Floral Majesty

Floral Majesty

Thanks to LB, one of my collectors and blog readers for the suggestion on the name for this 12" x 12" oil painting.  Putting a title to each painting is part of the process, and it doesn't always come easy.  Thanks for the help, LB!

Ruffled

Ruffled

16" x 8" Oil on RayMar Cotton Panel

Contemporary Floral

As I was thumbing through my reference photos, I found a great shot of a bearded iris.  It is such a beautiful and complicated flower, with ruffled and lacey petals that are layered.  It was fun to paint, even though the iris is so much more beautiful in person.  This painting is drying in the studio.  I hope to get it framed up once it is dry and varnished.  This painting is available for purchase.  Thanks for looking at my blog, Kay

Glorious

Glorious

30" x 15" Oil and Charcoal on Gallery Wrap Canvas
Contemporary Floral

As I am spending lots of time in the studio during this pandemic, and I am on a flower kick.  I picked up a 30" x 15" canvas, and started throwing paint on it, scraping it --- not knowing what my game plan was.  I immediately saw some irises in a garden, and went with that idea.  I had great colors out on my palette from a previous floral painting.  Thanks for looking at my blog...Kay

Bold Blooms

Bold Blooms

36" x 36" Oil and Charcoal on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Contemporary Floral Abstract

I have been working on these blooms all week, and I can say that I am finished!!!  I thought I was finished three different times, but after a studio critique and some thought, I made a few minor adjustments, and "Bold Blooms" is drying in the studio.  These irises are colorful, energetic and interesting.  I went through several steps, using lots of layers of color, taking the paint off, they reapplying it.  Then I decided to take some charcoal to it, and you can see of of the drawing peeking through.  I can't wait to varnish and place this canvas on the wall---framing on this one is optional.  Putting a frame on it would really complete this painting.  Contact Kay 

For You

For You

10" x 8" Oil on Linen Panel
Contemporary Floral
"For You" and "From Me" are companion pieces that can be hung together. Contact Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas for purchasing info.  Thanks for looking at my blog!  Kay

From Me

From Me 

10" x 8" Oil on Linen Panel
Contemporary Floral

This painting is going to Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas once it dries and gets varnished.  The gallery is going to custom frame this panel and it's companion piece up in a beautiful gold floater frame.  Thanks for looking at my blog.  Kay

Second Thoughts

Second Thoughts

20" x 16" Oil on Museum Quality Cotton Panel

Contemporary Still Life

I had painted this about a week ago, and while it was drying in the studio, I decided it really needed some high-lights on the petals, and I wasn't happy with the vase.  It looked too flat for the painting.  So I changed it up, making it a beautiful ultramarine blue.  The petals have more depth and life to them.  Here is a pic of it before I made those adjustments.  

So now it is finished, and titled "Second Thoughts" since I did have second thoughts about it!  Happy Anniversary to my John!  Even though we have a stay at home order in place, we will have a toast to our 38 years!  Thanks for looking at my blog.  Here's a quote from Frida Kahlo:  "I paint flowers so they will not die."  I feel that way!  Kay

"I paint flowers so they will not die" Frida Kahlo

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday!

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday!

Iris Still Life (Untitled)

20" x 16" Oil on RayMar Cotton Panel

Contemporary Still Life - All Prima

I walked into the studio yesterday, and found that one of my studio mates left me fresh cut batch of isis' from her garden.  Thank you, Selena!  I decided to use a beautiful tablecloth that studio mate Sharon had given to me, and pulled out one of my favorite blue and white Spode pieces.  

Here is my set-up.

I quickly toned the canvas, because I don't want to start with a white background.  Then immediately started drawing with my paint.  

Then I started painting the shapes.

I realized that I didn't want to paint the blue and white ceramic pitcher, so I thought about a clear glass vase, then scrubbed that idea.  I wanted the focus to be the golden irises, and just a plain, simple vase would work for me.    

I painted this alla prima--quickly in one session.  Good thing I did, because the arrangement changed overnight.  So, Happy Easter to everyone.  And Happy Birthday to my special husband, John!