Sedwick Studio

Wow. I'm pretty tired right now, and having trouble thinking of something to say about this painting! I think I need to go look at something on the other end of the spectrum for a while. :)

"Blue Egg" - kitchen art food still life oil painting

2012-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

I tried again with this egg last night, not wanting to waste it, you know, since I already cracked it open. I love the greens that happened in the egg-white.

"Breakfast Egg" kitchen art food painting still life oil on canvas

2012-02-08T14:13:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

This has become a familiar sight around my house lately! Jesse and I have been trying out the Paleo diet for about a week now, and we have eaten a lot of eggs. I'm not complaining, but I am starting to wonder what I'll do when I just cannot possibly handle eating any more of them!

"Orange Tulips" spring floral oil painting flower still life and a BLOG GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

5 x 7"

oil on canvas

My still life painting workshop started this morning. It's a great group, and I really had a good time painting with them. That, combined with this incredibly unseasonable weather have me in the mood to give something away! (the painting at right, that is). To enter, subscribe via email or "Like" me on Facebook. Extra entries if you do both! (Already subscribed? You're automatically entered.)

"Peppers and Onions" vegetable food kitchen decor oil painting still life

2012-02-05T09:45:00.001-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

I was literally hurrying to finish this painting because I couldn't wait to cook these up for dinner last night! They were delicious.

"Preserve Us!" vegetable pepper oil painting kitchen decor

2012-02-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

Sold

Sorry for the long absence! We were in Mexico with Ellie's grandparents all last week. I am happy to report that I did nothing but laze by the pool, and think not at all about real life! I went to figure painting night soon after getting home, hoping to ease back into the groove - and while I got plenty warmed up, I ended up wiping the painting I did! I try to think of it not as a waste of paint, but as a learning experience....

"White Shoulders" - portrait painting nude figure painting oil on canvas

2012-01-19T11:46:00.000-08:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

$300

White Shoulders is a famous perfume from the 40's. I always see it mentioned in novels, but I've never actually smelled the stuff. This painting has a kind of old-fashioned feeling to me - for one thing, I made the model look about 20 years older than she is, and the hairstyle also looks outdated, even though what I didn't include in the composition was the riot of dreadlocks exploding from the crown of her head!

Cocktail Cherries - still life oil painting fruit

2012-01-18T12:12:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

As part of celebrating my blog's 4th birthday, I'm thinking of going back and revisiting some of my earliest daily painting subjects. Maraschino cherries were among them.

Cow Skull and Orange

2012-01-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

12 x 12"

oil on canvas

The colors I used to paint the skull are much cooler than what I thought I'd use going in. Most are actually blues and greens. You can sort of see that in the work-in-progress shot below. I also tried to use really thick paint and a big brush. Since I tend to do almost all my painting with a really small, round brush, this was a good change.

Navel Oranges and Lemons

2012-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

available in my Etsy shop

Ta Dah! My 500th daily painting. In about a month, this blog will be 4 years old, so I'm awarding myself an honorary degree in art-bloggery, no cap and gown required. No beret and gown, either, which is what I wore when I got my *real* degree!

Cow Skull with Blush Roses

2012-01-13T13:32:00.000-08:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

There's still time to register for my Still Life painting workshop, Mondays in February. Come paint with me! Info here.

Mona Lisa Smile - female nude figure painting

2012-01-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

$300

Available in my Etsy shop

I was so happy to get back to figure painting after the winter break. This model always has just the hint of a smile on her face - you can tell she's thinking happy thoughts even if her shoulder hurts! Here's a behind the scenes shot - "Like" me while you're over there to get all my FB updates.

Apples and Oranges

2012-01-10T15:36:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

My two-year-old daughter is starting preschool tomorrow. It will only be a couple days a week, but I'm looking forward to some regular studio time, more daily paintings, and hopefully some larger work! I'll definitely be getting my animal-skull collection out of the closet - how's that for a teaser?

Rose and Chocolates

2012-01-09T15:32:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

Valentine's Day M&M's: nothing but pink, white, and red in the whole bag!

Blush Rose Bouquet

2012-01-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

6 x 8"

oil on canvas

In case you've not been over there, my facebook page has some work-in-progress and studio shots that I don't get a chance to post on this blog. There are occasionally also some behind-the-scenes pictures from figure painting night!

