Fall Demo

 

Fall Demo  6x8 inches  oil

Purchase info here.

I cautiously held in person workshops in September and October.  It seems so long ago now!  Time has seemed to drag on with staying home so much.  I have had more time to focus on painting, so I'm thankful for that, but like everyone else, I'm hoping for a better year ahead.  I'm very fond of this little demo I did for my September workshop.  It's the design and color palette that I love.  Can you see the acorn in the front?  The other little round shapes are tiny dried pomagranates given to me by my friend, Mary Jo.  They find their way into many of my paintings. 

 HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! 

 Thank you for following my work, and for purchasing. 

 I just shipped two paintings out today!

Below are some other little studies from my September workshop.

Lemon Juice

 

Lemon Juice  6x8 oil 

Purchase info here.

This is my next attempt at undermixing paint and imperfect brushwork using a scruffy hog bristle.  In the upper right background shape you can easily see the striations of color within a brush stroke.  This is what I'm after with this approach.  I see some energy and movement back there rather than just a monotonous plane of color.

Tomato Drama

 

Tomato Drama  oil 6x8 inches

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I'm finally up to my September paintings with my posts!  Here we have home grown tomatos (and one brave lemon).  They posed under backlighting while I slathered on some undermixed paint with a scruffy hog bristle...not my usual modus operandi.  Experimentation is important to me.  Looking at this painting again brings to mind a statement I heard just today on a podcast: "A painting is not a drawing.  It's a mosaic of shapes."  Michael Chamberlain

Pistachio Pair -SOLD

 

Pistachio Pair   oil 9x12 inches

Purchase info here. 

From my series of Converse Allstars, I thank my friend Juli for loaning these from her converse collection.  

Gallery Arrangement

 

Gallery Arrangement  oil 12x12 inches

Purchase info here.

On a day when I was working at Mission Fine Art in San Juan Capistrano, I brought my paints and these still life elements with me.  The background color made for a nice harmonious color scheme, and the shadow shapes added interest.  I love this mustardy yellow or yellow ochre in a painting.  

Lumpy Lemons And Exciting News

 

Lumpy Lemons  oil 10x10  

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What to do when life gives you not only lemons, but lumpy lemons?  Add a sunflower and paint a still life!  What a challenging year this has been to say the least.  I have family members and friends now with COVID, and thankfully they are managable cases.  I hope you're well and looking forward to a better year ahead.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  Recently I was granted Signature Membership of the American Impressionist Society.  This means I have been juried into 4 AIS National Juried Exhibitions.  My work has been included in AIS shows in Wisconsin, Michigan, New York City, Texas and Utah!  Signature Membership also means I can sign AIS with my name on my work.  I'm grateful to AIS for this honor.

Here's another lemon painting currently available at Vanessa Rothe Fine Art in Laguna Beach.  Call 949-280-1555 to inquire.  She does ship.   Lemon & Delft oil 10x8 inches

 

Summer Tomatoes

 

Summer Tomatoes   oil 10x10 inches

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We had a nice crop of tomatoes last summer.  Our favorites are cherry tomatoes called "Sweet 100's."  One plant gives us enough to share with others.  The yellow fruit is a tiny lime.  Surprisingly,  when the limes ripen they turn yellow and fall off the tree.  Good thing, because the tree is so thorny, you'd tear your arm up trying to pick them.  We get hundreds for making limeade or margarita mix.  

Merry Marbles

 

Merry Marbles  oil 6x6

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These are my Maine marbles.  My friend, Rachel grew up in Maine and brought them back for me after a visit.  Maine looks wonderful on the show Maine Cabin Masters.  I don't watch much TV, but I do enjoy that show.  I'd love to visit Maine one day.  I have included marbles in quite a few paintings over the years.  They add a pop of fun color, variety of size and always a little highlight.  For those of you who have heard about the design principle of unequal measures, this is a good example.  

Cherry In The Gap

 

Cherry In The Gap  oil 10x10 inches

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What is it about backlighting that adds so much interest?  It could be the shadow shapes that get bigger as they come toward the viewer.  This painting was a lot of fun.  It's a strong design that I might use again with other objects.  

