A Simple Life

 A Simple Life

20x16, soft pastel

The final push to complete this painting was a twelve hour day. I woke at 4:30am ready to knock it out...by 5:00 pm I ended up at the final stage...the “let it sit and percolate” stage.  While I’m happy with where it is right now, I also know there are bound to be a few tweaks before I call it finished.  Who knows, I might wake up in the morning and feel it’s finished "as is"...we’ll see.  

That’s about it! I hope you enjoyed following the process on this piece. Of course it reminds me of home...because it IS in my home but it also reminds me of simpler times and the perseverance of our ancestors especially our pioneers. They were strong and resilient as is the kettle and wool rug in this piece. It was definitely labor, but ultimately a labor of love! 

The Artist Within Summary

The journey I've been on since 2014 to find "The Artist Within" has been a lot of work. Far more than a full time job but, I've loved it! I spent hundreds of hours in the studio, met many new friends, and painted whenever and wherever I could. I remember at the beginning of this journey reading that "not until you paint 300 (some say 500) paintings do you find your style and voice as an artist". That statement alone was a very intimating thought...but here I am, finished with painting #521. So many of them were disappointing at the time because I was impatient to improve. Now that I look back on those pieces, I see the progress I was making. Each one taught me something and I can even find beauty in the worst of them. I'd say that old adage is more accurate than not. 

I'm sure there will be my fair share of duds in the future but I'll keep on striving for a masterpiece along the way. I hope to paint 30in30s on occasion to keep me on my toes and more playful with my subject matter. And, I hope to create more meaningful pieces as I did during this past year. 

I'm thankful to have lived long enough to experience this journey and am blessed with cherished family and friends in my life. Without them, this would have been a much lonelier time. 

Many blessings to you as you continue your own journey through this crazy life of ours!

Happy New Year!

Work In Progress - Part 5

Work In Progress - Part 5

More work to do on the rug...and then on to the side table...very time consuming but fun!

Work In Progress - Part 4

Work In Progress - Part 4

Some areas come together easily...some are a bit more tedious...but all in all things are progressing along just fine. Although, Benny now relies on “dad” to take him to the green belt for a 2-3 mile walk most days.  He’ll be glad when this one is over.

Ben is pouting on the ottoman.

Below is an earlier picture when I was painting in the living room. The lighting changes so quickly in that room that I eventually had to resort to bringing the props to my studio and replicating the lighting in there. 

FYI, the intended lighting for this still life scene is mid-Dec. at dawn, when there is no natural light in the room, only wall sconces lighting the scene from above and to the right. As you can see below, there was a lot of natural light coming in from the large windows behind me by the time I stopped painting for that day. Lighting is always a challenge when painting "plein air...even indoors"  (ha)  Controlled lighting in the studio was a must from this point on. 

Work In Progress - Part 3

Work In Progress - Part 3

I think I know this “style” of painting is the right style for me simply because I lose all track of time...often only looking up after several hours of painting and many many podcasts later (unless of course I hear Benny’s dreaded ball drop).

Today the day began by dropping the painting on the floor when I was rolling the easel into position. Drats!

But I persevered and after a few more days, progress had been made.

.

Work In Progress - part 2

Work In Progress - Part 2

I’m thankful for the winter months when I can typically paint all day long and not feel I’m missing out on anything. Although I must say, Benny can only handle so much painting until he gives me those pathetic looks.  At first, I only hear a ball drop...then silence for a good long time. So...I keep on painting.  It’s the second ball drop that gets my attention.  I slowly look up...into “those eyes” that say “ok ma, ENOUGH...let’s go play”.

Work In Progress

The Process:

 Some people (like me) enjoy seeing the process of art making.  From concept all the way to the finished painting, I always marvel at the path each artist takes.  So, I thought I’d share a bit about this particular painting as I make my way through the challenge of trying to complete it (to my satisfaction that is).

First, I’ll admit it’s a “larger than normal” painting for me, 20x16.  And, I’ve chosen to paint in a classically realistic manner (not photo-realism mind you, but certainly not in a “loose painterly” fashion).  So...the first thing I did was practice on the kettle and wool rug (previously posted as “Cast Shadow” and “Iron and Wool”).

I set up the composition in my living room and took several reference photos.  With two versions in mind, I set out to sketch the still life scene.

I use an app called Grid Painter on my iPad to add the grid line...this helps in sketching out the image on my panel.

