Alone But Not Lonely

I was originally inspired by Edward Hopper's "Lighthouse Hill" when I first put paint to canvas for this one. There was something about the simplicity and contrast that drew me into his painting and I hoped to capture some of that while making the painting my own interpretation. From the beginning, I wanted to capture a sense of solitude, but not one of loneliness or abandonment. While painting, I thought of my own ancestors who lived on ranches and farms, working and toiling without the conveniences and interaction that we have today. Sometimes, I wish I had my own house like this one to retreat to as a break from the constant "connectedness" in today's world. At one point of painting, I had asked everyone who came through the house what I should add to this painting (there were some wonderful ideas). I also took the horse out at one point, but my daughter said that made it lonely and took the life out of it so I put it back in. Did it need something more? In the end, I decided to stay true to my original vision and keep it simple.

"Alone But Not Lonely"

18"x24" oil on canvas, $400+S/H

Sneek Peek

I thought it would be fun to give you a little sneek peek of a painting I just finished. Shown here is just a very small portion of the painting (albeit the focal point). What do you think might be going on in the foreground and all around it? I've been studying the style of Edward Hopper and tried to capture the mood of his painting in my own way, but changed the surroundings. I had a very hard time deciding what to include and not to include in my own version. I'll post the full painting in a few days.

There is a sort of elation about sunlight on the upper part of a house.
(Edward Hopper)

No amount of skillful invention can replace the essential element of imagination.
(Edward Hopper)

Different Strokes

Artist Karin Jurick has created a fun blog where she posts a bi-weekly photograph and invites artists from all over to interpret, paint and submit their paintings which she then posts on the blog "Different Strokes from Different Folks."

I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing how different artists will express themselves through various media while using the same reference photo. This week, I decided to join in on all the fun and this is my resulting painting.

I love visiting San Francisco and driving by all the colorful Victorian homes, dreaming what it would be like to actually live in one.

If you are interested in seeing the various artists' interpretations, be sure to click here to go to her blog
.

"Pink Ladies"

9"x12" oil on canvas, $150 + S/H

New Addition

A commission, I painted this little one's brother when he was a pup and now she's joined the family. Cute as a button, I hear she has a little mischievous streak in her. Her expression here captures a bit of that, I think.

"Maci"

8"x10" oil on canvas board

NFS

Poppies on a Hill

Poppy paintings are so popular right now. I'm not one to jump on the bandwagon, but the reds were too tempting. The prettiest poppy I ever saw was here in Texas and it took me several years to find out the name of it - a "Shirley" poppy. I wasn't much of a poppy fan until I saw it. I'd say it's pretty much of a showstopper as far as poppies are concerned (the actual flower, that is).

Poppies on a Hill

5"x7" oil on canvas board, framed, SOLD

fineartbymj@aol.com

You can see my entire blog here.

Lavender Fields

Every now and then, it's nice to take a break from larger, detailed projects and have a little fun putting paint on the canvas with a goal towards painting a happy little scene and not much else. I wish I could say I had been here in person (Provence), but maybe one of these days.

"Lavender Fields"
5x7 oil on canvas panel, framed as seen, SOLD


Yikes! I just noticed that I posted an incorrect size earlier for this painting. It is a 5x7, NOT an 8x10. Sorry!

Niece With a Pearl Earring

A couple of people heard that I was doing another adaptation of a master painting and expressed hope that I would post my progress on this blog as I did with my daughter's version of Fragonard's "Young Girl Reading." I hadn't really thought of doing this, so I'm a little later in the game with this study of Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring."

Before I even did my first attempt at portraits several years ago, I knew I wanted to do my niece as "Girl With A Pearl Earring." It wasn't until this past summer that I found time to sit down and pose her for the painting.


I've studied this painting for several weeks now and I must say that I am so pleased with this first stage that it has me nervous to continue. The only thing that has anything close to a finished coat on my version is her right eye (and it took me three hours!)

But here's where the computer comes in handy and my early excitement gets a reality check. Putting mine next to Vermeer's (Egad!) reveals a whole new list of things I need to be mindful of when I pick up the brush to continue on. Notice how warm Vermeer's background is even though it is dark. Vermeer's girl literally glows, mine is just beginning to glow. Vermeer's hard and soft edges work together magically...that's a little intimidating for a novice like me! Vermeer has completely captured the moment with the expression on his model's face. (Do you think he loved her? Have you read the book by Tracy Chevalier? It's really good. I think Vermeer was more taken with her youth and innocence. I hope that with the last stroke of my brush I can say I've captured some of my niece's personality and my love for her too).


I have one thing going for me though, my model is a true beauty, isn't she? (Inside and out if I do say so myself). The inside beauty is what I really want to capture.

Texas State Hwy 205

As nice as it is to have a portable GPS system in your car, it can get pretty interesting sometimes. We found this out on a recent road trip while using it.


This supposed state highway outside of Blanco got down to gravel at some points, but what beautiful scenery and we felt like we were on an adventure. Several times I asked my husband to pull over so I could get out and take pictures. The kids were delighted when we met up with a goat standing in the middle of the road. He seemed as surprised to see us as we were him. So much more fun than the main highway anyday (but I'm glad it wasn't dark and we had a full tank of gas!) I hope to go back to this same road in the Spring.




"Texas State Highway 205"
12"x24" oil on canvas, unframed
$220 +s/h

Morning Ritual

I love it when the weather is nice enough for me to go out on the back porch for my morning coffee and Bible reading. That doesn't happen often around here. Coffee + humidity + heat = :0/

"Morning Ritual"

10"x10" oil on canvas panel

$100 + S/H

P.R.A.Y.

This commission is actually 4 separate 18"x18" gallery wrapped canvases which were painted to hang horizontally on a dining room wall that needed a little color. I fooled myself into thinking that they would be easier to execute because they were more design-like than realistic - not so! But boy, were these little angels fun.

"Don't forget to P.R.A.Y."
Four 18"x18" oil on gallery wrapped canvas
Private collection