April 27, 2006

The last few days have gone very well with painting projects. I finished one version of "Jill's Garden." The completed work is posted on the April 26, 2006 posting. I am happy with that version. I will now go back to my first version and complete it also, to have two very different versions of "Jill's Garden" to sell.

Today I finished my still life of African violets in a white and blue bowl with a silver spoon on red velvet. It has a romantic, Victorian mood to the painting. I have been thinking of a name for this piece and it has eluded me up until now. I think that I will name it "Not a Shy Violet." I need to let the spoon dry and then varnish the piece. It will be offered for sale at the web site called "artbyus.com" At least I think that is the name of their web site. Will let you all know for sure before I place it up for sale. Pictures to come after I varnish the piece.

I also worked on "Two Egg Omelet" today. It's an interesting piece to do. There is a lot of grey color and tone in the egg carton. It's quite a study in warm and cool colors. I am using a very limited palette of Alizarin Crimson which is a bluish red, yellow ocher which is a dull yellow by itself, but turns a beautiful yellow when mixed with white, and French Ultramarine Blue which is a deep blue. The piece requires a lot of observation skills and slight variations of hues and tones. I will photograph it tomorrow when the sun comes out for you to see it's progress.

I want to take this opportunity to thank my mentor, Lori Levin of Soulfulstudios.com for all of her advice and critique of my work. Her advice is always welcome.