Lemon Bowl with Knife

2012-01-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

The first painting of the year! It felt SO good to be back in the studio last night after weeks away. I even managed to do some cleaning and organizing before I got started. My goals for the new year, art-wise, are still pretty vague. Goal number one: write down a list of goals. Go!

Channelling Degas

2011-12-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$50

Well, December totally got away from me, and I'm sure many of you can relate! I had a great year - 111 daily paintings, and 28 figure paintings by my (certainly inaccurate) estimation. Thanks for your support and friendship, and best wishes to all for a productive, creative 2012!

Pomegranate by Candlelight

2011-12-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

natural maple frame

$200

Here's another painting that just came home from a show, made last year around this time. I've been having a lovely family visit this week, with no time in the studio, but I just wanted to check in and say hi to all of you.

Orange Bowl with Pear

2011-12-10T15:54:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

Here's another gem from my growing pottery collection. I've been intimidated to paint these lovely glazes in the past, but, like almost everything else I've ever been intimidated to paint, it was unexpectedly fun.

Winter Bounty

2011-12-09T13:23:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

Sold

This setup was so gorgeous to me the other day that I had to have another go at it. I'm finding this bowl by Ted Ernst, which I picked up at Clayfest this fall, really inspiring - the color and texture.

In case you haven't peeked into my Etsy shop in a while, I'm offering 10% off all orders through the end of the year, and throwing in a free holiday art card! The coupon code is HOLIDAY2011.

Cross-Legged Nude

2011-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

$300

One of my favorite figure painters is unquestionably Alice Neel. Her influence on me can be seen here in the treatment of the legs. Of course, I only noticed this after I finished the painting, brought it home, and stuck it up on the wall to look at. It wasn't something I was consciously trying to do at the time.

Winter Fruit Bowl

2011-12-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

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My kitchen counters feel very empty - and unwholesome. All the fruit in the house is upstairs in my studio!

Cut Pomegranate no. 2

2011-12-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

Here is no. 1 - three years ago! Wow, time flies.

Iris Still Life, Redux

2011-12-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

Framed in natural maple

$300

This painting is coming back from a show tomorrow morning - it was done nearly two years ago, and remains one of my favorites of all time.

Persimmon Apple Christmas

2011-12-02T13:12:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

$75

I have another still life painting workshop coming up in February at Maude Kerns Art Center, here in Eugene. The class is 4 sessions, Monday mornings. Details here!

"Sean, Seated" - male figure painting nude

2011-11-30T14:25:00.000-08:00

11 x 14"

oil on linen

$150

Click on the image to see it larger, and perhaps notice details like the little green bead on his dreadlock- also a bit of glare on my photo - just on the really thickly painted parts!

Pomegranate and Persimmon on Blue

2011-11-29T13:25:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

One of these days, I'm going to pop this pomegranate open, and paint - if not actually eat - what's inside. Stay tuned for the carnage!

Persimmons with a Branch

2011-11-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

I picked these today in my mom's back yard. I was a little late getting to them - most of the fruit on the tree had been mangled by a creature with an enormous, human-looking bite. (My mom swears it was a squirrel.) I still got a bagful, and left plenty for the creature.

Pomegranate Orange Christmas

2011-11-18T14:15:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

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I really have to give a shout-out to Debbie Becks-Cooper, whose gorgeous paintings gave me the idea to try painting cranberries. And I am totally loving them - in her art, and in mine! You might remember that over the summer, I tried strawberries because of her, too. Debbie, you rock!

Fall Lineup

2011-11-17T14:12:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

This is a tiny pumpkin! It's the one the pumpkin farm gave my toddler for free, just for showing up. But it looks pretty giant here next to the lowly cranberry. Maybe I should have titled this one "The Lowly Cranberry." It's the phrase that pops into my head every time I look at it!

Rebecca in Red

2011-11-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

$300

If I hadn't worked so hard to capture her likeness (probably 70% of my total painting time was spent on the face and hair), this painting would be all about the sweater! Isn't it great? I don't know if I could really wear it, but I LOVED painting it!

Cranberry Orange Christmas

2011-11-15T13:28:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

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I have a theory about artists: since our "work" consists of doing what we love most, some of us have some pretty grueling hobbies. For example, here's what two artists did for fun over the weekend. We must be nuts!

Pomegranate Orange Cranberry

2011-11-14T15:14:00.000-08:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

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These look like they should be the ingredients for some delicious Thanksgiving side dish! To see a photo of this piece next to its still life setup, click here.

