Leftovers

Well the title came from the fact that the grass is leftover from summer and the the paint was leftover from my painting today. These small pieces are so fun and if they don't turn out I can wipe them off and start over. They also make good value studies for future paintings. When I first started painting they talked about the value of the color being more important that the color. I understood the term but did not understand the mechanics. The more I paint the more I know when the value is right. 

I love the work of Ramona Youngquist. She considers her paintings a war zone and she battles with them till she feels they are done. She uses sandpaper, palette knife and anything that achieves her goal and adds texture. I used a wooden stick to scratch in the grass, I like the effect and I think Ramona would approve. 

Prairie Clouds

It was fun to paint this small study. I've been working on large pieces and took a break to do this 5x7" oil. Clouds are something I am really learning to study. They are not just white but full of greys and blues. They change as they approach the horizon line and become smaller and have less color. Never boring since everyday the sky and clouds are different and changing even as I paint.  

Salt Cedar on th Rio Grande SOLD

I guess it helpsto rework a painting when you feel you can improve it. This painting sold today. I felt the palette knife work was detracting from the overall feel so just toned it down and it really helped the feel. . 

Snow and Stubble

This 12x24 inch painting was awarded third prize at the 40th Annual Prairie Art Exhibit in Sterling Ks. I was just hoping to get a piece accepted into the show. I am still in shock, so many wonderful artist are represented in this exhibit. Thank you to the judge Elaine Lierly Jones.

Flamingos By the Sea

This was a commissioned piece. Had fun painting these unusual birds. 

Treaster Creek

This is the finished painting. The buyer picked it up so feel it's ok to post now. It was the largest canvas I have ever painted, 2x3 feet. I used ever tool and brush I could find to cover that space. 

The Purple Prairie is SOLD

Paintings for the Sterling Kansas Prairie Art Show

Our daughter was home with our 7 month old grandson. So my painting came to an abrupt halt. We spent several fun days and some short nights being grandparents. So preparing for this juried art show was a little difficult. These are the three paintings I took to Sterling with friend Ande Hall another daily painter. 

Shipped Sundown Creek

It is always so nice to have someone appreciate and purchase a painting. There are so many amazing artists that to have some one pick one of my paintings just amazes me. I am my worst critic but hope that will drive me to keep painting and improving. 

I shipped that painting to Atlanta Georgia today. It was my painting of the creek that I am doing the large painting of. I called it Sundown Creek because we took photos at sundown on this little creek by Pretty Prairie Kansas. Looks nothing like the big painting but was a nice study for the big canvas. Until the owner sees the large painting I will not post pictures. But hope to soon. 

Spring is slowly coming to Kansas hope the same for everyone else. 

large painting in process

i am working on a large canvas and I am trying to stick with it till it's done. I am learning to paint with a really large brush. Just getting that canvas covered with paint is a chore. I like working wet into wet so I need to stay with it. Trees are very hard for me and this creek is covered with trees and branches. I will be as surprised as everyone to see how it turns out. I dive in and see where the paint takes me. Never have been a good planner. 

Wine and Brie

My sister wants some small paintings for her  bar area. I did a wine glass last week using my new brisiton brushes. Loving these brushes on the gesso boards. They have a nice sharp edge. Overworking the strikes just pulls paint off the surface some trying to be more deliberate with my colors and stroke. 

Sundown Creek SOLD

The title just describes the time of day, don't know it the creek has a name. I am doing studies of this creek for a large painting for a friend. It will be the biggest ever for me 24x36". Doesn't sound big but when you stand before that much canvas it looks overwhelming.

Artists Helping Artists: Understanding Oil Paints with Robert Gamblin

Artists Helping Artists: Understanding Oil Paints with Robert Gamblin: Painting by Leslie Saeta "Understanding Oil Paints with Robert Gamblin" Scheduled Air Date: Thursday, February 27, 9:00 am PS...