My Year in Review

 

2025 was an interesting year with some good things happening and some not -so-good.  Through it all, my commitment to creating was strong, in fact I painted 364 out of the last 365 days, which I'm really proud of.  

One of the highlights of the year was a very nice commission for 6 paintings of cacti and their flowers. I had no prior knowledge of cacti and certainly not much access to flowering cacti here in Chicago, so I had my work cut out for me in the form of research.  It was very rewarding to see my client so happy with the results and the suggestion that I now qualify to be a cactus garden docent.  (big smile)

I made some of my favorite floral paintings with new color palettes that stretched my usual.  I made advances in my comfort with abstraction, which continues to be a challenge for me since I've painted objects I see for many years.  

I worked on the concept of not having to cover every single little white spot (sigh) of the surface of a painting.  I did so with a series of collages leaving lots of white space, hoping to transcend that composition practice to canvas.

Pet portraits for two close friends who lost their dogs brought comfort to not only the recipients, but to me in my continued sadness after losing my little Oliver a year ago.  

I reacquainted with my old friend, Bernina (sewing machine) and obsessively made cute little pouches from sample upholstery fabrics.  I lovingly started making a memory quilt comprised of my late brother's wacky clothes, which is still in progress. I have plans for 6 pillows for my nieces and nephews.

Although I posted fewer completed paintings this year, I feel I made strides in my learning through discipline and practice,  still hoping to be more comfortable with "busting loose. " I have joined a group of really nice "art ladies" here in Chicago who meet virtually once a month and occasionally in person to share our love for art and artist comraderie.

My wishes for all of you are good health, happiness, a family of friends and/or relatives to share life with, and at least a sprinkling of creativity in your day to day lives.  And please don't tell me you don't have a creative bone in your body, because you just haven't looked hard enough for it. 

Happy New Year with love,

diane

 

1293. Sheffield

 This was a Christmas gift for a friend who recently lost her dog.  Sheffield had been her much loved friend for many years,  I hope this portrait will remind her of pleasant memories.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1293-sheffield/1197152

1292. The Secrets of Silence

 https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1292-the-secrets-of-silence/1194218

The Sunset Trail in Door County is one of the most peaceful places I've experienced.  I love to hear the crunch of the path's carpet and the serenade of the birds.  Occasionally, if you are lucky, you will see a beautiful deer or doe in the stillness.  In springtime, you may be lucky enough to catch the beauty of the tiny wild irises carpeting a blanket of blue.  You will come to the still water of a stream, and possibly an old cemetery if you veer off a bit.  One can best experience this while being silent.  Words are a distraction from the quiet moments in nature.

1291. Spur of the Moment

 Today I was planning to work on an abstract but I before I got started I came across an unfinished painting that was tucked away for another day.  It's good for me to be flexible.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1291-spur-of-the-moment/1192905

1290. Group Chat

 This arrangement by LaTerre Flower Market had more neutral flowers in the brown family of colors.  It was beautiful but I just can't get used to the idea of brown roses so I took artistic liberty to change the colors.  One of the great things about being an artist is that we can make subtle or drastic changes to any person, place or thing.  It's so powerful! ha ha

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1290-group-chat/1192466

1289. Flirtatious

This is a painting of one of many beautiful floral arrangements from La Terre Flower Market in Mequon, Wisconsin.  My friend's daughter graciously granted me permission to use their photos as reference.  This arrangement has all the components of HAPPY with its bright and cheery flowers.  Our Autumn has been beautiful here in Chicago, so HAPPY is the feeling of the days.

 https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1289-flirtatious/1191142

1288. In the Blink of an Eye....

 In the blink of an eye life can change, so make the best of each and every day.  Flowers make everyday better!

This painting is available for purchase.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1288-in-the-blink-of-an-eye/1190268

1287. Roll Out the Barrel

 This is the final painting of six cactus paintings for a home in Scottsdale, AZ.  These are Barrel Cacti, which are either small or quite large.  I REALLY got carried away with the prickles.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1287-roll-out-the-barrel/1189200

1286. Purple Prickly Pear

 I find the color purple to be "difficult" along with its compliment yellow.  It can be warm or cool.  This cactus has both.  I love that the buds look like little toes.  HA!

