Carol DeMumbrum's Painting a Day

Friends of Harry

2012-01-28T17:19:00.000-08:00

10x20 (Work in Progress)

These ladies are excited and waiting to see who the winner of the "Harry"print is. I think their names might have been in the drawing :). I have been anticipating giving this print away all month!! THANK YOU so for visiting my blog and facebook page, it has been lots of fun posting and chatting with a lot of you. I will have more drawings on my blog in the near future, so don't give up if you did not win this time.

(Winner was picked on Random.org)
Drum roll please........... The winner of the "Harry" print is...... Dianne Beeson, from Texas!!
Harry is going to love Texas! Congratulations Dianne!!
Dianne has a choice of 2 different sizes to fit in her home (15.88" x 16.00" or 13.88" x 14.00" on Archival Matte Paper- signed by artist) Print purchased from Fine Art America.

Still loading paintings for prints and cards on my Fine Art America page. Harry is available on the page if you are looking for valentine's gift for that special someone. Nothing says I love you like... Harry the bull; I believe Carrie would agree. :)

I hope you will sign up to receive my next newsletter for upcoming studio news. (See button at the top of page)

Lucy

2012-01-24T15:08:00.000-08:00

Available in Daily Paintworks Auction.

8x8 oil on Linen Canvas

This is Lucy the Boxer. I discovered this wonderful reference photo her owners shared on Wetcanvas. Fell in love with her sweet face and had to paint her!! Was in the mood with warmer weather to put more Easter egg spring colors behind her. I love adding the complimentary blue colors of the background to her sweet face to tie her in with the background. Next I will be painting a commissioned painting of Bailey the dachshund.

Capture your pet's personality in a forever painting. Email me— and I will get back to you asap.

Don't forget tomorrow is the drawing for the print of "Harry"!! Become a fan of my facebook page or blog. Thanks for visiting my blog to enter!!

Avocado Study

2012-01-20T10:13:00.000-08:00

6x6 inch- Bid here

oil on board

I believe the best way for me to continue to grow as an artist is to paint from life and to set a time limit to paint in. My better paintings are when I am listening to music, and painting the one stroke that Carol Marine challenged us to paint on Daily Paintworks. The last time I painted an avocado it was going bad and I had to close it back up and paint the outside, so I was excited when the inside of this one was yummy and green and not brown. FUN! I painted 2 different set ups of this avocado, so if you are interested in a pairing for your wall let me know and I will send you the photo of the other— right now still working on it. Email me.

Nashville Union Station

2012-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

5x7 inch oil on linen canvas

This is Nashville's Union Station, a iconic Nashville Landmark. The station is now a beautiful hotel, I would love to go back in time and see it as the beautiful train station it once was. I can remember I was on a field trip the first time I saw it. I was in awe of the beautiful structure, and remember thinking then it looked like a castle. Yesterday I posted 3 photos on facebook, and asked which one everyone would like to see me paint and this was the winner—next were tulips. This was the most out of the box for me. So many details, and I wanted to paint them all. Not possible on a 5x7 canvas, plus I was trying to keep it simple and not overdo. I had to finish this quickly and photograph before the sun went down, so I still may tweak a little.

Info from Website— First created as a majestic railway station in 1900, this Richardson Romanesque landmark captures America's great railroad era. Our splendidly restored 19th-Century railroad station will inspire you to connect with the past while enjoying the luxury of the present. Showcasing exquisite architecture, historic Southern charm, and first-class service, peel back the layers of time at Union Station - when travel was truly exotic.

Daughtry

2012-01-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

7x5 inches- fits in most standard frames!

SOLD

Listening to Daughtry's new album "Break the Spell" as I painted this little pug, so that is how I came up with the name. I have always loved the pugs little nose, and found it so much fun to paint. I asked on facebook what my followers would like to see me paint, and a pug was a suggestion from Patricia. Would love to have your input on what I paint. I hope you will join my facebook fan page and let me hear from you. Also, don't forget if you like my page you will be in a drawing for a giveaway print of "Harry" on the 28th of this month.

Light Breakfast

2012-01-09T07:38:00.000-08:00

Available in Daily Paintworks auction.

Starting bid $45

7x5 inches (Fits in standard frame!)

Getting back in the groove of painting after the holidays, so I wanted to warm up with a still life since it has been a while since I had painted anything without fur. This is for a Daily Paintworks challenge, paint your breakfast challenge. I usually start the morning with a light one involving fruit, I want to be brave and try to paint an egg sometime. Stay tuned—there are two furry critters on my easel and drawing table, so I can't stay away from them too long. Thanks for viewing!

Lela

2012-01-06T15:37:00.000-08:00

6x6 inch oil on board

Click here to bid!

I loved the pretty face of this sheep, so I felt Lela was an appropriate name. We never had sheep on our farm, so I don't know much about sheering them so I found this gentleman very interesting during the yearly molasses festival. The sheep would just stay still like it was enjoying every minute of it, I guess kind of like when we get our hair cut and it feels so good to get the extra weight off.

Thanks for visiting and sharing!

Slumber Party

2012-01-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

12 x 4 gallery wrapped

Available in Daily Paintworks Auction.
Starting bid only $95!

Happy New Year!! Looks like these girls stayed up new years eve and are sleeping in. This is a 12 x 4 gallery wrapped canvas with the sides painted, so no need to frame. Looking forward to the year!! I finished my newsletter yesterday, so be sure and check it out at the top of the blog page and sign up to receive future newsletters. You can also sign up at the right to receive my blog posts as well as the newsletter. I am extremely excited to see all of my new facebook fans. I will be giving away a print of "Harry" on January 28th, so still time to like my page to be in the hat.

I hope you have enjoyed the holidays and the time with your family. I woke up this morning to find out I won a painting from one of my favorite artists, Dana Cooper. Be sure and visit Dana's blog to see her beautiful work. Thanks, Dana!!

Thanks to all my blogger friends and their encouragement through 2011, you have brightened my days with your kind words and I'm forever inspired by your work.

I wish you continued Blessings through 2012!

Straw Roll-Up

2011-12-30T10:25:00.000-08:00

6x6 inch oil on gessoed board

Available in Daily Paintworks Auction!

Starting bid only $55

Loved how this baby was all snuggled in the straw. Head start on the new year painting more animals for the gallery in Leiper's Fork as well as my Etsy shop and Daily Paintworks. Was reminded with this painting of all the little calves I used to bottle feed. I would have to get up on the steps that went to the loft of the barn so they would not knock me down trying to get to the bottle—fun memories.

Jack

2011-12-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

This is Jack, the last of my Christmas commissions. Jack is a Black Havanese and is very loved by his family. Jack was commissioned as a gift for a sister who is very much a dog lover. Love painting all the colors in black and white fur! Would love to continue painting pet commissions throughout the year. Look in the new year for a page of information on commissions. Email me if your interested in having your pet painted.

