Friday, December 31, 2010

WATCHDOG


8x10 oil on canvas panel
Just under the wire for my entry in this month's chair theme. I have a pair of these large overstuffed chairs in the living room, facing directly opposite of each other and perfect (if you're Cowgirl) for either looking out the front windows or the back french doors. If you are Cowgirl, the only way to sit in these chairs is to climb up onto the top of the cushion, sit in the center and make sure you squash the cushion into a perfect V shape. Apparently, these are the best seats in the house for watching important stuff like, people walking their pets, squirrels hiding nuts, children playing, and leaves blowing in the wind. All of these things bring loud barks and whines alerting me to the crazy antics of my neighbors; thanks Cowgirl, I'm not sure what we would do without your watchful eyes.

My blog
My website

Monday, December 27, 2010

$20.00 CHAIR by Linda Popple

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE to view my blog.

What idiot chose "chair" as a challenge? ......... Oh, that would be me! What was I thinking? This was not easy, so I guess it definitely was a challenge for me. Despite the fact that it was a struggle and there were two wipe outs, it was really good to be painting again after a fantastic holiday.

After the wipe outs I thought about posting this clever joke with a blank canvas. I can leave the blank canvas, but laughter is always welcome!

An eccentric philosophy professor gave a one question final exam after a semester dealing with a broad array of topics. The class was already seated and ready to go when the professor picked up his chair, plopped it on his desk and wrote on the board: "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist."

Fingers flew, erasers erased, notebooks were filled in furious fashion. Some students wrote over 30 pages in one hour attempting to refute the existence of the chair. One member of the class however, was up and finished in less than a minute.

Weeks later when the grades were posted, the rest of the group wondered how he could have gotten an A when he had barely written anything at all. His answer consisted of two words: "What chair?"

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Winter Wicker

























About 20 years ago I found myself longing for a wicker
chair. It may have been the move from Aspen to San
Antonio and trying to embrace life in a hot southern clime.
They weren't expensive but the house was mostly factory
and my joke then was that I needed a $50,000 addition to
the house before I could have the $100 chair. A couple of
years later a friend was moving and gave me this chair! Ask
and ye shall receive? It's a sweet memory . . .
This photo isn't as accurate as I'd like. There are transparent
greens along the far edges before it fades into dark but the
camera wasn't being cooperative. Anyway, true to my deadline
oriented self, my "Chair" just before the month ends.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Corner Office by Mitzi Easley

Corner Office by Mitzi Easley
14x11, oil on panel
please visit Mitzi's blog!
I spied this gentleman on the beach in Playa del Carmen last spring - a pretty good working chair for this month's theme, I think. These blue lounge chairs hold a special place in my heart as they are very common in Mexican resort towns and so they signal "vacation". I've painted them before - click here. Over the years, this is where we play games, read books, visit, nap, slather the kids in sunscreen. And, apparently, where this guy writes memos.

Saturday, December 18, 2010


Kay Wyne, Carol Morgan, Linda Popple, Ann Rogers, and myself enjoying lunch and great conversation today! You guys are the best, I had so much fun and can't wait to do it again.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Chapel in the mountains by Carol Morgan

I took this commission last spring and thought to myself,"No big deal." Little did I know it was going to be as challenging as "building" the log cabin chapel!! The picture I was given was taken at a strange angle that made the front of the chapel look crooked (maybe it really was!) I have had to fix and re-fix this painting so many times in the last month that I doubt that there will be many more log cabins in my painting future. I delivered it today and I must say that the recipient was thrilled and "loved" the way it looked. Lindsey said, "Oh my gosh, it looks just like that!" (which in turn made me very happy) So all is well that ends well. Whew! I think I need a "chair" now!

Monday, December 13, 2010


Pull Up A Chair...by Roxanne Spradlin...acrylic...40 x 30...sold
This fancy little chair was quickly painted on a large canvas. I can easily imagine 3 different chairs hanging on a dining room wall. Quirky but fun!

