BURST! new IRIS watercolor floral

I just had to do another IRIS for Spring! The large scale watercolor relies heavily on complimentary colors for punch.

It was a joy to paint-- and fun to pull together.


It is monumental in scale and really lives up to it's title!


Happy Spring everyone-- on this first day of SPRING!


BURST
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
2013
email for purchase

Decided to switch gears and paint something different!

Different format
Different subject
Different palette
Different paper

DIFFERENT is GOOD!


Since I had been doing MANMADE Chinese Lanterns... I decided to paint NATURE-MADE ones!

Here they are!

Today... I will add the stems...and post the final version tonight.

ENJOY!

PAINT SOMETHING DIFFERENT today!!


Organic Lanterns
watercolor
40" h x 10" w
2012
in progress

Bromeliads Watercolor

Bromeliads have always been a favorite of mine.  I've never felt safe in painting them ....  they seemed too complex.

But... I did see some beautiful ones at a garden in South Carolina.

I had to paint them.

This is a small maquette...  of ones that I'd like to do larger.  It didn't take long to get into the rhythm of the leaves.  The strips leave make for a strong design element.

An artist from St Louis-- Phyllis Plattner -- painted these in the 80's.  I fell in love with them.  I never thought there would be a way for me to compare to her beautiful paintings... but I did try!


Bromeliads
watercolor
12" h x 12" w
2012

look for these in a larger scale soon.

Beauty on the First Day -- watercolor

The Beauty on the First Day is the first watercolor I've done in a LONG time that comes close to what I intended to say from the outset.

Rarely do my paintings work out as planned!

That, of course, is the wonder of being an artist.  The painting you intend is always a journey to find!

Anyway, I envisioned this painting exactly how it turned out!  Exciting!

The washes, background, palette, and freshness were all the qualities I was seeking from the start.

I feel gratified and rewarded!

I must admit-- the Chinese Lanterns painting was a bit of a struggle... and I had become discouraged with studio work.



Beauty also has psychological impact for me.  It celebrates a small milestone in my life!

I am transisting to a new life...and thinking a lot about the saying... "the first day of the rest of your life...".

This painting depicts the BEAUTY on the "first day of the rest of my life"!


We should ALL celebrate victories.... however small.


Beauty on the First Day
watercolor
35" h x 50" w
in progress but fairly close to completion

New Floral

This floral painting has had my attention for the last few days.  I was working hard on it-- until I ran in to a flu bug that knocked me flat.

I didn't work on it today --  so much remains undone.


This huge watercolor will get done tomorrow.

The intrique of the piece is of course... the globe holding water.   The image is quiet and the impact is strong.

I hope it all works out according to plan!

Stay tuned...and check back to see the final results.


Colors

French Ultramarine Blue
Quin Gold
Transparent Yellow
Winsor Green YS
Burnt Sienna
Shadow Violet
Mineral Violet
Turquoise Blue Light


Looking Through
watercolor
30" h x 45" w
in progress

Cups of Sunshine Print

This beautiful and LARGE print was made yesterday ... for a nursing facility in Chicago IL.

The print measures 30" h x 60" w and will be framed for presentation.


I am amazed at the detail, beauty, and color of the print!  It mirrors the painting exactly--- only twice as large!  or more~


Thank you Allied-- for doing such a great job.

And thank you Spellman Brady for the opportunity to be in your installation.



Cups of Sunshine
Giclee
30" h x 60" w

Good Samaritan Hospital, Mt. Vernon, IL

I am delivering these two pieces to GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL in Mt. Vernon, IL for installation in their permanent collection.

The hospital is currently being built-- and almost ready for grand opening.  Several national artists have been chosen to install unique and site-specific works in the lobbies throughout the hospital.

There will be a grand opening later this Fall to tour the facilities.  I look forward to being part of their collection and having my work installed in a healing environment.

Thank you Good Samaritan Hospital for including me!