Maggie

2011-12-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

8x8 oil on linen canvas

Now that Christmas is over I can share some of the doggie commissions I painted. This is Maggie, she belongs to my son's hockey coach. He wanted to surprise his wife with a painting of this sweetie, was not easy for him to keep secret until Christmas. Maggie is still young and very active, as you can see by the stick in her mouth. Love painting doggies!

Carrie and Harry!!

2011-12-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

Prints Available, Click Here

18 x 18 inch oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Exciting news!!! I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and heard from Laurel Leaf Gallery that a Nashville Celebrity purchased "Harry" for his wife for Christmas! Carrie Underwood had been in the gallery a few weeks before and fell in love with this painting, so her husband Mike Fisher came back in and bought it for her. My sons were so excited to hear Mike purchased, he is also a big celebrity in our household because he plays for the Nashville Predator hockey team. It was such a blessing painting Christmas commissions this year, and knowing Carrie was receiving "Harry" was icing on the cake! I am so thankful for all my new collectors and blog friends—hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Follow my blog and like my facebook page to be in a drawing to win a print of "Harry". (Click Harry's name for the link.) (Drawing January, 28th)

Other cow paintings available in my Etsy shop and auctions on Daily Paintworks. Painting lots of new cow paintings for the new year. Thanks for visiting, hope you have a very happy new year!!

Special thanks to everyone for sharing my artwork with others!!! Now you can purchase your very own print or greeting cards of "Harry" in my Fine Art America Gallery. Thank YOU for sharing!!

Mayzie

2011-12-15T08:09:00.000-08:00

Love this sweet little puppy!! Would love to have a little Yorkie to carry around everywhere. :) This was a commission painting to be a gift for a sister, I think she is going to be very surprised. Thanks Jennifer for trusting me to paint sweet Mayzie. Two more commission paintings to paint, I am having so much fun!! It is not too late to purchase a gift certificate for a pet portrait. :)

Palin Bear

2011-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Sold

I am falling in love with each puppy I am painting. This is Palin Bear, he is a Boston who loves his mom and grandma. Grandma commissioned this painting for her daughter for Christmas, she said Palin loves coming to her house and watching the turkey and deer. I can say turkey now and my dog Coco runs to the window—funny how fast they can pick up on words. .

Got Food?

2011-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

SOLD

6x6 inch oil on board

This cow seemed to be wondering if I was going to repay its photo session with something yummy. Painted this one on masonite board, which was a different surface for me. I like it and look forward to working with it more. Hope to get back on a routine of two or three paintings a week after the holidays.

Heavenly Stream

2011-11-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

8x10 inch oil on linen raymar canvas

Available in my Etsy Shop.

Painted this from a beautiful photo a friend took on one of her hikes through Cumberland Mountain State Park. Loved the peaceful feel of the photo and wanted to add a painting to my water series. While painting I was reminded of what heaven must look like with all of the beautiful colors and the light streaming from God. I am currently reading the book Heaven is for Real which brought this vision to mind.

Beauty Beyond Words

2011-11-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Available in my Etsy Shop—Wrapped and ready to be placed under the tree!

4x4 inch

Enjoying painting the 4x4 gallery wrapped canvases. Love the beautiful colors of the peacock, with each bird I paint I am more in awe of God's creativity with our feathered friends. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gone With the Wind

2011-11-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Available in my Etsy Shop— Black Friday— Cyber Monday Sale in my Etsy Shop!!

6x6 inch oil on canvas

I painted plein air a few days ago and it was very obvious why my husband calls me Lucy.

My hat blew off and I was chasing after it 2 or 3 times, it was so windy I thought I was going to blow away with all the leaves. He took this photo of me without me knowing, I am so glad he did not get me on video chasing after everything. The good thing is I painted very quickly and did not have time to fuss over this. You can not see in the photo, but down at the foot of the hill is my neighbors barn with this beautiful tree that now has lost all of its leaves. I like the composition of the painting and I would like to explore more paintings of homes with similar compositions.

Barefoot Cascade

2011-11-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

6x8 inch oil on raymar canvas panel

Available in my Etsy Shop.

When I think about our dairy farm I remember going barefoot in the creek as one of the highlights of my childhood. This little waterfall is on the golf course which was once the dairy farm. I wonder how many wonder filled hours I spent exploring God's water creatures in this creek. I was so intrigued by every slimy little critter.

Waterdog

2011-11-09T13:57:00.000-08:00

6x6 inch oil on cradled panel

Available in my Etsy Shop

Back to my favorite thing to paint—dogs in water. There is nothing more relaxing to me, as well as fun. I painted this on a cradled canvas and left the sides natural wood. I hope to someday get a photo of my doggie in water, but not so sure she would be a waterdog.

Coco — "Rub my belly! "

Give A Hoot! & Quackers

2011-11-05T11:43:00.000-07:00

Loved painting these small 4x4 gallery wrapped birds.

Hope to paint more for my Etsy shop, so stay tuned.

Florero, Copy after Sorolla by Carol DeMumbrum - SOLD

2011-11-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

8x10 oil on linen canvas

I have shared many times my love for Sorolla. I am thankful my art teacher many years ago introduced me to him and encouraged us to purchase a book of his work that was published in Spain. I wonder how many hours I have spent looking through it. I can't read it at all, but the paintings are absolutely amazing. I loved the colors in this, and wanted to study once again his technique for painting roses.

"With all its excesses, the modern impressionistic movement has given us one discovery, the color violet. It is the only discovery of importance in the art world since Velazquez." Sorolla
(Probably one reason I love him so much— I love violet!)

Face-off

2011-10-27T06:21:00.000-07:00

Oil on gallery wrapped canvas

16 x 8 inches

I have been working on this one off and on for a while. Trying to decide if I want to fill in the background, or leave it with the canvas showing. This is my son on the right taking a face-off in lacrosse. He said to be sure and make him look bigger than the other guy. He was, so that was no problem :). It really helps me to photograph a painting and then look at it and see where I need to make changes. I might play with this one in photoshop to see what to else I can do with it. I would love to hear your suggestions. Thanks for viewing and for your comments!!

The winner of the dog notecards from the drawing of my newsletter contest was— M S Coggins.
Sorry so late posting, I have been fighting a bad cold once again. Thanks everyone for signing up for my newsletter!!

Ballerina Dreams

2011-10-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

6x6 inch oil on raymar canvas panel

Available in my Etsy Shop.

I think every little girl dreams of being a ballerina—I know I did.

Painted this today thinking I was going to have a vendor booth at a dance recital, but they cancelled the booths. I am glad the event caused me to think of something different than my usual subject matter. Enjoyed studying paintings of Degas and admiring all of his beautiful paintings of dancers. I could not decide whether to keep the background light and airy or go with a darker background. I like the softness it evokes and would love to paint on a larger scale. I am working on a lacrosse painting for my son, so I have to switch gears from girly to manly.