Red Fruit and Ornaments

2011-11-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

I used three different reds and a purple on my palette for this painting. I used to be a purist when it came to paint colors, but I've discovered - partly through painting brightly colored, shiny things like ornaments - that a few extra tubes of paint can really help. Purple is a great example - I used to mix purple from Ultramarine Blue and Alizarin, but now I use Dioxazine purple instead, and I feel like I'm not "wasting" so much of that precious Ultramarine!

Pomegranate and Cranberries

2011-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

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It's getting dark so early now, but the glow of these brass vases and the subtle highlights on the fruit give me a cozy feeling! Almost like looking at a burning fireplace....although I admit that our living room "fireplace" is a digital app.

Winter Squash and Apples

2011-11-10T14:19:00.000-08:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$100

My 2012 Calendar is finished! Below is the calendar back - a little preview of the year in art. Click the picture to see it bigger - and click here to view the calendar on Zazzle.com.

White Christmas Cactus

2011-11-07T14:47:00.000-08:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$150

I am, to put it mildly, a houseplant enthusiast. I have two of these Christmas Cacti - and some twenty-odd other plants. I guess this one should really be called a Thanksgiving Cactus, since it's blooming in November!

I'm very proud to present you with a link to my first ever blog review, by Tony at Art.Blog.Critique. I really appreciate the exposure, and the nice things he has to say about my work! Check out the other reviews on the site if you have time - some of my personal favorites are included.

Christmas True Colors

2011-11-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

$75

This one was a little bit eye-popping (like in the upper-left-hand corner), but really fun to do. In years past, I've gone really tightly into all the details on these reflective round surfaces, but so far 2011 has found me letting my hair down and getting a lot looser with them - and enjoying it just as much!

Christmas Teacup

2011-11-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

There's something about a Christmas ornament still life setup that is absolutely irresistible to cats as a napping place. At least I have a guide for rearranging them if the painting is well underway!

Granny and Gold

2011-11-03T13:13:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

Sold

Hey, it's November! Wow, the holiday season is approaching - I recently heard that Costco puts its Christmas merchandise out in August. Doesn't make me feel so bad about getting the itch to paint ornaments two months before the holiday!

There are more Christmas ornament paintings in my Etsy shop.

"Faraway Look" - Portrait Figure Oil Painting

2011-11-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

Last night I had the pleasure of painting with my new friend and neighbor, Carol Marine. I couldn't think of a better way to welcome a new artist to town than to take her to my favorite figure painting night! She was lucky, too, to get the lovely Miranda (best model in town) on her inaugural visit.

Halved Acorn Squash

2011-11-01T14:39:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

The colors of the Autumn trees and sky reflected in the foods we eat this season.

Delicata

2011-10-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

For a limited time, get free shipping on any item in my Etsy shop - just use the code SARAH at checkout.

Pumpkin in the Middle

2011-10-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

I bought this bowl at a Pottery show a few weeks ago - it's big and creamy and the texture is really great. I'm lucky to live in an area that not only offers tons of interesting produce (ie: these lovely squash), but is also home to many many talented artisans of all kinds.

Squash in a Bowl

2011-10-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

We visited a pumpkin farm over the weekend, and I fell in love with the colors of fall all over again! The enormous bins of different squash are so tempting, with their eye-popping patterns. Although it was grey and foggy, it was nice to be out in the country, and we came home with a trunk-full of new painting subjects - AND a thirty-pound pumpkin for the little boy that lives inside my husband.

Natasha - Portrait Nude Figure Model Painting

2011-10-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

Sold

Same pose as last week, when I painted just her head. After focusing so closely on her face last session, I was able to spend very little time on it last night, leaving me free to concentrate on the body. That's the only explanation I can give for finishing this one in less than three hours.

Oregon Pinot Noir Grapes

2011-10-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

It's been a while since I went into my studio and painted - a couple of weeks, which to me, is forever. Luckily, I have these very inspirational grapes, which we picked at my mom's house over the weekend. This vine is so tenacious, it is growing - and full of fruit - halfway up a tree! Way too high for us to reach by ladder, but we got plenty of lower-hanging fruit for ourselves. Squirrels get lucky this year!

I wanted to share what I'm currently reading, as it made the color-mixing phase of my work so much more enjoyable today: (click the pic for more info)

"Reverie" - Portrait painting by Sarah Sedwick

2011-09-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

I've been in a painting slump this month, that's for sure. These unmotivated periods come to us all. One way I like to try and break out of my funks is by attending live figure painting sessions. No messing around deciding what to paint, you just show up, find an empty spot in the studio, and go at it.

