Sunflower Steps

I thought it might be fun to record a painting in progress, so here's a step-by-step of this sunflower & peaches still life.  If I was really smart, I'd do a video!  Maybe one day! :)
*SOLD*

Summer Things

"Summer Things"

14"x14"

Oil on Canvas

 

So....Yesterday I set up this still life in my studio.  This morning I'm cleaning the kitchen and see one tomato on the counter.  I'm the only tomato-eater here and I knew I hadn't eaten any.  I couldn't imagine why my husband would throw out perfectly good tomatoes!  Did someone break in and eat the tomatoes?  Did my husband give someone the tomatoes?  I just couldn't figure out how a bunch of tomatoes just disappears!  I guess I've been inhaling too much turpentine or something because, I swear, it took me a few minutes before I remembered where they were!!  Good grief!

 

ANYWAY, I'm getting a lot of mileage out these sunflowers and I'm really enjoying painting them!

 

If you're in my area, I'll be at "Art on the Lake" this weekend at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin and I would love to see you!  It's Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 10-2! 

 



Sunshine Day

"Sunshine Day"

14"x14"

Oil on Canvas

 

Trying to get all I can out of my cut watermelon and sunflowers! 

I really enjoy painting these summer still lifes....just makes me happy! :)

"Sun and Water"

"Sun and Water"

18"x18"

Oil on Canvas

 

Today I am painting some additional pieces to take with me to "Art on the Lake", an annual event at Children's Harbor on Lake Martin, Alabama.  This is my first time participating in the event and I am so excited!  I'm ready to kickoff summer and what better way to do it than with art at the lake?!

So, with summer on my mind, I thought sunflowers and watermelon would be a great thing to paint for the next few days.  

 

Over the weekend, I landed on a GREAT canvas sale and am now all stocked up with a variety of sizes and I actually managed to CLEAN UP MY STUDIO!!!  I feel much more energized now and raring to paint!

Not Forgotten

Portraits of

 

Officer Robert C. Ussery

(End of Watch: July 21, 1978)

 

Detective Mary P. McCord

(End of Watch: January 5, 1982)

 

Officer Keith Edwin Houts

(End of Watch: September 30, 2006)

 

Today was a special day.  The police department of my city, Montgomery, Alabama, held their annual service to honor these remarkable people and to remember their fallen fellow officers.  It was a time to reflect on their lives and their sacrifices and to thank those who put themselves in danger for our safety and well-being every single day. 

 

It's been my honor and privilege to paint a portrait of a fallen officer for the ceremony for the past three years.  Posthumous portraits can be difficult if you didn't know the person you're painting; never had a chance to see them laugh or walk or the way they hold their head.  I try to find out what I can about their personalities and, honestly, talk out loud to the photograph sometimes....looking intensely in their eyes and hoping to see what made them 'them'. 

 

I pray I accomplish that.  I have noticed a common thread....hearts of love and a desire to serve combined with toughness and strength and bravery....people to be admired and appreciated and remembered.

 

 

 

 

Becca's Balloons

"Becca's Balloons"

7"x5"

Oil on Board

 

One of my precious nieces - the youngest one - has a birthday today!

She's my little model and budding artist! 

 

I painted this about a year ago while I was practicing figures in sunlight.  I especially enjoyed painting the balloons.  It was really interesting the way the light hits them and I know I want to paint more.  Maybe I'll get my chance this evening with the birthday girl!

 

Happy Birthday, sweet Becca!

One Day Skyscape Workshop!

Excited to be teaching a one-day workshop on painting skies....my favorite thing to paint....next Thursday, May 16, in Wetumpka, AL, sponsored by the Elmore County Art Guild!

 

We'll meet from 9:00 until 4:00 at the Jeanette Barrette Civic Room.  $100 is the cost. 

Please call Kitty Gilbert to register at 334-590-4077. 

 

Hope you can come!

May Flowers

 

This cold snap has us forgetting that it really is May, so here's a little reminder that those April showers (and the pretty hefty May downpours, too!) will bring us some gorgeous blooms soon.  My hydrangea bush is full of buds, so guess what I'll be painting soon?  I can't wait!!!

 

Most of these paintings are still available for purchase!  If you are interested, please click this link to my website's still life page!

 

 http://barbaradavisart.com/collections/49548

 

"As the Clouds Rolled In"

"As the Clouds Rolled In"

28"x22"

Oil on Canvas (Gallery Wrapped)

$1125
  

I live on the very edge of the city and thankful to be able to be in beautiful countryside in just minutes, so when I see the sky changing or beautiful clouds rolling in, I grab my camera and my keys and go!  Sometimes my Facebook friends will alert me to a great "paintable sky" and I just love that!  I'll get posts like "Go look at the sky! Quick!" and many friends send me photos of beautiful skies.

 

  Once I ran into a friend at a store and we were both trying on boots.  She finished up and left the store.  The next thing I knew, she was running back to me shouting, "Take off those boots and come see this guy now!  Quick!"  I was throwing boots off thinking "What guy??"  George Clooney or somebody??"  No, my ears failed me.  She was urging me to come outside and see "the sky" not "this guy"!! 

 

I appreciate the encouragement from friends and the fact that they're engaged in what I love to do!!