30 in 30 Stuck on a Fork – Day 16

After receiving a few great comments on Stick a Fork in It – decided to do another one (or two perhaps). This challenge encourages artists to have a theme, but I haven’t been able to be very consistent on that point.  You might notice I do mini-themes for a couple days: yellow flowers, water lilies, windows, hanging fruit, and a few wild things thrown in – basically, I can’t even hold a theme together for more than two or three days! 

We love baby Bok Choy and while preparing it for a stir-fry realized how darling the center is and – uh oh – just about the same size as a fork!   Quick photo op and a star was born.  Did you know that Bok Choy is one of the healthiest foods? Exceptionally high for nutrient density even on the “powerhouse" fruits and vegetables list.   

Stuck on a Fork
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Delighted to report that Stick a Fork in It is leaving tomorrow for Austin, Texas.

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

30 in 30 This and That – Day 15

Halfway mark and need a pass.  Exhausting fitting a whole new “job” into your daily routine!  Love painting every day and the good-stress involved.  Finding something to paint, getting used to the color mixes, faster setup, quicker start, etc., but it takes a toll.  So today I’m posting a painting that I did in a class last summer.  On Daily Paintworks I have a separate tab called “This and That” where I’m listing other art events like shows and classes.  So the link will take you to that page. Who knows what will appear there in the future.

Turkish Delight (click here)
14 x 18"
This and That  (click here)

When someone you know buys your art – you are delighted because they know you, are supportive of your art journey, and love your art!  When someone who doesn’t know you buys, you know it is the art that calls them.  Not sure exactly what it is, but it is very special – I guess because it is an independent perspective that embraces your heartfelt goal to pursue art.  Feelings which are hard to put into words! 

Tangerine Tango is headed to Sacramento California and On the Edge is off to Peru, Indiana.

Thank you all for supporting this journey.  Breaks over, now back to "work."

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

30 in 30 Do You Want Cream with That? – Day 14

End of summer weather so just had to paint these beauties.  All I could think while painting from this photo was whether or not there was cream at the bottom of the plate.  I guess it will remain a mystery, but I did serve my special strawberries with sour cream and brown sugar for dessert.  Have you tried it?  It is really quite surprising how the sweet and savory goes so well with the tang of a strawberry. Dip in the cream and dab with the sugar – yum!

Strawberry Surprise
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Lillian Bell is one of my favorite photographers on PaintMyPhoto - I guess you’re realizing that too.   Lillian Bell, Strawberries on White Saucer.

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

30 in 30 Daylily Abstraction – Day 13

It’s always fun to paint something a bit abstract even though you hope that it has some semblance of reality when finished.   Loved this photo so dared to try it.  We’ll see what happens -- everyone has their own sense of what strikes them as art.  Personally, being this close to the inside of a daylily reminds me of how delicate and short-lived each flower is – only blooming for one day.  

Truly, being in the moment . . . . take a breath, right now, and have a mini-daydream on me. 

Daylily Abstraction
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The reference for this painting is from Barbara Swinton, Abstract Pistils and Stamens on PaintMyPhoto.

Exceptionally pleased to report that Daisy Divas, On the Fence and Waterlily in the Park are headed to Decatur, Alabama to one very, very special lady.  Watch out, she’s looking for more!

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

30 in 30 Tangerine Tango – Day 12

Painting this photo has been on my to-do list for awhile. To me, the leaves are more interesting than the fruit, just look how the tangerines are surrounded – must be time to tango!  Some of you are probably thinking, well she doesn’t care much for eating oranges, so that’s why she’s looking at the leaves.  It’s kinda funny because I LOVE the color orange and frequently paint things just because of the color.  

I do like how this turned out, but it took me three times as long to paint it which is not really a good thing for this challenge, but it is a good thing for me every once in a while.  Especially now - class starts next week so I need to switch into painting a still life for two weeks and a minimum of six hours "mode" using a more traditional style of layering paint.  I learn a lot from both perspectives.

Tangerine Tango

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In the big news department: Lucky Ladybug is at it again and snagged me a spot on the "DPW Facebook picks of the day!" list (click)  Not the first one I’ve received, but the second – which is pretty much the same to me – one happy & lucky girl.  I just love it when we share in this journey. 

