The Round About

The Round About

8x10

oil

Dailypaintworks.com

My plein air group, the Plein Airies, painted at Hunter Farm today, one of our favorite 

places.  I have no idea what this round building's function was-possibly

a storage unit-but I have always wanted to

paint it and then would go and find

another scene to do.  Well, this time I made my decision

and stuck with it.

Here's my view of "the round about."

Shabby Chic Designs

Shabby Chic Designs

0il

8x10

125.00

DailyPaintworks.com

I found this whimsical little store in a town on the Gulf Shore. Makes me smile just to look at it .

The title of the painting is the name of the store--got to love the bathtub

in front!

Day 30, 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Early Fall Afternoon

8x10

oil on canvas panel

DailyPaintworks.com

I just crossed the finish line!  Yep, the challenge is over and although I didn't quite make it

to the desired number of paintings, I enjoyed it and thought it worthwhile.

This painting began as plein air as I planned but needed a little more

work in the studio.  

I have one more in the "back up" stack that I might post tomorrow.

I will be starting a new series in October so please stay tuned.

Day 28, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

A Path Around the Park

6x6

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks

I did not have time to paint today so this is a "back up" painting done

sometime this month.  I had finished a larger one and still

had time and energy left so I got out a small

canvas and set to work.  So glad I did.

Day 27, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Sky Reflections on the Water

8x10

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks.com

Tuesday is my plein air day with my group, which we call

the Plein Airies.  Today we met at Freedom Park and

it was another gray day with not much

happening.  I did paint the scene

before me but it is not recognizable!

It was decided it looked like

somewhere in Amsterdam.

Day 25, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

\

A Sweet Morning at Little Sugar Creek

12x12

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks.com

It is always delightful to paint at Little Sugar Creek in

Freedom Park...so many perfect scenes to paint 

everywhere you look.

Our plein air group is painting there this Tuesday and 

I am already thinking of what I want

to paint.  The bridge over the

duck pond is a strong contender but I will

wait to check out the light. 

Day 23, 30 in 30

The Lake in Fall

8x8

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks.com

Our weather here in Charlotte is cooler and the leaves are making an effort

to turn colors.  I pushed the tree colors slightly to 

omit too much green.

Day 21, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Morning Drizzle

 8x10

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks.com

It appears that I am going to get plenty of practice painting on cloudy days.

This one was painted at a friend's house in

Concord, NC while a light

rain drizzled down. 

It was sort of fun, actually, pleasant temperature and an excellent learning challenge to mix so
many grays.

Day 20, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Rocks for the Traveling Minister

8x10

oil on canvas panel

Dailypaintworks.com

Our plein air group met at the Presbyterian Church again this week and we had

another cloudy day.  I decided to paint the group of

rocks that the traveling ministers used before the

church building existed.  Some weeds had grown into
a low place in a rock and I added some blooms....not sure if
the flowers will stay.

I prefer to paint scenes with a defined light but a cloudy day is always good practice.  I forgot an

 important color for mixing darks and also a gadget to connect the

easel part to the tripod.  An interesting morning!

Day 13, 30 in 30

Looking Through

8x10

oil on canvas panel

DailyPaintworks.com

Our Tuesday Plein Air group met at the Providence Presbyterian Church this morning.  The church is celebrating it's 250th year.  The original building burned but it is the same site.

It was another cloudy day so I elected not to paint the white church and walked across the street

through the cemetery to the rock wall and gate.  I could see part of the church building

by looking through and across the street.  

These rocks are where the original traveling ministers stood to give the sermons.

I didn't have time to look at many gravestones but the ones I saw were quite old.

The slaves were buried in this plot.

This was taken where I set up my easel.  If you compare you'll see that

I made some changes.

Day 12, 30 in 30

Neighborhood Pond

6x8

oil on canvas panel

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/neighborhood-pond/511715

It was cloudy this morning and I could not think of a location that might work for plein air.

There is a small pond 2 neighborhoods over which is usually dark and scummy, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to at least stop by and see how it was looking today.

The scum had cleared a little to over one side and it thought I could push the color

a bit.  I remember Dee Beard Dean, smiling that pretty smile

of hers, and saying, "Lie if you have to."  and it has been one

of my mantras ever since.

Day 11, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Shadows on the Wall

oil on panel

8x10

DailyPaintworks.com

This is another from the Mint Hill Historical Village--a perfect location, close, parking, not isolated,

and a painting everywhere I look.  I'm sure I could paint there for weeks.

I was attracted to the tree shadow on the wall of the building. Of course the red wagon and

bench were also a plus.  I find I am really looking for sites with more bright colors.

Day 10, 30 in 30

Evening Toil

8x10

oil on canvas panel

DailyPaintworks.com

This mulch pile belongs to me and I toil over it almost every evening.  I have a unattractive grey plastic wheelbarrow but with a little oil paint, presto-change-o, it has become an

interesting, older, red vehicle.

Day 9, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Fruits and Veggies

8x8, oil on canvas panel

DailyPaintworks.com

I spotted this little fruit and vegetable stand while driving home from the historical village I painted yesterday.  Of course, the first thing I did was ask permission and the

owner was so agreeable, even asking if I needed water to drink in the heat.

