Shiny Things

 

Shiny Things  oil 6x6 inches

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Little bottles and other shiny things that sparkle.  Fun to paint!

Three Birds

 

Three Birds oil 6x6

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From my collection  of ceramic and glass birds.  They're the only birds that will pose for me.  

Bird, Bottle & Blooms

 

Bird, Bottle & Blooms  oil 10x8 inches

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I enjoyed painting the horizontal version of this subject so much that I thought it would work as a vertical as well.  The image is a bit blurry, but the painting in person is crisp where it needs to be.  If you purchase one of my paintings, your satisfaction is guaranteed.  

IN OTHER NEWS:  I have two openings in my 2day in-person workshop scheduled for April 22-23. Location: Upland, CA.  Email me for more information.  karenwernerart@gmail.com

Sunflowers & Bird

 

Sunflowers & Bird oil 9x12 inches

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Like many artists, in March I painted several sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine.  I felt really upset by the unjust destruction and suffering taking place there. I imagined that had it been the 1930's or 40's the US and our allies would have acted differently.  Time has passed now, and sadly it's no longer headline news here.  How is it that one country obliterated another while the world watched and did nothing to stop it?  I'm not a politician or military person.  I'm just a painter, but my heart goes out to the Ukrainian people.  

A Bird With Notions

 

A Bird With Notions     oil 8x10 inches

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I had a lot of fun painting this.  The torn bits and gold are particularly enjoyable.  The books came from a thrift store or used book store long ago.  Three of these little white ceramic birds hang out in my studio.  Curiously, two have shown up at different times hidden in or behind something on my desk.  I have a feeling that one of my friends who visits my studio has left them as a surprise.  And I think I know who it is.

Bird On Green

 

Bird On Green  oil 6x6 inches

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This is the last in my February series of green dominated paintings.  I have a collection of small decorative birds, of which this is a favorite.  The bits of plant debris gives it a natural look.  I like a bit of debris in a still life to make it look more random, less staged.  This painting is on a cradled wood panel with sides natural wood color, and ready to hang or frame as you like.  

We've done some traveling lately to the High Sierras and Idaho.  I'm anxious to get back into my studio on a regular basis.  I missed my paint!  

Studious Bird

 

Studious Bird  oil 8x8 inches

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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?  

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.

Little Bird's Cherry

oil 4x6 Purchase info here. I'm so far behind in my blog posts!! I painted this little one back in July. I hope you had a great Christmas or Hannukah, and have high hopes for the new year! DEMO COMING: January 8, Huntington Beach Art League, Senior Center in the Park, 18041 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA. 7:00pm. I'll paint a still life from life, talk about my process and I'll donate a small oil toward the raffle. Open to the public.

Spring Things

                                                                     oil 12x12 inches

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 I am pleased to announce that this painting has been juried in to The American Impressionist Society's 20th Annual National Juried Exhibition. I'm very grateful to be included in this prestigious show located at the historic Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Show dates: September 19-October 2. Opening reception September 20, 6=9 pm. If you are able to visit the show, please take a picture of it hanging, as I will not be able to attend!!! Email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Little Bird

oil 4x4 inches Purchase info here. We just returned from a trip to Idaho. Catching up on my posting. When my painting time is short, I enjoy doing a simple 4x4 like this. This little painting would look sweet in a tiny easel sitting on a shelf.

Mums, The Bird

oil 6x12 inches magnify/purchase info I have a collection of birds in glass and ceramic. This is one of those with some mums from my yard. IN OTHER NEWS: I have upcoming two day workshops set for June and September. They are held here in my large studio in Upland, CA. If you would like more information just email me at karenwernerart@gmail.com

Blue Bowl Bird

oil 6x6 inches magnify/purchase info #13 in the Strada Easel Challenge. This is one of my ceramic birds. Wouldn't it be great if a real bird could pose while I paint?

Ode To Yellow -a still life painting in oil -SOLD

oil 8x8 inches magnify/purchase info Here's a still life I painted back in August with the idea that it might become a series, you know, "Ode to Green", Ode to Blue", etc. Well, it didn't. The bird is a mechanical one that chirps when it senses movement in the room. Thanks to all who visited my booths at Newport Beach and Tustin these last two Saturdays. Thank you for your purchases and interest in my work. My next event is "Art Uncorked" in Chino, November 14 from 4-8pm. Come enjoy the work of about eight artists, local food samplings, wine and beer. Tickets through Event Brite $30, or $40 at the door. Chaffey College Community Center, Chino. Proceeds help support the arts in Chino.

Ceramic Bird & Stuff -a still life painting in oil

oil 9x12 inches magnify/purchase info I painted this one in bits and pieces yesterday and today. I was juggling paint with repairmen for the washer, both refrigerators and a blown electrical circuit. At least I got a lot of breaks. That can be a good thing for a painting. Sometimes. Speaking of breaks, I'll have to break from posting for a while. I'm going to the mountains to paint this weekend, then next week a sewing project and a trip to Idaho. We're going to visit this precious little baby, Emmy May Werner, our seventh grandchild. Emmy was born on Monday and this Gramma has some hugs and kisses to give her!

Bird On A Wire -a watercolor sketch

watercolor 5.5x15 inches magnify/purchase Here's a little watercolor sketch I did recently from a photo reference.

Five In The Nest -a bird's nest watercolor painting

watercolor 7x10 inches magnify/purchase More fun with eggs in a nest. To see the previous and an explanation of the process, click on "bird nest" in "labels" below. EVENT NEWS: Tomorrow night ART UNCORKED is at Brinderson Hall, Chino Jr. Fairgrounds from 6-9. Wine, artisan beers, food and eight great artists showing their work. The event helps support the arts in Chino Valley. Tickets sold at the door and online HERE. I hope to see you if you live in the area!

Three In The Nest - a bird's nest watercolor painting SOLD

watercolor 7x10 inches magnify/purchase For once I've painted something from nothing. Without a photo reference and no bird's nest on hand, I made it up. I used alternating layers of watercolor and masking fluid. Then I removed the masking and painted the shadows. The splatters and drips were necessary and very exciting! Bird nests make me think of families with children. This one should go to a family with three children, don't you think?

Cold Perch

oil 10x8 inches, framed. With my booth at the fair partially hung, I sat back a while to look it over. Though finished and framed months ago, this painting stood out to me. It seemed dark and dismal. As I sat, I knew exactly the small changes I wanted to make. I carefully re-hung it wet the next day. The painting is from a photo I took in Sausalito after we had ridden our bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was very cold, but the sun was trying to break through. I still love how the yellow ties the scene together. The first version is below for comparison, if you like. It's always a temptation for me when working from photos to be a slave to the photo. Perhaps going back much later without the photo reference in mind is a way to take necessary liberties.

Cliff Hangers -sold

oil 12x16 inches click for purchase information and zoom Painted from a photo I took in La Jolla. These gulls were right on the edge of the sea cliff, probably a safe spot form all the people walking by. I had a great time with this one. I almost always use flats, but this time a soft round brush made a perfect mark for all that ice plant. Painted on gallery wrap canvas. The foliage, sand and water colors wrap around the sides. Ready to hang.