Summer painting

Painting #1 Golden Shores – imaginescape

I was in a tremendous creative zone yesterday and this one literally painted itself, I held on to the brush and away we went! I know I am being silly but it simply was magical painting this.

I am learning that when I allow myself to let go and stop trying to control the outcome, I end up with a painting that truly expresses my creative self.

Painting #2 Yuba Solitude – remembered landscape

One of the 5 that I painted. There is something about this scene that inspires me.

Painting #3 Sand Pond

Painting #4 Another view of Sand Pond

Painting #5 plein air of the North Yuba river Shenanigan Flat

Painting #6 Bridge to Eternity – abstract

This painting changed it’s orientation a few times before the finished product. Truthfully I enjoy the not knowing process.

Painting #7 remembered landscape

This one is another stab at my favorite view. Never boring to me, I think that I have painted this view at least 20 times, perhaps more.

I will be having my grandson over for about 4 days so I won’t be able to paint. Until then, enjoy your summer days!

Rolling Along

Painting #1 imaginescape

I had painted this several months ago and was very frustrated with it. I brought it out when I was reassessing my wip paintings and I realized that I was judging it too harshly. I didn’t realize how close it was to being finished, a little trust and patience would help. I have been enjoying putting a painting away for a while and then bringing them out to work on. I swear that I keep relearning this!

Painting #2 remembered landscape

I purposely kept my colors subdued and peaceful while striving for a quiet depth.

Painting #3 Tranquil North Yuba

I wanted to continue on with using subtle colors and mood with this one. I am finding that I like to return to realism now and then.

 

Painting #4 abstract intuitive

I will post only 4 paintings at this time, though I have been painting extensively. I am working on developing a series of intuitive paintings that I hope to eventually show, at least that has been rolling around in my mind.

 

Hallelujah!

After much agonizing I have decided to continue on with my own way of painting. I challenge myself every single day with my intuitive painting. I don’t need a challenge that goes against my approach to art.

When I paint a realistic subject I try not to rely on my reference photo to execute a painting. For some reason this challenge of painting the Sierra Buttes pushed me into an area that I avoid and that is being overally critical. It took my husband asking me why was I doing this to myself? He knows that I love to paint the Buttes, but not in the way I was trying.

I suppose I failed, yes! Good! Now I can get back to my own way of painting, the challenges that works for me.

Painting #2 intuitive painting

I was very happy with this one. I wished that you can see it in person, the photo doesn’t do it justice.  I was planning to post more photos but wordpress is acting up and I am out of patience for the moment.

Thank you for your support, now I’ll carry on.

 

 

Day 3 #30x30directwatercolor2018

Oh my I knew that painting the Sierra Buttes was going to be a challenge. I felt stretched today and could feel deep despair coming on, so I ignored it and pressed on. There is something so trying in painting this mountain. I think that it is because I want to evolk mood and emotion while trying to stay true to the general geography. For people who are familiar with the Sierra Buttes, they can spot the mistakes. I have to remember that the great artist Chiura Obata often changed his subject, such as when he painted Yosemite. This time around I went dark and moody perhaps because it was how I felt!

Day 2 #30x30directwatercolor2018

Enjoying my 30 views of Sierra Buttes, so far. Good to slap it out as quickly as possible. I am simultaneously working on other paintings, so it helps.

This particular view is from the banks of the North Yuba river.

Day 1 30x30Directwatercolor2018

Day 1 of my 30 Views of the Sierra Buttes in northern California. I am fortunate that I live about an hour from these mountains. I have painted them so many times, en plein air and in the studio.

I am wanting to raise the artistic bar for myself and concentrate solely on them, wish me luck! Painted fast and loose on Arches #140 14 x 11 in.