Michelle Burnett Studio

What I've Been Up To...

2012-01-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

Tailgaters - work in progress.

I've been away from my blog for several months and only painting off and on, but I'm now trying to get back to painting more frequently. I've been working on this painting for a family member and I hope stay on track and get it finished for them as soon as possible. I will be posting my progress...so stay tuned! :)

A Walk on the Beach

2011-06-29T10:08:00.001-06:00

Walk on the Beach

16x20", oil

This painting has been hanging around in my studio far too long. I've been promising my friend that I would finish it for quite some time now. I decided to finally persevere and finish it. I'm still not quite satisfied with it...it feels like it needs something. I feel that I painted it too tightly, which is something I tend to do when I paint for others. However, it's time to let it go and let it have its home elsewhere!

Simba - Completed

2011-06-27T21:15:00.000-06:00

Simba (2001 - 2010)

8x10", oil

We lost our Simba dog several months ago and I had been wanting to paint this ever since to capture and remember is friendly smile.

Simba WIP

2011-06-20T22:50:00.000-06:00

I was able to finally get a little bit of painting in...

A "ruff" sketch!

Laying in the paint. I'm working on gessobord, which I'm finding difficult to work with...the paint dries too quickly and is hard to work with.

A little further along, I think I'll let it dry completely and then try working on it some more.

Poppies

2011-06-13T12:43:00.000-06:00

Poppies

Sadly, I've haven't painted much and have neglected my blog so I thought I would post one of my paintings from an art lesson I taught a few months ago on Pointillism and George Seurat.

First, we lightly drew simplistic circle flowers and then used Q-tips and acrylic paint to render the flowers. I think the students enjoyed using non-traditional tools and methods for their painting and it was a lot of fun to do.

Clever Like a Fox

2011-02-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

"Red Fox"

9"x 5 1/2"

colored pencil on paper

This is my contribution to James Parker's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskin s project for his theme of wildlife. If you know James, you know that he is a amazing artist and has a wonderful sense of humor. What you may not know (or maybe you do!) is that he is a very talented and clever writer and poet as well.

This is the last sketchbook for me to complete and I have thoroughly enjoyed being apart of this project throughout the year. It's been a great experience with a wonderful group of artist that I am humbled and honored to be a part of. I thank each of them for their contributions to my sketchbook and cannot wait to see it in person. A big tremendous THANK YOU to Dominique Eichi for starting the project and inviting me to participate.

As you might have noticed, I haven't been posting to my blog for a while. Although my blogging has slowed down, I am still actively involved in the art world with teaching, sketchbooking, and taking it slow in the studio painting. It seems difficult to find time to paint, let alone blog about it. Thank you to all of my artist friends who are so kind to keep in touch. I have such admiration (and envy!) of daily painters and wish that I could be one too, but for now I will post when I can.

Blessings to all!

~ Michelle

It's About Time

2011-01-31T15:25:00.002-07:00

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of."
— Benjamin Franklin

I thought I'd try my hand at starting a sketchbook. I completed this for The Sketchbook Challenge for their January theme: "highly-prized". My time is highly prized and valuable to me since I never seem to have enough. I was going to paint this...but I wanted to post it in time for the challenge. Apparently, I'm too late and the challenge is already over. As usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short...

The Paramount

2011-01-28T15:35:00.001-07:00

The Paramount

11x14 inches

oil on raymar canvas

I love old theaters...so colorful and seemingly magical. I happened upon an image of the beautiful Paramount Theatre in Boston, Ma which is the area selected for this month's Virtual Paintout. I also had fun playing around with the perspective.

I Heart Cupcakes

2011-01-18T10:05:00.001-07:00

Red Velvet

oil on wood artboard

6x6
prints available

I've been working on a few other projects - none that seem to get finished. So I wanted to paint something simple and fun. A yummy red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting!

Peace & Happiness

2011-01-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Peace & Happiness

oil on gessoed paper

Peace is the theme of Camille Olsen's sketchbook, so I went with more of the retro idea of "peace" because I think she's a pretty hip chick! :) This also happens to be my favorite childhood mug that has always offered me a little bit of comfort: chicken soup when I was sick or for milk with cookies after school. This Flying Moleskin is now on its return trip home back to Camille!

Pink Rose

2010-12-10T16:14:00.000-07:00

Pink Rose

6"x6", oil on Art Board

available

This was a lot of fun to paint! Thanks to the blog challenge Paint and Draw Together for the great reference. Sorry for the glare. Hopefully I can get a better photo later.

Vintage Ornaments

2010-12-01T18:17:00.003-07:00

Vintage Ornaments

5"x7", oil on raymar panel

available

Is it December already? If I didn't believe it, the weather outside is sure sign that it is.

If I haven't mentioned it before, I like to collect ~~junk~~ antiques and vintage treasures. I picked up these Mid-Century Modern glass beauties at an antique auction. I loved the retro, non-traditional colors...ya gotta love pink! Some of my favorite Christmas memories are attached to those by-gone decorations: long thin strands of tinsel, flocked trees, and bubble lights! I remember visiting my aunt who had bubble lights and I would love to sit and stare at them with amazement! What are your childhood favorites?

This month I will be selling some of my small works online and donating a portion of the profits to different charities. A portion of the profits for this painting will go to UAID - the Utah Association for Intellectual Abilities which provides programs for disabled adults throughout the year. During the holiday season they give out holiday gift boxes to low-income, intellectually disabled adults. Although they are adults, they still have the same joy at receiving toys that a child would, but because of their age they no longer qualify for any other programs. May we all have the same child-like exuberance as they do!

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."
~ Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American author and humorist.

Pink Scarf and Pigtails

2010-11-29T10:47:00.004-07:00

Pink Scarf and Pigtails

colored pencil

This is for the wonderful Liz Holm for The Flying Moleskins project for her theme: "portraits". I was at the rodeo several years ago and had my camera ready to take action shots of the bull and bronco riders for art reference photos, but I saw this girl working at the concessions. I admired her pigtails and scarf and thought that would be a more interesting subject for a painting. (By the way, every year the rodeo has one day dedicated to breast cancer awareness called "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" and everyone is supposed to wear pink, thus the reason for the pink scarf.)

the initial sketch

I chose to draw this time because I've had a lot of "hurry up and wait" moments lately that are better for drawing. I drew the initial sketch while I was sitting in the waiting room at Jiffy Lube while my car got serviced!

I would like to spend more time on this because I love to work on portraits and I see a few things that need tweaking, but I will fuss with it forever if I don't stop so I think I'm going to send it on its way to Camille just in case she's got nothing else to do :) . Then I can get to work on her sketchbook next!

Barn Sketches

2010-11-26T06:00:00.003-07:00

I did these quick preliminary sketches of some local barns last week in preparation for a demonstration for the third graders I've been teaching art to. They are three barns in the area since I wanted to have them work on a local landscape they would be familiar with. The lesson was on chiaroscuro or "light and dark". To show this, I covered the paper completely with charcoal so that it was a mid-tone value. I then used an eraser to draw with and also erased out the lights. I added more charcoal to darken the dark areas. I also turned the reference photos upside down so they would see the shapes and not focus on the subject. After I finished the demo, I turned my sketch right side up and you would have thought I had just done a magic trick with about a hundred third graders oohing and aahing! (They were very cute...and apparently easily entertained!)

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Self Sketch

2010-11-12T12:23:00.001-07:00

pencil on paper

I've been trying to sketch more lately. I'm finding that it's nice to do anytime, anywhere and when you don't feel like getting out the paints. I decided to try a self portrait working from a photo. I wasn't sure if I got a good enough likeness (pencil lines are so much softer and flattering!) so I asked my son who this was and he replied "Mom" so I guess that confirms it!

