2023 - Strada Easel Challenge Day 1 - Hot Chocolate

My painting discipline has been waning for awhile now so going to start the new year 2023 with the January strada.easel challenge to get back on track. Strada runs this challenge a couple times per year and gives away 5 easels of  choice via a random drawing from the qualifying participants. The ruless must be followed by registering, posting a painting each day of the month,  January 1-31.

These posts will be short and used as a means to share and record the activity. Paintings and drawings may or may not be finished. I will also be posting on instagram at #studio.campagna .   

If interested in their product, you can visit Strada Easel at this link.

Day 1 #stradeeasel - Hot Chocolate - block in:

Unfinished Block in - NFS
Hot Chocolate
6x8 Oil on Raymar Canvas Panel
©2023

Something about lemons and oil painting...

I don't know why exactly, but lemons are one of the prettiest things to paint. The light and shadow temperatures are easy to see, and harmonize so nicely. I don't even think about the sour pucker power they stimulate at other times. In painting, they just seem beautiful, fresh, and sunny. Must be the color, texture, and smell that I enjoy.

Was working towards a higher keyed painting with this couple... loved the extra little blossom too. Computer insisted on making the background more blue than aqua, but the painting looks quite nice in a gold frame. Might have to hang this one for myself.

Blossom between Two Lemons
8 x 6 Oil on Canvas Panel
® 2014

Sunflower and Tulips

OMGosh - I find myself doing a double take with this strong color combination. Not a delicate rendering by any means, but certainly catches my eye.

The sunflower was my main interest mainly because I am determined to paint them since I haven't been able to grow any in my garden.

Sunflower and Tulips - SOLD
6 x 8 inches on Canvas Panel
©2013

I am pretty sure I'll be painting more sunflowers and tulips soon...

Little Grey Pot, Sunflower, Cranberries

While getting the oil changed in my car a few weeks back, I walked over to the Goodwill store. This little pot caught my eye, so I decided to add it to my collection for quick studies. A nice 99 cent moment.

Little Grey Pot, Sunflower, Cranberries
6x8 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2012

On Auction at ebay...

Really Fresh Garlic!

This painting is the second done in my new studio. Subject is 'really fresh garlic' pulled straight from the ground. My neighbor Cindy use to grow these in her garden and they were amazing! I used a photo as reference, and added a little artistic license with color.

I think the most amazing thing about this painting for me was when I took it to a critique session, it sold on the spot! We never really know when someone will fall in love with an image. ;o)

Really Fresh Garlic - SOLD
6x8 oil on canvas panel
© 2012