BALLERINAS AND PORTRAITS

January is fast approaching and that means it's almost time for Leslie Saeta's 

3 0   P A I N T I N G S   I N   3 0   D A Y S   C H A L L E N G E

We are encouraged to choose a theme for the 

challenge, so I've been thinking about that.  

Edgar Degas said, "A painting requires a little mystery, 

some vagueness, and some fantasy.  When you always 

make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people."  

So I'm taking his idea literally and aiming for paintings that will be a
little hazy and undefined, leaving some things up to your imagination.

In the past I've done ballerinas . . .

But so far - no portraits.  

Maybe a little of both in January, using my two favorite little people as inspiration?

I'm hoping you'll follow along on my blog through the month of January, 

and that you won't be bored with what you see!

Or maybe you could send me photos of some of YOUR favorite little people?

Thanks for looking.  I hope you'll come back on January 1, 2016, to see what I've been working on!

-Nan

IN THE MOOD TO PAINT

After dipping a brush in the paint can for awhile yesterday (while painting my cupboard), I got in the mood to work on a painting for the living room. 

I LOVE GETTING THIS STUFF OUT!!!  

LOVE IT!

I know it's going to be a great day ahead when my paints, brushes, and a fresh canvas are sitting there, waiting.

Anyway.

Once the old cupboard left the room, I rearranged things a bit, and there was the perfect spot for a new painting.   I wanted to do a painting in the style of a French painter I like.   That style is very free-form, flowing, and impressionistic, with just the suggestion of flowers.  Mine is set against a meadowy and blue sky background, with pink and white flowers.  

First some close-ups of different sections of the painting, because you can't see the good stuff unless you get close!

 I used a palette knife for the majority of the painting.  I love the nubby texture here and there, and the faint whisks the palette knife leaves behind when you adjust the pressure.

And here it is, right where it belongs!  

Such a relaxing way to spend these beautiful, autumn afternoons!  A little music, some open windows, cool breezes, and my paints and brushes.  

PURE BLISS!