                                                                                     

Garden Decor -a plein air painting from my garden

 

Garden Decor  oil 14x11 inches

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Another remembrance of Spring here.  "Garden Decor" is a little bit more civilized name for "yard crap", which is what a friend of mine calls this stuff!  lol.  Do you like this kind of stuff in your yard?  I do.  

Berries & Branches

 

Berries & Branches   oil 10x10 inches

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Since the strawberries were still perky, they took part in this, my next painting.  Here I was going for an organic, botanical feel, with the hand thrown bowl and branches cut from our still bare apple tree.  This bowl has made it into quite a few paintings.  The outer glaze is so dark, it makes for some subtle reflections.  This was a complicated painting, but I'm happy with how it turned out.

Berries & Blue

 

Berries & Blue   oil 6x12

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Juicy spring strawberries!  

May Day Mums -a plein air painting from my backyard

 

May Day Mums    oil 9x12 inches

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On this particular day in May the milder weather enabled me to paint in the sun and thus closer to my subject.  My favorite part of this set up is the blue pot against the brick color in light and shadow.  The closer vantage point allowed for more detail in the little pot of succulents. I have painted the trowel handle in this painting and On The Garden Wall to whatever color would work best for the painting.  It's really a pale green. 

 I hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  We had 8 of us (not all of us) around our table to enjoy an 18 lb. fresh turkey.  (Lots of leftovers!)  Our grandson read aloud Psalm 33.  I recommend reading it if you have some quiet time today.

I'm thankful for many many blessings, including being able to paint almost every day.  I'm sincerely thankful for  all of YOU who follow my painting journey and purchase my work.  

On The Garden Wall

 

On The Garden Wall    oil 9x12 inches

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This is more of my work from April.  It was a very warm day, but the roses and lavender were in full bloom.  I had this beautiful little pot of white mums.  Compelled to do some plein air painting in spite of Covid lockdown and the heat, I positioned myself in shade under both an avocado tree and a beach umbrella.  I had a great time and was happy with the result.  The next day was cooler, so I was able to paint this lovely subject again from a closer vantage point.  That one is coming up next.  

Patio Roses

 

Patio Roses  oil 12x12 inches

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April floribundas from my yard, painted outside on my kitchen porch.  My mother's old patio set depicted dates back to the sixties.  In high school I took geometry during summer school.  I remember sitting in one of these chairs for many days copying "theorums."  At the time, it was the only math class I got an A in because it was visual, and I got to "draw."  At this point in my life I can't even tell you what a theorum is!  

Spring Shadows -a plein air painting from my backyard

 

Spring Shadows   oil 12x9

Purchase info here.  

In April I had a glorious glob of blooms in my backyard: rannunculus, irises, and various poppies.  They really were this dense.  The shadows cast over the edge of the concrete caught my eye too.  I eyed them for several days thinking about what time window would be best.  I set up in early afternoon knowing the shadows would get longer, but I'd need to stick to my original draw in.  I worked fast to keep it loose. It was a good challenge.   

Lemon & Mustard

 

Lemon & Mustard   oil 10x10

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Another exercise in a limited color scheme; this time yellow and blue.  This and my previous painting, Circle The Yellows are reduced in price for a 10x10.  (Just in case you've been wanting to purchase, but are looking for a deal! ) 

Circle The Yellows

 

Circle The Yellows  oil 10x10

Purchase info here.

Here's a work that employs a very limited color scheme.  

Upstaged Apple And Some News -SOLD

 

Upstaged Apple     oil 11x14

Purchase info here. 

Here's a painting from my work back in April.  The rich darks are diffult to photograph, so it's even better in person.  This is more of a classical approach, which I enjoy once in a while.  

In Other News:  Part of my trip to St. George and The American Impressionist Society's National Exhibit included participating in the Plein Air Competition.  I painted over several days, and could submit one piece for judging.  I'm extremely happy to announce that I won Best Of Show for the paint out!  Thank you to AIS and judge William Schneider for recognizing my work.  The painting titled "Snow Canyon" is currently available through Illume Gallery, St. George, Utah.

 Here are some photos:

Night Pumpkin -SOLD

 

Night Pumpkin   oil 6x6  

Purchase info here.

Happy Halloween!  I'm a little late with my little pumpkin.  Nevertheless, this little five inch smooth-sided pumpkin got carved and did his best to attract trick-or-treaters last night, but not a single one showed up!  We've got a lot of candy to eat.  