Autumn Lights

2010-11-09T14:43:00.001-07:00

Autumn Lights

oil on gessoed paper

10.5"x8.5"

Here is my contribution to Angela Elledge's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskin Project for her theme of "places". This place is just up the road from my home and I wanted the capture the great fall colors (which have mostly faded away here now). I tried to paint with mostly thick, quick brushstrokes to try to add light and movement to the trees and the stream.

Be sure to check out Angela's work...she does the most amazing work at painting animals!

Blue

2010-10-23T09:30:00.000-06:00

Blue

colored pencil on paper

10.5"x8.5"

This is my contribution to Adebanji Alade's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskin project. Since Adebanji chose such an important theme: "Homelessness", I wanted to convey the somber mood and sense of despair of the subject by using the color blue.

I greatly admire Adebanji's drawing skill so I though I would draw this time instead of paint. All too often I have (mistakenly) seen drawing as a chore that is necessary to get past so I can get to the fun of painting. I had forgotten the pleasure of drawing itself and really enjoyed this using this medium again. For this sketch, I used Faber Castell Polychromos in Indianthrene blue and Dark indigo.

Tip for using colored pencils: while you cannot erase with most colored pencils, you can use Sticky Tack (for hanging posters) to "lift" off color to tone down a color that is too dark and to remove color for highlight areas. There are many different brands, but the white stick tack works better than the blue.

The Promise of a New Day

2010-10-18T09:28:00.001-06:00

The Promise of a New Day

This is a belated post of a painting I did for Dean Haven's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskin project last month. I'm very humbled to paint in Dean's book and incredibly honored to have him paint in mine. He is so talented...please check out his work if you haven't already.

The reference for this painting is from a wonderful sunrise that was captured on my cell phone camera one winter morning last year and I've always wanted to paint it. Sunrise is my favorite time when the world is quiet and calm and the day ahead hold so much promise!

I've been very tardy with my sketchbook projects, but I'm doing better at getting on track so I hope to post my next one soon!

What's Up?

2010-10-16T08:05:00.000-06:00

Work is what I've been up to. And when I haven't been working, I've been spending much needed time with my family. We have also a new addition to our family...meet Raja our cat. We just got her a few weeks ago from the shelter.

I do apologize for my long blogging absence! I've had limited time for my regular art, but one thing I have been doing is teaching art to third graders once a week.

Here I am teaching the color wheel and color mixing.

Students work after a lesson on complementary colors.

Currently, for the month of October, I have a show at the Ogden Arts Gallery on the Palette Club wall. (Hope to have photos soon.)

I have also been (slowly) continuing to work on The Flying Moleskin project. Much gratitude to Dominique for keeping me going and urging me to post! I will be posting some of my work from the project soon, but you should really go and check out the great work of the other contributors.

Afternoon Siesta

2010-07-16T19:21:00.000-06:00

approx. 10"x8.5", oil on watercolor paper

Here is my contribution to Vern's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskins which you can read more about here.

Pink Lotus

2010-07-07T09:11:00.000-06:00

Pink Lotus

8"x10"

oil on cradled art board

available

I've been on vacation and busy with "this and that" and have not had much time to paint, let alone blog. I actually finished this several weeks ago. It was started in April for James Parker's Windows to the Words challenge...but never finished before the deadline.

Thanks to all of you that have stopped by to comment and say "hi". I'm hoping to get back to routinely painting and blogging (and visiting!) soon.

Joe & Friends

2010-06-14T16:19:00.000-06:00

Joe & Friends

oil on gessoed paper

Here is my contribution to Edward Burton's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskins. His theme is music so I choose a favorite local jazz musician, Joe McQueen, who just celebrated his 91st birthday and is still performing. I would have like to have spent more time on this, but it's deadline time!

To learn more about Joe McQueen and hear him tell his story click here. To see and hear him play click here.

May Flower

2010-05-26T09:46:00.002-06:00

“Daisy”

9”x12”x1.5”

Oil on cradled hardboard panel

The sun has finally come out after so much rain. It has seemed much more like March than May so far in these parts. I’m so ready for spring weather and a flower seemed like the perfect choice of subject for my mood. I loved painting this daisy because it seemed to radiate with light. I was also attracted to the cool blues and purples complimented with the bright yellow center.

Available

For the Birds

2010-05-20T09:53:00.001-06:00

Little Chickadee
10"x8" oil on raymar (framed)
~

POUNDS
Have I mentioned that I like painting birds lately? Last week, I officially sold and delivered my previous chickadee painting. I enjoyed painting it so much I decided to paint another one, this time in a warmer muted palette, using mostly my favorite colors of red iron oxide, ultramarine blue, alizarin, and indigo. (Sorry for the glare/blurred image. I really need to work on photography skills...)

Bluebird for Sheila

2010-05-10T15:08:00.001-06:00

Bluebird
8"x8", oil on gessoed cardboard

Here is my contribution to Sheila Tajima's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskins. I think the bluebird is very symbolic of Sheila since it represents cheerfulness and happiness. I think of her wonderful ability to spread happiness with all of the cheerful comments she leaves!

Her theme is things you love. My new "love" is of birds! Since I painted a chickadee (see below), I've had this new fascination with birds and have been wanting to paint more. I've also been seeing them everywhere...in home decor and jewelry, (which I've been buying up) and plenty in my backyard. (Ah...a wonderful sign of spring!)

{P.S. Sorry I've been away! My computer finally went kaput and I had to get a new one. Thanks so much for your comments...I'm still trying to get caught up visiting everyone's blogs!}

Pumps and Pearls

2010-04-26T08:32:00.000-06:00

Pumps and Pearls
10"x8"
oil on raymar
Michelle Burnett

I've been busy and away from the blogging world for a little while. But I did manage to get a painting done for a little mini show I had along with an amazing abstract artist, Ashley Stoddard on Friday at a local store, Chic Style. I thought painting something a little "fashionable" that would be appropriate for the store.

Flying Moleskins - Bright Barn for Irit

2010-04-12T10:55:00.000-06:00

Bright Barn
acrylic

Here is my most recent painting for The Flying Moleskins for Irit Bourla's sketchbook. I was inspired by the bright, vibrant colors Irit uses in her paintings so I thought I'd paint this rather ordinary barn with some saturated color - a bright orange barn with turquoise-ish mountains as a backdrop. Her sketchbook theme is "places" so I choose this barn that is close to home because I thought the roof-lines and shapes were interesting. This was my first acrylic painting and it has me missing oils!

My additional inspiration was from a plein air study I painted during a Doug Braithwaite workshop. It was an exercise in trying to paint the correct values using incorrect color. I didn't complete it, but it was fun and freeing to paint using broken, wild color.

The Birth of Venus

2010-03-31T23:01:00.000-06:00

The Birth of Venus (detail) after Sandro Botticelli
11"x14" oil on canvas

Whew! I finished the Following the Masters challenge with not much time to spare. I haven't had time to paint much lately and I really miss it. This was harder than I thought it would be (I always say that, don't I?). Her flowing main was especially difficult and she could use some more shading if I had time, but for now I will call it finito!

Daydreaming

2010-03-12T00:23:00.000-07:00

This is my contribution to Dana Cooper's sketchbook for her theme "Dream", done in colored pencil for The Flying Moleskins sketchbook exchange. I also added a favorite quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams...live the life you've imagined." ~ Henry David Thoreau.

My Little Chickadee

2010-03-10T09:03:00.001-07:00

Chickadee
10"x8", oil on raymar
Sold

I really enjoyed painting this bird for a change of pace and because it is such a wonderful reminder of spring. I think we are all ready for spring to get here! I probablly spent more time working on the background in this painting than the bird, trying to make it subtle and stay in the back. This is currently on display at the Ogden Blue Gallery for the March Palette Club show and recieved an honorable mention.

