And the winners are...

Congratulations to;

Claire Beaden Carnell of http://clairebcarnell.blogspot.com/

Cindy C.

and Susan of http://penlesswriter.blogspot.com/!

Please send your address to sunnybrookdotsevenatgmaildotcom. And I will get the packages right out to you.

P.s. in the email address please use the numeral for the number and a . for dot. Keeps down computer generated spam!

P.s.s. for those that have been following, mom is doing well and should be out of the hospital tomorrow.

Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds # 4

This painting is not from any photo, but just from what I pulled from my memories, as are all the rest of this series. I took several different pictures of this painting trying to get one without glare from the wet paint.

What scents, sounds or memories does this painting bring to your mind? I remember as a child, taking part in the Christmas programs at church , and later on as an adult, helping children learn their parts in the Christmas programs.

(closer up, but a little fuzzy)

"The Reason for the Season"
Oil on 3 x 4 mini stretched canvas

Remember to leave a comment to be entered in the drawing for my

Christmas give away!

Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds

Christmas Painting #3

Oh this is fun! Remember the distinct sounds of bells... and the song about.......

"Silver Bells"

3 x 5 Oil on stretched canvas

Don't forget to leave your comments to be entered in the give-away!

Read about it ~here~

You may leave a comment on each Christmas painting post to be eligible,

and each time you comment puts your name in the "hat" again.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Painting Challenge for Me and a Gift for One of YOU!

I started a new simple series of small paintings called

"Christmas Scents, Scenes and Sounds"

I don't know how many I'll get done before next Tuesday, but I am challenging myself. There are 2 posted now and hope to get several more added. Check it out if you have time and want to see them.

I will be giving one away for Christmas.
The plan is to draw a name from all the comments posted on the

Christmas paintings.

If you comment more than once, your name will go in as many times as you comment. The drawing will be on

Dec 15th.

My daughter will be here to do the drawing. She will notify the winner and you can send your address to my email. She will get it mailed out to you. This helps me, as well as gifting someone else, because it gives me a reason to paint.
So keep checking back... this should be fun!

Christmas-y Stuff

Christmas painting #2

This is one of the many old-timey ornaments I have made. I love the smell of cinnamon and spices along with the evergreen scent of real pine trees, and the highlights from the white twinkle lights.

"Cinnamon-Stick Bundles"

5 x 7 Oil on canvas board

A 20 Min Exercise ... Christmas Painting #1

I have been disappointed with my painting lately, to the extent of just burning some partially finished works. They made good, but expensive heat in the wood-stove. (sigh)I knew in order to keep from being totally discouraged I had to keep painting, even if it was a small one.

I relate this time in my life to being in a snow storm right now, but the light of Christ will bring me through.

"For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him"

Matt. 2:2

3" x 4 1/2" Oil on stretched canvas

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!

.... just something different yesterday,

resulted in......

"Now, children......"

8' x 10" oil on canvas panel

(available)

My "Happy Thanksgiving Day" card

to all of you!

Late Summer Painting Finished - Energy Lake II

I had started this painting on site late in August, but was not able to finish at the time. I love this peaceful lake and campground at GoldenPond , KY. It has been sitting in my studio ever since and beckons me whenever I go there. So here it is finished.

"Memories"

11" x 14" Oil on canvas panel

(Close-up) I actually almost like this section of it better than the full painting. I love painting the different textures of tree bark.

A Plein Air Painting

"Energy Lake"

Golden Pond, KY

9 x 12 Oil on canvas plein air

I took a short practice run in my (new to me)rv last weekend to a spot at Land Between the Lakes, KY. I enjoyed getting out and painting. It was a very quiet, peaceful place, and soothing to be near the water. This painting was completed on site. I have another that I got about 3/4 done, then accidently tipped over my thinner/brush cleaner and had to carry all my stuff back to camp. I will post that one when it is finished.

This painting will be hanging inside the gate-house at the entrance to the Energy Lake campground.

Early Summer Evening - Painting Again!

Oh Joy! I finally am feeling free to paint again!

"Summer Kentucky Pond"

8 x 10 Oil on canvas - Plein Air

I am so thankful for the privilege to apply paint to canvas!

Monday evening I dropped everything and said to myself, "I've GOT to PAINT!"

I was a little afraid I could not do it, and sent up a quick prayer for help. A little over an hour later (and after being severly bitten up (what? no bug spray???? how could i forget that??) this is the resulting painting. Not great, but a start. No touch up, just strictly plein air.

