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