I took a trip to St. George, Utah last week for the American Impressionist Society's Annual National Juried Exhibition.  I had a great time and have some exciting news to share in my next post.  

For now, in keeping with the Halloween theme, below is a whimsical painting from St. George's Red Hills Garden.  The botanical garden was decorated throughout with little scenes created by local groups and businesses.  A retirement home came up with this one!  I call it "Dessert For Spooky Seniors."

Studious Bird

 

Studious Bird  oil 8x8 inches

Purchase info here.

What a switch from my last post!  Dark and traditional.  I have a small collection of ceramic and glass birds.  I think of all the animals in creation, I find birds the most fascinating.  With little tiny "bird brains," they navigate their migration without maps, build intricate nests and protect their young.  They FLY! (I mean, think about that for a few minutes!)  One of my reocurring dreams is that by flapping my arms I can lift myself above ground and float wherever I want to go.  Do you ever sit outside just to quietly watch and listen to birds?  

Magic Shoes

 

Magic Shoes  oil 8x10 inches

Purchase info here.  

And now for something different!  This was an experiment in invented color.  I used a triad I would normally never use:  viridian, alizarin and lemon yellow.  All very cool in temperature, yeilded an icy looking painting.  

Lucky Lemon -SOLD

 

Lucky Lemon  original oil 12x12 inches

Purchase info here.  

Status and a Meyer lemon from our yard with the addition of some grocery store flowers.  A cheerful painting!  I have the perfect frame for this piece.  Email me if you'd like to purchase it framed.  karenwernerart@gmail.com

Visiting Crystal Cove

 

Visting Crystal Cove  

 a plein air painting in oil 9x12 inches

Click on image to enlarge. 

Purchase info here.  

This is the last painting done during my February camping trip at Crystal Cove,  My backpack had nearly washed away in the morning, but I felt I had gotten a pretty good painting.  I ate my sack lunch and settled in on this building which is part of the visitors center.  While working I noticed this man (probably a volunteer with Crystal Cove Conservancy) walking around inviting children to come and do a craft. I remember hearing the appreciation of the mothers and excitement of the children showing what they had done.  The gentleman sat down just long enough for me to add him in, with a little head in the opposite chair.  If you're familiar with this scene, you'll know that the staircase leads up to the Shake Shack on PCH.  I hope this painting brings up your own memories of Crystal Cove.    

Between Storms

 

Between Storms   oil 9x12 inches

Purchase info here.  

Overlooking Pacific Coast Highway at Abalone Point from Moro Campground. I had just enough time to get set up and paint this one before the winds picked up bringing in the next rainstorm.  

Sunny Day Cottage & Some Workshop Demos

 

Sunny Day Cottage -an original oil 12x9 inches

Painted on location at Crystal Cove Historic District

Purchase info here.

In March I camped for a few days at Crystal Cove State Beach.  It rained most of the time, but I was able to paint between storms.  On the one predicted sunny day I took my first Uber to the historic district.  I got two paintings in that day.  I had just the right vantage point for this one, but apparently too close to the surf.  A surprise wave came up and swept my backpack into the nearby creek.  My tripod stayed put!  I was so relieved that my phone was in my apron, not my backpack!  Lesson learned.  And another:  I did the next painting with a drippy roll of Viva paper towels and they still worked!  I came home from camping and the quarantine and lock downs began.  So long ago, it seems.

Here are a few demos from my recent workshop.  It will give you an idea of what I teach; mostly how to get a clear division of light and shadow (among other things!)  These are simplified small studies.

Carnation Blues

 

Carnation Blues  -an original oil painting 10x10

Purchase info here.

There's a complementary color scheme here, and the carnations that seemed to live forever.  The little bottle is pure clove oil which I add to my paints to slow the drying a bit.  A variety of textures are included for interest all within a limited color scheme.  Like a lot of my works, it's better in person. It's framed and ready to hang.  Click on purchase link for more info.  

Lemon In Blue

 

Lemon In Blue  an original oil painting 8x8 in.

Purchase info here.  

Here is the second painting in the series with white carnations.  In addition to their wonderful fragrance, carnations are a very slow fading flower.  I think these lasted about three weeks!  They found their way into quite a few paintings.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  I'm really looking forward to teaching a workshop this weekend!  In the spring I had to cancel two workshops, so it has been a long wait.  I do have a few spots open in my October 3-4 workshop.  Email me if you're interested.  