Saturday, December 11, 2010

NYC Bag Lady

NYC Bag Lady
8" x 10" Oil on Canvas
Framed
My husband and I were sitting in a park in NYC and we were watching this lady...people watching can be so interesting. She was busy collecting things from the garbage and the grounds. I am posting this painting since it has a bench in it...I don't have many paintings with chairs in them! Thanks for looking. Have a great day...Kay

Friday, December 10, 2010

Still Life With Chair by Jean Townsend

Hi Everybody,
Here is my December entry, Happy Holidays to all of you!
Jean

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

"Craig's Chair" by Gwen Bell




















5 x 7 oil on canvas nfs

I painted this from a photo I took years ago
while waiting on my Mural painting partner to
get his supplies packed. I was bored and looking
around for some interesting shadows to capture
on my
new camera.

Craig and I haven't worked together for about 5
years, but I always think of him fondly when I
see his chair.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

A Place to Dream by Nancy Medina

A Place to Dream by Nancy Medina

A Place to Dream is an original oil painting based on the Adirondack chair in my back yard retreat. With a little artistic license, I grew bunches of wild poppies and Blackeyed Susans, and changed my red chair to blue especially for this painting. Visit my art blog to see the flowers that bloom all year round in my Flower Mound garden.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Chairs by Carol Morgan

This picture of chairs would be wonderful in a lake house or cabin in the woods. I was drawn to the ease and comfort of this pair. Wouldn't you love to be sitting out there with a glass of wine enjoying the afternoon sun? What fun!

Sunday, December 5, 2010

"Surfing" by Ann Rogers

8 x 10 
oil on stretched canvas

Seems a little out of place posting a beach scene this time of year, but the December challenge is "chair", so thought I would enter this guy who was surfing the internet on the beaches of Hilton Head this summer.

Beach Time...by Texas Artist Kay Wyne

Beach Time
Ruth and Louie Wyne...beaching it on Sequanota Beach
9" x 12" Oil on Canvas
NSF - A Christmas gift for my in-laws.
I sent this painting to Ruth and Louie for a Christmas gift. It was a fun painting because of the shadows and the subject matter. My inspiration was a 1990's photograph and alot of memories from our summers in Charlevoix, Michigan. The beach at Sequanota Club was our afternoon hang-out. As my daugher pointed out, it was good that I put a few details in this painting...like the tennis shoes and laces, the bouys in the water, and Ruth's visor. I can feel the sun and sand when I look at this painting. Beach chairs are the greatest....

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Wide Open

Where we live in the Texas Hill Country there are many, many opportunities for skyscapes. I have been so busy painting other things that I haven't taken advantage of this. But I plan to do so in the very near future.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving...Eat Your Veggies by Kay Wyne

Eat Your Veggies
6" x 8" Oil on Cotton Panel
Happy Thanksgiving...I thought it would appropriate to post one of my small paintings today...food of course. (I guess I am breaking the rules....no sky here!!!) I hope that you all enjoy your day with friends and family. Travel safely. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Monday, November 22, 2010

SKY by Linda Popple

8x8 Oil on Canvas

Click HERE to view my blog.

Across the River




















With 8 days to go, I finally come through! San Antonio had all gray 
sky for a week, then a cloudless pure blue, then the wind kicked 
up and brought drama. Looking at this on the monitor, it looks like 
a scene out of Dickens. It's the view across the river at the end of 
my street. This was way out of my comfort zone but I had fun. 
Thank you for challenging me!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Still LIfe With Sky by Jean Townsend

Hi Everybody,
My first post on the challenge blog, so happy to be a part of this --

"Scary Weather" by Gwen Bell




















8 x 10 oil on canvas panel

We get some pretty scary weather here in Texas.
One minute the sky can be clear as a bell and the
next thing you know the tornado warnings are
going off. I tried to convey that feeling of
impending doom in this painting. Duck & Cover!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

"After The Storm" by Ann Rogers

5 x 7
oil on gessoed hardboard

We've had some beautiful skies lately in Dallas, thanks to our changing Fall weather. This was painted from a photo taken at White Rock Lake.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Wild Blue Yonder by Roxanne Spradlin


Wild Blue Yonder....4' x 3'.....oil....on gallery wrapped stretched canvas.


Here's close up view.



Oh, how I love West Texas! With it's big open range and endless blue sky. Simple, yet majestic!

