Tuesday, June 21, 2022

From the Paint Box

Yes, I have been painting a bit! I decided I need to finally fill my practice book, and since I had done Sketchbook Revival and then a few things during Workshop Week, I'd just keep at it. Soon I'll pull out the good paper and get back to animal portraits and other images but for now, this has been fine! 


Some of you may have participated in Workshop Week, a week of free tutorials in a variety of subjects similar to Sketchbook Revival, which I mentioned in earlier posts. I didn't find as many workshops I wanted to spend time with as I did in "Sketchbook" and because they only kept them up for 24 hours (versus Sketchbook's several weeks), a couple I would have been interested in didn't work out. But I did enjoy learning how to better paint loose florals.

The page on the left was the practice page and then the one on the right and the close-up below are the finished pieces. I really enjoyed this one and learned well from it. (And if I'd written down the name of the instructor, I'd share it!)


Sarah Simon, "The Mint Gardener," also did a floral workshop. She was painting what she called Queen Anne's Lace. I didn't think it looked like the Queen Anne's Lace I know (too fluffy), but it was pretty and I liked her wet-on-wet technique.


Mine turned out more like marigolds and then I just riffed on another flower to finish off the page.


Finally, I did an abstract painting tutorial. I really don't like what I did (below) but I may well use the exercise in the future to loosen up and play with different shapes. I think there was a language interpretation issue as well as not really knowing what the project would be like so my colors got all off and I made some bad choices! (But as you know, I show the good, bad and ugly because it's important to remember that not every piece turns out the way one wants it to!)

When that wrapped up, I thought I should keep on with flowers for a bit. I'd bought some beautiful pink carnations for my Queen's Jubilee Tea. I thought they might be a fun subject. I have a tough time drawing from life, so this was a bit of a challenge! (I can't say I like the red-on-red with the background; not sure I'd do that again!) But it was fun and I really enjoyed playing with my new bleedproof white for the baby's breath! Best money I ever spent on paint! (Well, at least SOME of the best money I've ever spent on paint!)


I also did a greeting card, using the rose theme. I need to start making cards for my November sale -- it creeps up on you!


I also did a couple of cards from the blob-critters tutorial I so enjoyed during Sketchook Revival.

And one from the Sketchook Revival fungi workshop.

And of course, more marigolds. The aqua background on this is actually a bit darker than it photographed.

This is a blob-cat, too -- which doesn't look all that different than some I've done of the rear view of the cat in the past! I like how the colors moved.

It certainly feels good to be back painting! And there's more to come -- and probably a LOT more this summer, once I get to the lake! Which will be soon! Look for Postcards from the Lake to begin next week!

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

66 comments:

Sue in Suffolk said...

Just love those flower paintings. The roses especially good.
Hope you get to your holiday home on the lake soon

Linda Stoll said...

oh my! those carnations! those gorgeous florals! a feast for the eyes! I've been talking about dabbling in some sort of artwork for the longest time. what have I been waiting for?

Valerie-Jael said...

Looks like you have had GREAT fun! The roses and fungi are ma faves, and the cat, too, but they are all good, full of life and colour. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

I love your florals! Those tutorials really are unlocking your talent.

Steve Reed said...

Nice work! I like your floral card and the cat -- I agree the coloring on the cat works well.

gigi-hawaii said...

You are such a creative person! Your art, your cooking, your blog - what can you not do? Keep up the good work! Gigi hawaii

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Wow! Good painting!
Your sabstract has a refreshing look.

Jenn Jilks said...

It just feels good seeing your painting!
I believe a still life doesn't have to be a photograph. It is your interpretation! I love it!
(ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

Bill said...

Nice! I like these paintings. It's funny what you said about your abstract because I really like it. The cat and the blob critters are my favorites too. Great painting and have a nice week.

Divers and Sundry said...

I love that abstract. I like the colors and the way you arranged the shapes.

Mae Travels said...

Amanita muscaria are real mushrooms that are red with white spots! Not exactly the same shape as yours, as far as I have found. I had to look it up because I have seen so many paintings like yours.

All your watercolors are beautiful, even the ones you don't like.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Pam said...

Goodness, you have been busy! Those look great but your flowers, are amazing.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,Jeanie

Your painting are all beautiful. I love the flowers, the blog critters and the mushrooms. Well done, enjoy your day and the lake visit.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

Ooh those florals are gorgeous! And how nice to focus on painting them at a time when there is a lot of real-life inspiration around you! And I, of course, so the cat painting!!

KarenW said...

I love your carnations. My favorite flower

Jenny Woolf said...