"Sketch for 'Reverie'"

6 x 8"

$50

September Plums

2011-09-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

I love these plums. Not many other fruits manage to be purple and yellow at the same time!

Dahlias in a Jar

2011-09-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

Here are the wedding Dahlias again. I got some new canvases from a fellow Etsy shop, Artist Brand Canvas. Their canvases are made by hand, in the USA, and the price and quality are good. Nick put together a completely custom order for me, and was super-easy to communicate with. I will be a repeat customer for sure!

Wedding Flowers

2011-09-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas panel
Sold

One of the centerpieces from a beautiful woodland wedding we attended over the weekend. Dahlias are pretty complex, structure-wise, but if I stay far enough away from them (and squint), I think we will continue to get along fine. The colors are so great, I was fantasizing about painting them all through the party!

Peaches and Plum on Plaid

2011-09-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on panel

Sold

Last night was the artwalk, and I was downtown hanging out in "Artist's Alley," a new (and very cool) idea to generate buzz around the monthly event. I had some paintings and cards for sale, and I was painting away on this little piece at my table while people browsed my wares. It was lots of fun - thanks to everyone who came down to say Hi!

A Labor of Love - and Giveaway winner!

2011-09-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

(pictured)

"Plums and Black-Eyed-Susans"

oil on canvas

11x14"

$200 (Framed)

I recently got a load of framed paintings back from a show, and I've been working hard to update my Etsy shop with (what I hope are) lovely photographs. When I think of how much time and energy I've put into my Etsy shop, it blows me away that it's not even really concrete - it's totally virtual! Yet every day when I visit, I feel something like the satisfaction of dusting off the shelves in a real bricks-and-mortar store. With a lot less commuting!

I'm pleased to announce the winner of my August painting giveaway, chosen from the complete list of my email subscribers using Random.org: Princessleighhm@emailprovider.com (address modified by me to anonymize), please step forward and claim your prize! Thanks to everyone that entered, and stay tuned because I will be doing this again SOON!

Rebecca and Her Shadow - Nude Figure Painting - and Blog Giveaway!

2011-08-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

Summer Tomatoes

2011-08-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

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It's the time of year when it *almost* becomes a chore to eat all the produce our gardens turn out!

Figure Painting / Nude: "Miranda in August" original oil on canvas

2011-08-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

$200

Below is a detail of the face - click on the photo to see it BIGGER!

Sunflowers and Watermelon

2011-08-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

Ahh, the essence of Summer! There are way more colors in this painting than I usually use, but I think the greens keep it all tied together.

If you haven't yet, please sign up for my email list - you'll automatically be entered to win the painting shown at right: 100% free! I'm looking forward to giving this baby away in about two weeks!

Sunflowers and Stripes

2011-08-15T16:20:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

One of my students forgot these lovely striped tea towels at our last workshop session. So, Connie - if you're reading this: I'm going to leave them at Maude Kerns for you to retrieve - but first, I'm going to paint them! (Thanks!)

Pink Flowers and Green Plums

2011-08-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

Green Plums

2011-08-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

People grow such an amazing variety of things around here. You would never find these little green plums in a grocery store, but my neighbor has a beautiful tree full of them in her yard! She generously gave me a bowlful, and besides being unique and a really lovely greeney-yellow, they are delicious.

Pepper Party

2011-08-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

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Anyone else planning to attend some weddings this fall? Wondering what to give? I have some really nicely framed paintings available in my Etsy shop - and I'm always happy to ship directly to a gift recipient, and include one of my own art cards with a special message!

Little Peppers

2011-08-10T13:48:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

Sold

These little peppers are so cheerful! They really are more fun to paint than eat - the regular sized peppers are much tastier, to me. Don't forget to enter my August painting giveaway by entering your email at right - and if you know someone who likes free stuff, forward this posting to them - they'll love you forever if they win!!!

Baby's Birthday Flowers

2011-08-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

These flowers came from a bouquet I was given for my daughter's 2nd birthday last week. I think it's really a beautiful sentiment to remember a mom on her child's birthday, especially in these early years when all the work we've done is still foremost in our minds! Thanks for being so thoughtful (you know who you are!)

Creamy Rose - and a Blog Giveaway!