Look At Me Lemon

 

Look At Me Lemon   -an original oil painting 8x8 inches

Purchase info here.  

I painted this from life in my studio back in March.  Back then it was just the beginning of what has turned out to be a long, long attempt at staying hidden from a virus.  The carnations held out for several paintings, which will follow here on my blog.  I am grateful every day that I'm a painter.  It's a somewhat solitary endeavor anyway.  I hope you are well and keeping busy.  Thank you for following my work here.  

Hummingbird Cafe -a plein air painting from the historical Los Rios District SOLD

 

HUMMINGBIRD CAFE   original plein air oil painting 9x12 in.  

The Los Rios District is located along the railroad station in San Juan Capistrano, and is really worth a visit if you've never been there.  It's a neighborhood with many structures dating back to the 1800's.  Some are still private residences, and others, like this one, house cafes, coffee shops, tea rooms, and gift shops.  Sounds commercialized, but it's not at all.  It still has its old time charm.  A favorite area for painters!  

This painting is currently available and on display at Mission Fine Art Gallery, located a short walk from where I painted this scene.  Email inquiries to me at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Laguna View -a plein air painting from Laguna Beach SOLD

 

LAGUNA VIEW    original plein air oil painting 16x20 inches   

Painted from Heisler Park, this is a favorite viewpoint of many painters.  It was February, so the beach was fairly quiet, and as is typical, the sun was trying to burn through the marine layer.  My aim was able to capture the diffused light and subtle warmth from the sun.  Can you feel it? 

This is a fairly large painting for me at 16x20.  It is in a dark wood frame with antique gold lip.  It is currently displayed and available at Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano.  Located directly across from Mission San Juan Capistrano.  So go see it in person!  The gallery is now open every day 11-5.  

Also available directly from me.  Email to inquire: karenwernerart@gmail.com

Kicked Off Kicks -an original painting of Converse Allstars

 

Kicked Off Kicks    Original oil painting 9x12 inches

This is the third and last painting of the Converse Allstar "Woolrich".  There are just a few more in my Converse series.  

Colorful Kick

 

Colorful Kick   Original oil painting 8x10 inches

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Continuing the series of Converse Allstars.  This one might be my favorite, but there are several more.  

In other news:  I have openings in my September 12-13 and October 3-4 Workshops.  Geared toward beginner/intermediate oil painters, we paint from life and have fun learning fundamentals!  These are in person workshops at my studio in Upland, CA.  Limited to six students.  Email for more information:  karenwernerart@gmail.com

Sunny In Blue -SOLD

 

Sunny In Blue   Original oil painting 8x8 inches

This painting is custom framed and currently available at Vanessa Rothe Fine Art, 418 Ocean Ave.  Laguna Beach, CA.  Open Fridays and Saturdays, and by appointment.  949-280-1555

Stylin'

Stylin'   An original oil 12x12 inches  Purchase info here.   

These were SO much fun to paint!  My friend, Juli has a collection of Converse shoes.  In fact, she has so many, she can loan me a few pair and not miss them!  Imagine that!  More shoe paintings to come. 

 IN OTHER NEWS:  After ten years of posting on my blog, Google has chosen to significantly change the interface of Blogger.  I am learning.  So if you see something amiss, please excuse.  This old dog has to learn a new trick!

Still Life & Little Bird

oil 8x8 inches Purchase info here. This is a demonstration piece I did for a workshop back in January. I love this tiny ceramic bird. Years ago friends and I took a mosaic workshop and I quickly discovered that snapping ceramic tiles into little pieces with a hand tool was not for me. It was a fun day nevertheless, and I happened to come home that day with this little bird. It has found a place in many of my paintings since.

Backyard Still Life

oil 10x10 inches On a cool sunny morning in February I set up this cheerful still life in my backyard. What a pleasant painting session! That day seems so long ago now. Time moves slowly these days. Im trying to keep busy, stay positive and practice gratefulness. How about you? This painting is custom framed and available through Vanessa Rothe Fine Art, 418 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA. 949-280-1550 Here are some other pieces that have recently sold at Vanessa Rothe Fine Art:

Little Limes 6x6

Mandarin March 10x10