Plenty of Sunshine 6" X 12" Pastel on Pastelbord

                                                                     

      

It's funny to me how a smaller painting can sometimes take longer to complete than a larger one. I'm sure the subject matter factors into it, and the medium you're using and the ease or difficulty of the different stages. This sunflower painting seemed to take such a long time.

Do you remember that scene in the "Amadeus" movie after the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II listened to one of Mozart's operas that was somewhat long? He'd been yawning while Mozart conducted the piece, and when Mozart asked  the emperor how he liked the opera, the emperor replied, "Too many notes, Mozart. Too many notes! Just cut out a few, and it will be fine."

With my painting I thought a similar thing only about sunflower petals. "Too many petals. Carol. Too many petals!" I didn't cut out any though. Nor did Mozart cut out any notes.

Agave Shadows 8" X 10" Oil on pastelbord SOLD

                                                                             

I've always loved the color combinations found in nature here in the southwestern states particularly the oranges and blues.

I painted this in oil on Pastelbord which I usually save for pastel work. But, the description of the product says it can be used with oils, and part of the surface mixture is created with gesso, so why not try it?!
I like the slightly rough appearance it has as opposed to  a smooth wood panel, and the oils readily cling to the surface and cover it nicely. The only downside is that the sanded surface is hard on brushes, so I tried to stick with my older bristle brushes as much as possible.

This painting is up for auction at Daily Paintworks here .

A Touch of Yellow 8" X 8" Oil on panel SOLD

                                                                                

I love these flowers with their little "knobs" in the middle. They grow everywhere in all kinds of climate zones, or at least a version of them. I've seen them in the desert, the mountains, the plains and of course, in bouquets. They're always so cheery, don't you think?

Up for auction at Daily Paintworks.     Click here.