1285. Elusive

 

This is the fourth commissioned painting of a Saguaro Cactus for a home in Scottsdale.   Its blooms are the Arizona state flower and they only last one day, so one must be in the right place at the right time.  

I especially enjoyed painting this challenger.  It took concentration to get the ridges correct, and I guess I got carried away with the prickles, but that was fun too.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1285-elusive/1188315

1284. Cactus Beauty

 This is painting number 3 of 6 in the commissioned series of cactus flowers.  They will soon be traveling to their new home in Scottsdale.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1284-cactus-beauty/1188063

1283. Desert Beauty

 This is the second of six paintings commissioned for a family for their Scottsdale home.  It's one of my favorites.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1283-desert-beauty/1187611

1282. Hug Me Not

 This is the first of six large paintings commissioned for clients for their home in Scottsdale.  It was an exciting challenge because I knew nothing about cacti, had no exposure to cacti, and cacti with flowers aren't anywhere to be found here in Chicago.  Spending hours upon hours looking for images without copyright restrictions was definitely a challenge. Drawing the specific flower to match the specific cacti was also a challenge.  I found it sometimes frustrating, but often exciting.  I don't really think most people know what goes into the work even before the brushes hit the paint, and therefore you can't really appreciate the joys upon completion.  

  https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1282-hug-me-not/1187421

1281. Red

 

This is a re-do of an ugly painting I made years ago in an attempt to paint an abstract.   It is an acrylic 40 x 40", which is a challenging size.  Sometimes we need "company coming" to nudge us to complete projects like this.  Its in a room with lots going on and this is perfectly subtle addition to the room.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1281-red/1185688

1280. Did Someone Say Rabbit?

 Our dear friends and their adult kids have had several Golden Retrievers, and have been involved with Yankee Golden Rescue for many years.  Goldens are such great dogs, and Odie was no exception.  He was loyal, very well mannered and certainly well loved.  He would sit in front of the glass patio doors patiently waiting for rabbits to hop by.  Odie had a seizure disorder and left this world too soon.  He will be missed along with all the others this family have had as part of their family.  Rest in peace, Odie.

Many artists I know cringe at the thought of painting pet portraits.  I enjoy them, possibly because I am a dog lover and treasure the memories of the animals I have loved.  I've painted approximately 55 pet portraits, mostly dogs, many of whom have died.  The paintings are treasures to the people who have lost their loyal friends, including mine.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1280-did-someone-say-rabbit/1180867

1279. Daisy

 Daisy is an adorable cockapoo and she was lots of fun to paint.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1279-daisy/1176471

1278. Sale on Cuties

 My husband recently bought a giant bag of Cuties and I had some "near the end" orange Gerber daisies which begged for a painting with one of my favorite color combinations.  I was happy to comply.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1278--sale-on-cuties/1167194

1277. In the Forest of God

 

The Forest of God is such a breathtakingly beautiful place in Lebanon and the location of THE cedar tree that graces the Flag of Lebanon.  It is missing some of its branches due to disease, but it's still beautiful.  The forest is so peaceful and full of cedar trees, both alive and dead.  A French artist has taken the dead trees and carved into them.  One tree has the image of Jesus in his last moments, another carving that looks like it may be a child.  Here are a few photos:

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1277-in-the-forest-of-god/1166533

1269. Our Roots Run Deep

For better viewing, here are the two paintings stacked.

This row of trees, which is actually just a partial view, is located in the south of Lebanon as you approach the village in Marjeyoun, which is where my very large Lebanese family originated.  On my visits to Marjeyoun, these trees captivated me and it took several years for me to be able to paint them.  It was only after I learned that a family member planted them so that they could have pine nuts was I able to paint them.  It changed everything.

