Precious Pear

Art club inspiration yet again - seems to be harder and harder to come up with motivation and great subject matter these days.  My wonderful art friends always come to the rescue, this time with the perfect set up just in time for the holidays.

Precious Pear
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time,  Johnna

Holidays Coming

Gorgeous amaryllis with a bud that's going to be better than the first bloom - you can almost feel it opening! I love having one of these plants for the winter with its glorious display despite the dreary weather.  There are times you swear you can see them growing right in front of you.

I like to use this kind of daily painting around the house to switch up the decor as the seasons change.  It gives me joy seeing them on occasion rather than "all the time" - like a friend stopping by to chat for a while.  Come to think of it, this would make a wonderful gift for someone special.

Holiday Bud for You
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

photo reference: Suzanne Wallick of Salina, Kansas

November Gold . . .

. . . as in another gold fish. Same reference photographer as the one I did last September.  People at the show loved it and begged for more.  Well, at least for me, that's a nearly impossible challenge.  Each painting seems to have it's own way and mood.   Hopefully this guy looks as dreamy and interesting as the other one.  It is definitely a different fish judging by the fins (egads, did i just google "parts of a fish", to make sure?).  Who knew painting fish would be so much fun. 

November Gold Fish
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I saw a wonderful fish tank the other day and will take a stab at painting a small group - the colors were just stunning.


Reference: Pixabay user:Hans

Eye on the Prize

October club challenge is to participate in the Daily Paintworks Monthly Challenge - always a chance to try something new and take a run at artful cleverness and creativity.  You don't even have to be a member to submit a painting (only a quick and easy registration). The challenge is - What is your vision of fall?

I'm not too wild about painting animals, but it is usually fun and definitely a stretch to tackle a critter.  It's great when they have a bit of character, this one had the coolest back-lit tail.

Eye on the Prize
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We have quite a few squirrels running about and for some reason come right up to the front door (despite a full flight of stairs) - it's as though they're coming to hide acorns under the bricks.  As you can imagine they are relentless in their goal.  Lots of youngsters this year who seem to be enjoying the leap off the landing.  Reminds me of my first jump off the high dive under my Dad's watchful eye.


Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time,  Johnna

The Wall

Photo of the paintings at the Waterford Fair.  First time seeing this many of my paintings hanging.  Maybe the last as framing & hardware was quite an effort --- even with support and helpers!  Pretty cool though, so once the pain memory goes away, I'll probably try it again next year.

The Wall - Waterford

Was able to get the photo since I volunteered at the show.  Unbelievable crowd at the fair and lots of art buying going on.  While I was there, one of my favorites, Fuzzy Wuzzy, sold to a wonderful woman.  She bought several other pieces and I know brought joy to a lot of artists.  Super great talking with her and finding out why she wanted the painting (a memory to a favorite bear-loving friend).

Also got to meet a few fellow artists - great experience - now looking forward even more to volunteering at Art at the Mill (Millwood, VA) later this week.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time,  Johnna

September 30n30

Somehow survived another 30 paintings in 30 days - this one being the most fun and the most frustrating. . . .  The best time I've ever had painting was doing the Sushi.  I guess it just kept turning out better than I expected.  Another fun part is creating the final collage of all the paintings - really gives you a sense of accomplishment and a bit more confidence.

Quick shot of my table at our neighborhood art show and sale (12 artists).

Delighted that two found new homes.  One has landed in Austin, TX and the other right down the street in Leesburg, VA.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Poppy and Bud

Maybe it's just me, but poppies are hard to paint.  They just want to flatten out and not have that thin, papery feel that we fall in love with.  Feeling happy and lucky this one seems to have worked out.  Yay.

Poppy and Bud
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

In Between

Another first for me - painting books.  Just in the nick of time because e-books are taking over.  Since I love adventures, trying new things, and making memories - I try to focus on the positive in the changes that confront us.  In the case of e-books, I love how you can make the font bigger and change the contrast/brightness to your personal desires.   Rather awesome that they don't take up much space, you can "find" things in them, and bookmark your favorite parts. Seriously, how great is that?

In Between
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These books didn't look too old, so I bet they're the ones caught "in between" two phases of technology.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Irish Window

I'm always inspired by European windows and how much care people take to keep their "eyes to the house" beautiful.  This one is from Ireland and features a lovely teapot with a geranium planted inside.  While I didn't include the wall around the window, you should know they painted a matching red stripe around it (see below).  Windows are a bit tricky to get on a square panel so decided to focus on the cool teapot.

Irish Window
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Photo Referee - PMP-Art Mitchd - Ireland

Lucky Coins

Did you know you can hang a Feng Shui lucky coin painting to invite wealth luck into your home or office?  Apparently as good as having the actual coins. This is a section from a mobile I've had in my office / studio for years. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I feel like a very lucky person.  Now it's time to share the luck and my wishes for your own prosperity!  

