Current Work next step

 

I've now started to fill in the figures. I have a great deal of work to do on the blue shirt and the exposed flesh. I also have yet to fill in the chairs. I'm satisfied with the shadow color but need to work the seagulls into the space on the left to balance the painting out. It is progressing but much slower than anticipated. I'm getting happy with the figure on the far right. I will probably need to calm down the color of the water as it's far too green. We'll see how it all ends up!

Current Work

This is far from done but it is what I am currently working on. I'm trying to get back into the swing of painting everyday but it is proving a little harder than I thought it would be. Hopefully, this will be finished by the beginning of next week and I'll be able to post the finished work. I hoping the little splodges in front of my people will turn into seagulls by the time I'm done. Lol.

2ND Painting SOLD!

Here is the second painting I've sold, framed and ready to go to its new home. Exciting stuff!

First Painting SOLD!

Sold my painting "Reflection". Doing a little happy dance!

Loss

Today I lost my beautiful red-haired, freckle-faced, funny sister to pancreatic cancer. She fought a good battle and never lost her sense of humor or wonderful spirit. I am glad she is finally free of pain even though my heart is filled with loss. I love you today and always sister of mine.

Green Eye

A very early endeavor of mine. Thanks for stopping by.

Pam 8"x10"

This is the beautiful Pam that still lives outside. We've tried several times to get her to come in where it's safe but we've had trouble convincing her it's for the best. May still do a little more adjusting before I'm totally happy. Thanks for looking.

I am hoping the issue I had with the eye is fixed now. I think it does look better.

We Three Friends 14"x11"

I loved the photo I took of this guy. There was his shadow, his reflection, and then himself strutting along the beach. I liked the idea and had to try and capture it. Thanks for looking.

The Jungle Cat 10"x8"

Today was a hard painting day. I started one canvas and wiped it off. It wasn't happening. I started this one and ended up revising, revising, revising. In the end I think it mostly worked out. I'm never completely satisfied with anything. I think that's part of being an artist. We always think we could have done something better or different but, I have found that if something works one day it doesn't mean it will work another. The painter process in motion. Thanks for stopping by. I promise no more whining today. Lol. (Decided to shorten the name of the painting.)

Struttin" Pretty 14"x11"

I loved the photo of this gull. It seemed so happy just walking around enjoying itself. Thanks for looking. (Don't know why the photo turned out so dark. May have to get the camera cleaned.)

Still Painting

As you can see, I'm still painting in the laundry room. The important thing is that I'm still painting. So my encouraging words today are, no matter what, if you really want to do something you will find a way. Plus, I do have a tendency to keep up with the laundry since I'm in here so much, lol. Oh, I keep a picture of one of Rick Nilson's paintings on the easel to show what I'm striving for. It's a way to encourage myself to do better.

Dog Day Afternoon 8"x8"

I took this picture while on vacation in Oregon. We were at Rockaway Beach and this guy and his dog were enjoying the day. One of my favorite things is to see people and their dogs at the beach having a good time. I think the dog was pretty happy to get his treat after his romp on the beach.  I know I have my work cut out for me in my efforts to portray people but, I believe in keeping at it and hopefully in the end, it will pay off. Thanks for stopping by.

Me And My Shadow 6"x8" SOLD

I do not know what possesses me to try and paint an inch high figure. It's like torturing myself on purpose! I loved this photo and had to try anyway, maybe I'll do a larger one next time. Now, since my guy is taking me out to eat tonight, birthday dinner at Mimi's yum, I am posting a little earlier today. I am trying to get back into the swing of doing a painting a day but, we all know about good intentions and how well that works out. All I can do is try and try again.Thanks for stopping by. This painting is SOLD!

Reflective 8"x10"

I've been working on getting a better understanding of water in paintings. It is always so changeable that capturing it seems impossible but, I keep plugging away at it. Thanks for stopping by.

The Yard Stalker 10"x20"

I seem to be in a frame of mind to paint cats. I painted this from a photo I took of our dear departed Pim. She was quite a cat and little birds trembled when she appeared. I discovered while painting this that I'm not a fan of trying to paint grass. Do you give it a lot of detail? Do you hint? I settled for hinting because, if I tried to paint every blade of grass, my guy would have come into the studio, heard me giggling insanely a mad glint in my eye saying, "just one more blade, just one more blade...". Not a pretty picture. I'm sure it would have pushed me over the edge instead of just poking me in the eye like it did. Thanks for looking.

