"Colorful Character" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Today's open studio model was a wonderful, colorful character and musician, J. P. Baily. After he finished modeling, he played and sang a song he wrote. It was great. We all  danced and laughed.
My goal was to keep it simple and use color with confident brush strokes.  I didn't want to describe much.  I am happy with this piece.

"Color Character" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas, 20"x20" Oil on Gallery Wrap

Pushed Out Of My Comfort Zone

I was pushed  out my comfort zone with color today. I had to walk away to wrap my brain around what had just happened. I painted a successful bottle and then the instructor pushed a few changes.  I had no idea what to think.  My masterly ellipse  at the top of the bottle was changed to simple color. My highlight was dabbed. The color was pushed to a magenta on one side and into the background. I had to walk away.
I looked at other students' painting and then I returned. I slowly began to understand what the instructor was doing.  Then I added my own expressionist marks.
I am very happy with the progress. Homework suggestion was to setup a still life and paint it over and over again until the brush strokes are automatic.

Oil On Linen Sheet Study By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Persimmons By Verna Pooler

My persimmons are not quite ready to eat. At Tuesday Painters, I set up this still life. Yesterday I added the background. It was painted on 300# watercolor paper. Don't know what to do with all of these painting, but, I enjoy the challenge of trying to do better.

Christmas Watercolor By Verna Pooler

This week while I was thinking about the upcoming holidays, I decided why not do a Christmas watercolor.  My daughter, Jennifer always does a watercolor painting for her holiday cards.  I got out the candle holder my Dad made for me many years ago and set up this still life.  It was painted on a quarter sheet.  Hope you enjoy it and that it makes you smile.

A Brush With Expression By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

I attended a wonderful workshop by Elio Camacho at Wright's Custom Framing in Brookings, Oregon. This time I learned more about expressionist style using color and brush work.  It was recommended after I painted my first still life to paint it again. This would reinforce what I learned. I got a lot out of this one day event.

I taped two 9x12 linen sheets on a board to paint the bottom painting first and  then recreated it in the top panel.

First study where the instructor pushed the color on the  red pot, green vase and tabletop.

Second attempt with more confident strokes and without the green vase.

"Christmas Preflight" By Jennifer Thompson

Each year since at least 2006, I have painted an aviation themed Christmas painting to use as our card. This is the one for 2013..."Christmas Preflight" (Plane Christmas, 7th in a Series) watercolor on paper, 11"X15".

"Christmas Preflight" (Plane Christmas, 7th in a Series) By Jennifer Thompson, Watercolor on Paper, 11"X15"

"Free Parking" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Since I had an old canvas and yesterday's paint still mixed on my palette, I decided to practice my   cool and warm gray colors with big brush strokes.  I was happy with the results.
There is not a lot of detail in this painting but I think it describes the alley and the car. I painted "alley stuff" in the background with abstract shapes. Again, I am happy with it.

"Free Parking" Oil On Linen - 8x10"

Verna Paints Yupo

After looking at this watercolor for a few day, I decided it was done. As you may remember, I painted with Sharon Guinn. We each had a bouquet of flowers, which resulted in totally different paintings. The common thread in was the vivid Doak liquid watercolor paints.

"Gold Beach" By Verna Pooler

Finished another watercolor this week from a sketch I did last month.  Yesterday, I painted in Gold Beach with Sharon Guinn.  It was a creative time with yupo paper. Hope this sunshine last all week.

"Re-Visiting Bandon" By Verna Pooler

Was happy with my previous watercolor painting . I made finishing touches at Tuesday Painters. 

"Re-Visiting Bandon" By Verna Pooler - Watercolor On Paper

"Autumn In Yosemite" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

I painted in Yosemite Valley about two years ago and it was wonderful. I am back painting the same scene and so happy. There is  hardly anyone here and it feels like I have the run of the park. Beautiful. I hiked the trails and took pictures. The leaves are dropping fast so I know winter is coming soon. I was told it was unseasonably warm. I am loving it.

"Autumn In Yosemite" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas - 8X10" Oil On Canvas Board

"Autumn Dance" By Jennifer Thompson

Spending a long weekend at Coeur d'Alene with B. It has been good to get away and relax. A bit of snow this morning but it is cozy inside. I have a fat novel, a bit of knitting and my paints.....

"Autumn Dance" By Jennifer Thompson - 7X10" Pen and Watercolor on Paper

"Changing Seasons" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

I have studied hard for the last year on how to finish a landscape yet keep it looking fresh. This is not easy. But I am pretty happy with this piece I painted today at the Watt Avenue Bridge in Sacramento. I think I see the light.

"Changing Seasons" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas - 8X10" Oil On Linen Canvas Board

Watercolor By Jennifer Thompson

What with one thing and another, I haven't painted much this month; just this rather unfortunate landscape which I plan to do over. I wanted a reminder of our summer fun in the Idaho back country, and Brian wanted, "...the Stinson on a sand bar by the river and a deer peeking out of the woods...". So, I have those things, but what a mess. I had no idea what to do with the foliage, and it shows! Also, the river I just whipped in after having pretty much written off the whole thing. I will have to give it another go.

