1194. Perfect Little Sunset Hike

 Three of my very adventurous relatives walked the Half Dome Trail in Yosemite.  I think they're crazy but they are a lot younger than I.  The video on the web site was enough to deter the faint of heart and those with fear of heights.  yikes.  https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/halfdome.htm

Happy Holidays to everyone.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1194-perfect-little-sunset-hike/1038800

1193. Grassy Knoll

 https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1193--grassy-knoll/1038115

1192. I Wish I Might

 

This was such a fun series to work on, and I love the final result.  Here is the last of five little paintings for Cedarburg Cultural Center's exhibit, The Little Show.  The maximum size allowed for all artwork is 36 square inches.  Each of these is 6" x 6".  Inquiries can be directed to Jeanette@artmusichistory.org

1191. I Wish I May

 We are nearing the end of this series, this being the fourth of five paintings.  They will all be part of The Little Show at the Cedarburg Cultural Center in Cedarburg, WI  from December 3 - January 15, 2023.

You may direct inquiries to Jeanette@artmusichistory.org

1190. The First Star I See Tonight

 This is the third in the series of five paintings for the Little Show in Cedarburg, Wisconsin

1189. Star Bright

  This is the second of five paintings that have headed to Cedarburg, Wisconsin as part of the Cedarburg Cultural Center's annual Little Show, which runs from Tuesday, November 29 until January 17, 2023. Part of the proceeds goes to the CCC. They are each 6" x 6" mounted on 1.5" cradles. I really enjoyed painting these in my favorite colors. If you are in the area, please stop by to see the exhibit, or if you wish to purchase, contact Jeanette@ArtMusicHistory.org.

1188. Star Light

1189. Star Bright

1190. The First Star I See Tonight

1191. I Wish I May

1192. I Wish I Might

1188. Star Light

 This is one of five paintings are headed to Cedarburg, Wisconsin as part of the Cedarburg Cultural Center's annual Little Show, which runs from Tuesday, November 29 until January 17, 2023. Part of the proceeds goes to the CCC. They are each 6" x 6" mounted on 1.5" cradles. I really enjoyed painting these in my favorite colors. If you are in the area, please stop by to see the exhibit, or wish to purchase, contact Jeanette@ArtMusicHistory.org.

1188. Star Light

1189. Star Bright

1190. The First Star I See Tonight

1191. I Wish I May

1192. I Wish I Might

1187. Cracks in the Alibi

 I really enjoyed painting this not only because of the colors, but because of the techniques and the intuitiveness that went into making it..  The "cracks" are very random (eyes closed) and remind me of the marks ice skates make on the ice.  

1186. Kid In a Candy Store

 Red was always my favorite color until Blue came along, which may have coincided with a move to New England.  Both colors now compete for my affection and both have so many good qualities that warm my heart.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1186-kid-in-a-candy-store/1029869

1185.

 I tried to veer away a little from all the blue I've been painting.  We have two Japanese Maples in our front yard, one is a tall upright tree and the other is a shorter weeping tree.  This painting reminds me of the latter as the leaves change in the early fall.

1184

 I'm crazy about this limited palette, which is very soothing to me.  It reminds me of all the beautiful seas I've been fortunate enough to visit.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1184/1028796

1183. Koi Pond

 

This painting took so many detours and wrong turns, but finally came into its own.  At 36x 36",  it was quite a challenge to paint.  I'm very happy with it.  It makes me feel like I'm near water, which I love.

Did you know that Koi fish are a symbol of luck, prosperity and good fortune, also of perseverance in the face of diversity.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1183-koi-pond/1028465

1182. Before the Storm

 Hurricane Ian has destroyed so much of Florida, a place we love to visit, especially during the winter months.  I love the beaches with their beautiful sand and gentle sprays of sea water.  The photos of Ian's destruction are staggering.  So much is lost and will never be replaced.  I feel so bad for those people who have lost their homes and all their possessions, but thankfully most are still alive, and sadly some are not.  I am so grateful that my family members are all safe, but some without electricity and safe water, and thankfully, with no damage.

We had two back to back 100-year rainfalls when we lived in Wisconsin.  It was devastating and so much work to clean up.  My husband lost his car in one flood, and we lost everything basement level, and I know of folks who lost much more than that.  To this day, during a heavy rainfall, I cringe with the thought, even though we live in another house in another city in another state.  

www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1182--before-the-storm/1023366

1181. Quite By Accident

 Quite By Accident came about quite by accident.  My clean up paper towel from a previous painting was so beautiful that I was inspired by it.  Unfortunately this painting is not photographing well.  The colors are much richer, though still muted and moody.  It's one of my favorites.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1181-quite-by-accident/1022260

1180. Respite

 I took a big step this week by painting over the painting below which was supposed to be titled "June July August" because that's how long I had worked on it.  When it slid well into September, that's when I said "ENOUGH!"  I was so sick of it by then and was happy to paint something that feels more like "me."  In the class I am taking, the new lesson was about subtle contrast, which I love, and the concept of first look/second look.  First look is supposed to grab you, second look is what keeps you close to observe all the little details and subtle contrast you would not see from across a room.  I love subtle contrast, or in my mind moody, dreamy paintings.  I even added a few subtle references to my quilting days.  See if you can find them.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1180-respite/1022125

1179. Family Dinner

 It was really difficult to work on such a large canvas, but I had it available and decided to use it.  It took lots of energy and paint to finish it!