Little church with the Red Steeple —#2

2011-10-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

NFS

8x10 oil on linen

This is the second time I have painted this view of this church. The first one was for a silent auction, and the top bidders were bidding back and forth and the lady that was the highest bid felt bad and gave it to the other bidder. I thought that was so sweet of her since she really wanted it, so I painted this one for her so she has her own now. :)

Click on newsletter and then click on the top left button.

Early Christmas SALE—lots of paintings are marked down in my Etsy Shop!

Click on Sale on the left hand side in my shop.

Thanks for sharing by liking my work on facebook!!!

We Meet Again

2011-10-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Painted for the challenge on Dailypaintworks. We were to select a portion of the picture that was of interest, crop it and play with the values and colors to determine what would result in a good composition. I liked this section of the photo and the story it could tell. What I love about painting figures is imagining might be going on, or what the people are talking about. I imagined this couple met while in Europe, and made a date to meet again at this beautiful European cafe. I added the roses and changed things up in the photo to tell a more romantic story. I really enjoyed this challenge!

Mama's Girl

2011-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

8x10 inch

Oil on linen canvas panel

Back to painting what I am most comfortable painting today. Love God's critters!! This sweet foal was sticking close to mom, hence the title. I purchased a Gorilla 6x8 thum box today to use on my plein air excursions. So excited to find the box at our local Jerry's Artarama, and then ordered the tripod from the Gorilla web site. I met Pam Padgett at the Cheekwood paintout, and she had just recently purchased this box and said she was loving how easy it is to travel with.

Plein Air Study - The Cheek Mansion

2011-10-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 inch oil on canvas panel

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

Another plein air study at Cheekwood this week. I loved the beautiful view of the back of the Cheek home. I was hidden halfway in a boxwood trying to hide from all of the people touring the grounds. I am still not feeling very secure about others looking at my paintings while I am painting. I painted to get the color key of the painting and then chickened out and came home and finished. Would love to someday paint this one bigger and try again.

Liked this quote, since it seems I am jumping around on subject matter. :)

embracing the diversity of human beings is a sure way to find true happiness
Malcolm Gladwell - author of Blink

Plein Air Study- Stream of light - SOLD

2011-10-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

6x8 inch

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

oil on raymar panel

This is the other plein air painting I painted at Cheekwood. It is pretty loose, but I think you can tell it is a stream going under a walkway. The beauty of plein air is when you look at the painting it brings back all of the feelings of being there. It was in the mid 70's and just a beautiful day. I had to catch the light in the water before the shadows took over the stream, so it is kind of like a race—adrenaline kicks in . We have a creek near our home, so I am anxious to get out and try painting it soon. Thanks for everyones support in my previous post!! I think I relaxed a little more in this painting. The other one my hand was shaking so bad you can probably tell in the painting.

Prendre Un Bain

2011-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 inch oil on archival canvas panel

NFS

This was painted Tuesday on my first paint out with the Chestnut Group. I am so hooked on plein air painting, but I have to admit I was so nervous. Cheekwood is one of my favorite places in Nashville, so when I found out the group was going I was determined to go no matter how much the little devil on my shoulder was trying to talk me out of it. I was reminded of all the values and colors painting from life open up for you. (Title means bathing in French.) I will post the other painting I painted at the paint out tomorrow. Click on my newsletter up above and subscribe to read more about my paint outs and what is on my easel, also your name will be in the drawing for my Dog Days of Summer note cards.

I know I have said this before, but if you are ever in Nashville be sure to visit Cheekwood.

Cheekwood is a 55-acre botanical garden and art museum located on the historic Cheek estate. Cheekwood exists to celebrate and preserve its landscape, buildings, art and botanical collections and, through these unique means, provide an inspiring place for visitors to explore their connections with art, nature and the environment.

I hope you will follow me on Facebook, see link on the right side column.

Fall Decor-Ready for fall Y'all?

2011-09-23T05:05:00.000-07:00

love of art + love of home decor = my new newsletter

Sign up for my newsletter and view it at the top of the page.

All who sign up will be in a drawing for my Dog note Cards on Oct. 22!!

Newsletter link at top of Page

Happy Fall!

With the end of summer and the start of fall comes a change in our decor: pumpkins, gourds, black cats and all things scary. I love getting out fall goodies and displaying throughout the house. I am excited to show some examples of how I have decorated with my artwork in my brand new newsletter and upcoming newsletters. I am a visual person, and it always helps me to see how something will look in my home. I hope this newsletter might spark some ideas for your home.

Spice it Up! What I love about these little paintings is that they can be displayed on little easels anywhere in your home. They are so easy to work in and add a splash of color to any nook of a room. Change your mood!! Wall decorations are often overlooked when people change their decor, but they play a major role in the overall atmosphere of a room. Brighten your room and mood with a new addition to your wall this fall.

Paintings are available in my Etsy Shop

Don't for get to sign up for my newsletter for a chance of winning my

"Dog Days of Summer" note cards.

Lavender Fields Forever—SOLD

2011-09-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

6 x 6 inch oil on raymar canvas panel

Available in my Etsy Shop

Bought a great book called Mastering Composition by Ian Roberts, even comes with a 40 minute dvd. Trying to really focus on composition when planning a painting—this is using the S armature. My favorite color is purple, so when I saw this reference photo on wet canvas I had to paint it. Trying to stick to focusing on one subject matter, but I'm drawn to so many of God's beautiful creations that I find that almost impossible for me. The Beatles song "Strawberry Fields Forever" was playing in my head, only with lavender fields the whole time painting this. Wanted to know where John Lennon got his inspiration for the song.

("Strawberry Fields Forever" is a song by The Beatles, written by John Lennon and attributed to the Lennon/McCartney songwriting partnership. It was inspired by Lennon's memories of playing in the garden of a Salvation Army house named "Strawberry Field" near his childhood home.^{[1]) Wikipedia}

Beach Beauty

2011-09-14T05:08:00.000-07:00

6x8 inch oil on Raymar canvas panel

Sold— Prints and cards available click here.

I believe white animals are my favorite to paint because of all the colors that reflect on their beautiful fur or feathers. I have to remember to KISS each painting- Keep It Simple Stupid. I had never heard this until I read it on someone's blog, but I guess it has been around because my husband knew it. I guess it can be applied to anything in life, a good one for me to remember in all things. You can't see too well on the screen, but I loved getting the white paint thick on the feathers closest to the viewer. This is good to develop depth in a painting, I need to remember in all paintings. I have a landscape I'm working on now that I think I will go back and add some palette knife work to the foreground and see if it helps with the depth of the painting.

This is a pelican—hard to tell with its beak hidden behind its feathers.

