Limes and Garlic

6"x6" Oil on gessoboard

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Two of my favorite flavours in food... the limes are off my tree! I have painted garlic before and I'm amazed at how different the color of the outer skin can vary, some  are nearly white, others are pink/violet and these are an ochre color. It doesn't seem to affect the flavour!

My calendar will feature food again this year and I haven't quite finished twelve so I will have another few food paintings coming up in the next few weeks.

Kingfisher

 My last work for our exhibition finished!! Next to the Spoonbills the Kingfisher is my favorite bird... they are only small but their colors are gorgeous! I was so lucky to get close enough to get a  good photo because they don't hang around for long when there are people nearby. 

Now... back to painting whatever I feel like and exploring different techniques...the place where I love to be!!

Morning Jog

6"x8" Oil on gessoboard

SOLD

Spring is in the air...at least I think this gull thinks so, the way he was happily jogging along the beach! I have been painting a lot of birds  the last few months...this will be the last one for a while.  

It's good to get back to my small work after the last few months of larger ones! I also want to practice more landscapes and try and get outside to do studies...always more and more to learn!!

Last Lap

I am on the last lap of finishing my exhibition paintings. I have a kingfisher to do then that's it!! I must say it has been like running a marathon... the reason being, I had two wipe offs and two binned grrrr!! These  photos are a bit fuzzy because the canvas is medium not smooth.  I prefer board anyday!
Our joint exhibition at Quay Gallery Napier is called "Coastal Impressions" so my pieces feature Estuary landscapes and birds that live there. I love the area...I see this landscape and the birds nearly every day when I walk my dog.

Ruler of the Roost

8"x6" oil on gessoboard

$100+s/h
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My first small painting this month, I can't see me getting another four finished like I had planned! I have been too busy finishing my larger ones. I have been wanting to paint this rooster for a while...I took his photo when I was at a small zoo. He had personality plus and followed me all around the place!! I loved the black and white feathers!

Artist Appreciation Month

August is Artist Appreciation month and to celebrate I'm sharing with other artists including Patience Brewster, by sharing the names of two artists who have influenced my work. You can see Patience's fabulous work on her website, her ornaments are delightful!

Mini Chihuahua Ornament

Patience Brewster

There are many artists over the years whose work  has inspired me in one way or another, but today I would like to share two of them. One of them is Colley Whisson, a very successful  Australian Impressionist painter. I came across his beautiful light filled paintings  nearly 20 years ago and was very fortunate to be able to attend one of his 5 day workshops in Australia earlier this year...an experience that will stay with me for a long time! He is a dedicated painter and a generous teacher.If you are not familiar with Colley's work please view it here, you will not be disappointed.

Sussex Inlet Dunes

Colley whisson

The other artist who has inspired me is Daily Painter Carol Marine who paints small 6x6in works. Her compositions and use of color are always exciting! My life changed when I discovered her daily painting blog. I was encouraged to start a blog, paint small  paintings and become part of the daily painting movement. I soon realised that I painted more than I ever thought possible, improved my skills and was also able to become a member of Daily Paintworks...a website she had launched.  I started painting small paintings 4 years ago this month and will continue to do so! You can view Carol's work here.

Glass vs Persimmons

Carol Marine

I am forever grateful to these wonderful artists and would like to take this opportunity to say ' Thank you'  for helping me to become a better painter!

Recap of July Paintings

July 2015

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I find it helpful to take a break and paint a few small ones when I am painting bigger work....it's    good to mix things up, it keeps the boredom at bay!   This is my small lot for last month  Blue Thimble, Evening Softness, Waterlilies and Mini Pumpkins  (Sold)...might aim for five this month!!

Late Evening Softness

6"x8" Oil on gessoboard 
$100+$15s/h

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Another small one this week!  Some evenings we get these beautiful soft clouds over the hills, I love this particular view and the atmosphere. I painted a larger one of this scene a few years ago...it was nice to revisit!!