When In Doubt

Paint a rose! This is Day 20 of my 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge sponsored by Leslie Byrd Saeta. I've been going to physical therapy this month as a result of a fall I took last October. My neck, spine, shoulder and head where pretty beat up. I probably used it as an excuse not to paint. I needed a jump start to get back on track with regular painting, and this challenge was just what the doctor ordered! But after physical therapy this morning, I wasn't sure I wanted to paint at all today. They're starting to push me harder, which is a good thing (I think), but I ache afterward. I decided to go back to one of my favorite subjects - roses! My husband bought me these beautiful, glowing roses today and I had to paint one! I praise God for his goodness and am ever thankful for good health and healing.

Glowing Rose

6" x 6"

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Staying Loose

Day 12 - I didn't post yesterday because I needed to prepare two large canvasses for work that must be done. I did paint, just not a finished painting. When I paint large, I work in layers, and sometimes the layers need to dry a bit before I can do the next step. I'm doing another "field of flowers" painting and a new experimental piece that may take a little time. I hope you're not too disappointed that I didn't do a "painting a day" but I have to make a living too! The canvas sizes are 20" x 48" and 24" x 36." I will post these paintings when they are done.

This painting was, however, fast and loose. I'm working hard to let go of my need to make every line perfect. After all, if my clients wanted a photograph, they would get a photograph. The paint on this is thick! I'm still working in only 4 colors plus white. It was a fun one to paint.

Botanical Garden Woods

14 x 11

Available

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Testing, Testing

Day 6 of my 30 day challenge. Today's painting was definitely a test of my ability to "loosen up." One of the goals I'm trying to achieve during this challenge is to learn to be more impressionistic in my work. For me, at least until I master it, that means to work quickly and use large tools. I hope you're enjoying the journey!

Botanical Garden

11x14

Available from the Artist

Contact kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Summer Memories

Day 5 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days. Thank you, Leslie Saeta, for inspiring me to get back to serious painting! The high temperature here today is 0 degrees (F). I'm "channeling" summer thoughts to warm my heart and soul. I hope this warms you up too!

The Monarch

10 x 10

Original Oil Painting

Available through the artist.

Visit my website at

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Brighten Up a Winter Day

In early October I fell and broke my rib. I also twisted my spine, sprained my wrist, and hit my head, resulting in some whiplash. Needless to say, I was a wreck. So, after about a month we drove to Arizona for some R&R. It was just what the doctor ordered! It was so good to spend time with family and friends, especially my grandchildren. I also started painting again!

I feel so good that I signed up for Leslie Byrd Saeta's 30 Day Challenge, which starts on January 1. If you want to follow my daily paintings, please "like" Eaton Art Gallery on Facebook!

Here is a teaser of one of the paintings I did while out west.

Sunflowers

9x12

Now available at DCF Art Gallery & Gifts

19571 Mack Avenue Grosse Pointe, MI
313.881.6922

Where In The World Is ...

This lovely little spot is a garden located adjacent to my local public library. Beauty can be found in the least expected places sometimes! And speaking of beauty, I'll be in Fish Creek, WI, this Saturday, July 26, participating in the Dockside Quick Paint. You can come and watch the artists work from 9am-11am, and see the works on display during a reception at the Peninsula School of Art that evening. And a shameless plug - please vote for mine while you're there! The People's Choice winner is invited to participate in the week-long plein air festival the following year. I hope to see you there!

Painting Fast

On Saturday I participated in my third annual Dockside Quick Paint in Fish Creek, WI. This annual event is in conjunction with the week-long Plein Air Festival sponsored by the Peninsula School of Art. The energy is contagious and the joy of painting with other artists is invigorating. Between 100-200 artists each year gather in about a 4-block area, surrounded by curious onlookers. A horn blows at 9am, and the artists must create a painting from a blank canvas in two hours. At 11am, the horn sounds again, and brushes must be put down.

I enjoy talking with people when I paint outdoors, but this competition is nerve-wracking. Most of the observers understand that, and stand back to watch the paintings come together, talking in low tones about the progress. It can be very encouraging to hear whispers of "look at how she did that" and "I love how the light hits there." Because of the size and detail in this work, I chose to work mainly with a pallet (or painting) knife with thick paint. The outcome is a much "looser" work than I normally would do, and it helps me to skip the detail and paint quickly.

I have to admit, I was shaking at the start, and was pretty focused throughout most of my effort. This is the first year that I painted right up to the second horn, and wished I had a little more time. I may have bitten off more than I should have with the complication of this piece in such a short time slot, but all-in-all I was happy with the outcome. And someone else was happy enough with it to buy it at the reception that evening. I hope they realize that oil paints can take a long time to dry!

Here is my painting, "Linger." It depicts a lovely little coffee shop in downtown Fish Creek, WI - in the middle of Door County. Thank you to all the volunteers who help make this event successful!