Recently, I posted a smaller version, a study really. Angela's comment got me to thinking and I decided to paint it big! 4 feet x 3 feet...if I do say so myself it's a keeper. The iphone pic doesn't capture all it's glory but you get the jest of it. Thank's Angela!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Color My Trees by Kay Wyne

This painting has a misty/watercolor look to it. It is hanging at The Wine Therapist in Dallas right now. It is an oil painting, but does have a watercolor look to it. I am posting it because of the colorful sky. The artists reception was last night, but the show will hang until Dec. 12, 2010. Here is the info:

The National League of American Pen Women, Dallas Branch
Expressions 2010, A Visual Arts Competition
The Wine Therapist in Lakewood
November 6 – December 12, 2010

Yesterday was a reception at the Dutch Art Gallery for The Artists of Texas...wonderful art and fabulous artists were there. It was fun to finally meeting some of the artists who post on daily blogs. Gwen Bell was there, and even though we live a few miles apart, I had not met her in person. (I knew her art, but not the artist!) Ann Rogers came through the doors, and it was great to see her. I must say that I got distracted and did not get a chance to really visit with everyone. The turn-out was great. I amazed at the wonderful art... a really good art at the show. Thanks to Pam Massar for all of her hard work. If you missed the reception yesterday, here is the show info:

Where Texas Finds Its Color
The Artists of Texas - Second Annual State Show
November 2 - December 31, 2010
The Dutch Art Gallery
10233 East Northwest Highway Suite 420
Dallas, Texas 75238
http://www.dutchartusa.com

I have been away from my easel and blog for about two weeks....I was in an automobile accident and I was sidelined for a while. But I am back! I hope to be posting some new paintings. Have an artful day! Thanks for looking at my blog...Kay

Friday, November 5, 2010

The Bridge by Kay Wyne

The Bridge
Oil on 18" x 18" Gallery Wrap Canvas
This painting was inspired by a photograph my husband took as we were sitting in traffic ready to cross the the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It was a clear, windy day and we had a great time traveling around the California coast! I had researched the color of the bridge...according to my findings, the bridge is painted with a Sherwin Williams color #6328, Fireweed. I went to a local Sherwin Williams to check out this Fireweed color....and I really don't think the bridge is actually Fireweed. According to the paint swatches, Fireweed is a deep, rusty brick red....almost brown. So I mixed my own colors to what I remember and according to our photographs. This painting has a new home in Plano, Texas...it was a Christmas gift to a friend who traveled with us to California. Fun trip, good memories.....so I hope that this painting will be a reminder of our trip when it is viewed.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Big Sky by Roxanne Spradlin


18 x 24 ......acrylic

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thistle Collection by Roxanne Spradlin


A collection of four - 12 x 12 , acrylic on stretched canvas. Available indiviually or as a group. Contact me at www.roxannespradlin@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Thistle Birds by Roxanne Spradlin




www.roxannespradlin@yahoo.com ........12 x 12 ..........acrylic........$150

The first in a new series titled, Thistle. To see the next three and watch the study develop, visit my art blog. www.roxannetheartist.blogspot.com/

PINK GOES WITH PINK


6x8 oil on canvas
My best friend, Tina is quite the fashionista, and apparently so is her little granddaughter, Kate. When I received this photo, it cracked me up and I could not help but paint it for our theme of Pink. I painted Kate about a year ago in another funny little ensemble, you can see that painting here.

My Website
My Blog

Friday, October 15, 2010

No Vacancy by Roxanne Spradlin


No Vacancy...8 X10...Acrylic/charcoal ...$100


Had an idea and tried it out. It had pink in it and I decided to hang it here! Hope you don't mind.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

PINK by Linda Popple

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE to visit my blog.

I have not been productive at the easel this past week. I can't even remember how many times I took a rag and wiped out a support and those that I didn't wipe out are now in the trash pile. I would like to say I learned something. I suppose I did reinforce my feelings for painting, because I would have surely given up entirely if I didn't love it so much!

The challenge for this month's Some Texas Artists Like to Paint is pink. I found this little pink take out box and finally I was able to paint something and it remained on the canvas. :-) Because the package is all one color it was a good exercise for values, which I always seem to need.

