Wednesday, July 15, 2009

THE GRAY SEA, 5X7 OIL, ABSTRACT, SOLD


Having become bored with flowers, I am off on a new adventure. I decided to try some really simple paintings, very few brushstrokes, minimal, maybe even abstract. Along those lines I have also gotten into a few multi media pieces. To accommodate these pieces, I have opened a new Etsy site which I call CarolOnEdge. So, here is one of my attempts to use next to nothing in the way of brushstrokes. So far, I am enjoying the challenge and the diversity.
I also have an update on the great varnish debate. This is a quote I found my the master, Richard Schmid.
Q. What are your thoughts about varnishing paintings?

A. I always apply a finish varnish to a painting when it is sufficiently dry. I allow at least three months of drying time for a work with average paint thickness, and six months for the more heavily painted. I like to use SoluvarÒ gloss final picture varnish diluted 1:1 with pure turpentine. SoluvarÒ is made by LiquitexÒ. It is recommended by most conservators because it does not yellow with age, and it can be easily removed with turpentine if necessary. I prefer to apply it with a 2”wide bristle brush or an ordinary varnishing brush from my hardware store. Damar varnish works well too, though it will yellow slightly in time.
So, I will be going with retouch varnish for instant results and follow up with the above formula.

Friday, July 10, 2009

DON'T MESS WITH BREEZIE, OIL, 8X10 - SOLD

Meet
Meet Breezie, puppy with attitude! This is a commission I finished up a few weeks ago. Actually I was asked to paint out the "mask" on his face as the owner had it removed from the dog. I took this photo before I "adjusted" the painting as I think it gives him lots of character.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

BEACH SUNRISE, 5X7, OIL - SOLD

I really enjoy doing these small seascapes. I always seem to relax when I am working on them.
This one seems so tranquil, I think I may just go back to bed now.

Friday, July 3, 2009

HENS AND CHICKS AND BABY TOES, 6X8 SOLD, OIL, CA SCHIFF

I
I know that you have seen "hens and chicks" around, everybody has them, but have you ever seen "baby toes"?? This was something new to me and I liked the way they looked together. However, it was not a match made in heaven. We are in the rainy season here in Florida, and one day I went out to the garden and the baby toes had melted away. Too much rain! Maybe I will get lucky and find them again someday.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

DSDF ROWER, OIL 8x10

I am sure you all recognize this as the challenge painting from Karin Jurick's blog, Different Strokes from Different Folks. Week after week Karin posts photos that appear to be "easy".
Ha! I should know better than to be lulled into the fire, but no, I convince myself that this one is easy and will not take long. Ha again! They take me twice as long as any other painting and I always hate the way they turn out and WHY IS HER HEAD SO SMALL?? Oh well, always another photo on the horizon.