Kathy Los-Rathburn, Watercolors

Plein Air Gal

2012-01-26T16:22:00.000-08:00

watercolor
5" x 7"
$40

This is this week's challenge on the daily paintworks site. We had to do a painting of someone sitting...who else but me? ...or is it YOU?

Hope you are painting either indoor or out. Too cold here in Indiana to be painting outside. So to the studio I go....bye for now.

Winter #2 - 2012

2012-01-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

watercolor
12" x 22"

It is winter in Indiana. Friday night we had 9" of snow and on Sunday evening we had a thunderstorm....only in Indiana. Well the snow is all gone and maybe that is a good thing. I am sure that it will come back.

This is just one of the local barns in our area and then I kinda made up the rest of the composition . I thought winter would be a good season to paint it in. Enjoy!!

Picasso's Gift to Chicago

2012-01-23T11:59:00.000-08:00

watercolor
14" x 11"

This is a really neat sculpture that Picasso donated to the city of Chicago. The steel for it was made at US steel in Gary. This is a fun area to visit. They some times "dress" the statue up for sport occasions, and holidays. A must see if you come to this city.

Tangerine Tango Jug

2012-01-22T22:50:00.000-08:00

watercolor 5" x 7"
SOLD

This was last week's challenge for the dailypaintworks. We had to paint anything we wanted with the color of the year. Did you know that the color of the year for 2012 is "Tangerine Tango?" Well I didn't either. I should have known that when I bought my last purse in......yep...tangerine tango.

House Portrait

2012-01-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

watercolor
18" x 24" matted
SOLD

I was commissioned to do this portrait of this house. The gentleman wanted this particular house to give to his wife for Valentine's Day. Yes, she used to live here and was getting home sick. Wasn't that nice of him to do this for his wife. Needless to say, once he opened the painting, he could not wait to Valentine's Day to give it to her so he gave it to her right away. lol. Sounds like something I would do.

Borders is Closed

2012-01-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

watercolor
11" x 14"

The chain of bookstores called Borders is now closed. Other book stores have taken over a few of them. My local store is changing into an appliance store. This painting is of the one that was in the Downtown section of Chicago. My favorite bookstore was Kroch and Brentano's. There used to be one in Chicago, too. I used to go to it all of the time when I was a student at the American Academy of Art and when I worked up down. That was my first credit card. I think I still have it.

Sadly but also wonderfully, we can get good deals on books at Amazon.com, halfbook.com, and many other online stores. I guess we are actually putting these icons of book stores out of business...good news / bad news.

"More People"

2012-01-17T01:27:00.000-08:00

watercolor
sketchbook

I am at it again and I will keep at it till I get it right and I feel comfortable enough to add people to my paintings. They are a lot of fun to do.

People Studies

2012-01-12T02:34:00.000-08:00

watercolors in my watercolor sketchbook

Sometimes it is not about doing a full painting or a commission. Sometimes it is just practicing. I want to learn how to add more people into my paintings. I used to believe...when in doubt, leave it out....but now I am rethinking that. If I keep doing people, maybe I will get better at it. I want to complete a whole sketchbook of people. Maybe you will be in it :))

The Warmth of Winter

2012-01-06T00:50:00.000-08:00

watercolor
13" x 29"
landscape

Instead of painting this piece with the usual white snow, I thought I would play with being a bit bold with my colors. I decided on a sunset painting. These can be a bit tricky since I am using complimentary colors and in watercolor...that spells MUD. So the technique that I use is to start with the light colors and then do layers of washes and build up my colors. That sky was not a one shot deal. It took many washes and lots of drying time. But I had fun and that is what it is all about. Enjoy!!

Indiana National Lakeshore - Winter

2012-01-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

watercolor
13" x 29"
landscape

Happy New Year Everyone!! Boy, do these years fly by fast. I remember when I was a kid and got bored in the summer because I didn't have anything to do. Where did those days go. Last year was a good year and I thank all of you who follow me on this blog and on Face Book. Thanks to those who purchased paintings, attended classes and workshops and for attending any of my shows. You are all so special to me. I dedicate this painting to all of you in the hopes that 2012 will be peace filled for you granting you all of your wishes.