Out of Africa—SOLD

2011-09-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Available in the Daily Paintworks- Help the Children of Africa Challenge

( I thought this would be a nice reminder for someone to give and remember the beauty of giving as well as the beauty of so many of God's creatures Africa shares with us.

The money will be given to the Red Cross to help the children of Africa.)

I have always loved giraffes—so peaceful to watch them walk and go about their daily activities.

Would love to go on Safari in Africa one day!!! I thought I would share a few giraffe facts.

The average life span of a giraffe is 20 to 25 years.
The tongue of an adult giraffe measures 27". (I wonder how long Gene Simmons is?)
Giraffes are vegetarians and live on the leaves of the baobab tree.
Every step a giraffe takes is 15 feet in length.
A large male giraffe can eat up to 100 pounds of food in a single day. (Some days I feel like I could.)
A giraffes age can be calculated from its spots, as the darker the spots, the older the giraffe. (Maybe this is why my freckles are getting darker.)

I have a new refurbished mac, due to mine dying once again. I am so thankful everything on my hard drive was able to be transferred. Lesson in backing up your computer. I think I heard Leslie and Dreama talk about backing up theirs on the internet. Does anybody know what that site is?

Wilbur and Friends

2011-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

6x8 inch oil on canvas panel

Painted for Carol Marine's daily paintworks paint your pig challenge.

Really had fun painting these little oinkers. Special thanks to wet canvas artist gibbs for the great photo.

The pig on the left looked like Wilbur from Charlotte's Web.

So sorry to hear of the loss of Carol Marine's home and studio and all the families who lost there homes in Texas due to the wildfires. Click here to go to a link to help the Marine family.

Fall Welcome- SOLD

2011-08-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

I painted this yesterday when I was not feeling well with a cold and really had to push myself to paint. I decided I was going to put the paint down and not mess with it anymore, like the one stroke Carol Marine challenge. It is very freeing to paint this way. It is amazing how at a distance your eye blends all of the colors together to make the painting. Like the loose and abstract feel of this cold medicine induced painting. :)

"Crossing Your Path"

2011-08-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

6x8 inches oil on canvas panel

Painted this for the "Daily Paintworks Superstiion Challenge". Was a great excuse to paint a black cat. With the upcoming season would be a great addition to your fall decor.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

2011-08-24T15:09:00.000-07:00

Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

6x8 oil on archival raymar canvas board.

This is the title that came to mind when I looked at this little bluebird. It may be a gloomy day, but the weather like life will clear and the sun will shine again. You can not see in this photo, but the white has a lot of brushstroke textures. Painting birds are fun, because like their feathers there are lots of layers of paint. It takes lots of colors and brushstrokes to build up their little bodies—lots of fun.

Watching the Flock

2011-08-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

Ok, the flock this Australian Shepherd was watching was not the furry white kind or the kind that goes moo—it was a flock of teenage boys playing lacrosse. Don't you often wonder what animals are thinking?

I bet this one was thinking—I really would like that ball. I took this photo early fall last year, and I have wanted to paint it ever since and just getting around to it. I feel guilty for not posting for a while, but I was working on a sweet wall hanging for a wonderful family expecting twin girls. One of my favorite parts of painting is meeting the collectors and working with them to capture what they are visioning in a painting.

8x10 inch oil on ampersand panel

Email me if interested in this painting, or commissioning a painting

"Happy Girl"

2011-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

Purchase in my Etsy Shop

6 x 6 inch oil on linen canvas

I took a photo of this doggie at the Franklin Street Festival. She looked like such a sweet little girl, a sweet mixture of maybe a dachshund and another breed. This is my last painting to paint before the art show. Looking forward to it and nervous at the same time. Found out I will get to see some of my best friends from art school— happy, happy, joy, joy. :)

Email me if interested in a painting of your pet.

Available in my Etsy Shop.

Know someone who has a Corgi? This sweet baby needs a home. :)

"Franklin Charm"

2011-07-31T16:02:00.000-07:00

Available in a Daily Paintworks Auction starting bid $75.

8 x 8 inch oil on linen canvas

Franklin Square- 11 X 14

Franklin is a historical small town right outside of Nashville, Tennessee. It has been ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S., and I can see why. If you love history don't miss Franklin when you are close to Nashville. This is a little quaint deli right off the historical Main Street. It is fun to get lost in the details of people - and wonder what they had to eat. :)

Gone But Not Forgotten

2011-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Available at "Art Effects" art show, Columbia, Tn.- Aug. 5 & 6th

8 x 8 inch oil on linen canvas

This barn was destroyed in a spring storm this year, and all that remains now is the concrete silo. I thankfully had taken the photo, from which I painted, one day driving by (of course my husband was driving). It sat alone in the most beautiful field on the way into the city of Brentwood, so it was passed and seen by each family at least probably once a day. Every Christmas the owner would place a mural scene of the animals following the star of Bethlehem on the roof and light it—so beautiful to see lit up at night. It has been a Brentwood landmark for years, and everyone has voiced how it is missed, but since it was in a flood plain it is facing opposition in being rebuilt . (Full Story)

"Harry"

2011-07-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

With the popularity of the last Harry Potter movie I felt it an obvious name for my latest bovine painting. A little overwhelmed with necessities of the art show and family—it was a welcomed break to finish this painting today. Hope to have more cow art in the near future.

18 x 18 inches oil on cradled canvas.

Email me if interested in commissioning a pet painting.

"Poppy Field" - SOLD

2011-07-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Purchase in a Daily Paintworks auction-Starting bid $75
Frame available.

I loved the fairy tale feel to this home with the beautiful poppy field in the yard. I have been excepted into a local art show the first weekend in August, so I will be very busy painting and framing the next few weeks. (Fun!! :)

"Berry Bowl"

2011-07-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Available in my Etsy Shop.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Have wanted to paint strawberries for a long time and saw these in the fridge, so did a quick little painting to brighten my day. Love this little bowl I purchased at a Southern Living at home party, the company is called Willow House now—they have some great products for the home. :)

"The Best is Yet to Come"

2011-07-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

8x8 inch oil on line canvas- Sold

4x6 inch oil on linen

Trying to catch up with everything after returning from vacation. The above painting was painted from a photo taken in Destin, Florida during our spring break. The photo was taken into the sun, so the colors are softened by the bright sun, which made the people walking have there backs in the shadow. I found it a bit challenging to paint, but I am happy with the soft colors that came from the sun so late in the day. (My favorite time to go for a walk— missing the beach :(
The three to the left were painted plein air on our recent vacation to South Carolina. So relaxing to paint with the sea breeze blowing in the early morning. :) Go to my Etsy shop to see each individually.

"Waiting for Mom"

2011-07-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Purchase in my Etsy Shop.

