Hooray for Spring!

Painting season is officially here! This painting was done last Friday at the Woodland Dunes Nature Center near Two Rivers, WI. I've been painting outdoors all year, but I don't enjoy it as much as I do when the weather is a bit warmer and the sun higher in the sky. Next week is my first painting competition of the year. I'll be participating in the First Brush of Spring in southern Indiana. Many of these competitions have multiple opportunities for artists to show what they can do. This one hosts a two-day paint-out, where artists paint within a given perimeter and then turn in one of their works for judging. There is also a Quick Paint on Thursday evening from 5:30-6:45 -- If I want to participate, I need to get a painting done in that time slot and turn it in for judging. And then there's a Saturday morning art show. And, if I want to, I can have one of my paintings stamped, and then take it home to finish and bring it back next year for the Field to Finish competition on Wednesday evening. It's going to be a busy week!

Fini

Here is the final version of the painting progression that I've been posting. I'm not claiming to be an expert by posting my process -- I just wanted to share how I pulled this one together. It's always interesting to me to see how other artists work. It took me many years to convince myself that it was OK to pursue my dream of being a full-time, professional artist. Now I'm like a sponge -- absorbing all the information I can! I don't want to get to the pearly gates and have to apologize for not using the gifts I was given. I could say that I wish I had done this sooner, but there's no sense dwelling on the past. Full speed ahead!

Psalm 42
36 x 48
Contact the artist to purchase this work

As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.

Details, details

Here are a few close-up views of the details that I've been adding to the painting progression from my recent posts. I'm working to keep the painting soft and impressionistic. I hope to post the finishing painting tomorrow! Happy Easter to you and yours!

Tears of Sorrow, Tears of Joy

Alleluia! This weekend, Christians all over the world commemorate Our Lord and Savior's passion. The Orthodox faith's services will be celebrated next weekend. It's an important reminder of the agony that Christ endured because of His great love for us. I painted this image toward the end of last year during a time of prayer and contemplation. It was given to a very special person who helped me understand the virtue of honoring Jesus' mother as the conduit for His life here on earth. That doesn't mean I give Jesus any less glory. It only adds to the prayers that I include in my life. Mary deserves honor and respect as the Mother of our Lord. Praise God!

First Layer Done

This image shows what I call the completed first layer of this painting. Not all artists work this way, but on a piece as large as this one, I feel more comfortable working in layers. Now the fun begins! I want to add some detail, and work on the lights and shadows. I've received some interesting comments on this progression of my work. Yes, I am scared that the finished painting won't be received well. Yes, I do feel like I'm exposing myself. Maybe it's a means of "paying it forward" for all the artists that have shared their process with me, and those artists who will continue to share their growth. Thank you for following - I'll look forward to hearing from you!

Slowly but Surely...

Day 3 - With this being a fairly large painting, I find myself making adjustments a little more often than I might with a smaller piece. It's kind of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle -- the closer I get to finishing the work, the more excited I am to see the finished painting (and make sure I'm not missing any pieces)!

And so it begins...

I'm carefully laying in the base layer for this very large painting. I want to be careful not to be too tight with my brush, as I can always add in some details later.

In Progress

This painting is the largest I've attempted so far. I'm a little intimidated by the size of it (36x48) but it's time I stretch myself more. I originally toned this canvas with another painting in mind, but after much thought, I decided to go in another direction. I hope you'll follow along with me and give me your thoughts!

Roses, roses, everywhere!

These little paintings are the perfect size for gifts of original art, and are now available at DCF Custom Framing and Art Gallery in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Call or stop in to see them for yourself - 313-881-6922. Mother's Day is not far away!

Women's Works

I'm so honored to have been chosen as one of the artists exhibiting in the 25th Anniversary Women's Works Exhibition at the Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock, IL. This weekend the gala reception will be held at the gallery on Saturday evening (March 24) from 7-9pm. I would love to see you there! If you can't make it to the reception, the exhibit runs through April 29. For more information, visit http://www.womensworks.net/. For gallery hours: http://oldcourthouseartscenter.com . My facebook homepage shows an image of the work that was accepted. Please visit me at http://www.facebook.com/eatonart. You can also "Like" my Eaton Art Gallery page at www.facebook.com/pages/Eaton-Art-Gallery/300614403296704.

Playing with Knives

I've been experimenting with many styles and textures recently. I love the looseness that palette knife painting creates, but have never done a painting entirely with a palette knife. This one is my first attempt. It's a small painting, and a bit simplistic, but I love the thickness of the paint and the way the colors blend.

