Summing Up 30 Paintings in 30 Days, January 2016

I didn't think I would take the time to do a collage at the end of this 30 in 30, but I guess it's somewhat of a ritual I didn't want to avoid.  So there you have it, 12 paintings that probably never would have been painted if not for this 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!

I hope at the outset of this Challenge, I announced that my intention was to work on mindset, because that was what I held dear during this 30 in 30.  I did not let the Challenge, or my paintings, stress me out very much.  During past 30 in 30's, especially the first few I did, I truly put pressure on myself and ended up feeling badly when I couldn't post a painting to Leslie's blog on time.  

This time, when I was too exhausted after work to paint, I didn't try to paint.  When family time was more important, I spent family time.  When my beloved art group had a meeting after work this month, I went to the meeting and enjoyed my friends there instead of painting.  I often forgot altogether about posting to Leslie's blog.  I think the forgetting was a really good sign!

So, I didn't force myself to paint when it would not have been sensible to paint.  I didn't exhaust myself.  Instead, what I did do was create habits that are sustainable for the long run.  I currently have four paintings in various stages of completion.  I now know about myself that these four will be finished in their own time, it's not good for me to hurry them, and rotating through four will help keep me from getting into battle with any single one of them.  

When I feel too much tension while working on a painting, I now MOVE ON to another one!  And know that I will cycle back around to each of them.

As always, I thank you for your kind feedback and support.  You all have been great!  For those of you in the Challenge,  doing this together has made this Challenge all the more worthwhile.

See you SOON (instead of disappearing like I often have after burning out during these things!).

Thanks for Watching... Carry on!  (oops, just noticed I put one of my paint ahead paintings on the collage, something I intended not to do.  oh well...told you I was relaxed :)

Busting a Painting Myth/ Breaking a Painting Rule during 30 Paintings in 30 Days January 2016

"Ablaze"            Framed Acrylic, 6x6"

$95 plus shipping
Framed in a wood float frame with a gold finish
Please contact the Woolworth Walk for availability, purchase, and shipping at 828-254-9234.

I realized and (re)learned some things this month that maybe someone else out there could use to hear, too. 

Paint Your Own Way, i.e. It's OK to Mess with the Paint~

I've been in this Daily Painting crowd for awhile now.  There are some great painters there.  And some myths.  So many teachers say, "Put the stroke down and leave it alone."  Which does lead to beautiful brushwork.  I will not argue that. But, I am ready to argue it is not the only way to paint!  It is only one style.  And any style has its benefits and its limitations.

Layering, glazing, and putting a stroke down and messing with it are also acceptable methods of painting.  They all have their place in my world, and acrylics lend themselves wonderfully to all three techniques.  I have used all three techniques during this 30 Paintings in 30 days and have been able to achieve effects I wanted that I never, hear this, never would have been able to achieve by leaving the original brushstrokes alone!

Have you ever watched John Hammond paint acrylics?  To me, he is the master, and in his video, I see him over and over putting down some paint and then working with it!

Remembering to glaze when needed has been one of the gifts of this 30 in 30 for me.  Remembering how to work with strokes already put down and learning new ways to work with those strokes, especially to make skies happen, has been another gift of this past month.

I want all my artist friends to be free--to paint--the way that works for them!

If you're painting, Happy Painting, and everyone, thanks for Watching...

and thanks to Robyn (Ro) Lovelock at PMP for the use of Simon's wonderful photo that inspired the above painting.

Things I Thought I would do During this 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Nicola's Bluebells"              Oil Pastel, 6x8"

$75 plus shipping

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I enjoyed painting this oil pastel so much...the slipperiness of the medium was really fun after all that (sticky) acrylic painting I've been doing lately.

A few things I thought I would do:  I thought I would do more Oil Pastels, I thought I would paint on black gesso, and I thought I would try my oil paints again.

I have some boards with black gesso ready to go, so we will see what this week brings.

The oil paints may have to wait till February! 

Happy Painting, everyone! 

And thank you, Nicola B for the use of the photo that inspired this painting...

Nothing to do but Stay Home and Paint during 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Steve's Fields"       Acrylic, 8x8"

 I hope you all have weathered the storm safely.  We're doing fine here.  I am happy to be home with my family, happy to be home painting and doing yoga and resting.  

I want to thank Steve Lyddon once again for providing the reference photo for this painting.  He has been to some beautiful places!

