My Next Painting

Valentine Candy Hearts and Minnie,oil,5x7

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Roadblock of Love, oil on Centurion OP Linen Panel, 5x7, 2012

I'm getting into the Valentine's Day mood; these candy hearts are so neat and cute, and I wanted to play with them a little. The heart rockslide with this little Minnie Mouse car made a nice little drama, I think. All the pink and purple reminded me of my little girls; when they were young I regularly washed a pink and purple load of laundry. Toys have such memories built into them; this is a small study for my When Toys Collide! series. I plan on doing this idea larger, so it's good to see it fleshed out. I really enjoyed scratching in all those cute and corny sayings!

Mango, oil, 6x6

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Mango, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 6x6, 2012.
click here to bid on Ebay

The cool north light hitting the left edge of this mango was what caught my interest. I'm really trying to work my edges better too, I think that's what separates the OK from the exceptional, and I'm trying to be more patient with myself.

Lemon and Asparagus on Fiestaware, oil, 5x7

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Lemon and Asparagus on Fiestaware, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 5x7, 2012

This is a painting I started a while ago, but I needed the lemon that night for a salmon dinner, and kept forgetting to buy another one! Finally I got back to this; the north light lent a subtle glow to the items, and I hope I captured it a bit.
Also my first gallery showing is over, and I ended up selling a painting; what an encouraging initial experience! I have Outdoor Painters of Minnesota (OPM) to thank for it, swell painters to learn from, and neat opportunities to paint as well.

A Favorite Uncle

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:49:00 +0000

Uncle Steve, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 8x10, 2011.

This portrait is of my husband Bob's favorite uncle, Steve, who passed away much too soon years ago, in his mid-fifties. He was a young uncle, but even so was part of that previous generation that seemed to want to put people neatly in compartments and categories. You know, like women should stay home and not bother with college, men should be the breadwinners etc.

So with all that as backdrop it was pretty cool to see Uncle Steve have diverse, unconventional interests. He was a noted bugle player in the military, was quite into weight-lifting and body-building, and liked to talk about that, and other sports, with Bob. He was a dedicated, sharp businessman who was destined for higher executive level on Wall Street.

Uncle Steve also found his way into Japanese Shotokan Karate, of all things, and trained traditionally for years in the discipline of that very non-American culture. It was just coincidence that I happened to discover Shotokan Karate years later, here in Minnesota. We talked about it just a bit, I think he couldn't quite get a handle on the idea of a woman training seriously in Karate. But he did allow that it was 'good exercise for a woman'. I just smiled; Uncle Steve was always courtly to women, and was a strong, tough guy. In comparison I was probably pretty runty.

Now usually I don't work on portraiture. This idea began last spring, when we made a trip to Long Island. I was diligently sketching there, and Bob's Aunt Marie asked to look at my sketchbook. She was impressed, and ran back home to get an old photo of Uncle Steve, and asked if I could sketch it. I was so tickled and happy with her reaction that I wanted to do a good job, and then some.

I've heard Aunt Marie has received this painting now, so I'm posting it here. There's quite a bit of color in all the tones, I didn't want it to be a somber, dull rendering. Also here is the sketch of Uncle Steve, that is now in my little sketchbook; after all these years Bob still gets a little sad seeing him.

Uncle Steve sketch, 3.5 x 5.5 , mechanical pencil on Derwent sketchbook

Stemmed Tomatoes, oil, 5x7

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:14:00 +0000

Stemmed Tomatoes, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 2012

purchase at my Etsy store

These hothouse tomatoes are welcome in the winter, love that red color and fresh flavor!

Peeled Orange, oil,6x6

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:05:00 +0000

Peeled Orange, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 6x6, 2012.
purchase at my Etsy store

I've been wiping away a lot of paint these last few days. Whenever I've read of better painters going through such a period, they always come out for the better, hitting a new level. Boy I sure hope that's what will happen here! But this painting went smoothly, not much confusion. Also, I'm still not fast, but I must be painting quicker, because I can now eat the fruit after I paint, instead of it getting dried out and spoiled. Now that's a breakthrough!

Single Malt Scotch and Snack

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:56:00 +0000

Single Malt Scotch and Snack, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 5x7, 2012 sold

Sunday night, a good night to relax with a fine single-malt scotch, some nuts and a small seckel pear.

New Year, New Pear

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 02:46:00 +0000

Bartlett Pear on Fiestaware Platter, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 5x7, 2012

sold

My first little painting for 2012; I meant for it to be simple, but putting the pear on my vintage Fiestaware platter, with the iridescent colors coming from that rich blue, made it a bit more complicated.