True to Myself

I woke up this morning with many thoughts about "being an artist." It's not an easy path, in spite of the stereotypes of what an artist's life is like. I know I've wanted to "be an artist" for as long as I can remember, but the logical side of my brain always took over while I was raising children. Now that my children are grown, I have the opportunity to focus on developing this craft. But there are many days when I want to just give up. The frustrations are many, but so are the rewards. I often fight the internal battle to stay true to myself, and to continue to develop the gifts I've been blessed with. I don't claim to be a great artist, but I'm working every day toward that goal. Thank you for your support.

Sing a New Song
15" x 30"

Do Over

At the risk of embarassing myself, I decided it was time for a "do-over" of one of my early favorite paintings. When I first painted this image a few years ago, I was fairly pleased with the joyful mood that was intended in its creation. (I'm not posting the former painting here, but if you care to take the time to scroll through my blog, you'll find it.) It's definitely a lesson in humility. It's both humbling and inspiring to be able to see solid progress. This photo has a lot of glare on it -- I'll try to get a better photo when it's completely dry!

Running with scissors...

... or playing with knives -- palette knives that is! Today I decided it was time to play in the studio. I'm so serious about my work, and every once in a while it helps to try something new or different to take the edge off. I'm not saying I love what I did here, but the process was fun! I started "seriously" painting the background and silver container with a brush, then threw caution to the wind and did (almost) the rest with palette knives. The daisies were a bit difficult, so I brushed those in. I can't tell you how many times I've purchased fresh flowers with the intent of trying this. I think I need to experiment more -- I love having fresh flowers around at this time of year!

On Top of the World

Here is a progression of my steps to a finished painting on a recent work. So often, I'm caught up in the creation of it that I don't think to take photos. I love it when artists post their process! (A recent work by this artist really moved me: http://maraschasteen.blogspot.com/2012/02/painting-worth-crying-over.html.) I started with an overall toning of bright orange. I felt that this would give the painting the brightness and bounce that I wanted to achieve. The first photo might have made an interesting abstract painting. The base coat of orange gently glows through the entire painting, without overpowering it. Autumn is my favorite time of year, and this scene was almost as if the earth was on fire with its beautiful color!

On Top of the World
30" x 30"

Winter Morning

"Winter Morning Poem" by Ogden Nash

Winter is the king of showmen
Turning tree stumps into snow men
And houses into birthday cakes
And spreading sugar over lakes
Smooth and clean and frosty white
The world looks good enough to bite
That's the season to be young
Catching snowflakes on your tongue
Snow is snowy when it's snowing
I'm sorry it's slushy when it's going

Early Frost (painting by Kathleen Eaton)
18"x24"

Tryptic in Blue

I've been painting, painting, and more painting lately -- gearing up for the summer season of art fairs. I'm throwing in a couple of new styles to test the waters. Although my first love and focus has been on portraits and figurative works, I realize that I must create some more mainstream types of art in order to appeal to a broader audience. Ultimately, I know I will find my niche!

Tryptic in Blue, 10 x 20 - 20 x 20 - 10 x 20

Peace and Blessings to You and Yours!

I am humbled and honored to have recently completed the official portrait of the Most Reverend Alexander K. Sample, Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. Bishop Sample was more than generous with his time, which allowed me to make a good start on a work from life. But after several months and attending a number of meetings where he was present, I came to the decision to do a second portrait. This was based on the fact that I felt I had gotten to know the Bishop on a more personal level. The first portrait had a more "stern" countenance, whereas the second reflects a more peaceful serenity that I believe is truer to his real nature. It's my understanding that this portrait will eventually hang in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in St. Peter Cathedral, alongside portraits of all of the Bishops who have served in the Diocese of Marquette, Michigan -- all the way back to Bishop Baraga, who dedicated the Cathedral in 1866.

Bishop Sample didn't want this portrait done. I, along with others, explained that it is not a vanity issue, but a legacy to leave for the people of his Diocese. It's an important painting -- probably the most important painting I will ever have done. I thank God for the gift I have been given, and hope that in sharing it, you will be blessed. Merry Christmas!

Are You Lookin' At Me?

I don't know what inspired me to paint a cow at this time of year, but I guess I needed to get away from the "have to's" and do a quick one for myself. This little painting is only 10" x 10." I enjoyed playing with the light and shadow, while working to get the anatomy correct. Having this stern little cow stare at me in my studio makes me feel like I'd better keep at it or else!

Happy Birthday to my Sister!

This is a painting I did last year of my sister, Geri, in the fabulous costume she had custom-designed. The angle in which it was painted does not do justice to the fact that the bodice is covered with beautiful Swarovski crystals. It is an amazing work of art! This is a better photo of the painting than the one I previously published. She finally has the finished painting and I thought I would post it again here in honor of her birthday today!