The Italian Suite
acrylic
16 panels  12" h  x 12" w each
8' h x 8' w overall installation
2010

Sweet Magnolia
watercolor
22" h x 30" w
2011

Ice IRIS

Have worked some on the blue iris painting---  that follows the FLAME THROWER .
It's cool blues and purples--  with a hit of yellow.


I need to do some tweaking of the 'saved whites'.... and a few more glazes.  However, it was a joy to work on this today!

Enjoy!

Ice Iris 
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
2012
in progress

Blue Iris

Blue Iris is taking off.

I have begun a new IRIS painting---  that is softer and less vibrant than the FLAME THROWER.

It will be a cooler palette-- and larger in scale.

Tomorrow will see big changes in it!


Blue Iris
watercolor
40" h x 30" w
2012

Flame Thrower progress on watercolor

I did a few washes on the Flame Thrower watercolor yesterday.

I don't have much time to finish this painting-- the condo comes first!

Must get THAT painted!

But... here's the progress.

I really like the softer Fabriano paper. It doesn't behave with the blossoms like Arches. I will have to relearn some new techniques.

But I do like the fact that lifting and softening edges is much more responsive.

I may do a few more Iris to complete a statement.

I want to try Saunders paper as well.

Ahhhhh.... looking forward to life in the studio again ... once the CONDO is done.. and the MOVE is complete!

Flame Thrower

watercolor

40" h x 30" w

2012

in progress

Two Sold watercolors --

These two watercolors were sold the other week to a nice client in NC. They were framed and met my approval.

Today they will be crated and shipped out.

I think they look smashing.... and very sleek.


Rain Tulips
watercolor
20" h x 20" w each panel
30" h x 70" w overall
2009

Jewel Swim
watercolor
35" h x 35" w
2009

Tulips for Emily- Watercolor

Today is a day to remember those serving in the military who gave their all for our freedom.

Memorial Day -- a day of honor, gratitude, reflection.

My father was a career officer in the Air Force: Staff Judge Advocate-- rising to the rank of Full Colonel. He was asked to become General- but declined and chose retirement instead.

I grew up in the military -- so I have a profound respect and admiration for what the armed forces stand for.

