#23 - The Devine Miss M - Study

The Devine Miss M - Study, 6" x 6" oil on card stock, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

We have a number of different names we call our cat.  I sometimes refer to her as the Devine Miss M.  Her real name is Odessa and how she got the Devine Miss M is a long story I won't bore you with.

Anyway, she doesn't look like this.  I won't even show this to her because she wouldn't know it was her ... She's so much cuter than I've portrayed her.

Once again I've used oil on card stock and I thought I'd mention that when you use oils on card stock like this it works a lot like gouache does.  You'd think the oil would bleed all over the paper, but it doesn't.

Anyway, here is Odessa staring off into space which seems pretty normal for her *giggle.

#22 - Mussels

Close up of Mussels, 6" x 6" Oil on stretched canvas, ©2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

Mussels, 6" x 6" Oil on stretched canvas, ©2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

I've resorted back to painting mussel shells I've found on the beach.  

These were all dried but connected by their beards.  A fun find.  A fun painting.

#21 - Fog in the Strait - Study

Fog in the Strait,  6" x 8" oil on panel, © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

Attempting to get more miles of canvas behind me focusing on landscapes and waterscapes.

This one was a lot of fun today, trying to get the fog to look like fog.

#20 - Dappled Sun - Study

Dappled Sun - Study, Oil on Canvas 6" x 6", © 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

Brrrr, here in the Northwest its been pretty cold. When I was looking through my reference photos this morning I found one with dappled sun light from last fall.  Today I needed that extra warmth... if only in a sketch.

#19 - Bear on the Beach - Study

Bear on the Beach - Study,  6" x 6" oil on canvas, © Nancy Van Blaricom

Going through my photos I came upon a number of bear photos I'd taken while we were in Canada a few years ago.   When we spotted this bear he was curious who was watching him, but in a matter of seconds he turned his attention back to his business of turning over rocks looking for food.

#18 - Atmosphere - Study

Study - Atmosphere, 6" x 6" oil on panel, © 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

Looking toward some nearby islands you can often get to see some pretty atmosphere.  

For a study this took way too much time.  I even had to wipe the whole thing off once.  

I need to study harder .... 

#17 - Reflecting - Study

#17 - Reflecting - Study, 8" x 6" Oil on Panel, © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

The sun was shining through a very hazy morning and reflecting on a still body of water. 

The Art of a Sketchbook

Some times I will pick something to sketch and think 'oh, I can do better' so I will try it again.  

Sin in a Cardboard Container #1, watercolor sketch in sketchbook, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

 I thought a good name for Godiva Ice Cream would be 'Sin in a Cardboard Container'.

 Sin in a Cardboard Container #2, watercolor sketch in sketchbook, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

After a second attempt I still wasn't happy with some of the sketch so I give it another try.

Sin in a Cardboard Container #3, watercolor sketch in sketchbook, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

I think sketchbooks are a great place to give ideas a try.  Not to mention it gives you someplace to remember the indulgence of some yummy stuff.

#16 - Domestic Fowl

 Sketch - Domestic Fowl, 6" x 6" oil, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

I have really enjoyed today.

This is the first day since I took on the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge that I finally have been honest with myself and said daily painting is not for me.  I find I just cannot capture what I'm trying to when I try to do a painting in one day.  One or two days later I look at the painting and realize it still needs work, a lot of work ... its not a finished painting.  So for the rest of the challenge I will still be painting but I will not be telling myself that it is a finished piece of work.  It will be an oil sketch.

Whew, I feel so much better already.

#15 - At Dock

At Dock, 8" x 6" Oil on Panel,  © 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

I'm celebrating the 1/2 way mark of my 30 paintings in 30 days with flags.

#14 - Abandoned Shed

Abandoned Shed, 6" x 8" oil on panel, @ 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

When I saw this shed years ago I liked how it had a prime location overlooking the sound yet no one had been to the shed in years ... you could tell because the grass had grown up in front of the door.

#13 - Sailing

Sailing, 5" x 10" oil on canvas, ©  2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

  

This is a pretty common scene here in South Puget Sound when the weather allows ... meaning not freezing like it has been this last week or so.  Brrrrr.

I'm not particularly happy with the way this one photographed but I'm sure it was photographer error.

#12 - Crab

Cement Crab, Oil on Canvas, © 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

I had some paint left over from yesterdays painting so I decided to use it to paint a cement crab that was in with some treasures my good friends and neighbors gave us when they moved.

#11 -The Milk Shed

The Milk Shed, 6" x 6" Oil on panel,  © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

When going through some old photos I found one of my grandparents milk shed. I use to love this shed.  No matter how hot is was outside it was always cool in the milk shed.