Welcome New Year! My resolutions are to paint looser, and to better plan and picture the result beforehand. Also I intend never to ask 'How long did that take you?' anymore. I didn't know what a loaded question that was, that some try to judge the worth of a work by the hours needed to make it. I only ask because I'm always so nutty about how slow I am. I just have to keep plodding away, and hope experience makes me faster.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:46:00 +0000

A Small Toast, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 5x7, 2011
purchase at my Etsy store

A merry toast to you, and wishing you a cozy and intimate, or raucous and festive, Happy New Year!

Opened 7, Bell's Beer Bottlecap

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:02:00 +0000

Opened 7, oil on Richeson hardboard panel, 4x4, 2011 sold

Finally I have completed a commission for four of my continuing Opened series, ah it feels good! This Bell's cap had a classy, elegant look and coloring, so I wanted to give it a graceful setting. This particular kind of lace has a classic name, but I can't recall it right now.

Peace, Man!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:27:00 +0000

Peace, Man, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 6x6, 2011
purchase at my Etsy store

I'm doing a lot of wiping off lately. I've been studying different great painters, and while they don't necessarily disagree, it's hard to process all the different approaches. To me there's a big gap between drawing and painting; drawing e.g. a figure doesn't help me with painting it- the leap from the line to the mass is too different. Sherrie McGraw, in her book The Language of Drawing, describes a drawing as one best viewed up close, whereas a painting, ideally with its flat, large masses, should grab you from 15 feet away. I just don't understand how she can emphasize keeping a plane flat, yet model to make a form turn. Maybe I'm reading too much into that.
I painted this without thinking, hoping my studies will absorb naturally. This is a Gala apple, showing its less common end for painting, against a Pennsylvania pewter mug. That's a pencil with a peace sign eraser on top- I thought it was a neat touch. Groovy, man- peace and love People!

Opened 6- Deschutes Brewery Beer Bottlecap

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 03:51:00 +0000

Opened 6, oil on oil-primed hardboard, approx. 4x4, 2011 sold

I like the abstract shapes in this latest of the Opened series, simple but solid; I'm especially fond of that little string of cheese at the tip of the pizza slice. I'm kind of hankering for a nice slice right now, with the Black Butte Porter that the bottlecap held.

Opened 5- Goose Island Beer Bottlecap, outdoors

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 01:40:00 +0000

Opened 5, oil on oil-primed gessoboard, approx. 4x4, 2011 sold

This Goose Island Beer bottlecap simply just had to be up in the air, and outside.

Because I'm Worth It

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 01:46:00 +0000

Because I'm Worth It, oil on canvas, 16x20, 2011

contact me for purchase info

I painted this awhile ago, but I always forget to post my larger works, maybe because I'm just relieved when they're completed. This is meant to be a humorous, not severe commentary on our modern ways. I'm not at all a frilly girl, yet I certainly have my share of cosmetics and potions; all these items you see are from my own stash. This is also an addition to my evolving series, When Toys Collide!, where I explore the longstanding relationship we all have with the beloved and sentimental toys from our childhood.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 01:34:00 +0000

Generous Harvest, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 9x12, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May you enjoy your days with family and loved ones, and wonderful feasting.

Last of the Season Strawberries

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 22:32:00 +0000

Last of the Season, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 6x6, 2011 sold

So here in MN we just had our first snow, and there's almost 2 inches on the ground, and now it's officially cold! This is getting to be a tough time for me, because our winters are so long and hard.
I suppose these strawberries will be our last for the year, so long to warm weather!

Relaxing after Opening Night with Baby Reaction #3

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:16:00 +0000

Baby Reaction #3- Good Cracker, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 6x6, 2011

Well the Outdoor Painters of MN opening night was last night, and it was a good time; I didn't know what to expect, but the FrameWorks Gallery did a fine job. The owner hosted impeccably in a suit, and there was wine and many kinds of craft beer (which really impressed my husband Bob), and excellent canapes. All the paintings massed together looked so impressive and skillful. Wow, I was happy to be a part of it; my paintings were right next to nationally known painters like Scott Lloyd Anderson and Kami Polzin; I'm not sure if that's good or bad for me, but it makes a darn good neighborhood!

Anyway, this day after I wanted to relax, and paint. For this latest in my Baby Reaction series the key emphasis was the chubby, warm skin of the baby, and the strong summer light everywhere. I painted loosely, but it's funny how it doesn't look loose. I blended and softened just a bit because babies are so soft; I did not do any preparatory sketching, just dug in with the paint. That made it tough, because baby proportions are so different from adults- I had to really think of the abstract shapes to make that little fist work. I was grateful for the saltine cracker, for the little square shape. The white hat was very loose, just a big bright brush whacking on thick white paint with a little cad yellow.
Another thing that helped me keep a sense of strong light was painting on an untoned canvas, leaving it white:

Baby Reaction #3- work in progress

See how as I painted I was always able to keep a strong sense of light, because that white canvas kept a helpful contrast to my darker colors. Anyway this was one painting where I did not get too confused along the way, I hope you think it turned out OK too!