Lovely flowers! So bright and cheerful. Have you thought of designing wallpaper or painting designs on the wall? It would be nice to come into a room and see these!

Marilyn Miller said...

I love every single one, but my favorite are the loose florals and blobs. What fun to be free flowing art.

William Kendall said...

Lovely and colourful.

Prims By The Water said...

You captured those carnations so well I can almost smell them from here! Janice

DVArtist said...

I love ALL of your art. Tutorials are so good. I think they allow one to just go for it. Have a lovely day.

My name is Erika. said...

I enjoyed all the art, even the abstract one Jeanie. I think working in the sketchbook has allowed you to make some wonderful pieces, especially all the flowers. Did you find that the pressure of making something more acceptable was not there when you worked in the sketchbook

Oh and last week you asked about collecting honey in a comment, and I've been meaning to get back to you about it. Usually you collect honey in August, so the bees have time to make more so they are well stocked for winter. And some people in my area wait and take whatever honey is left in the spring and not collect any in August. It is also recommended that you don't collect honey with a new hive, which would be more, but since I have so much now with so many bees, I may get some, but I will have to see.

Hope it was a great first day of summer. Hugs-Erika

Linda Sue said...

Delightful paintings!!I love the looseness of the flowers and the fur of the cat. That is when the magic of watercolor really turns me on! Marigolds are difficult but you managed very well.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, you have been busy with the paintings. I love that you share what you are learning. Since I love flowers, the florals really grab my attention. Great job…Looking forward to your postcards!

Pamela said...

Love seeing your creative works! I look forward to your lake adventures.

Linda P said...

As someone who doesn't do any artwork I was interested to see your lovely paintings. They all look so delicate even the blobs turn into beautiful creations. It must be fun learning through tutorials and I imagine you can spend hours working on your painting interest. Beautiful!

DUTA said...

Flowers bring beauty into our lives. Your way of painting them adds to this beauty, and delights our eyes.
I presume your floral cards are a great success!

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Love your painting!! I sent you an email, I am ready to send you your case.

Iris Flavia said...

The flowers are beautiful, but my fav is that cute, green bird!
And the cat.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Beautiful results, Jeanie, and therapeutic too, I bet.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Love your floral paintings! Your blob-critters are so whimsical!

La Table De Nana said...

You are high giving the florals!I hope you and your gear get to the lake soon!

Sharon in Las Cruces NM said...

You always inspire me with your paintings. Makes me want
to get out my paints and do some fun work. keep doing all
those beautiful colors.

Sami said...

Your flower paintings look beautiful. Love the ginger cat, so cute :)
You're very talented Jeanie.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

your floral paintings make me so happy - I love that type of art. Glad you enjoy it so much.

Joanne Huffman said...

Love seeing your painting! Your flowers are beautiful I also like your abstract - if you continue not to like it, I suggest you turn it over, blind cut it into rectangles or squares and put the pieces on postcards or cards in a collage-y sort of way.

Carol @ The Red Painted Cottage said...

I love all your new paintings, even the abstract. The lose flowers are really beautiful, and I love those critters, along with the cat. I can’t remember when I last picked up my paint brushes. Just can’t handle them right now.

Anvilcloud said...

You and your paintings smack of joy and exuberance.

Sandra Cox said...

Absolutely beautiful, Jeanie. Your work is amazing.

Rita said...

These are just full of life and fun!! :)

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Your flowers are lovely...great job. Gotta love the blob people. Looks like fun Jeanie.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Your floral paintings are really getting good. They will be so nice to paint on some of your greeting cards.

Carola Bartz said...

Jeanie, these are all beautiful! I have to say that I really like the blob critters - that was one of the Sketchbook Revival classes I actually watched AND practiced. Yours turned out wonderful, I especically like the cat, but the birds are so much fun. I find it hard to paint florals - I sometimes draw Queen Anne's Lace with charcoal or graphites just to practice, and I'm seldom happy with it. I do think your florals are beautiful. What I like most about painting is that it's therapeutic and most of the time it is fulfilling (if you're not overcritical). Bleedproof white???

Rita C at Panoply said...

Wow, love the flowers! The carnation looks especially great!

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Jeanie, while I really like the flower paintings, I have to confess that the blob art really makes me smile every time. The marigolds were especially colorful.

Judy Biggerstaff said...

Love your work! Beautiful flowers, it is awesome to see your work. Thanks for sharing.

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

They're beautiful, Jeanie! Even the ones that you say you're not as pleased with look great to me! Paint on!

Victoria Zigler said...

Great to see you playing with your art supplies.

Deb Nance at Readerbuzz said...

