Indian River Lagoon

This started out as a Plein Air Painting.  I made modifications to it in the studio as I realized I had not provided a center of interest.  For some reason I get so enraptured with the beauty of nature and trying to capture it all, I lose what I want to say.  I am thinking of lightening my plein air equipment,  Has anyone had success with something small that is easy to fill and store and not too expensive?

Marsh Lands Oil Painting Revisited Revisited

R. Henri, "In fact, technique can only be used properly by those who have a definite purpose in what they do, and it is only they who invent technique."

I am back on target.  I revisited the Marsh Land painting and made some conscious corrections.  Also was able to photo my painting I did on N.Y. Eve day.  I am staying with the Wet Lands paintings until I feel extremely comfortable getting distance and the water to stay down.  I am also experiementing with my greens and my skies.  Florida because it is flat has glorious skies.  I have a long way to go to actually invent technique but I am trying to paint with an awareness of what I am doing.  Just have to get my 10,000 hours in.

Returning for down under

I am slowly returning from a bout of sinusitis and head cold. My husband tried hard not to pass it on but "that's life". As you can imagine, I have not been painting (my brain just would not cooperate) but I am able to keep up with all the new postings from other bloggers. They encourage me. I finally got up the nerve to post a still life I did at my last workshop. I think I still need to do some work on it. It was painted plein air which was the first time I did a still life outside. I am determined to do more. I welcome feedback as it helps me grow. Enjoy you day. Honor

Still Life with Fruit

Hi, Finished my 5x7 of a Pitcher with Fruit on Friday. I finally felt like I was more in control of my stroke. Jini James, who has been teaching me drawing and has been a great encourager for me, told me about using a Mongoose (synthetic) brush and what a difference. I also got a burst of energy and reorganized my studio area. All ready to start back painting on Monday. I went to an Art Fair in New Smyrna Beach and stopped by Brevard watercolor artist's show "Splash" ...it amazes me how many talented artists we are fortunate to have in this area. I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. Honor

Workshop update

Just recovering from a three day workshop with Gay Faulkenberry. I felt better when I realized everyone was as exhausted at the end of each day. It was a valuable experience for me and I feel like I have made some commitments.
1. To establish a set palette and stick to it for at least six months so I master color mixing... duh!!!
2. I need to beef up my contrasts so they can be seen from a distance. It became very obvious in one of my paintings that I need to almost exaggerate the contrast especially when doing plein air and greenery. The canvas ended up a toned canvas.
3. I need to pay attention to warm and cool temperatures...
4. Most important, I need to paint everyday, maybe not complete a painting but PAINT.

Most of my paintings were studies and so I decided to post a still life I did a while back. I think doing still life for a while will help me immensely. Have an enjoyable day and include some fun in it. Honor