Day 31 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Collage of 30 Paintings completed during the Jan 2015 Challenge

Yeah! This was quite a journey this time.  I felt so much more at ease with creating paintings each day.  I was confident in my choice to use the webbing and spraying technique with Dr. Ph. Martin Hydrus Watercolors as the under painting in each piece as a first step which one two occasions ended up being the painting. It was an adventure to see what image or focal point I ended up with.  I hope you enjoyed the "before" and "after" images on the blog. I also finished 4 paintings that I had been hesitating about which direction I wanted to go with them.

THANK YOU  THANK YOU  THANK YOU  THANK YOU  THANK YOU  THANK YOU!!!!

Thanks especially to Leslie for hosting the site and creating this event.  She is a marvelous human being and so talented to boot.  Secondly I have to say "thanks" to my husband, daughter and grandson since they have to put up with me being the focus of what happens and doesn't happen each day.  My house definitely needs a thorough cleaning starting today!  My friends and extended family were so important in the daily responses to my creations.  They lifted my spirits and gave me that extra little nudge to approach each new day with positive energy.

Now the hard work of marketing begins.  Good luck to the other artists who completed the Challenge in your journeys.

Day 30 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Forests of the Sea
Watercolor on 300 lb Fabriano
11 x 14

This final painting of the Challenge is also done with my webbing and spraying technique.  I almost made two paintings out of the under painting but decided to try to develop an underwater ocean scene with the shapes which had been created.  I'm happy that I decided to go with one because I could put in a few fish which I had promised my Grandson Will that I would add the next time I did one with the fishing theme.  I did a little research on the "Brown Algae" that grows from the ocean floor upwards.  That was my education lesson for the day.  I've only been snorkeling once but think I need to go to warm waters and check it out again.

I'm one of the luckiest people to have such awesome friends and family! Thanks to each one of you who have commented and kept up my enthusiasm and creative juices flowing.  I couldn't have done it without you! I learned more about myself and my emotions when deciding on a subject and design to enhance what is already there in the first layer. I love to paint even more and plan on continuing to commit to being in my studio each day.

Now to the marketing phase which isn't as much fun and obviously lots of work.  If you are interested in purchasing any of these paintings, please let me know.  Keep checking back on my website and blogs to see what I'm up to next......

Forests_of_the_Sea

Day 29 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Nets Ropes and Floats
Watercolor on AquaBord
12 x 36 x 1/8

I decided to finally tackle the underpainting for this painting.  The webbing hadn't come through strong enough for what I had hoped to achieve so I had to create more of it than I usually like to do.  The colors were stronger and so I just decided to "play" with what I had.  It has a much more designer look than my others in the series but that's what I was feeling.  I have one more in this series and then I'll be on to something else.  Hope you enjoy it.

Nets_Ropes_and_Floats

Day 28 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

It is hard to believe that I started this painting with my webbing and spraying technique using yellows and reds.  I thought of my favorite French rooster as a good subject with those colors.  Before today I had completed the two hens and the rooster, except for the tail feathers.  After critique there were several suggestions on making the background enhance the rooster by darkening around him.  When we were chasing them all over the property at Maison Blanche in France there were wonderful shadows from the chestnut and hazelnut trees so I decided to add the tree shadow colors and the chicken coop to the background.  It definitely is darker now and the he does "pop" more.  I had to change the design to the diagonal with the horizon line obscured. I might need to rename the painting "le coq gaulois" the unofficial symbol of France.  He also has a look that says, "Don't mess with my hens!"

This is a full sheet painting and he makes quite a statement when hanging in a room.

Ruler of the Roost II
Watercolor  22 x 30

Day 27 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

This is a sneak peak at a painting I had started awhile back and had been waiting for a "quiet" time to be able to concentrate on the detail work which remained.  This really isn't that "quiet" time but I wanted to get this painting finished to complete my series on the Fishing Nets and Floats.  I painted yesterday and early this morning on this part of the painting.  I still have a third of the painting left to finish so that is the "sneak" part of this.  Look for the finished painting on this blog after the 30 Day Challenge is finished.

The dock at the Port at Saint Jean de Luz in France is one of those places which you always want to return to.  We have been there twice now.  It has the quaint resort town with a small port. The combined cultures of architecture, food, and art of both the French and the Basque communities is unique. Finally it has an historical attraction since King Louis XIV of France married the King of Spain’s daughter, Maria Theresa, in Saint Jean de Luz in June 1660. This royal wedding is one of the most important political marriages in France's history. 