Only Shadow Cat Knows 8"x10"

I used a picture I had taken of my cat Jule for this painting. My fur kids like to stare intensely under the fridge and at times it really freaks me out. I was worried about doing the tile but tile, especially in my house, is never perfect. This was a lot of fun. Thanks for stopping by.

The Wader 8"x10"

Water is always changing. Put it in a glass from the tap and for the most part it looks clear but, put the water in the ocean and it contains a myriad of colors, beautiful and amazing. Depth, light, and shadow the ocean is an enigma always. Thanks for looking.

Her Mom's Cat 8"x10"

Now I do have a good many fur kids myself but, for my first cat I wanted to use one I didn't know. Silly, really, but I wanted to see how it went before I tried to capture the personality of any of my guys. Luckily I have a very kind FB friend who is willing to let me use her photos to paint from. I love it when I meet someone else who possesses the wonderful quality I call "Generosity of Spirit." I have been lucky to find it in my partner and in my friends. A kind word, or an unexpected warm smile, or someone who helps you up when you are down are those people who possess generosity of spirit because they are willing to share themselves and their abilities with you. So, now I'm off my soap box and here is my very first cat painting. Thanks for stopping by.

5 O'Clock Somewhere 12"x9"

I have my guy to thank for the photo I used for this painting. He took it while on vacation which also inspired the title. I was very excited about using pure colors. I love red but I find I never seem to use it much. This painting allowed me to correct that. It was fun. Thanks for stopping by.

Early Morning Coffee 12"x9"

I'm going to call this done. Tweeked it just a tad. I decided on the name since if I were on South Padre Island in Texas, this could be the scene I would see while partaking of my early morning coffee. Thanks for stopping by.

Work In Progress

This is my latest work in progress. I'm still musing over the pelican as I still need to do some work on it. I'm getting happy with it but I think it still has some revisions. Hopefully, I will work those out tomorrow and be able to post the finished painting. I also have to figure out what the heck I'm going to call it. Thanks for stopping by.

Waiting On A Friend 9"x12"

I was in the mood for a gull. They are easily my favorite bird to paint. Thanks for stopping by!

Short Break

My guy was gone for a short break to Virginia so I was holding down the fort at home in Texas. With all our critters it takes a lot of time to care for everyone, keep the fort going, and it doesn't leave much time for painting. Plus, he took the camera I know how to use on his trip and I couldn't even figure out how to turn my new one on. Anyway, while he was there he got to go to the Natural Bridge zoo. One way the zoo is raising money is by letting people take pictures with one of their 13 week old tiger cubs. It is only for a short time during the day the zoo allows this and he was lucky enough to be in line for it. My guy is the one in the middle holding the tiger. To say I am jealous he got to hold a tiger cub is to say the least but, I'm glad he got the chance. I hope we manage to save these beautiful creatures as every day more and more of their habitat is destroyed. I do not want to say goodbye in my lifetime to the beautiful tiger. (Left to Right: Lee, Randy, Roger)

Tomorrow a new painting!! Thanks for looking!

Shadow Beach Deux 8"x10"

I think I have a rather quirky sense of humor so, when I sense that humor in someone else, it fills me with glee. Since I'm still arguing with my last painting, I decided to do something different with someones shadow instead to represent my last people/people parts painting. Hope it makes you smile. Thanks for stopping by.

Surprised By Beauty

Sometimes you can be traveling along and suddenly, you are surprised by beauty. I saw this rainbow on the way to Illinois this past week. One moment it was raining and the next the sun came out and between the two of them , they produced this beautiful rainbow. I love the little unexpected and wonderful surprises we find along our journey in life.

A Cloud

And now, a cloud. I love clouds, I really do. I think it looks like a bunny.

I will not be posting for the next several days as I am going to visit my sister. For those of you who have followed my blog for a while she is very ill and I want to spend as much time with her as I can. Hopefully, by the end of next week I will post the final in my series of 5 people paintings. I currently have one on the easel and look forward to finishing it when I get back. Thanks for stopping by.

Empty Beach 5"x7" #4 (Revised)

Now for something a little different. This was originally done back in January of this year but,I wasn't happy with the effect. It was too bland. Ta Da, add a beach ball and while it's still seems empty, I'm much happier with the result. Thanks for stopping by.

Reflection 6"x8" SOLD!

