Honey Bunny

There’s something just a little too cute about this bunny with one white toe just out of the picture frame.  A pose with attitude.  Hope it looks okay in a painting.  Artists tell me if one thing goes out of the frame then something else should too just to balance it out.  Great advice.  Couldn't figure out what else should go off.  

Honey Bunny
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The Reference photo from webandi on Pixabay only had one eye and that looked strange - two eyes looks strange too. You decide.  Me, I think I'll stop painting bunnies.

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

Las Vegas

First, a special note – those of you who know me, know I believe “life is about making memories.”  Particularly thrilled that Summer Dreams is off to a new home in New Jersey to commemorate a very special memory.  The buyer sent me the following note.

“Your painting is stunning and will be a gift to my husband for our anniversary. We were married twenty-four years ago in France and ate lobster for dinner. Since that day, we eat lobster every year in celebration. I know your painting will be cherished along with that memory.”

Perhaps it was the small note I put on my gallery for the painting - The reference photo for this painting is from Luciole who is from Normandy France which just makes me wish for summer, the smell of the ocean, vacations, and daydreaming. How about you?

Hmmmm. . .  I guess the time taken to provide a story behind a painting is worth the effort.  All I know for sure, is this event made my day and definitely a new memory added to my life!

There are thousands of daffodil names, but felt like a winner when I discovered this one is called Las Vegas.  This simple daffodil has a ton of subtle shadows which looked great next to the white petals and deep yellow/orange center.   Naturally thought I could knock this one out, but it took quite a while to get it “right.”  

Las Vegas Daffodil
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Photo reference Nicole.Faulkner PMP-Art.com

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

Going Platinum!

What a beautiful fish – had to search for the meaning of an all-white Koi and found that they are described as platinum.  I guess the artistic license to paint the other one gold just pushed everything toward the meaning of wealth and business success.   Hah, we’ll see about that.  Love this one so hopefully someone else will too.   This was painted on a red panel which adds a lot of energy to the painting. 

Platinum Koi
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Photo reference PMP Debbie Cushing

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

Hot Pink Waterlily

I guess you can’t paint just one waterlily.  These flowers are both fun and frustrating to paint.  How can they look so simple yet get so complicated?  This is another great photo from Paint My Photo (PMP-Art.com) – not sure what I would do without these people and their free photos.

Hot Pink Waterlily
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Love the perspective and bright colors of this waterlily – just begging to be painted!

Photo reference: PMP Letty

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

Sweet Little Waterlily

Back from a great trip / family celebration in Texas.  Mom’s birthday, siblings, spouses, grand kids and great grand kids.  Wonderful having everyone in the same place. 

Despite getting back late Tuesday, the next few days just flew by.  Finally had a chance to paint, which means getting back into the groove.  Fingers crossed I can keep it going and finish the 30-in-30.  

Sweet Little Waterlily
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Photo reference: PMP Elena Malec taken near a mosque in Shanghai, China.

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

Spring is in the Air

Guess we all need early reminders of spring, I sure do!  I wonder if there’s ever been a count of which season is the most favorite.  Mine is definitely summer, but spring comes in at a very close second since it lets me know summer is on the way.

Spring is in the Air
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reference from Pixabay From StockSnap

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

p.s. off to Texas for a few days - will paint and blog when i return next week.

An Interesting Perspective

Top down view showcasing a few of my favorite ingredients.  Trust me, I will never look at a cut tomato the same way again - such depth and colors.  Come to think of it, this is the perspective I usually see these victims!

An Interesting Perspective
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Pixabay reference biancamentil

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

Pink Grapefruit

Reference photo is from an amazing photographer on Paint My Photo (PMP-Art.com).  Stunning work. Many of his photos look like paintings and are quite inspirational.  He definitely has an artist's eye for composition and lighting. This is one of my favorites.  A bit of artistic license getting it to fit into a 6 x 6 tho.

Pink Grapefruit
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Viacheslav's photo - registration required, but free.  

Update -  Thread the Needle has been updated to include a reflection under the thimble. Click here for the auction, it's much better now - thanks for the help (you know who you are).  

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

Summer Dreams

How fun is this guy?  Another first but another great time doing this painting.  Apparently my “artist friends” from yesterday think I can be challenged to do anything!  They are definitely great characters to have cheering me to new heights.

Summer Dreams
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Reference is PMP photographer Luciole who lives in Normandy France – photo is titled Le Homard For La Peinture... which literally means The Lobster For The Painting...  Just makes you wish for summer, the smell of the ocean, France, and day dreaming.

Happy Valentine's Day – Johnna

Afternoon Tea

Loved getting together with two artist friends catching up and painting the afternoon away.  Such a great positive space to be in.  This painting reference is from PMP Photographer Dale Cato.  PMP-Art.com is a great place to find photos to paint.  Must register, but it’s free. 

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