2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 30 - Tetsukyusu - Tea Pot Color Study

 Day 30 #stradaeasel

Wanted to try this tea pot in color, so I went for it. The design on the teapot is pretty detailed and the painting shows only the impression when my eyes area blurred. I will do this several more times to see how I might improve on the detail without going crazy or overworking it. All in all, I'm happy I tried and have no problem with the result at this stage.

I see where to improve on it, and that's what counts when doing studies.

It may seem odd that I have posted everyday this month and none have been for sale. The whole exercise it to help myself establish good habits as I work on my skills and prepare to do completed paintings that will be for sale soon.

Tetsukyusu Tea Pot Color Study
5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 29 - Tetsukyusu - TeaPot Revisited

 Day 29 #stradaeasel

Decided to revisit the Tetsukyusu Tea Pot. It's so beautiful in person that I'm determined to figure out the best way to paint it and do it justice. Starting with a drawing and an oil value sketch is always my way of exploring and getting familiar with a subject that seems difficult to translate into paint. I also like studying the values.

Note to self: I must start earlier in the day to begin working on a painting. 

Tetsukyusu - Oil Sketch
5.25 x 7.5 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 28 - Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies

 Day 28 #stradaeasel

Another flower grouping. I'm feeling less stressed about the results in my studies. There's definitely more work that could be done to call it finished, but the freshness is appealing. It may not show in the photo, but I'm getting better at seeing the values (I think). 

I must also learn how to photograph paintings to reduce the glare. I like texture, but the little flecks are distracting to the actual brushwork. 

Clay Pot with Dark Pink Daisies - Study
9 x 8 oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 25 - Oil Sketch of Teacup

 Day 25 #stradaeasel

Tool a break from full color today after working a long day, and decided to work on just values. Glad I did because it is easier to see drawing flaws.  This could have been further simplified, but I really do enjoy the zen feeling I get when working with brush and oils.

Oil Sketch of Teacup
5 x 5 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 24 - Hydrangeas and Copper Study

 Day 24 #stradaeasel

Another study with a metal container. I got further than I thought I would - The hydrangeas are dried and really old, but haven't been ready to toss them just yet. I'm still enjoying the strada easel challenge and so glad I joined. 

Hydrangeas and Copper Study - $NFS
Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 23 - Poppies and Brass Study

 Day 23 #stradaeasel

Well I moved on to something different, and it was a good day mostly. This is done with both brush and palette knife. The values could use more work, but the shapes in this are easy to do with the palette knife. 

I started out thinking the bras would be the subject, but got curious about some artificial poppies I've had for awhile and they pretty much asked to stay. Anyway, glad I did this one and still experimenting with tools. I think this is a great way to learn painting. Having the information is one thing; making it work is the bigger challenge. 

One other thing - today I found myself begin to get tired while work on this and felt like I was going to loose the freshness if I didn't stop immediately. For some reason, this is the first time I was aware of that. 

Brass and Poppies Quick Study - NFS
5 x 8 Oil on canvas sheet
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 18 - Orange and Reds Study

 Day 18 #stradaeasel

Thought I'd take a break from all the green today. I've been working with a flat brush, but I think I'll go with a filbert on the next round object I paint.

Study with Orange and Reds - NFS
Oil on canvas sheet 
©2023

2023 Strada Easel Challenge Day 16 - Old Aquaintance

Day 16 #stradaeasel

Hump Day for the Month of January!! Shifted gears a bit today and painted something more familiar. Apples!! These have been sitting awhile and honestly ready for the trash, but thought they needed a reason to exist since they are no long edible. Glad I did the painting.

Quick study - NFS
Old Acquaintance
Oil on canvas sheet
©2023    

2023 Strada Easel Challenge - Day 8 - Tea Pot w/Bamboo Handle

Day 8 #stradaeasel

The Strada Easel January Challenge is having a positive effect on my attitude. Got up this morning looking forward to another day of block-in. That hasn't happened for quite some time. 

This one I used the palette knife in a few areas. I really wanted to finish it so maybe will work on it again tomorrow. Whenever I go to a thrift store I look for still life stuff like this one. 

Unfinished Block in - NFS
Tea Pot w/Bamboo Handle
Oil on Canvas Sheet
©2023

T'was the Night Before Xmas... Christmas Card Opt #2

I finally completed the second study for a Christmas card.

The photo of my Granddaughter was actually taken a couple of Christmas eves ago - so I thought the title fitting. She's sitting in her Great Grandma's chair that now resides at her Auntie's house.

It is a little brighter than I originally thought I would do, but it will be darker by default after it is printed. It is getting a little late to be working on a Christmas card image, but at least it will be ready for next year if I don't make it happen this year. ;o)

T'was the Night Before Xmas
9 x 12 Oil on Stretched Canvas
© 2013
NFS