Carol Flatt Art

"Loose Ends" 6" X 6" Pastel on Pastelbord

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:19:00 +0000

I photographed a bunch of radishes I purchased at the store and thought I'd do another painting - this time pastel - of a different arrangement. I love their quirkiness...again, each one different from another. It also gave me a chance to work with the complementary colors of red and green which is my favorite twosome. Carol Marine often talks about her "favorite part" of a painting she's done. I think that is a great idea - a part that was a joy to do and turned out well. For me it was the shadows of the radishes. They add so much volume and interest to a setup.
This painting is available at: Daily Paintworks at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/carol-flatt-1045

"Lemon Quintet" 6" X 6" Oil on panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:31:00 +0000

What CAN'T you do with lemons in a still life setup? You can stack them up, line them up or slice them up. Any way you pose them, they're fun!

This painting may be purchased at Daily Paintworks at: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/carol-flatt-1045

"'Tis the Season" 6" X 6" Oil on panel SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:50:00 +0000

Ah, love is in the air! Even though it is only the first of February our local Mourning Doves are beginning their pairing up and nest-building. We had one couple a few years ago who ended up having over six "batches" (sets, litters, bunches, etc.) within about five months. They built their nest on top of the old alarm system off our patio. It's ancient and no longer active which is good for them.
This painting is for sale on Daily Paintworks in my gallery here: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

"Early Morning Shadows" 12" X 12" Oil on canvasboard

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:26:00 +0000

I haven't done a landscape in quite awhile. I think it's the intimidation of "the enormous space" in a big scene with all the details included in the setting. I know this is probably (actually) irrational, but it's my trepidation in starting the task. It just seems "HUGE!" Most of my work focuses on the intimate view of an item. I love that! I feel much more confident in experimenting and know that I will finish it in a reasonable time. All of this being said, this scene pulled me in a personal way. As we were leaving the Monterey Peninsula last October we headed east on Hwy. 68 to Salinas in order to catch U.S. 101 south. It was early morning and the sun was just rising over the hills. There were plenty of nice, long shadows, and where the sun hit the meadows there were shades of green, brown and yellow. One couldn't have choreographed the light any better than it was that morning. I felt lucky to have been there to photograph it.
This painting is for sale through Daily Paintworks at: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

"Oranges in the Limelight" Oil on panel 3 1/2" X 7" SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:58:00 +0000

I purchased a frame I liked several months ago because of its style, quality and price. It was for an unusual-sized painting - just 3 1/2" X 7". I knew one day there would be a subject that would lend itself to a long and narrow shape. As I'm usually chasing frames for an already completed painting, this was a fortunate find. My husband cut down a masonite panel and as you might guess it didn't take a long time to do. It was great fun to play with the texture and color aspects.

This painting may be purchased through Daily Paintworks at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

"A NATURAL RESOURCE" 6" X 6" Oil on linen panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:26:00 +0000

I struggled with the decision to make the edges of the eggs loose, or not. I can't erase from my mind that eggs are these clean, white, perfect ellipses, and I thought really loose edges would look sloppy rather than "creative." Silly of me, I know, but I just couldn't do it. Instead, I settled for texture applied within the egg shape with palette knife and brush. Hopefully, that will suffice. First time I've worked on eggs in a painting...very enjoyable.

This painting is available through Daily Paintworks at: http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

"THE BUNCH OF US" Oil on linen panel 6" X 6"

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:27:00 +0000

Oh my, it's wonderful to be painting again! This span over Christmas and New Year's Day I have been "paintless," and I felt so wonderfully normal again to have a brush in my hand and a palette before me. I hope it's not too late to wish you all a very Happy New Year filled to the brim with peace, hope and painting opportunities.
This painting is available through Daily Paintworks at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cflatt-1045

"MOM'S ANGELS" 5" X 7" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 22:32:00 +0000

When I was a young child my Mom would put these porcelain angels out every Christmas. I loved them! I'd keep rearranging them. I'm surprised they've survived this long. Now, I have them, and they bring back wonderful memories of family this time of year.

I have listed this painting as an auction on Daily Paintworks.

"PUH-LEASE, CAN WE GO?" Pastel 6" X 12"

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 22:52:00 +0000

I had a blast doing this one! First of all, working on Pastelbord is always fun because one can get so many effects with it. It almost begs you to play with texture and color. Secondly, if the puppy were a live model rather than a photo, it's almost like he's telling me to hurry up and finish. His patience has worn thin!

This one will be for sale on my Daily Paintworks and Freshpaint Daily Painters pages starting tomorrow December 11th.
Have a great weekend!!

