Two for One

Day 22 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days - Time flies when you're working hard! I did paint yesterday, but didn't take the time to post it because I had to go to a meeting. I'm posting it here with today's painting. Today's (the farm) was a tough one for me. I scraped it twice before finally being more content with the finished result. This challenge, to me, is all about the practice, experimentation, and getting myself painting daily. As I've already said, by late in the day it's difficult for me to get a good photograph under my studio lights. I need to do something about that!

The Schooner Ride

11" x 14"

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

The Farm

11" x 14"

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

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

Woodland Sprite

Day 19 - I decided to paint something I've been wanting to for a while and haven't had the "courage" to take the time to do it. This 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge is perfect for paintings like this. It gives me a chance to have some fun and try something new. I hope you like it!

Woodland Sprite

14" x 11"

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Some Days Are Better Than Others

Day 17 - This wasn't one of those good days. (Smile) Weekends are particularly challenging for me when it comes to this 30 Day Challenge. I chose a subject I've painted several times before, with a twist. I like the concept, and the composition, but I felt rushed. I either need to paint smaller or just give it a rest on busy days like this. I hope you're having a great day!

Reflecting

11" x 14"

Available by contacting

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Day 16

I spent the better part of the day yesterday taking care of art-related business, so didn't get a chance to paint. Shame on me! But I'm happy to say that I've sold 3 of the 14 paintings I've posted so far!! I think this "fast and loose" concept is helping me to really see the shapes, values, and colors that need to be there, and leave out what's not necessary. You wouldn't think so with some of the detail that I've been able to achieve in these little works. I'm looking forward to being able to translate some of these into larger works with the same look and feel, but slightly more detail. Thank you for stopping by!

Upper Falls at Bond Falls Park

14" x 11"

Available

Contact kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

A Peaceful Setting

Day 14 - I really didn't want to paint today, for a variety of reasons, both personal and professional. I chose a peaceful image to work on and pushed myself through it. At the end of the day, it helped to have a peaceful scene in front of me all afternoon. This one took longer than some of the ones I've done during this 30 day challenge ... I'm guessing about 4 hours. These smaller works are mainly quick studies to help me learn and work out the kinks in what might be re-created as a larger painting.

I'm having a hard time getting good photos of my work after dark. My studio lighting creates glare on the wet paint and doesn't do justice to the color, but I can adjust some of that in Photoshop. It's just one of those days. I hope you are having a great day and will look forward to hearing from you!

Wooded Stream

14" x 11"

Available

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

http://www.kathleeneatonart.com

Into The Woods

Day 13 - I've been painting a lot of trees during this 30 Day Challenge. I knew that painting trees was not one of my strengths, so I took the opportunity to practice. I had a hard time getting a good photo of this wet painting without glare, but you get the idea.

I've had a number of people ask me how to purchase my paintings. I'll be setting up a page on my website soon.

Into the Woods

11" x 14"

Available

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

Two Become One

Today is Day 10 of my 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. I'm 1/3 of the way there! This painting is from a photo I took this fall. I don't often paint trees, and this challenge has got me experimenting with a variety of things I wouldn't normally do. I have thousands of photos that I've taken over the years that I've never gone back and looked at. I would guess that's true of many artists. I prefer painting from life, but there's enough stress with this challenge in trying to do a painting a day that I think it's best not to attempt to paint in sub-zero temperatures. I do enjoy painting in winter, and one day soon I may get brave.

Two Become One

14x11

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Fall Color

Day 9 - This 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge has definitely been a challenge to me. I don't prefer painting fast, and the stress is starting to get to me. Breathe, breathe... Yes, I know. I don't have to do this. It's a great way to jump-start a year of painting, and I do wake up looking forward to what the day will bring!

Fall Color at the Bridge

11x14

Available from the artist

kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Thank you for looking!

You Win Some, You Lose Some

Day 8 - I knew today would be another busy day, but I insisted on attempting at least a small, simple painting in order to continue my journey of 30 Paintings in 30 Days. Part of the purpose of doing this challenge is to help me focus on my art, set regular hours, and be consistent in painting every day. As I was racing to complete this one, I realized that I had regressed to my "old" habits, and wasn't working loosely. I did, however paint this using only 3 colors and white (Cadmium Yellow, Alizarin Crimson, and Ultramarine Blue). Sometimes I even surprise myself. At the end of the day, I scraped it. I was actually hoping that by scraping it, I might achieve a looseness that could be perceived as having been done on purpose, but I don't think it worked. It's a learning process. I'm posting both here to show you what I did. Thank you for following!

