Thursday, April 30, 2015

Sea at Sunup, 8x6 Oil on Canvas, Seascape with Birds



There was golden light glittering on the water at the shore, and this time I did not use metallic paint. I like the cluster of little birds busily finding their breakfast. This is an 8x6 original oil painting, signed and ready to frame.

I returned from the doldrums today and I'm glad to be back. I painted, then went to the gym, which made me feel so much better. I was in the doldrums so long I started wondering what the etymology of that word was. Turns out it is an equatorial region of the Atlantic Ocean with calms, sudden storms, and light unpredictable winds. Just like where I live. Fancy that.

Carmen

Monday, April 27, 2015

Fairy Forest, 9x12 Abstract painting, Acrylic on Canvas Panel, Pink and Green



After painting two scrapers (paintings you don't like, so you scrape them off), I decided to do an abstract. Or two. I think I am in one of those artists' funks and I need a vacation. Anyway, an abstract is very liberating compared to trying to decide what's wrong with that nose and is that upper lip too big? When I reached the tipping point on the last painting, the decision whether to keep going or scrape, I realized that trying to save it would be no fun at all. Doing liquid acrylic abstracts was, on the other hand, quite enjoyable though messy. No one will ever see what used to be on that canvas.

"As my artist's statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance." -- Calvin and Hobbes

Friday, April 24, 2015

Touch of Gold, 18x24 Oil on Canvas, Portrait of Woman with Gold and Black



Here I go again with the gold. This is an 18x24 on stretched canvas, and I got to have fun with the gold paint again. 

This is a far cry from yesterday, which I spent painting a mural at our church. Sometimes I wonder if I have a problem with my art identity. I am like the knight who goes galloping off in all directions. Exactly what is my destination? What do I want to be when I grow up? There are just so many exciting things to try.

Carmen

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Red-Bellied Woodpecker, 8x6 Oil on Canvas, Bird Painting



Our painting group had a challenge last week to paint this cute bird. You'd think it would be called a Redheaded Woodpecker, but no, it has a spot of red way down on its belly, hence the name. 

We take turns assigning a weekly challenge, and while we are meeting that challenge an interesting phenomenon occurs. A hush falls over us. This is the only time this unusual occurrence happens, and only after two hours of complete concentration do we break into song (or sometimes, dance). This is followed closely by food consumption. This is why we live for Thursdays.

Carmen

Saturday, April 18, 2015

New Rosie, 12x9 Watercolor Painting, Illustration


Sold

This painting was part of a series of working people done for a pipefitters union. This one was my favorite. She reminds me of Rosie the Riveter as she does what is traditionally a man's job. I am so impressed that she makes a few fashion statements in spite of having to wear ugly overalls and those white gloves that are not going to be seen at any tea party. She has a hairdo, hair ribbon, and earrings. Rosie would be proud.

I'm racing against time this week, so I had to dig this out of my archives. This is a far cry from the sultry women I've painted recently, but I'll get back to that. I do like painting working people, who are the backbone of our country. 

Carmen

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Scarlet and Gold, 11x14 Oil on Canvas Panel



All that glitters is not gold, sometimes it's gold oil paint. I was so seriously studying landscape painting until I unscrewed the top of my gold paint. That started a chain reaction, and this week I am going to see the movie about a stolen Klimt painting, so the fires will be stoked again. I want to get back to the Roaring Twenties too. So many ideas, so little time...

Carmen

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Flapper, 8x10 Mixed Media on Canvas Panel


This was an enjoyable project for a special event: the Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum Gala to be held in Montgomery, Alabama on May 2nd. I began this piece by ordering Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This was a selfish act, since I had not read the book. I found a photo of a woman dressed like a flapper but I took 20 pounds off when I drew her, because in the 1920s everyone was thin. The Roaring Twenties were known for excess, but everyone was thin. No McDonald's, no Cheesecake Factory, no Olive Garden--you get the picture.

Anyhoo, I collaged pages (ones I had read, of course) onto a canvas panel, then I painted the figure in acrylic over it. I may do more of these; I love Roaring Twenties art and Fitzgerald's writing has me hooked, so I'm quite inspired. Another shiny object to chase. 

Carmen



Sunday, April 5, 2015

Glitterati, 18x24 Oil on Canvas



I used metallic gold paint on this one, and I am very pleased with the result. It's shiny gold, a bit Klimptish, just as I wanted. Or perhaps the term would be "ForKlimt." heh heh. This is not a daily painting; it's larger than usual, and quite a departure from my landscapes and seascapes. Just browsing through my blog, you might think I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. This one with its gold is truly what you'd call (as Cindy Michaud would say) chasing shiny objects.

This original is available on Saatchiart.com. 

Carmen

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Pinwheel, 8x6 Abstract Painting, Oil on Canvas, Original Art


Click to Purchase

I'm off an an abstract tangent now. I wanted motion in this one, and I think I got it. The background is creamy white, though it may look pale yellow on some monitors. 

Here are a couple of the giclees I have for sale in my shop. Click on the titles for sizes and prices. They are printed on high-quality canvas and look just like the originals.