Love the sweet face of this baby that seemed to be waiting for its mom or a bottle. We had beef cows like this one on our farm. I used to go feed them with my dad and always had to stay in the truck because of the not so nice bull. Cow paintings always bring back such great memories and are a comfortable subject for me, so I thought I would get back in the swing after vacation with something familiar.

8 x 8 inch oil on linen canvas

"Yankee Doodle Gal"

2011-07-04T04:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Everyone!!

Available in my Etsy Shop.

I thought it would be appropriate to post "Yankee Doodle Gal" again today. This was in Bar Harbor 3 years ago on the 4th. I hope this little lady continues to play in the band there. This is one of my favorite paintings because of the memories involved with it. I love how the conductor was using a sparkler to conduct. We are on vacation right now, so not much painting. We did go to Charleston yesterday and went into as many galleries as my boys could handle-so cool. Love Charleston!!!

Hope to paint Kevin—our horse on the carriage tour.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Impressionistic Canna Study #2

2011-06-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Available in my Etsy Shop

This was a painting where lots of lessons were learned. I was painting plein air like I said I was going to this week, and I was totally in the zone. I started to feel rain drops, so I ran in as quick as I could, but left my metal easel where it was—mistake. I had no idea rain was anywhere near, one of those freak showers.
Learned Lessons:
• Metal easels do break if they fall—duh, it's a metal easel it will be fine—not.
• Once out of the zone it is hard to get back.
• Photo colors are totally different from life.

I had most of the flower painted, but not all. I paint mostly alla prima, so once I got back to the painting it was dry. I could not mess with it much, so that is a good thing. That is what I like about painting plein air, I paint and don't have time to pick at it because the light changes.

Outside my Studio—Bunny chillin under our trampoline

My son knows every time I see an animal outside I'm taking pictures of it, so he called me to see this chillin rabbit. Love his little back legs. I think he was jumping on the trampoline when we weren't looking. :)

Daylily Study #1

2011-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Got up and out this morning early to paint plein air in my flower garden. I am looking forward to making it around my yard painting flower studies. I have decided this is the best way to start everyday. My mother-in-law has the most beautiful daylilies and I spent this weekend at her home and got some beautiful photos of her flower garden. Sorry if I have not responded to comments lately—I have been busy with my boys and trying to keep up with everything. Your comments keep me going—thank you!!

My Etsy Store
$65 with $5 shipping and handling in the US.

"Splish Splash"

2011-06-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

The more detail I put in the more I don't know where to stop. I think one of the hardest parts of a painting for an artist is in deciding what to put in and what to leave out. I knew if I put too much detail in the water it would distract from the dog. The photo was so clear with every little water droplet showing, and of course I started painting the water in the distance with as much detail as the water in the foreground. I might still go back in and add some depth in the water, or I might call it finished. What do you think?

Commission an animal portrait- cdemum@united.net
8x10 inch oil on linen canvas
Sold —Prints available on Etsy

"Bovine R & R"

2011-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Sold

I guess I should call this my "Bovine R and R Series". I love this size canvas, and I keep thinking of photos I have that would work on this format. One weekend a couple of weeks ago I was able to get the photo I used for my newest cow painting as we took my son to a birthday party— I always love successful road trips. I was even able to get a photo of a donkey, so I am looking forward to painting that one.

4"x 12" gallery wrapped canvas - 1 1/2 inch sides are painted.
Each painting is $85 plus shipping.

My Etsy Shop

"Celebration Bunny"

2011-06-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Available in my Etsy Shop

This weekend has been one where we have seen a lot of heartache—from a neighbors house fire that destroyed their home, to a family who lost their son in a head on car accident due to the other driver texting. As I was painting this bunny I thought about a recent National Geographic documentary talking about celebrating the good things in life. Lots of things are happening all around that are beautiful, and part of the joy of being an artist is capturing those moments and sharing it as a forever reminder of the beautiful things in life.

Lessons I Learned:
1. Celebrate Life!
2. Back up your photos- memories can be lost in a few minutes
3. Practice a fire drill with my family.
4. Do not talk on the cell phone or text while driving—it has been proven the brain can not multitask.
Most important celebrate what is good in life! I celebrate my blog friends today!
Soli Deo Gloria

6x8 inch oil on canvas panel.
(Donation will go the local red cross—I saw them in action this weekend at the home fire. )

"Little church with the Red Steeple"

2011-06-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

This was the church I attended most of my life. A lot of people in the small town of Nolensville use the church when giving directions to those coming into town—"you have gone too far if you have passed the little church with the red steeple" or "you are in town when you reach the little church with the red steeple. This little church has greeted lots of travelers through town since the late 1800's. They have had a lawn festival every year as long as I can remember—was always the highlight of the year. Hopefully this will be a reminder of wonderful memories for someone who purchases it in the silent auction of the day.

8x10 inch oil on canvas panel
NFS- (Available at NFUMC Lawn Festival on June 18th:)

"Bird on a Wire"

2011-05-31T17:35:00.000-07:00

Ended up painting this a little bit more graphic than I usually paint, and had lots of fun. I am very excited to have new followers from Friday Paint Party and new followers by email. Have a great rest of the week!

8 x 10 inch oil on canvas panel
My Etsy Store- Sold

Giveaway winner!!

2011-05-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

Thinking of and praying for all families who have loved ones who have sacrificed

their lives for our freedom.

Hope everyone is having a good day!! My son drew the name for the giveaway this morning and the winner is Julie Haynes, congratulations Julie. You have inspired me so through the words and paintings of your blog, It's a Colorful Life. I hope everyone will visit and see Julie's beautiful work and her always inspirational words. It has been so much fun having the giveaway that I want to do it again very soon!

This was a painting I recently won in a drawing from wonderful artist Diana Marshall. Be sure and visit Diana's blogs: Painting the Day Away and Just Animals. Diana's painting looks so beautiful next to this colorful bowl on my countertop. Thanks, Diana!!

"Saturday In the Park"

2011-05-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

This was painted from a photo I took in Millennium park in Chicago. We had just had a nice dinner in the park and then it was twilight, that was about six years ago and I still remember the feeling of being in the park that night and the beauty of this garden. I love painting from a photo that has such wonderful memories. I kept singing the Chicago song, Saturday in the Park while painting this hence the title. This weekend will be a busy one in all the city parks - everyone have a wonderful weekend!!

Don't forget this Memorial Day I will have a drawing for one of 3 paintings - see the post below. Hopefully my followers will show up again in the side column by then-must be a blogger glitch. If you have been trying to become a follower and can not, please leave a comment and I will be sure to include you.

6"x 8" oil on canvas panel.
My Etsy Store

"Golden Girl"

2011-05-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

I took on an 18 x18 panel this week. I must admit I really enjoyed listening to music and moving fast on this one. I am still tweaking some, but I like the loose feeling I finally started achieving with it. I used my palette knife on the background, but it was not what I was wanting- so I used a kleenex to soften edges and blend a little. The Guernsey cow was the first cows on our farm, and they are really sweet cows. This one had the sweetest face, so I knew I had to paint her.

