Oahu Beach Triptych

Section 1 (left side) 23" X 25"

A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ trip-tik; (from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχοs ("three-fold"), from tri-= "three" + ptysso= "to fold") is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections.

I am starting a huge project- a watercolor triptych of a beautiful beach on Oahu.  The reference photo was taken by my beautiful daughter in law of the beach she goes to on base (Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB).  The total width will be 100" across and 23" high. Usually, what I call a large watercolor is 18 X24".  This is definitely a new challenge for me!  I am starting with the end sections to get the feel of it (besides, I am terrified of the 50" wide center piece- reloading my brush in the midst of painting water, etc.).

reference photo - Hickam Beach

Water Babies

'Water Babies'

9X12 Watercolor

This watercolor was pure fun to paint!  I loved the photo and was painting it for a friend.  I got the photo from a friend- of her twin grand babies taking a swim.  I loved the perspective- and who doesn't LOVE cute, chubby baby legs?  It reminded me of when my boys were babies, and I enjoyed every minute of this painting.  This watercolor has gone off to a wonderful home, and I am already trying it in a larger size (18X24) just for the fun of it.

New Watercolor : Childhood Skyline Memories

Childhood Skyline Memories

9X12 Watercolor

We moved to Long Island in 1993, when both of our boys were  very young.  The first thing we did, was go to New York City- and take the trip out to the Statue of Liberty.  No matter how many times you see it, the Statue is an awesome sight!  

This watercolor is painted from a photo I took that day of the boys looking back at the New York skyline from Liberty Island.  Looking across New York Harbor, you see Ellis Island and the fantastic skyline of New York City. No matter how many photos I have taken since (and there are thousands) this is one of my very favorites.  One reason is that it reminds me of three things-

1. our big move from California to New York

2.  how much fun raising 2 little boys can be

3. how glad I am that we got to see the skyline as it was-

including the Twin Towers

Ben's Dogs- Watercolor

Hurricane & Berserker

watercolor 9X12

I have had some family things going on lately and was away from home much of the time- so not much painting being done.  I have managed to fit in a few new paintings, and this is one of them.  My daughter in law posted a photo of their sweet puppies on Facebook and I knew I had to paint them.  They were in the car waiting to be let out to play- I just loved the faces and the way the sun was shining on them.  They aren't actually puppies anymore, but that is how I think of them.  They are both "scary" breeds, but couldn't be sweeter!  Now I find myself in the mood to paint more dogs- maybe another watercolor of my own sweet standard poodle.

Sand Dollar Trio- Original Watercolor

9X12 watercolor on 140 lb. cold press

More beach watercoloring- I can't seem to help it with our winter staying in the 60's and 70's.  It just feels like summer! I walk 3-4 miles by the beach every morning and have many photos to paint from.  I feel like I need to paint something different, but this is what motivates me these days.  Soon, I will move on (at least in temporary spurts) and mix in other painting subjects.  I am going to take my artistic motivation wherever I can get it- and these days, it is the beach!  These sand dollars were really fun for me to paint since I really get caught up in the tiny details- that explains all the grains of sand I added. The main challenge for me was to use a light hand to shade these sand dollars- to keep them light in color, but not completely white.

Watercolor Postcards

I have had this pad of blank watercolor paper postcards and this seemed like a good time to paint on some of them.  It is a good way to paint a variety of things- and the small scale means that you can paint quite a few in a day.  A fun painting day, and now I have a new batch of postcards ready for when I want to send one.

Scallop Shell Trio Watercolor

Scallop Shell Trio- 9X12 on 140 lb. cold press

I am in a beach painting state of mind lately, and the shells and beach glass are getting me back in practice.  I decided that the easiest way to get back to painting would be with the simple objects- and beach finds are something I have in abundant supply.  The variety of colors and all of the little details make for good practice without a lot of pressure to produce a perfect painting.

These scallop shells are from Long Island- Fire Island to be specific.  Walking the beach on Fire Island is amazing when you are a serious beachcomber.  One beach has mostly clam shells, and a mile down the sand, there are zillions of scallops.  If you are having a GREAT day, you find some beach glass to add to your sandy treasures.

I found a new beach today(new to me) that was beautiful, but not much in the way of shells.  Right in the shadow of Mugu Rock, next to Point Mugu Naval Base.  I found a few pretty little shells and 4 pieces of beach glass.  A little extra exercise to add to my 3 miles at sunrise- along with some nice photos made it a good trip.  Who knows? Maybe a future painting in one of those photos.

Beach Glass Watercolor - 9X12

Beach Glass Watercolor

140 lb cold press- 9X12

beach glass detail

I am really trying to get back into a painting routine, and think I have finally gotten a start.  I haven't painted much at all since starting the moving/relocation process and I am definitely ready for some creativity!  About a week ago, I got out my palette, and a pad of watercolor paper and got nowhere.  Sometimes, I think the most difficult part of painting is thinking of WHAT to paint and getting focused.  Yesterday I sat down with a plan to just paint a few small watercolors and to paint things I enjoy painting.  Well, with a pile of beach glass and sea shells in front of me- it worked!  Sometimes, artistic mojo and too much thinking just don't mix.  After I relaxed and didn't worry about painting a masterpiece- I just had fun.  Now to find (and keep) my artistic mojo- wherever it may be.