I took this picture of my niece only seconds after I missed getting pictures of her doing a little jig at the water's edge. Oh, I could have used those for years to come for excellent auntie blackmail! Rats! Luckily I have the memory. So, here is the 4th in my series of 5 paintings containing people or parts of them. Thanks for stopping by.

(Maria's Watercolor: Thank you! I can't wait to go back to the beach myself. It has been fun/frustrating trying new subject matter but definitely worth it. Sorry, I'm still having trouble replying to comments on my own blog. It will no longer accept comments from me. Go figure!)

Waiting!!

It appears Tilly Rae is tired of waiting for my next painting but, Mom still has a few more kinks to work out before she will feel comfortable posting it. Hang in there Tilly Rae and if you want to too, that would be nice. Thanks for stopping by.

Muscle Beach 8"x10"

Today is a bird day because I needed to give myself a little break from figuring out how shadows and light effect clothing. I was getting way too stressed about it! This painting did not turn out quite as I imagined but, it made me smile. Hopefully, I will be passing that smile along. Thanks for checking in.

A Walk With Gracie 6"x8"

When my guy and I were in Oregon, we met a great many wonderful dog people. While waiting for the steam train (my guy is a big train fan) we met Gracie (a beautiful standard poodle) and her parents also waiting for the train. I asked if I could get a few pictures of Gracie and they were happy to oblige . I caught this snapshot as her Dad took her for a walk prior to boarding. The beach is totally fictional but I liked the idea.

Follow The Leader 6"x8"

So, here is my second foray in painting people parts. I'll be honest, this has been on and off my easel for the last 6 months. I've wiped this painting off 5 or 6 times and I'm still not totally happy with it. But, I'm going to give myself a break as I've just started to attempt to paint any part of the human anatomy. If I compared myself to Karin Jurick or other great "people painters" I'd go hide under the covers and give up but, as Dreama Tolle Perry said in her article on "How To Feel Miserable As An Artist", comparing yourself to another artist is one of the quickest ways to be miserable. So, I'm going to be kind to myself. I have a lot to learn and a year ago I wouldn't have even made this attempt. (Also, one of the great things about painting from photos is that I can go back when I'm feeling more confident and try it again.)

I took this photo while we were on vacation in Oregon and waiting at the station for the steam train. I liked that they looked like little ducks in a row. Dad, unfortunately, was walking out of sync and he got cut from the picture. Sorry Dad.  Thanks again for looking.

Belly Jeans 5"x7"

OK, so here I am trying something "very" different for me. I've never painted any part of the human body before so this was a challenge. Please don't laugh too hard at my bellies, it isn't as easy as you might think to find belly reference pictures. I try not to look at my own so it was no help at all. The remaining 4 in this challenge should be interesting.

The title makes me giggle. I'm not usually a big giggler but, I can't help myself. Thanks for stopping by.

Beach Nap 10"x8"

When I started this I wanted the bird to be roughly done, childish. It was a lot of fun and I am happy with the result. I like the less than perfect rendering. I also like the slightly tilted ocean. (I promise I wasn't drinking but a margarita would have been nice!)

This is also the 5th bird in my challenge and since I'm doing series of 5, tomorrow I try something new. Should be fun to see what happens.Thanks for looking.

Time To Go 10"x8"

I  like the easy energy that sea gulls put into taking off. A little push and off they go. I don't know it I'm totally satisfied with this one and may take another pass at it after looking at it for awhile. Thanks for stopping by.

Landing Gear Down 8"x10"

When I first started this painting, I found that I was driving myself insane by trying to paint every single feather I saw. Well, that wasn't working and my frustration level was going through the roof so, I did the only sensible thing I could and  made myself stop. Now, I don't paint realism and what I hope to convey is an idea through my paintings. So, I took another look at my reference photo and asked myself what did I see. What really made an impression on me were those magnificent drapery wings. Once I had the idea of drapery in my mind I started to paint in a much looser fashion and pretty soon I started getting happy with what I was doing.

I'm lucky enough that my guy and I usually get to spend a week at South Padre Island in Texas every year and I was fortunate to capture this image on film. I love pelican watching while we are there and always try to come back with lots of reference photos. So number 3 in my challenge is done. Thanks again for looking.

