The Paper Sack Challenge

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Painting a brown paper bag can be more interesting than you'd think. It has structure and complex creases. It's opaque until you light it from the side and then parts become translucent. This challenge was made interesting because of the complex shapes and reflected colors. Thanks Don for an interesting and fun challenge. 

#1 Cat

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At my art show reception someone asked if I did cat portraits. I told them I'd never painted a cat and didn't feel comfortable doing so. So I made it a goal to learn how to paint cats.  I took this image from a free stock photo site. I know I have lots to learn and I'm not sure how I want to represent cats, but I know the more I do them the better I'll get. If anyone has a good photo of their cat with good overhead or side lighting (which helps define the shape), and is willing to share it, that would be great.

Pink Plate

This was the fourth attempt at painting this pink plate which I purchased at an antique shop. I thought there would be more pink passing through the plate, but there barely was any color. I placed it on a sheet of pink construction paper and tried to accurately get the reflections and shadows. Anything that would help it read as glass and give it form. 

Decorator's Know-How

Here's a small painting of mine tucked away in this little nook among yellow objects at Experience and Creative Design.  I'm pleased to have been part of their spring gallery show which just ended.

Bernese Mountain Dog

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Bernese Mountain Dogs are big dogs and are very special to their owners. I know them from working with a woman who raised them. Her's were show dogs and her female was bred with males across the country. They have sweet dispositions and this one looked happy at last fall's Fireplug-500-Walk for Animals. 

Amber Glass and Two Orange Slices

I haven't painted in almost two months and it wasn't all about getting ready for my show, although there was much of that. On Valentine's Day a family member passed away and he will be missed. I spent  time visiting my mother and wish we lived closer.
Taking time off from painting had its benefits. I reread The Art of Seeing and Painting by Henry Hensche. Many years ago I read it. I understand it at a different level now. He reminded me what painting is about, getting the color right, understanding colors in different and changing light conditions and not painting when tired. I'm going to try to find a place in my house with natural light and also step away from my painting when tired, to come back with fresh eyes.
I think I grew even though I feel out of practice. I'm anxious to get back to painting and lose myself in the process again.