Under the Tree

2011-12-28T01:22:00.000-08:00

watercolor 7" x 10" $75

The challenge this week for the daily paintworks is to do a painting of the Christmas aftermath. example: the bows and the wrapping. Well, the challenge was posted while we were celebrating with my family and my husband's family, so I did not want to do a painting of my recycle bins. Anything to show after Christmas is the topic and I painted this little painting to depict it. These are actually the gifts that I have left under the tree to still give to some of my friends. Maybe you are one of them??? The two little kissing angels are about 40 years old and they belonged to my aunt. She gave them to me about 25 years ago.

Santa is Tired!!!

2011-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

watercolor
5" x 7"

I hope everyone had a great Christmas holiday. I don't know about you, but 2 parties in a row and I am pooped. The next one will be even bigger than today. That will be the party for my students on Jan. 7. We had 22 people here today of all ages and it was a 7 hour party. Lots of food left. Now I do not have to cook or bake for awhile and I can soon get back to painting.

"You've Got Mail"

2011-12-21T02:07:00.000-08:00

watercolor 14" x 21"
landscape

Thought I would send you all a little Christmas wish. I didn't know all of your addresses, so I hope this will do. Enjoy!!

Frozen Memories III

2011-12-16T02:24:00.000-08:00

watercolor 14" x 21"
landscape

Continuing on with my reflective series, this finds me painting the Little Calumet River. It is pretty in the winter but caused a lot of damage a few years ago when we had massive flooding from it during some summer storms. It runs all through the neighboring towns.

Stay warm....

Frozen Memories II

2011-12-14T10:21:00.000-08:00

watercolor 15" x 19"

I didn't plan on doing a series of reflections...but then the challenge this week on daily paintworks was to do reflections in the water. So watch for more of them because I love to paint snow and this is a great time to catch those reflections in the water.

Stay warm.

Frozen Memories

2011-12-11T03:01:00.000-08:00

watercolor
19" x 15"
Landscape

I thought it would be ok to paint a snow scene since we had our first snow fall yesterday. Now you can not blame me for the snow.

All of my trees are all up and tonight I finished the village. It is hard to put up a whole city under the tree. But it is now done and I can sit back and enjoy it. All my baking will begin soon....

No Football Today-Soldier's Field, Chicago

2011-12-08T12:44:00.001-08:00

watercolor
10" x 14"
landscape

Bet you wondered what had happened to me that I didn't post for a while....Well, I was busy putting up Christmas decorations. I have trees in every room and I finally got them all up last night. I missed not being able to paint. But it is looking a bit festive in my house now.

This is a painting as you go into the city of Chicago. Soldier's field is the stadium where the Chicago Bears football team play. It is really a neat shaped building.

Well back to decorating for me....

Rural Landscape

2011-11-28T01:23:00.000-08:00

watercolor
8" x 21"
landscape

Thought I would take a break from decorating for the Christmas holiday by doing this painting. There is so much to do...but you still have to take time to fill your soul. Enjoy!

He's Watching You

2011-11-25T22:31:00.000-08:00

watercolor
21" x 21"

It's time to hang Santa...no, not really. Time to hang him up in the kitchen. This is a painting that I did of my dad who used to be Santa. I have many fond memories of those years.

"Working on the Railroad"

2011-11-18T22:40:00.000-08:00

watercolor
landscape
14" x 21"

This is a painting that I did with my husband in mind. He was working on this piece of equipment. No, he is not one of the guys standing to the left. He is actually on top of this doing the wiring and electrical work. It sure was a different subject of me. No way for me to be loose on this one.

2011-11-16T21:39:00.000-08:00

Dunes Sunset
6" x 12"
acrylic

Tried another acrylic today. They are really a lot of fun. Some ways a bit different than watercolor. You can easily change things. This is a bit trickier to do in watercolor.