One reason I am doing all plein air this month is to tackle more complex subjects and work on 

simplifying.  This was definitely complex...for me.

Day 8, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Morning Light

6x6

oil on canvas panel

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/morning-light/510924

This painting was also done at the Mint Hill Historic Village---sort of--It was adjacent to the villiage and I loved the morning light on the side of the house.

Day 7, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

The Sign Says Farmer's Market

6x6

oil on canvas panel

to buy go to DailyPaintworks.com

My Tuesday Plein Air group met in Mint Hill at the Historical Village to paint yesterday.  It has quite a few picturesque buildings, making it a place to can visit often.  I managed to paint

2 smalls.  Between finishing and starting a new one I walked

around and took photos of the artists and their work in progress.

As you an see everyone is painting something different and the styles are also unique to

the painters.  I always enjoy seeing what the others are doing and

hope you will, too.

Kathy, I could not find your photo.  Did I forget to take it???  I certainly thought I did.

Jan

Robin

My first painting which will be posted on Day 8.

Carol

Suzy in the background.  Jan's work in progress.

And then....we all went to lunch!

Day 5, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

At the Edge of the Pond

8x10

oil on canvas panel

Often there is copious brush, sticks, and leaves around the edges of water.  This is

a summery version of it.

Day 3, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

The Road Not Taken

oil on canvas panel

6x6

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/the-road-not-taken/509675

I found this location after quite a bit of driving around.  The reason I did not take the 

road is there was a very big gate across the road.  I just turned in and parked close 

to the main road, leaving the gate out of my painting.

Day 2, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Sunday Afternoon Light and Shadow

9x12

oil on canvas panel

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/sunday-afternoon-with-light-and-shadow/509353

I have a difficult time finding locations to paint plein air.  It has to be something I want to paint, have good light, have a place to park my car, and because I am by myself not be an isolated

spot.  I was out scouting around when I spied an interesting looking barn, so

I stopped and bravely rang the doorbell and asked permission to

paint on the property.  He seemed hesitant at first but I kept

talking, smiling, gave him my card, etc.  

His Dad was also visiting working in the garden.  They both warmed up to

the idea and told me I could come back

any time.  

When I got my easel and paints all set up I realized that the barn was not

nearly as good a subject as it had appeared from the road.

Since I had been given (reluctant at first) permission

to paint, I didn't want to act unappreciative

so I began the painting.  It was ok but certainly not what

I hoped for.  I took it home and worked some more, adding

windows, shadows, trees, etc. and am much

happier with it. 

It's time!

The Bright Red Roof

8x10

oil on canvas

To buy, go to

 http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/connie-snipes-1841/artwork

It's that time again--time for Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  Yep, it's one painting a day, posted on a site specifically for that.  At the last challenge I painted bird nests.  My focus this month will be plein air  (painting outside).  Plein air painting is one of the best ways to improve your skills.  Most of the paintings will be the same size, 11x14.  I think a consistent size will make for a more cohesive series.   However the first one is 8x10 which I did beforehand and had not decided on the size.  Nothing like decisions at the last minute!

If you would like to see all the other paintings here is a link.
 https://www.saetastudio.com/30-in-30-blog  

Almost 1000 painters have signed up.  It has shown immense growth since the first challenge several years ago.

Red Barn in the Sunlight

Red Barn in the Sunlight

8x10

oil on canvas panel

135.00

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/red-barn-in-the-sunlight/504676

is is Th This is a plein air (painted outside) painting of a barn I found so long ago I cannot remember

the location.  It really was red, but the sunlight bleached it out a bit and I went with

it.  I don't have a problem with color that looks arbitrary, in fact, I rather

like it...hope you do, too!

The River Bridge

The River Bridge

5x7

oil on canvas panel

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/the-river-bridge/502159

This is a studio painting done from a photograph.  I prefer to work plein air but it is close to 100 degrees here so I stayed in.  Once I have blocked it in with the value decisions made, I tend to only

look at my painting rather than the photograph.  This helps it become more

my painting than a copy of a photo.

Summer Day in the Neighborhood

8x8

oil on canvas panel, gamvar varnish

Daily Paintworks

100.00

My plein air group which meets every Tuesday morning gathered at the Mint Museum grounds this past week. I had painted the grounds last time so I just turned my easel across the street to this house with the little picket fence.

My 12 year old grandson is spending the week with me.  Along with baseball, etc, he likes to

draw and paint so I set him up with my easyl box, oil paints, a selection of

brushes and solvent.  A lovely painting emerged!

Boat in the Yard

Boat in the Yard

9x11

oil on canvas panel

To buy with paypal go to Daily Paintworks

In May I traveled to Apalachicola, Florida for Plein Air South, a most inspiring and motivating time

for me!  In between watching demos and painting, my friends and I wandered around

taking photos of subjects for studio paintings at home.

We found this yard, completely full of stuff, mostly junk and went crazy taking photos.  It's the 

kind of place you prefer not to live next to but love to paint.

