Lovely Lemons -a still life painting in oil

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The Radiant Tree -a plein air painting from The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info Recently I applied and was accepted into the Huntington Library art guild. This gives me permission to paint on the grounds of the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino. They are very protective of their grounds and museums, and rightfully so. I promised to not block the walkways, not to paint over walkways, not pour my turp out in the bushes (who does that?!!), bring no food, and take my trash home. That's what I do wherever I paint, so I shouldn't be too much of a threat! Yesterday we had 75 degree weather. A perfect day to give it a first go. I headed to the Chinese Garden area and wandered a bit until this tree stopped me in my tracks. The reflections were especially fun. I hope you like it.

Orange Glow

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info I hope your Christmas or Hanukkah celebrations were wonderful! It's been a very busy month for me with Christmas preparations, a trip to Idaho and four birthdays in the family. I hope to get to the easel tomorrow. Meanwhile, what intrigued me in this little painting was the way the orange influenced the color of the nearby grapes. A very similar composition to my previously posted painting. ( That's a lot of p's.) IN OTHER NEWS: I still have some openings in my January 14 and 15 Workshop here in my Upland, CA studio. If you're a beginner or intermediate painter in oils, this workshop will give you a great foundation on which to build your skills. Just email me if you're interested: karenwernerart@gmail.com

Green Pear & Grapes

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info Another simple piece from my work in September. Tuesday I fly to visit family in Idaho. If you're considering buying a painting as a special gift for someone, I'll be home in time to ship for arrival before Christmas.

Apples In A Blue Bowl

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info A little piece from September when our apple tree was doing it's thing. We don't know what kind of apples these are, but they are tart and make great pies.

Still Life In Copper

oil 10X10 inches magnify/purchase info I've been trying out a new painting surface. I purchased some MDF panels and prepared them myself with gesso, muslin and acrylic paint. The texture is very different than Raymar's smooth cotton I'm used to. So far, I like it. IN OTHER NEWS: At the Holiday Treasures reception on Balboa Island last Friday night was very happy to have received an Honorable Mention for my painting "Watermelon Wedges" from Juror Jean Stearn. Thank you, Jean and Debra Huse Gallery! My apologies for the blurry shot below. Software changes prevented me from loading pics from my iphone. But hey, look! My wrinkles are gone!

Pepper Pop

oil 8x8 inches magnify/purchase info For my birthday back in July, a dear friend gave me this old orange bowl from her collection of treasures. She went through her special things and picked out an assortment of pieces I might like to paint. She filled two large boxes. If that isn't love, I don't know what is. NEWS: HOLIDAY TREASURES EXHIBIT opening reception is 6:00 tomorrow night, Dec. 2nd at Debra Huse Gallery, Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA. Lots of small gems for your holiday shopping. These two pieces of mine are framed and ready for purchase. Bring a toy for a child and receive 10% off any purchase. 229 Marine Ave., Suite E. 949-723-6171 The exhibit will be up all month.

Famy's Creamer -SOLD

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info As a rule, I don't give painting lessons. However, there's a really nice story as to how I acquired one oil painting student. But I'm not telling. She asked me to paint her little stainless steel creamer. It was a blast. Shiny stuff is really exciting. If you're interested in learning from me, I teach 2 day oil painting workshops in my large home studio in Upland, CA. They are geared for beginners with some drawing and painting experience and intermediate oil painters. I'll be setting dates for a workshop in January and February shortly. For more info, just get on my mailing list. Send me an email at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Blue Plate Demo

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info I had a great group of students here for a workshop a couple of weeks ago. This is one of the demos I did for them. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Sunny Disposition -a still life in oil

oil 8x8 inches magnify/purchase info Another from June, I hung out painting with my friend Elizabeth Carr one day in her studio and this is the result. If you're in So Cal, it's a great time to visit her place: Studio C in Claremont. The studio is full of handmade gifts for the holidays like small paintings, handbags, jewelry and other artsy things made my local artists. 260 West Bonita Ave, Claremont. 909-289-9401

Wild Roses

oil 10x8 inches magnify/purchase info Way back in June on a day I felt especially carefree I swung my brushes around and came up with this. I set out to just experiment with a loose approach to painting roses. The color and well, all of it is pretty wild for me. Hence, "Wild Roses."