2011-08-08T14:57:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

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Sorry for my long absence! A number of nice things have happened around here lately: my best friend had a baby, my daughter turned two, my sister came to visit - plus I got into a couple of shows (great news, but these things tend to lead to time spent framing and shipping artwork...) - long story short, I'm having a great summer!

"Pink Lilies and Jade"

6x6"

oil on canvas

I'm going to be giving away the above little gem at the end of August, and all you have to do to be eligible to win is to subscribe to this here blog. Already an email subscriber? Then you're already entered! Want to subscribe? Just enter your email in the box in the right sidebar. I have fewer than 100 people on my mailing list right now, so the odds are good!

Sophie on Blue

2011-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

16 x 20"

oil on canvas

$300

Apples with Scallion

2011-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

This is the demo I did at the first session of my Maude Kerns Art Center workshop on Saturday. The workshop went great - it was a really fun afternoon, and I'm looking forward to next weekend. If you're interested in getting in on the fun, I'm sure I'll be doing lots more workshops at MKAC in the future, and info and links will be right here on the blog!

Peach and Pink Lily on the Windowsill

2011-07-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100

Girl with Dreadlocks

2011-07-20T14:52:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

Sold

Here are the front and back views of the same pose, painted in consecutive weeks:

Pink Lily by the Window

2011-07-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

I finally figured out how to put the updated share buttons on my blog today! I also joined Google+. Hit the +1 button below to see what happens.....

Over Her Shoulder

2011-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

Sold

Dreadlocks are really an amazing thing to paint. They are a compositional element all in themselves the way hair is usually not.

A Bowl of Cherries

2011-07-14T16:31:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

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These cherries came from my mom's tree. Unfortunately, I can't eat them now - they've gotten a little mushy during their modeling session.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

2011-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

Yeah, I stole the title. Sorry, Steig!

While I was working on this last night, another artist in the studio said to me, "You always look so happy when you're painting!" I think he just happened to catch me on a good night. I'm terribly happy with this one!

Cherries and Wildflowers

2011-07-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

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DailyPainters.com is giving away a free Sarah Sedwick original this week- all you have to do to enter is leave a comment on the blog post at DP.com - here's the LINK!

The Open Book

2011-07-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

Lots of care was taken here on the shifting shades of the walls. It's really a lot like flesh tones.

Also, I want to let everyone know that you have a chance to win a FREE Sarah Sedwick original - all you have to do is leave a comment on the Daily Painters' blog - I believe the winner will be chosen Wednesday or Thursday!

Miranda, Reclining

2011-07-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

6 x 8"

oil on canvas

Always free shipping on figure paintings! Also, I updated my Studio Sale on Etsy last night - several new paintings added, and new markdowns as well.

Miranda, Standing

2011-07-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

Miranda, I'm quickly figuring out, is one of the best models in town. Not only is she gorgeous, but she can hold really, really still for a long time. Seems like a no-brainer, but it's actually pretty rare for a model to hold THAT still. Sometimes you just have to scratch your nose, you know? Not Miranda.

More paintings of her here - and tomorrow!

Wildflowers on a Blue Chair

2011-07-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

We went for a family hike this morning up the butte at the end of our street, and there were so many daisies everywhere. I brought home a small bouquet.

Lemon in Front

2011-07-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

6 x 8"

oil on canvas

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It's heartbreakingly beautiful outside, so I feel obliged to tell you that I painted this last night, and have been enjoying the outdoors today! Now I feel a little less guilty for being in front of my computer right now instead of out on the deck, where I'm headed shortly.

Seated Nude, From the Side

2011-07-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

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Here is my second figure sketch from Wednesday night's session. One thing I really liked about this model was the fact that she had tan arms and very pale back and legs. Summer!

Little Nude on Blue

2011-06-30T14:27:00.000-07:00

6 x 8"

oil on canvas

I went to a new (to me) figure drawing evening last night, at Emerald Art Center in Springfield. The model was great - it was her first nude modeling job, too. I did this little sketch, along with another one which I'll post tomorrow.

Lemon with Brass and Glass

2011-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

6 x 8"

oil on canvas

Sold

This is my 450th daily painting since beginning this blog three and a half years ago! I don't count the figure studies and portraits I post toward the tally of "dailies."

If you click "bid" above, you will be directed to a brand new daily paintworks auction page, which, in my humble opinion, is awesomely designed and built. Really, really easy to use, too!

Callas and Colored Bottles

2011-06-28T14:23:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

I signed this one in the lower left instead of the lower right where I usually do. There was just too much good stuff going on down in that corner to interfere with, I thought!