Next Monday Carol Marine's workshop in Jacksonville, Florida begins. I am very excited about attending again! Is there anyone out there who also will be going? If so, I would love to hear from you.

Sugar Bowl by Roxanne Spradlin


Sugar Bowl, oil, 16x16...$600

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Horizon Series: Abstract 28 by Kay Wyne

Horizon Series: Abstract 28
This painting is on a 12" x 12" gallery wrap canvas, painted in oils.
Intense colors are all over this canvas...including PINK!
No framing needed. This is ready to hang!
Please contact me if you are interested in this painting or any other art I have created.
Thanks so much for viewing this blog!
Kay@kwyne.com or 214-532-0325

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Pink Lily by Roxanne Spradlin


Pink Lily.........16 x 20.........oil on canvas...........$200
My friend Janice's has the prettiest lily pond in her backyard. Today I painted one. I learned a lot and I believe I'll try it again tomorrow!

"Pink Hat"

8 x 10 by Ann Rogers
oil on canvas panel

When I saw that "pink" was the theme for this month, I was at a loss. Normally I don't "do" pink in clothing, in my house and not in paintings. So hopefully this pink hat will pass, painted from a photo taken by my husband on South Padre Island.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Pink Gerbera Daisy by Nancy Medina

Pink Gerbera Daisy by Nancy Medina
12X12
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Nancy Medina Web Site
Nancy Medina Art Blog

Gerbera daisies are the hardiest little plants, and pop back time and again in my summer garden, despite the blistering heat or the days with no rain. The yellows took precedence this year, but last year I had a number of pink daisies and this was one of them. I'm hopeful that next year will be pink's turn again.

We were told this week that my aunt Beth has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Beth is one of those tenacious people who always lights up a room and is full of laughter and energy. She is a pediatric oncology nurse so is familiar with what's to come. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Celebration by Kay Wyne

Celebration
36" x 36" Oil on Canvas
This contemporary abstract painting is hanging at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas. It was painted last year and because of the colors and movement in this painting, I named it Celebration. It is appropriate for me to re-post this painting...The Wyne family has been celebrating lately with the marriage of our daughter, Lindsay to Wesley Henry. My painting time has taken a backseat to the engagement, engagement party and all of the wedding plans. But, I hope to get back into the studio and focus on my painting. I have gotten re-charged and very inspired and will have some new paintings to post soon! Thanks for visiting this blog...

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Pink Peony by Roxanne Spradlin


Pink Peony......12 x 12.......Arylic........SOLD


I love flowers! I love the way they look. I love the way they smell (except Lantana) :)
I have so many favorites! If I had a top ten list, I'm pretty sure peonies would make it.
I've painted plenty of roses but this was my first attempt at a peony. I knew that it would be easy to over work these dense petals. So I took a deep breath and painted with a 1" bright and quick/ intentional strokes. Paying careful attention to the contrasts and the 'many' shades of pink.

...I apologize for the unprofessional photo. It's gone now....lesson learned!


















Thursday, September 30, 2010

CAMO KOI



8x16 oil on canvas panel

Here's one more fish for September. I delivered some commissions to a client and while there, discovered their beautiful koi pond. I don't remember this guy's name, they were quite friendly and seemed to enjoy posing for the camera. I think the background looks like wannabe camouflage, so until ya'll help me out with a title, Camo Koi it is.
Angela Elledge Blog
Angela Elledge Website

Friday, September 24, 2010

Fishing Lures by Kay Wyne

I painted this 6" x 8" immediately after coming back from the Carol Marine workshop. The day I was painting this panel in the studio, I got a big hook in my finger. I screamed because it surprised me, and Suzy came to the rescue and yanked it out of my finger. It was a hook hanging out of an old lure. Needless to say, I try to be careful when rambling through the old tackle box. I liked the movement in this painting...the eye keeps moving around, from the fishing line, to bobber, to the lure.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Manna From Heaven by Nancy Medina

Manna From Heaven by Nancy Medina
18X24
Oil on Canvas
SOLD

Nancy Medina Web Site
Nancy Medina Art Blog

Manna From Heaven is based on the beautiful koi ponds of the Dallas Arboretum. On the day I took the photo from which this was painted, a kind gentleman saw me trying to snap images and tossed bread into the koi pond for me. The fish swam right up and held their noses above the surface perfectly. The world is full of thoughtful strangers, it seems!