Blue Marble

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info I've been painting more 6x6's lately. This one is from September. In the past few months I've had one physical ailment after another. I've tried to keep up my commitments as best I can and paint when I feel up to it. I started doing small daily paintings back in 2009 in order to develop my painting skills. Now I can also say that the little paintings are the ticket when you have time or physical limitations. Just a thought for any of you out there who want to paint, but think you "can't." Your comments are always welcome.

Corny Baby Boo -a still life in oil -sold

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info Last pumpkin painting for this season. Did you know these little white pumpkins are called "Baby Boos?" Me neither. I Googled it. If you're thinking about adding this to your Fall decor, it will be dry enough to ship in about 4-5 days. Looks even better in person. The camera doesn't pick up the subtle color shifts in the Baby Boo.

Corny Pumpkins -a still life painting in oil

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info Candy Corn is a lot of fun to paint. Painted loosely, those sweet little triangles can add charm and conjure up some happy Fall feelings. I'm especially happy with the unfinished look across the bottom. That's something I try for but don't always get. If you bid on "Perky Pumpkin" but were outbid, this one is "buy now". You can snatch it up for a bit less than the final sale price of "Perky Pumpkin." It needs about 4 days to dry before I can ship.

Nanner, Nanner Nanners. -SOLD

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info I painted these nanners back in June. Seems like just a few days ago. Does anyone else relate to that? I like this painting a lot. Simple subject painted simply.

Still Life With Cinnamon Sticks

oil 8x16 inches magnify/purchase info Our apple tree yields these green apples. We don't know what kind they are, but they're great for pie making and painting. My neighbor gladly traded some of his pomegranates for a bag of our key limes. The cinnamon sticks fit with the fall feel and add line to the composition.

Debbie's Bowl -a still life painting in oil

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info A great group of enthusiastic ladies joined me for my weekend workshop. I guess I was having too much fun to take pictures! Here's one of the demos I did for them. I painted about twice as fast as I normally do so they'd have more time to paint. No time to fuss over this one, resulting in fresh, chunky strokes. Tonight I'm off to demonstrate for the Tustin Art League.

Cider Mill Morning -a plein air painting from Oak Glen, CA.

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info I recently got out to paint with friends at Oak Glen, specifically Snowline Orchards. It was a wonderful warm morning of painting followed by a nice lunch. We just beat the high winds expected in the afternoon. We drove home happy friends, happy painters, with our bellies full of warm apple cider mini donuts, apples and cider in the back seat. Not a bad day in the classroom for this old teacher. IN OTHER NEWS: This coming Wednesday night, Oct 12, I'll demonstrate for the Tustin Art League. 7 pm TUSD Board Room, 300 S. C St., Tustin, CA. Also, the OLD TOWN TUSTIN ART WALK AND PLEIN AIR COMPETITION is this Saturday, Oct. 15. Unfortunately, I had to cancel my participation this year due to some health issues. Nothing major. So if you were planning to visit me there, enjoy the art and music, and hopefully I'll be there next year.

Perky Pumpkin -a still life painting in oil -sold

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info I'm celebrating Fall with an AUCTION FOR THIS LITTLE PUMPKIN. BIDDING STARTS AT JUST $5! Get in on the fun and if you're the highest bidder, you'll have this little painting in plenty of time to add to your Fall decor!

Limber Lemons -a still life painting in oil

oil 8x8 inches magnify/purchase info Second demo for Associated Artists. My time for this piece was very limited, so I painted quickly. Sometimes that's a good thing. No time to fuss over things. WORKSHOP NEWS: I have one open space in next weekend's workshop at my studio in Upland. Saturday and Sunday, October 8 & 9, 9am to 4pm. If you'd like more information email me quick! karenwernerart@gmail.com

Grapes & Granny -a still life painting in oil

oil 8x8 inches magnify/purchase info Here's a demo I did on the 10th for Associated Artists' Fall Show. I'm a big fan of taupe. It sets off the greens and reds nicely don't you think? (Cad Red M, Cad Yellow L, Ult Blue + white) The white adds value contrast and line. I enjoy painting while people watch. It's not about being in the limelight but just the validation that someone else is interested in what I'm doing, and I really enjoy sharing approaches and techniques with other painters. Thank you to those of you who stopped by!

