A beautiful gift

Yesterday, I received a most stunning gift in the mail: "Gardenia", an original watercolor painting by Vicki Green that I won through one of Vicki's regular give aways. You can see a picture of that painting in my post of July 16th. You really have to touch this painting to fully appreciate it: Vicki has attached it to a gallery wrap canvas and then varnished it. This finishing means that the watercolor does not need to be framed under glass!This painting is already proudly displayed on one of my walls, beside a wonderful painting I won in Rhonda Carpenter's giveaway a few months ago. I have started quite the collection:-)

An added treat treat yesterday in the beautifully-wrapped parcel was the note card below, Ocean Swim, from an original watercolor painting by Vicki.

Thank you, Vicki. I will treasure these.

Weekend Art Show

I spent the weekend showing my work at a local art show organized by the Clarence-Rockland Art Association, a one-year old art association made up of mostly oil painters. The turn-out was composed in great part of friends of the artists, not very many paintings sold, but the weekend was very enjoyable.
I gave out a fair number of business cards,  sold several note cards and one of my two " Berry Lonely" strawberry paintings. 

Here are a few pictures: 







On the first picture, you can see two "Berry Lonely" paintings; the one at the top, the smallest berry, is the one that sold.

The second picture provides a view of most of the wall space I had. The paintings are fairly crowded, but I was pleased with the overall effect.

The show was well-organized: artists were provided with the grids and a table. This meant that all I had to bring was the paintings.
Here you see some of my note cards, printed from my pictures of my original watercolors.

My next showing is in September, where I will show only 1 painting in a group show by the Ottawa Art Association that will take place at the Ottawa Littlle Theatre and will run for about a month. One of my friends is preparing an Open House in early October for a group of 4 artists - this should be a lot of fun. In November, I will most likely enter one painting in the Ottawa Art Association Annual Fall Awards Show. I intend to keep an eye on all Call for Submissions for at least one interesting Xmas Show.
Meanwhile, I want to focus on improving the "purchase" section of my blog for internet sales.

Do internet sales work for you? What strategies do you use? Is joining a group site ( the best known probably being the Daily Painters and difficult to join at this point) the best way to go? I think these topics could start a very interesting discussion. I am looking forward to reading your insights on the topic....

Enjoy your Sunday evening.

Double Feature for "Berry Lonely"

Obviously, my lucky streak that saw me winningVicki Green's beautiful giveaway is continuing. My recent strawberry painting, that I have entitled  in a corny way "Berry Lonely Without You", has had a double feature on the Australian gallery site "Red Bubble": in Art up Close and in Realist Traditional Art.

In spite of all my good intentions to paint several more of these strawberries in the last week, I have not finished any new one so far; I have spent the entire weekend cutting mats and foam core, installing hanging wire and framing for my show next weekend. I have about a dozen paintings ready to go and  another half-dozen in various stages of framing. Maybe tonight I will treat myself to a good painting session:-)

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

I am so excited...

I am so thrilled! I have just won Vicki Green's July giveaway! It is a stunning, gorgeous painting entitled "Gardenia".  

It is a 5x7 inch watercolor that is mounted on a 9x12 gallery wrap canvas and then varnished. Wow!

Thank you so much, Vicki! I will certainly cherish this beautiful piece.


Here is Vicki's blog. Don't miss her next generous giveaway!

Strawberry, anyone?

Today, I painted this small  5" X 7" watercolor painting in preparation for my show in two weeks. I would like to paint a few more on the same theme: the next one with two strawberries, then one with three etc.
The picture was taken inside with a flash unfortunately.


I always love to read your comments and suggestions.

Peony and Friends: Winner of Red Bubble Challenge

I am quite excited that my painting "Peony and Friends" has just won the "Say it with Flowers" challenge on Red Bubble  and will become the avatar for the Art up Close group! I also become their fourth featured member .
.

                                                                 Peony and Friends

Approx. 8” X11”
Arches CP watercolor paper

Available for purchase

Have a great holiday weekend!

Magnolia II for Canada Day

 I have a four-day weekend because of Canada Day. It was so enjoyable to spend the day painting. After the small details of the strawberry and the maze of the peony petals, I wanted something easy and relaxing. I painted a variation of my "Southern Belle" magnolia painting ( see earlier post below). This is a smaller size than my initial version and is less dramatic...but I think that in general it is better painted. Or at least should be once I have smoothed some areas and some edges.

Arches 140 CP watercolor paper with W&N paints.
7.5" X 9.5"
The background is almost black with plum highlights.