Morning Smile

Strawberries and blueberries – guess it's going to be a terrific morning!  Such luscious color.

Morning Sunshine
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One of the things I like about this challenge is learning new things.  Was curious why strawberries were called that when blueberries are just blue.   Short version according to Snopes - The word ‘strawberry’ has been part of the English language for at least a thousand years, well before strawberries were cultivated as garden or farm edibles. They grew in the wild of their own accord [therefore] the word’s precise origin cannot be determined.

Regardless, Google theories abound with all sorts of notions.    

Photo thanks to Pixabay JoannaTree 

Petulant Poppy

Fell in love because of the modern, somewhat-abstract look.  Thought a big splash of red would be perfect above a new hallway cabinet that’s black and white.  Imagined a huge painting maybe 30 x 30” - decided now was the time to do a test run.  

Well petulant isn’t the half of it.  Mixing reds is way harder than it should be.  Will have to rethink the décor plan or find a red that doesn’t lean so orange.  Fun painting the fuzzy stem!

Petulant Poppy
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Another great photo by Sanne who's from the Netherlands.

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

Red and Yellow Duo – Peppers

What a delight to paint these two super-bold peppers.  Love the dark background.  A recent class involved a lot of veggies and how to really capture the light vs. the shadow colors – hope that shows through in this painting.  

Red and Yellow Duo
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Photo reference from Pixabay - Pexels 

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

Yellow Surprise

Such a wonderful surprise each year when you’re pretty sure it will never be warm again, then a special daffodil pushes through and shows up to meet you.  That’s how these two seem to me.  Colorful, vibrant and ready to be noticed – even if their heads are still working their way up to the warmth of the sun.  

Yellow Surprise Daffodils
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Photo reference is from PMP-Art (Sanne)

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

Mandarin Selfie

Mandarins are always a treat to paint and to eat!  Love having a complementary background in turquoise to accentuate the main star of the painting.  

Mandarin Selfie

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If you have a few minutes and love looking at fresh art, check out some of the other painters in the challenge – click here – be sure and give it a minute to load all the images. As of last night there were 217 for the day (so far).   

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

Thread the Needle

This challenge helps get me to try all sorts of things, but I’ve learned there are some terrific photos that I just cannot render with paint.  Here’s an example.  I like how it turned out, but the photo has a mood that just doesn’t come through.  Makes me think - avoid crisp, hard lines or maybe over exaggerate rather than try to "paint a straight line."  Hmmmm. . . .

Photo - reference: Bec Bartel PMP-Art.com

Thread the Needle
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Too spooked to paint the needle, but love the definition of the phrase:  Thread the needle: to find harmony or strike a balance between conflicting forces, interests, etc.

Can't accomplish anything without first giving it a try – Johnna 

My Kind of Jewels!

This is my happiest painting place: familiar objects, bright colors, loose style, simple and small.  Even as early as day 5 the stress is building.  It was suggested that I paint something I love - this is what happened. . . . Suddenly painting "out of my head" worked some magic.  I only recall one other time I’ve painted that way and it was when a teacher “made us do it.”  Interestingly, turns out this teacher has had one of the most profound effects on my art journey that I realize even today.  Her class was 10 years ago!

Painting grapes is so much fun - literally look like polished gems.  Love how this turned out.

Pear Pizzazz - updated 9/4/2018

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

Spring Tulips

Tulips ‘cause Spring is coming!  

Photo is from Pixabay Annca (Switzerland) – oh how I remember long walks through the Swiss mountains in summer and wonderful ski trips in winter.  Lucky to have grown up in multiple countries.  Hope this adds a bit of brightness to your day.  

Swiss Tulips
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Delighted that Peek A Boo #1 sold and is headed to Alabama!

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

Peek A Boo II

Once I get all the kinks out of daily painting, blogging, etc. I’ll try and fill you in on what’s been going on around here since moving – nearly a year and a half ago!  Time to get in a groove, embrace being retired and "work" on enjoying all that life has to offer.

Loved the bear photos from Pixabay (free reference photos). These are by Bru-nO. I think I’ll check out their other work for more inspiration.  

Day #2 - Little bear peeking around the door to see if you'll their Valentine!

Peek A Boo II
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Enjoy, life is joy we make one moment at a time - Johnna

Restarting 2018

Trying a mini-kick-start by joining Leslie Saeta’s 2018 30 in 30.  Since it’s during February, I already have an advantage with fewer days!  The biggest challenges are getting back into the groove, painting a whole lot more and remembering how to blog, post and sync everything with Daily Paintworks.  Fingers crossed on all of the above.  So here we go. . . .

Peek A Boo
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Thanks for hanging in there with me.

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