"NOTHING BUT A HOUNDDOG" 6" X 6" Oil on panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:12:00 +0000

How do you resist painting something with eyes like this? Impossible!

"Hounddog" will be for sale in my Dailypaintworks Gallery tomorrow, December 8th.

"VICTOR AND VICTORIA" 6" X 8" Oil on canvasboard SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:20:00 +0000

I love geese. They always seem so elegant and poised. We have very few here in the community where I live (desert and little water), so these are from a photo I took while we were on the Monterey Peninsula (lush vegetation and LOTS of water).
Green has always been a difficult color for me to paint. I often seem to paint it too much on the olive side or don't have the right combination of cools and warms. This time I relied on SAP GREEN and combinations of it, and I was happy with the final effect. It seems bright without being over the top - a HAPPY green, if you will.

"ALONG U.S. 101" 6" X 6" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:42:00 +0000

This new painting looks similar in composition to my last post, but it is in a different area. We were whizzing along U.S. 101 northbound near Monterey when I snapped this photo at 65 mph. No, I wasn't the driver. What caught my attention was the shape of the trees on the rise and the colors of the coastal iceplant that covers the dunes near Fort Ord. This iceplant is intriguing as it goes through it's color changes throughout the year. Reds, oranges, golds, greens, grays and browns make beautiful patterns across the sand. Who said freeways couldn't have beauty?

If you have an interest in purchasing this painting please visit my Daily Paintworks Gallery for details.

"POINT LOBOS MEADOW" Pastel 5" X 7" SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:09:00 +0000

It was such a clear day at Point Lobos the day we went. There had been a morning fog which had burned off by 9:30. The colors of the sky and sea, rocks and foliage were so brilliant. Several walking trails crisscross the park - every one of them with little scenes like this one.

"DAISY IN A BOTTLE" 16" X 8" Oil on panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:19:00 +0000

It has been much too long since I last posted, and I feel badly about it. For awhile we were out of state, and when we returned it seemed like there was much to take care of. For better or worse, the wheels of my painting wagon are up and running again, and I'm excited to explore some larger sized work. I've been doing smaller paintings - 6" X 6" mostly - both in pastel and oil. But I think now is a great time to work with some of the larger panels and canvases I have had stored in my closet. I know 8" X 16" doesn't sound all that big, but it's double what I usually do. And, I have larger panels that I'm anxious to plan for. I know already that the set up for still lifes will take more pre-painting thought. Composition will have to be more thought out so that the space is used in a good way. I'm really looking forward to the next few weeks.

On a side note, one of our local churches in the community plans for an artist a month to display work in an area in one of the wings. I was fortunate enough to be able hang work for this month, and a friend was kind enough to help me hang 33 pieces using the wonderful hanging system they've installed. The most I've ever had hung at one time is four, so for me, it's kind of a thrill.

Thank you for all the comments you make on my blog and the encouragement you've given me. I've learned so much from all of you and have been warmed by your interest. Have a great weekend!

"WITNESS" 5" X 7" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 21:45:00 +0000

These wonderful old Cypress trees are such majestic sentries. They grow right on the coast where the moisture is greater than it is even one mile inland. There's a grove of them here locally with trees over three hundred years old. It would be wonderful if they could talk and share all they have seen!

We shot some scenic shots yesterday of the ocean south towards Point Lobos.

"CALIFORNIA SUNSHINE" 5" X 7" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 01:50:00 +0000

After a year and a half of back problems (four fractured vertebraes and compressed discs) and the procedures to "fix" them, my husband felt he had to have a change of scenery. So, a week ago, we traveled from Arizona to the central coast of California where we plan to stay for awhile. We used to live here, so it's like coming home for us, and it rejuvenates and inspires us. Third day here Clair, my husband, was in a bicycle accident when a man opened his car's driver's door just as Clair passed by. He went down hard, but thank goodness just deep contusions and scrapes rather than something much more serious. Because he can't walk well yet we take the car for little scenic jaunts where he can use his camera to photograph the area.

We can't believe all the gorgeous flowers, and I spotted these Coneflowers (I think) in full bloom. I did bring my pastels along so I was able to complete this painting.

The pictures below were taken by me (a lower level of expertise with the camera) of places in the area.

This was in our front yard yesterday morning.

"Lookin' Out the Window" 6" X 12" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 21:19:00 +0000

This pastel was worked on Pastelbord, one of my favorite surfaces. It was basically worked in three stages as follows.

The pears were sketched onto the Pastelboard with pastel pencil then basic shapes were "filled in" with Nupastels, a harder type of pastel stick. I'm not fussy at this stage with detail - basically, I'm concerned with values, getting the light correct and the basic colors down.