Fall Acrylic

2011-11-12T00:20:00.000-08:00

acrylic
fall landscape
6 x 6

Did another one of those little 6" x 6" acrylic on canvas paintings. This is just a wrapped around canvas. It was fun to do, but I feel like I am cheating since I have painted in watercolor all of my life.

Today I went to see the David Becker 11-11-11 exhibit at the Palette and Chisel in Chgo. It was the closing of his exhibit which was up for 11 days. Today was also his 50th Birthday. What a way to celebrate. I even bought one of his paintings. I will be happy to hang it in my studio for the students to see it. It was a fun night in the city.

Winter in Acrylics

2011-11-10T01:29:00.000-08:00

acrylic
6" x 6"
landscape

Yes, you read that right. It was even hard to type...I am so used to typing watercolor. Today I did this little acrylic. I had the whole afternoon class working with them and trying them out. They all enjoyed it. It's our secret that we did this in my watercolor class. But...I think I am going to try it again. These would make nice little Christmas gifts....hint, hint....

Watercolor on Watercolor canvas workshop

2011-11-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

watercolor
12" x 12"

Today I had a workshop in the studio on how to paint on watercolor canvas. We were painting pumpkins so that they would have something to decorate their homes with this Thanksgiving. It was a challenge to paint on the canvas, but they loved it. We also found out that the student grade paints just don't match up to the professional brand of paints. I personally use Holbein paints and I just love them!! The colors are so intense and you do not get all of that filler that you do in some of the other brands. You get what you pay for. Use the best supplies to get the best results!!

Fall Boat Yard

2011-11-07T16:18:00.000-08:00

watercolor
14" x 21"
Landscape

Here is another painting inspired from my trip to Michigan a few weeks ago. Today I was back to Michigan delivering some paintings for some shows coming up. If you live close to the Box Factory, you'll be able to see 4 of my paintings. I believe it is in St. Joe, Michigan. Stop at the Round Barn Winery and you will be able to see my work there, too. That is at Union Pier, Michigan. Tell them I sent you :)

Jack's Jonquils

2011-11-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

watercolor
floral
12" x 12"

This is a demo that I did for my class yesterday. We were all trying to paint loose. Those of you who know my work know that I do not paint really loose so this was a challenge for me too. It is done on a new board called Arches we board. It has a hot press surface to it. The thing I noticed about this board is that it didn't lift like other hot press surfaces.

See how loose you can paint!!

Michigan City Boat Yard

2011-11-03T01:36:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14" x 21"
landscape

After going out to Michigan to deliver a painting last weekend, I took advantage of some of the fall colors that were still hanging onto the trees. I came across this boat yard and it was exciting to me so I thought I would paint it. I hope it is exciting to you, too!

Step-by-step of the court house painting

2011-11-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14" x 21" on 300# wc paper.

This may help you to see the process of this painting. This is tighter than I usually paint, but I felt that the subject warranted it. Enjoy.

Crown Point, Indiana Court House in Fall

2011-10-31T23:05:00.000-07:00

watercolor
14" x 21"

Thought I would paint this 'ol court house tonight. The only thing about doing a painting such as this....you can not be as loose as I was in the last painting. Or should I say...I can not be.

Pumpkins and Mums---step-by-step.

2011-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14" x 21"
still life

Thought I would do my pumpkin challenge for the daily paintworks. Since it is almost Halloween, I thought tonight was a good night to do this. I hope you enjoy my step by step process. I didn't think I needed to explain what I did. They say a picture paints a thousand words. Enjoy.

Fall Reflections

2011-10-27T21:46:00.000-07:00

watercolor
14" x 21"
landscape

Ok, here it is, the same subject matter that was done on that canvas board. Went back to traditional watercolor. It is amazing how the two surfaces react so differently. You need to try new things to grow as an artist. Each technique presents a new challenge and a different look. Enjoy!!