It's About that Time in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Harbor Sunset      Acrylic, 6x6"

$75 plus shipping

Purchase Here

It was to my great consternation that I learned that Blogger didn't send out an email about my post from yesterday.  I wanted you to see that painting, but most especially, I had linked to an artist I know and admire and wanted you to see his work.  I truly believe he is an up and coming shining star in the plein air world, with more great things to come.   So please, click here to check out yesterday's post, and then consider checking out that link to see his work!  

Ok, I was starting to say (in the post title), that it is about that time in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days when I start seriously pondering what I am going to get myself as a present for participating.  I think all considerate artists should reward themselves with a present!  Take good care of yourselves, artist friends...

Here's what is in the running for me:

John Hammond's DVD

OR   Richard Robinson's DVD on Color

Or both!

Will you get yourself a present?

 

 

Sometimes Being in the 30 in 30 means Remembering to Finish Some Paintings!

 "Skylight"    Acrylic, 8x8"

$ 125 plus shipping

Purchase Here

Today, I decided to finish three of the paintings I had started last weekend.  Or possibly even earlier in the month. 

Some people feel starting a painting is the challenging part.  Not me!  I think I've said this here before.  I love doing starts.  I enjoy facing the white of the canvas.  It's finishing that I find challenging.  So many ways you could go, so many colors and options.  All up to me!  

I can tell you what doesn't help.  It doesn't help in any way whatsoever to be standing there telling yourself, "now, Jeremy Sams would know how to finish this painting!"  Nope, that doesn't help a bit...

What really truly helps is going for it--being willing to take the risk to ruin what you've got!

On the other hand, there are some paintings that don't deserve to ever be finished.  Some of you probably know what I mean...


(thank you Roy Davenport, for the photo that inspired this painting!)

Staying Relaxed During 30 Paintings in 30 Days-Jan. 2016

"Painted Fields"    Acrylic, 8x8"

$125 Plus Shipping 

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Well, I got so relaxed about this whole thing that I forgot to post my last painting to Leslie's blog until today!  I think that's great.  Focus on the painting process, that's what I say...

Thanks to Steve Lyddon at Paint my Photo for the use of the photo which inspired this painting!

And thank you all for being here...

Lost Count, 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"The Chill Ahead"    Acrylic, 6x6"

$75 plus shipping

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Well, it seems Winter has begun here, so I couldn't  resist painting the chill...

Today I finished two paintings, progressed on one, and may have taken a third past the point of no return.  We'll see--I'll look at it again. 

Yesterday, I went to a meeting of the Appalachian Pastel Society and a design workshop with Leo Monahan.  At the workshop, we used collage as the format to practice our design sense.  Leo is an amazing artist, and cut and folded paper is his medium.  I am very tempted to learn his medium, but to do so, he requires students to take a series of design and then color workshops first.  

Needless to say, no painting yesterday.  But plenty of art!

How's everybody doing??  Me, I'm quite relaxed about the painting, don't care about the count, and am enjoying myself and learning as I go... 

In Search of Brilliant Post Title--30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Winter Sunset"  Acrylic, 6x6"

I have to say that I really like this painting, but I also see its flaws...so I am posting but not putting up for sale on DPW at this time.  I may work on it some more or I may repaint it.  Or I may call it done and just keep it!

Keep up the good work, everyone!  And thanks for Watching...

Learning a lot Painting for this 30 Paintings in 30 Days...

"Sweet End of the Day"   Acrylic, 8x8"

$125, plus shipping

 Purchase Here

 Yes, I'm learning a lot about how I want to paint during this 30 in 30, but right now, I am too tired to tell you about it!  I'm not sure if the title of this painting is directed more towards how I feel right now or towards describing the painting...

 

I'm doing this challenge a little differently this time.  You may have noticed I skipped a couple days of posting.  Basically, I have about 7 paintings started.  As I get interested in one above the others, I will take it to completion.  I have another one completed that I will show you tomorrow.  Of the rest, I am not sure how many will see the light of day, but I am very interested in this way of working, for reasons I am...you guessed it...too tired to explain right now.

I admire how my friend Sandra is doing her 30 in 30 blog posts, explaining what she learned from each painting.  Unfortunately, some of what I learned today came from working on a different painting, so it wouldn't really make sense to you in this context, anyway.

