Blue Bowl and Flower

I imagined the highlight of the composition in this painting would be the new blue bowl, but it turned out to be its blue reflection inside the vase. In person, if not in this photo, the vase has the look of water inside it. I'm always happy when the unexpected happens.

Olive on the Deck

This is the second and the last painting of Olive. She goes home in a couple of days. There is something to be said about actually having this little girl on site when painting. The colors can be more vibrant. The problem is, I'm always seeing more I want to put down. 

A quote by S.D. Chrostowska, "Among the untaught and unteachable skills that serve to illuminate art we can count the sense of completion: knowing exactly when to step back from a work." I have to thank my husband again for this quote and he reminds me that no matter what form of art you engage in, the importance is knowing when to stop.

Olive

I'm dog sitting Olive, my neighbor's long-haired Chihuahua mix. 

I did a drawing and then an oil painting of her.  

I hope my painting has done her justice because she's been a wonderful house guest.

Blue Cup, Purple Bowl and Cherries

I've been painting, but I'm trying to hold myself to a higher standard so less paintings are making it out of my studio. I guess that's the natural course of things? I don't mind posting less because when I look back at my blog, I'm happier with how things look.