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1179--family-dinner/1020736

1178. He Said She Said

 I'd love to attempt this on a much larger scale.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1178--he-said-she-said/1020216

1177. Fresh Aproach

 In this painting, I think I have achieved the harmony I was looking for.  It reminds me of the sea and the splash and I feel calm and happy when I look at it.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1177-fresh-aproach/1019641

1176. To the Beach

 This is the final painting (so far) in this series of get-away places near water, where I can lose everything of concern and bask in the tranquility.  I'm very happy with this painting because I was very loose and free with my gestures.  I hope it takes you away to your peaceful place.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1176-to-the-beach/1017084

1175. Around the Bend

 This is the most representational of all five paintings in this series.  It is the point on the beach at Anna Maria Island where a wanderer meets Bean Point, a very private point where shelling is plentiful.  That's the place I head when I visit the island.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1175--around-the-bend/1016963

1174. Skipping Stones

 There are two more paintings, my favorites,  in this series of landscape/seascapes.  I haven't been to my favorite hideout in four years because of the distance, but I always loved picking treasures and skipping stones in the Lake.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1174-skipping-stones/1016731

1173. Wandering Thoughts

 While painting this, I envisioned the rocks, the wall and the lap of the lake on the shore at my favorite hiding place.  I just threw the suggestion of a fence in  because I was trying out a new tool.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1173-wandering-thoughts/1016586

1172. Take Me Away

As my online class wound up last week, the final assignment was to paint a series of paintings. I was missing the feelings of being in a peaceful place near water, so my mind's wanderings took me to several beaches previously visited. I chose a very limited palette and quick and free movements, which is always a struggle for me. Here is one of five. (ignore the wonky horizon!)

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1172-take-me-away/1016256

1171. Somewhere Out There

 I've gotten a lot of positive feedback about this color palette, and I especially like working with the turquoise color, which has many possibilities.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1171-somewhere-out-there/1015246

1170. Out on a Limb

 My online class has winded down and I am working on my own for awhile.  This was one of the last paintings made before it ended.  I am happy with it because I was braver than normal and I think it shows in the mark-making and the forms.  I hope you like it.

Painting will be mounted on cradled board for sale.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1170-out-on-a-limb/1014929

1169. In Due Time

 My class with Louise Fletcher has just ended and I am filled with joy.  During the eight weeks, I have completely submerged myself in all things abstract.  The class was different from anything I'd ever taken before, focusing NOT on method, but figuring out what kind of art I want to make, and then figuring out how to do it, all with the aim of enjoying the process.  The end result was more confidence which helps build a painting I can be proud of.  Louise's premise is that if my art makes me happy, it will make other people happy too--certainly not everyone, but if I'm making art that doesn't make me happy, it will not be authentic, and the viewer will know it.  I've decided to continue on with her follow up class because I have more to learn from Louise and the wonderful coaches.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1169-in-due-time/1014555

1168. This, That and the Other Thing

 

We got off to a rocky start, but after some serious thought, this painting came together for me.  There are many parts that I really love.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1168-this-that-and-the-other-thing/1013193

1167. The Song of the Jester

 I really enjoyed creating this because I used a lot of "what ifs?".  The colors are a little brighter in real life.  I hope you like it.  Not sure if I will continue on this path.  Thinking it over.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1167-the-song-of-the-jester/1012073

1166. Alter Ego

 

Alter Ego, 10" x 10" acrylic on gessoed paper.  Painting will be mounted on cradled panel when sold.  

It's been awhile since I've posted a painting because I have been taking my commitment to learn "abstract" painting very seriously, spending hours upon hours studying color mixing,  mark-making, contrast, etc.  It is the most lofty goal I have set for myself.  Part of it is that I don't even like a lot of abstract art, oddly enough, and the pieces my family likes the best are the ones I like the least.  I must be true to myself, however, I am definitely gaining confidence to try new things and stretch my horizon.

The summer season is in full swing at the beautiful expanded Edgewood Orchard Galleries in Fish Creek, Door County, Wisconsin.  Several of my paintings have sold, but as usual, I am always eager for more.  I have many small paintings that are priced very reasonably at the gallery.  Take a peek, and remember shopping at EOG for your holiday gift giving.

https://edgewoodorchard.com/artist-page/?id=357407&fn=diane&ln=campion 

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1166-alter-ego/1011657

1165. Red Hot Temper

I am working on being less hesitant with my painting and mark making.  It is difficult for me.  In this painting, I let it rip and I'm happy with all the little nuances and the depth.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1165-red-hot-temper/1003425

1164. And That is the Question

 I recall somewhere in my past, I enjoyed cutting letters out and sorting them by letter in multi-compartment containers, and then putting them together to form a message, a la ransom message style.  Have you ever seen the ransom message, "Hand over the chocolate and no one will get hurt."?  Cracks me up every time.