Prairie on Canvas Board

2011-10-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor
landscape
6" x 12"

Found this neat board when I was in Chicago a few weeks ago. It was a canvas board with a cradle (?) Thought I would give it a try. It was different. I almost pulled out my acrylics. It didn't respond to transparent wc like paper does. It would even lift off. That would be great if you made a mistake. I just wanted to paint thick on it. I am going to do this composition again but on paper...watch for it.

Pumpkins and Mums

2011-10-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

watercolor-14" x 21" $75

Felt I would just do a painting today to represent fall. I went to a pumpkin fest in a local town and so I was inspired to paint this set up from a local farm stand. The sketch I did many years ago and today was the day to make it a painting.

Mini 5" x 7" #20

2011-10-22T23:41:00.000-07:00

watercolor-landscape-5" x 7" - $50 includes mat

Ok, this is it. This is the last of the paintings for the centerpieces. Yeah... they are all done! I hope that the guests enjoy the neat things we have planned for them at the gala.

5" x 7" #19

2011-10-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 includes mat

Ok. Just one more after this and you will have seen all 20 paintings. The copies which will go on as table decorations are all framed and so are all of the originals that are for sale. Whew. Still have more work to do for the decorations and a little book that I am making filled with ice breakers. One will go on each table. I am in the process of making 20 of them. So back to the studio I go. I would rather be painting. Have a great weekend.

5" x 7" #18 Fall

2011-10-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

5" x 7" watercolor, landscape, $50 matted

Moving right along into fall....except today it is so cold, rainy and really WINDY. Oh yeah, did I mention that it was windy. lol

Mini 5" x 7" #17 Fall

2011-10-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 matted

Here is another for the gala....

Mini 5" x 7" #16 Fall

2011-10-17T22:36:00.000-07:00

watercolor, landscape, 5" x 7", $50 matted

Here's another in the series of paintings that will be used for table decorations. The copies will be given away at the dinner/dance/gala. The originals will be sold and a % going to the Chesterton Art Center. ' Sure you do not want to attend Nov. 4 in Chesterton Indiana???

"Summer Shadows III"

2011-10-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

watercolor - 14 x 21 - landscape - $75

Still hanging on to summer...this is probably the last in this series of summer shadows...it will be a short series. Think I will be doing some fall paintings next. Have a great week.

Winter Demo

2011-10-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

watercolor
11 x 15
landscape
$60

Today I did a demo for my afternoon class. One of my students brought in this photo and was having trouble painting it. I hope the demo helped her.

Mini 5" x 7" #14 Fall

2011-10-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

5" x 7" watercolor -landscape-$50 includes mat

Sorry I did not get these small paintings posted in order. Just follow the numbers...

Mini 5" x 7" #12 fall

2011-10-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 matted

Back to posting the paintings for that gala that is coming up. They are all completed, matted, framed. Whew...

Summer Porch Shadows

2011-10-12T23:08:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14" x 21" landscape $75

This is a demo painting that I did for my afternoon class today. The assignment is to do a close up of something....it is up to them to decide what this means....lol. So it is exciting to see what they are doing for their value sketches. They were so busy working and so hard at it that you could hear a pin drop. I have carpeting on the floors of the studio. They are never this quiet. They will finish up their masterpieces next week and the following week we will have a big critique.

Summer Shadows

2011-10-11T00:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14" x 21 landscape

Decided that I needed to get away from those little brushes. Give me my mop...no, not the kind to wash the floors with. I want those big brushes...it was fun to paint large again. Nice and relaxing. I was tempted to paint this as a fall scene...but thought I did enough of those for now.
Enjoy!!

Mini 5" x 7" #13

2011-10-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

5" x 7" watercolor landscape $50 matted

Hope you are not tired of seeing all of these little paintings that I am painting for the gala. I can't wait to paint larger and looser. I have a few demos planned for this week so I will be going back to 1/2 sheet size and back to my mops :) Enjoy!!

Mini 5" x 7" #15

2011-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

5" x 7" watercolor - landscape $50 matted

Just five more to post. Been working on the matting and framing, too.

