Great-Grandmother's Threads 2

Here's another painting of my great-grandmother's sewing threads. I kept the same general set-up, but altered the lighting. I'm not sure I want to do a detailed rendering of the lace at the bottom. So far, I've been happy to suggest it. My younger son feels it's incomplete. Although I respect his opinion, if any of you (of more artistic experience) would like to offer a constructive critique, I'd appreciate it! : )

Coffee in Amesbury

Ever get so busy you forget what's what? Sarajean and I were supposed to meet and paint (I thought) and so I drove to Amesbury last Thursday and...it wasn't our day! So I popped into our favorite coffee haunt, Zac & Ani's Bread, and Brian kindly let me paint there. I loved painting this, but it doesn't quite capture the colors and lighting the way I envisioned. I know from reading other blogs (and from some experience), that paintings improve when you paint a subject more than once. On to the next! I will rethink a lot of this painting.

G is for Gertrude

I had a great time lighting up this little "landscape" of small balls of thread. My great-grandmother did tatting, embroidery, crochet—all sorts of beautiful work with thread. The "G" is for Gertrude.

Prom Dresses at Rada's, Wakefield

I've mentioned Mary Taggart, a local artist I paint with now and then. We couldn't resist standing on Main Street one very chilly, windy Sunday, to paint Rada's window display. My easel blew over before we even got started and the sunlight lit up the shop window, as well as our canvases (bad glare!), so we turned our easels sideways to the subject and turned our heads back and forth to paint! Such are the challenges and fun, of plein air painting. We had a blast. My painting looked rather sketchy when we called it quits and I finished it up at home—as a sketch...study? What's the difference? Anyone know? Can't wait to go again. Ready, Mary?

Egg and Spoon, limited palette

This still life is done with a limited palette, using burnt sienna, ultramarine blue, yellow ochre light, and titanium white. Claudia Hammer's limited palette sugar bowl painting inspired me to add yellow ochre to my mix. Check out Claudia's teapot series, as well as her blog in general. She does beautiful work!

Once again, this is a scanned painting and I did adjust the colors to try to better match what it looks like to me, but be warned—who knows if it's "accurate"? Moving on...

Primary Pears, triptych, sold

 

It's been a very busy, but good time this past week. I just wanted to thank all of you who stopped by the Melrose Arts Festival. This was my second year participating. Once again, I enjoyed so much getting to meet art appreciators and other artists. My triptych set, Primary Pears, found a wonderful home! (These three are from pre-blogging days.) The rest of the sold paintings are on this blog, except for Mary's Flowers, a small painting I did, (but forgot to document), when a few of us painted at Mary Taggart's studio. I've updated the posts with "sold". If they come to you as new posts, I apologize. 

Interestingly, two artist friends from Band of Brushes commented on how much better my work looks in person. I've been scanning my paintings since they're small. Now I'm wondering if the quality isn't as good as I thought. It's time I learned how to photograph them, I guess!

Strawberry Chick, 6 x 8"

You may have noticed this little chick before. Here I experimented with a totally different way of working...looking and painting slowly. It's a totally different effect. I enjoyed layering colors in this one. SOLD

A Sip of Spring, 5.25 x 5.5"

This cup makes me think of Spring. It also invites indulgence, which is how Spring makes me feel. Surrounded by budding trees, crocus blooms and birdsong, I want to take time and enjoy it all—personally and in paint! For all of us who have endured a long and snowy winter—enjoy this new season! SOLD

Guess where I'll be?

 

This is my second year participating in the Melrose Arts Festival. Opening night is a wonderful party with great music and refreshments. Held inside historic Memorial Hall, it's a comfortable location with places to sit, enjoy the food, art and people. Regional artists exhibit paintings, ceramics and jewelry. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by and say hi!

Friday, April 8, 7-9 pm (Preview Party, $10 admission)

Saturday, April 9, 12-7 pm

Sunday, April 10, 11-5 pm