In the Spirit of Henri

2010-03-01T19:19:00.000-07:00

Indian Girl
11"x14", oil on canvas
by Michelle Burnet after Robert Henri

I really enjoyed painting a portrait by Robert Henri after reading The Art Spirit. Henri offers so much information when it comes to portraiture..."The eyebrows are important. They have great meaning. They are never without inportant action, and they may have a multiplicity of gestures." Needless to say I had difficulty with the eyebrows, but I thought a lot about their importance. Another great Henri note, "The white of an eye deceives almost everyone. It is much less white than you think it...It is nearer the color of flesh." I learned so much during this challenge.

I didn't get to spend as much time on it as I would have liked, though. I started this painting quite a while ago...but ended up getting red oil paint on my shoe and getting it on the carpet all through the house! Instead of getting to spend some free time painting, I had to spend the rest of the day desprately cleaning red spots out of my new carpet! Yikes!

Anyway...the next FTM challenge is ready: The Italian Renaissance!

Some Local Art

2010-02-26T16:17:00.004-07:00

A Couple of Locals
11"x14", oil on canvas, (c) Michelle Burnett
available
I think this is about the fifth time I've painted this barn! It is located just down the street from my house. However, all the previous paintings were done en plein air...without the cows. The cows (and the little bird) were definately fun to paint!

Tomorrow our town will be celebrating with the 6th Annual Music & Arts Festival. A couple of my paintings will be on display at Chic Style in Eden for the art walk. Have a great weekend!

(If you are interested in purchasing, please email me at mtrmburnett@gmail.com.)

A Belated Post...

2010-02-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Karin
11"x14"

A quick study (If I didn't always wait 'til the last minute, they wouldn't have to always be quick studies!) done last month as a thank you to Karin Jurick and her blog Different Strokes from Different Strokes. Karin has been a huge inspiration to me in so many ways. Thanks to Jill Polsby for setting up this tribute and allowing me to particiapte with 118 other artists.

Tea and Daisies - WIP

2010-02-23T19:59:00.002-07:00

Tea and Daisies - WIP
11"x14"
I was lucky enough to be able to attend an online workshop taught by Susan Carlin on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and Susan is such an enjoyable teacher. It was sooo nice to get some painting time in. If you missed out on the workshop, she is offering a recording of the workshop at a reduced price.
Sorry for my absence...I haven't a computer (or much time) to blog lately. My computer has been out for over a week, so I have to borrow my son's laptop whenever I can.

Park in Belfast

2010-02-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Park in Belfast
8.5"x11.5", watercolor

Here is my painting for Dominique Eichi's sketchbook for The Flying Moleskins. Her theme was landscapes, trees, roads, light and shadows. I saw this reference on Google maps when the challenge blog The Virtual Paintout was painting Belfast. I never had time to participate in the challenge back in October. I especially loved the two light posts and thought it would fit Dominique's theme nicely. I made another attempt at watercolor and I think this will be my last...watercolor is a little too tricky for me. (Save the whites...what is that?!) I think I will be working in a more forgiving medium next time. (Sorry Dominique!)

On another note, last Friday I had three paintings (Garden Fresh, Taxi Jam, and Red Haute) entered in the Palette Club show at Gallery 25 and sold all three on opening night. Taxi Jam also won Honorable Mention in the advanced category.

Portrait Workshop

2010-02-03T23:12:00.001-07:00

Julia, portrait study
in oil, 11x14

I attended a portrait painting workshop where we painted from life. I had done some life drawing, quick gesture poses and painted still lifes from life, but had never painted a portrait from life before. It was a wonderful experience, but I didn't quite have time to finish and get those darkest darks in along with more color (Must learn to paint faster!). Julia was posed in front of a window with northern light that created a beautiful rim of light on the profile of her face. She is part Samoan and has the most amazing cheekbones. Our instructor, Julie Rogers is an incredible artist and I was in awe of her use of color. She works mainly in pastel and has studied with Dan Gerhartz and Morgan Weistling to name a few.

Apple with a (Palette) Knife

2010-01-22T11:48:00.005-07:00

apple study, 8x10 in oil

This week I've spent far too much time on the computer trying to fix a virus. Lessoned learned…don't let your virus software expire, even for just a couple of days. I'm quite sure it's the anti-virus software companies that create the viruses in the first place! ;)

I have been painting a little but nothing is complete to post, so I thought I would post this apply study from the Doug Braithwaite workshop I attended last summer. We had to mix the paint as close as we could to the still life set up and apply it to the canvas in small sections with a palette knife. We were not allowed to use brushes so that we would not be tempted to brush-mix the colors together. It was a great lesson and always fun to try something new.

The Flying Moleskins

2010-01-18T16:58:00.002-07:00

approximately 16.5" x 5.5" in watercolor

Thanks for all your comments on my last post. Unfortunately, I haven't had time to get back to the painting or doing much blogging lately. I did make a little time to try my hand at sketching in watercolor...something new for me. Very fun when it works...very frustrating when it doesn't. :)

The reason for my little sketch is thanks to the wonderful Dominique Eichi who has started a small sketchbook group. It is compiled of a few Different Strokes from Different Folks participants entitled The Flying Moleskins. We will be exchanging moleskin sketchbooks with everyone in the group to sketch in each others books. I am honored to be apart of such an amazing group of artists. The launch is today...go check it out here!

False Start

2010-01-12T12:32:00.001-07:00

an unfinished painting

In sports, a false start occurs when an athlete is so anxious to get the best start that he begins before the rules permit him or her to do so. I, myself was so anxious to get started on this painting, that after spending a few hours on it, I realized that that something was wrong…the composition. I should have taken more time to consider a few basic rules instead of being so excited to begin. At first I was disappointed at what seemed to be a waste of time, but often the best learning lessons come from making mistakes.

There is a great at article at Fine Art Views by Keith Bond entitled Are You Awesome or Do You Suck? It makes a similar point as the Ira Glass video below. The moment you realize that your art is not what you want it to be is the best time to open up for learning and improvement.

In painting, as in everything else, there is a fatal tendency to become accustomed to one's faults. - John Collier

Cocktail

2010-01-08T12:58:00.001-07:00

Cocktail
6" x 6" oil on board
© 2010 Michelle Burnett

A belated Happy New Year to you! One of my resolutions for 2010 was to get organized. So far that hasn't happened since I always seem to be playing catch up (just took my Christmas tree down yesterday...lol).

I love the show Mad Men with all their Martini's during lunch...so I recently tried a Martini and have to say "yuck"! I think I'll stick to the sweet frou frou drinks...or at least paintings of them. Alas, this painting was a lesson frustration for me and I decided to call it done. Maybe I'll use it as a coaster for my drink.

