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.