Backstory - the coins are round with a square hole in the center. That represents both the heavens (circle) and the earth (square), and because of this, they’re deemed especially advantageous. So now you know. 

Lucky Coins
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Mandarin Spotlight

Happiest when orange is the centerpiece of a painting.  Has been my favorite color since high school.  At least now I decorate with orange being the accent, rather than "the room."  Teenagers - ha, ha.

Mandarin Spotlight
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Ahhh Lavender

Can't you just smell the lavender being dried and ground for this essential oil?  The Google says - If you only use one essential oil, this is it! Lavender is the most versatile and known for its relaxing effects on the body.  Must be time to kick back and chill!

Lavender Oil
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Checkmate

I wonder how many paintings of chess pieces get this title?  It's tough to think of something clever.  Just had to paint the background red, love strong contrasts especially when trying to render something very photographic.  Love how this turned out.

Checkmate
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Bunch of Sunshine

A great photo reference from Pixabay - user's name is: artisme.  How perfect.  Terrific setup even for a small panel.  I sure hate to see summer ending, but these will keep the memory of sunny days close by!

Bunch of Sunshine
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At least for now, it has stopped raining . . . . 

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Fancy Goldfish

According to Feng Shui, a goldfish represents abundance and prosperity.  This one adds a lot of fun color and is doesn't eat much.  It seems like you can watch it slowly move across the canvas. . . enjoy!

Fancy Goldfish
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Pretty Pumpkin

Could not pass this darling up - back-lit and dressed for an autumn homecoming or gala.  Love these white pumpkins with brilliant orange veins - almost looks like jewelry!

Pretty Pumpkin
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time, Johnna

Another Perspective - Another Go

A few months ago I painted these lemon wedges and called it Another Perspective. I liked the painting, but felt like there just wasn't enough contrast and focus so decided it was time for another make-over.  The darker cutting board certainly helps.  Also added a bit more color to the knife.   Note-to-self, find more knives to paint!  Quite the challenge . . . .

Another Perspective - Another Go 
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Original version

Another Perspective

What do you think - better?  not sure why the background seems beige - it's really gray.

Lastly - super happy to report that Rooster Teapot is on the way to Sacramento, California - I guess he prefers to sleep in too. . . . 

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Morning Sun

Just had to paint this again, especially since my Mom fell in love with the first one (and had to have it!).  I love things back lit, but reference photos like this are hard to find.  

Cup of Morning Sun
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Doesn't everyone deserve to wake up to a cup like this?

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time,  Johnna

September Sunflower

Pretty sure this is the last sunflower coming from this area once Hurricane Florence passes through. I guess a day or two away from seeing how bad it gets in the mid-Atlantic Virginia area.  Luckily we are in the northern most part and high up a ravine. . .  although only a few steps to the Potomac river.  The river is already very, very high. Fingers crossed everyone stays safe.

September Sunflower
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Sushi Anyone?

Art club monthly challenge was to paint a fish.  Since I was the instigator of this challenge, I needed to find a way to try something new and still keep within the guideline.  Always wanted to try this idea.  Sheer joy - the most fun I've had painting in a long time.  Guess I still love trying anything new and stretching cleverness a bit.   

Sushi Anyone?
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Touché Little One

Love painting forks and little bites - some sweet, some savory. I bet this one is right in the middle - late season, plump cherry tomato. Gazpacho anyone?  

Touché Little One
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Pumpkin

It takes some getting used to, but painting for shows ahead of the season seems to make time go by even faster.  Last Saturday, I delivered the large "pumpkin" paintings to the Mill show on a day where you'd think it was late October - high shifted from the mid 90s to low 60s overnight! 

This s​mall pumpkin looks to be from an early harvest. Autumn is on the way, but still hoping for a long Indian summer. 

Little Pumpkin
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Punch It Up

Another touch up that turned into a redo-almost-everything-painting.  A bright yellow waterlily should look happy and far away from the cloudy day it was stuck in . . . .  What do you think?  Top one is the do-over.

Sweet Yellow Lily - Punched Up
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Original Painting - on a cloudy day

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Get Up and Get Going

​My first, and favorite, teapot features a small rooster on the lid. The pot is quite heavy even when empty, but helps create the calmness and steadiness needed first thing in the morning.  I guess Mr. Rooster's job is more about the get going part!  

I will not admit to anyone, but I've been enjoying getting up earlier these days (8:00 am renovation circus has a way of doing that).  Not so much the getting up part (will always be a night-owl), but delighted how much time the "day" seems to have.  Probably doesn't make sense, but I keep thinking "geez it's not even noon yet."  Also feels like there's more time to get inspired and paint which is definitely a good thing! 