I did see this great video on Celeste Bergin's blog by Ira Glass that is worth re-posting and something many of us need to hear:

~~~

"May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions." ~ Joey Adams

RED HAUTE - Sold

2009-12-30T09:02:00.004-07:00

RED HAUTE - Sold
Oil on stretched canvas, 8 x 10 inches
© 2009 Michelle Burnett

A girl’s got to accessorize, right? Painted for James Parker’s Windows to the Words December Challenge: "Paint Your Own Present", I used only black, white, alizarin and permanent red. I decided to try Rembrandt’s permanent red as a healthier substitute for cadmium red light. It’s not quite as orange-ish as the cad red, but still a nice substitute. I especially loved painting the scarf...I could spend days painting fabric folds.

In Memoriam: Johnnie Liliedahl

2009-12-28T14:21:00.003-07:00

Study of Glass with Yellow and Purple
oil on stretched canvas, 16 x 20 inches
© 2005 Michelle Burnett
~
Over the holiday weekend I got a chance to read the latest issue of American Artist magazine (Feb 2010). I was sorry to read The Passing of Great Teachers and learn of the passing of the wonderful artist and teacher Johnnie Liliedahl. While there are many fine artists around, few had the ability to teach as well as she did.

I took a week long workshop with her in 2005, and it's safe to say that she has had the greatest influence on my painting style. I painted the study above in her workshop. She often stressed the use of thin transparent color in the beginning of a painting followed by thicker opaque color towards the end. I still love to paint almost entirely with thin, transparent oil color (with the exception of flesh tones, which must be opaque).

Ms. Liliedahl was an astute businesswoman who created a video production company with her husband to bring her teaching methods and those of other great artists to us in the convenience of our homes. Her death is a sad loss to the art world, but thankfully her teaching methods will live on through her instruction videos.

Peace, Love, and Joy

2009-12-24T13:29:00.001-07:00

L'Amour et Psyché, enfants (detail)
after William-Adolphe Bouguereau
12"x16", oil on canvs

This is my submission for the Following the Masters challenge. Bouguereau has always been a favorite of mine (such beauty and romance!).

I'd like to wish you all peace, love, and joy this holiday season! Merry Christmas!

A Lone Pear...No Partridge or Tree

2009-12-18T11:45:00.004-07:00

LONE PEAR
8"x10" oil on raymar
© 2009 Michelle Burnett

Tis the season! Which has made my time limited at the easel (and on this blog)...but I did happen to get this pear study done. (It felt so wonderful to have even a little time to paint!) Hope you are all having a joyous holiday season!

Please check out my other blog Following the Masters. I will be starting a book group on January 1st and will be giving away a copy of the first month's selection The Art Spirit. If your interested, hop on over and leave a comment for a chance to win. I'd love to have you join me...

If You Are Wondering Why It’s a Difficult Time to Sell Art…

2009-12-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

image from livingetc.com

I’ve noticed this new “trend” in home décor in various decorating magazines and on a few blogs and I can’t help but chuckling over it. Why have art when you can just hang frames on the wall? lol.

Friday Favorite - Dude Craft

2009-12-11T09:04:00.002-07:00

Steve McQueen by Paul Overton

As part of a Friday Favorite I wanted to share an amazingly creative and fun blog I found recently: Dude Craft. Paul Overton's blog focuses on all things creative and crafty. He has been generous enough to make a tutorial video of his wonderful paper cut portraits....

DudeCraft - Paper Cut Portrait Tutorial from Paul Overton on Vimeo.

I decided to sit out on this year's portrait exchange on the Different Strokes from Different Folks since I didn't think I would have enough time to devote to it (slightly regretting that decision now), but this would have been fun to try (though I'm not sure that it would qualify for the DSFDF). I was going to try some traditional silhouette cutout portraits of my son and daughter, but I think I might try this instead. Looks like fun!

Now the winner of the painting giveaway is....

Comment #3 (chosen by random.org)... Dori Dewberry who is an amazing artist that I'm sure most of you know, but if not you must go check out her work! Thanks to all of you for participating!

Feels Like Ten Below...

2009-12-09T19:27:00.002-07:00

This mornings temp: 1 degree...feels like -10

Reminds me of the great song Baby It's Cold Outside. A perfect time for some hot cocoa and to stay indoors and shop! I've listed some art work on etsy. I also been selling some of my jewelry items in my friends boutique Chic Style so I've decided to opened up a new etsy shop Treasure from the Trunk for my jewelry and beaded watch bands (and later on...antiques!).

Ice and Snow Bracelet

For more gift shopping ideas that will go to a great cause, head over to A Daily Scoop where many wonderful people have dontated items to be auctioned for the John Jones Memorial.

Extra, Extra...Read All About It

2009-12-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

Last week I was reading our small town community paper The Ogden Valley News (very small town...it only comes out bimonthly) and one of the articles caught my attention entitled “Ten Things That Increase Cancer Risk” by Melanie Winderlich. A family member was recently diagnosis, which furthered my interest in the subject.

I was surprised to see that number ten on the list was hazards to painters. Winderlich writes “Artist should pay attention to their doctors as well as their critics. Painters put themselves at a higher risk of developing lung and bladder cancers when working with certain mediums. ….painters who work around chemicals and pigments, including carcinogenic materials like silica and asbestos may inadvertently be harming themselves.” While I have often heard the warnings, I admittedly hadn’t taken them seriously. I love to use turpenoid and Liquin, but I think I’ll be on the safe side and limit their use and use walnut oil instead.

There was another article that also caught my eye…

It was concerning the play that I mentioned I was in last month. I’m the one in the blue dress...in the shadows :). I was initially asked just help paint the sets, but when someone was unable to continue I was asked to fill at the last minute. There were only two rehearsals left before the play…but thankfully I remembered all my lines! The rest of the cast was an amazing group of talented actors with many people donating their time and talent to help out. The play was to raise money for our town to go to court. I will not go into the political details, but here’s a link that explains if you’re interested.

P.S. Don’t forget about the painting giveaway….ends December 10^th.

Cheesecake *GIVEAWAY*

2009-12-07T15:40:00.000-07:00
My apologies that I've been so neglectful at blogging and visiting lately! To get back into the swing of things, I'm having a giveaway of the cheesecake painting posted below. Just leave a comment by the end of Thursday, December 10th and I'll choose a winner on Friday. Sorry if you were hoping for a real cheesecake. :)

Thanks for stopping by…and take care!

Cheesecake

2009-11-25T11:36:00.003-07:00

Cheesecake
6"x6"

I feel like I haven't painted for ages so I did this little quick study. I guess pumpkin pie would have been a little more appropriate...oh well.

I found this fun blog graphic at Just Something I Made ...

...and I'd like to wish all of my blog friends a Happy Thanksgiving!

Starry Night Over Pineview

2009-11-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Starry Night Over Pineview
12"x16" oil on canvas board
by Michelle Burnett

I've had so much going on lately, I haven't had time to pick up a paintbrush, let alone blog. I was even asked to fill in for an actor in a play for a community fundraiser. An actor, I am not, but I did it anyway. It was fun, but (whew!) am I glad it's over! Another sigh of relief that I was able to finish this in time for the Following the Masters challenge deadline, which is tomorrow if you are participating. There have been so many wonderful participants that everyone should go check out.

I love the complimentary colors of Van Gogh's Starry Night and chose it as the inspiration to paint this local landscape of the Ogden Valley. His technique was much more difficult to replicate than I had expected, but it was quite fun and liberating to try something new!

Cupcakes Redux

2009-10-28T08:50:00.000-06:00

Dreamy Cupcakes II
11x14

It's deja vu in pink! A friend who has a clothing boutique wanted to hang my cupcake painting in the girl's clothing section (that is cupcake themed) but requested to have it in pink. So...Viola! I'm also working on another cupcake painting that I hope to have done soon.

Seems like things have been so crazy busy around here that I guess I needed a snow day to get it done....

Sorry I haven't been able to visit much. I'm hoping things slow down a little to catch my breath. 'Til then, my best to you all... and enjoy painting!

A Little Plein Air Time

2009-10-22T08:39:00.002-06:00

6"x8" plein air study

