"Wyoming Peonies"

Here is the "finished" peonie painting cropped, and a little larger. (I couldn't quite figure out how to delete the first photograph of the painting on the easel.) So for now I'm leaving them both.

A few weeks ago I wrote about starting a new floral painting, and it is almost finished. I still have to work a little on the background leaves, and maybe lighten up some shadows on the left hand peonie petals, but as a whole I am pleased with the painting. Most of my previous flowers have been painted in watercolor, but I am enjoying painting them in oil for a change. Also I have never painted just blossoms and leaves, but have always painted a vase of flowers, because I am so interested in reflections and refractions in the vases, (especially using black and white stripes). So this painting has a different feel to me than my previous floral paintings, not to mention the size is 27" x 36". It was a nice break from my figurative work, but already I'm anxious to start a new portrait!

Nude with Mask!

I am just starting to navigate the internet world of blogs and websites, and have been reading a lot of daily painter blogs. The criteria is that the artist produces nearly a painting a day. The sites are really nice, but, although I do paint nearly everyday, except Saturday, it takes me about a month, (with drying time between the first layer of oil paint and the last) to produce a final painting...if not longer.
I am thinking of starting another blog that would be about...monthly painters...lol. All in due time. I have only had my blog since June, but am amazed at all the wonderful blogs out there that have been around for years! It also takes a lot of (painting) time just to search out all the art related blogs and websites. I have to limit my time, or it can get away from me!
This painting today is one of my model Kaitlin wearing a mask in front of a large target. The target is a nod to the art of the 50's and 60's, more specific, Jasper Johns, and the mask makes me think of a carnival theme. I plan to paint some more paintings in a similar vein.