Rooster Teapot
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Spanish Window

The photo reference showed this window in a very old stone wall with a sign under it in Spanish indicating rooms were available.  ​Perhaps an old/new fashioned Euro Airbnb.  Still have fond memories of our trip to Barcelona a few years ago.  Amazing city filled with art, architecture and fabulous food.

Spanish Window
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Got out the scary palette knife to add texture and interest to the wall - love how it turned out with the sun-kissed walls and cool interior.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

I Got You

What a fun fixer-upper!  Painted this last month with my art friends, but it had a dull gray background that was just blah.  Since it's the 30 in 30 (see link), decided to tweak it and have some fun painting "outside the lines."  Anyway got out a few of my luscious new reds, and recently re-discovered Sennelier Cad Red Orange.   Can you tell how much I love how it turned out?  Warm on top of the cool gray.  

It looks like half of the cactus is intent on taking care of the other half and somehow finding a way to keep from getting stabbed.  A similar comment was made while photographing it!  Ha, ha.  

I Got You
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

It's In the Bag

Fun painting last weekend with art friends who know just how to challenge me with something from my secret "wish list" of things to paint.  Seriously, always wanted to paint a paper bag but way too scary.  How one certain artist knows what's lurking in my head is still a mystery to me.  

For bag painting inspiration, I love this artist's work Wanda Westberg. So simple, but mesmerizing if you ask me. 

Anyway, here's the bag. 

It's in the Bag
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Do Over Pear Pizzazz

Always loved this painting, but something just seemed a bit off, so I tweaked it a bit to be more grounded.  Painting grapes is so much fun - literally look like polished gems. Red and green are complements and my favorite pairing of dynamic color!

Pear Pizzazz Redo
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Crazy Time

For some reason decided to jump into the September 30 in 30 even though other priorities will surely get in the way this month.  Maybe being pressed for time will help loosen up my paintbrush and make this a fun experiment.  

Planning to tweak older paintings, fine-tune a few things and who knows what else will pile on to this project.  So for now, will direct the 30 in 30 link here and write blog comments when time permits.  

Here's yesterday's painting auction link to be added in in a few days. . . . . 

German Window
Other artist paintings are here - check them out

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Caught "Yellow" Handed

Who knew four large yellow fin tuna could fit on such a tiny painting.  Apparently they are quite big but not the biggest tuna in the sea.  Stop me now before too many fish puns start happening.  Anyway, fish are fun to paint and people love to collect them.  Not sure why, but mine tend to sell quickly.  I would guess most are related to some sort of "fish tale" and you know how much I love hearing about and making memories! 

Caught
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Date Night

Here's the final submission to the show and a departure from all the autumn inspired set ups.  

Wine and roses for a special date night, anniversary, or a romance in bloom. Sure hope someone remembered to bring more wine! 

Date Night
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Delighted to report that 3 of 6 paintings made it into the show.  Not surprised that they are the very autumn inspired pumpkins, basket of tomatoes, and duck decoy.  

For those in the DC area, click Art at the Mill for more details.  The show is from September 29 - October 14 at the Burwell-Morgan Mill - located at 15 Tannery Lane, Millwood, VA  22646.  A beautiful drive through the mountains and countryside, just across the Shenandoah River.

Tons of artists and great prices if you're looking to add a bit of art to your life.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Just Picked!

Well tomorrow is the big day to find out if any of the paintings make it into the Fall Art at the Mill show (Millwood, VA).  Just realized that the name of this painting and the timing of the jury results is a bit of a play on words.  I hope all of them get "picked." Fingers crossed!

This painting has more objects in it than anything I've ever even thought about painting.  Pretty intimidating for a 6x6 inch, just a couple of simple objects, kind of artist. . . .  I tend to get bored with a painting and just want to finish it, but learning that part of the joy is taking your time, moving around the subject matter, revisiting things, and finally bringing the painting together.  Being a "creative" is much more of a journey than I expected, but rather delightful to have the opportunity and time to finally pursue it.

Just Picked!
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Colorful bounty of the harvest season along with the last of the sunflowers. Let the feasting begin!

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Tone Deaf

Not exactly sure why, but I only had one music class as a teen - 7th grade. While my sisters learned to play the piano, I was off in my own little world making things - sewing, knitting, papier-mâché and other craft-like projects. 

That's why this class set-up was a deer-in-the-headlights moment.  But again, tackling something new seems to have a way of working out - and always a great confidence booster.  The instructor must have thought I crawled out of a cave because I didn't even know the words for the parts that I was having trouble with. . . . F-holes anyone?  ha, ha.

