Cherry Blossoms in D.C.

"Cherry Blossoms in D.C."
6" x 14"
Oil on hardboard 

My sister visited Washington, D.C. a couple of weeks ago and sent photos of her trip to me. This was one that appealed to my sense of warmth and springtime.  Thank you for sending warmth my way, Dee. 

Dailypaintworks.com has featured four of my paintings this month as their Facebook pick of the day. I'm delighted to receive that honour, even though I'm not on Facebook, myself.

And, the Blick Spring Sale Catalog came out today.  Once again I'm one of their featured artists.  I have two pieces on page 60, yes, the same page as the regular Spring Catalog. This catalog is not online.

Carol

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Potted Purple Pansy

"Potted Purple Pansy"
24" x 24"
Oil on hardboard 

On my way into the grocery store yesterday I passed racks of potted pansies. On my way out I pulled out the camera that I always carry with me and photographed a few of them.  When I got home and imported them into iPhoto I realized that a few to me meant 62 images of pansies.  A few are good enough to use as subject matter.  My brain knows how many shots it takes to get a "few."  

Carol

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Day's End

"Day's End"
10" x 13"
Oil on hardboard 

It had been beautiful and fun; the kind of day you hoped would last forever, but, alas, it came to an end, anyway. I wondered why I couldn't just stay in it, locked forever in the joy of that day that seemed to be crafted just for me. There will be more like it, I'm sure.  

This sky is obviously larger than my collection of six-inch skies, and just as lovely as any of the little guys. Size doesn't matter when it comes to quality.  

Carol

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Winding

"Winding"
10" x 14"
Oil on hardboard

A ribbon of blue wound through the lowlands at the base of the hill where I was standing. It glistened as it rippled and tickled the indigenous flora on its banks. 

Today was a landscape-kind-of-day.

Carol

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Big, Fat Peony

"Big, Fat Peony"
14" x 14"
Oil on hardboard 

 

She was a beauty, this big, fat peony. I found her hiding her girth in the shadows of one of my favourite gardens that spring afternoon.  She was no spring chicken, but heading into her golden years, edges fraying, and about as full-blown as she would get. I loved every bit of her roundness, her vitality and her personality! She had all the young buds bobbing in the sunshine.   

Thanks to those of you who wrote to me when you noticed I had not posted in a few days.  I've been painting house portraits, but I took a break from them to delight my spirit by doing this painting.

Love to you,
Carol

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Promised Serenity

"Promised Serenity"
24" x 20"
Oil on hardboard

I gazed toward the distant shore and knew that my kayak would glide effortlessly through the reflections and ripples dancing on the surface. I'd soon reach the haven where my spirit could rejuvenate and refresh. That small island held the promise of serenity.  

This is a commission piece that I painted today.  I hope it brings its new owners as much peace and serenity as I experienced while painting it.

Carol

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Verve

"Verve"
24" x 24"
Oil on wrapped canvas 

When I talked with my friend about painting this hibiscus from a photo I took at the Lincoln Park Conservatory on Monday of this week, my concern was entirely about maintaining the verve I had captured in the photograph. I do believe I did it! 

Today was a rainy day in Chicagoland. Okay, we had 4" of rain today, so it was a perfect day to paint ALL day. I began this at eight o'clock this morning and finished it at eleven o'clock tonight.  "Alla prima." In one sitting, wet on wet.  I ate, meditated, napped and ate again, but that is all I did once I began. I love rainy days.  

Carol

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