Next, using a brush and alcohol I paint the pastel in place. I'm creating a base of pastel that won't smear and goes into the roughness of the surface. All sorts of fun things can be done at this stage. Sometimes, it's fun to

paint the complement of each color and let it show through the soft pastel on top.

In the last stage I use those gorgeous soft, buttery soft pastel sticks (Unison, Sennelier, Terry Ludwig) to add color and make refinements, and the finished painting is shown at the top.

More Framing

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:10:00 +0000

Little by little I'm able to say "Finished!" to more of my work. (See previous post.) A very good feeling!

Some Framing Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:33:00 +0000

It has been a while since I last posted, and I've been busy adding the final step to completing a painting - framing! Gosh, so many choices to make, and sometimes the choices might depend upon the disposable income that's available. I want something to look professional and enhance the painting, but I also know that MY taste in frames might not be that of the buyer. So sometimes I go with a mat(s) and thin metal or wood frame. It shows nicely, and if the client chooses to have it reframed, they haven't lost the cost of a terribly expensive frame. The painting above is a pastel and has glass, so my apologies for reflections and the distortion caused by turning to avoid the reflections.

This painting is an oil so there's no glass. I chose a slight one-inch wood frame with some slight detail. It's a smaller size art piece (6" X 6") so a small frame works, I think.

You can always second-guess yourself about choices. There are many frames that would work and look pro, so you make the best decision you can. But, I must say it's a good feeling to have that piece you've been working on for sometime decked out in it's final regalia. It hides all those messy edges and gives it the final punch.

"FAVORI ITALIEN" 6" X 6" Oil on linen panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:42:00 +0000

My palette in doing this painting was a bit different for a change. I used Cadmium Yellow Medium, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Red Medium, Titanium White, and Burnt Umber. It's a challenge to have a limited palette like this, but a fun one and one with which I need to play. I've been told it's an excellent way to learn color theory.

"BASKET CASE" 12" X 9" Oil on panel SOLD

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:12:00 +0000

It seems recently I'm on a dove binge. We have so many Mourning Doves in this area that it's hard to go anywhere without photo ops available. My husband is the photographer in the family so I have a handy resource for material. I had fun with the basket. I hadn't done "interwoven" before, and I really enjoyed it. However, a little of that goes a long way.

"CHANGE OF ADDRESS" 12" X 12" Oil on panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I decided to go a little larger with this painting instead of the usual 6" X 6" or 6" X 8". I do love the square format. I had worked hard the last four months trying to develop a "looser" style, and I was getting "there" about 85% of the time. I find myself at times now kind of reverting to a tighter, more realistic interpretation of subject. Perhaps it's just the subject matter - in this case, all those feathers - or maybe it's that old uncertainty again about letting go of the concrete in favor of the unknown and the experimental. Scary stuff!!
I'll have to work on that!!

"TAKING A BREAK" 6" X 6" Oil on cradled panel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 21:22:00 +0000

Hummingbirds have always had a special place in my heart. They are fascinating creatures and can do so much for their size. A neighbor had a hummingbird build a nest in front of her window (thank you very much!) I couldn't believe how amazingly small, yet perfect it was. The bird laid two of the tiniest eggs you've ever seen, and when they hatched she was constantly busy feeding them. I guess all moms and dads can relate!

"SIDEKICKS" 7" X 7" Pastel on Wallis paper

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 17:53:00 +0000

I'm experimenting with a surface I haven't used very much to date called Pastelmat. It takes lots of pastel and has a softer surface than the Wallis paper. It allows blending, but also, if you prefer, it shows individual strokes. The only negative for me was one has to be very careful when handling (storing, carrying, preparing) the paper or when roughing in the sketch NOT to press too deeply. If you do it leaves indentations in the surface that are difficult to cover over with the pastel. This may be just me, but I've tried two projects on the paper, and it has done the same thing each time. I will try it again and work very carefully because other than this problem, it's a great surface.

"DOUBLE A GRADE STRAWBERRIES" 7" X 7" Pastel

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Flatt) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 20:21:00 +0000

It has been almost two weeks since I last posted, and I apologize for the delay. Life gets busy sometimes, especially in the summer months. It was just delightful to jump back in the painting process again with this quirky setup. I have this little wooden chicken that works his way into table settings and onto various shelves at different times. That, along with the strawberries offered a color jolt that I liked. I tried to do some color mixing of the pastels not by blending with a finger, but by crosshatching with strokes of a slightly different color in a close value. The berries have about four different reds in them with hightlights in a light orangey-pink. Color is such a joy!