I liked the looks of the black and white photo so decided to keep it black and white using Gamblin Chromatic Black and Utrecht Titanium White

I'm proud to say I've painted past the  1/3 mark of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  Thats amazing when I don't usually paint 11 paintings in one month and now look ... 11 paintings in 11 days.  I hope that I continue painting more often after the 30 days are over. 

#10 - Tube O' Paint

                                                            Tube O' Paint, 6" x 6" oil on Card Stock, © 2013, Nancy Van Blaricom

Another attempt to paint looser with a larger brush.  I used a large ... large for me, #10 bristle brush.  I'm not use to it and found it hard to control my edges.  Today I might use a large synthetic brush to see if that helps with my edges.

The Art of a Sketchbook

Sketchbook 2000 Back Deck, graphite on paper, © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

Some times its fun to go out on the back deck and sketch whatever you see around you.  In my case, in 2000,  I saw a cement flower pot with some newly planted geraniums in it  and then looking across the deck I saw a plastic chair.  All fun to sketch.  I suggest you sketch whats around you ... just for the fun of sketching.

#9 - Birdie

Birdie, 6" x 6" oil on paper, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

I found this little ceramic bird in a second hand store years ago.  Something about the bird appeals to me and I've kept it in my studio just waiting to find the right time to paint it.

I sat it on a small cardboard box I had laying around in the studio.
My goal today was to use large brushes only.  I used a 10 & a 6 flat, and was happy that I was able to accomplish that and not go any smaller.

When I found I was starting to put more detail in I stopped.

I'm happy with this one.

Maybe  tomorrows goal will be large brushes AND big bold shapes,  today just using larger brushes made me happy.

#8 - North Head Lighthouse

 Lighthouse Keepers Residences, 6" x 8" oil on panel, © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

A few years ago two other couples along with my husband and myself spent a couple of nights here.  It was a fun experience to stay where the lighthouse keepers of long ago spent so much time.  

You can read all about the North Head Lighthouse ... maybe you'd like to spent the night there also. Don't let the fact that its supposed to be haunted hold you back from a fun week-end.

#7 - Moo

Moo, 6" x 6" Oil on panel, ©2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

I struggled with my first attempt today.  I think I was trying too hard, yet not thinking at all at other times.  I completely wiped my first attempt today.  I thought for sure I was going to paint some lovely yellow tulips.  They turned out to be anything but ...  and I had to wipe the canvas after spending a few hours on it.  Darn, hate when that happens  *giggle.

I am thoroughly enjoying this 30 day challenge.  It makes me try harder to be a better artist instead of painting something and failing at that then throwing it away and calling it good for the day.  Because of the challenge I cleaned off my palette after my wiper and went forward with another painting. 

In looking at the work I've done so far &  I am really happy with what I've produced. When the challenge is over think I will be able to look at them with fresh eyes and see that this may need a touch here and another needs somethings else done. I think I have some pretty good works started and almost ready to sell.

Thank you all for such loyal support and encouragement.  It helps, it really does.

#6 - Neah Bay Sunset

Neah Bay Sunset, 6" x 8" oil on panel, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

The photo for this painting was from the same camping trip to Neah Bay as the painting I posted yesterday.

I found this quote this morning on a daily calendar I have from tut.com:

Investment Advice for Turbulent Times:

Kindness pays HUGE dividends, 

Materially and ethereally, forever and ever.

Until tomorrow .... 

#5 - Neah Bay Fog

Neah Bay Fog, 6" x 8" oil on panel, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

This painting represents the beach at Neah Bay with the fog settling in for the day.

I think this part of Washington is absolutely beautiful even if fog starts to envelop you. A few years ago we took our small travel trailer and camped at Neah Bay and just a few miles west of Neah Bay at the tip of the Olympic Peninsula lies Cape Flattery, the most northwest point in the continental U.S.  Once you arrive at Cape Flattery you can walk a boardwalk out to see amazing views of ocean sea caves, Tatoosh Islands lighthouse and a marine wildlife viewing spot.

#4 - Rushing Water

Rushing Water, 7" x 5" Oil on panel, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

Years ago I attempted to paint some moving water in watercolor and I really enjoyed the challenge, so today, when I went through some photos and saw one with some water in a stream I decided to crop the photo and just paint a small portion of it. 

It was still a challenge, but, one I thoroughly enjoyed.  Maybe after the 30 day challenge is over I'll attempt another one where I can spend more time on it.

#3 - I Really Don't Know Clouds at All ...

I Really Don't Know Clouds at All, 6" x 6" oil on canvas, © 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

This is a local scene from very near-by.  I love these puffy wispy clouds. Living in the Pacific Northwest we see a lot of different kinds of clouds and I think I'll try painting more of them.

I can't think of clouds without thinking of Joni Mitchel's  song "Both Sides Now" how about you?

