Oranges in Bowl

I'm happy to end the month with a post of a painting that came easily and that I enjoyed doing.  Sometimes I think it's obvious when it works out that way.  I plod along until it comes back to me. The "it" being a fluidity and right color choices. Sounds very cryptic.
I was able to take an image of this painting just before the rain started to come down hard. It's the start of Hurricane Sandy and I hope all those affected stay safe and dry.

The Sky's the Challenge

 This week's DPW Challenge theme is "The Sky's the Challenge".  I periodically paint landscapes but not enough. I have to put on my painting to-do list to take more workshops. There are some wonderful plein air artists and teachers in my area. This is a view of the Mohawk River.

Know One's Onions

As the title of this painting implies, to "know one's onions" is to be knowledgeable about something. I don't claim to be knowledgeable about painting or onions but I do feel like I understand perseverance. I'm happy with my painting, so at last it's time to find different things to paint.

Onion Slices

Yellow onions are quite a challenge to paint. I really had to push the color, temperature and values a lot and still I could have done more.  It's the kind of thing that you have to work at. I know I'll paint onions again but I won't slice them and have them sit under hot lights. You can guess why.

Bowl of Honeycrisp Apples

I try to draw a little every day but more often than not I don't. Some days I work out my compositions on paper but then feel I've spent more time than I wanted to with my daily paintings. But today I realized why not combine the two. I can practice drawing and get to know my subject better. I think it's a win-win situation.

Monkey Fun

Ok I think I know what you're thinking. Not another toy. I promise this is my last one.  I have no more to paint. In a strange way they challenged my idea of whether they show or elicit emotion? I decided this monkey does and so I've submitted it to the DPW "Emotion" Challenge. Monkey Fun is an homage to childhood.

Sad Dog Toy

Here's another painting for the DPW "Emotion" Challenge. It's my Sad Dog Toy painting.  Toys are a strange thing to paint, on the one hand you want to have fun and on the other you want to make a good painting. This little toy makes me want to squeeze his belly.

Little Lion and Ball

Last week when I was away I went looking for toys to paint. I found this lion, a monkey and a sad looking dog. I plan to paint all three individually and once I've collected more I'd like to do a grouping. They're all so cute and make me feel happy. Silly isn't it for a grown woman.

Little Red Pearl Onions

Here I am again in the fray. It's been 9 days since I last painted and I'm a little rusty. I'll have to paint until I feel like I've regained some kind of control. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Anyway, I found this lovely little green fluted dish and with these little red onions I decided to just jump in.