This painting,  is comprised of two 12 x 24" paintings which are intended to be hung side by side is called a diptych which measures 12 x 48".  Because they were so far in the distance, a lot was left to my imagination.  I hope that I have captured their mystery and beauty.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1269-our-roots-run-deep/1165301

1276. Lady in Red

 

If this painting looks familiar, it's because I painted a smaller version (12 x 12") a couple of weeks ago and it sold right away.  I really loved the colors and wanted another go at sizing up, which is not as easy as one might think it would be.  I'm very happy with this one and hope it finds a home soon before I decide I want to keep it.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1276--lady-in-red/1164602

1275. Bean Point

 Bean Point is my very favorite spot on Anna Maria Island, Florida.  It is the point where the Gulf of America meets Tampa Bay.  It's very quiet and the terrain and water changes every time you visit.  Some days there are massive amounts of shells and others, just a few.  It definitely is one of my happy places.  

This is the last of my mini series painted on Anna Maria Island.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1275--bean-point/1163496

1274. Sea Shells

 

Collecting sea shells at the beach is one of my favorite activities.  I find the sounds of the water, birds and families very soothing.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1274-sea-shells/1163352

1273. To the Beach

This is my favorite of the four paintings I made while on vacation.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1273-to-the-beach/1163295

Contact me if you are interested in purchasing this or any painting. 

1272. Sand Between My Toes

 

I am on vacation at a beach community.  I am happiest when near a beach and all it entails.  This mini series focuses on my happiness with these bright, happy colors.  Here's a preview of all the paintings in this series.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1272-sand-between-my-toes/1163133

1271. Wishing Tree

 

We are vacationing on Anna Maria Island where the island is in various stages of recovery from the two recent hurricanes.  It is really remarkable that so much progress has been made to recover.  

My favorite place on the island is Bean Point, which is where the Gulf of Mexico meets Tampa Bay.  It's a quieter section of beach and I like that.  Prior to the hurricane, my favorite little vignette included a couple of tall trees and some other smaller trees jetting out among rocks and shells.  The two major trees were uprooted in the hurricane and there was a plan to remove them, but people rejected that idea, and now we have Wishing Trees all over the island.  People have placed shells all over the roots and I love it.  I'm also excited that these large rocks entangled in the tree's roots showed up in the form of a heart.   

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1271-wishing-tree/1162488

1270. Tulips in a Blue Vase

 Did you know that tulips actually grow after they are cut and put in water? You really notice it when tulips are included in a florist's arrangement of mixed flowers.  The tulips reach for the light and in a couple of days will tower above the other flowers.  

I scored big at a friend's garage sale where she was selling this vase for sale for $1.  It is a perfect vase for tulips as the top allows them to droop over the side, which I love.  It's my favorite.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1270-tulips-in-a-blue-vase/1161370

1268. Feelin' the Love

 I had a birthday this past Saturday.  Everyone who knows me knows I'm a Birthday Brat.  I love my birthday because I hear from family and friends, all who shower me with love.  It's the greatest feeling in the world--to be loved.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1268--feelin-the-love/1160856

1267. Company's Coming

 Nothing welcomes guests like fresh flowers!  This is part of a series of floral paintings I call "Flowers Make Everything Better."

This painting is available for purchase.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1267-companys-coming/1160581 

1266. Beauty Queen

 

We subscribe to "an apple a day" at our house, and I was  excited to discover this apple's unusual marking.  That perfect stripe convinced me that I had to paint it, which I enjoyed.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1266-beauty-queen/1158303

1265. Floral Therapy

Have you ever tried on an article of clothing thinking if it fit, you would love it?  Well that's what happened here.  A while ago, I made a study of this arrangement and loved it.  It had a black background and it looked very nice. I also initially painted this larger painting with a black background and it was too stark.  I tried to tame it down by painting the background a dark blueish purple.  Nah, still too dark.  Then I auditioned a burgundy and nope, didn't work.  Finally I gave it one more try and now I'm happy with this reddish coral color.  I think it looks pretty smashing on that green wall!  Maybe you have a green wall that needs a lift?

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1265-floral-therapy/1158135

12664. Dreaming in Color

 

I absolutely loved painting this.  A happy accident was that I grounded the canvas with  the pinks and reds left over on my palette and when I finished painting the image, I decided to keep it, definitely a practice I will continue.  This painting is for sale, unframed, but shown here to give an idea of how it would look framed. Gratitude to LaTerre Market for use of their photo for inspiration.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/12664-dreaming-in-color/1157711