November 2016, Painting of the Month

Welcome!

"A Box For Wishes"

8x8 oil on panel

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This is a small still life painting, a fantasy of light and color. I love light and the way it shapes and reveals the world around us. Light can turn the most mundane objects into interesting, beautiful works of art, just by what it reveals. Light can seem to have a life of its own. It can blind us, warm us, beckon us, and comfort us. The light of day welcomes us each morning. The light of the stars guide us.

Trying to capture light in my paintings has been an ongoing goal of mine. Is it cool or warm light. Morning, afternoon, or evening light. How does the light affect the atmosphere and the color of objects. The absence of light drains the life from color, making everything more mysterious. Someone once said if you make everything else in your painting dark and have one spot of brilliant light on your subject the painting will be a success. Caravaggio is just one of the Masters who used light to enhance the dynamic impact of his paintings. There are many others. 

As always, thanks for viewing my art blog. You comments are always appreciated. This month's painting is entitled, "A Box for Wishes".

"Lavender & Lace"

3x3 oil on Linen Panel

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It's amazing the small wonders that our God has created to delight us. All we have to do is take the time to stop and look. The colors in nature never cease to amaze. The pallet that was used to create these small miracles is full of rich, bold color and yet the simple muted tones that bind it all together are beautiful in their subtle simplicity. The butterfly is so beautiful and delicate, rich in patina and pattern. It lives such a short life, lending its beauty to its surroundings as it wings through the landscape. Maybe God uses these small creatures to get our attention. The butterfly doesn't start out beautiful, and neither do we. The butterfly gives us hope that we too can give birth to  the beautiful creature that lives inside and experience the joy and freedom of this life.

Painting of the Month - June 2013

Diamonds & Rust

 "Diamonds & Rust"

5x7 oil on panel

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I love hollyhocks. They are one of my favorite flowers. I also love Taos, New Mexico, and that is where I took the photograph that this painting originated from. 

There is something about the enchanted circle area that draws me back again and again. The light in that part of the world is just what the artist ordered. While I'm at it I must give a shout out to Outback Pizza and Michael's Kitchen. Great food and wonderful people.

This painting doesn't do justice to the real beauty and color of the flowers. But, if I managed to capture just a little of the magic they evoke, the effort was worthwhile. Until next month………...  

September

"Lilies"

6x8 oil on panel

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It's September, fall is on the way and summer will soon be a distant memory. Gone will be the summer flowers, asleep in their flower beds for another season.

One of those old friends I will miss the most are the day lilies that grace my landscape. Their gentle beauty and colorful faces and more than welcome each year. I look forward every spring as I clean away the dead leaves to the small green sprouts that signal their arrival. Isn't it wonderful that we always have something to look forward to. Darkness may come, old friends may die, but there is always the dawn, new birth and the loving grace of God our father to usher us into the new day.

Until next month..........................JB

June,July and August Post

"Waiting...till the cows

come home"

12x16 oil on canvas

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It's summertime, and the living is hectic! With the grandkids out of school, gardening, company and traveling, it hasn't left much time for painting. But in hindsight, I wouldn't trade one moment with the kids because before I know it they will be grown, working, out on their own.

It has been hot, but this is summer in Texas. This little painting depicts a yellow lab waiting by a red barn. The warm colors in the painting remind me of summertime. This is just another day on the farm and man's best friend is standing watch, waiting for the farmer and the cows to come home. No matter how you spend your time this summer, I hope you enjoy the season. Eat some watermelon, swim, get a tan, and spend time with someone you love because, summer will soon be gone. Until next month........JB

May 2009

"Meadow Lark"

5x7 oil on panel

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It's summer and my favorite time of day is the morning. I love to get up early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in and work in my flowers, have a cup of coffee on the back patio and read the paper. It is such a peaceful time of day for me, before the phone starts ringing and the reality of the day takes over.

A first for me this May was a plein air paint out. This entails dragging all of your painting paraphernalia into the field, setting up shop and painting what you see as you see it. All I can really say is that I survived. I even enjoyed the first few hours when it was still cool and the bugs had yet to locate my spot.

Plein air painters are a hardy lot. They must be willing to fight the elements, remember or improvise all of their supplies, and rig up a way to get all of their wet paintings home with no smears. They have to be fast on their feet to capture what they see at the moment before the light and shadow patterns change. They have to be able to simplify and zero in on their subject and make all of that green stuff look interesting.

I thought it would be easy. I ran not walked back to my studio, my music, my cup of hot tea, air conditioning, and other creature comforts. All I can say is, "been there, done that", and take my hat off to all those who persevere in the field. So, here is possibly my one and only plein air painting. Enjoy!!!! Until next month......................................JB

April 2009

"Out to Pasture"

10x12 oil on linen panel

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I have finally completed the challenge. I have painted my first cow painting! This was a challenge from my art friend who keeps me working and honest. She loves cows and always wants to paint them. I on the other hand can think of a number of other things I would rather paint!

Colorado inspires me at every turn. Everything in that state is a Kodak moment for me. I love the mountains and vow to live there some day, even if it has to be in my next life, ha! The photograph that inspired this painting was captured on a cool autumn day. The colors in the mountains always seem more vivid to me and the air is so pure and clean. I don't even mind the bugs and the wind as just being out of doors is a joy.

I hope that this painitng will inspire you to find a favorite place if you don't already have one. I am always looking for an excuse to escape to the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. You can still find unsoiled territory to explore and leave the hustle and bustle of everyday behind for a little while.

Until next month.....................................................JB