Thursday, July 22, 2021

Postcards from the Lake: On the Art Table

Although I haven't shared much in the art line of late, it hasn't been a summer devoid of creativity. It seems that the season has been a little topsy turvy in a lot of ways, between Rick's stuff, a trip back home for me, cousin visits -- all good (well, not Rick's stuff!) but meaning less time at the art table. But I do have a few things to share, starting with my cousin Bonnie's birthday gift!

Bonnie loves her dogs. Herbie was a good friend to their family for many years and I had loads of photos to work with for him!


Penny is a toughie, being so dark, but I was pretty happy with how she turned out.


And Petey is the newest family member. I only had one photo to work with for him and I'm not thrilled with this -- I can't figure out why. But Bonnie and David liked it, so I was happy!


The photo below inspired my is my favorite piece. I had a photo from years ago when both Kevin and Greg were young -- maybe 10 and 12, if that. They came to the lake and went fishing on the beach and neighbor's dock. I photographed them at sunset.


And finally, I felt ready to paint this one. My sky has a bit more pink but I'm pleased.

 

Most of my other work has been playing around with card designs for my annual sale and Christmas card commissions. It's easier if I can offer up several possible designs. None of these are without flaw but close and can be customed. I liked the gnome best. Colors could vary but I think I like the red and green best.

The wreath is fun and the bow could be different colors on this one, too, which might also change the background color.


This one makes me smile. I can't resist a snowman. I could offer that with either a darker sky and snowflakes or a daytime sky and varied colored scarf.


This little rose has already been sold but I may do a series in a variety of colors and shades.


You might remember the larger version of this from my Watercolor Workshop session. I don't like this version quite as well but I think it has good card potential. 


I leave you with a look at the view from the window of the hospital room where I waited for Rick to come out of surgery. It's not close to capturing it and looks pretty amateurish. But it is a wonderful memory of a place of rest and peace on an otherwise exhausting and worrying day.

There are more paintings to come! Summer is short!

Sharing with:    Pink Saturday      /    Love Your Creativity    /    
Share Your Style    /     Rain's Art Date  

50 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Great dog portraits, especially the dark one.

best...mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Rita said...

Lovely artwork! And hand-painted vcards, too. :)
Thanks for the well wishes. Much appreciated.
Have a great weekend. :)

Iris Flavia said...

Great work and cute pic of the fishing boys. And the painting, ohhh, you are so talented! Beautiful!
And Santa is so darn cute.
There is nothing "amateurish" - and yes, summer is - or was - short. No idea if it will come back, it´s cold here.

Valerie-Jael said...

Lots of lovely art today, my fave is Penny, so sweet! Have a great weekend, take care! Hugs, Valerie

A Small Village in France said...

How wonderful and sweet. There is some real personality there and personalities!
Enjoy!!

Daniela said...

Dearest Jeanie,
your paintings amaze me more and more, you're such a wonderful artist, my friend!
I hope to see more artworks of yours; for now I'm sending you blessings across the miles
Xx Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)

David M. Gascoigne, said...

The one of the kids fishing is evocative indeed, Jeanie. A friend of mine, long since passed on, used to always carry her sketchbook with her when we went on walks together, and she used those sketches as the basis of future pictures. She claimed it was the only way to capture the "life force" of her subjects. Do you ever do that? I have two of my friend, Elizabeth's paintings framed and on my wall, one of a Vermilion Flycatcher perched over the the San Pedro River near Sierra Vista, AZ, and another of the view from our accommodation at Cave Creek Canyon.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Your art always makes me smile. You have gigt for 'happy colors'. Ya, I know that's not an art term but with most of your paintings joy is the first emotion they bring to me and it's because of pureness of your colors. I wish I had your gift for eyes. I have a unfinished painting that is great except for the unfinished eyes...been that way for years.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your paintings are all lovely. I especially love the lake fishing one!

DUTA said...

There's nothing amateurish in your art. You're a professional, accomplished painter1
My favorite piece among the displayed ones, is the cute snowman - surrounded by the white snow and the green traditional tree.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

I can't imagine a better gift for a pet owner. All of your paintings are beautiful, but I especially like the sunset one with the boys!

Martha said...

Gorgeous artwork Jeanie! I think the last one and the one of the kids fishing are my favorites. Have a fantastic weekend. :)

Sharon in Las Cruces NM said...

love your watercolors... you always inspire me to get busy myself and work again and more often with watercolor. it is so easy to get lost in time when painting. thanks for sharing your lovely work.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Gorgeous, you have such talent!!

La Table De Nana said...

Wow the dogs and dock Jeanie!All full of charm but those two are standouts!

Miss Val's Creations said...

These are all beautiful Jeanie! You have such a pretty, whimsical painting style. My favorite is the scene of the kids and how you captured the tones created by the sun.

Tristan Robin said...

Wow! You have been busy. All charming - but my favorite is the dock with the children fishing - really lovely work. It evokes a time and place that obviously is special for you. I always like your dog paintings - the dark one is very very nice. But, the light colored one reminds me so much of my 21-year friendship with Toby, by first on-my-own dog after college. He was a grey Weimaraner not golden, but this one still looks like Toby as a youngster.

