Sunday, April 28, 2013

Saratoga Spring

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My new gallery, Spa Fine Art  in Saratoga Springs NY, has asked me to feature their local bottled water in some of my still life paintings. Of course, it was its natural mineral springs, once thought to cure all sorts of ailments that first put Saratoga on the map. This wonderful little town still has a few spas which include treatments with the local water, but it is best known today for its horse racing and in summer, as home to New York City Ballet. Most importantly, it is where my wonderful daughter, Edwina, has spent the last four years as a Studio Art Major at Skidmore College. She graduates in just a few weeks and then, watch out art world!!!

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Daffodils with Bottles

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I have a lovely crop of daffodils this year growing outside my front door. I swear that every time I walk by them I can hear them screaming, "paint me, paint me!" They certainly do make very cooperative subjects - heads held high, draped in bedazzling color and compliments to my blue bottles. The only downside to these yellow marvels is their short life span, just about two weeks. I am painting as fast as I can!

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Opening Up

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I am making little studies of the blooms on my Easter lily plant. The are a beautiful irony:  delicate, even vulnerable, yet tall and strong. While painting them, their heavenly scent just hangs heavy in the air.  I plan to paint out-of-doors in a few weeks, and hope to paint lots of flowers. My Easter lily is getting me in "shape" for this upcoming plein aire, alla prima challenge.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Demitasse in Blue

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I have certainly worked this still life set-up to death, but I don't care, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Honestly, when I find an arrangement of objects that "works," I think it is a good idea to get as many variations from it as possible. It helps me get a better handle on painting, in this case, the apples, the bottle, the orchids and cup. Overall, I am very satisfied with my "orchid series."

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Tall Lilies

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Okay, so I figured out how to work a tall Easter lily into a still life set-up. Put it on the floor! I am very happy with this composition and like working on a 12"x 24" panel. The shape forces new and interesting placement especially if worked as a vertical. Okay, so now, before these beautiful lilies fade, I plan to do smaller studies of the blooms themselves.