Watercolor By Jennifer Thompson

Study By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Here is another study to completion where the paint is layered  to keep each under painting. Quite the effect, isn't it?

Watercolor By Verna Pooler

Sketched this one while I was in Bandon....just over look the rough areas!

Maui Watercolor By Verna Pooler

Painted yesterday for the first time since I left Jennifer's place. Sketched a few times in Maui, which I used for the attached painting.  It is good to be home, even in the fog.

Maui By Verna Pooler - Watercolor on Paper

"American River" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

I went out painting with a dear artist friend along the American River at a spot I like to paint. What a beautiful day with the leaves turning.  Best part is the salmon are also running. I asked several successful fishermen what they were using and they said a bead set up. Now a fisherman wouldn't lie to me. Would he?

"American River" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas - 8"x10", Oil on Canvas Board

"Family Treasures" By Jennifer Thompson

OMGosh! Strike up the band; or may be the Halleluia Chorus!!!! I declare it done, flaws be darned!
"Family Treasures"; watercolor on paper, 11X15"
Just in time, too, because the trees are turning and Fall is in full-swing so if it doesnt rain tomorrow, I would like to do some plein air. I could try some landscapes as an antidote to these Still Lifes!

"Family Treasures" By Jennifer Thompson -  Watercolor On Paper, 11X15"

Will I Ever Finish? - By Jennifer Thompson

This is turning out to be the Never Ending Still Life, lol! Brian really, really likes a lot of detail so I am indulging him in this since the small pewter pitcher and the table were his mother's and the plate was his Great-Grandmother's and the pear is from one of the trees that his Grandfather planted. The detail on that plate is making my head hurt!

In Progress By Jennifer Thompson

As you can see, I didn't get much painting done but I did make a significant dent in the veggies. I have 4 pts Green Tomato Relish, 11 pts Mixed Pickles, 10 pts Tomato Sauce and 9 pts Diced Tomatoes. Geez, I am tuckered! May be I can let the veggies rest tomorrow and spend most of the day painting instead.

"Winchester Bay" By Verna Pooler

Just finished the painting I sketched at Winchester Bay. It was painted on a quarter sheet. Having registered for the watercolor conference, I am having seek outs doubts. What to do? Enjoy our sunshine along as lasts.

"Winchester Bay" by Verna Pooler - Watercolor On Paper

Pen and Watercolor By Jennifer Thompson

A lot going on today, as usual! I set up a still life and got it drawn onto watercolor paper, soaked and stretched. I knew I didnt have time to paint the 1/4 sheet between cooking and ketchup making and chorus rehearsal, so, I decided to do a pen and watercolor study in prep for tomorrow.

Pen and Watercolor By Jennifer Thompson

30 In 30, Day 30 - "What's Up?" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Day 30 -  I did a quick watercolor of this kitten. I might need to make some adjustments later with the color but this is far as I am going to do tonight. 
Thank you, again, Leslie for your wonderful 30 In 30 Paint Challenge. I was inspired to pull out my watercolors  after seeing  Verna Pooler's  and Jennifer Thompson's  gorgeous work.  I have already sold several cards of the watercolor cats from this challenge and put some in a gallery.

"What's Up"  - Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas - Watercolor On Paper

30 In 30, Day 30 - "Sunflowers and Heirloom Tomato" By Jennifer Thompson

Day 30 - I didn't get 30-in-30 done BUT I definitely feel a renewed sense of artistic purpose that I don't think would have happened otherwise. The bigger challenge will be to keep at it! I started the month having not painted much this past year; and turning out some pretty pathetic efforts, I might add. Even though I still see plenty of flaws, I have an idea what to do next time, and for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to next time!

"Sunflowers and Heirloom Tomato" By Jennifer Thompson -  Watercolor on paper, 11"X15"

30 In 30, day 30 - "Rainy Day" By Verna Pooler

Day 30 - I am here in Woodburn looking out at rain. A brief rainbow was followed my heavy rain. Shall I wait for sun? Rain is forecasted for day. Better head home or at least part way home. Enjoy being dry, as we will not see sunshine till later in the week.

"Rainy Day" By Verna Pooler - Watercolor On Paper

30 in 30, Day 29 - " Down By The Pond" By Jennifer Thompson

Day 29 - Mom and Lisa left this morning so I am in the post-company let-down. Decided to try some "plein aire" from the cab of the truck on this blustery, early Fall day.

"Down By The Pond" By Jennifer Thompson - Watercolor and Pen On Paper

30 In 30, Day 28 - "Sunny Whaleshead" By Eva Marie Tanner-Klaas

Day 28 -   I painted today but not outdoors. It is pouring down rain.  Instead I painted a painting from a study I did a few weeks ago when the weather was nice. 

"Sunny Whaleshead" - 6"x6" Oil With Palette Knife on Board

30 In 30, Day 27 - "Harvest Celebration" By Verna Pooler

Day 27 - Finished the still life while Jenny was at practice and Lisa had gone to bed. It was done on a 9x12 watercolor block.

"Harvest Celebration" By Verna Pooler - Watercolor On Paper

30 In 30, Day 26 - In Progress By Jennifer Thompson

Day 26 - Still in progress with this one. My sister arrived and we are having a blast!

Painting in Progress - Watercolor On Paper