B52 Shot

B52 Shot

6x6, soft pastel

I painted it just because I like the colors. Kahlua, Irish Cream, and Grand Marnier make up a B52...but there’s creme de menthe in this one (love the green).  I really think I should be able to drink my still life props don’t you?  After all the candy and alcohol this month I’ll need to diet for the whole month of February!

Fun fact...the three layers (top to bottom) are the crema, body and heart...and now you know. 😊

Buck Shot

Buck Shot

6x6, soft pastel

I thought this was a clever twist of words for a title...and, I was excited to start painting it. I got up at 4am (typical for a morning during a 31 day challenge). My excitement waned as I realized the only bill I had was a five dollar bill (which has significant differences from a one dollar bill). Fortunately it was a good stand in when it came to color and size and I found an image of a one dollar bill online. Oh how I love the internet!

Shot of Courage

Shot of Courage

6x6, soft pastel

These days Australia is on everyone’s mind. It seems the whole continent is on fire. I pray for quenching rains and the well being of everyone involved. The “shot of courage” above is for the Australian firefighters. The medal in this painting is their fire service award which is awarded for distinguished service by a member of the Australian fire service. May they persevere through these difficult times. Once again we are reminded that firefighters around the world are our heros.

Fun fact...the head of the Queen is only 1/2 inch...it was a challenge to paint it and get it to somewhat resemble the Queen...pearls and all.

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.

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.

Copper John - Yellow Belly

Copper John - Yellow Belly

5x7, soft pastel

To me, this little Copper John variation looks a bit like a Yellow Sally Nymph..so I named it Yellow Belly.  Tomorrow,  maybe a landscape is in order.

Tea Time

Tea Time

10x8, soft pastel

                                    

During the winter months, it's always nice to have steaming hot pot of tea nearby.  I decided to  keep the same composition as the coffee cup and flowers from a few days ago and replaced my coffee cup with my blue tea pot. 

Green Butt Skunk

Green Butt Skunk

5x7, soft pastel

 

Another fly...just for fun.  The Green Butt Skunk is a good fly to use for steelhead and trout fishing ...especially on the Clearwater River here in Idaho.

Fly 17 - Western Green Drake Nymph

Green Drake Nymph

5x7, soft pastel

For the next few days I'm going to paint the nymph then adult version of two flies.  First the Western Green Drake fly (which is a Mayfly species) then the Yellow Sally Stonefly. 

Today's painting is the nymph version of the Western Green Drake fly.  I like this particular version of the Green Drake nymph because flashback material was incorporated into the design (which not only makes the fly more attractive to fish...but more beautiful to paint)! This fly can be fished with success pretty much anywhere and is a common fly used in the Pacific Northwest.