Red Ribbon No.2

 

Red Ribbon No.2  oil  8x8 inches

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Look familiar?  The day after painting Red Ribbon, I still felt excited about this set up, (and it was still on my table) so I took a different approach:  a smaller canvas, a scruffy hog bristle that will make imperfect marks, an even cooler palette, undermixed paint, and time contraints.  Only the book is missing, but what a different look.  This was a lot of fun.  

Red Ribbon

 

Red Ribbon  oil 10x10 inches

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Here's a demonstration I did for a workshop I held in September.  Our tree was giving us hundreds of apples, so I continued to paint them while I had them   You may have noticed my love of red and green together.  Speaking of color temperature, these are cool reds, and comparatively cool greens, so I kept the drapery cool as well.  The book, apple russet (the golden brown on top) and the stems are warm browns.  An example of dominantly cool, with a bit of warm.  The composition is cruciform, my favorite.  The objects go off all four sides, dividing the picture plane into interesting negative shapes.  I hope this is interesting to you.  These are the things I think about, and teach in my workshops.  For me, it is very fun stuff!

Three Apples

 

Three Apples  oil 10x10 inches

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Coming up with a title for this one was more difficult than painting it.  I asked my accountant (husband), and went with what he said.  Why didn't he inventory the cherries too?  This was a demonstration I did on Zoom for the Anaheim Art Association in September.  

Plated Pickings -SOLD

 

Plated Pickings  oil 11x14

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A painting from September when our tree was loaded with apples and cherries were in the stores.  Happy New Year!  Wishing you health and peace for 2022.  Thank you for your interest in my work.  

Apples & Friends III -SOLD

 

Apples & Friends III  oil 6x6 inches

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!  Here's a little demonstration I did for a painting class in a gallery.  Lighting is so important no matter where you paint.  Too much direct light on your canvas and palette, and you'll unknowingly paint too dark.  Conversely, if you paint in deep shade or dim light, you'll paint too light.  In this circumstance I had a skylight above me giving me too much light, causing me to paint darker than I normally would.  Nevertheless, I like the result!  

Crystal History

 

Crystal History   oil 12x16 inches

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I used one of my photo references for this piece.  A few years ago my husband dropped me off on the side of Pacific Coast Highway to paint this view.  I was just uphill from the Shake Shack safely behind a guard rail.  (If you aren't familiar with the history behind Crystal Cove's cottages, it's worth a Google.)

I painted for about three hours, and in just a few days the painting sold.  This one is for sale unfamed, but I have a beautiful custom white with silver lip frame available for purchase if you like. A very "beachy" look!  

Apples & Friends -SOLD

 

Apples & Friends  oil 6x6

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I painted this quick little piece as a class demonstration.  You can't beat painting still life for learning how to render the 3D form of objects.  It's very possible to paint simply and directly with a large brush and still get a realistic look.  No need to noodle away with tiny brushes! 

I'm getting ready for our Christmas celebrations, so in case this is my last post before Christmas, Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!  Thank you for your interest in my work, and may your New Year be a healthy and happy one!

Slice Of Life

 

Slice Of Life   oil 6x6 inches  

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I painted this one as a class demo back in June.  At this point, I hardly remember the details of that day!  Life has had its ups and downs since.  I'm sure it's the same for you.  Some slices of life are sweet, and others are tough to chew and hard to digest!  No matter what, we can choose to be thankful and make it a good day. 

IN OTHER NEWS: 

I just opened up two Paint The Lively Still Life 2 Day Workshops: Feb 5 & 6 and March 5 & 6, 2022.  These are located in my studio in Upland, CA.  If you're interested, email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com for more info.  

Rental 21

 

Rental 21   oil 9x12 inches

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In June, my husband and I camped in the High Sierras at Twin Lakes.  We "dry" camped in our small RV between tall pines.  The RV barely fit between the trees!  No phone service and no internet.  I quickly realized how often I Google something!  But back to the painting.  On our last day, we hiked down to the lake for breakfast in the diner, then time to paint.  I noticed high rainclouds, but a gentleman who did have internet assured us there was no rain in the forecast.  (You can guess how this story ends.)  I set up to paint, and after about 30 minutes of dissatisfaction, wiped off and spun my easel in the direction of this scene.  I was nearing the finish when a very strong wind came up.  (The kind of wind when people scream, grab things and run for cover.)  I held onto my easel till it passed, and noticed the clouds had darkened.  Finishing quickly, I then packed up and we hiked about a mile back to our RV.  In an instant, the clouds let loose with big drops.  The wet earth and pines smelled wonderful! I'm happy with this little painting.  Sometimes having to paint fast is an advantage. It results in an underworked loose and lively painting.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  I have a few spaces left in my November 13-14 Workshop.  This in-person workshop is chock full of content.  You'll learn a lot in just two days!  Email me for a full description.  karenwernerart@gmail.com

Spring Demo -a demonstration for Westlake Village Art Guild

 

Spring Demo  oil 12x12 inches

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Here's a demonstration painting I completed for the Westlake Village Art Guild on Zoom.  I much prefer demonstrating in person, but this art guild made Zoom easy and successful for myself and the audience.  In fact, they created a video of the demonstration that is now viewable on their website.  If you're interested, here's a link to the video.  Many thanks to Wendy Gordin and the Westlake Village Art Guild!