I loved the old fence and neglected grapevines growing on the right, the path back through to the pond, and the lowering sun casting early evening shadows.

(As a side note; I found that the little trays the grocery stores have canned goods setting in , are perfect for carrying my paintings home . I put it in a smaller tray and cover with an upsidedown larger one in the back of my Trail Blazer.)

Bug bites and all, I am thankful to the Lord for allowing me time to try to express some of His beautiful creation on canvas!

Old Grain Mill

"Old Guthrie Grain Mill"

12 x 16 Oil

Guthrie, KY

I began this painting at the old mill but had to finish in the studio. The rusted old buildings intrigued me. Many think they should be torn down... that it is an eye-sore. I look at this mill as a part of history. I wonder how many farmers with horse-drawn wagons used deliver their grain there.... I imagine them standing around talking with each other, awaiting their turn to unload. I am sure they talked about the upcoming weather, or the prices of the grain, maybe how their family made it through the drought....

Painting outside at the American Cafe

This little "down home" restaurant is located in Guthrie, Todd County, Kentucky, about 10 miles south of 68/80 just off of Hwy 181, and just north of the TN line. I arrived to paint about 9 am and set up at the vacant lot across the street, then went to get a hamburger at lunch time. This is a typical scene of this area of Kentucky where we live, a very back-in-the-day look. The food and the service is great, and many local workers stop in for their lunch time meals.

"American Cafe"

8 x 10

(Sold)

I was drawn to this place particularly because of our USA flag that is flown there every day, and the red and blue colors on the white building.

Donation Painting to help Japan

This is my donation painting for the

Daily Paintworks "Help Japan" Challenge Auction

"Culinary Arts"

6 x 6 oil on stretched canvas "shelf setter"

1 1/2 " thick canvas-covered wood frame

(Sold)

It is painted on all sides.

Wouldn't you love to have this setting on your kitchen or dining-room window or shelf?

Click on THIS LINK to see and bid on this painting. You can enter my name in the search box. All proceeds , except $5 shpg, go to "Save the Children" of Japan .

Thanks for your consideration.

A Sunrise Exercise this Morning

This is just down the road from us, so it was no problem to grab my pallet this morning and set up on the front porch for a quick study, as soon as hubby left for work. The sun rises to the left. That tree is a small River Birch we planted in our yard a couple years ago.

The painting is named for the Williamses that live at that end of the road.

"Williamsville Sunrise"

8 x 10 Oil on canvas board

Plein Air

Painting Course Homework

For last week's assignment, we had the choice to do a painting of one of the instructor's photos, or one of our own. This was my choice.

I go past this field when I go to town, and this beautiful Sycamore tree grabs my attention every time. I did make some changes to make it more interesting, and tried to apply the principals the instructor is teaching us.

"Fields At Rest"

11 x 14 Oil on stretched canvas

(available)

I'd like to take a hike down through these fields, wouldn't you? and see what's behind those yonder trees. I think a creek may run through that valley......

Opportunities

I love opportunities... and especially ones that help others. This came in my email this morning. http//www.dailypaintworks.com:80/Challenges/HelpJapan

Now that my taxes are done and out of the way, I am able to get back to concentrating on painting. I have a "homework" assignment to do for my painting classes I have been taking.

I will also be working on a painting to be auctioned to help the people of Japan. This is a very worthy cause and I hope I am able to do one that someone wants to buy.

Stay tuned .... I will be posting these paintings soon

.

Thanks to all who visit and view my blog!

Plein Air Painting

"Mike's Catfish Pond"

12 x 16 Oil on canvas panel

I love this little pond which joins our farm. It just begs to be painted! That is Mike's house in the background. He is down at his pond fishing often in the summer. That is our field on the near side of the pond. The heavy rains filled the pond to over-flowing and running down the sid eof our field. His trees near the edge are still standing in water.

I started this outside yesterday and finished today smoothing up tree trunks and adding fence.

Thanks for viewing.

Tea-pot Finished

8 x 10 Oil on stretched canvas

( Available )

Although did the best I could to limit my strokes, I did not complete this with the one stroke method. I basically finished out the backgound and made a few other adjustments. Still a decent painting I think. Hubby likes it and he is my worst (best) critic :)

A One-Stroke Painting Challenge

"Tea, Anyone?"

