Sunday, November 29, 2015

Oil Painting, "Down the Garden Path," 6x6, Oil on Canvas, Small Daily Painting



I wanted an Impressionistic look, so I painted this small painting with a very large brush. I restrained myself from putting in a lot of details, which is not easy for me. I painted this once before, but with detail, and I wanted to do a loosey-goosey one for a change.

I love paths in paintings--I always wonder where they lead. Guess what's at the end of this shady path? More shady paths. 

Carmen

Thursday, November 26, 2015

By the Jetty, 8x10 Oil Painting Seascape on Canvas Panel



I do many ocean vistas, but sometimes a closeup is fun. These waves were not crashing against the rocks, but they were caressing them, you might say. This was at Port Canaveral's Jetty Park, on one of those sunny, exhilarating days that just naturally fuel enthusiasm. 

Carmen

Monday, November 23, 2015

Wall Mural, River of Dreams, 12x9 feet


This was a pretty exhausting project, but at least I had a peaceful place to rest. I was still in my working clothes, so not exactly a fashion plate, but very happy with my completed mural.


The mural is in the soon-to-be-cafe in River Run Christian Church on Croton Road in Melbourne. "River of Dreams" is appropriate, because our Church dreams big and accomplishes wonderful things, like Thanksgiving dinners for the needy, our backpack program that sends food home on weekends for children in need, an active Food Pantry, and much more. River Run Christian Church rocks, and I'm not just talking about the music!

Carmen

Friday, November 20, 2015

Apple Collection, 8x10 Oil on Canvas, Mounted and Framed to 11x14





I painted five different varieties of apples for this one, then mounted them on board textured with acrylic paint and liquid medium. The artwork is 8x10 mounted in a 12x14 frame. On the back I attached a key showing the name of each apple variety. This is a perfect gift item for a kitchen.

Carmen


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Beach Scene, 20x7.5 Oil Painting Seascape on Panel, Framed



Here we are in the last throes of summer, never mind that it's November, and it's still hot. I am ready for Florida's perfect Winter to begin. I like this scene because people are looking so relaxed, and when on the beach people are always gazing at the ocean. You just can't help it. It keeps changing all the time, and you never know when you'll see something exciting--like a dolphin, or even a whale. I never understand those who say they don't like the beach or the sand. What's a little sand when you can be part of a view like this?

This painting is for sale framed.

Carmen


Friday, November 13, 2015

Wading at Sunrise, 10x8 Oil on Canvas, Seascape on Beach



Sunrises in Florida are glorious. The blues, purples and golds are astonishing, and I tried to capture that in this painting. This bird was just ambling along, looking for breakfast and enjoying another beautiful day by the sea. Need I mention that sunsets in Florida are also glorious?

Carmen

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Dawn, 6x6 Oil on Canvas, Sunrise with Palm Trees



With our gorgeous Florida skies, I barely have to move to be inspired. I can see beautiful sights right outside my window. I got a little wilder than usual with this one. 

Carmen

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Johnny, 12x16 Portrait of Cat, Oil on Canvas Pet Portrait


I was commissioned to paint this cat, and it reminds me of those corporate portraits; he is posing so seriously and looking like a CEO (Cat Executive Officer). I can just picture him at board meetings with his PowerPoint briefing on outsmarting the family dog...

Carmen

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Fall Sunrise, 20x20 Oil on Canvas Seascape, Beach Scene at Sunrise



I am so lucky to live across the street from the beach. I can leave stress, traffic, and noise, and in a few steps I am in a calming place, even when the surf is as big as this. It's like entering another dimension, and early morning makes it a very colorful one. 

Carmen

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Banyan Tree, 5x8, Pen and Ink Drawing in Cypress Gardens, Florida


My friend Kathy Garvey and I went to Legoland recently, which is on the site of the former Cypress Gardens. To our delight, Cypress Gardens is still there as a section of Legoland.

Cypress Gardens gave us an opportunity to sit, rest, and sketch in our journals. Above is the giant Banyan Tree that was planted in the 1930s. My drawing is only a small portion of the tree (see below). It's so big that paths wind through it.



There are no longer belles sitting around in big dresses, but there are some made of Legos.


When I was six years old Esther Williams made a movie at the Gardens and my mother took me there. Ms. Williams was sitting around with no makeup and no one noticed her but my mother, so I got to meet the star who inspired me to learn to swim. She was very nice, which made me love her even more.

Carmen