Heart of Gold

Simple, elegant valentine for a new love or a tried and true soul mate. Really anyone with a heart of gold. The reference photo for this one just begged me to paint it. Not sure why, but then again, why-not!  

Lately I've been trying to focus on the value of every day life and working to incorporate more "now or never / just do it" thinking - no excuse for putting things off, just give it a go.  I already know how to laugh at myself . . . .

Golden Heart
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Happy Valentines to all!  

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

Fetching or Fletching

Who knew the "feathers" on a dart are called fletchings.  The Google tells me a fletching is a fin-shaped aerodynamic stabilization device attached to arrows, crossbow bolts or darts.  Of course, we all know that aerodynamic stabilization is important to love. . . .  ha, ha. 

I painted this because I thought the end looked like interlocking hearts and would fit right in with the holiday later this month.  A target also seemed appropriate because finding that right person is definitely a challenge.  So worth it though!

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

Camping Story

Many years ago I had the opportunity to go on a camping trip through the south of France.  Certainly a trip that will never be forgotten.  When I saw this photo reference it immediately took be back to the foggy mornings, starting a fire, boiling water and brewing tea. What more could an 18 year old desire?  Well, since memories are also made of dire circumstances, we ran out of tea and couldn't figure out why we had "withdrawal symptoms." Back then didn't even know tea had caffeine!

Oh, and before I forget, I swore never to go camping again - turns out three weeks in a tent along the French Riviera is "not my cup of tea!"  There was sand in everything. I would love to go back someday, but stay in a nice hotel with room service and hot showers.  ha ha.

It goes without saying, there were tons of fantastic memories from that trip and a few other "lessons learned."  Now it all just makes for great story-telling. Travel seems to create unforgettable memories. . . .

Campfire Tea
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Happy to report that Little Pink Carnations is off to Oak Hill, VA and Peek A Boo II is headed to a first time Grandmother.  Life is to be celebrated.

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

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Photo reference: Pixabay nasircoolboy1 tea pot - seriously.

Little Pink Carnations

​Very tiny vase with a few colorful pink carnations that I threw together for our newly renovated bathroom - wow really made an impact. Literally started the morning in a bright and happy place. The day just skipped along, surprising what a hot-swoosh of color can do to lighten your mood!

I was fascinated by the reflective glass as it hit the counter - really sparkly.  Probably over-painted (with a few palette knife slashes), but i love how it turned out. Who doesn't need a little bling first thing in the morning?  

Little Pink Carnations
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Trying to find and work on subjects that shine, glow, metal, glass, texture . . .  who knows what's next.

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

Tart and Sharp

Not sure what I'm thinking today, but really want to get "out of the box" painting-wise. Metal is a challenge so why not something familiar with something crazy-wild.  A trip to the basement turned up some old fashioned, black handled scissors.  Happy girl! Been continuing to downsize, which makes finding objects to paint all that more daunting.  Oh and I want to get back to painting from life again - maybe that will trigger some new year's goals!

As usual coming up with a title is another difficulty. After blowing way too much time searching, a light bulb went off and produced this title.  I guess it's all worth it in the end.  

Tart and Sharp
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Thanks for reading this far and for following my journey.  In appreciation, here's a free website that has helped me out a lot.  Check it out Word Hippo - all sorts of helpful word tools.  

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

2018 Milestone

Happy New Year!

Always a good idea to mark time and look back over the past 12 months.  Blogging, journaling, whatever you want to call it is great for motivation, happiness and enthusiasm going into the new year.  So, here's a view of the paintings that left the studio in 2018.  Ended up doing three shows in 2018 and learned a lot. Also donated two paintings that were auctioned off by the Loudoun Arts Council. Looking forward to more challenges and some focused goal setting (for a change) in 2019.

2018 Sold and Gifted

Great memories and stories came out of this bunch. For me, the best part of art-making is sharing it with others.  Here's my 2018 favorite - Summer Dreams(lobster) painted with my Art BFFs, they always bring out the best in me. 

From the buyer:

... 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.

Love it - art truly brings another dimension to life.  

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

p.s. the sushi is staying with me - most fun I've had painting ever!

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