Studio Campagna Oil Paintings - Toy Series...

I was 'toying' with the idea of painting a few still life with children's toys. This isn't a new concept, but one I've been wanting to do for awhile. The first below was done in 2016, and inspired me to do more.

I'm not going to rush through them, as I want to select items that appeal to me for the project. I would like them to hold a story that makes them more special somehow.

This is the first I'd like to share with you. The back story on this one isn't anything profound, but my love of painting hydrangeas and peonies just called out 'paint me.' The little toy clown is very old and beginning to show signs of wear and tear. I picked him up at a discount store years ago. It reminded me of my grandmother's porcelain dolls. He's only about 6 inches tall, and use to sit near my dressing mirror just for fun.

With very strong warm color, I was surprised by the result. It also seems to have a bit of a Victorian feel so I did some scratching on the panel to give it an aged look.

Toy Clown with Hydrangeas and Peonies
Framed - 8 x 8 inch canvas panel
© 2016
Price $ ebay auction + Shipping

I did't have any other toys laying around, so I had to recruit some new and gently used items for the next paintings. Now to find the other components for cohesive compositions. 

FYI: BTW - I'll be donating 35% of the proceeds from the series to a local charity - 

Foster Champs of Maple Valley, WA.

Study in Grays and a Pop of Color

It seems like I am always looking for new affordable learning opportunities so I'm in my exploration mode and reading a lot as a source for inspiration. 

This painting was just one of those 'what ifs', and wanted to share it here on the blog. The 'what if' was using mixtures in black and white with a bit of color to see if it went dead or not.

I tested the printing on a flat notecard and the color in the background came out much more purplish, but okay for the price!

So now, I've been looking at it for several weeks trying to decide what to do with it. 

I like the neutrals with the intense red color for the visual interest, and will probably try a few more with a variety of intense color spots. 

Study in Gray and Red Berries
8" x 8", Oil on Stretched Canvas

Copper Pot, Eucalytus and Pear

I've had this hammered copper pot for about 5 years and have wanted to paint it, but just didn't get around to it until now. In fact, I have several copper items that I want to paint.

As for format and size, I am working my way up to doing larger images again now that I am out of the powder room and have more studio space. However, it feels overwhelming yet when I set my large canvas on the easel.

Of course I enjoy painting the smaller ones, and can do one a day if I stay consistent, yet I long to do a larger image where I can really get transported to another mind set.

This image was intended to have an 'old world' feel to it without going too dark and somber. Hope you enjoy it...

Copper Pot, Eucalyptus, and Pear
8x8 Oil on Canvas Panel
© 2012

SOLD