Thursday, July 31

Hollyhocks

"Hollyhocks"
6" x 6"
Acrylic on hardboard
Hollyhocks were prevalent in Door County. I love their spiky stalks of color and the shape they afford in a composition.  I grew up with hollyhocks in the yard, but haven't seen many in recent decades.  I photographed several, so you'll see them popping up over the next few weeks.  

As promised, this is a new way of handling my knife painting. I "squeegeed" the paint as I applied it to the black background. It took courage, but I did it… to some extent. The next time won't be as terrifying.  Or if it is, I know I won't die trying.

Carol

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

Wednesday, July 30

Delphiniums

"Delphiniums"
6" x 6"
Acrylic on hardboard
After painting delphiniums for the competition, I decided to give it another try, close up this time.  It was fun, but in my next painting, you'll see that I'm trying a new style with my knife paintings.  

I bought Julie Ford Oliver's video on how SHE uses her knife. I tried it today and think with a bit of practice, I'll be wielding my knife with a little more finesse.  She's the master (mistress) in my book.  Thanks for making your video, Julie. It was fab!

Carol

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

Tuesday, July 29

Maritime

"Maritime"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard
A swath of rain dashed against the water across the bay. The small storm was heading away from where I planned to be, so it didn't much matter to me, except that it was subject matter. 

I've spent most of a week living near large bodies of water — Green Bay and Lake Michigan. I've loved the carefree absence from my normal life and the visuals that I seldom really see. I've asked to stop and back up many times during this week so that I could document subject matter along the way.

Carol

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

Monday, July 28

Del-FUN-ium Daze

"Del-FUN-ium Daze"
10" x 8"
Acrylic on hardboard

I was in a plein air competition on Saturday up in Door County, Wisconsin.  It was the Saturday "Quick Paint" portion of a week-long benefit for the Peninsula School of Art. After a four and a half hour drive, I found my spot to paint as we rolled through town on the way to our hotel. I photographed it in the dark and dreamed about how I'd handle the composition come morning. 

I got my panel stamped, set up my gear and spent most of the two-hours painting this scene. I wanted to paint two paintings, but they looked at me like I was nuts. I guess nobody asked that question before.  I was done and tweaking well within the ordered time, before the horn sounded to announce the end.

The forty invited artists' work was auctioned off in the culmination of their weeklong effort.  Sixty-five of us non-invited artists framed and displayed our work for sale in a tent on the grounds of the art school.  Guests were lined up for a block and a half to get in to see the art. This piece was the second one of the evening to sell. The woman who purchased it told me she got there early to make sure she would be the one to buy it.  It was a lovely way to end a week of travel, painting, and making new friends.

Carol

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

Sunday, July 27

Sherbet Fluff

"Sherbet Fluff"
5" x 5"
Oil on hardboard 
It was the morning of our trip.  We got up early, loaded the car and drove into a sunrise that looked like something one would eat at a baby shower.    

I hadn't painted fluffy clouds in a while so it seemed like something I should do.

Carol

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

Saturday, July 26

Evening Warmth

"Evening Warmth"
6" x 6"
Oil on hardboard
It was if someone had stained a part of the sky with crushed raspberries. 

I'm back up in Door County at the Plein Air Festival. Today anyone is invited to paint with the "big boys."  Gallery owners will be looking at the art as we make it, so I'm where I want to be.  Wish me well!

Carol

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

Friday, July 25

Lazy Evening Flames

"Lazy Evening Flames"
6" x 6"
Oil on hardboard
The colors waggled overhead like a fire too lazy to lick the underside of a log. They would peter out before igniting even the driest kindling. And you know, they did just that — flickered and extinguished themselves into night.  

I hadn't painted a sky in a while, so this colorful one was my choice.

Carol

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