Getting Board!

"A Cool Change"

8" x 10"

Artist's Gesso Board

Ah, gesso board, how do I love thee?  I bought a painting by one of my faves, Qiang Huang and it was done on this sweet little board.  I had often noticed paintings done on these, but never thought I would be unfaithful to the canvas.  It took just one night and I was totally hooked!  The paint works up so well on these little gems -- smooth, creamy, luscious with a richness of color that I don't think canvas can compete with.  I went right out and did it again!  This is my first try -- with the rocks from one Hawaii photo my husband took and the clouds from another.   What fun!

Where Did He Go?

"Where Did He Go?"

11" x 14"

Stretched Canvas

Look for me on Etsy soon!

I really got into painting this one.  Something about the color of the sand was really appealing to me.  I found when I was done, that the sand was too "empty", though -- it needed something.  I briefly thought about a beach chair (too close to the water), flip flops (too trite) and shells (too small) and then I thought about footprints, but footprints going IN to the water, instead of the usual walking-along-the-shoreline ones.  I mean, heck, when you go down to the surf to swim, you make footprints too!  So where is the swimmer?  Out of your sight line? Are these old footprints and the swimmer has returned home hours ago? Did he have a boat anchored in the shallows?  Or did some mysterious fate befall him?  The world may never know!

Did It Again!

"Tropical View"

6" x 18"

Stretched Canvas

I am available on Etsy!

I am on a roll!  This is another one that just sort of jumped off of my brush and threw itself onto the canvas.  Truly, even my brushwork looks a little spontaneous and free -- just like I think I might actually be if I were on this island!  I have had a hard time breaking out of the blendy-blendy painting habit, but the clouds are really helping with that.  I love painting them and I think I am going to move slowly from an island vibe into a cloud- y one!  Maybe my brushwork will affect my personality a little and I might be able to chillax this weekend........nah!  Have a wonderful holiday, everyone!

Outta My Head

"Calm Before the Storm"

10" x 10"

Stretched Canvas

Look for me on Etsy soon!

I am so excited!  I was still on my tropical kick, groovin' on the clouds, in particular, and this painting kind of just happened.  No reference photos of sky or surf.  No inspiration but a paintbrush and a some yummy globs of color on the palette.  This is a BIG deal for me because until now, I have never painted "out of my head" -- I have always used a model and/or reference photos.   Gives me hope that there may be something in my head, after all!!