Mining For Lace

"Mining For Lace"
24" x 12"
Mixed Media on museum wrapped canvas

On this, my second painting in this series, I wanted to use lace, but I didn't want it to look frilly or girly. I wanted it to look like in order to get lace, you had to mine it, like one would mine gold or other precious substances.

I adore lace, so this is a statement piece for me. And it kind of looks like the lace-covered cowgirl boots I got over the weekend... well, they're not in these colors, but they are just as fancy.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Slice

"Slice"
12" x 12"
Acrylic and then some

I'm trying new things. New to me, anyway.  This one is in the style of Carol Nelson, a Colorado artist. I wanted to see if I could use her cruciform format and the Golden liquid colors I've come to enjoy on the past couple of paintings. I liked the process, but as I did it, other ideas flooded my head, as often happens when there are no parameters.  Oh, and the entire surface is coated in a layer of joint compound, carved and wrinkled under saran wrap before it dried.  

It was fun, but I'm pretty sure I'll keep exploring. I'll be going to a workshop in a couple of weeks, so it's good to loosen the shackles a bit.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Re-Arched

"Re-Arched"
9" x12"
Acrylic on canvas panel

I revisited the theme of arches and swirls again, and probably for the final time, at least for a while, tonight.  This time I used direct complements — red orange and glue green. White and black were used to change the shades, tints and tones.  

Thank you all who wrote to me during this experimental time. I appreciated your comments and encouragement. Now on to other things!

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Arched Again

"Arched Again"
8" x 10"
Acrylic on canvas panel

The comments about my first Arched painting were so encouraging that I decided to make another one. This time I limited my palette to a triad of blue violet, red violet and yellow. The elements remain the same, although in a different format. 

I am well, but thank you for asking.  I've been out of town, then   I entertained family members from Wisconsin and Michigan.  Painting was not a high priority, but it certainly feels good to be back in my studio tonight.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
Carolkeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Splat!

"Splat!"
12" x 12"
Acrylic on canvas panel

Despite the random appearance of this study in value, line and texture, I guided the rivulets across the canvas with the tip of a palette knife and an atomizer. There is a painting underneath the tributaries that I painted last night with the intention of glazing over it with gesso tonight. Once that dried, I set forth with the black and finally the red to finish the piece. It's a completely different palette for me, not to mention ... style.  I'm on an adventure!  Oh, and this time I will be making reservations, taking my camera and eating out.  I'll be back early next week. 

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
CarolKeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Camellia Blue

"Camellia Blue"
12" x 12"
Oil on wrapped canvas 

A year ago I went to a flower show in Chicago. I painted this white camellia from photos I took while there. Tonight I revisited that white camellia, sort of gray, actually, and gave her a makeover. She is theatrically stunning tonight. Ready for her closeup. 

The white camellia no longer exits as she did a year ago. I glazed over her with color in the style of a New York artist I found in an Art Expo Magazine.  Irina Gretchanaia  is the painter/source/inspiration of my new verve.  Our basic subject matter is the same, but now my flower has more... life.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
Carolkeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Arched

"Arched"
14" x 11"
Acrylic on wrapped canvas

I traveled during my absence, but by way of fever and illness, not to any place that involved reservations, tickets or my camera. Bronchitis caught me at the tail end of a cold and whipped my proverbial derriere.  This scene is reminiscent of where my fever took me while I lolled with bonbons and peeled grapes.   

Golden brand fluid acrylics, molding paste, and about half a dozen layers turned a lifeless grey canvas into something short of walking on its own.  I painted her to fit into a frame that is a weathered deep red, like the uppermost left hand corner of this piece. I wrestled and fastened her into the frame, where she's content for the time being. I hope to paint more like this one. The process was about as lively as the outcome! 

Carol 

Brushstrokes@comcast.net

CarolKeene.com

Dailypaintworks.com

Dailypainters.com