18 x 18 inch oil on Ampersand panel with 1 1/2 inch sides - natural wood.

Children on the Seashore, after Sorolla by Carol DeMumbrum

2011-05-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Sorolla-
"I hate darkness. Claude Monet once said that painting in general did not have light enough in it. I agree with him. We painters, however, can never reproduce sunlight as it really is. I can only approach the truth of it.”

I always go to a book I purchased in college of Sorolla when I need inspiration, he painted light so well and it was often on little boys in the water, which I left out of this painting. (LOL) Love the mood and emotion in his painting, which I find more and more I am drawn to the more I study his work. Colors, subject matter, brushstrokes, etc. there is so much that bring about a mood when you view a painting. I looked up green to see how it makes us feel - Green symbolizes: life, nature, fertility, well being Green is the color of nature, fertility, life. Grass green is the most restful color. Sorolla used lots of green in this painting, and probably would not be colors I would have chosen, but I love the feeling it evokes.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

"Her Majesty"

2011-05-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

SOLD

Another DPW Challenge, this one from Dreama Tolle Perry. I so admire her work and as many artist I am so thankful for her weekly Blog Talk Radio show, on the artists helping artists blog. Dreama along with Leslie Saeta are doing so much to help others by sharing their artistic journey.

Pixel Berry Designs

This week I met another incredibly generous and talented Etsy artisan willing to share her blog with so many other artists. She was so generous in promoting my giveaway. Be sure and visit Pixel Berry Pie Designs to see all of Tarissa's beautiful designs as well as many other Etsy artists. (..:.:.Etsy Shop .:.:.Blog .:.:.Facebook -) Don't forget to follow my blog to be in the drawing (see two posts below for details)

Monte Ulia, San Sebastian, after Sorolla

2011-05-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

SOLD

This is the closest I can get to painting plein air with Sorolla. Wow, just studying his paintings makes me really think through each brushstroke and imagine what it must have felt like to stand in the very spot he stood and painted this beautiful area of Spain. Came across this article -5 reasons why a workshop artist is like a Scuba Instructor. (Great article and glimpse into Scott Christensen's studio.)

I was so excited to learn I am the feature artist this week on "Top Artists' Directory" . Be sure and check out Kim's work and the beautiful directory she has designed.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel.

Summer Painting Giveaway!

2011-05-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

The beginning of summer always seems to be on Memorial day when the pools open, school is out and everyone is ready for a little rest and relaxation by the beach. This Memorial day I will be drawing a name for a free painting! These 3 paintings say summer to me- if you win, you get to pick which you would like.

How to get your name in the drawing:

Sign up for on the top right column of my blog to receive emails as soon as I post.
Follow my blog.
Let me know in the comment section, or email me that you would like to receive my new upcoming newsletter.
If you are already following or receiving emails you are in the drawing. :)

All 3 are 6x6 inch oil on canvas panel.
Etsy shop

Let us continue to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Peony Impressionistic Painting

2011-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Peony flowers are so beautiful!

This was painted from very realistic artificial flowers, I really wish I had a real bush to paint from. Painting flowers is so much fun because you layer on all the different colors and shapes and when you step back it looks like a flower. Spent the day painting from one of my favorite artists Sorolla, hope to finish and post tomorrow. My favorite way to learn is to copy the masters, it is so relaxing and inspiring. So glad blogger is back up, I was having withdrawals from my dashboard.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel

Etsy shop

"Garden Fresh"

2011-05-11T14:23:00.000-07:00

Another great DPW Challenge!

12"x12" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

My Etsy Store.

Pick a vegetable and paint it from life. Direct painting. Take a break from those photos for now. Not only will this be good practice but healthy too. Really look at your subject, study it closely and you'll see colors and shapes you never noticed before. Have fun with it and when you're finished... eat your subject.

Diane Mannion

Loved seeing the many colors of all the veggies.

Great fun, ready for dinner with fresh veggies. A little dried out now.:)

Franklin Square

2011-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

This is the town square of Franklin, Tennessee. It holds lots of memories for me since my mom worked in the courthouse corner office, right across from the statue. This is still a work in progress-I usually see things I want to work on when I post.

11"x14" Oil on linen canvas
Email me if interested.

"Yellowstone Spa Treatment"

2011-05-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

Love the geyser pools of Yellowstone, if you have never visited I highly recommend. There are bison all around and lots of photo opps. Realized after we were there that it is not too safe to get too close. Duhh..., my son and I were only a few feet away from one while taking photos. We probably almost became someone's YouTube video.

12"x 4" oil on gallery wrapped canvas

My Etsy Store

"Greenspace"

2011-04-27T17:13:00.000-07:00

Found this really cool gallery wrapped canvas that is 4"x12"-love it!! Went through my photos looking at so many possible photos that work well with this format. Decided I wold try my palette knife on this one. All I have is the palette knife I mix with, so I'm thinking a trip to the art supply store is in order. I was so anxious to post because I have posted 3 days in a row, that I forgot my signature.

4x12 inch oil on gallery wrapped canvas

"Life is Good"

2011-04-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

I think no matter what your problems the beach is a place where you can go and enjoy the beauty of the ocean and for a moment forget. For me painting the ocean is the next best thing to being there, add a dog in the mix and "life is good".

6"x8" oil on canvas panel
My Etsy Store

"Sands of Time"

2011-04-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

Took a walk Easter on the golf course that used to our dairy farm. Always brings back wonderful memories of my childhood by being on the course. Want to paint some landscapes from photos while the storms continue. Hope everyone is staying safe during all of the bad weather lately.

Love the shapes these sand traps made! It was cloudy so there was not many shadows, so I would love to get some more photos to get more shadows that add even more shapes. Guess I need to learn how to golf- lol. (That adventure could start another blog. )

6"x 8" oil on canvas panel
My Etsy Store

"Tennessee Blossom"

2011-04-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Iris is the Tennessee state flower, so it was natural for me to want to paint this beautiful flower. My grandmother had a beautiful garden, so when I think of her I often picture her backside weeding her flower garden or picking veggies out of the garden. I don't think I inherited her green thumb, it may be literally green from painting. Like her I love the beauty of a garden and the mood it invokes upon viewing and smelling. If you are ever in Nashville be sure to visit Cheekwood Gardens and Art Museum- you will be in for a visual treat.

6"x8" oil on canvas panel
My Etsy Store

"Intertwined"

2011-04-21T07:24:00.000-07:00

Working on a landscape and needed a break, so decided to try the DPW challenge for the month. I tried combining the complementary & split-complementary and used red, turquoise, green and lime-green. Listening to the latest Artist Helping Artists blog talk show and artist Darrell Hill shared how he usually has 3 paintings going in his studio, so this made me feel a little better about my attention span.

