447 Welcome

Two interesting things happened yesterday.  Okay, not all that interesting.  My paints and gear are all packed away for a plein air painting trip and fortunately I found this half finished painting.  I began painting it at my dearest friend's kitchen table during a recent visit to the Boston area.  She is always so thoughtful, welcoming me with flowers and a loving heart (and lots of tolerance).  So #1 good fortune is that I have something to finish and post today.

Since I didn't have sunflowers and statice readily available as references, I Googled "sunflowers and statice."  As I scrolled through many beautiful photographs of these flowers, I ran across one of my paintings, 154 Mixed Bouquet, http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/154-mixed-bouquet/166187.  It was such a surprise that I didn't know what to think, but I was happy that there was a link to my painting readily available and credit given. 

Not sure what all that means, other than "small gifts" that make a person happy. 

446 Smitten

 

During one of our trips to Florida, we went to a Greek festival.  I love ethnic festivals, which are also very big in Milwaukee during the summer months.  At this particular festival, the food was delicious and I especially enjoyed watching the children dance a traditional Greek dance.  I loved watching the expressions on the children's faces, especially these three. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/446-smitten/253756

445 Summer Fun

With school starting next week, summer is too quickly coming to a close.  Our local mall has a nice outdoor area where kids can cool off in the water spouts.  It is very entertaining to watch them having so much fun. 
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/445-summer-fun/253589

444 Three Amigos

The onions are a challenge to paint.  Need more practice.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/444-three-amigos/253414

443 Side Dish

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/443-side-dish/253188

442 Scallions, a Spaniard and a Leek

Produce from last week's farm box posed an interesting challenge for me---such limited  colors and so many greens and "whites."  After several days away from painting, I was very loose, which surprised me.

I was in the Detroit area visiting family, and took the opportunity to visit with fellow "daily painter," Dave Capalungan.  Dave was my "neighbor" on Daily Paintworks until a new artist moved in the neighborhood.  I love Dave's work, which is exceptionally more beautiful seeing it in person.  I was honored and delighted to receive his gift of one of his paintings, and purchased another I have had my eye on.  I learn a lot from Dave, as he is always willing to share ideas.  Here is a picture of us in front of his stunning orchid painting and the gift I received from him. 

441 Labyrinth Garden

Today I participated in the West Bend Mutual's plein air competition, my first.  It was fun and stressful at the same time.  The labyrinth garden is beautiful but I learned in hindsight, very difficult to paint.  It was a good learning experience and I enjoyed the beautiful day and being outside.  I painted this and another painting of a stream, framed both of them, all in 7 hours.  yikes!

440 Bela

Bela and Gracie (yesterday's subject) both left for the giant dog park in heaven within days of each other.  Bela was a loyal companion to my friend and her family for many years.  Her presence is missed greatly.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) I am painting in my first plein air competition.  I would rather not think of it as a competition because it is too stressful.  I just want to enjoy the day in a lovely setting and paint the best painting I can.  

439 Gracie

Three of my friends lost their dogs within a short time.  This is Gracie, a springer spaniel.  I know firsthand how heartbreaking it is to lose a four legged friend.

438 Moonshine

A friend's daughter is getting married and this will be a gift for the couple.  There  is moonshine in the history of the groom's family, so this is meaningful to them.

437 Forty Seven Twenty

This is only a snippet of a truly beautiful scene discovered on a walk with Oliver.  I tried to be discreet with my picture-taking.  The home and entry gardens and path are so inviting and it was difficult to decide which portion to paint.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/437-forty-seven-twenty/250918

436 Lounging

Carrots from the farm box in (on) a favorite bowl.  I love the complimentary palette of orange and blue.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/436-lounging/250525

435 The Three Stooges

Note: My husband named this painting.  (smile)
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/435-the-three-stooges/250324

434 One Is the Loneliest Number

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/434-one-is-the-loneliest-number/250074

433 Red Plus Yellow Equals Orange

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/433-red-plus-yellow-equals-orange/249883

432 Too Big

 

Still more to learn, so these still lifes will continue.  Hoping you aren't bored.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/432-too-big/249618

431 Winding Path

Another landscape as "practice" for the upcoming plein air event.
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/431-winding-path/249453

430 Prairie

I am gearing up for plein air painting.  Soon I will be participating in an organized corporate plein air event, and I am rather nervous about it as I am not very familiar with the area, nor have I ever participated in an event where a painting must be completed and framed in one timed session (other than DPW, which is similar but not the same).  I have been on several plein air painting trips, but there is no pressure to complete a painting in one day, when in fact, they are almost always completed in the studio.

I am up for the challenge, but decided I better paint a few landscapes before the big day.  Here is my first.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/430-prairie/249300

429 Fresh From the Farm

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/429-fresh-from-the-farm/249100

428 Two Left

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/428-two-left/248897

427 For Caprese

I hope you are not bored with extent of this series.  I still feel like I have more to learn so expect to see these bowls and more fresh produce.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/427-for-caprese/248664

426 Red White and Blue

These radishes were freshly picked and in our farm box recently.  Radishes are one of my favorites, so I had to exercise restraint not to eat them right away.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/426-red-white-and-blue/248470

425 Two Grannies

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/425-two-grannies/248315

424 Two Plus One Times Two

I really enjoy setting up these still lifes with reflections.  For every painting, there are so many crazy set ups that just don't cut it.   

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/424-two-plus-one-times-two/248222