WILDFLOWERS, ACRYLIC, 20X24, SOLD

This is definitely not my usual painting! A few years ago, I took a month long workshop with Fritz VanEeden. Fritz is a very well known and respected artist from Holland who has been living in our town at least part of the year. I was fortunate enough to work with him for over a month, 3 days a week, for 4-5 hours. Fritz is obsessed, and if he is awake, he must have a paintbrush in his hand! He is also a wonderful man. I do enjoy this type of painting, but I just couldn't get the hang of painting out of my head. So this is my one and only true abstract!

Now, my varnishing question got several replies, both here and on facebook, and the winner is......retouch varnish! I have run to my art supply store to grab a can and now feel much more confident in my technique. So, thank you all very much for your replies!

LOTUS POND, OIL, 8X10, SOLD

While I was finishing up this painting I decided to ask for help from all of you. I am in a state of varnish confusion! As you know, we are all advised to wait at least 6 months before applying varnish. I don't know about you, but I don't have 6 months of paintings stored up, waiting to be varnished before I display or sell them. I usually finish them up by letting them dry several days until they are dry to the touch, and then I apply a light coat of liquin which I lightly rub over with a paper towel. This gets rid of the dull finish and makes the hues richer. If the painting is still around later, I varnish. Liquin's makers do not recommend the process I use but I think that is a cover your a-- move. It is really not any different than a very light glaze. I won't send a painting out without some time of finish. How do you all handle this?? And, what type of varnish do you use? I have read about several professional artists who apply varnish within 10-14 days. Do you?

SOUTH CAROLINA MARSH, 9X12, OIL,SOLD

A view of South Carolina, one of their famous marshes, painted plein air last summer. My paint peeps and I we lucky enough to be invited to Spring Island for a week of painting and other misadventure.

PEONY, 11X14, OIL SOLD

Still trying to paint flowers. This one was more difficult for me. I just could not achieve the vibrant hues I wanted!

CACTUS AND FISH, 5X7

It seems that blogger and I have gone to war. I have had a few complaints that viewers no longer can leave comments on my site. I am trying to determine if this is a REALLY BIG problem or a little teeny issue. If you have tried and failed, please let me impose on you and ask you to send me an e-mail at jmschiff@bellsouth.net. I am no computer wiz and the only option I can think of is to set up a new blog. Any suggestions???

KARIN'S VEGGIES, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

Well, I am sure you all recognize Karin most recent photo from her blog, Differentstrokesfromdifferent folks. This is my version which I closely cropped.

I have been enjoying myself in Manhattan with my daughter and granddaughter this week. We flew in and had a great time introducing the granddaughter to all the sites in the BIG CITY. Went to see "Mama Mia" on Broadway and I can recommend it to all. What a hoot!

I had an e-mail about a problem leaving comments on this blog. If you are having a problem too, would you send me an e-mail at jmschiff@bellsouth.net?

SOLD

LACECAP HYDRANGEA, 6X8 OIL

Still trying to paint flowers. I kind of like the way this one turned out.

PA FARMLAND, 6X8, OIL

This is my entry in the DSDF challenge that ended Wednesday. Karin always comes up with something new and interesting. This time, paint from a photo with no color. Harder than you would think!

TRE' PEAR - 4X6 WATERCOLOR AND INK POSTCARD, SOLD

This is all I have accomplished this week. Actually, I really enjoyed it as I have not tried a watercolor in several years. I feel I have really been struggling with my oils lately, so maybe I need to relax and do a little change of media for awhile.