Tea Time And A Dog Portrait

oil 11x11 inches Purchase info here. Here are some of my favorite things to paint: liquid in a cup (tea or coffee), lemons, old books, and flowers. This is the last of the four 11x11 paintings I did in November. Below, an easel shot of one of my favorite dog commissions: "Shadow." I didn't get to meet this dog, but he sure looks sweet! The photo reference was especially unique, with very warm afternoon light coming from below the dog's head.

Madeline

oil 11x11 inches Purchase info here. I really enjoy painting the things of childhood. It conjures up memories of my own childhood and thoughts of my children and grandchildren. It's a magical time. When was the last time you smelled a brand new crayon? This painting is on hardwood 1/2 inch deep with sides stained. It is ready to hang or frame in a simple floater frame of your choice.

Goodness

oil 11x11 Purchase info here. Second painting of four 11x11's. Ready to hang, or it would look great in a simple floater frame of your choosing. These squares would look great grouped together. Two more coming up!

Abundance And Other Stuff

oil 11x11 Available at Square i Gallery in Claremont, CA. Call 909-625-2533 to inquire. After I finished the 30 Day Challenge in September, November continued to be a great month of painting. I completed four pieces for Square i Gallery's 11x11 Show for December. It was my first year entering this odd-sized show. This piece is painted on a wood panel 1/2 inch deep and stained on the sides. I prepped the panel with muslin and gesso, which made a great light toothed surface. It is ready to hang, but would also look great in a simple floater frame of your liking. Below you'll see my conglomerate photo of the September paintings (one missing) laid out on my studio floor. Also below, a dog portrait commission for a fellow artist. I loved painting Bounder! The client gave me a great photo to work from. It's 14x11 and was a gift for her husband. I love being part of surprising someone with a heart-felt gift! To commission a dog portrait, email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Just Glass

oil 8x8 inches Purchase info here. On the last day of the 30 day challenge I had a mild migraine. I chose a familiar subject; glass. When I have a good excuse for not painting but need to paint anyway, I think of the master watercolor painter, Milford Zornes, who continued to paint when he was nearly blind. I think of others who learn to paint with their mouth or feet. Painting frequently is important for me to stay fresh and grow as a painter. Once I push past the excuses in my head and get into my studio I'm usually glad I did, and often I feel better. What strategies do you use to "show up" when you don't feel like it?

When Trolls Were Fun

oil 8x6 inches Purchase info here. 

 When I painted this I was feeling a bit of whimsy and irritation at the same time. Trolls were fun when I was a kid. I could always relate to the troll hair as mine was very curly/frizzy and got bigger if I brushed it. Curly haired girls, you know what I mean. I made little troll clothing by cutting and hand stitching pieces of felt. Sweet memories of an innocent time. Nowadays we have internet trolls who have nothing better to do than to interject their unsolicited opinions on social media. Irritated by one such troll that day, I chose to celebrate with this painting the good days when trolls were fun.

Backyard Branch

oil 9x12 inches Available through Vanessa Rothe Fine Art, Laguna Beach, CA. Last September our backyard apple tree gave us a bumper crop of there were plenty to paint, eat, and make into pies! Currently the tree is just beginning to leaf out. Here's hoping for more apples!