Uncategorized Archives - Page 20 of 32

Coconut Palm

11×14

Watercolor on Paper

So I’ve been wanting to paint this palm since the moment I saw it while visiting Cocoa Beach. It took me months to get around to it because it seemed so intimidating. There was so much detail in the photo, I just didn’t know if I could take it on. But after a week of sticking with it, here it is. What do you guys think? Here’s an in-progress shot of the painting at the beginning stages.

Simple and Mindless…and Other Stuff

Simple and Mindless

11×14

Watercolor on Paper

Click here to buy

I had a wonderful weekend with some artist friends, Kathryn Stuart of K-Stu Art and Elizabeth Farmer of Happygolucky Creations. The three of us joined forces and had our first booth experience at the College Park Tour of Homes. We a big thank you to our dads for helping us set up. My dad even created those amazing black panels that allowed us to hang our art. Go Dad!

Here’s a photo from the event. Kathryn displayed her abstract canvases and Elizabeth contributed a nifty set of greeting cards – really impressive stuff.

You can check out their work at the following links…and go like their Facebook pages too!

K-Stu Art: https://www.facebook.com/k.stu.art.art?fref=ts

Happygolucky Creations: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Happygolucky-Creations/245236225610349?fref=ts

I started this “Simple and Mindless” abstract painting on Saturday, while working the event. The rest came together at home. I like the bright colors a lot. Here’s an in-progress shot.

Patchwork

11×14

Watercolor on Paper

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Here are some in-progress shots from this brightly colored patchwork pattern painting. I tried something new with this piece, adding gray stamps to some spots to add texture and more pattern.

Porkchop, Roxy, and Lilo

Porkchop, Roky, and Lilo

8×10

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

These three puppies are loved so much by their owner, which made them fun to paint. Their owner, Annie asked me to do this piece as an anniversary gift for her husband. There were some challenges, as I was given several photos taken at different angles, so I had so recreate their likeness as closely as possible with the ultimate goal of fitting head shots of all of them in this limited space. I really love the bright background on this piece and I think Annie chose the perfect frame and matting for the image – a true team effort!

A Self Portrait

Self Portrait

5×7

Watercolor on Paper

Not for Sale

Let’s face it, portraits are intimidating. I haven’t painted very many because they are incredibly difficult. I can never seem to get them to look the way I want them to but I’ve been practicing and this is my first self portrait…I think ever. 🙂

After a fun weekend at my nephew’s birthday party in south Florida and a trip to the beach, I came home to work on this painting, which I started on Thursday of last week. I kept working it to the point it’s at now and I think this is where I’ll leave it. Have a nice week everyone!

Eric’s Portrait

5×7

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

Buddy

5×7

Watercolor on Paper

Commission

I can’t tell you how much I loved painting this sweet golden doodle named Buddy. A friend from work wanted to have some custom notecards made with Buddy’s portrait on them and was kind enough to ask me to paint them. I meet Buddy this week and she is awesome. She was so happy and playful – you can tell she is a good natured soul. I’m quite pleased with the way this painting turned out. I think it captures her spirit. Here’s an in-progess shot of Buddy. 🙂

Artist Spotlight: Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson

Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson is an Orlando based artist, like me. I was so excited to learn that she lives in the same area. I love her work! She really inspires me! Elizabeth is a collage artist, developing brightly colored paintings, with incredible style and texture. All of the small pieces of patterned paper come together to develop an amazing composition. Check out some of her work (all images taken from her website) and her online links below.

Website: www.PaperPaintings.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaperPaintingsCollageArtwork
Blog: http://elizabethsthilairenelson.blogspot.com/

Elizabeth was kind enough to allow me to feature her on my blog for this month’s artist spotlight. Here are her answers to my questions:

How long have you been painting and how did you get your start? 

I have a BFA from SU but have been painting all my life. My high school art teacher was very inspiring.

I love your unique style. How did you discover it? 
The style has been an evolution over years of trial and error.  

What or who inspires you most?

My favorite artist of all time is Gustav Klimt. I appreciate his combination of graphic design and patterning with realistic shading and rendering.

What subject do you enjoy painting most and why? 
I enjoy whimsical subject matter that makes people smile. Often times this is colorful animals or botanicals.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Favorites include Lisa Daria, Kimberly Kelly Santini, Peter Clark, Ellen Lindner, and Margaret Dyer.

What advice do you have for new artists?

Advice for new artists is to understand that art is a business, you need to spend at least 50% of your efforts on self promotion.

What five words would you use to describe yourself? 

Colorful, fun, generous, empathetic, energetic.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for taking the time to answer my questions. I hope to take a collage class from you soon. Best wishes!

Succulent Dream

5×7

Watercolor on Paper

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I have this thing for succulent plants. I love them, even more than pretty, flowery plants, believe it or not. I think it’s because they are so smooth and unique. My mother has several of them on her back porch and they are so cool. I took a photo of one of them while visiting her in Clewiston a few weeks ago. I’ve been dying to put my own spin on the plant’s likeness for some time now. Here’s my “Succulent Dream.”

For the Birds

11×14

Watercolor on Paper

Click Here to Buy

Here’s another exploration piece and I’m really happy with the way it came together. I used a reference photo from the trip to the beach that we made as a family a couple weeks ago. There’s nothing like a spring day at the beach in Florida! These birds were there and despite the cool breeze, I knew with the waves crashing and the birds flying, spring is here!

I haven’t had the chance to paint or update my blog in awhile because we’ve been busy entertaining house guests (my husband’s best childhood friend and his family)…and as much as I loved spending time with them, it feels good to paint again.