Challenge - Day 7

I made it through the first week! Well, almost... this painting isn't quite finished, but as you can see, I did make a strong effort today. This is one of the models I've enjoyed the pleasure of painting in a number of my works. I treasure our time together ... it won't be long before she'll move on to a new life in marriage. I'm blessed to know her and her family! And so thankful for the practice of painting from life.

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

Monet's Ducks

Today is Day 4 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. There are some amazing works being created during the month! Here is a link to Leslie Saeta's blog where you can find more daily paintings posted by my artist friends: http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/. I REALLY didn't feel like painting today. But I toughed it out and am semi-pleased with this one. The photo has some glare on it, but you get the idea.

Monet's Ducks

11 x 14

by Artist Kathleen Eaton

Available

Contact the artist at kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Winter Continues

This is going to be harder than I thought (I knew it would be difficult)! I chose a simpler study to work from today knowing that I have a lot on my plate. I kind of rush this one too. I hope to get back to focused painting tomorrow!

Winter Continues

11x14

by Artist Kathleen Eaton

Available

For more information, contact the artist at kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Winter Serenity

This is Day 2 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. So far, I'm 2 for 2! All the paintings I'll be doing during this challenge are available. And don't forget to look for some of my older works on my Ebay store at http://www.ebay.com/usr/eatonsplace. This will be your last chance to purchase my work at reduced prices. Those that don't sell will be permanently removed from my inventory (i.e. BURNED).

Winter Serenity

11x14

Original Oil Painting by Kathleen Eaton

Available

Contact the artist at kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Out with the Old, In with the New

Happy New Year! I'm starting it off in grand fashion by challenging myself to participate in Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days. My personal goal in this challenge is to loosen up my style of painting by working more spontaneously, while limiting the color pallette that I use. I hope you'll follow my progress! It's a little nerve-wracking to be honest. I have some larger paintings in the works that I may also post as I complete them. Today I am Number 267 of about 1,000 artists who signed up to join this challenge. I'll be posting daily and will try to let you know where to find my work in this massive undertaking. Leslie, if you're reading, I salute you! Here is a link to Leslie's blog:  http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/. Here is my painting of the day:

 Snowy Day on the Farm

8" x 16"

Original Oil painting by Kathleen Eaton

Available

Contact the artist at kathleen@kathleeneatonart.com

Now for the rest of the BIG NEWS! I have decided that it's time to reduce my inventory of unsold paintings. My style is constantly evolving, and I want to offer an opportunity to my followers to obtain my work before I burn it. (Yes, this is truly a FIRE SALE.) Please click the link below to view the paintings I am offering at auction on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/eatonsplace

Thank you for your support! I wish you and yours a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year!

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

Summer's Over? Hardly!

Doesn't it seem like summer just started? Every year it flies by so quickly. I'm still in the thick of it, with several painting events coming up in the next couple of weeks. Here is my schedule:

Friday, September 12 - Quick Paint from 2-5pm in downtown Delafield, WI with and opening reception for the Wisconsin Plein Air Painters Members Show "Brush With The Wind" at the Delafield Art Center that evening. (http://wipapa.blogspot.com/)

September 13-14 - My work will be on display in the River's Edge Gallery booth at the Hidden River Arts Festival (http://www.wilson-center.com/hidden-river-art-festival)

September 17-20 - Plein Air Shorewood, a plein air painting festival in Shorewood, WI (See their website for a schedule of events: http://pleinairshorewood.com/) The Show and Sale is Saturday, September 20 at 6:30pm at the Shorewood Public Library. There are also events during the day that will allow you to preview the work. I hope you can come!

September 28 - Opening reception, "The Art of Preservation" - Rahr-West Museum, Manitowoc, WI

I thought I'd share a quick study and the finished studio painting I did from the study to show one of my methods of working out the kinks in my paintings. It really helps to have the opportunity to paint from life whenever possible. I painted the study from life at the Green Bay Botanical Garden in about an hour. The studio work took about a week. The study is 11x14, while the finished studio work is 24x30. I've accumulated hundreds of photos from similar scenes to work on throughout the winter, so the small studies that I've done will help. The finished studio painting shown here will be on display (and available for purchase) at the Rahr-West Museum in Manitowoc, WI, from September 28 to November 2, 2014.

A Day at the Botanical Garden by Kathleen Eaton