I was able to get out yesterday afternoon and paint for about an hour before it got too darn cold. So I didn't get to finish it, but it was nice to get out and attempt the fall colors. Unless it warms up, I think this will be my last outing for a little while.

Now, I need to announce the winner of the spider pin giveaway....

It is number 1...Sheila! This little creepy crawly is headed your way!

Now for something a little different…

2009-10-19T15:15:00.000-06:00

Beaded Spider Pin

I’ve probably mentioned previously that I like to bead and make jewelry occasionally. Well, a friend of mine commissioned me to make this fun beaded spider jewelry for her boutique store. I decided to make a few extra and also offer them in my Etsy store. I will also be having a spider pin GIVEAWAY. I will be giving away one of the green and black beaded spider pins. If you would like to enter, please leave a comment here anytime before midnight on Wednesday (PST) and I will select a winner on Thursday using the random number generator.

Vanity

2009-10-16T13:24:00.000-06:00

Vanity
12x16, oil on canvas board

If you have seen my other blog, Following the Masters then you know that we are finishing up a self portrait challenge. When I posted the challenge, I used Jan Van Eyck's self portrait of him wearing a red turban as an example. That gave me the idea of painting myself (painting my face!) with my hair wrapped in a towel. And it was much more fun painting a towel instead of painting hair. Least favorite was painting my hand. I think I need to get more practice at painting hands...very tricky. I also enjoyed painting the bright (somewhat harsh) lighting on my face. Not particularly flattering, but fun to paint. Stay posted for the next challenge!

The Stallings Farm

2009-10-15T07:15:00.001-06:00

The Stallings Farm

9x12, oil on masonite

I was able to get out and paint plein air earlier this month. It’s a local farm here in Eden that I felt had some great looking angles with all the roof lines. When I first set up, it also had some nice hay bales that created a nice pattern in the foreground…but some farmers came by and quickly loaded them up …so there went the hay bales!

Field Trip

2009-10-13T10:55:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of this month, my kids and I ventured to Antelope Island to hang my painting "Roam" in the visitor's center gallery. We got to spy one lone bison out in the field...not sure where the other 599 were hiding, but it was fun to see.

It had snowed the day before and we happened to get a nice shot of the snow-topped mountains reflecting in the Great Salt Lake. Although there were more people on the island than I had expected, it was a relatively quiet and peaceful place to hang out. At the end of the month the state park has an annual Bison Roundup.

Pink Daisy - Sold

2009-10-08T08:34:00.001-06:00

Pink Daisy - SOLD
6x6, oil on artboard
by Michelle Burnett

I’ve been away from blogging entirely far too long and I apologize for not visiting with everyone and checking your blogs! It seems that I have over extended myself with volunteering at the local art gallery and art club and now I’ve gone and volunteered to help paint sets for a community play. A few days ago, my husband pointed out my horoscope ….

Well, I do think they are worthy projects, but I get the hint! I need to make time for other things as well. However, speaking of worthy causes, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I have the painting above listed on ebay (ending today!) with half of the final sale price going to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure charity and shipping is free.

Indigo Figaro

2009-09-29T14:19:00.001-06:00

Figaro
9x12, oil on canvas

Here is a painting of my BFF, my shadow, my wonderful cat Figaro (in her serious pose). She is named, of course for her likeness to Pinocchio's cat. She was a skinny, little stray kitten that I picked up 9 years ago and she's been by my side ever since...and is skinny no more.

I used one of my favorite paint colors, Winsor Newton Indigo to paint her fur. When I first started oil painting, I had a teacher that would not let us use black on our palette. This is when I learned to love indigo as a great substitue for black. It is also wonderful for glazing in nice shadows.

A big THANK YOU to James Parker and for posting Figaro's photo for his challenge blog. This month's theme is cats with a lot of wonderful entries that you should check out.

Cupcakes

2009-09-15T11:29:00.005-06:00

Michelle Burnett, Cupcakes, 11x14 oil on canvas
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I loved this subject! I knew I should have probably painted just one, but I loved to see them all lined up in a row with the wonderful cast shadows and sprinkles everywhere.
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When I first became aware of Karin’s challenge last year, I first just sat back and watched and what others would paint each week. I was intimidated at the idea of finishing a painting so quickly. I came from the school of painting that it takes several weeks (or months!) to complete a painting…lots of planning, drawing, and lots of layers!
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I finally jumped into the challenge in November and then I was hooked. It became so exciting to try and finish a painting by the deadline and to see what others had also accomplished. I became a little obsessed with challenges and even started my own, just to push myself and keep at it. A big thank you to Karin for helping me to push myself beyond what I thought I could do and to keep creating!
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You can purchase it here.

September Sunflower

2009-09-14T12:51:00.002-06:00

Michelle Burnett, September Sunflower
8x10 oil on raymar panel
click to bid

I love sunflowers! I had a few in my garden, but never was able to get some good photos of them before they withered away in the hot sun. When I saw the photo reference for this painting on the challenge blog, Inspiration All Around Us by Dana Marie, I knew I just had to paint it.

One thing that is plentiful in my garden is tomatoes....

I should paint a tomato still life...

But I made salsa instead!

Roam

2009-09-11T15:37:00.002-06:00

Roam by Michelle Burnett, 11x14, oil on canvas
~
Here is another one for my little challenge. I haven't painted much wildlife so I enjoyed painting this study of a bison. I will likely put it in our local art group's show next month at the Antelope Island State Park Visitor's Center Art Gallery. Part of the proceeds will go to raise money for the park. While there are antelope and other wildlife there, it is most famous for the herd of approximately 500 bison on the island.

Crowning Glory

2009-09-09T08:42:00.001-06:00

"Crowning Glory" by Michelle Burnett, 18x24, oil on canvas

I wasn't quite sure if I was done with this, but I think I'm going to call it done for now. This was painted for my challenge blog for the current theme of Western Art. My influence is Maynard Dixon, mostly in subject matter rather than style. One of Dixon's homes was located in Mt. Carmel, Utah. I have a lot of relatives that have lived in that area for many generations. My father once told me that some of them, who were hard working cattle ranchers, would see Dixon out painting along side the road and thought that that was just plain crazy!
Although these mountains look like they might be from Southern Utah, they area actually from my own backyard up north. The sun is setting, casting a warm, reddish glow onto them while throwing some wonderful color onto the big clouds "crowning" them.

Eden's Rainbow

2009-09-01T11:02:00.007-06:00

Eden's Rainbow by Michelle Burnett, 16"x20", oil on masonite
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I finally finished this today. I had intended to finish it for our local balloon festival...but that was over two weeks ago. Been a little frustrated with painting lately and have started a lot of projects, but not so good at finishing. So without anything finished, I haven't had anything to blog about.
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This painting itself was a lesson in frustration.First, I used a masonite panel that was primed with gesso that had marble dust in it. It is supposed to be for portrait painting to allow for a smooth surface for skin and that it can also be scratched for hair, highlights, etc. However, this panel still had a texture that I didn't think was smooth enough for portriature, so I decided to use it for this painting...big mistake! The gesso and marble dust combo would soak up the paint and be dry almost imediately, making it difficult to blend edges and such. I also had to mix a about a zillion colors for this, and trying to balance in making it vibrant, but not too vibrant. However, despite the frustrations...it was kind of fun to paint.
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Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes. ~ Oscar Wilde

Ogden Valley Plein Air Competition

2009-08-18T17:35:00.004-06:00

Angler's Dream
11"x14" oil

Last Saturday, I tried my had at my first plein air competition. It started out with very challenging weather: wet and cold. I had to paint in the back of my car. I ended up stopping and painting here at the reservoir when I saw a few fishermen there. I used a little artistic license and tried to paint the scene less gloomy. I thought the weather would have scared off a few people from the competition, but there were about 50 entries. It was wonderful to see everyone's work and a great learning experience.