The Art of a Sketchbook

Some times when I have an idea for a painting I will go to my sketchbook and try to work it out there before I go to all the trouble of sketching it on (watercolor)  paper.  It's a great place to figure out whats working and what isn't.

Backyard Visitor, watercolor and ink-Sketchbook, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

Once you have your sketch down its easier to be able to tell your strong points and weak points in your composition.

I wasn't particularly fond of the cyclone fence in the above sketch so I went to the back yard with a chair and sketched the neighbors fence until I felt I was finally getting it.

Cyclone fence study, watercolor and ink-Sketchbook, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

Do you work out your painting ideas in your sketchbook?

#2 - Looking West

Looking West, 6" x 6" oil on gessoed canvas, © 2013 Nancy Van Blaricom

I enjoyed painting this one. As with a lot of photo references, they bring me back to another time.  The photo for this painting was a few years ago on boating trip in the San Juan Islands.  This was taken from Suscia Island  looking west.  From where we were anchored there was a beautiful scene with beautiful colors in every direction.

#1 - Are You Talkin' to Me?

Are You Talkin' to Me? , 8" x 6" Oil on canvas panel, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

One of the birds we saw a few years ago when we were at The Olympic Game Farm in Sequim Washington was a peacock.  I was hoping one of them would have their beautiful feathers all fanned out ... but, no luck.  As I went to take this guys photo he turned around facing me almost to say "Are you talkin' to Me? you talkin' to me?"

While trying to decide what to paint for my first day of Leslie's "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge I thought of this one because there might be a number of people looking at it and the title seemed appropriate because of the look on the birds face. (Yes I named this photo when I first took the picture.) Also because it didn't look like it would take me too long.

Now I'm hoping these are not  the longest 30 days of my life *giggle.

Really though, I'm looking forward to the next painting and really excited by the fact that I feel this is a great way to grow as an artist.

Until tomorrow .... Are you Talkin' to Me?

I'm up for the challenge ...

I am up for the challenge ....  Leslie Saeta's  '30 paintings in 30 days' challenge that is.  Leslie says  "I am starting a 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge on January 2nd. I think this is a great way to kick off the New Year and I invite you all to join me. It's very simple and easy ... all you need to do is paint 30 paintings in 30 days."  

I've often admired those many artists who have become 'daily painters' and the commitment it requires. Its a great way to get a lot of painting done and become a more skilled painter ...  and today after much thought I've decided to give her challenge a try.   

Back in June I started this painting and after the block-in was doubtful of how it would turn out and put it on a shelf.  Today while thinking about the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge I decided to try and finish the painting.  

Mail Call, 8" x 10" oil on panel, © Nancy Van Blaricom

The reference photo for this painting was taken a few years ago when we were in Canada and a float plane flew into the small port to deliver mail.  A familiar sight in some remote areas.

Mail Call, 8" x 10" oil on panel, © Nancy Van Blaricom

I'm very happy with this one.  I think I captured the sun glistening on the water and also the look of the plane.  Calling this painting a success I'm feeling more confident in my commitment to 30 paintings in 30 days.  Wish me luck and check in often to see how my challenge is going.

The Art of a Sketchbook

When you can't find anything else to sketch ...

Hubby's Shoes as he naps in the recliner, pen & watercolor, 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom

There are times when I want to sketch but I struggle to find something interesting near-by. More often than not my husband is near-by either reading or napping and that always gives me a perfect subject to sketch.

In the above photo you see my husbands shoes as he naps in his recliner.

 Hubby Reading, PilotP-500 extra fine pen, 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom

This above sketch was pretty easy because even though he was awake he was so engrossed in his book that he had no idea he was being watched closely.  My model doesn't do much moving around if he has his head in a book.

Nap Taking, ball point pen, 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom

The above sketch is dated 2010 but I don't remember much about it. It looks as if I had started out with something in mind then changed it and decided to sketch my husband napping instead.  Above the cuff of his sleeve, on the back of his hand, it looks like I was beginning to sketch some eye glasses, then the line comes down and goes back up....   Looking at the sketch I can see I glued the paper into my sketchbook, so I'm guessing that I sketched this on the only piece of paper I had at the time.

Give this a try, sketch your spouse when they have no idea you are stalking them *wink.

The Art of a Sketchbook

Repetition ...

Because I sketch each day I can find it daunting to come up with a subject at hand while I sit at my desk each morning.

9 Days of Clam Shell Sketches, B & N  6" x 9", 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom

When I am having a hard time finding something to sketch I will sometimes just repeat what ever I drew the day before.  I had a small clam shell on my desk that I used for a small shell painting and for nine days I sketched a single shell in a different pose.

Film Canisters, 6" x 9" B & N sketchbook, 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom 

In the above photo I sketched a film canister ... for four days I sketched the same canister in either a different light or angle, or with a different pencil.