Fall Color -a still life painting in oil

oil 12x12 inches magnify/purchase info I thought this one was going to kill me. I hope it doesn't look like there was a struggle. Happy Fall, everyone! Your comments and questions are always welcome.

A Little Bit Dinghy -plein air paintings from Balboa Island -sold

Here are some shots of the last two paintings I did as part of Just Plein Fun on Balboa Island.

A Little Bit Dinghy 8x8 inches was my quick draw. About thirty artists participated along South Bay Front, having two hours to complete a painting. It was fun and festive, with an awards ceremony complete with Olympic music and gold medals. This painting sold off the easel which was a great ending to a great week. Is my head really that big, or is the painting really that tiny? Ha!

This 12x9 was my thank you gift to my hostess, Joanne. It was so kind of her to open her lovely home to me and let me come and go as I please. This is an island cottage that I thought would make a cheerful painting with its sunflowers. The quick draw was the grand finale of the week. There you have it, finally!!! Here's a shot of the participants on Gala Night. I really enjoyed getting to know a few of these fellow painters. I hope to be invited again next year.

Stop by this great little gallery when you're on the island. Some of the work from the event is still on display. 229 Marine Ave, Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171

Gallery Glow -a plein air painting from Balboa Island, CA

oil 12x9 magnify Our week of painting ended on Friday morning with all work due into the gallery by 11 am. I started early and planned to choose as subject close to the gallery in order to get it framed and in on time. I had previously considered painting the gallery itself. This morning's overcast gave the lights inside a warm glow. The crooked painting and gold frames added to the charm. This painting is available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave, Suite E, Balboa Island, Ca. 949-723-6171. IN OTHER NEWS: This coming Saturday, September 10th I'll demonstrate all day at Victoria Gardens, Celebration Hall, Rancho Cucamonga. Hours: 10 am to about 5 pm. with a break for lunch sometime. If you're in the area, come on out and enjoy Associated Artists of the Inland Empire's Fall Show. It runs from Friday morning the 9th at 10 am to Sunday at about 4. Lots of great art and demonstrations too. It's free!

Island Kids -a plein air painting from Balboa Island, CA. SOLD

oil 9x12 inches magnify Sorry my posts are slow in coming. I'm still getting my energy back two weeks after my sinus surgery. No oil painting (breathing solvent fumes) for me for another week. I can't tell you how anxious I am to get back to it. Meanwhile, this painting has a story. I set up to paint in some late afternoon shade. While drawing in, I planned to watch for people on the bench and include them. Along comes two moms with kids in tow. The kids are interested in what I'm up to. They walk right up and start asking questions. I tell them I'm drawing in, then mixing the colors I see while watching that bench for people I could put in my painting. "Can WE be in your painting?", the boy asks bursting with excitement. Well, sure. But I have to take your pictures, so go ask your mom if that's okay. Well the moms were as excited as the kids. I told them I needed one adult on the bench for a size difference. They went back and forth a bit about which of them "looked better" to be in the painting! I settled it by picking the one with the red hat. Turns out this is a Balboa Island family. They were "home." No wonder they were excited. I painted this in two afternoons. During that time another friendly island resident told me all about the little upside down sailboats. Each boat is assigned to a nine year old on the island who is taught to sail by a sixteen year old who learned the same way. The children's names are on the rack. The masts are sticking up in the center of the rack. I've spent a lot of time on Balboa Island over the years, but hadn't ever thought about what childhood would be like growing up there. So different! Back to the painting, I thought the helmet added whimsy, and their little dangling feet and shadows added charm. The grandparents came to the gallery and bought the painting. This will go down as one of my favorite plein air experiences.