6 x 6 inch oil on canvas panel.
My Etsy Store.

Plein Air Landscape Oil Paintings by Carol DeMumbrum

2011-04-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

I so admire plein air artist and often go from blog to blog admiring their work. With the warmer weather and the beautiful flowers I am anxious to get out and do some more myself. The top two paintings were painted plein air last year, and the bottom was from a photo of our trip out west. A book that has been recommended by several artist is Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting. It is full of wonderful info, but I suggest taking notes as you read it. I am trying to go back and read my notes before I paint my next landscape. I was intrigued to read of all the colors in the sky, it talks about it resembling a large rainbow. I have made some new friends and some I have known for a while who belong to the Chestnut Group, a nonprofit alliance of landscape artists and friends dedicated to the conservation of wild and open spaces in Middle Tennessee. Kevin Menck and Kay Farrar are two friends in this group whose work I admire and follow, be sure and check them out.

My Etsy Shop.

Arts and Crafts Festival

2011-04-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Spent the week preparing for an arts and crafts festival at Laurel Leaf Gallery in historical Leiper's Fork, Tennessee. It was a busy week so I did not get to post, but do have one painting I'm working on. It started off rainy, but thankfully I had not put out my paintings yet. The temp only reached about 49, so not a lot of shoppers. Had a great time talking to the other artists and the shoppers that braved the weather. Have lots of framed artwork now. :) I think the bunny was the favorite of my critters.
My Etsy Shop. (If interested in the framed price just email me.)

Spring Decor

2011-04-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Out of wall space? You can always carry art out into the room in a frame or on an easel. I wanted to share how easy it is to use small paintings in with your spring decor. Little paintings can brighten any area of a room. Happy Spring!

My Etsy Shop.

"Easter Ruffles"

2011-04-09T05:52:00.000-07:00

I am headed outside for my boys lacrosse games, and it is a beautiful day.

Have a wonderful day!

6"x 8" oil on linen canvas panel

$65 plus $10 insured priority mail in the US.

My Etsy Shop.

"Spring Wings"

2011-04-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

I admire artist who paint larger canvases. My attention span is not much longer than 2 days. I think there is just so much I want to paint that it is hard for me to stay focused. I do have several large canvases awaiting me. First I need to purchase some larger brushes, or it will take me forever to finish one.

8"x10" oil on linen canvas panel
$115 plus $10 insured priority mail in the US. SOLD
My Etsy Shop.

Every canvas is a journey all its own. (Helen Frankenthaler)

"Charmer"

2011-04-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

I love cows, so I always feel comfortable painting them. I grew up showing them in 4-H, but really they were showing me. I had one not so nice one that would drag me around the show ring. They all had different personalities, some were very sweet and calm. This one seems sweet with its long beautiful eyelashes and bling around her neck.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel
$59.00 with $10 priority insured shipping in the US.
My Etsy Shop.

"Let's Play Ball!"

2011-04-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

SOLD

I love painting dogs in water! This is my third to paint, so I'm thinking I need to hang out by the lake or ocean this summer. I have a few photos from our trip to Florida, but none with a dog actually in the water. Maybe I can convince my husband I need to go back for more photos. :)

8x10" oil on linen canvas
$125 with $10 priority insured shipping in the US.

"Confetti Veggies"

2011-03-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

Found asparagus have lots of colors on them - very fun to paint!

Need to see what else is lurking in the fridge.

These might be dinner, seems a little cruel now that I have spent so much time with them.

6 x 8 inches

oil on canvas panel

$60 with $10 priority insured mail

My Etsy Shop

"Trust"

2011-03-30T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have made a dear friend on Etsy who takes care of rescue and special needs animals (Misfit Farms). When naming this horse I thought about the trust animals have in us to take care of them. When they are abused, it has to be very hard for them to trust again. Tammy shared with me a beautiful story of trust she has shared with her rescue pony, an amazingly touching story. Tammy and her family recently lost one of their dear dalmatians due to complications following a seizure. Sid was Tammy's studio companion, and she shared with me the comfort the dalmatian painting she purchased from me has brought her hanging in her studio with Sid's collar hanging on it. What a blessing- this is why I paint!
8 x 10 inch oil on linen panel
$115 with $10 insured priority mail in the US. (Donation given to Misfit Farms in your name if you purchase)

Tammy is a very talented stained glass artist!

I LOVE the pieces I have from her shop. I hope you will visit her shop and enjoy her beautiful work. Click here to go to Glasspassionsgallery.

"Home Sweet Home"

2011-03-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

This was easy to name because we just returned from a week in Destin, Florida, but actually home did not seem so sweet since it is COLD. Was able to get a few great photos I hope to paint, and the boys had a wonderful time. :) I painted in between trips to the beach and sunburns, so "hurrah" I am able to post today. This was really fun, and still fit into a spring theme. I figured out I can have a consistent theme without having the same subject matter, brilliant (lol).

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel.
$65 with $10 priority insured mail in the US.
My Etsy Shop.

"Water's Edge"

2011-03-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

There is a lake nearby called Radnor lake with a great walking trail. Now that it is warmer I am ready to go take lots of photos. This was taken a couple of years ago, and I am just getting around to painting it.
A local plein air group called the Chestnut Group raises money throughout the year to help protect such areas.

8x10 inch oil on linen canvas panel.
$115 with $10 shipping in the US.
My Etsy Shop.

"Cup of Joe"

2011-03-16T19:49:00.000-07:00

This was painted for the DPW color of white challenge. I can not start the morning without my cup of coffee, and usually have more than one. Love starting the day on my blog dashboard with a warm cup of Joe. Why is it called "cup of Joe" ?? Click here to find out. I had no idea.

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel
$50 with $5 shipping in the US.
My Etsy Shop.

Baah....

2011-03-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

I have gotten a little behind on posting, so I am posting 2 today. Proud of myself for keeping with the Easter theme from the rabbit in a few posts below. Love thinking of little baby animals and spring flowers during this time of year. God is truly amazing! I moved very quickly and kept this very loose. Love the colors on white animals and the texture you can achieve with it. Hope to try the white object challenge on DPW this week, should be lots of fun.

6x8 inch oil on canvas panel
$85 with $5 shipping and handling in the US. SOLD
My Etsy Shop.

"Gentry Farm"

2011-03-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

If kids in this area were asked where all pumpkins come from, they would probably say Gentry farm. It is a local farm where all the schools go for field trips in the fall. I wanted to continue a patriotic theme after "Yankee Doodle Gal" and found a photo of this barn. I always thought it was so neat to have the American flag painted on the front. What a wonderful tradition the Gentry family has brought to our community!
I used my artistic license and added the kitty going into the barn. :)

6x6 inch oil on canvas panel
$50 with $5 shipping in the US.

