Leading Edge

6x6 oil on panel

Available at Loretta Goodwin Gallery

This is available at the gallery for their Tiny Treasures show which opens Thursday night in Birmingham. The last month has been such a whirlwind that I am not sure if I posted this already or not! If its a repeat... sorry. The fans at Daily Paintworks won't have seen it yet. I've joined that online gallery site finally. And I gave my blog a little facelift too today.

Sorry about my rant the other day. I was overwhelmed, but things settled down nicely this week and I've been able to focus on a new project in the studio. While excited about a new idea, I'm at a loss for creating these small works for the blog/online galleries. I really struggle with finding a subject to fit on this small format. But I can't paint larger and offer those at low prices. I'm trying to find a new project idea for the blog to get my juices going and provide fans with affordable, collectible art. Its still very important to me to do that. Heck, I can't afford most of the art I'd like to have - being able to buy small pieces and books from my favorite artists is wonderful.

I know that the subject has to be simple, a single figure works best. Beach scenes. I might become the "beach scene blogger." The weird thing is, I paint loosely and quickly. You'd think a small format would be ideal for simplifying. That is my challenge. And maybe I ought to embrace that and work on it.

Year's End

12x9 oil on carton board
nfs

Today I painted my contribution for Different Strokes for Different Folks' final challenge - we submitted and then were sent random photo portraits. I waited until the last minute practically, as usual. But enjoyed it thoroughly.
And this is my last painting of 2009. What a year. Its been up and down certainly and I hope for a more stable 2010 for us all. I am excited to start a new body of work next week.
Happy New Year!!

Monthly Challenge Group

Below are paintings from a new challenge group, organized by Diana Moses Botkin. One of the group chose a subject and we were all to paint our interpretation. We did not share our results until this weekend. Today we are unveiling our first project. Its so fun to see what everyone created based on one of the most loved children's toys!


Anna at Play
6x6 oil on panel, Robin Cheers


Le'go my Sake
12x6 oil on panel,(c)2009 Vicki Ross

Snow! Why'd it Have to be Snow?!
3.5x 5 oil (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

With apologies to Indiana, I thought the little guy's smirk was perfect for this snow job.

The Line Up
(c)2009 Michael Naples


Toy Knight Turns Artist
5 x 9 watercolor on cold pressed paper
(c)2009 Dianne Mize

"With this little knight's whole-hearted permission, we traded in his sword for a paintbrush."

Call Me Plastic Figure One More Time
8x10 (c)2009 Silvina Day


Soldier Boy, Please Don't Go!
8x10 oil on canvasboard
(c)2009 Marie Fox


(c)2009 Mike Beeman

Caring For Your Original Artwork

I thought I would share some basic tips for caring for original art - specifically oil paintings.

First thing to consider, especially owing to the frequent sales of freshly completed paintings from artists participating in the "daily painting" movement, is that oil paint will dry to the touch within a week or two, but may take up to a year or more to fully cure. During that time, the paint will be softer and susceptible to dents and scratches. Paintings with obvious brushmarks and lots of texture can be smudged or flattened.

Cleaning: Use a dry, "micro-fiber" cloth to wipe the surface. Do not use too much pressure, and check the surface for flaking or damaged areas. If there is a heavy buildup of dirt, take the painting to be professionally cleaned. Dust buildup and pollutants can allow molds to grow.

Lighting: Very high light levels can cause the darkening or fading of an oil painting. Conversely, storing a painting in the dark will cause the oil painting to become darker over time.

To avoid damage caused by light, don't expose paintings to direct sunlight. Lighting shouldn't be positioned too close; avoid using lights that are mounted to the frame. Try to use diffused lights that are positioned at least ten feet from the painting to avoid damage from heat.

Temperature: Extreme heat, cold or humidity can cause the stretchers and canvas to expand and contract, leading to cracking of the paint surface or causing the canvas to sag.

Hanging: Don't hang the painting in high traffic areas where it is likely to be bumped or scraped. If you are moving the painting, be careful not to lean the canvas against anything, as it can stretch or be punctured. Carry it by the sides, and protect the surfaces with stiff board and heavy fabric.

Joie de Vivre

5x7 oil on clayboard - sold

This was such a joy to paint. And one of the greatest joys in life is to be floating in such emerald water, the warm sun sparkling almost blindingly and the water lapping over a youthful body full of power and potential.

Coffee With a Friend

7x5 oil on clayboard - sold

Friends in a coffee shop. This was from my sketching day at Starbucks last week? I can't remember... that was before this morning! Anyway, I think I will continue this theme with the other sketches this week. Stay tuned!

Sweet Thing

12x8 oil on panel - nfs
My daughter in her tea dress. This was my husband's birthday gift.

Out to Lunch

7x5, oil on clayboard

$100 + $10 s/h via Paypal - sold

I spotted this woman heading into the Littlefield building and I loved her skirt and the light playing on the brass doors.