Gray Day Fountain- a plein air painting from the Orange Circle -SOLD

 

Gray Day Fountain  9x12 inches

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In May my friend Mary Jo and I painted at the Circle In Orange.  It was an overcast day, but warm enough that people were out walking, sitting and visiting as usual at this charming spot in Old Town Orange.  I finished most of this on location and did some minor adjustments in the studio.  I enjoyed the figures and calligraphy on the buildings, but the most interesting thing I discovered in my observations is that the fountain's rising water was a bit darker value than the cloudy sky.  My brain might have told me otherwise, but careful observation of what I really see is always the way to go.  Fun stuff!

Cannoli In Blue

 

Cannoli & Blue    oil 6x6 inches

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It has been a while since I've posted.  I took a few weeks off for family reasons, but I got back to the easel today.  Boy did it feel good to paint!  This little cannoli got painted then eaten back in May. 

 The Balboa Art Walk in September was fun and successful for me.  Thank you to all my followers who visited my booth! 

 At Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano I have three pieces on display just until October 29.  On Oct.30 I'll be leaving the gallery in an effort to simplify life and slow down a bit.  So if you're in that area, perhaps you can stop by in the next two weeks and see my work in person. Below are some pieces that have sold recently at Mission Fine Art Gallery.  

Laguna Treasure 12x16

Mission Spring Fountain  11x14

Mission Bells 10x10

Cannoli Afternoon -SOLD

 

Cannoli Afternoon  oil 10x10 inches

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I set this up in my back yard one cool afternoon in May.  It was still yummy hours after I had painted it!  I've had a couple of recent online sales, so I want to take the opportunity to thank all of you who enjoy looking at my art, making comments and making purchases.  Thank you sincerely for supporting my work.

Below you can see a painting I did as a surprise.  This family welcomed us into their backyard garden very early in Spring because I wanted to explore growing in buckets.  They generously shared all their gardening expertise, then picked us some salad greens to take home.  I happened to get a great photo with my iphone that I later painted from.  I surprised them with the painting just before they moved to Idaho.  Gardening in buckets worked well!  We have cucumbers, summer squash, cherry tomatoes, and two heirloom tomatoes all coming from buckets!

                                                     The Family Garden  6x12 inches

Mom's Notions

 

                                            

Mom's Notions  oil 8x6 inches

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My mom grew up during the depression.  She didn't waste anything.  She cut buttons off of old clothing and saved them in a cold cream jar.  You can see one of her old wooden spools of thread inside this antique mason jar.  I have enjoyed painting mom's buttons several times.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  

• I have 2 openings in my Sept. 18-19 Workshop.  Email me if you're interested. karenwernerart@gmail.com
• I'll be doing a demo on ZOOM Wednesday the 8th of Sept. at 7pm Pacific Time.  This is for the Anaheim Art Association.  I'm not sure, but you may be able to attend via ZOOM.  Visit the Anaheim Art Association Website and contact them. 
• The BALBOA  ART WALK is on!  SEPTEMBER 26 from 9-5 along the south bayfront sea wall.  100 artists plus live music!  I'll be near Pearl Drive and the fuel dock.  Park in the Balboa Pier  parking lot on the penninsula, take the ferry to the island on foot, and turn left when you get off the ferry. I'll have framed and unframed work for viewing and sale.  I hope to see you! 

Petals A Plenty

 

Petals A Plenty  oil 12x9 inches

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I painted this piece originally in 2017.  Recently I made some major changes, mostly to the surface and background in the interest of better color harmony.   I also added the fallen debris.  Normally I'd post the "before" photo, but I lost a lot of my files when my computer crashed a couple of years ago.  I hope you've had a nice weekend.  I got my second Covid vaccination on Friday and I'm almost back to normal today.  Stay well, my friends!

Gerainiums & Berries

 

Geraniums & Berries  oil 8x8 inches

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Some geraniums from my yard with local strawberries.  This vintage sugar bowl makes a set with the creamer in my previous post.  The shine gives off some nice reflections.  I painted this in March.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  I have a few spots open in my September 18 and 19 workshop.  For more info or to register, please email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Stawberries & Cream

 

Strawberries & Cream  oil 8x8 inches

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Painted from life in the studio, some geraniums from my yard with local strawberries.  I love green & red together.  

Too Corny?

 

Too Corny?  oil 10x10 on cradled panel

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I love the colors of Fall.  I had a great time with this one.  Though it may look tediously painted, I used a fairly large brush and painted the kernels in just a few steps.  This is on a cradled wood panel, ready to hang or frame as you like.  

Randy's Whate Tours

 

Randy's Whale Tours  12x9 acrylic

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A while back I bought some acrylic paint.  I wanted to play around with a fast drying water soluable medium.  I thought maybe they would be more convenient to travel with,  Well I haven't been able to leave my oils at home yet!  In any case, this is one of two paintings I have finished in acrylic.  We visited Monterey a few years back, so I used my photo reference for this painting.  

Biplane Beauty -a plein air painting from Cable Airport

 

Biplane Beauty  9x12 oil

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The second painting from our day at Cable Airport.  This one was soon going back up, so I painted as fast as a could.  I got most of it in before our time to paint was up, and finished it the next day in my studio.  I loved the vibrant color of this plane.