Fishing Nets On the Dock St. Jean de Luz
Watercolor (finished panting 12x36)

Day 26 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Country Fashion on Wheels
7 3/4 x 10 1/4
Watercolor on 300 lb Fabriano

Country Fashion on Wheels
11 x 14
Watercolor on 300 lb Fabriano

This was a fun collaboration using an image from a cycling friend of my husband.  It was fun to know what I was going to paint before placing the webbing and spraying the concentrated watercolor pigments for a change. There was a lot more detail work to get this the way I wanted it to look.  I extended the painting out as you can see from the background image to 11 x 14 but decided to crop it for the Challenge.  I like both but the smaller image definitely puts the focus on the red boot.  I liked the larger painting because it didn't place the boot in the center.  What do you think?Country_Fashion_on_Wheels

Day 25 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Wringin' Wet
8 x 8 Watercolor on 300 lb Fabriano

From the first time I saw the underpainting I saw a figure and it was hard to rotate it and see a bird that was as exciting to paint as the figure.  It is a simple painting but that is what I chose to do today.  I started a second painting which I wanted to spend a little more time and so you'll see it tomorrow.


Wringin Wet

Day 24 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

The Web Master
8 x 8 Watercolor and Gouache
on 300 lb Fabriano

My inspiration for this painting came from a photo taken on one of our Fall morning walks in the neighborhood.  We came upon the perfect spider web which was glistening in the morning sun covered in dew and stretching in all directions to whatever it could find to attach itself to.  It was interesting how the spider had entwined its web around the seed pods from a bush.  When I looked at the underpaintng and saw a bit of a curve and some seed pods I pulled out my photo for reference.  I decided to use gouache to bring out the frosty web since it is more opaque.  It was lots of fun and I knew some day I would paint that web.


The_Web_Master

Day 23 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Rare Rest Stop
6x6 Watercolor on 300 lb. Artistico paper

I painted my first dragonfly last year as part of my series on birds, animals, and insects and I wanted to paint one before the end of the Challenge.  I love to sit outside and watch them dart from one part of the yard to another, occasionally taking a quick dip on the pool surface.  They seldom rest and so it is difficult to capture them at rest.  Hope you enjoy this painting.

Rare_Rest_Stop

Day 22 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Several years ago I painted a Flamenco dancer series.  My Flamenco Dancer IV was the painting featured in many of shows, used on the cover of the CD Valero! by the Otterbourne Brass in England, the cover painting of the Dade Heritage Trust in Miami, FL for its fund raiser invitation and one of the most visited paintings on my website over the years.

I put a couple paintings in the drawer and the one you see below has been cropped, and the background refreshed.  It was painted on Yupo so it is very fragile when not sealed so there needed to be some touch-ups.  I decided to center the focus on the shoes rather than the dancer because the footwork of the dance is so complex and important.  Though I had reworked it in December it has never been published on my website or been in a show.  So tonight I bring it out as part of this Challenge.
Flamenco_Magic_in_the_Shoes

Flamenco Magic In the Shoes
12x12x5/8 Cradle
Watercolor on Yupo Sealed

Day 21 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

the Camo Pump Tribute
6x6 Watercolor on Fabriano paper

Since one of my dear artist friends suggested I might consider doing a series of shoes I found myself inspired after watching the Republican Rebuttal Speech following President Obama's State of the Union Address.  They flashed the shoes which Joni Ernst was wearing and so once again I went shopping to find just the right pair to paint.  Since she is a Veteran who has seen combat and chose to wear the shoes, I wanted to honor her service and other women in our military by painting a camouflage pump.  A Valentino Garavani Camouflage pump for those of you in the market.

The_Camo_Pump_Trib

ute

Day 20 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

People Going About Their Day
16x20 Watercolor on AquaBord

Day 20 Vertical View
16x20 Watercolor on AquaBord

Day 20 Vertical View 2
16x20 Watercolor on AquaBord

I started two larger paintings today with the idea that they both would probably take several days to finish.  I struggled with which way to hang this painting.  I like the first one at the top the best.  I might still want to do some finish work in defining some of the figures I see in the painting -- each doing something different.  I've posted the same painting turned to both vertical positions for you to see as well.  Sometimes letting the buyer choose is the best way.  There are some interesting designs and patterns in each.  Which you do like the best?

Day 19 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

The Perfect Pump
6x6 Watercolor on ClayBord

I studied this underpainting for several days and saw many interesting creatures and had a few ideas building on the "red" dominance but finally saw the high heeled shoe.  So I literally went shoe shopping online.  I actually had a fun time.  I was thinking of a beautiful red shoe, all shiny or with sparkles and then thought about a classic black pump which would have looked great again the red/yellow background but in the end I decided to have some fun.  I saw this one shoe (at Nordstrom of course) and it was the one!  Can you imagine having one shoe to wear with all your different outfits from Paris!  This painting day turned into much fun.....