Minneapolis Skyline from Lake Calhoun

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:49:00 +0000

Inspiration on Lake Calhoun, 11x14, oil on canvas panel, 2011

This painting is one of mine that will be in the OPM show at FrameWorks Gallery starting this Saturday. It came from a plein air sketch I made at Lake Calhoun in the summertime; it's neat that there's such a bold view of the Minneapolis skyline while lying on a lovely beach! I think our city has a pretty excellent skyline; not like New York, of course, but you can't expect that.

Outdoor Painters of Minnesota Holiday Reception and Sale begins Sat. Nov.12

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:16:00 +0000

The Outdoor Painters of MN Members Holiday Show opens on Sat., Nov 12th, at FrameWorks Gallery in St.Paul, and I'll have a few works in there. Whew, it looks like I will be in fine company that night; it's my first time, and I've heard it's a large and well-attended affair every year, with wine, beer, hors d'oeuvre, and desserts galore! The show will run through Jan. 7th, so if you're in the Twin Cities area anytime for the rest of the year, check out this fine exhibit.

Baby Reaction #2

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:37:00 +0000

Baby Reaction #2- Pondering Baby, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 6x6, 2011 sold

Here is the finish of a work-in-progress I started awhile ago; this interesting expression was from a grainy old photograph. I was drawn to the serious gaze on the baby, and the muted colors and puffy dress made me want to paint for an old-fashioned Victorian look. Babies can look so serious, and they help us remember when the world was fresh and new, with so much to study.

Hello Baby! revised

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 02:18:00 +0000

Baby Reaction #1, Hello Baby!, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 6x6, 2011

I posted this painting a few months ago, but forgot about showing the revisions I made afterwards. I studied it a while, and realized that with all the light bouncing around in the scene, the baby's eyes would reflect more light, and not be as dark as I originally made them. While I was at it I subdued the baby's hand gesture by adding a blanket, because some folks wrote that the hand distracted too much from the face- hey, I listen!

Loose in the Kitchen!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:33:00 +0000

Kitchen Basics, oil on oil-primed canvas panel, 5x7, 2011. sold

Here is another attempt to keep painting loose, trying to leave the paint fresh and vibrant. I was doing OK, but then I started getting too detailed with that neat vintage salt shaker. There were so many nice little color refractions in the glass, and the old stainless top had a nice warm, slightly gold patina I wanted to capture.
But I think I stopped myself in time, and I liked the resulting simple composition of these kitchen staple items.

The Alchemy of Paint, or paint quality, Driver, and step on it again!

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:18:00 +0000

McIntosh Apples on Vintage Baking Sheet, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 5x7, 2011

There must be something in the air; a few of the blogs by terrific artists I follow have been writing lately about paint quality; of moving the paint around, and letting it do its thing. I've read about this concept, the alchemy of paint, from the beginning and it's always stuck in my head. Of course I don't really understand it well, and can't explain it. But to work towards that involves not overworking a painting, and keeping brushstrokes fresh.
For this painting I used thicker paint, laying a stroke down, and leaving it alone, no blending. Getting the value down right the first time is the toughest thing for me. Strokes did go on top of one another, in order to get the striated colors for the apple, but it was much less than I usually do, and all with a #4 flat bright. I only used a small brush for my signature.
I'm not happy with this photo, the colors are deeper and not so harsh, and the old baking sheet is not nearly so blue as above. As usual the actual painting is much better, sigh.

Opened 4- Summit Extra Pale Ale Beer Bottlecap

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Opened 4, oil on oil-primed hardboard, 4x4, 2011. sold

This is the first of a commission I received for four paintings in my continuing Opened series; I planned to make these next Opened works as larger sizes, since that way I can set the scene better for these nifty little beer bottlecaps. But the client wanted the small size, and I see her point; these are little, intimate views, that happen everyday should we look down and take notice. It's fun to imagine different situations for them, and I've got plenty of ideas, large and small.

White Patty Pan

noreply@blogger.com (Judy P.) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:31:00 +0000

Patty Pan, oil on oil-primed canvas board, 5x7, 2011 sold

A friend at work shared her harvest with me; she held up this large, beautifully white patty pan squash. I never saw one so large, filling my outstretched hand, and it has such an outer-space, sculptural shape. The ghostly whiteness took on different shades in that soft northern light, and I hoped I captured it's inner glow,
constrasting it with the duller earthiness of the beets.