Hand Challenge

2011-10-07T22:29:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" $40 matted
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/outofpopup/1ee2ba66-786a-4b7c-a0e3-f03f642a9fcf

This past week's challenge on the daily paintworks was to paint your hand. It is Friday and I am finally getting around to doing this. I have been so busy painting those little 20 paintings for the gala fundraiser.

Tonight I went to the Michigan City Art walk and opening of the Southern Shores Member's show. It couldn't have been a better night and I was with some great friends. Had an awesome time and it was good to get out of the studio for a few hours.

This is the new Parker Ingenuity 5th Mode Fountain Pen (also known as a writing instrument) that came out Oct. 1. It was delivered this week. Fun!!

Mini 5" x 7" #11

2011-10-07T00:02:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 includes mat

Ok, This is the last in the snow mini series. I need nine more for the gala...what will they be.....come back and see.

Heading to the studio to frame....see you there.

Mini 5" x 7" #10

2011-10-06T00:23:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 includes matting

Ok...Today I started framing. Whew. Last night I was cutting mats. Some people do not know how much work there is to being an artist. It is a good thing that we do what we love....enjoy.

mini 5" x 7" #9

2011-10-05T00:47:00.000-07:00

5" x 7" watercolor landscape $50

Tonight I was cutting mats for all of these paintings. The chairwoman of the gala said it was too big of a donation to give the originals. So, I went and had copies made at the office supply store on card stock. They actually turned out pretty good just for a copy. So I made 20 mats for the copies and then 20 double mats for the originals. I will frame them all and hopefully I will sell the originals this holiday season....Get yours early. lol.

I will be so sore tomorrow morning from cutting these mats. What we do in the name of art...because this is what we do.

Mini 5" x 7" #8

2011-10-04T13:59:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 with mat

Today's winter painting has picked up some purples...one thing about these little paintings is that you can really play around with compositions and colors. Great way to experiment. I am using scraps of wc paper and some are even on the backs of demos that I did for my students. Enjoy!!

mini 5" x 7" #7

2011-10-03T23:44:00.001-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 matted

Just three more mini snow scenes to go after this one. Actually I am working on the next mini 10. My goal is 20 for our gala fundraiser for our art center. Keep watching.

mini 5" x 7" #6

2011-10-02T23:32:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50 with mat

Still painting strong. I had a friend stop by via Skype to see me paint this one. It was a lot of fun painting it for him.

These little ones are hard to photograph...or maybe it is me. lol

Mini 5" x 7" #5

2011-10-02T02:16:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50

Moving right along with my mini series. I have decided for sure that I will do 10 snow dune scenes and 10 fall country/barn scenes. Once I chill you off, I will warm you up. Keep coming back. Have a great week.

Mini 5" x 7" #4

2011-10-01T00:02:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50

Moving right along with my mini series. Now if it starts to snow soon....I am NOT responsible. lol. It feels like snow. It is so cold, windy and rainy out...time for a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows :)) Would you like a cup?

Mini 5" x 7" #3

2011-09-30T06:47:00.001-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50

Here is the third in my little mini series. Stay warm. It is not winter here yet. It is just the beginning of fall..but today is a dull, dark, cold, windy day. Looks like rain, too. Burrrrrrr.

Mini 5" x 7" #2

2011-09-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5" x 7" landscape $50

Here is #2 on this series. I just got back from JoAnn Fabrics and they have all of their frames for 60% off. If you have a JoAnn's by you, good time to get some cheap frames for quick gifts.

Mini 5 x 7 #1

2011-09-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5 x 7 landscape $50 matted

You might think I am crazy...affirmed...I am. The art league that I belong to is having a fundraiser Gala. It is a dinner/dance/silent auction....and surprises. No, I am not going to sing. The money that we raise will help pay our bills and keep the place running.

I am in charge of the table decorations. So....I am thinking that I might do a little painting for each table. These will be 5 x 7 watercolors. I will be painting and posting them here and on my site on Daily Paintworks. If I sell any...I will paint more and I will just use the money to mat and frame the others. lol. Crazy, huh?

Well, keep coming back cuz I will be posting everyday.....