The Little Pond on Pearson Farm

6"x 6"

oil on gallery wrap canvas

sides are black-no need for frame

Daily Paintworks

​I have painted this pond, called The Little Pond as opposed to The Big Pond on the same property, many times usually realistically or impressionistic.  This time I decided to go Colorful and Abstract.  This is on a gallery wrap canvas and needs no frame.

Two 6x6 Gallery Wrap Paintings

Into the Forrest

6x6

oil on gallery wrap--no need to frame

buy on Daily Paintworks

Afternoon Sun

6x6

oil on gallery wrap-no need to frame

buy on Daily Paintworks

A few weeks ago I bought 5 gallery wrap size 6x6 canvases with the intention of doing a series.  Did I know what the series would be?  No.  But once I got started I decided on

landscapes tying all together by using some of the same

colors or variations of the same.

I have another series to do--just got the canvases in the mail today from Jerry's Artarama.

Not sure what I will work on tomorrow!

Hunter Farm Pond

8x10

oil on canvas panel

to buy go to Daily Paintworks

150.00

This was painted yesterday morning at Hunter Farm. Our little group meets at a different place each Tuesday for a painting session. There is nothing like painting plein air on a lovely warm, but not hot, day.

We have been to Hunter Farm numerous times because everywhere one looks there is a potential painting. I always walk around

for a few minutes to see what's new but mostly to observe the light on a subject.  Then I have to

be sure I can find a place in the shade to set up.  Many artists carry an

umbrella so they can set up anywhere, but I hate to have one

more thing to carry!

Painting at the Mint

Painting on the Grounds of the Mint Museum

8x12

oil on canvas panel

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/connie-snipes/the-grounds-of-the-mint-museum/474581

I painted this one en plein air last Tuesday with my painting group, The Plein Air Buds.  The grounds of the Mint Museum are fairly extensive with trees, open areas of grass, roses, etc.  I walked around looking for a spot--as I usually do when I arrive.  Finally I knew I better get started so I decided on this one.  In plein air painting it is important to always set the easel up in shade, or otherwise you painting will be too dark.  Been there!  I brought it inside and it just died right before my eyes!

Clyde Edgerton

    Some of you may have read some books by North Carolina writer, Clyde Edgerton.  I've read a few and thoroughly enjoyed them.  Maybe it's time for me to look up some of his latest books.  He was a guest speaker during Library Week where I taught at The Walker School in Marietta, Georgia, quite a few years ago.

Well, now he is also a painter--a plein air painter at that!  Our State magazine published an article he wrote about plein air painting.  It's interesting with a really good explanation about what plein air entails.

Here is a link if you would like to read the article.

https://www.ourstate.com/carolina-canvas/

Plein Air Tuesday

Morning at the Mint Museum

8x12

oil on canvas

Daily Paintworks

Our plein air group meets each Tuesday at a different location to paint together.  I was so happy and excited when I found this group.

Today was the Mint Museum here in Charlotte.  Beautiful weather, clear skies, good light, interesting shadows--all good except for a few annoying gnats.  

I May Be Blue!

I May Be Blue!

12x12

Oil on gallery wrap canvas--no frame necessary--sides are painted black

on sale at Daily Paintworks


This is another of my series of female figures with fish.  I am enjoying the odd pairing of the subjects as well as the whimsical approach.  It looks a little fuzzy here--I'll try to take a better picture.  Actually I think the photo is fine but I had to enlarge it to post.  I have Windows 8 which I
consider evil and my photos get lost somewhere on my computer--therefore I usually just email it
to myself and then copy it, but it does make it smaller. 

Chaos in the Dining Room

I am getting ready for the annual Big Saturday Art Show at Charlotte Country Day School.  I love being a part of this show, but my studio is not big enough to get everything framed, wired, inventoried, etc.  That's where the dining room comes in handy!

I'll post photos of the paintings later once they are all framed and looking proper.

Painting en Plein Air

The Hay Barn, Hunter Farm

10x8

oil on canvas panel

Daily Paintworks

It's Seen Better Days

8x8

oil on canvas panel

Daily Paintworks

Today's weather was wonderfully warm, allowing the Plein Air Group to meet and paint. Our location was Hunter Farm, a place we've painted before but never tire. I did two paintings this morning without ever moving my easel--that's how much "stuff" there is to paint!

Totally Focused

Totally Focused

10x8

oil on canvas panel

Daily Paintworks

I felt this figure series needed a little pizzazz such as something that did not quite fit the environment, an outlier.  I settled on fish (somewhat tropical but no definite kind) swimming around 

without water. 

Contemplation

Contemplation

10x8

oil on canvas panel, gamvar varnish

125.00 on Daily Paintworks

This painting is the second in the series of figures whose faces seem to emerge from a group of abstract shapes.  I've always liked painting people and this series is a chance

for me to experiment with color, shapes, and volume.

Face in the Mirror

Face in the Mirror

10x8

oil on canvas panel

Daily Paintworks

​I am experimenting with combining flat shapes, abstract shapes, and three dimensional shapes in a figure painting series-more figures to come.  I an also using some arbitrary color, which means not necessarily the real color.  I think the most obvious is the green on the face.