LEEK AND CHERRY TOMATOES, 6X8, OIL SOLD

It seems I always return to still life paintings and the ever popular fruits and vegetables.  Especially for small works, they are so much fun.

And of course, they are all double duty, first as models and secondly as lunch.
Purchase here
SOLD

ARTICHOKE AND RADISHES, 9X12, OIL

Something light and bright to bring cheer on a dark and cold winter evening.  Spring is just around the corner.

Purchase here
$239
Things are heating up in my painting  give-away.  To enter, just make a purchase from www.carolschiffstudio.etsy.com or www.carolonedge.etsy.com.  Your name will be entered once for each item you purchase thru March 31, 2011.  Good luck!

POPPY FIELD, 8X8, MIXED MEDIA SOLD

I really like to go a little abstract, some days more than others.  I'm not sure that it is a good practice for an artist to vary subject matter and styles of work so drastically.  What do you think?  Should I bang away day after day, trying my best to improve my skills and develop a recognizable style...or is it okay to take a day off now and then to play?  Somehow, if I stay too focused, I think I get a little too serious about this..forgetting that I am retired and this is my "hobby".

Hmmmm, I think everyone needs a day off!  If it effects my more serious painting, so be it!

FINAL INSPECTION, 6X8, OIL, SOLD

My friend Genie, from the blog Paris and Beyond travels Paris, taking unusual and fascinating photos.  I am planning a trip to Paris in the spring and spend a lot of time on Genie's blog, drooling over her gorgeous photos.  When I saw this shot of French sailors in their colorful uniforms, I couldn't resist.

Thank you Genie, for being so generous with your images and for your glorious views of Paris.

Purchase here
SOLD

MANESUV MOST BRIDGE OF PRAGUE, 4X12, OIL

Have you been following Kay Zahn's blog and paint contest at www.streetviewpaintoff.com?  Every month she chooses a location and you have a month to paint from a Google streetview image  and post your painting.  Last month, the subject matter was the state of Florida.  I was lucky enough to win.  It was such a fun experience that I decided to try again this month.  Kay chose Prague as her subject this time.

If you like my little painting, maybe you will be kind enough to click here and vote for me.  Kay chooses the finalists by popular vote and than has a panel of judges determine the ultimate winner.  Please help me get in the finalists group!  You are given several votes, so you may vote for more than one painting.  Thank you!

TRIO OF PEARS WITH GRAPES, 5X7, OIL, SOLD

I seem to have run out of titles, or at least, imagination!  Some times I think that is the most difficult part of producing a new work.  I was feeling very lazy when I worked on this one a few weeks ago.  Maybe I needed some morning caffeine or maybe I was just uninspired by the dull color of the pears.  Whatever the problem, in frustration, I scratched through the paint and when I finished my little show of temper I decided maybe it didn't look so bad after all.  I'll just leave it and call it an abstract!

When I set it on a shelf, I even grew a little fond of it.  Maybe I should keep that technique in my bag of tricks.  Never say die!

Purchase here
$SOLD

I just want to remind everyone of my painting give-away at my Etsy sites, CarolSchiffStudio and CarolOnEdge.  For every item purchased, you receive a chance in the drawing for a 6x8" painting.   If you have been considering purchasing a piece of my art, this would be an excellent time to do so.  All purchases are eligible until March 31, 2011.   The drawing is the next day...April Fool's Day, but THIS IS NO JOKE!

ARTISTS AND FRIENDS

Every week, the highlight of my week is the day I paint with my group, Pieces of Eight.  We have been together for over five years now, and our art and friendships have grown stronger as time goes on.  Although we have our own group blog, here, I would like to introduce them to you on my blog, one by one.  And sooooo, here is Cindy Michaud, TAA DAA!

Need a Name!?

(Help!  This 18 x 18 mixed media painting of a philodendron (in my backyard) needs an appropriate title!

I am plumb out of anything creative or descriptive....hate to leave it with "Philodendendron I"...so send in your ideas...please.)

Meanwhile, this piece was great fun to execute: it is "push and pull" when I tackle mixed media.  I start with a panel tediously primed with many coats of gesso (sanding in between) and when it is as glassy as I want it I begin to apply layers of watercolor.  Next comes the sketch or general layout.  All this needs stabilizing before anymore progress because my hands will wipe off the pencil sketch while the acrylic can smear up the watercolor.  Then I begin the fun of pushing some areas back and pulling others forward...done with graphite and thin layers of acrylic.  Yes, it is time consuming but, like baking bread, each stage must be executed carefully in order to enjoy the final result.  Don't try this at home if you are in a hurry! 

For additional photographs of this nameless piece click here; that's the same click if you wish to purchase it.

The board is "cradled" which means it has a 3/4" depth (painted solid) around it and does not need any additional framing or glass.  It's also very lightweight.

Now...send me your suggested titles, either to my email or go to the blog site:http://www.cindymichaudart.blogspot.com/  by clicking on the word Comment...(it's very tiny) under the text, by entering here you can also see what anyone else has sent in.  Thanks a heap!



Daily Painting | Small Oil Painting | Seascape Painting | California Sun by Carol Schiff |m 5x7" Oil

SOLD

Shelley Smart documents the day to day activities at the beach on her great blog "A Year at the Beach".  She is a fantastic artist and photographer and was nice enough to share some of her photography with me.  So, I painted this little seascape from her reference.

How could I turn down a scene like this!   I still didn't have it out of my blood, so I decided to try a little acrylic abstract based on the same reference.

SOLD

Shelley, thank you...I hope you approve.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

www.CarolSchiffStudio.etsy.com

POTTERY WITH SALT AND PEPPER, 6X8, OIL

This was the best of times and the worse of times..............struggle, struggle, STRUGGLE!  Not unlike giving birth, when I finally put down my knife and brush, the pain was forgotten and I felt validated.

Everyone has room for a  "little" art in their life!

Tomorrow, the war continues!
Purchase here
$119

GRAND CENTRAL STATION SCALLIONS, OIL, 8X6, SOLD

If you have ever been to Grand Central Station, you probably know the beautiful grocery there.  Oh, if only I could have that store in my neighborhood.  The most beautiful and tempting foods combined with the most unique and interesting displays I have ever seen in a grocery.  A feast for the eyes and a winning combination.
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$99

AND THEN IT WAS SPRING, 8X4, OIL

I hear there is another huge winter storm threatening large portions of the country, so I thought a little touch of spring would be welcomed.  If you are shoveling snow, or driving through it, or just looking out the window at it....have heart, better days will soon be here.
Purchase here
A little reminder about my painting give-away.  When you purchase an item from CarolSchiffStudio or CarolOnEdge between now and 3-31-11 you are given an entry in the drawing.  Purchase three items and get three entries.  I will draw the winning name on 04-01-11, yes April Fool's day, and the winner will receive a 6x8 painting, valued at $99.  I will even pay the postage!  Good Luck!

Isn't this the perfect treat for Valentine's day?  Actually, in my book it is perfect for EVERY day.  I love pie and these little sweethearts come with any filling you desire.  Not to late to order for your honey!  The link is here.   YUM!  Another of the little treasures from Etsy.