"Yankee Doodle Gal"

2011-03-08T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to paint this ever since I took the photo 2 years ago in Bar Harbor. We had a wonderful day during our summer vacation on the 4th of July here, with a small town feel to everything. This little lady was amazing, she was probably in her 80's and had more energy then everyone. When she was not playing she was keeping the beat with her hips. The conductor in the background was leading with a sparkler, how cool is that. I'm having lots of fun looking at photos from this day, more possibilities for paintings. Thanks to artist Vicki Shuck for her inspiration of capturing the moment with her figurative paintings. (Love them!!)

6x6 inch oil on canvas raymar panel
$80 with $5 shipping in the US.

"The Happy Family" & "The Perfect Pair"

2011-03-03T06:15:00.000-08:00

Painted these two following the DPW challenge yesterday. Wow, they really went fast and stopped me from overworking. Needed this challenge to push me to think differently. Be sure and check out all the amazing work and enter one yourself.

6x6 inches- $50 each with $5 shipping.
Purchase in my Etsy shop.
Happy Family-SOLD
The Perfect Pair-Available

"Mosaic Bunny"

2011-03-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Started this thinking I might paint this for the Daily Paintworks Challenge, but I gave in to a smaller brush and probably did not follow the rules exactly. Would love to do a whole Easter series, but then there is the attention span problem.

6x6 inch oil on raymar canvas panel.
$50 plus $5 shipping in the US. SOLD
Click here to go to my Etsy Shop.

Cantaloupe Study

2011-02-26T11:14:00.000-08:00

I have been drawn to painting brighter things because I'm tired of gray skies. Enjoyed the morning looking at all my blogger friends beautiful work with the beautiful sun shinning through he window. Life is good!!
Thank you God for a sunny day with friends!

6"x6" oil on canvas panel
SOLD-$50 plus $5 shipping in the US.

"Morning So Soon?"

2011-02-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Love painting animals, and had lot of fun being loose and fast with this little rooster. I so admire people that have lots of animals. Someday I hope to have more animals - instant painting reference. Would be lots of fun painting plein air in a field of chickens. :) ( sorry for the glare-bottom photo is better.)

6"x6"oil on canvas panel
$60 with $5 shipping in the US.
My Etsy Store.

"Citrus Splash"

2011-02-21T15:38:00.000-08:00

Little brighter than I usually paint, and had a lot of fun with it. I painted the orange a while back with a ribbon wrapped around it, but did not care for the ribbon. I decided to paint over the ribbon and add the lemon wedge and leaves. I'm glad I revived this one and turned it into a new painting.

6"x 6" oil on archival canvas panel
$50 with $5 shipping in the US.
My Etsy Store.

"Spring Dreaming"

2011-02-17T17:03:00.000-08:00

I loved all the colors in this little cardinal. Like this bird, I'm dreaming of having spring weather everyday. Lots of plans for upcoming art fairs and outside activities.

6"x6" oil on raymar archival canvas panel
$60 plus $5 shipping in the US- SOLD
My Etsy Shop.

"Full Bloom"

2011-02-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

This was another painting for the Daily Paintworks Challenge. I was painting roses my husband gave me for valentines day that were in full bloom, which made it even harder. I started painting too many details and ended up scrapping it all off and was ready to give up. Then I remembered Sorolla painted roses, so I pulled out my Sorolla book and was inspired to simplify. My painting was very close to becoming a frisbee.
$50 - $5 shipping in the US
6"x 6" oil on canvas panel.
Frame available upon request.

SOLD

"Lemon 10-4 Study"

2011-02-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

This was a challenge on dailypaintworks.com to paint a subject in a 10 minute time period and then stop and paint it again. This was a great exercise for me, since I have such trouble saying I'm finished with a painting. I had to say it's finished, and I must admit it felt really good!! The first painting was painted without any underpainting, 2nd with a cad yellow underpainting, 3rd with a magenta underpainting and 4th with a purple underpainting (ult. blue & magenta mixture). I think I did the best with the third with values and the second lemon with colors and shape. I like the feel of the 4th being loose and more graphic.
I might pick another subject and do 4 more as a warm up on another day. I think these little studies would look great framed and hanging on a wall! Thanks, Carol Marine!! Be sure and see all the wonderful studies by over 175 artists.

8"x 10" Oil on linen canvas
$50 with $5 shipping in the US.

"Crazy Horse Kitty"

2011-02-10T18:22:00.000-08:00

I know that's a strange name for a painting, but could not think of anything better. When we visited Mt. Rushmore last summer we went on to the Crazy Horse Memorial to tour the museum and artist's studio.This little kitty was hanging out and greeting everyone around the studio. I followed him around until I had a good photo.
The sculptor, Korczak Ziolkowski passed away and his family continues to work on the memorial until it's completion. Incredible story of dedication to a husband and father's dream.

6"x8" oil on linen canvas panel
Available at Laurel Leaf Gallery

"Bright Eyes"

2011-02-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

Growing up every stray cat seemed to find my house, and I would just take them to our farm where they had all the milk they could possibly want. Cats were always my favorite. My husband and I had four between the two of us when we married, but now they have gone on to kitty heaven. I think this cat is eyeing the bird in the previous post.

6"x 8" oil on linen canvas
$85 with $5 shipping in the US.

"Winter Wings"

2011-02-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

This was a commission I really enjoyed. Cardinals are such beautiful birds! I hope to paint more in the near future.

6"x 6" oil on canvas panel - SOLD

"Bessie"

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

Painted with a black underpainting, and painted wet into wet. A lot of fun watching "Bessie" come to life. Also painted "trick or treat"earlier in blog this same way. I used to get this same look on our dairy farm quiet a bit. I remember trying to see what the cow's cud looked like while they were chewing it. Still don't know-pretty gross. Photo reference from Wetcanvas. com. Great photo reference for artist on this site!

6"x6" oil on archival canvas panel
SOLD-$60 with $5 priority mail with insurance in the US.
Email me if interested also in a frame.
My Etsy Shop.

"Mystical Willow"

2011-01-31T15:12:00.000-08:00

I was going through some of my paintings pulling out ones that I might repost on days I'm still working on another painting. This one has kind of grown on me. Right after I painted it I thought I went a little crazy, but now I kind of like the feel of it.

SOLD-$65 with $5 shipping in the US
oil on canvas panel

"Little taste of Italy"

2011-01-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

This was a quaint little Italian restaurant in Boston we passed while on the trolley tour. I knew when I saw it that I wanted to paint it. I would love to go back someday and eat there, because it was so charming on the outside. Has anyone been there before? I think the sign said Gia Ristorante.

8"x 10" oil on archival linen panel
$115 with free shipping in the US