The_Perfect_Pump

Day 18 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Revisiting My Roots
6x6 Watercolor on ClayBord

When getting my inspiration for today's painting the underpainting had a very intricate pattern of shapes, star-like yellow lights and several constellations.  I thought it might be too difficult to pull the design of Virgo out of the painting due to the colors.  So this morning I went surfing on the Web since I also saw a figure in a blanket.  I looked up the three Native American tribes which I have been told are in my ancestry.  What a wealth of information when you are looking for symbols, textiles, art and artists who paint Native Americans.   It was truly an exciting venture I went on.  So I wanted to include a landscape with trees symbols since we drove to Government Camp yesterday for a family get-together.  I wanted the underpainting to show through so decided not to add other colors to the blanket.  Finally I had to add the Big Dipper since it is visible in our skies.  This is also a tribute to my father-in-law and all that he taught all of us about the stars and to my youngest son, Eric, who followed that interest from his grandfather in his studies.  He keeps us up on what is going on in the Universe.  I think she is a Medicine Woman letting the stars out into the night sky.  I've always had a great imagination......

Revisiting_My_Roots

Day 17 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Filly's Crown of Roses
6 x 6 Watercolor on ClayBord

When I was looking at this underpainting for inspiration I saw horses (I found 3 - can you?).  I also was thinking of how it reminded me of Roses.  It reminded me of the commission piece I did several years ago when Rachel Alexander ran in the Kentucky Derby as the first filly in that event and won it.  I knew about it in advance of the Derby so I watched and photographed the race and the horse.  I decided to pay tribute to this filly today by painting her again.


Filly's_Crown_of_Roses

Day 16 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Boats in Port
6x6 watercolor on Claybord

I immediately saw three boats in the underpainting and so I needed to figure out what colors to keep the basic color scheme going.  I knew I would have to add a third color and possibly a fourth.  I ended up changing more than I originally thought but am okay with the result.  I love painting boats and this should satify the "itch" I've had for months or not.....  This goes back to a style of painting I haven't done for years but that is what came out from me today.  Hope you like it.


/Boats_in_Port

Day 15 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Zebra Pose
10 x 8 Watercolor on Yupo

I turned this underpainting around and around and soon saw the eye and nose of an animal.  There are several animals that would have been good for this design but I haven't done a zebra in almost 10 years.  The yupo surface combined with the Dr. Ph Martin Hydrus watercolors makes for interesting layering.  They are staining and it is more difficult to lift back to the white (even with alcohol).  I did have to be careful with using very little water when painting over the existing colors an then lifting back.  I almost gave up a couple of times today but am happy now that it is done for today. Day 15 Zebra_Pose

Day 14 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Fishing Floats and Nets 2
8 x 8 Watercolor on Yupo

I really love the three primary triad colors I used to create the background in the last four days.  It made the floats and ropes really stand out.  Yupo is such a great surface to lift out your whites and the colors stay vibrant since they sit on the surface.  This one will definitely be part of my series on Fishing Nets.

Fishing_Floats_and_Nets 2

Day 13 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

The Dawn of Hope and Light
8x8 Watercolor on Yupo

The colors as they flow one in another are so beautiful in person.  The patterns and shapes of the webbing makes this painting especially captivating.  It is one of those that doesn't need any further touches.

The_Dawn_of_Hope_and_Light

Day 12 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Peacock Display
12 x 12 on Yupo

Day 12 Peacock DisplayAfter spraying the surface and removing the webbing I saw the body of the peacock so I couldn't get anything else to be a stronger design.  I decided to play a bit with this one so I hope you'll see that I was having fun with this painting.  The male peacock really knows how to put on a show!

Day 11 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 11  Icy Vegetation on Foggy Day
12 x 12 on Yupo

Icy Vegetation on Foggy DayUsing slightly different triad of colors on Yupo with the webbing I came up with this design.  It is slightly more intense in the blue/white contrast at the bottom of the painting than I got from a quick camera shot.  This is one that I might do something more with.  There is a lot going on in this one that could be developed.