But I am bursting full of the new possibilities I am seeing in my acrylics!

Thank you for the outpouring of support I received in my call for help for my friend Julie trying to learn how to post to her new blog from her iPhone.  You all were incredible, and Julie is now posting and is busy redecorating her blog.

Thanks for Watching... 

Making Artwork PLAY with Oil Pastel for 30 Paintings in 30 Days, Day 3

"Mind's Eye"    Experimental--Oil Pastel with Acrylic, 5.5 x 5.5"

Opening Bid $40

Bid in the DPW Auction

This one was pure play with my Oil Pastels.  Do you ever want to just see "what would happen if...?" That's what I was doing here.  And full disclosure, this was one of my paint-ahead paintings!

My friend who is new to blogging is having trouble posting to Blogger using her iPhone and/or iPad.  Anyone able to shed any light for me to pass on to her?   The comment section would work or if you prefer to write me privately, here's how to reach me.  Thanks for your help.

  

And thanks for watching...

30 Paintings in 30 Days, January 2016, Day 2

"Majestic"     Acrylic    5.75 x 5.75"

Opening Bid $45

Bid in the DPW Auction

Well, it's back to work for me today (yes, on a Saturday--in fact, I work on and off all weekend), so here's where the Challenge becomes challenging :-)

Leslie said it's ok to paint ahead in December and use those for this Challenge, and I have a few of those up my sleeve, so I should be ok.

But who's counting?  :-)

Thanks for watching!

Make it Fun! 30 Paintings in 30 Days Jan. 2016, Day 1

 

"Morning Mist"   Acrylic, 6x6"

$75 Plus Shipping 

Purchase Here

 

Happy New Year, everyone...it's 30 Paintings in 30 Days, and I always say "I'm here for the ride."  The challenge is hosted by Leslie Saeta, and she says there are no rules but to have fun.  I take that rule very seriously, especially this time.  I am focusing on my internal process more than the outcome of my paintings.

 

This painting was inspired by a photo by Viacheslav on Paint My Photo.  As usual, not sure the photographer would recognize his photo, because I took what I needed from it and let the rest go.  But I do want to thank Viacheslav for providing the reference photo.  This is the second of his photos that I have painted.

 

I have a new local friend participating in this 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge, and if you are so inclined, please check out Julie's blog here to see her wonderful watercolor work this month.

 

Best wishes, everyone, for a wonderful year and a fruitful challenge to those who are participating...

30 Paintings in 30 Days--Can a Busy Person Do this Challenge?

Acrylic with a Palette Knife, 8x10"

This post is for all artists out there, especially the particularly busy artists wondering if they can possibly participate in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  I have participated in all but one of the Challenges, and I have a full-time job.

 I am recycling an old post, below, that was originally entitled, "How to do the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge When You Also Have a Full-Time Job."  I am also recycling the above painting, because it is one of my favorites, and I never would have been painted it had it not been for the 30 in 30.  OK, here it is, the recycled post (and I'm doing this because some of my artist friends have expressed anticipating stress, and, oh do I know that feeling!).

From September 2014:

 "Someone asked me in a comment how I am managing to do this challenge with a full-time job.  Here's my tips, some practical, some about attitude:

1) Above all, focus on having fun.  I never would have joined the first 30 in 30 (I've done all 4) if Leslie had not said, "the only rule is to have fun."  I can live with a rule like that.

2)  From the very start, let go of any expectation that you will complete 30 paintings.  Don't expect that of yourself, don't intend for it, and don't try for it.  In other words, do not set yourself up to feel bad about yourself in any way.  And do not set yourself up to spend a month creating paintings you're going to feel crappy about.  Let go, paint as much as you can, post when you can.

3)  In the end, be proud that you painted more paintings than you would have had you not taken on this challenge.  And remember the other benefits:  you will learn, you will see lots of great art, you may develop new artist friends, and you may discover new favorite artists (I already have!).

4)  My new method is to hit the studio and do a few starts.  Loose ones, with no intention of taking them to completion.  Then over the next few days, I can choose one to work on.  Or work some on more than one.  Again, no pressure to complete anything!  Don't ruin your love for painting or your particular painting over anything external to yourself...it truly is not necessary to post to your blog or Leslie's blog everyday, especially if the pressure is making you unhappy.  Be happy and enjoy yourselves, artist friends!