Round Jug

2011-09-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

watercolor 12 x 21 still life

Setting up some fall "stuff" in the studio to paint from. Thought I would do a few still lifes. Today it rained...a lot. But boy...did we have some great skys and clouds. It is hard to drive and photograph while you are on the expressway. But at least I wasn't texting.

Fall Still Life II

2011-09-24T12:41:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 still life

I decided to do a series of some fall still lifes. This helps me to let go of summer. I do hate to see summer go. But the fall season is such a pretty season here in Indiana. It calls for a new set of colors to paint with. Enjoy! Happy Fall You All!!

Fall Still Life With Lanterns

2011-09-20T23:41:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 still life $100

Thought I would set up a few items and paint from life. With fall being just around the corner...what better time to use those warm, rich colors.

And Nature Rrmains...

2011-09-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

The fifth is my leaf series. Getting ready for fall...Enjoy!!

Branching Out

2011-09-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

watercolor 21 x 21 landscape

Using my palette of fall colors, here is another in my leaf series. Happy Fall You All!!

Fall Barn - Demo #3

2011-09-14T00:59:00.000-07:00

watercolor - landscape - 14 x 21

This was last Friday morning class demo. All classes last week had me doing a demo...now this week they will be painting the barn study that they were sketching in class. They had to bring in their own photographs and come up with a composition. Tomorrow I will watch THEM paint. Fun!!

Fall Barn -Demo 2

2011-09-11T22:42:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 landscape $75

Here is another demo that I did for my students. Using a limited palette I did this fall scene for them. This is a common scene for my area. Enjoy.

Barn Demo #1

2011-09-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

watercolor 12 x 21 landscape $75

Classes began this past week. For each class I begin with a demo. I thought it would be a good idea if we all painted barns. So I had them bring their barn photos in to work from. I did three demos this past week so do come back to see them.

Limbs and Leaves

2011-09-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

watercolor 21" x 21" Landscape

This is #3 in my series of leaves and negative painting. I am going to get a gicle' print made of this painting to hang in my kitchen for fall. Hope you enjoy it.

"Nature's Beauty"

2011-09-06T02:26:00.000-07:00

watercolor 16 x 24 landscape

This is my newest series. It will be nature at it's finest. I just hope I was able to catch it's beauty. This technique is called negative painting. No masking fluid was used. I love doing these and I get lost in the painting process as I do them. Enjoy!!

Along the River Edge

2011-09-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

watercolor - landscape-18 x 26

This was actually inspired from my trip to Chagrin Falls. It was fun doing all of the negative painting on this watercolor. This is the start of my next series. Keep coming back as I add new paintings to it.

To Rectangle or Not to Rectangle

2011-09-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

watercolor 5 x 11 landscape $40 each

The challenge for this week on dailypaintworks was to paint anything but to use only rectangles. With each rectangle we had to use a different color/value. This is a hard assignment to do in wc since we work in washes and not brush strokes. I did the rectangle one first and then I redid the painting as I normally would paint it. Two totally different looks.

Summer Barn

2011-08-30T21:53:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 landscape $100

Took a trip to Ohio this summer and on the way there and back, I was able to take some neat photos of barns.

My classes begin in 7 days and we are going to begin by painting barns so you will see a lot of them in the next few weeks.

Purple Hydranges"

2011-08-29T02:23:00.000-07:00

watercolor 11 x 15 floral $50

This was from a photo I took at the garden walk last Sunday. Maybe I will come up with another series...do come back and see what it will be :))

Another Type of Hibiscus

2011-08-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

watercolor 11 x 15 floral $50

This one was inspired from the garden walk, but I did it in the studio. I think these are sometimes called plate hibiscus.

Hibiscus

2011-08-24T01:07:00.000-07:00

watercolor 15 x 11 floral

This was the second painting I was able to complete at the garden walk for the fundraiser this past Sunday. It is fun to paint plein air, but it is a challenge.