After explaining my gap in musicology, I asked if this was a violin or a fiddle and he said, "you always buy a fiddle, but sell a violin."  Makes sense to me!  Sharing the moment with a fine cognac would make for a great ending to the day.  I think I hear soft music playing in the background. . . .

Buy a Fiddle, Sell a Violin
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Autumn's Lure - The Decoy

Hey - what's a duck doing in there?  You guessed it another set up from last autumn's art class. 

The teacher is an avid hunter, gourmet cook, farmer, musician, world traveler, multilingual and no doubt many more descriptive attributes.  He is also very approachable, humble, and a great instructor.  He loves to challenge his students by adding something unusual to each still life set up.  Duck decoy to the rescue.

Doesn't Mr. Duck look comfy as the center of attention amid the colorful bounty of the harvest season?  Just need a big pot of coffee and maybe find a cozy fireplace nearby.

Autumn's Lure
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Pumpkin Party . . . Whaaat?

Too soon?  Definitely!  Seems like summer has hardly gotten started with so much rain on the east coast.  Can't complain though because it's usually hot and humid. Transitioning into fall is most difficult for me, but I guess the time has come to work through the "denial" phase.

This painting is for the show in late September, so I guess the subject is on point for those who LOVE autumn. Wouldn't it be so boring if everyone was the same?

Pumpkin Party
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Where Did She Go?

Who knows, but hard to believe a month has flown by.  Decided to finally renovate the master bath, so that will be my excuse.  Much still to do, but the sledge hammers will be flying in a few short weeks. 

Meanwhile the art monthly challenge was to paint something big so decided to finally finish a pile of large paintings.  Luckily there's a show being held in late September which is extra motivation to get them spruced up and on their way.  I'll post them over the next few days while keeping fingers-crossed they make it into the show.  Then more finger-crossing hoping they find new happy homes.

All were set ups from a class late last year - I am always challenged with what to paint and how to get the composition right. The "evil" teachers love to challenge us with mixed subjects and things (I for one) would have never thought to paint.  Somehow unfamiliar objects turn out better than expected - no doubt because you have to stop thinking about what it is and just paint the shapes you see.

Here's my favorite - always wanted to paint my black teapot and the abacus.  Super fun doing the gold and loved adding my coin mobile to the mix because it seemed something should fill that space. 

Far East Charms
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As you would expect, my classmates were none too happy with my contributions that day.  Mix it up, try new things, be a little uncomfortable!

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Mystery in Casablanca

Fell in love with the colors in the reference photo of this hibiscus flower.  Looks like it is on the edge of the ocean and a bit in the shade.  Ahhh. . .  the feeling of cool air and warm water.  How exotic that it was taken in Morocco by PMP photographer Alicia Elliott.  She’s from British Columbia so it must have been a crazy long flight. Glad she went tho – this was so much fun to paint since these flowers have playful shapes and challenging negative spaces.  Thanks Alicia!

Hibiscus Magic
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Superstitions

What better than a lady bug on Friday the 13^th.  Let’s call her Lucky Lady #2.   This one should bring double goodness especially because it’s larger than life, by a mile.  A blast to paint these stunning complementary colors (red and green), but challenging to push the greens into the background.  

Lucky Lady #2
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Delighted to report that Summer Sweet will be headed to New York City – drying seems to be complete.   

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

Summer Sweet

My turn to host the art group painting day. Always delightful painting with a group.  Subject was watermelon - they just won't stop saying, "paint me, paint me!"  Fun trying to get it to look juicy, opaque, yet translucent. The daisy wouldn't cooperate, so I got out my palette knife.  A challenging tool for me, but really happy the way it worked out.  Will probably take a week or more to dry. . . . but, that will give me time to ponder what to do with it next.  Love what happened to the watermelon part too.

Summer Sweet
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Special project last month (thanks to a very dear artist friend) to make a canvas placemat as an intro to making a floor canvas - must have watermelons on the brain - or perhaps just too much heat around here.  "Felt like" temp today of 111 - what, this is the mid-Atlantic. . . .

Flexible canvas, acrylic paint.  

Thank you for reading this far.  My gift to you - a favorite summer treat.   Make watermelon "sticks" served with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of pink salt - looks so grown up don't you think?

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna

It Must Be Summer

My turn to pick the subject for the art group monthly challenge.  Decided to go with "a shoe" as there's a tendency for us to paint flowers, landscapes, animals, veggies, etc.  Well they got more than a little clever with a glass slipper and a horseshoe to name a few.  Hmmm, now what to do?  After many ideas decided it must be summer and what better than a favorite flip-flop!  Mine are too shabby, but found this great picture and jazzed it up a bit.  I wonder if Dorothy needs any ruby-colored summer wear?

It Must Be Summer
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Happy to report that On Ice is off to their new home - lakeside, north Dallas.

Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time – Johnna