Vintage Baby Shoe

9X12 Watercolor on 140 lb cold press paper

I had so much fun painting my boys' baby shoes that I wanted to continue with the same idea a bit longer.  My mom gave me hers to paint, and also my own.  Then, I will probably move on!  Sometimes, I just get into a fun painting groove and like to stick with it.  I did take a break from the shoes to paint the baseball watercolors, so its not really an obsession yet. I also love the idea that my mom wore this shoe in 1936- a fact she might not love me advertising, along with calling this a "vintage baby shoe".  Nothing to worry about, Mom- my baby shoes are also vintage!

Baseball Themed Watercolors

I love baseball and during baseball season, I practically plan my life around SF Giants baseball!  Love to watch the games and the best part is that I can paint while they are on.  It is best when they win, but that isn't always the case- case in point- yesterday.  The Giants aren't scoring many runs (and they are usually in the last two innings) so it is amazing they win as often as they do.  They are in first place in the NL West.  Enough about that...

These watercolors are a baby gift for the newest boy in our family.  My wonderful nephew and his equally wonderful wife recently had a baby boy.  The baseball theme was a special request for a little art over his crib.  These were both fun to paint, especially since I think they will like them.  I am going to paint Jameson's name and birth date on the base ball- I think it will look good painted like a signed baseball instead of just printing it.  What do you think?

California Poppies Watercolor

I painted this watercolor for my mom.  I think I have to give her credit for my love of California Poppies.  She loves them and we grew up with them growing in the yard outside.  Now, I have them spread around my garden- blooming right now.  Although I have painted many poppy paintings for her- watercolors, acrylics, oils- this is probably my favorite.  This watercolor is 16X20 on 140lb cold press paper. 

Vintage Sand Pail Watercolor- "Pig Family at the Beach"

I collect vintage sand pails and I think that probably makes me crazy, but whatever.  For some reason, I am drawn to all kinds of vintage items- I just love the history.  Sand pails are particularly interesting to me because I love the colorful designs. I can justify (or at least try to) buying them, since I paint them- sort of a "business expense".  Of course I am only kidding about that, and nobody (especially my husband) buys that as an excuse!  I am not as crazy as some of these collectors who will pay hundreds for them- I only buy them if they are a GREAT deal(in the tens, not the hundreds) and I REALLY love them.  I got this one for $35 at an antique barn on Long Island AND it included the shovel.  The rusted edges only make it more interesting to me to paint.

This watercolor is 18X24" on 140 lb. cold press paper - rough surface.  The sand pail is a vintage (1940's, I think) T.Cohn pail. It was completely fun to paint, and I often go back to painting these sand pails when I just want to paint for fun, and for me!

Wine Cork Watercolor- Parador "Castle"

I haven't gotten any painting done and realized it has been a week since my last post!  I have been waiting for my face to stop hurting after an especially "uncomfortable" 3+ hours at the dentist last Friday.  I was going in for an extraction and thought I'd be a little uncomfortable for a day or so and back to painting. Wrong.  Be very wary if you ever need to have a tooth pulled that has had a root canal.  Brittle roots- need I say more?

I did this cork watercolor a few weeks ago for #47 in my 100 Paintings Challenge.  I love the castle stamped on the cork.  I don't know if it represents the winery or another castle, but I loved it.  It is always a surprise to get a great cork, since you can't see it until you have opened the bottle.  I haven't been to this winery yet, it was a nice delivery from our Napa wine club.  The wine was very good, so it isn't all about the great cork!  Just a bonus if you are an artist with a thing for painting corks.

Fun with Watercolors and ACEOs

ACEO, ATC, whatever you call them- they are fun to paint!  These papers are 2.5 X 3.5 inches.  They just seem like pure fun to paint since you don't have a large piece of watercolor paper in front of you waiting to turn into a "serious" painting.  I have also been trying out the canvas ACEO papers for oil paints.  I have been seeing many artists on Etsy putting these tiny paintings in their shops and decided to give them a try.  I painted more of them, but didn't want to post too many at once, so will post more later. I found some small frames just the right size for them, and if you are like me, you probably like your paintings more once they are matted or framed.  The small size is also just right for painting two of my favorite subjects- wine corks and sea shells!