To see a much better painting from that day, check this out!

Red Poppy

2009-08-10T12:32:00.007-06:00

Red Poppy
8x10 oil
available

I decided to paint one of the red poppies from my garden which are now long-gone, all died off from the heat. I chose to paint it in the close-up style of Georgia O'Keefe for my challenge blog. I haven't painting too many flowers, but I enjoyed painting this. I think the great "challenge" was trying to photograph it...sorry for the glare.

The current challenge ends Friday and anyone is welcome to join in. Be sure to go check out all the fabulous entries!

Pineview View

2009-08-07T07:32:00.009-06:00

Pineview View
approx. 10"x7.75", oil on mdf

It happens every summer. I think that my summer days are going to be carefree, sipping iced tea and lounging around with plenty of time to relax and paint. The reality is: "As soon as summer gets here I'm going to do this...and this...and that." Pretty soon there's no time left to do anything! I did manage to get this little plein air painting done last weekend of the local reservoir.

I also spent some time at the Ogden Farmer's Market. Our local painting club has a booth where you can volunteer to work and show some of your work as well. My daughter hung out with me and sketched while I painted...

and did a little demo. (Still needs a little work!)

One thing that has kept me so busy is landscaping. We've spent several weeks clearing rocks (a lot of rocks!), hauling dirt and laying sod. I finally have a backyard!

Today, I am off on a day trip to Heber Valley Railroad. I hope to get some great photos of a steam train. Also today, I have my "Beach Boogie" each painting showing at the Ogden Blue Gallery for their "Summer Memories" theme.

So, needless to say, I haven't had much time to blog. I miss all my blog friends and I hope to get caught up on my visiting soon!

Yellow Caboose En Plein Air - Sold

2009-07-24T09:58:00.007-06:00

Yellow Caboose
8x10, oil

I was again able to get out with my friend Tracy and paint a few days ago. We decided to set up at the Union Station and paint the trains. I should have set up to get a different, more interesting perspective of this caboose, but it seemed more important to be in the shade. :) I took a lot of liberties with this since it should have been longer and it had different numbers on it (Hopefully my artistic license doesn't get revoked!) , but it was a fun subject to paint.

View from the Ranch

2009-07-20T16:20:00.006-06:00

View from the Ranch
8x10 oil

I have to thank my friend Tracy for getting me out painting yesterday morning. We painted just a few blocks down from the golf course that we painted at last time (which is why the background mountains look very similar to my last plein air painting!). It was a charming little ranch with three horses to keep us company. Of course when it was time to paint them in, they didn't want to model for us any longer and left!

Maxfield Parrish Landscape

2009-07-14T09:12:00.005-06:00

8x10, oil
after Maxfield Parrish

Here is my painting completed for the Following the Masters challenge. We have been working on the dreamy paintings of Maxfield Parrish. This painting was done from an illustration that appeared in The Century Magazine in November 1904.

I started it with the same technique I learned in my last workshop, which I have found really helpful. I painted the entire area with a purple mix from ultramarine blue and alizarin crimson. Then I wiped out the lighter areas with a Q-tip and darkened the darkest areas with more purple. I then let it dry before I proceeded.

The next challenge starts tomorrow. Please join us!

Garden Fresh - Sold

2009-07-12T09:55:00.004-06:00

Garden Fresh - SOLD
8x10" oil
available

I was tired of having this one sitting around half done so I finally finished it. It was supposed to be for the DSFDF Challenge last month. Better late than never, I guess.

A Not So Plein Day

2009-07-09T09:27:00.009-06:00

Third Tee at El Monte
8x10" oil

So far, the lazy days of summer have been anything but! There is so much going on, I haven't had much of a chance to paint or blog. However, yesterday I was able to get out for a few hours and paint with a friend I met in Doug's class.

We set up just off the third tee at one of the local golf courses (but within the boundaries of the local park next to it) so we had a lot of golfers coming over and inspecting our work. One of them complimented us on our work and modestly explained that he was an artist too. Turns out, he is quite a well-known local artist Robert Call.

Although I didn't quite have time to finish, it was just great to get out and paint!

LOL Buddha Picks a Winner

2009-07-01T13:04:00.007-06:00

LOL
3"x3" oil on canvas

Here is one of my interpretations for The Canvas Project 2. One of the words (if you can call it a word) I was given was "LOL". To me, there is nothing that visually describes "laugh out loud" more that a Laughing Buddha!

As I mentioned in my last post, today is the day I pick a winner for the Harvest Moon painting. I went to random.org for their number generator...

True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 7 Result: 4

Out of the seven people that posted, the result was #4...which is Gwen Bell. Yeah, Gwen you are the winner of the giveaway!

Harvest Moon

2009-06-25T15:05:00.007-06:00

8x10 oil on raymar
after Harvest Moon by George Inness

Hello everyone! Sorry to have been away from blogging so long. I went on vacation and then have been trying to get caught up on work ever since I got back.

Above is my painting for the last Following the Masters challenge. I chose the work of George Inness to be inspired by for the landscape challenge. However, we are already on the next challenge now…Maxfield Parrish. So please come and join in!

I also have to show off how lucky I am. I am the proud owner of two pieces of artwork that I won from some very talented artists!
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From the magnificent James Parker…
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And, the wonderful Maria of Pencil Sanity…
Thank you both...they are so gorgeous!

So now I’m thinking that it is my turn to have a giveaway. I’ll be giving away my version of the Harvest Moon painting (above). So, if you are interested, please leave a comment and I will draw a name on July 1st. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Painting Workshop

2009-06-10T08:11:00.010-06:00

Doug Braithwaite painting demo in North Fork

I haven't been able to blog much lately since I've been busy attending a 5 day plein air painting workshop by Doug Braithwaite. It was one of the best workshops I've taken in a long time. Everything was broken down into small steps, so it wasn't so overwhelming.

He first washes the smooth, grey, gesso-primed MDF board with a purple shadow color and then removes paint for the drawing and lightest colors of the painting. He then adds darker color where necessary, until he has all the different values in correctly.

He then continues with thin color washes on top of that and then applies the opaque paint on top of that. It wasn't the usual quick draw painting I normally see plein air painters use, but yet he was still able to complete it quickly.

Huntsville Vista
5"x6.5", oil

Here is one of my little plein air studies painted on the second day using some of his methods. It was the end of the day and I didn't want a detailed painting. I wanted to try and simplify, get the colors right and have a lot of brushstrokes.

It was a lot of fun! I would highly recommend one of his workshops. He also teaches at the Helper Workshops.

Pennsylvania Landscape

2009-06-02T21:05:00.009-06:00

Pennsylvania Landscape
5"x7" o/c

Wow...It's been nearly two weeks since I've had any work done to blog about! I've been caught up with so much "stuff". I'm sure most everyone knows how that goes! I finished the DSFDF challenge in the nick of time. I wasn't sure if I was going to do this one or not. But I figured I needed some practice for my upcoming plein air painting workshop on Friday. (I'm hoping it doesn't rain!). I've also been working on my own challenge painting that I hope to finish soon.

Thanks so much for all your kind words and well wishes. My son's graduation went very well...

... he's a little bit bigger than the last photo I showed you!

P.S. - If you haven't done so already...go and vote for our DSFDF comrade Adebanji Alade by Sunday to bring him to New York to paint!

Virtual Paintout - Paris

2009-05-20T15:41:00.008-06:00

Tour Eiffel
8x10"
oil on raymar
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Here is my completed painting for Bill Guffey's Virtual Paintout. A very fun and unique challenge using Google street view to paint in different locations. This month's location - Paris!
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I think I've decided that my painting "style" is like that of a child who colors neatly in between the lines all the fun parts, and then just scribbles in the boring parts. I loved painting the tower and the sky. The other areas didn't seem as fun...so I just scribbled the rest in! :)