5)  Frankly, I am losing sleep over this challenge, but that is when I am becoming engrossed in a painting and energized to stay up to complete it.  I am NOT losing any sleep over completing a painting in order to make a quota.  

If I think of any other tips, I will let you know in future posts.

Thanks for Watching!  Take good care of yourselves, everyone.  I think that's the main thing I am trying to say...."

Back to the present:  Thank  you to my artist-blogger friends who responded to my question yesterday asking who is planning to participate.

Again, I ask, "Who else?!"

Looking Forward to 30 Paintings in 30 Days

SOLD this month to a good friend. Thanks!     (Acrylic with Palette Knife, 10x10")

This one was painted the summer before this past one.  I sat in a cemetery near my house, probably with a dog, and painted the view across the road.  I paint there often, but I remember this time well, from looking at this painting.

I am posting this painting because I paint more than I post, and I want this painting to be a reminder to me to post, don't just paint!  With the 30 Paintings in 30 Days coming up, I want to get more into the habit of posting to my blog and DPW.  I don't know if I ever posted this one to my blog, but I am quite sure I never posted it for sale on DPW.

30 Paintings in 30 Days begins January 1, and I would like to ask my artist friends if they are participating.  I have a new local artist friend who is going to be joining us.  At last check, she did not yet have a blog, but I am sure she will have one by the time the challenge starts.  I am sure my online art buddy Carol will be there.  I don't think she has missed one yet.  

Who else?

My goals for this Challenge are simple--I will be using acrylics and oil pastels and I will be experimenting with techniques I have in mind for both.  I will be making life a little easier for myself by allowing myself to use photos from Paint My Photo.  Up till now, I haven't wanted to use other peoples' photos for reference, but I am finding it liberating.

One reminder--I always say I am "along for the ride."  I have no intention or expectation of painting a full 30.  Between having a full-time job and other consuming (art related) projects I am focused on, I am not going to put that kind of pressure on myself. 

The idea is to get into the studio more, experiment, and have fun!  No pressure, including no pressure on myself to paint a certain number.  

The other intentions I always have for myself are to meet new artists, see great art and to be a cheerleader for friends, old and new, who are participating!

Best wishes, everyone...

When a Painting Style Evolves

"Do You See What I See?"

Acrylic, 6x6"

Bid in the DPW Auction

Opening Bid $45

This painting was inspired by a photo by Mark Muir on the Paint my Photo site.  Until recently, I have painted from life and from my own photos.  They say that an artist should paint from their own photos, because without direct experience of the subject matter, the artist cannot have a genuine emotional reaction to the reference.  Perhaps...  

However, I found it very liberating to paint from a photo someone else created.  I was able to focus on color, form, effect, without being so tied into what was "real."  I was able to play with my materials and bring something out from within me that may not have been possible had I been having a genuine emotional reaction to my own reference photo :D

Beginning January 1, Leslie Saeta will be hosting another 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  I believe I am in!  I want to continue to explore this new way of working.  I'm interested to know which of my artists friends are joining in, too...

And, as an aside, a very Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother!! 

"Lone Tree" Soft Pastel ACEO

Soft Pastel, 2.5x3.5"

Purchase Here

In December, I did a number of soft pastel paintings, and I will call them soft pastel paintings to differentiate them from the oil pastel paintings I did in January during the 30 in 30.  For those who don't know, soft pastel means the dusty kind.  And most soft pastel artists just refer to them as pastels. 

This tree was painted from my imagination, which makes me very happy!  And my Finale! painting from the 30 in 30 sold in a DPW auction, which was really fun, so I am putting this one up for auction, as well.

Thanks for Watching...

30 Paintings in January 2015 - Collage, Completed by a Great Friend!

Thank you, dear friend

I want to thank my dear friend, Carol Edan, who actually took on the challenge of creating my collage for me after she had already done two of her own, one for her 30 in 30 paintings and one for her reference photos.  You can see her collages on her blog.

Carol knew I wasn't planning to make a collage this time.  I just felt I had put enough time into the challenge and now it was time to clean the house and focus on family.  Carol and I have met only via our cyber art world; in fact, she lives in Israel...but she is a  constant support to me, and I just loved the art she created this past 30 days.  She did scenes from a spa she goes to and used a form of artist crayons (Neocolor I Wax Pastels to be precise--different than my oil pastels) as her medium.  Check her out and say hello!