Urn-plein air

2011-08-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

watercolor 15 x 11 floral $50

Today was a fundraiser for children at a local hospital. It was a garden walk and I was asked to paint in the gardens. I was also able to sell my work :) and I had a new student sign up for my watercolor classes :))

I have never seen the beauty of a garden like I have in this one. It had many statues and waterfalls and so much lush green foliage. It was so peaceful. I will be going back to do more painting here again. I took a bunch of photos so you know what my next series will be....do come back.

Left Alone

2011-08-18T21:55:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 Floral $100

Thought I would finish with my Chagrin Falls and my green period and do a flower for a change. Enjoy...

Path Along the River

2011-08-16T20:41:00.001-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 landscape

This is another painting of Chagrin Falls. I think it might be my last in this series. I wanted to challenge myself to use green paint since I find this a hard color to work with. It's not easy being green.

On the Rocks

2011-08-15T00:34:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21- landscape - $100

Here is another landscape of Chagrin Falls. This is dedicate to Carol for her birthday. Hope she has her favorite drink "On the Rocks" to celebrate. If it is whiskey...then this might be Willie Nelson's "Whiskey River." Enjoy Carol and may this be one of your most colorful birthdays~~Hope to meet you in person some day :))

Chagrin Falls III-Ohio

2011-08-13T23:52:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21 landscape

Here is another painting from my trip to Chagrin Falls. I really didn't plan on doing a series of this area but I guess I am just supposed to....lol. You know how that goes sometimes.

Chagrin Falls II

2011-08-11T23:09:00.000-07:00

watercolor 21 x 14 landscape

While on my trip to Ohio I took lots of photos. Here is another painting from that trip. Enjoy!!

Time For a Break

2011-08-09T14:47:00.000-07:00

watercolor 7 x 11 - Still Life

This is my challenge for this week's Daily Paintworks. We were supposed to paint our favorite mug for tea and coffee. Since I do not drink either, I decided to paint my Pepsi glass. Love using this goblet because of the stem, it will not sweat and get my table wet:) And I had to add a few munchies since I am not a starving artist. Take time.....

Chagrin Falls

2011-08-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

Went on a little trip to Ohio a few weeks and was out and about with my camera. I ended up in this little town called Chagrin Falls and I found their river and not much of the falls at this point. But I did like the bridge and thought it would be good subject matter for a painting. Enjoy!!

Fall Round Barn

2011-08-07T00:47:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

Here is another version of the round barn that I did as a winter scene. It's fun to change the palette with a new season. And, fall will be here before you know it.

Tom's Covered Bridge

2011-08-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

This is my version of the covered bridge that we painted in Tom Shaller's workshop.
Unfortunately, mine does not look like his...or his does not look like mine. lol. Either way, we had a blast in his class. Thanks again Tom.

Round Barn in Winter

2011-08-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

I was asked to paint this round barn for a winery. It was alot of fun, but was really wierd to paint snow in the summer. It did cool me off a bit :) I do paint seasonally so I should be painting flowers.
Stay cool!

Hydrangea

2011-08-01T01:03:00.000-07:00

watercolor 7 x 11

This was last week's challenge for the daily paintworks. We had to go outside and paint something from the ground. We were only allowed to use Ultramarine Blue, Cadimun Red and Cadimun Yellow. It was a fun assignment. We were only allowed 1 hour. It took me 5 minutes to do a quick sketch, and then 25 minutes to paint it. Enjoy!!

more workshop photos/Tom Schaller

2011-07-29T02:12:00.000-07:00

One of my dear friends from FB wanted to see more photos from the workshop. The first one is my painting which I completed in the class, the second is Tom adding people to his painting, and the third was an unexpected starving artist/student that just showed up. Can you guess which one is Tom? Enjoy!!

Painting with Tom Schaller

2011-07-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

Last week I was in Akron, Ohio painting with Tom Schaller from California. We had a blast. I took lots of notes and photos. If you ever get a chance to paint with him, you MUST! He is taking a group of artists for a workshop in Italy next May. Would that be a dream come true or what???