I sketched the scene using light and dark pastel pencils.  At this stage, I made a couple adjustments, tilting the kettle towards me and shifting the basket nearer the kettle.  Later, I’ll change the composition again by shifting the basket handle even further into the scene and adding a pine cone near the top of the handle to guide the viewer’s eye down from the frame, to the handle, to the pine cones and over to the spout of the kettle.  I try to keep in mind that I need to strengthen the composition to guide the viewer’s eye to the textures I want him or her to see.  Even the position of the kettle and the way the light hits it “should” help guide the viewer’s eye down its side and onto the wool rug (that is, if I can pull it off).  We’ll see. 

The painting begins....early each morning, coffee cup nearby. 

While I start with the image on my iPad, I shift back and forth between the “on screen” image and the actual props (for more accurate texture, color and values)...and, occasionally I drag my easel into the living room where I can view the whole scene in real life.

This painting is primarily about the textures that surround us in our homes.  Texture on the wall, the metal of the picture frame and velvet mat, the antiqued picture in the frame, the organic basket and pine cones, the aged cast iron kettle, antique rug, and wooden side table.  Each surface presents a new challenge...or opportunity.   By the end of each day my coffee cup is often replaced by a beer which for me, is a much needed relaxer.

Stay Tuned!

Oskar's Bulldogs

Oskar's Bulldogs

11x14, soft pastel

I think it's safe now to share this piece.  Painted for a friend as a gift for his wife.  These two pups are besties who love to go boating.  Fortunately for them, the water is right outside their back door!

Iron and Wool

Iron and Wool

12x12, soft pastel

This is a second still life painting of the old cast iron kettle and wool rug I recently purchased.  I just love all the textures and placed them on a wooden table in my living room against a textured wall.  I'm enjoying this little series.  It reminds me of the resilience of items from the past. These things weren't "throw away" household items but stood up to all kinds of use and abuse over the years. Resilient and strong...reminding me of the pioneering spirit of days gone by.

Cast Shadow

Cast Shadow

12x12, soft pastel

Painting realism can look like tedious work...but, I find it mesmerizing.  Focusing on the details to express a realistic image sends me into "the zone".  On this piece I loved expressing the texture of the cast iron and subtle reflections on the side of it from the rug it sits on and the challenge of depicting the shadow it cast. I loved painting the textures in the rug with all its imperfections and I'm reminded of how beautiful we all are, imperfections and all.

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

12x12, soft pastel

Every two years pastel artists from around the world gather in Albuquerque, NM at the International Association of Pastel Societies (IAPS).  The first year I attended, in 2017, I snapped a photo of these ladies catching up at breakfast. They seemed so excited for the upcoming events (as was I). A perfect time to reconnecting with old friends and make new ones.  What a delightful, colorful group of artists!

Oh Hummingbird!

Oh Hummingbird!

7.5 x 12, soft pastel

Rarely do I paint plein air (outdoors) but I couldn't resist trying to capture this guy (in a painting that is).  He visited me quite often with his friends during the summer months in Cascade.  I always plant these particular flowers to encourage hummingbirds to hang around my patio...and they really do the trick!  I do confess, I had to take a few photos to see what he really looked like since he didn't want to sit still for me.   Anyway, thankfully I didn't scare him away....especially since I was singing "Oh Hummingbird" the whole time.  (the neighbors must have thought I was a bit looney)

Oh Hummingbird! - Seals and Crofts, 1972

Study - The Three Amigos

Study - The Three Amigos

6x6, soft pastel

These guys were just hanging around in the studio...the last remnants of a bouquet of flowers.  I almost threw them out but together they were sorta cute...so, I painted them.  Why not right?

Study - Vase of Sunflowers

Study - Vase of Sunflowers

8x6, soft pastel

One of my goals is to sell affordable original artwork. Sometimes that's a big challenge when a painting can take quite a few hours to complete. Such is the case with my "realism" pieces, where one painting can take days, weeks, or months to complete. But others that are more "impressionistic" are more easily created and (once in awhile) just more fun to create.  And thankfully, more affordable to just about anyone.  Hope you enjoy this little vignette.

Eat Your Veggies

Eat Your Veggies

14x11, soft pastel

What can I say, when kids or grandkids go off to college we all want to impart cautionary wisdom. Don't party too much, don't drink and drive, study hard, make good decisions, keep an eye on your goals and your grades.  But in the end, all I can come up with is: "stay healthy and eat your veggies".

