Sunday, August 31, 2014

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. 

Saturday, August 30, 2014

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

Friday, August 29, 2014

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

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

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. 




Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

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.  

Monday, August 18, 2014

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.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

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.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

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

Thursday, August 14, 2014

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

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Sunday, August 10, 2014

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

Saturday, August 9, 2014

431 Winding Path

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

Friday, August 8, 2014

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


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

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

Monday, August 4, 2014

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

Saturday, August 2, 2014

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