I've known you painted - but I didn't know you did greeting cards - wow - that's a lot of work! Do you do the paintings and then make prints, or are they all originals?!

Keep cool in these hot summer days ... and keep that brush a swirling!

Marilyn Miller said...

What a lovely view from the hospital window.
I also love the one of Rick's boys fishing at the lake.
But then again it is hard to choose. The rose is lovely, I love the Christmas gnome,and what a nice gift of the dogs.

Joanne Huffman said...

Love them all; the boys fishing is my favorite.

Victoria Zigler said...

Glad you're managing to spend some time at the art table feeding your creative side. With everything going on right now you need that more than ever.

bobbie said...

All are lovely ~ I'm especially taken with the dogs and the boys fishing!!
Keep up the good work ~

Karen said...

I'm trying to get my painting yaya back but it's a tough go.
How is Rick feeling now?

Divers and Sundry said...

"Amateurish"?! lol I'm always amazed by how your watercolors look. Beautiful work.

R's Rue said...

Your artwork is stunning. You are an artist oozing with talent. Happy Friday.

Barb said...

Through it all, you've managed to create art. I'm impressed, Jeanie. Hope you and Rick are both feeling well now.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

The painting of the boys is beautiful! What a thing to treasure. I love profile or back of people photos. There is something intimate about them.

Danielle L Zecher said...

I really, really like the two flower ones.

William Kendall said...

The dogs really appeal to me.

Lowcarb team member said...

I like all the artwork you've shared here.
My favourite is the boys fishing :)
I went to the nearby fishing lake with Eddie today, it was so peaceful.

Have a good weekend.

All the best Jan

Sandra Cox said...

So much joy here. You've done a grand job, Jeanie:)

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, they are all wonderful.You may not think they are perfect, but I can tell there is such a personal touch to each one that makes them so special. Love the doggies and the boys fishing..Hope the summer is now treating you well..xxoJudy

gretchenjoanna said...

I'm so glad you haven't had to miss out on your painting. I too love that fishing picture especially. And I admire very much your discipline and perseverance in developing your gift.

My name is Erika. said...

Such fun art Jeanie. You especially do dogs so well. And I know exactly what you mean about doing black/dark dogs and trying to get the details in. You nailed it! Nice to see this little gallery of art! Hope your week is going well and all is good. Hugs-Erika

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

These are all so incredibly lovely.Watercolors are hard to control and you do it perfectly. I also love the snowman and the tree. I only wish I could draw like you. You are SO gifted, dear.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, you are a talented artist and I love the dog portraits. The fishing one is so lovely. Happy Saturday!

Dawn said...

Love all your paintings. Thanks for sharing. I need to get inspired and get back to mine.

gigi-hawaii said...

You are so talented. I love those pictures of the dogs, and your friend will treasure them.

Computer Tutor said...

Those dog paintings are gorgeous. I can see your love and respect for the dogs. Your cousin will appreciate this.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Jeanie, I LOVE the dog portraits: You captured their eyes!!! The second one's expression is so cute: He's smiling!
Your Christmas card designs are darling, and the gnome is my favorite. Your style is very cute. :D

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, you are such a talent. I love them all. My favorite is 'Fishing at the Lake.' They are all so very good!

Carola Bartz said...

I like all your beautiful watercolors. The last one is my favorite, it has such a calming mood - even though you probably felt like that at that time. I hope that Rick is doing better and better and you don't have to worry anymore.

Mereknits said...

You are so talented my friend. I wish I could paint, both my Dad and my sister can but alas not me. You are amazing.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Love the dogs as you captured them, Jeanie. And that view of the water while Rick was in surgery - I like it! Your card designs are nice, and the memory of the boys fishing is very well captured. It's so nice to see you inspired at the lake to create.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Great job on the dog portraits Jeanie, you captured their sweet faces and sincere eyes. I love the one of the boys fishing on the dock too...You are having Christmas in July fun, and getting a head start on the holidays, so smart! I'm glad you've had a chance to paint!
Jenna

shoreacres said...

Our summer's not as short as yours, but you're clearly making the best use of these wonderful weeks. I did have to smile at the portrait of Petey. He looks to me a bit like a little lamb -- does he have that sort of sweet personality?

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Your summer art is lovely, Jeanie. What a lovely gift for the pet parents! The painting of the boys on the dock is my favorite. Your watercolors are so nice.

Pamela said...

Wonderful watercolors! You are so talented. The snowman card is very sweet. I always thought it was a given that snowmen have three parts. When I moved here, I learned they only have two - a head and a body! Anyway, I love your artwork!

Red Rose Alley said...

Wow, these are awesome, Jeanie. And that red rose! - no wonder it sold right away. It made me smile. Please keep painting. You have such a talent. I LOVE that snowman!

~Sheri

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie,
I really like the painting of the two boys fishing, you should frame and hang that.

Love Cath in Australia

Elderberry-Rob said...

I love the painting of the dogs - you have a great talent for capturing personality, you can just sense what those dogs are like and that's not something everyone can do! I will visit your blog again - thanks for visiting mine.

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