Two in a Day

"Earth Move"

Acrylic Abstract on Canvas Panel

8" x 10"

"Beauty"

Transparent Watercolor on Arches

8" x 8"

I really never thought I would do this, but today I painted a realistic watercolor painting and an abstract. I usually go through a period where I'm doing just abstracts or just realistics. This was a surprise to me. I was really pushing to get them photographed so I could post them today, and so the watercolor was taken outside on our front porch. Well, it is snowing today and some snow blew in as I was photographing. If you look closely you'll see the snow flakes on Beauty!! No, I didn't paint those in. I did have a moment of panic though as it was getting wet, but it did dry without any spots.

Breakthrough

I posted several weeks the first piece that I believe I will always remember as my breakthrough piece. It was one of those that when it was completed I was in awe. (I might say so where others in my household!) I've been painting everyday for the six months. That is how long it has taken for this to occur. I believe I now have just begun. If you go back several weeks in my blog you will see this one. It is entitled "Snow White" My sister-in-law saw it over Thanksgiving and just loved it. It just so happens that I drew her name, so that one will get framed and will be her Christmas present. Since then I've been painting some really nice pieces. Last week, I spoke about committing to a particular style. It seems to be that this style and subject matter has chosen me. I am going to start my own daily paintings on this blog. If at anytime you are interested in any one of these paintings, I can be contacted through my e-mail address.

It Takes A Village

I have received so much encouragement this week! It so easy to get down and discouraged especially when working on your own. Sometimes I can't believe I left a very good paying job to create art! Are you crazy or what?! and did you hear about the economy? When these times happen it always seems like the encouragers come out from sometimes the most unexpected places.
This last week from a student I now teach at home. It was as if the roles were reversed and she taught me. "You've got to do what you enjoy." My daughter who has found success in doing what she enjoys encouraged me with you've got to keep pushing through, keep working! My friend Dina who reminds me from time to time that she believes in what I'm doing. The occasional sale that occurs and then my wonderful husband. And most of all I thank God, creator and the master Artist. Thank you for encouraging!
And hey I got this watercolor painting done today- no title yet- you can see how it progressed from Saturday's blog.
Pretty excited about tonight we are going to a Jeremy Larson concert at the Randy Bacon studio in Springfield. I love his music! Perfect for the abstract painting.
I've started a new little shop with fun abstract paintings that I do. If your interested these can be found in my Etsy shop. I've been selling my flowers on E-bay. I need to get back to painting the abstracts on canvas, as well continuing with the watercolors. Maybe a new series with this flower. Any way my fun abstracts can be found on:
http://colorsplashes.etsy.com  SOLD

What's Up!

Sold
This week I finished painting and posting most all the abstracts I've painted for the new Etsy shop. I ended the week with this little abstract (not posted yet) and then I began another watercolor realistic painting. (posted on the far left. Not completed yet) What's up with that?! Two styles of painting that seem to be on opposite sides of each other.
I'm inspired by Georgia O'keefe and have been reading a biography of hers lately. This perhaps is helping to make some sense of it. At one point in her life she had given up on painting, when she was inspired by a certain teacher, that taught her it's more about making a beautiful space. It's how shapes are placed within a picture that express an idea. So, maybe more importantly is not style but design.
Last weeks abstracts are on Etsy. http://colorsplashes.etsy.com

First Blog "Purple Fall Iris"

Well here I am posting my very first blog. If you have happened to come across this by chance I hope that you will add me to your list to follow. I am new at this and a bit technology challenged, but I am learning. So please be patient as I learn how to manipulate and navigate through all this.

I've been painting seriously for several months now. When I say seriously I mean that I left(resigned) my position as a teacher in order to pursue a professional career in art. I know probably a not so smart thing to do given the present economy, but I had to follow my heart. So I took a big step in moving out in faith. I love to paint and create!

I've been working realistically and abstractly in acrylics and watercolors. I always seem to come back to watercolors though. I never thought flowers would be something that I would be interested in as subject matter. But after several mentions from others, I decided to work on a few flowers. In fact I thought it might be a bit boring, but I have really taken up a passion to work with them. I've been taking my own photos to work with, so that I genuinely can call my paintings original. I also wondered how this interest in abstract and realism would come together, and I am finding that I can bring the abstraction into the realistic process.

I love zooming in on the flowers to where they become abstract, but yet you can still recognized them as being a part of a flower. A Georgia O'Keefe type of thing. She began painting these huge flowers on canvases, because she believed that New Yorkers needed to take some time and notice the beauty around that was being missed by such a fast pace life. By making them so big they couldn't help but notice, and they became abstract. So, I've been working with this as well.

I'm working on a professional resume. I've raised a family and taught as a Art Educator for over a decade. I am beginning this blog in order to journal this new journey and to encourage others. I have sold a few pieces and it has totally blessed my heart to hear from those people about how much they like and appreciate my work.

This painting that I have posted is titled "Purple Fall Iris". I recently took this photo on an excursion to a nearby park here in Missouri the last few days in September. ( I now have enough photos to last all winter!) This purple iris was in full bloom and was absolutely gorgeous. This week I spent a few days on this painting. I was attracted to the background in this photo because it had these circles which were actually flowers in the background that were out of focus.

I would love to hear any comments you might have!