I love this little painting, especially the letters.  There are so many situations in our world that have me asking this question on a daily basis.  I know I'll never get a true answer.  Sadly.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1164-and-that-is-the-question/1002014

1163. Metropolitan Opera

 The taster course is over, and I am taking the plunge and taking the Find Your Joy 2022 class beginning this weekend.  In the meantime, I am making "lemonade" out of some of the "lemons" which are underpaintings.  The collage papers are hand made by yours truly.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1163-metropolitan-opera/1000948

1162. Back Up Plan

 The original painting under this was dark and full of anger.  I was happy to rid myself of it all.  I'm much happier with this one.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1162-back-up-plan/1000774

1161 Deep Dark Secrets

I love the practice of layering paint to cover a previous painting, collage paper, or secrets. I like to see the random bits of color from earlier layers, in this case a still life followed by an abstract.  

1160

 

This is the final piece in the Now and Then series.  Here are all four together, which I think is very interesting. I visualize them mounted on 2" deep white cradles and grouped together

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1160/998569

1159

 I'm happy with this third painting in the series Now and Then,  and really like the little bits of metallic gold, but I wish I didn't put the black line smack dab in the middle.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1159/998351

1158.

 

This is the second collage in the Now and Then series of four, possibly my favorite.  It will be mounted on a 2" deep white cradle and I think would look really cool in a grouping.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1158/998189

1157 Now and Then

1156 Hidden Treasure

 Whew.  I'm happy to feel back to my normal creative self.  I've been working on several projects at a time, which is a proven recipe to success.  

As is frequently the case, this painting started out entirely different, but I had to go where my intuition led me, even if it meant covering up some favorite collage papers, just a hint of which are left after sanding.

I'm happy with this painting, and gave myself a play date after this.  

The rooftop garden is ready to welcome tomatoes and other plants grown from seed just as soon as I am confident about the weather.  I hope you had a nice weekend.  Thanks for your support.

Tomorrow's Another Day

This is what I accomplished today and yesterday.  Yep.  3 "paintings" covered with black gesso to block out the 3 underlying disasters--- one still life and two abstracts.

I think it's important for you to know that not every day is rosy in an artist's studio.  It's frustrating, maddening, and can be crippling.  Those nasty voices tell you that you are stupid to think you can accomplish such a lofty goal.  Or the "Who do you think you are?"  Or "No one cares about any of this."  This isn't just me, folks.  It's a common feeling among many artists, or so I've been told.  I've heard it over and over again and fight those demons every day (not to get too dramatic).  My new art (s)hero is helping a lot to dispel these little voices and to encourage "fun," so don't worry.  There is a light at the end of this tunnel.

My BFF posted this little ditty today on Facebook.  It is indeed the truth.

"Never regret a day in your life: good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, and best days give memories." author unknown.

Yes, tomorrow is truly another day.

1155 The Mist of Reminiscence

 With Mother's Day in the recent past, I was remembering all the strong women who mothered me through the years.  In addition to my own mother and mother-in-law, there were many, and so on Mother's Day and in the following days, my heart honored them all.  I was grateful to have my kids with me on Sunday to help with some gardening chores and to celebrate.  I am indeed fortunate to have such a loving family.

The troublesome painting that obsessed me has been turned face down in a corner so I cannot see it.  I spent so much time---three full days---fretting, applying paint, removing paint over and over again, yet have nothing of pride to show for it.  Lately, I have trouble with abstract shapes and forms.  Nothing feels right.  As a representational artist for so many years, I am very used to painting what I see, so painting something I don't see is extremely difficult.  I must loosen up and be free with my large gestures.  To move forward, I started 3 new paintings including this one, and am hoping I can gather some inspiration.  My favorite artist has a free "taster" 8 day class beginning on May 20, so I know I will learn a lot and will be swimming in inspiration and ideas.  Can't wait.  

I hope you are well and enjoying nice weather.  It was in the 80's today.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1155-the-mist-of-reminiscence/997165

1154. Primavera

 

I started this painting as an experiment using alcohol as a reductive solution, which was fun.  I made the circles out of a radish dipped in the alcohol.  From there, I didn't know where to go with it, but with my new bravery, I dug it out of the pile of incomplete paintings.  I love the freshness of the colors, so springlike, so I named it Primavera which loosely means Spring.

The beauty of an abstract s that it can be hung in different orientations.  I painted it as above, but  there are other possibilities.  The second image below would be my second choice.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1154--primavera/995565