  

Photo reference is from one of my favorite photographers on PMP, Viacheslav, Tangerines.

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

30 in 30 Orange is the New Lemon – Day 11

The inspiration for this painting is an amazing photo from Nicola B of PaintMyPhoto.  The photo is titled Orange in the Rain, but it sure looks like a lemon to me.  It’s possible I’m not seeing it right because I really don’t care for oranges.  Not sure why ‘cause I love lemon, lime, and especially grapefruit.  Not even in a cocktail – I’ll take a Lemon Drop, Gimlet or Greyhound over a Screwdriver any day!  

Orange is the New Lemon

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Oh yeah, I passed on the rain part since it rained here most of the day.  Tried to keep the dark background though because it really set off the. . . . shall we say “fruit.” 

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

30 in 30 Spin the Wheel – Day 10

Welcome Lady Luck, in more ways than one!  

Ladybugs – we all apparently love them and somehow know they bring us good luck.  Well today was my day for that – love the way this girl turned out.  Probably one of the most realistic paintings I’ve done.  I think that kinda happens when it’s a new object and I go into “paint what you see” mode. . . . but it had to be the ladybug that brought the luck. 

Did you know (per The Google) that the appearance of a Ladybug heralds a time of luck in which our wishes begin to be fulfilled, worries begin to dissipate and new happiness comes about? Just say, yes, make a wish, exclaim “Fly Away Home,” and trust in what happens next!   

Lady Luck

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Thanks to Mido Modi for her incredible photo, Ladybug on PMP, and the luck she shared!

Wishing you delight, happiness and good luck.  Enjoy - life is joy we make one moment at a time,

30 in 30 Crofter's Window – Day 9

Today’s painting is from photographer Margaret Battye of PaintMyPhoto.  She called it Crofters Window Decoration – I had no idea what a Crofter was so once again The Google to the rescue, this time with a “teaching moment.”

Crofting is a form of Scottish Highland farm residence created in the 1800s.  A pretty meager and dismal existence given the weather and poor growing conditions.   Lots of history behind this topic. 

Suffice it to say that even in difficult situations. . . 

Someone took the time to place a beautiful geranium on a windowsill.  

Someone took the time to make a stunning photograph and 

Someone decided to paint it for the rest of you!  

Art is everywhere. 

Crofter's Window

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Thanks for sharing the journey.  Enjoy - life is joy we make one moment at a time,

30 in 30 Open the Window – Day 8

Trying something new that has intrigued me for awhile – windows!  When I lived in Germany, I was told the windows were the “eyes of the house.”  It has always stuck with me, although I’ve not heard that phrase since.  Perhaps a European convention.  

The painting today is from a reference photo taken in Paris, France.  Actually the photo has two windows, but I decided to combine them into one.  I liked the left one that was partially open, but preferred the window box from the right.  Artistic license at it again!

Window in Paris

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Rose Herczeg Window Boxes In the Latin Quarter Paris France found on PaintMyPhoto.  Including it here so you can see the full reference.  Wish I had the time, patience and talent to paint both windows and the lovely stonework.  Perhaps I’ll try it again sometime. Definitely a first for wrought iron!

Finally, very pleased to report that Mid-Summer Night’s Gardenia is on the way to Germany.

Thanks for sharing the journey.  Enjoy - life is joy we make one moment at a time,

30 in 30 Stick a Fork in It – Day 7

Pretty sure this is the first time I have painted every single day for a week!  Those daily painters with hundreds of paintings, make it seem so effortless – NOT, but I’m really happy I’m still in the game.  This challenge makes it easy to stay positive since the goal is to TRY to paint all 30.  The true goal is to keep practicing and experimenting.  I do know that it’s now way easier to remember how to mix colors!

When I saw this photo, I just had to give it a try.  Was a lot of fun and I know we’ve all had days where we’re on the edge of done and just need to laugh at ourselves and disconnect for a while.  Knowing I could “quit” at any time was just enough to keep me going!  No pun intended, but I had to take a couple of stabs at this one until I was satisfied with it.

Stick a Fork in It

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The photographer of the reference photo, Lillian Bell, has several exceptional photos on Paint My Photo.  She is an accomplished artist so her shots are very well composed, interesting and imaginative. 

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