Plum Blossoms

I began this painting from life about three weeks ago but was distracted by some need and the flowers wilted away before I could return. Apparently I had the sense to snap a photo of it, which I located recently and thus I completed the painting. I love the way the reddish leaves cup the delicate blossoms.

It's on ART P-400, which is a sandpaper made for pastels. It actually 'grabs' the gouache nicely, though it's tough on my brushes.

Gibb River

This is a painting done from a photo provided by an acquaintance for a challenge over at WetCanvas. We have a monthly thread with photos we share, and this is the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley, Northwestern Australia. Nola tells me, "The Gibb River Road is very famous and a lot of people aspire to travel it. There is spectacular scenery in the gorges, etc., along the road, and you only go if you have an extremely sturdy 4 wheel drive as it is all corrugated gravel. This was taken at Wynjanna Gorge." I'm fairly certain I've added a touch of New Mexico influence to it, so let's say it's a Southwestern version of the area! Thanks, Nola, for the inspiration.

On Canva-Paper.

$50.
Paypal or personal check

Royalty

My friend Barbara Noonan, who paints fantastic portraits, allowed me to practice with her photographs. Now, you have to understand, she is also a fine photographer, so this was quite a boon! This is one of her pics. I loved her stance, like a princess, her beautiful curls, and those eyes. I don't know that I did this beauty any real justice, but I am having a blast painting portraits. It's on Canva-Paper, so another miniature oil painting look alike.

For now I'm not offering these for sale, but I may soon. I'm becoming more confident with practice. That's the idea, after all. I'd love to know what you think, if there are any "yous" out there looking in...

NFS

On the River

This one is gone already, but only because I gave it to a friend who's been wanting one like it for a long time. It's done from the same photo as Moon River. It's fun to see the differences a couple years make.

I love the texture of this Canva-Paper. If you didn't know it was the size of a business card you might think it was an oil painting.

NFS

Good Grapes

I admit to having been in a pink mood lately. (My first granddaughter is due in August!) These grapes called out to be on a pink ground. I enjoyed the texture of the Canva-Paper, which makes it look like a little oil painting.

Oh, and they were good, too!

Steven

I borrowed this photo from WetCanvas, too, and have never met this man. The name on the file is Steven. I couldn't think of a title, so Steven it is! I painted it on Illustration Board, which lets the paint sit on top of the paper. It's a much different experience than painting on the softer papers like Arches or Pastelmat. Every stroke shows up! I really like the hat and lanyard and decided to leave it in place, boldly black, which seems to draw the eye to his face. I'm most pleased with the glasses and with his beard. I'm still learning!

NFS

His Look

Another of my experimental portraits, this time trying a man's face. I painted it on black Pastelmat paper, which has given him a swarthy complexion that I think works pretty well. The photo is another one from the Reference Image Library at WetCanvas. I'm learning a lot!

NFS