Studio Pear

"Studio Pear" oil on canvas, 10"x 8"

I painted this pear at my sisters art studio. You might notice it has quite a yellow cast on it. It's amazing what the eye sees!  I did not realize how different the light was in her studio until I looked at the painting at my house. I used a lot of yellow and blue tones in the white table cloth, though I was certain I was painting it with a lot more white!

Painting in Sonoma and Napa Valley

I've just returned from a wonderful painting trip to the wine country in Northern CA. Staying with our artist friend, Brent Jensen, he took us to a variety of picture-perfect places to paint! "Vineyard Barn" was painted along a small country road in Sonoma. We also painted at beautiful vineyards in Napa Valley. What a fun time, not to mention perfect weather and fabulous wine!

"Vineyard Barn" oil on board, 8"x10"

Larry painting barn in Sonoma.

Amanda in Sonoma.

Brent in Sonoma.

Though Brent is painting a vineyard scene in front of him, we were all struck by the beautiful wisteria behind him.

Painting at the Mission

"The Mission" oil on linen, 12" x 9"  (Sold)

A few days ago I joined other artist friends at the San Juan Capistrano Mission to paint. The Southern California Plein Air Painters Association chooses a location (around Orange County) to paint each week, on Friday and Saturday.  I have often wanted to paint at the Mission, it turned out to be a beautiful day.

Linda and Larry

Amanda

Lawler Art Studio and Gallery

Gallery Owner and artist, Linda Lawler with Wendy Boyd.

Opening exhibit at Lawler Art Studio and Gallery in Newport Beach. Here are some pictures from the fun weekend event.

Herbs of Provence and Garlic

"Herbs of Provence and Garlic" oil on linen, 5"x7" (sold)

Here is a painting I did today. I am really pleased with the colors and feel. More of a Chardin palette - a very good thing to strive for!

Newport Harbor

Here are a few local scenes to go with my Balboa Boats post below. One of the pictures is looking toward the historical Balboa Pavillion in Newport Harbor. The other, of beautiful roses along the Balboa Island boardwalk.

Balboa Island Boats

"Easy Rider Dinghy" 5"x7"

There are many wonderful boats to paint all around Newport Harbor. But probably the best place is Balboa Island. A sentimental favorite for local artists is the "Easy Rider," a red dinghy located along the Island's boardwalk. I am not alone when I say, I have painted that boat and other dinghies quite a few times. They add to the scenic charm of Balboa Island.

"Balboa Blue Boat" 5"x7" (this painting has since been sold)

White Daisies selected for Salon International Exhibit

"White Daisies" 9x12 oil on linen

I am excited to annouce that "White Daisies" has been juried into the Salon International 2010 Exhibit at the Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art in San Antonio.  I am very honored to be a part of this wonderful exhibit for the third consecutive year.  Greenhouse Gallery said they had close to 1,300 entries this year, and choose 392 paintings for the show.  You can understand if I am a bit nervous, and feel the stress when I select a painting(s) to enter into a juried show!

I had been thinking about a set-up of white Daisies with red fabric for months.  By the time I bought the daisies and brought everything together for the still life, I had a very strong idea of what the composition would be and what the feel of the painting should be.  It was my hope to combine the boldness and drama of red and white, with the softness of the fabric and flowers.  I know I say it often, but it was important for me to keep it fresh and painterly.  I am very pleased with how the painting turned out.  Enough to enter it into the Salon International 2010! April 10-April 30th.

Setting up a New Still Life

Items I gathered to create new still life setups

Here is a setup that I think has many wonderful elements. It should work well, composition and color....can't wait to paint this one! 

I paint from my own still life compositions.  I often gather many wonderful objects I've collected over the years.  I'll buy fruit, and or flowers, then spend a few days photographing the still life setups.  For convenience, and flexibility, I take pictures of my larger setups.  Since I have space restraints in my studio, it works well for me.  Sometimes I will have a strong idea of what items I want to bring together, or have a theme I want to work with.  Creating a good composition is the hard part.  It's one of the biggest challenges I continue to work through as an artist.  A few months ago I gathered items for new compositions.  I thought I would share some pictures with you.  You can see a little bit of my process.