I love Paris and hope to make it back again within the next few years. The last time I was there was 1992...
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...and my graduating son was just a year old. Time flies!

Sunset

2009-05-19T13:58:00.008-06:00

Winter Sunset
5"x7"
Oil on canvas board
Available

Here is my submission for James Parker’s Windows to the Words challenge. This month’s theme is sunrise/sunset. I attempted to paint this a little looser and more abstract than usual. Check out the other submissions and join in.

A sunset is such a beautiful ending to the day. Symbolically appropriate right now, since I am trying to prepare my son for the end of of his school days, since he is graduating high school next week. I’m not sure if he really understands what graduation is. He loves school so much, it is sad that it must end for him. So right now we are preparing for a celebration that is bittersweet.

I was recently given The Splash Award from Arthur Simo and his mother Adriana. It is for being "alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring". I am very honored since I feel that they are such an inspiration to me; Arthur and his amazing artwork, and Adriana’s wonderful, loving support of her son. Thank you!

I would like to pass this alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive and inspiring award along to...
Manon Doyle
James Parker
Deb Keirce
Gail Ragsdale
Diana Marshall
Every Photo Tells a Story

Taxi Jam - Sold

2009-05-15T13:53:00.005-06:00

Taxi Jam - SOLD
6x8"
oil on canvas board
After spending way too much time on this one, it's time to move on and call it done. It is my submission for the DSFDF challenge. I really enjoyed painting the bright yellow taxis, but the buildings...not so much.
After reading Karin's advice for this week's challenge, I noticed one of the artists she mentioned, Doug Braithwaite is local to my area and having a workshop next month, so I decided to sign up. I had admired his work before, but her article gave me the needed push to take the workshop!
Since I would like to focus on landscapes for the summer months, the newest challenge for Following the Masters is...landscapes! Oddly enough, I really have trouble with them and would like to improve. So join me in the challenge and please leave a suggestion on what to paint for Challenge Four!

Walk on the Beach

2009-05-11T15:31:00.007-06:00

Walk on the Beach
after Sorolla
8x8” oil

Here is my finished painted for my challenge blog Following the Masters. It took me longer to complete this than I expected because (a) I underestimated the technique required and/or (b) I made it far more complicated that it needed to be! Next challenge begins Friday!

Thank you to James Parker and his mention of my blog in his wonderful Empty Easel article A Seed that Grows, Beyond Mere Art about our little online art community. With a busy week and on-again, off-again internet service, I haven’t been visiting many blogs lately but, like the subject of James’ article, I am very grateful for all of the wonderful of the friendships that I have made through blogging about art. I hope to get caught up on my visiting! :)

I have more gratitude to share…

I won this beautiful painting “Aspen” from Saundra Lane Galloway. She had a drawing from all of her followers and I was the lucky winner! Thanks Saundra! She is going to have another giveaway drawing as soon as she reaches her next goal of 50 followers.

Black Hat

2009-05-05T15:52:00.006-06:00

Black Hat
2.5x3.5"
oil, canvas mounted on masonite
SOLD

This month's theme for the ebay ACEO group is Hats. I painted this from a reference photo I saw on morguefile.com. I loved how glamorous and mysterious she seemed behind that black hat!
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Also, I will be running the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K on Saturday. If anyone would like to donate to this worthy cause, please click here!

Three Beagles - Sold

2009-05-04T19:15:00.004-06:00

Three Beagles - SOLD
12x16 oil on canvas
I finished my pet portrait commission and it only took me three tries to get it right! I had a difficult time with placement and lighting since they were from three separate photos.

Pet Portrait Progress

2009-04-30T14:37:00.004-06:00

Thank you for all your positive comments on my last post...you're all so kind and brighten my day! Right now I am working on this pet portrait commission that needs to be done asap so I'm painting as fast as I can!

I also wanted to thank Sheila Tajima for the wonderful painting that I won on her blog contest. It is now hanging on my wall and brightening up the room! It's even more magnificent in person. Thank you Sheila!

Petal Pusher

2009-04-28T16:06:00.003-06:00

Petal Pusher
12x16" oil on canvas

I was able to enjoy a nice little getaway for a few days down south. Since I got back, I’ve been trying to finish this painting for the local farmer’s market poster contest that is due tomorrow. The city art council said they were tired of fruits and vegetables and wanted more of a city theme (go figure!), so I thought I would try this scene from a reference photo I took at the farmer’s market a few years ago.

However, I have really struggled with it. I tried painting it in a different style, (more simplified), than I usually paint. I also started with a dark, blue-black canvas that I’ve seen others use and thought I might try too, but it threw me off completely and I think I overcompensated by making everything too bright! I didn’t really capture the look and feel that I was after.

Sorry I haven’t been visiting everyone’s blogs much lately, which I enjoy and have missed out on. I hope to have more time to visit after I finish up a pet portrait that I have been working on.

Three Amigos

2009-04-22T14:17:00.008-06:00

Three Amigos
6x6" oil on artboard
available

Although I have a few larger paintings that I'm working on, I managed to get this small "kitchen art" painting done today. Sorry, it's not the clearest photo. I'm getting ready to head out of town to Southern Utah for a few days for some warmer weather. So for now...hasta luego!

Earth Day Art Supplies

2009-04-20T13:56:00.006-06:00

I just ordered some paint supplies from jerrysartarama.com which included Gamblin's Torrit Grey. If you are not familiar with this color, it is made from the pigment dust gathered from their filtration system and instead of throwing it away, each year they recycle it by turning it into the color Torrit Grey. Each year produces a unique color and it is only available through the end of April in celebration of Earth Day. They also sponsor a painting contest every year where artists must use only Torrit Grey, black, and white.

You cannot buy it, but it is offered as a free with purchase. Currently Jerry’s Artarama is offering it free with the purchase of three tubes of Gamblin oils. Dick Blick has a similar offer of a free tube with a $45 purchase of any Gamblin oils.

Another product that is better for the environment and a favorite of mine is M. Graham’s Walnut Oil. Non-toxic and solvent free, it can be used as a replacement for turpentine or mineral spirits for cleaning brushes. It’s a wonderful medium for painting that is slow drying and non-yellowing. They also have an alkyd medium available if you prefer a quick drying medium.

Trying to Bloom

2009-04-15T15:53:00.006-06:00

Today...in my "garden"
l
I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
~ William Wordsworth
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Unfortunately, my daffodils are not dancing. They are trying so hard to bloom but are weighed down by the snow. I've seen everyone's lovely daffodil paintings last month but mine aren't ready yet for their portraits!

Eric Zchiesche painting demonstration
Last night I got a chance to get out and attend my local painting club and see some offline painting friends! A local artist, Eric Zchiesche (pronounced Z-She) gave a great painting demonstration. He is a very dynamic painter and interesting to watch. He also had a great personality and sense of humor which was very entertaining as well. I would love to be brave and quickly slap the paint on like that and have a finished painting in less than an hour !

Narcissus

2009-04-14T15:41:00.006-06:00

Narcissus
Study after J.W. Waterhouse
18x24, oil on canvas
Here is my painting for my challenge blog Following the Masters. It turned out to be more of a study than a "finished" painting. It was indeed a challenge! Who picked such a difficult painting anyway?! :). Pop on over and check out the great work by others. Tomorrow we will be starting on a new painting so stop by and see what we are going to paint next...and join in!

The Train Chasers...and Design a Bag Contest

2009-04-13T12:28:00.005-06:00
We spent Easter afternoon chasing the 844 steam engine as it went through our area. My son loves trains, especially steam engines (who doesn't?). Also, my grandfather worked for the railroad and rode on them. We live in Golden Spike country here and it's a rare treat to see.

Here's our little Youtube video...

Also, I found a fun contest on the food blog $5 dinners. It is sponsored by Kroger (and their family of stores). Design a bag and receive a free reusable shopping bag. Prizes are given to the winners with the most votes! You can stop by and vote for my bag design or design your own at designareusablebag.com. It's kinda fun!