Cinnamon Stop -a plein air painting from Balboa Island -SOLD

oil 8x8 inches magnify Blue Chair Bakery on Marine Ave. has the most delicious cinnamon rolls! I started painting during the morning overcast and added the light near the end of my painting session. Cars and people came and went. I snapped shots of people on the bench as I painted and added them in last. No time to eat a cinnamon roll, but I treated myself the next morning. This painting is framed and available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave., Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171

Morning Walk -a plein air painting from Balboa Island, CA -sold

oil 12x9 inches magnify I chose a nice cool spot Wednesday morning. The street lamps were still on when I started. The sun eventually broke through. This view is looking toward "the little island" from Balboa. The painting is framed and available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave., Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171. This is one of my favorites from the week, having a quiet peaceful feel to it. WORKSHOP NEWS: I have one space in my October 8-9 Workshop, and three spots in my November 5-6 Workshop. We paint still life from life in my large studio building in Upland. Limited to 6 students, you'll get a lot of individual coaching. Suitable for beginners with some experience and intermediate painters. If you're in Southern California, treat yourself to some good instruction. One of my recent attendees told me, "I feel like I got two years of art school in two days!" For more info, email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com I'll email you a description of the content and cost.

Pots, Pots, Pots! -a plein air painting from Balboa Island

oil 10x8 inches magnify On Tuesday afternoon, the second day of Just Plein Fun, I walked the island looking for shade and inspiration. Specifically, inspiration IN the shade! The multiple pots at this little cottage caught my eye. I have a thing for potted plants myself. I loved the reds against blues and that small pot directly in front of the open Dutch door. I thought about leaving out the giant pot in the foreground, but maybe the golden color might be a nice foil to the others, and maybe it would lead the eye in to the focal point. Sometimes you have to entertain some maybes. Your comments are always welcome. This painting is available at Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave. Suite E, Balboa Island, CA. 949-723-6171

Wearing my nametag backwards so it won't create it's own little painting on my shirt. Tomorrow I'll have sinus surgery. I might not be posting for a while.

Bouys & Boats -a plein air painting from Balboa Island

oil 12x9 inches and framed. magnify Monday, August 1st was pretty warm on the island and I ended up painting in direct sun. So by Tuesday I took advantage of morning overcast. At first, no sun and shadow, but they were both on the way, so I planned to add the lights at the end of my painting session. Available at Debra Huse Gallery, 229 Marine Ave, Suite E, Balboa Island, CA 949-723-6171

Island Posse -a plein air painting from Balboa Island -SOLD

oil 12x9 inches magnify Here's first painting last week at "Just Plein Fun" on Balboa Island. I'm very happy to announce that I was awarded Third Place and a Purchase Award for this piece. Thank you to esteemed judge Jean Stern and Debra Huse Gallery. About my process: While setting up and drawing in the design, I had my phone ready and watched for people, interesting cars and such going through the alley. I chose these little kids from the ten shots I took. I then drew in the figures. I painted the entire scene, then the figures from my phone. I love being able to include simple figures in my work. In four and a half days I managed to finish 7 paintings. Someone asked me recently if the pressure of competition gets to me. No. I love the process of painting SO much, I just do my best like I usually do, enjoy myself, then put it out there for people to see. It is what it is. Some will love it, some will like it and some will not. That's art. I'll post all the paintings in upcoming posts. Here's a better photo of the painting.

Winning any award is the icing on the cake. Do I look happy? You betcha!

Cupcake -SOLD

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info Here's a treat from the Local Baker in Upland. This morning I'm packed up and headed to Balboa Island for Just Plein Fun. I'm SO looking forward to a week of painting in one of my favorite locations!

Lemon Lime -SOLD

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info July is flying by with not much painting going on here. We spent two weeks in our motorhome visiting family in Idaho and camping in Idaho and Lake Tahoe. Our Idaho granddaughter traveled home with us, so this week we're showing her everything fun in Southern California and that's a lot! IN OTHER NEWS: I'm excited to announce I've been invited again to Balboa Island for the Just Plein Fun Invitational. Come visit Balboa Island next Monday, August 1 through Friday, visit the Debra Huse Gallery to find out where each of the eight artists are painting at any given time. Come to see the gallery fill up with beautiful fresh work created during the week. The Big Brush Off (quick draw) this year is on Sunday and open to amateurs and professionals. For more information, click here.