Blow Dryer, 6" x 9" B & N sketchbook, 2012 © Nancy Van Blaricom

A blow dryer I use for drying watercolor paintings ... sketched three day's in a row.

I like the looks of these sketches when they cover a full page in my sketchbook don't you?

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree ...

This was a fun and fast oil painting and my intent was to do the whole painting with a palette knife and then part way through I changed my mind. 

                 

 Oh Christmas Tree, 8" x 6" Oil on Panel, 2012, ©Nancy Van Blaricom

Back in November I introduced you to this little tree in a sketch.

Some years I put tiny white lights on it, but, this year I used it as a table decoration at the Holiday House Bazaar and I didn't think it needed anything else.  Plain and simple, straight forward with a touch of elegance with the gold pot. 

                                                      Oh Christmas Tree, 8" x 6" Oil on Panel framed, 2012, ©Nancy Van Blaricom

Even though the paint was still wet I wanted to see how it looked framed so stuck it in a black frame with the tree near-by.

I'm thinking I might add something in the lower right corner to add some balance ... or I might try painting this one again in a more serious manner ... then again maybe not and just move on the next painting.

The Art of a Sketchbook

There are times when all I put in my sketchbook is studies of design and compositions

Its fun to explore when I sketch, trying to keep in mind that I can find different angles, divisions, and positive and negative space.  Sometimes I like to experiment with the elements of composition to find what might work best for a particular painting.

Basic design study, large sketchbook, 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

In the above photo I'm trying to learn more about design with a variety in size, shapes, values and textures. Each sketch is only about 2" x 3" and doesn't take very long to sketch yet gives me a great idea as to what is the best design for my still-life arrangement

Basic space and depth study, large sketchbook, 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

 The middle photo I'm concentrating on space and depth. These are about the same size as the sketches in the above photo.

Basic picture divisions, large sketchbook, 2012 Nancy Van Blaricom

In the last photo I used a marker to help learn the basic design foundations of most pictures.

Working on design and composition like this gives me a break from my daily sketches where I concentrate on a certain likeness, plus, I feel I gain so much from his kind of study.  

The Art of a Sketchbook

 Spoons ... simple enough in design, yet, to sketch / draw the spoon takes some real concentration at best if you want to do a good job.

Single Spoon Sketch- graphite, 6" x 9" sketchbook, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

I sketched this spoon on September 13th, 2012 and although it was ok I thought I should have done some warm-ups first.

Gesture sketch of spoons- graphite, 6" x 9" sketchbook, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

So, the next day on the 14th I decided to do some gesture sketches of the spoon.

I think by doing some gesture sketches you really get to know and understand what you are looking at. When you gesture draw / sketch, you capture the character of the shape of the object, the feel of the subject ... my physical response.  Also you help develop eye-hand coordination by keeping your eye on the subject.

I should have sketched the single spoon after I did the gesture drawings.

Hot Cup O' Cocoa - Collage

I am the host for this months local Art Talk Group meeting and I chose the word Winter for our theme.

In trying to think of what I'd like to paint or create I knew I didn't want to do a typical winter oil painting of our normal rainy winter, but thought more along the lines of something more comforting ... like a nice Hot Cup O' Cocoa, with whipped cream on top.

Hot Cup O' Cocoa, 9" x 9" x 3/8" collage on hardwood, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

I'm not sure I will always do a collage for our theme word but I certainly did enjoy working, once again, in collage.

Side view of Hot Cup O' Cocoa, 9" x 9"x 3/8" collage on hardwood, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

The 9" x 9" x 3/8" board I was working on was already primed for an oil painting but I don't think it would have needed to be primed, it was just something I had laying around waiting to be used.

The above photo shows how it looks from an angle showing the small collage wrapped area.

Close up of Hot Cup O' Cocoa, 9" x 9" x 3/8" collage on hardwood, ©2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

Above a more detailed shot of the scene.  Don't ya love the reflected handle of the cup ... diamonds no less.

Its All About the Hat ...

I'll admit I'm not particularly fond of painting people. I'm sure it's my lack of experience.  

Despite some issues I had with this small painting I find there are a number of areas I am really happy with.

 Its About the Hat, 6" x 6" oil on panel, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

I wanted some warmth showing through the greens and blues so I primed this small 6" x 6" panel with a yellow gold.  I had a happy surprise when I saw the warmth that shines through his arms and his shirt.  It just glows.  Also, I like how I captured the way you can tell its a bright sunny day.

Mahogany framed, Its About the Hat, 6" x 6" oil on panel, © 2012, Nancy Van Blaricom

We talked with this man a few years ago in Canada and enjoyed our conversation about his hat.  He told us that this particular hat was made just for him. He looked great in it and was proud to be wearing it.    

Although I didn't capture his bright cheerful smile I'm reminded of it when I look at this painting.