A ROOM, A SHEEP, AND A PAINTING GOAL

I had a fun, busy day yesterday. Stayed home, turned off the AC, turned on a fan, and camped out in my little workroom.  Today's post is about three things that transpired - I'll go light on the words and just share pictures   

#1

A ROOM 

I started out the day by cleaning my workroom.  

(There's nothing like cleaning out your work space to make you feel industrious.) 

Miss Gillyflower and friends nearby as a reminder to get going on that . . .

Along with a great little bit of wisdom!

Some stuffed versions of the characters as a model . . .

#2

A SHEEP

I worked on a close-up painting of a sheep using a photo for inspiration.

#3

A PAINTING GOAL

Then, as a result of the Daily Paintworks Challenge I blogged about a few days ago,  I decided to join the DAILY PAINTWORKS group in September.  (My sheep painting will fit in the Up Close Animal category.)  

So, when a lot of my friends head back to the classroom in a few weeks, I'll try to add in some time spent painting every day.  There is a small fee to join but it's a place to be seen, get inspiration, and sell.    And you can join for a month or forever!  Kind of like Etsy but with a focus completely on painting.  

There are two main reasons I want to join this group:  

1.  It will challenge me to paint things I wouldn't normally paint.

2.  It will make me step out of my comfort zone and focus on using oils rather than acrylics.  It isn't that you must use oil paints, but most of the artists do.  So, you know, peer pressure and all . . .

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!