I guarantee you that he will put passion back into your painting!!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2011-07-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

watercolor 8 x 10

Since this week's challenge was to paint either to music or to take a song and paint what it suggests, I decided to paint holly. I listen to music from the time I get up till when I go to bed. I thought about so many songs and recording artists that I wanted to do. But I am limited with my time this week so I decided this is what I would do. I am not catching all of the purples and teals in this photo. May have to shoot it again.

Maybe this will cool you off a little. We are having a heat wave here in Indiana.

Park Full of Art

2011-07-15T01:14:00.000-07:00

watercolor

Park Full of Art
July 16 & 17
Griffith Central Park
Griffith, Indiana
Free Admission
Free Parking
Great Art
Me :)

Hope you are free to come and check out this show. It is a lovely shaded park and there will be lots of great art for you to view and purchase. Think now for Christmas.

"Get the Lead Out"

2011-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

watercolor

The challenge for last week was to paint what you paint with. So...these are some of my supplies. I had to add my sketch book since that is an important tool. I know we don't always sketch as much as we should. But...the more you sketch, the finer you tune your skills. That makes the whole process of painting so much easier.
Enjoy!! and get the lead out.

Up On the Still

2011-07-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

This is a watercolor that I did Monday night. I was listening to James Taylor in concert and he was singing "up on the roof" so I thought I would borrow a few of the words for this title. lol.

The inspiration for this painting came when I went to a garden walk 2 weeks ago. I did this painting with just one brush...a mop. I only used a small brush to sign my name. It was a lot of fun challenging myself to do this. I will try the one brush challenge again.

Pink Lilies

2011-07-03T23:19:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

These were some of the lilies that I had blooming in my garden. I also have some red and yellow ones growing too. Watch for more flowers to come.

Have a great 4th of July!!

The End of It's Season

2011-06-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

On the way home from Michigan when a friend and I went to deliver our paintings that were accepted into the exhibit at the Box Factory, I saw these peonies on the side of the road. I asked her to turn the car around so I could photograph them. I think they are some type of peony. The ones that I grow are pink or white. These were really different.

I did get three paintings accepted into the exhibit, and two of them got purchase awards.

Hollyhocks

2011-06-23T23:02:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

I wanted to paint this plein air (outside on location), but since I started it at 9 pm, I didn't want to paint in the dark. Enjoy!!

Lilies of the Valley

2011-06-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

watercolor on watercolor canvas 12 x 12

This is another one of the canvas paintings that I have been working on. They are alot of fun. Later today, June 22, I will be teaching a class on this is my studio. Call if you want to join us.

I think we might do a waterlily today...or maybe a different flower. You will have to come back here to see....Have a great day!!

Seedless

2011-06-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

This is the challenge for this week. We were given the photo to work from, but we had to paint it upside down. No, we did not have to stand on our heads to do it. lol.

I thought maybe if I ate some pineapple upside down cake that would count :)) I make a mean cake!! This was really a challenge especially for watercolor. When I started this painting I had a taste for watermelon. When I finished, I don't want to look at one for a while.

Stay cool! Enjoy your summer!

Balancing My Time

2011-06-18T23:33:00.000-07:00

watercolor 12 x 16

This was the challenge for this week. We were to do a painting of stacked items...balancing them with design and color. So, (sew) I went into my study and looked at my sewing table. I had some pairs of pants that need hemming. I decided to set up this little still life. I wanted to use the angles of the sewing machine and the grain of the wood to point to the balanced items.

This is like my life...trying to balance everything that I do. Pretty sharp, huh? Like the scissors...

Tubular Begonia

2011-06-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

This is a tubular begonia and I have a few of these pots hanging around my gazebo. This is a great time of year to paint since I do so much gardening and I have lots of subject matter. Keep watching. I just may paint your favorite flower one of these days.

"Waiting to Be Wrapped"

2011-06-13T02:58:00.000-07:00

watercolor 14 x 21

This was this past week's challenge. I finally had time to paint it today. The challenge was to paint a gift....Well, I never got time to wrap the gift.

This is a basket that I have set up in my closet with ribbons for wrapping....maybe this gift is for you....