8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

A few days ago, I began working on a one-stroke painting challenge. This was my first attempt at this kind of exercise. It was very interesting and fun challenge. The idea is to mix one color. Put down one stroke on your canvas/board. If it’s wrong, mix a new color and put a new stroke directly over the first. Mix a new color (feel free to adjust the first color, on your palette, to get the second, but make sure to start a new pile when needed). Put down one stroke. Mix a new color. Put down one stroke. You get the idea. Trying to get myself to do only one stroke was not an easy thing for me. I did surprise myself and am pleased with the results, even though I made several mistakes, given the limited time I had available to work on it that day.

Thanks to DPW for offering the opportunity to participate in this challenge. However, since my browser won't cooperate, it seems I cannot upload it on the DPW site, so I am just posting it here. I will be trying to use this technique more.

Thanks for visiting!

Johannes paint-along - finished

Okay, I think I have done all I know to do to this...

"Footbridge"

11 x 14 Oil on stretched canvas

These are the things I have been working on.............

1. abstract shapes

2. values (I tend to get too dark in areas)

3. brush strokes

Now, if I can get my right brain to do these all at the same time ....everytime.... I will feel I have made some progress. Wow... this does take brain work!! I will be the first to admit .... my brain needs some exercise

Painting with Johannes

As I have never had training or opportunity to take art classes, when I heard about a 12-week free webinar painting classes (2 hrs.in length, Sat and Sun afternoons) through Wet Canvas, I was determined to sign up.

11 x 14 WIP

Today was a demonstration painting and we were told we could paint along if we wanted. I got my pallet laid out with the colors the instructor suggested using, but found out at the last minute he was doing it in watercolor instead of oil. He also had sketched the larger shapes onto his support, and I hadn't had time today to view the reference photo he had emailed us.

Well, I decided I'd go for it anyway!....with my oils, as that is what I work with. I just painted along with him, filling in shapes in the general areas, and doing my best to keep up with him. This painting is not done yet of course, but it was a very fun exercise, and I feel I am learning alot about a whole new way to paint. I will post the painting when it is finished. I am so thankful for the opportunity to take part in these classes! Thanks to

Wet Canvas and Johannes!

Painting outside today

I was so glad it warmed up enough to get outside to paint today. It was 17* when I left the house and was out about one and a half hrs. I did the finishing touches at home this afternoon. I love how the wild vines climb up the fence in the summer to be the perfect winter decoration!

"Tracy's House - Snowed In"

Plein Air Oil 9 x12

(Sold)

Thanks for stopping by

Homesteading Series #3

We seem to want to wish the snow away. Do we really? Will that make us happy? Or give us another complaint .... :)

Funny how each season has its joys and its woes.

"Muddy Boots"
Oil on 3 x 4.5 mini

(available)

Mountain Chickadee

I had intended to take part in Gary Keimig's Wilderness Art Challenge for some time now, so while the super bowl was on yesterday I decided to try this. I did change the background, and don't know if that is acceptable but I sent it in anyway. It is a good learning tool to see a number of artists all painting the same subject. We can learn from each other.

"Seeking Refuge"

8 x 10, oil

(available)

This painting reminds me that our Lord is our refuge during the storms of life.

Thanks for stopping by. Feel free to leave comments.

Snow, Water and Ice study-2 "Blue Ice"

This is my 3rd Winter painting since the new year, and I thought I should get it done, as I hear we are supposed to have an early spring! Another photo taken by my daughter at Fisherman's Cove near Franklin, PA was the reference for this painting.

"Blue Ice"

8x10 Oil on canvas panel

(available)

Thanks for visiting!

Snow, Water and Ice study- Reposted

I have been working on some winter weather scenes. My daughter took this photo at Fisherman's Cove near Franklin, PA, and I just had to try it. I know rocks are very un-interesting to some people but I love the colors that come from water-covered ones! I tried to portray the feel of a day when the snow and ice are just starting to melt.

"Winter Thaw"

8 x 10 study

oil on canvas panel

(available)

Cold and Snowy in Kentucky!

"Snowy Winter Morning in Kentucky"

8 x 10 oil on stretched canvas

(NFS)

The deer have been coming up near the big Oak tree in our pasture early in the mornings looking for acorns, then move on into the field near our neighbor's pond which has been partly covered with ice. The deer seem so tame and friendly... until we step outside.

The broom-sage in the back field gives off a lovely orangish glow in the early morning.

Doggie Portrait completed

"Maggie Mae"

Oil on 16 x 20 canvas board

(Sold)

This commission has been a challenge for me and I am glad to have it completed :) I am looking forward to finishing other paintings I had started in the summer and fall of last year, plus the 3rd painting of my Homesteading Series.

Thanks for viewing. Your comments and constructive criticism are always welcome.