Meringue Angel

Meringue Angel - original oil on canvas - 36 x 48

I always loved figure work. As a girl I drew ladies from fashion magazines. In high school I painted portraits of my friends. In college I labored over Michelangelo-like folds of drapery, sketches of hands, and details in fur and feathers.

So it makes sense that one day I'd return to painting what I love most; figures. This is my first in quite a while. Her name is Meringue Angel, because the shape reminds me of that soft and fluffy white frosting on top of a cake. Mixing up the white paint and then layering it on the canvas felt like frosting a cake.

Hopefully I'll find a place to hang her soon!

~ I will keep the brush happy in my hand! ~

I love my Mojito enough to paint it!

my Mojito - three versions - oil on canvas paper - 2.5 x 3 inches

I posted a photo of my favorite cocktail, Mojito, on my Facebook page. A friend said "You should paint that ". So I did. Three times.

It's easy to make small paintings! Not a big investment in materials, or time. My favorite is the top one, which came last. It's looser and brighter, which is what I was trying for.

Here's the recipe for my Mojito, from the Bacardi Web site:

INGREDIENTS

1 Part BACARDI Rum

3 Parts Club Soda

12 Mint Leaves

1/2 Lime

1/2 Part Sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

Place 12 mint leaves, 1/2 part sugar and 1/2 lime in a glass. Muddle well with a pestle. Add BACARDI, top off with club soda, stir well and garnish with sprigs of mint or a lime wheel.

If you buy a bottle of Bacardi rum, it comes with the pestle. I always use fresh mint leaves from my garden, and a whole lime (even though the recipe calls for 1/2).

~ I will keep the brush happy in my hand - especially while drinking my Mojito! ~

Sunflower: Unborn - Symphony of Emergence

Sunflower: Unborn - oil on canvas - 16 x 16

The first in what I hope will be an ongoing series of sunflower paintings. It has been a joy to watch my sunflower garden unfurl this summer. Each weekend brought a new growth stage. Today, alas, they have entered the end stage, and soon will die.

I have been inspired by so many artists, but in the sunflower quest I'm particularly impressed by Jimmy Wright, who'se never painted anything but sunflowers.

I think sunflowers represent life; you unfurl and blossom, then you wither an die. It happens to everyone. I just hope I can make the best of my blossom time!

I made a home for my sunflower collection. Your comments are appreciated!

~ I will keep the brush happy in my hand! ~

Iphone Sunflowers and a visit to the Lawrence Gallery

Iphone Sunflower paintings, done while waiting!

It's so boring having to sit and wait. What's an artist to do? Genius iphone! The top image was done while waiting for my doctor's appointment, the bottom while getting my hair weaved. The time just flew by, while normally I'd be tapping my feet and itching to get going.

Both were inspired by sunflowers from my garden together with sunflower paintings by Vincent Van Gogh. The bottom one was inspired by my favorite of all, Four Cut Sunflowers. Allan painted a copy for me and it hangs in our dining room. I kept it in my mind as I was iphone painting.

After my hair appointment we headed for Art in the Pearl held every Labor Day. Of course we had to park a mile away and hike in. On the way we stopped at the Lawrence Gallery and saw paintings by Margret Short. I'd heard of her before, but never seen her work up close. It's magnificent. She's a classical painter in the style of Rembrandt. She's done paintings based on her travels in Italy and Egypt. They were small works, but oh so rich and vibrant. I'd be interested to know if she offers workshops.

It was a very nice day, with still plenty of time to get to my easel !

~ I will keep the brush happy in my hand! ~

New Florals in Progress: Sunflowers and Sweetpeas!

Sharon's Sweetpeas - oil on panel - 12 x 24 - top image (in progress)

Sunflower: Unborn - oil on canvas - 16 x 15 - bottom (in progress)

A day of relaxation for me, ah bliss, where I have nothing scheduled but painting (and blogging). So I decided to take the opportunity to share two of my paintings in progress: Sharon's Sweetpeas and Sunflower: Unborn.

For my Facebook friends, you've already had first-hand peak at these paintings in progess. Because Facebook is such great social technology (in my opinion), I've been sharing my paintings in progress exclusively with Facebook friends. If you'd like to join me on Facebook, just sign up at http://www.facebook.com/people/Marie-Wise/1107049590 .

In addition to these two, I've started a third painting. It's a figure study based on feedback from the Naked Winery. The owner told me recently how much he likes my paintings, which gave me inspiration to return to my first painting love; figures. Hopefully, Naked Winery will like my new work enough to hang it!

Recently I've become interested in the Naked Winery's marketing strategy; marketing high-end wines with scintillating names. It's very creative, with obviously successful results. The family-owned business is focused on creating great wines; the wine is fabulous, and the names of the wines, well let's just say you'll smile when you hear them! If you ever get to Hood River visit their tasting room on 2nd Avenue. My paintings are hanging on the walls!

And finally, for any artist wondering about the value of Facebook; one of my best gallery contacts came via Facebook! It's the reason I am now connected to the Hood River art scene, Benjamin Benjamin Gallery, Naked Winery and Nora's Table.

Viola, Facebook!

~ I will keep the brush happy in my hand! ~