Lemons 'n Blueberries, an Original Oil Painting

Spring has been in the air lately and I decided that for a moment at least, I would deter from the dead trees of Winter. Lemons always summon thoughts of freshness, and what more appropriate time than Spring! Add a few blueberries as a reminder that on the heels of Spring comes Summer and its bounty!

"Lemons 'n Blueberries"

5" x 7"

Oil on Canvas panel

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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!

Days of Autumn

Our visit to a Mennonite farm a couple evenings ago inspired the idea for this painting. It was the perfect end to a beautiful sunny day. The air was growing cooler as the rush of the work day was winding down.

"Days of Autumn"

Oil on 10"x 8" panel

The old broom leaning against the porch wall near a bench where they remove their boots before entering the house, seemed to be saying it was ready for it's fall job of sweeping the leaves.