It makes me feel so happy to see all of your beautiful paintings. And it inspires me to get to work on the paintings for my book...the book I'm going to write in July...should I do the words or the pictures first?! lol

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Love all the paintings of blooms, Jeanie. Especially love the carnation - all so pretty. I know you will be anxious to get to your lake. It has been in the upper 90's here and the humidity to match. Enjoy your cooler days and evenings for me. Have fun painting.

Red Rose Alley said...

These flower paintings are so nice, Jeanie. It seems that you get better at this every time you work on one. The bob critters are whimsical and delightful. I especially like the greeting card you made with the pink roses. With it being so hot right now in many areas, this is a good hobby for you - it allows you to stay cool inside and create all at the same time.

~Sheri

Lowcarb team member said...

I do like your flower paintings and the blob critters made me smile.

All the best Jan

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh Jeanie, they are all so beautiful, but your floral's are top notch! Love the colors, and the soft look about them. Your artwork just continues to improve by leaps and bounds. I am looking forward to seeing more.
blessings,
Penny

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

What a beautiful share today, your loose florals really are delightful. i struggle to paint carnations your red on red is so lovely.. well done on finding a good white to add in the babies breathe, a great investment. Your November sales will be in full bloom with greeting cards like the one displayed. Stunning talents shared. Happy TAD Tracey xx

crackercrumblife said...

I love these!! I especially love your marigold paintings!

telko said...

your article amazing

ittelkom jakarta

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

I love your BLob Critters especially the cat. Looks like fun and should be easy, but if I were to try, I am sure I would struggle. You seem to learn quickly as you did well with your tutorials. I am guessing you have a strong artistic background to call on when you are trying something new. This was a lovely post, Jeanie :)

Andrea @ From the Sol

shoreacres said...

I've been meaning to tell you about a blog called At Sunnyside. She's all about art and music, and I always enjoy seeing the masterpieces that she posts. She also is learning to draw, and that's what I thought would be most interesting to you. Inspiration and technique can come from anywhere, and she might have some hints and tips -- or even just descriptions of what she's done -- that you'd enjoy.

Rain said...

Jeanie I LOVE your blob critters! And your fungi! You've been producing a lot of beautiful art. I love wet on wet technique and your flowers are really beautiful. I personally love the red background on your carnation piece! Your cat is so well done. By the way, I don't see ONE "bad" or "ugly" in what you've shown today, they are all GOOD and lovely!!! ☺☺♥ I know that our own art is subjective, but so many people find beauty in what we feel is not our favourite work!

It's me said...

O wowww I livetype flowers painting ….love love love 🍀💗🍀💗🍀💗🍀

thepaintedapron.com said...

Your loose flowers are lovely Jeanie, I love to paint watercolor flowers with free loose shapes. I think you captured the carnations very well, the red on red is very unique and effective! I like your abstract too, love the bright colors, but those bird characters are my favorite, so cute and such fun!! I think you should include them on cards for your sale! Happy painting!
Jenna

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jeanie, this is wonderful! I'd love to practice some loose paintings. I just can't seem to loosen up! Haven't been painting lately (an eye issue) but will get back to it in September once that issue is behind me. This post was very inspirational!

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, you are amazing. I don’t have anything to show for my time.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Jeanie, I think you are very talented and I know that the more one practices the better one gets--it is the rule of doing anything well. I joined the Sketchbook groupon FB because I enjoy looking at art and seeing all the inspiration. I used to like to draw at one time but I have not gotten back to it in ages. It seems too much is always going on for me to indulge in art which is a shame as I know it was very enjoyable and relaxing. I really should get back to it and the more I see your works the more inspired I get.

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, as you can tell I am going backwards. Improvement, my foot!!!! You do beautiful work and I wish I had taken your advice and taken those courses. You have done some beautiful things. I am liking the loose flowers look more and more. I think I tend to try to do exactly what I see and I am too tight. If I am ever to improve it will be because of your help. Happy Wednesday..xxoJudy

French Ethereal said...

Oh my, Jeanie! Everyone is loving your paintings!!! So many comments, which is wonderful. :) I love the cat and marigolds and orange isn't even my favorite color. Very sweet cat and cute critters!! Anyway, I think you already know that I was going to feature your post at this week's Share Your Style #351 for you, which I did last evening.

Happy painting and that's news to me that there is a white paint that you can use to go over watercolors?! I'll have to look for that since I am terrible at trying to imagine leaving white space for the final result.

Happy painting and Happy 4th!!!! Hope you get to the lake soon.
Summer hugs,
Barb :)

yaya said...

this is the article i was looking for! thank you for creating this blog

Popular Posts