Equity Report

Tulips are in my top five of favorite flowers. These were so beautiful that I wanted to paint them. When deciding on the composition of flowers that are similar to each other in size and color, a lot of problems have to be solved.When objects are similar something has to be done to make them more interesting. One way to solve the problem is placement. I placed the tulips at varying heights on the plane to show depth. I also varied the size and color of the blooms  slightly. The tulips in the background have less precise shape and detail to push them farther back.Hopefully this draws the eye into the picture.Another rule of composition is to not put something of importance on the edge of the picture plane because it draws the eye out of the painting.So many rules to think about but after a number of years it becomes intuitive. Worth the trouble!

Chicken Basket

i did this still life in watercolor some years ago.Toward the end of my mother's life we went to garage sales with her. I had picked up a little basket at a flea market in Maine and had given it to her. She loved it and we searched every garage sale from then on to find more. We were surprisingly lucky to find several more of all sizes. Adding this one to a group of vegetables and fruits made the painting much more personal to me.

Catch the Light

I have lately been interested in abstract paintings. I study them and decide what are the things that draw my attention to a particular painting. It is often about color and shapes that are exciting to me.I have seen some in places like the Guggenheim and MOMA in New York that seem like a gimmick that is worth a lot of money but does nothing to pique my interest.
I have been incorporating abstract elements into my paintings lately. This painting is a good example of that. The flowers may seem traditional but I have tried to make each stroke deliberate, especially the background. The subject is still recognizable but with fewer strokes.
I don't want to become too predictable by always painting the same way.Although medicare is looming in about 6 months, I like to stay young!

Spotlight

Some of my favorite paintings have a darker background. I guess the darkness brings out the colors in a more dramatic way. I have  painted  similar paintings this way. I never tire of the way these colors are so pleasing to the eye.

April Vase

My goal with this painting was to emphasize texture. I have painted these type of flowers hundreds of times but wanted to try something different.The smooth texture of the glass is a contrast to the rougher texture of the wall.It gives the painting a little interest and excitement.

White Garden

I love color but I also like to paint with a limited palette. White is always exciting to me because it adds a punch of interest to the painting. I planted white tulips at my house this year and they are so good because they really show up in the yard compared to other colors that blend into the landscape. I am always amazed at the different greens in nature. Some beginner artists make the mistake of using green right out of the tube.I most often mix blue and yellow on the palette to get vibrant greens. A way to make a duller green is to add a bit of red, the complement of green. There goes that sneaky color theory again!

Sunny Window

I am drawn to windows and doors on houses rather than the whole structure. I think this is because I am not fond of drawing things that require using a straight edge. It seems like a kind of art that I avoid. The pots of flowers add some interest to the window and the sun and shadows add some life to the painting. No rulers were harmed in this endeavor.

Glory

A little self promotion. I entered two paintings in our local art league show. They both were juried in and one won an award for best use of color. There were a lot of great paintings entered and I am honored to be included. Most of my paintings are sent out to people that I never get a chance to meet so it was nice to interact with artists and art admirers in person.

Three Peonies

This is another peony painting.I get started and can't stop. The glass jars are a favorite theme of mine; even better when they come in threes. One rule of design that  works well is to have an odd number of objects in a painting.An even number seems to split the painting down the middle instead of keeping your eyes moving around the painting.

Dappled Geraniums

I like to paint from life but sometimes it is practical to take photos outdoors. The best day to do that for me is a sunny day bcause of all the wonderful shadows. Sometimes they become the star of the painting rather than the subject matter. These geraniums were begging to be photographed!

Peonies Please

I feel the same way about peonies as I do about water towers. I know, that is weird! I think it is the way they seem to have the shape that can be held oin your hand; the rounded cupped shape. Of course the water tower can't be held- just in my mind. Peonies are so lush and beautiful, they strike a chord in the viewer. This one is headed to Orlando,Florida in a few days.