Day 10 30 Paintngs in 30 Days Challenge

Day 10  Majorcan Trees
11x13 Watercolor

I've been waiting to do this one since we returned from Majorca last March.  It was such a beautiful scene from our hotel looking out at the trees, sky and water each morning and evening during our stay.  It feels good to finally have something to show from our trip.  There will be more -- their old Olive Trees and Mountains are amazing and breathtaking.  Stay tuned.....
Majorcan Trees

Day 9 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 9  Eiffel Tower Under Siege
6x6 Watercolor

I'm not a political person but through my art I hope to speak out against the violence by radical Muslims. I had a hard time being creative yesterday in the midst of all the violence and death in France and around the world.  Our visits to France over the past several years brought back many memories and the people of France were always hospitable and warm to us.  My heart is very heavy for those families who have lost loved ones in this latest series of violence by Muslim radicals.  The Eiffel Tower is a beacon for all of how we must come out of this crisis with knowledge and a commitment to find ways to deal with this "war" both here and abroad.
Eiffel Tower Under Siege

Day 8 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 8 Wait for Me!
6x6 Watercolor

It took a few days of studying this underpainting but I finally saw the turtle at the bottom.  I pulled out our photos from our trip to the Big Island in Hawaii many years ago taken with an underwater camera.  It was my first snorkeling experience and we were fortunate that day with a storm coming that quite a few of the green sea turtles were swept close into shore at Kahaluu Beach Park.  See you can save your photos and pull them out!
Wait for Me
There is something endearing about turtles but they were so big it was a little frightening to be that close to them and you really aren't supposed to touch them or get too close.

Day 7 30 Paintings in 30 Day Challenge

Favorite African Roller
20x16  on AquaBord

The colors of the Lilac Breasted Roller are the colors I have been using for my Webbed Bird Series.  I was so excited when I found it on the internet and then looked back at our African photos to find a few photos there.  I will probably paint this again as it was late last night and I got too many layers so it is not transparent and not as light in color than I would have wanted.  Maybe I'll use different background colors when I spray next time.  Any comments or suggestions?
Favorite African Roller

Day 6 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 6  5 Ravens on Guard
6x6 on Watercolor 300 lb.

When I was studying the background I wasn't sure I could come up with anything but took it to Joe, my husband, to see if he saw anything.  He saw an image or two and he reminded me that I haven't done a crow or raven in my bird series.  We looked at photos from around our neighborhood when we walk as well as a trip to Eastern Oregon.  I just couldn't resist painting these five Ravens. There actually were more -- each perched on the end of a branch on this huge tree.  I will have to do a painting with more detail of a Raven soon.  I decided to add white at various places on the branches and on the birds themselves for a finishing touch.   I think I get my computer back tomorrow so I'll be back on track hopefully.
Ravens On Guard

Day 5 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 5 Purple Stars in my Garden

Day 5 I looked back into the backgrounds I had done over the last several months since I felt I needed a change in the look.  Yupo always gives such a great colorful display.  It is harder to catch the colors with the reflections which always happen on Yupo.  I love all the texture which was achieved with both webbing and salt and alcohol.  This painting is 20 x 13.  I'm never good at naming.  Any suggestions?
Purple Stars in My Garden

Day 4 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 4 of Challenge

This background has taken me several days looking at it to find a good design and focal point.  I keep seeing one focal point but not sure I can make it a good design so we'll see.

Fishing Floats and Nets

Day 4 Fishing Floats and Nets



I have been doing a series on Fishing Nets and Floats this past year and it came to me when I saw this design after much "squinting" and turning of the background in all directions.  It makes me feel happy probably because of the shapes of the Floats and the colors. 

Day 3 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 3 of Challenge

Out of the Dark into the Light

I started with this background and am seeing several interesting possibilities.  It feels like an underwater scene with a shell and possibly some fish.  You can see I went a totally different direction.  I looked at it at every angle and in different light today.  There were several possible ways to go in this one.

Out of the Dark Into the Light

Day 2 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day 2 Painting of 30 Day Challenge.  Blue Butterfly

I saw the potential for several butterflies but their placement would not have made as good of a design.  Maybe you can find what I saw as I studied different possibilities.

Blue Butterfly

Day 1 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Day I Painting

Original from which I made my Thank you card.  I decided that I needed to send out my "Thank yous" and why not use my first painting of the challenge to create one to use.

I started with applying the webbing and then sprayed concentrated Dr. Ph. Martin Hydrus Watercolors in a concentrated spray using three of the primaries and added a fourth aqua blue.  You can see that the webbing gives a snow flake image when it is left thicker.  It feels like winter even though we haven't had any snow yet here in Portland.  It is very cold though.

Happy New Year.  2015 promises to be a great year for new hopes, new creativity, and new adventures to inspire new paintings.  I start this journey with Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Challenge today.  I hope you will follow me on this journey.  I learned a lot from last year's Challenge and am really looking forward to having fun. I'll explain after I post a painting later today....   but here's a preview of my inspiration pieces.