Late Summer Blooms

Summer Blooms

10x10, soft pastel

I don't paint a lot of plein air (outdoor) paintings but this little jar of late summer blooms were begging to be painted.  They were on my deck poised on top of a quilt my daughter made for me...a special little vignette.

Pretty In Pink

Pretty In Pink

9x9, soft pastel

It's funny how we anticipate water lily blooms. It takes months in the Idaho mountains for a water lily plant to send up its offerings for the year. I patiently monitor their progress all summer long and take many, many, many photos. But alas, this bloom was actually captured by an artist friend, not me. I love how she captured the vibrant blue of the sky against the colors of the bloom.  So pretty in pink.

Table For Two - The Gift

Table For Two

The Gift

12x12, soft pastel

This table for two is a familiar scene...previously painted in various sizes.  I always plan on keeping one painting for my dining room wall...but then it sells and I'm once again motivated to paint it again.  I changed it up a bit this time adding a bar and patrons in the background...a small gift on the table.   Hmmm, is someone about to propose?  One can only wonder. 

Table For Two - The Patio Is Open

Table For Two

The Patio Is Open

11x14, soft pastel

One of the best parts of heading south for the winter is the ability to dine outdoors.  This scene was in Scottsdale, Az. Tables for two always represent romance to me.  An opportunity to take time out in the day for an intimate conversation and the sharing of good food. Or, maybe reconnect with an old friend...or get to know a new one.  I wonder who sat here this early morning on the patio, enjoying the warmth of the rising sun and the beautiful surroundings.

Vintage Ornament

Vintage Ornament Demo

9x9, soft pastel

I will be the first to admit it!!!  I'm not an art instructor and in fact haven't completed a "demo" in front of an audience...that is until now.  Recently I hosted a meeting of local pastelists (who many are members of the Pastel Society of the West Coast). Thankfully my "audience" was kind to me as I completed this little study of a vintage ornament.  Demo'ing may not be my expertise...but I have to admit it was more painless than I had imagined it would be.

Below is a practice piece I did before hand.  I'm glad I practiced a bit.  It sure helped with the jitters!

Vintage Ornament Study

6x6, soft pastel

Table For Two - Southwest Charm

Table For Two

Southwest Charm

  11x14, soft pastel

Hello there (...to no one in particular but to anyone who might stumble across this post).  I know...I know, I've been absent and out of the habit of posting but, here goes...

I'm surprised to find that here it is...December 14, 2019 and I've not blogged or uploaded many paintings to DailyPaintworks.com in 2019.  Ah, such is life...priorities shifted once again.

I have however had the great pleasure of being juried into several art shows during 2019, won several awards and took a trip to NYC (along with my dear sweet husband) to attend the Pastel Society of America's Enduring Brilliance Exhibition in September. The piece above was juried into that show (and I am humbly grateful). 

After Enduring Brilliance ended it was selected to be shipped to The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio for their annual pastel exhibition from Dec. 22, 2019 - Feb. 23, 2020. Needless to say, I'm very proud of this piece and will anxiously look forward to it's safe arrival back home sometime in March 2020.  What a wirlwind year for this little painting!  

2019 was confirmation for me that I'm on the right track and progressing with my artwork as I had hoped to do when I began this journey back in 2014. Over 500 paintings later...many of them simply horrible...some quite good (and a handful to be proud of), I can happily say that I'm continuing my journey to find "The Artist Within" me. I will rejoice in the process (or at least I'll try to)...no matter how painful, rewarding, disappointing, or uplifting it may be.

See you soon!

Cindy G.

He Ain’t Heavy...He’s My Brother

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

10x10, soft pastel

These two noodle heads have been Benny’s best friends for the past few months.  The three of them have had quite a time playing and roughhousing in a neighborhood park.  He’s going to miss them dearly and their time together when we head back to Idaho soon.  The only consolation is that he will soon see his (little) big sister soon too.

A Cozy Spot In The Corner

A Cozy Spot In The Corner

11x14, Soft Pastel

I took a winter break from blogging and I have to admit...I miss my old routine of daily painting, blogging and posting works.  Much of what “derailed” me was getting a puppy 1 1/2 years ago...the pup (Benny) is now almost two and about as trained as he’s going to get.  He’s no longer noodling his way into my painting time...but waits patiently nearby in hopes of me finishing soon and going outside for a fetching session...or at least a good wrestle on the floor.