted to do a quick study, aiming to keep it loose and fresh.  Below are some photos I took during the painting session, from about 1 - 5 p.m. 

Start - I did a pretty strong sketch in paint,

 to help me figure out the flower shapes

Adding Color

Moving forward, and then...

Backing up -- i.e. wiping off (!) flowers on the left side, 

which were getting over-complicated and murky

Re-stating, just before I stopped for the day

Touch-ups galore were done the next day... i.e., I changed the background a bit, tried to soften the strong X in the middle formed by the crossing stems, adjusted highlights, etc. and my quick study ended up being less than quick.  Meanwhile, as I look at the finished painting below and the close-up above, I like that cropped image better!  

Oh well, there's always next year, and other paintings to be created : )  Have a very Merry Christmas!  

Fresh Start, 20 x 30

Christmas is Coming...

Say It in Red, 16 x 16

And I've been goofing off!  YAY... one week of running around, shopping, doing the tree and the house (sort of) and just generally having a great time.  But, I HAVE been tweaking a few paintings for the Huntsville (AL) Museum Gala Event in March.  Since I'm the featured artist this year,  I spent much of November creating 15 pieces for the show.  Unlike many painters, I like to paint without the pressure of shows.  It really is just a preference, I think.  Some artists like/want/need a deadline of an exhibit and rise to the challenge admirably.  I would not be in that group!!  Somehow, the path of painting for me is way more fun and productive when it's a want-to instead of a have-to.