My father was my hero: Colonel Samuel Filson Carter.

~~~~~~~

Tulips for Emily sold yesterday. It is a bitter sweet painting-- because of it's inception. The beautiful tulips are glorious... colorful and glowing in the sun.

I painted them as a tribute to my neighbor's daughter -- Emily -- who was tragically taken from us a year ago.

Thankfully -- the painting will end up with Emily's family as a tribute and honor for their daughter.

We will always remember Emily!

Tulips for Emily
watercolor
30" h x 22 " w each panel
2009

second to the last stage -- Goliath Iris watercolor

i photographed this second-to-last stage of this enormous watercolor -- there's one final day of painting on it .. that needs to be documented.

it was fun to go back and rework this image..and pull together a more solid painting. the final painting has a bit more drama... and value.

there's a simple freer abandon or creativity .. on working a previously-resolved painting. with the fresher eyes and perspective... i tend to make bolder and less calculating decisions. it's as though i've been given 'free reign' over the image.. and don't have to have boundaries!

tomorrow.. i will photo the last stage and post it here.


Goliath
watercolor
60" h x 40" w
2009 unfinished

Work in Progress- watercolor and acrylic

So.. i haven't added much to the blog lately... and that's because i haven't been excited about what's going on in the studio! but.. here's some new work... two swamp paintings...both unfinished... but both are promising.
the image is the same.... a view of reflection from the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary outside Naples, FL. i like the simplicity of the reflection... but working with the different mediums will change the final results enormously.

the approaches to each mediums are vastly different... and i won't go into that here. but... suffice it to say.. the watercolor has the reflection yet to be added.. .[probably Prussian Blue with French Ultramarine]... darkest values in the front... grading to lighter values towards the edge.
the acrylic, well.. there is so much layering yet to happen... glazes... marks, values, edges.. etc. i am also going to add the reeds themselves.. in lime green at the top. anyway, the development of these paintings can be tracked here...

also.. i added more value and detail to the pescados. i like the piece.. and am forcing the eye... more and more to the center image... the red gaping mouth of the fish. it's better to do finishing touches.. much later in a paintings journey... you are clearer and with more perspective.. less attached..


Corkscrew Swamp
watercolor
25" H x 60" w
2008

Corkscrew Swamp
acrylic/paper
25" H x 60" W
2008

Pescados
watercolor
22" H x 30" W
2008

Clear As Day- Acrylic

I'm currently in FL-- seeing relatives as well as the Naples art scene. There is no lack of economy here.. and the area seems to be thriving. I talked with galleries -- and they all report good sales and robust inventory. I think the West Coast of Florida is buffering the economic slow down. I was also struck by the amount of foreign travelers in downtown Naples. This will bolster tourism. The galleries were wrapping and shipping many paintings...yay!

I'm not sure that I would want to stay year-round in Naples-- but I would definitely consider an extended stay during winter months. The real estate looks pricey -- so you would have to stay "near by". But I didn't seen any cutting-edge art--- so there's definitely room for new artists and new ideas!

Corkscrew Sanctuary was a highlight of my trip-- and I garnered many images that will work themselves into new paintings. What a beautiful place! There were so many birds, gators, insects, and reptiles. It was the original Florida... which is fading so fast.

I can't wait to get to the Everglades next winter~

Tower Grove Lily
acrylic
48" H x 24" W
2008

Pond Watercolor

This watercolor is a rework of a piece i hammered on last summer. i was never really satisfied -- and after many months of consideration -- decided to return to it.

it is fuller now with better scale and focus.

i was always taken with the background water.... and not the reeds -- so this time around... i spent much more time on the reeds... deepening them.. and bending them with value and shadow.


Early Light
watercolor
25" H x 60" W
2008

leftover sunflowers-- acrylic

i think it's finally... done!

you know.. sometimes.. when you work on a painting.... you work and work-- only to get fatigued.. and have to put the painting aside.

that's what i did with this piece. i couldn't figure out how to draw it to conclusion... everything was "right".. but it just wasn't complete.

i put it away.... and began the acrylic swimmer.

yesterday.. at the end of day.. i brought it out and reviewed. i saw exactly what i needed to do! and.. on top of that.. i had the courage and emotional distance from the 'making' of the piece.. to do the change!

the changes aren't that obivious but slight additions of stems and texture... here and there.. mainly to the top of the silhouette of flowers.

NOW.. i really like it.. and i'm happy that it's done!

Leftover Sunflowers
acrylic
48" H x 24" W
2008

Sea Grape - Revisited Acrylic

i added a small shift in background orange..to make a more interesting passage -- in lower right hand corner. this makes it just a bit more quirky and unsettling.

i still like the piece...especially when it's situated in its heavy gold frame!

Sea Grape
acrylic
16" H x 20"W
2008

Sea Grape Continues- Acrylic Botanical

This sea grape painting was sacrificed to learn new techniques and materials. i am seeking to deepen the richness of my acrylics.. and broadening my technique. i took a smaller/older acrylic -- and painted another layer. the sea grape became my test-kitchen. i like painting... when you don't have to worry about 'results'.... you are only concerned with learning. there is some 'rolling' of paint involved here -- and some spritz w/ toothbrush. also, a variety of new glazes and pigments from Liquitex.

as a result... i like the painting now.. it has more character and individuality than before. it seems to mimic the crusty ol' sea grapes that hang about the edge of the beach.

i am going to resolve on more passage in the sky.. and then frame and enjoy for a while.

Sea Grape
acrylic
16" H x 20" W
2008

Sweet Calla- Floral

This tiny little watercolor was done a few years back... 2004 to be exact. It hangs proudly in a home on the West Coast.

I was surprised to see it... and really enjoyed the 'glow' around the flower-- and the way it was framed.

Calla Lily
watercolor on Arches 300 lb cp
14" H x 4" W
2004