Same Song, Second Verse

12 x 16 oil on stretched canvas

A re-do of same reference photo (my hydrangeas from last summer).  They haven't started blooming this year.  I am trying to get some paintings ready for a show this weekend so I thought I would pull this one out again and try, try again!  

Double Whammy

12 x 12 oil on stretched canvas

A double whammy for me for sure!  I was trying to paint in a higher key plus trying to paint roses!  Tough, but I learned a few things in the process I think.  I will have to try this same pose again and see what results the next time.  I still want it to be much lighter!

Buckhead Creek

8 x 8 oil on stretched canvas

This is a view of the creek at the park where our grandchildren like to play.  It's a neat park with lots of equipment for them to play on and even has stepping stones across the creek - beautiful setting.  Note:  I re-did this and removed some trees.  After posting yesterday, I saw too many verticals so I removed some trees.  This photo isn't as clear as yesterday's--it has some morning glare on the left--but I like it better without all the trees and reflections.

Shy Peacock

8 x 10 oil on canvas panel

I have been looking for a photograph of a peacock (since we don't have any around here) to paint and the only one I found that I liked was one without his wings spread.   I love their colors and when I lived in Florida, there was a neat town outside of Orlando--Winter Park that had peacocks all over, just walking in the yards and streets - they were beautiful.  That was many, many years ago and I didn't get any photos back then. :(  

Hodgepodge

12 x 16 oil on canvas panel

Today's post is really a hodgepodge of techniques and experiments I attempted.  I had an OLD panel that has had about 4 previous paintings on it.  I used it to try out some new techniques such as mixing the paint on the painting itself straight from the tube, using some new brushes I picked up in Atlanta this past week, palette knife work, thick paint applications, etc.  The end result is ok but not something I am thrilled with.  I began by trying to paint in high key but abandoned that idea - just don't really know how artists such as Nancy Franke can achieve that....my strokes all blend into the background when I attempt.