Where Does this Blog go from Here?

My last post was my "Celebrate" and "Congratulations" post, so for this one, I want to address where do I go from here.

I am feeling much more committed to regular blogging than before this challenge, so you will be hearing from me on a regular basis.  Probably not daily though :-)  But at least weekly.

I will start with showing you the soft pastel paintings that I did in December and never blogged about.  Meanwhile, I want to take what I have learned with the oil pastels and expand upon it.  For one, I will be painting more oil pastel paintings.  Secondly, I want to see how concepts I taught myself with the Oil Pastels can be applied to acrylic painting.

 Artistic Freedom

I have also made a wholehearted commitment to myself that I will not pigeon-hole myself or put myself in a box with my art. An artist is "supposed to" create one cohesive, identifiable style.  So, I'm going to be going against the grain for awhile; there is a shift happening.

I will create what I feel inspired to create each day, even if I'm working in various "styles."  It's all still me.  Perhaps I will eventually settle back down to use one medium, one subject matter, or one "look," but I am not seeking that kind of self-definition unless it just happens.

I stated at the beginning of this 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge that my theme was "Artistic Freedom." I did not foresee, but I know now, that once you grant yourself that kind of Freedom, you never want to let it go!

Lots is brewing around in my mind...I am off to the studio today and hope you are following your heart, too, wherever it may lead.

"Finale!" Oil Pastel - 30 Paintings in 2015

Oil Pastel, 2.5 x 3.5"

SOLD (thank you!)

Celebrate!

Congratulations, everyone!  We made it!!  Time to celebrate!!  Clean our houses!  Renew our connections with our loved ones!

Thank you for being such an important part of my month.  If you are reading this, I absolutely include you in my thanks, even if this is your first visit to my blog.  I appreciate every single person who comes here, artist or art-appreciator, whether you ever let me know you are here Watching or not.

 I want all the artists in the group to know that I have been so uplifted and inspired by seeing your amazing art each day and so honored to have met some of you through our mutual blogs.  I do hope we keep in touch.

And special thanks to Leslie Saeta for convening this challenging and motivating us every step of the way!

Note About the Auction

I haven't used the DPW auctions much, so I thought it would be fun to do something different for my Finale! Painting.  If you want to bid, just click on the link directly below the painting at the top of this page :-)  You will be taken to the auction page on Daily Paintworks.

The auction will end on Tuesday, February 3, and if I have arranged things as intended, it will not re-list if there are no bids by the end of the auction.  If the painting doesn't sell at auction, I am going to put it On Reserve--meaning, it will not be available immediately for sale with a PayPal link in my DPW gallery.

(also, if you want to bid, please note the actual dimensions, listed above, are teeny!  I have made this painting as large as I could on the blog, for effect!)

Personal Note about the Collage

Leslie encourages us as the final step to create and post a collage showing all our work together in one image.  I am wanting you to know I may skip this part of the challenge.  I haven't decided for sure, but I am leaning towards feeling the time it would take me to create the collage is time I would rather spend with my family and away from the computer.  Possibly...we'll see.

"Where Will You Go From Here?" Oil Pastel - 30 Paintings in January 2015

Oil Pastel, 3x4"

$30 plus shipping

Purchase Here

The title of this painting is my question for all of us:  "Where Will You Go From Here?"  

We have had a great run with lots of ups and downs, and as this 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge comes to an end, there is a risk of feeling like we are losing something.  Which is always a possibility.  

But so much potential exists for gaining something!  New art friends, new painting methods, new studio habits, and in my case, even a new painting medium...

Let us keep the best of this Challenge going indefinitely and let go of what does not serve us (the pressure to perform).  Let us stick together and continue to support each other as we have through these 30 Days.  

I will look forward to seeing where you all go from here!

Personal Painting Note

I wanted to tell you what happened to me with this painting.  The past few days, I have been very weary of the Challenge and noticing the same happening to many other 30 in 30ers.  I had a migraine last night, so I used one of my "paint-ahead" paintings for my post for yesterday and fully expected I would do the same for the final two posts, today and tomorrow.

Once I released myself from the pressure of having to come up with two more paintings, I did some cleaning at my house and then headed...to the studio!  Where I painted not only the above painting, but also another for the final day's post.  It seems I personally do better when painting feels like a "want to" not a "have to."   Letting myself off the hook brought me right back around to my art!