Teapot

2009-04-10T13:39:00.005-06:00

Teapot
3"x3" oil

Well I guess I spoke too soon when I said it was spring and that I was "back". Yesterday, it snowed and I've been too busy to paint or blog, so I'm sorry haven't been able to get around to visiting your blogs. I'm trying to get ready for my daughter's birthday tomorrow (and Easter Sunday). In my family at this time of year we have a birthday every other week...we start getting really sick of birthday cake! :P

I did manage to get this little painting done for The Canvas Project 2. They mail you five small 3x3 inch canvases along with five different words and you are supposed to visually define each word on canvas. So this word is, of course, teapot. Now that I see it posted, it seems kind of uninspiring so maybe I'll have to fiddle with it more. The Art House Co-op is accepting sign-ups for the project until April 15th with entries due on July 1st if you are interested.

Gratitude

2009-04-07T18:57:00.007-06:00
Spring has finally sprung! So I've been able to get out of my hibernation mode. I took a blogging break to go visit friends and family and get caught up on a back log of work. But I have missed you all!

I awoke this morning to see that my lil pear painting on Every Photo Tells A Story blog. (A big THANK YOU to Nancy!) It is such a wonderful site if you are not familiar with it. I try my hand at an occasional haiku with mixed results. :P James Parker on the other hand is quite and storyteller and poet (if you didn’t know it!)… always clever and quite brilliant, that James.

I’m also grateful for the Passion for Painting blog award that I have received several days ago. A Big THANK YOU to Liz Holm as well as Deb, Nancy, and Maria for honoring me with this award!
I need to state 7 things I love and pick 7 other passionate painters according to the award creator Kim Ratigan. Kim Says "..these artists all pass on some of their passion in some way that resonates with me personally. So thank you for your spirit and energy, your creativeness and dedication, your technical abilities and openness to share..."

My Seven Loves:
1. My wonderful kids
2. My wonderful husband
3. My amazing friends
4. My amazing blogger friends (yes…you all know who you are!)
5. My cat, Figaro
6. Painting
7. Finally being able to live in my home and look out at all the wonderful views. (This crazy house took me and my husband a year to build and a lot of blood, sweat and tears!

Seven Passionate Painters/Artists:
1. Manon Doyle
2. Luke Maitland
3. Teresa
4. Thea Burger
5. Honor Martinez
6. Arthur Simo
7. Diana Marshall

Also...a big THANK YOU to Cathyann Burgess for the lemonade award which I hope to post soon! ((HUGS)) and happy creating to all!

Cupcake

2009-04-02T08:13:00.005-06:00

Easter Egg Cupcake
ACEO 2.5x3.5, oil
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I love cupcakes (who doesn’t?!) so I painted this from a photo provided at morgefile.com for the ebay ACEO group theme week “Eggs”. Each month, this group has a different theme. Last month I was blessed with the People’s Choice Award for my Walking on Sunshine ACEO painting. If you get a chance, go to ebay and type ACEO TW in the search to check out the great entries.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day….

Currently, the prevalence of autism is 1 in 150. When my son was diagnosed 15 years ago, it was reported as 1 in 10,000.
…Also, today is my birthday and it's a big one! No mid-life crisis for me...I'm gonna celebrate! :)

DSFDF Challenge - Beach

2009-03-31T23:09:00.007-06:00

4x12
oil on canvas
I finally finished the Different Strokes From Different Folks challenge, but felt like I muddled through it. I think I like the crop from the last post better. :)
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If your up for more challenges, I found a really fun challenge blog called The Virtual Painout. Every month Bill Guffey chooses a location to paint, then everyone uses Google streetview to find an area in that city to paint. I haven't participated yet, but I tried out the Google streetview to check out possible paint locations and it's a lot of fun.
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Also, please stop by my Following the Masters challenge and cast your vote on what to paint for Challenge Two!

a little behind

2009-03-30T15:56:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to say a quick "Hi" to everyone! I am not finished with the Different Strokes challenge because I am behind on everything and I've had little time to paint or blog! I'm trying really hard to get this finished in time!

Art for the Shelter Animals...and Toast!

2009-03-27T12:39:00.007-06:00

As you may know, Sheila Tajima and Carrie Jacobson recently started the blog Art for the Shelter Animals where they and others create works of art to help shelter animals. It is a lovely project that I hope to participate in soon.

Until then, I decided to donate a little to help fund their project (pay for canvases and supplies, etc.) so I received this special award from Sheila. Well, I told her I felt a little silly receiving an award for donating a few dollars when she has given so much of herself to this project (and to others), let alone the time it took her to create the award! She is so giving and truly an angel!

I hope you will all check out Sheila and Carrie’s blog and consider participating and/or contributing to their cause (there is a paypal donation button towards the bottom of the blog)…every little bit helps!

my little toast creation!
I found more proof (as if you need any!) of Sheila’s kindness and giving spirit on her blog and checked out the Bread Art Project . It’s a lot of fun to participate and for each piece of bread art you create, a dollar is donated to Feeding America and at no cost to you.
Also, I’m excited about a new commission that I’m starting on…three beagles! I’m currently working on the layout and composition, but I’ll keep ya posted.

Last but not least, I received an award from Liz Holm (a beautiful person that creates beautiful art!) that I will be posting on soon. Thank you Liz!

Through a Child's Eyes

2009-03-24T19:36:00.005-06:00

Through a Child's Eyes
5x7 oil on canvas board

Between family time and feeling a little under the weather the past few days, I haven't blogged or painted much. I decided to do a quick little painting study today to get back into the swing of things for the Windows to the Words challenge. I fell in love with this child's eyes! I would have like to finish this a little more since I don't think I captured him just right, but I'm behind on my other work so this will have to do for now!

Special Siblings

2009-03-20T09:44:00.005-06:00

11x14
Colored pencil on Stonehedge Paper

Sorry I’ve been away so long! Yesterday was my son’s 18th birthday. It is so hard to believe that he is all grown up! While I’ve still been painting here and there between my spring cleaning, I don’t have much to show for it and instead of showing you, yet another work in progress, I decided to post a colored pencil piece that I did about four or five years ago entitled Special Siblings. It is based on photo taken when my son participated in the Special Olympics several years ago. He won his race and received a medal. His wonderful little sister came over and wrapped her arm around him…looking very proud!

I’m still working on my Waterhouse painting for my Following the Masters challenge. There is still over three weeks until the deadline…plenty of time to join in! Also, today I’ve posted the “suggestion box” for Challenge Two, so please stop by and leave a comment of what you would live to paint to the next challenge.

Fishing in Jackson - Work in Progress

2009-03-15T11:29:00.004-06:00

Sorry I've been away for a while. Last week was my husband's birthday. I was trying to finish this painting for him in time, but I didn't succeed. It is of him fishing in Jackson, WY several years ago. I'm feeling stuck on the ripples in the water. I decided to post it to hopefully force myself to finish it and eventually post the completed painting. I'm afraid I am becoming the queen of the unfinished paintings...so I guess I better get to work!

Sushi - California Rolls

2009-03-11T12:30:00.007-06:00

California Rolls
6x6"
oil on wood artboard
Available

Here is my entry for the current Different Strokes from Different Folks challenge. Karin told us to follow our intuition when painting. My intuition was to paint such a simple subject with a little more detail than usual...but not over do it. So that is what I tried to accomplish. I did keep thinking "Yum!" the whole time I was painting this. I used to think sushi was just okay...
However a friend of mine loves sushi, so a group of us took her out on her birthday to a local sushi bar Tona and then I fell in love with it. A great combination...sushi, wine, and friends!

Oops! A little soy sauce "dripped" over the side. :)

Red Bull Art of Can

2009-03-10T13:52:00.005-06:00

Speaking of challenges...I recently came across the Red Bull Art of Can. There are some amazing entries from the past few years, many made out of cans, but there are also paintings. It appears they accept 2D and 3D art with very little rules or restrictions. Check out some of their fun creations...and if your up for the challenge, the deadline to register is May 15, 2009.