Standing By 8"x10" SOLD

So this is the first in my new challenge. It seems only appropriate that I start with birds. It has been awhile since I picked up the paintbrush but, it was a lot of fun figuring out how to make things work in the painting. I do believe I'm ready for the next! Now if I can just figure out my new camera!

Thanks Shelley. Still having trouble posting replies to comments. I think it is funny that his shadow turned out like a 60's bird cartoon. SOLD

Re-Boot Nice Flight Charlie Chan

I know I said many, many, many moons ago I was going to post something soon. Well, that didn't happen. I will be starting a new challenge in the next week or so where I will paint 5 paintings in 5 days. Life being what it is, I'm a little reluctant to try a 30 day challenge but these shorter ones should be fun. It may be 5 landscapes or 5 paintings of dogs. I'm going to let inspiration find me and then go with it. Or if inspiration decides to debunk I'll just wing it.  In the meantime I am reworking Charlie Chan. While I love the openness of a blue sky, I felt it was too much and now am taking my first stab at doing clouds. This is a work in progress and I'm keeping my fingers crossed I don't mess it up. Hopefully, new paintings coming soon!!! Thank you for your support.

Time To Paint!!!!!

Well, I have decided it is time to paint again. I hope to have something to post in the next few days. Again, I am grateful for everyone's kind words and prayers for my sister and my family. It is greatly appreciated.

A picture I took along the Oregon coast. When I see this I can't help but think, we hold on, however we can.

Unexpected Kindness

I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of kindness in response to my family's heart rending news. Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to us. Sincerely, Leona Fry

Go To Sea Young Man 7"x5" #7

Yesterday was one of those days when I was filled with doubt about what I am doing and asking myself, am I insane for trying to make art my life? Some days it does seem like it would be easier to go back to being an insurance agent even if I did hate almost every minute of the last seven years being one. Everyone needs insurance but no one likes the fact they have to have it. Anyway, I solved my dilemma by hiding under a blanket on the couch, eating mini Reese's cups, and watching cartoons with the cats. Plus it was cold here in Texas and the laundry room/studio is not plugged into the central heating yet.

So, I had my day and today came back into the 50 degree studio with new resolve and number 7 is the result. I enjoyed letting some of the black gesso undercoat bleed through. It was fun to experiment with brush strokes as well. So what it comes down to, painting in a 50 degree studio is a lot more fun that sitting in a dull grey cubicle with people yelling at me. Problem solved.

Me!! Catch the mouse in your studio?!! You must be joking!!!

Darby NOT catching the mouse that is freaking me out in my studio. Yes, I know I'm much bigger than it but it's a MOUSE.

Early Morning Wader 7"x9" #6

I'm having a great deal of fun experimenting with color right now. I will have to look up what kind of bird this is in my coastal bird guide. I enjoyed watching him fish for his breakfast.

Three For Wading 7"x9" #5

 

Well, the eyes cleared up and the birds came to wade. You know I always find something wrong with my paintings. I can't help it. But this one, I just plain like. It was so much fun. I thought I'd try water for a change and it was interesting. I especially enjoyed the muddy marsh water where the birds are wading. So presenting #5 and to my great relief, I am on track again! I apologize for the quality of the picture. It didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. I'm still learning with my new camera.

Empty Beach 5"x7" #4

Imagine you've just been to the eye doctor for your annual checkup. Imagine that he dilates your eyes and for the next 6 hours or so everything becomes a little surreal. Like holding a paint brush and wondering is it actually touching the canvas yet? Surreal. But, imagine, more importantly, you are one painting behind in your own challenge! Where there's a will there really is a way.

Gulf Flight 7"x9" #2

So here is number 2 of my 30 day 30 paintings challenge. I wanted to try to add more color and keep the gull as loose as possible. I don't really know if it works but I guess I'll have to live with it for a while and see what I think. I am pretty happy with the sky and enjoyed trying the different colors. We learn from everything we do.

Nice Flight Charlie Chan 10"x20" #1

Yes, Mary, Charlie Chan is finally done. I talked, rather moaned, to my friend that whenever I tried to finish this gull's face, it kept turning out like the cartoon Charlie Chan. I don't know that this bird has ever investigated any mysteries with a large family in tow but, I'm sure stranger things have happened.

I have now decided to give myself a challenge. I am going to do 30 paintings in 30 days with this being the first. I am not limiting myself to any subject matter, it even might be... gulp, a still life! I have this irrational fear of painting fruit so don't be looking for that anytime soon! Maybe one day....