secret #1

This is the post I wrote a couple of days ago and then hesitated - decided not to post. Now I'm posting as part of the group. The first step - acknowledging my creative self

i'm a painter and i have a unique style of my own


A few months ago I was invited to participate in a community auction/fund raiser. I felt honored to be a part of this 20th Anniversary Gala event. When I was asked to paint a small painting (all artist had to paint on the provided 5" x 7" canvas) I thought, "well that won't take much time" so I put it off until the last minute. (I have a bad habit of procrastinating).
To me one of the hardest parts about the painting is coming up with the idea and setting up a still life that will make an interesting painting. A pretty photograph doesn't always make a great painting wouldn't you agree? I knew I had to keep this painting pretty simple so I decided I would just do paint a still life and use the lemons and cranberries that I had on hand. So I set up a still life and took pictures - I took lots of pictures and rearranged items to see what worked best.

I tried variations on this


and this


But I ended up with this (taken of the painting before completion).

I'm told my paintings have a sort of trademark style - odd perspective of sorts. When I first showed the painting to my brother he said, "yep, classic L style". Even my college professor told me I had a unique style - at the time I didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. I guess I really do tend to paint at an odd perspective, many times from above, and that's ok. Here is the painting I submitted a couple of years ago for our community auction. See what I'm talking about?

In contrast this painting was very large - 40 x 30. I really want to make it goal of mine to do more of these large paintings and use a palette knife like I did on this one. It was a lot of fun. Now that I have the time and more freedom (daughter off at college) this is my goal - start immediately and do another one very similar to what I just painted at 7" x 5" and paint it 40" x 30".

Comments

Mary said…
Both paintings are GORGEOUS!!! I love that perspective. Now you've inspired me to pick up a pencil and start to draw... maybe I'll even try my hand at a still life. Just what I need to drive away the winter blahs. :)
risa said…
Thanks for sharing your process in creating this painting...I can relate as a painter (and as a mom of grown children!).
I've joined the Twelve Steps group too...look forward to reading your blog along the way!
www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com
Belle said…
Your paintings are so lovely. I'm a member of the book group, too, and I love that I've discovered your blog as a result!
ina said…
i love love love the second painting! i'd love to see its largeness. it looks so light and delicate in the photograph.

thank you for posting it.

peace.
Kath said…
Thank you for visiting us today. I am in awe of your talent.
Vanessa said…
they are beautiful! you make it seem as if painting isn't so hard.
ELK said…
oh my gosh I am so excited to know this about you ~very wonderful to have such talent L...keep going!
Genie Sea said…
Stunning composition and ethereal colors! Good enough to EAT! :)
Leacayoungart said…
I am so happy that you are doing this too. I like reading from others perspectives on the project. You have inspired me to pull out a canvas and my paints and give it a shot. I just love playing in paint...it gets my juices flowing. =]
Anonymous said…
I think you have a fantastic "point of view"!
I am so excited to come here and see all of your lovely paintings. I had no idea! I mean I knew you were talented but to such a degree is fantastic.
a.
Relyn Lawson said…
This is beautiful. It is going to raise a lot of money for a good cause and make one lucky new owner very happy. Gorgeous!

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