Wine Bottle Watercolor

Watercolor and ink on 9X12 140 lb cold press paper

When I saw this wine bottle on the store shelf, I knew I had to at least try to paint it.  How could I resist?  So fun and colorful and full of tiny details.  Well, there were quite a few times when I almost just gave up thinking I had taken on too much.  There were details on the label that I hadn't even noticed until I started to paint!  The artist that designed this label is so talented.  As usual, when I took a few steps back from the watercolor, I liked it more than up close.  I need to do that more often- when we paint we are too close to the painting to really look at it.  I left out a few of the tiniest details and that was the key- knowing when to stop.  I did decide to add the wine glass when I was finished with the bottle and it seemed to need something else.  When I added the ink outlining (on the label) with my rapidograph, it really helped make the details stand out.

This was one of those times that leaving the background white seemed right to me so I just added the shadows.

I forgot to mention the bonus- the wine IN the bottle was really quite good.  I was buying the bottle anyway- it wasn't the least bit important to me how good the wine was.  Sometimes, it is just about the label.  The cork was even worthy of painting, with the elephant on the end!

Blood Oranges on Silver Tray- Watercolor

Blood Oranges on Silver Tray  9X12 Watercolor

I finished this watercolor and posted it to the 100 Paintings Challenge, but never got it posted here.  Not exactly organized, I guess.  I have had fun with a few watercolors this last week, and have a few more to post in the next few days.  We got hooked on Blood Oranges while on vacation in Italy and didn't realize how difficult they are to find here in California.  Apparently, they are only in season for a short while.  Needless to say, we buy them up in large quantities when we come across them at the store- they are delicious and the colors are beautiful.  I set them on this silver tray since I am always wanting to paint reflections.  I even had to polish the tray, but it was worth it!

"Cape Disappointment" 18 X24 Watercolor

Cape Disappointment 18X24 Watercolor

Seaside and beach scenes are among my favorites to paint, and although they are usually photos I have taken- this one is not.  I saw it in a magazine quite a few years ago and really wanted to paint it.  This beautiful place is called Cape Disappointment and is located on the coast of Washington where the Columbia River empties into the Pacific Ocean.  I just know this is a place I could live!

I know I have just drawn 2 new watercolors that are ready to paint, but I got sidetracked and wanted to finish this one.  I have quite a few unfinished watercolors on the end of my painting table in my studio and, sometimes, I am in the right mood to actually finish one or more.

Thanks for visiting!

So Ready For Spring!

I am so ready for Spring!  I start to run out of patience at this time of year, due mainly to those few gorgeous days that get thrown in among the cold, rainy ones!  After I get a few nice days in a row, I start to get fooled into warm weather thinking.  I love to garden and spend many hours outside during the non-winter months.  One of the main reasons I like gardening and being in the yard, is the never ending supply of painting subjects and motivation!  First, I have plenty of clean up to do out there due to basically ignoring the flower beds and vegetable garden for months.  After the pruning and cleaning and adding a new layer of mulch- its off to the nursery.  I love to go to the nursery and happen to have one that I love very nearby.  I do not need any more plants, but that never stops me from filling up my jeep with as much as it will hold. Even though I recently got a fun (but small) convertible- my gardening habit insures my jeep a spot in the driveway for as long as it runs.  There are always spots for new plants, and they are all possible future watercolors!  

Watercolors- Ready for Summer!

Can you tell I am ready for summer to get here?  Where I live (in a valley in California) we get hit with foggy days much of the winter.  I don't mean hazy fog.  I am talking about the kind of fog they use in creepy movies.  The kind of fog that means you can't see 5 feet into your yard.  No sun for days.  Well, we saw the sun the other day and now I got a taste of what is coming- just not soon enough! I opened up windows to get some fresh air in the house after a winter of being closed in with the heater running.  

So, now I am already planning my first trip to the nursery-first of many.  I can't wait to start spending days in the garden- even though the first days will be spent doing all the dreaded spring clean-up and pruning away dead branches.  And, of course there will be the beach days!  

I am dealing with my Spring Fever by painting the beach.  I have said it before, but here it is again- I miss Long Island's beaches!  We have nice beaches here in California also, but the main problem is that they are more like an hour away now instead of the 15 minute drive on Long Island!     

Watercolors- Trip to Paris

After spending the last week painting with oils, I took some time for watercolors.  I am doing The 100 Painting Challenge (http://www.100paintingschallenge.com/) and my understanding is that we should stick to one medium- and I started with watercolor.  These are #25 and #26 of my 100, so I need to keep up with them.  I love working with oils also, so I tend to go back and forth between the two mediums- mixing in some acrylic paintings along the way.  
The reference photos for these watercolors  were taken during a fun week in Paris a few years ago.  My husband was there on business, so I had some time to wander around and take pictures while he was working.  There are bakeries and pastry shops (boulangeries/patisseries) on every street like the ubiquitous delis and bagel shops on Long Island.  Lucky Long Islanders.  I loved looking at all of the beautiful and delicious (I sampled more than a few) items in the display cases!  I am sure they thought I was crazy for taking pictures of these tasty treats, but everything is a possible future painting- something my fellow artists would agree with.  The photos for these were taken on the Rue St. Dominique and Rue Cler-  two of my favorite places of the many wonderful areas in Paris. 


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