House by the Lake, Matthews, NC

8x10, oil on canvas panel

Carol, who I met at The Charlotte Art Guild, and I ventured out for some plein air painting. It was a beautiful day, not too hot, not too cold, and not windy. I painted a smaller one first to warm up, then begin this one. I really enjoyed having some warmer colors to paint--all green can be quite soothing, but it's hard to obtain much variety.

It's rainy today so I shall be painting in the studio. I've starting using my computer to show my photos. It's not quite like being there, but closer that holding a photo. I think it must be the light from the screen. Also it's easy to crop photos and get a more interesting composition.

A friend and painting partner, who is also a graphic designer, put all our brushes together today for a photo. I thought they made a beautiful grouping and wanted you to see them.

5x7, oil on canvas panel

I did manage to paint this small one last week. It's framed because I planned to put it in a group show of small paintings. At the last minute I changed my mind and decided on an 8x10.

Pine Tree in the Front

10x8, oil on canvas panel

On my monitor, this painting looks slightly garish. In person, I think it's just right.

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? I'm suddenly in a panic, working full speed ahead. My son and family always come, and my daughter and family also arrive from "down the road.". I love Thanksgiving when we all get together. However, I am way less than ready. I have been painting which is more gratifying and fun than cleaning house. I may not be posting much until after TG since I have to make up for loss time. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday! Connie

Flowers in the Field, Sarosota, After Lunch

8x10, oil on canvas panel

5x7, oil on canvas panel

Alone, and Loving It

6x6, oil on canvas panel

I've painted this before, but I like this one best. It has a bit more contrast, and my favorite--dappled light on the building. I really love a square painting. They just seem more satisfying to me.

Off the Beaten Path

5x7, oil on canvas panel

This was painted earlier this year, but I was never satisfied with it--just not enough pizazz. Upon recent examination, I saw that I had used too many medium values, and that the painting lacked enough contrast. Aha! Enter the painting elf and all is fixed. I do like the painting very much now.

On eBay tonight starting at 35.00

For you painters out there, I am purging my library and putting many of my books on eBay beginning tonight. Just click on the eBay button on the right hand column.

Kezar Lake Series, Number 9

8x10, oil on canvas panel

I have certainly enjoyed having all those Kezar Lake photos for painting. I don't think I have any more in my arsenal. Maybe I need to make another trip to Maine!

The Red House

10x10, oil on canvas panel

Barn Shadows

6x8, oil on canvas panel

I found a new plein air painting location, and the owners are extra nice and cooperative about me painting there. They have several buildings that look exciting from all angles. I imagine I could paint there many times and never repeat a scene....not that it's bad to repeat a scene. I think that Wolf Kahn must have painted many of the same barns, yet they are all wonderful paintings. Very few artists paint a scene exactly as it appears; we each put our own spin on it.

This is on eBay starting at $49. Click on the bar to the right. This is being linked to Color Me Happy.

Hope you all had a great Halloween. I ate lots and lots of my favorite, chocolate.