Tuesday, October 18, 2016

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."

Monday, October 17, 2016

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!

Friday, September 30, 2016

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.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

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.


Sunday, September 25, 2016

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. 

Friday, September 23, 2016

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.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

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.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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!



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

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.

Monday, September 12, 2016

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.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

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.


Saturday, September 10, 2016

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.

Friday, September 9, 2016

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.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

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.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

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!

Monday, September 5, 2016

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.


Saturday, September 3, 2016

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.

Friday, September 2, 2016

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. 

Thursday, September 1, 2016

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.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

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!











Sunday, July 24, 2016

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.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

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!

Saturday, June 25, 2016

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.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

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.


Friday, April 29, 2016

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!


Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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!

Sunday, April 24, 2016

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!

Thursday, April 21, 2016

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/

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

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.  




Monday, April 18, 2016

I May Be Blue!


Click for Options

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. 

Monday, April 4, 2016

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.

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

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!

Sunday, February 28, 2016

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. 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

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.


Monday, February 22, 2016

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.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Styling





Styling
oil on canvas board
10x8

Daily Paintworks

I wanted to create a fragmented figure painting with a somewhat 3 dimensional face.  I used gold leaf paint (to honor Klimt and because I like gold) but think I will use real gold leaf next time.
 
view sourceprint? 01 09 10