Friday, September 17, 2010

DAVE'S CATCH by Angela Elledge


8x8 oil on canvas board

Dave is one of my plein air painting buddies and a man of many talents, not only can he catch his own fish, he can cook them up, too! This is another one of my little 1 hour painting studies and was so much fun to paint. Thanks for the photo reference, Dave!

Angela Elledge Blog
Angela Elledge Website

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

FISHMONGER by Linda Popple

6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE to visit my blog.

While exploring Philadelphia I found a fish market and took some photos. This is painted from one of those photographs.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Catch of the Day by Mitzi Easley

Catch of the Day by Mitzi Easley
11x14, oil on panel
$250, email for info
visit my blog by clicking here
Meet Walt. At the Port Aransas pier walking distance from our house, Walt was the first to wet a hook in the mornings and the last to leave. In a long line of fishing poles, he was about the only angler consistently catching. Lots of experience. So, no surprise, our 13-yr-old Lavagirl made fast friends with crusty 'ole Walt - that's where the action was. And from there on out, everytime he got a nibble, he'd yell out her name and she'd go running and Walt would let her reel that fish in. It was a great show for Mr. Right and me to watch in the mornings with our coffee or late in the evenings after dinner.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

HERE'S LOOKING AT YOU, KID by Linda Popple


6x6 Oil on Ampersand Gessobord

Click HERE to bid on EBay.

Click HERE to visit my blog.

While Phil and I were in Philadelphia we visited a fantastic market - wish I could remember the name. There were counters full of flowers, pastries, meats, cheese and fish. Shapes and beautiful, vibrant colors were everywhere. It was a delight for the eyes and such a treat! I took lots of pictures and several at the fish counter. This painting is done from one of those photographs.

"Fishing In Pagosa Springs"

8 x 10 by Ann Rogers
oil on gessoed hardboard

I know the painting theme for September is "fish". Hope fishing counts!


Fish Lesson


Indian River by Roxanne Spradlin....24 x 18....acrylic...Sold

This is the Indian River. There are fish in the Indian River. Can you see them? Which reminds me of something we often forget. There are many things our eyes cannot see. Name one.

Fish Fry by Kay Wyne

Fish Fry
Contemporary Oil Painting
18"x 18" Gallery Wrap Canvas
Here a large fish in skillet painting...It has broad brush strokes and more detail than yesterday's posting. It is on a gallery wrap canvas, 18" x 18". It is large and loose. I thought these were rainobws, but I have been corrected by the person who caught these fish (husband John). They are probably brook or brown trout. But not rainbow. I think I wanted them to be rainbow because in my mind, they would be colorful. But I stand corrected. This painting brings back many memories of our summers in Charlevoix, Michigan when John would go trout fishing everyday and my mother in- law would fry them up for breakfast or lunch the next day. Of course the frying pan was sitting on an old gas stove in the cottage.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Koi Pond by Kay Wyne

Koi Pond
24" x 30"
Oil on Gallery Wrap Canvas
This is my first koi painting...I layered and layered the paint on, and had the gold/orange koi way too light. I was happy with the colors in the white/gray koi, but not the golden ones. I enjoyed the first day on this painting, and struggled with the days following. I know the water in the koi pond needs to be greener, but I don't like painting green very well, so I just went with what I wanted on the water. I hope to get some better reference photographs when the sun comes out and it warms up in Dallas. More koi paintings in the future. This afternoon I will hit the studio with some new blank canvas....hoping that my brushes are kind to me. Have a good Sunday! Thanks for viewing this blog!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Arboretum Koi by Kay Wyne

Arboretum Koi-SOLD!
This painting was sold several months ago at the artists' reception for the opening at The Wine Therapist. A very cute couple (Kevin and Colleen) purchased this contemporary oil painting. Studio Art and Soul has an exhibit at The Texas Discovery Garden at Fair Park. We will be exhibiting at the Discovery Gardens during the great Texas State Fair 2010. So with that upcoming show and a couple of commissions, I have plenty of painting ahead of me. Have an artful day!!!