Calla Lilies, Leaves, and Pitcher

2011-06-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

So many different whites and grays in this one. I've started using Cremnitz white in addition to Titanium white, the standard (at least the way I was taught). The Cremnitz is a warmer white, so when mixing it with a bright red, for example, it doesn't dull the color as much as Titanium does. I know it's going to be really helpful the next time I'm painting hot pink flowers, not to mention Xmas ornaments!

Nude on Green

2011-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

Sunset Roses

2011-06-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

$200

In trying to come up with a word to describe the color of these roses, I rejected coral, shrimp, and plain old yellow-orange. So, I admit it, I googled it for inspiration - and don't you agree, they're the color of a Florida sunset?

Windowsill with Pansies

2011-06-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

Summer has arrived, and I'm still looking out the window. Maybe this year I will actually fulfill my dream of painting a (decent) landscape en plein air.

Wild Daisies

2011-06-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$150

These wild daisies are growing all over our yard right now, though they are mostly obscured by the waist-high grasses my husband has been 'experimenting' with not cutting. In other places we'd be the scourge of the neighborhood, but here in Oregon people don't tend to put as much emphasis on proper lawn maintenance, lucky him!

Peaches and Pansies

2011-06-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

8 x8"

oil on canvas

$100

Nude on Yellow and Gray

2011-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

Sold

Here are my figure paintings from Tuesday night. The portrait below was my warm-up:

8 x 10"

oil on canvas
Sold

(Always free shipping on figure paintings, btw)

Peaches in a Dish

2011-06-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

I'm offering free shipping on any painting in my Etsy shop through the end of June, so tell your friends! The code is JUNESHIP. Thanks for looking!

New Figure Paintings

2011-06-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

"Raven Reclining"

14 x 18"

oil on canvas

Sold

"Raven Reclining/ Sketch"

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$75

Sorry for the long absence. I've been struggling in the studio lately, and taking a break, to hopefully return ready to move forward!

Strawberries and Cherry Blossoms

2011-05-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$150

I never wanted to paint strawberries before now - it's an intimidating subject, kind of like onions used to be for me. I love the way some artists I know paint strawberries, like Debbie Becks-Cooper, but it wasn't until I saw this painting by Taryn Day that I knew I had to try painting them myself!

"Sidelong Glance" - A Limited Palette Portrait oil painting

2011-05-04T14:07:00.000-07:00

8 x 10"

oil on canvas

$150

This is the first time I've ever painted flesh tones without using Cadmium Red. I got the idea from the paint sets my students used at my last workshop: white, black, ultramarine, cadmium yellow, and alizarin crimson. What?! I squeezed some cadmium red onto one of their palettes at one point and heard, "OH! That's what I was trying to mix all last week with this!" Pointing to her pile of Alizarin. Truly, you will never make Cadmium red from Alizarin crimson, but apparently you can make very lovely skin tones and never need to try!

Strawberries and Spring Blooms

2011-05-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$75

I've fallen in love with Camellias this spring. I even planted three in my front yard! Let's see if they live out the summer - our property seems to be a last stop for ornamental plants.

Big Blue Vase - auction on ebay starts at $1!!!

2011-04-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

starting bid: $1

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This wasn't really a demonstration painting, but I made it during the final session of my workshop. The still life we set up just looked so fun, and my students were all making me so jealous with their cool paintings that I had to give it a go.

Feeling Fruity - Demonstration paintings from my recent workshop

2011-04-29T13:04:00.000-07:00

"Fruit Trio"

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$40

"Citrus, Citrus"

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

$40

I thought it would be really nerve wracking to paint in front of a group of spectators, but it wasn't. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could get lost in the process in almost the usual way. I doubt I spent more than a total of 45 minutes on either of these, working on them on and off throughout the class periods, but I like their fresh, immediate quality, and they were definitely useful in explaining certain concepts!

The Turquoise Necklace - Portrait / Figure oil painting from a live model

2011-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

11 x 14"

oil on canvas

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Well, my workshop concluded successfully. For the final session, I set up a larger still life and we all painted from it, as opposed to each using our own small arrangement. I have some demo paintings from the class, which I will share with you over the weekend! Today's post is my painting from open studio on Tuesday night, done in 3 hours. Below are the students' paintings from the workshop:

Bowl of Apples with Japanese Print

2011-04-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

8 x 8"

oil on canvas

$100