1224. Sudden Stop for Hollyhocks

 A Facebook friend posted a photo of Hollyhocks, and gratefully she agreed to let me use it as a reference.  She happened to be driving and saw hollyhocks growing near a restaurant, and she stopped to photograph them.  It reminded me of the bumper sticker that reads, "I brake for garage sales"  because those of us who love flowers can't help but stop to admire their beauty.  

Thanks to Karen Spinti for the great photo.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1224--sudden-stop-for-hollyhocks/1084726

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

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

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

1097 Mum's the Word

 These teensy little mums have outlived all the others in the mixed Fall bouquet my daughter gave me,  and I couldn't toss them before painting them.  This was another opportunity for me to stay loose.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1097-mums-the-word/939497

1060 Summer Love

 My rooftop garden vegetables are winding down, but the flowers are exploding in number and with color.  I'm fascinated with the every-which-way of the nasturtium leaves and flowers.  Putting together a still life arrangement is often the most difficult part of making a painting, but this was a no brainer.  The wine bottle is a favorite and was given to me by a dear friend.  I purchased the Van Briggle over 36 years ago, and it has been a treasured souvenir from Colorado.   I really love the way all these colors came together.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1060-summer-love/921969

To purchase this painting, use this PayPal link:  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1060-summer-love/921969

1010 Note To Self

 Perhaps you recognize this vase as being from Farmgirl Flowers, and if so, you are correct!  A family member brought a gorgeous arrangement in this vase made entirely from grocery store flowers.  It was exquisite.  I especially like the way tulips cascade over the edge, and my husband's gift of these purple tulips  demanded this vessel.

Maybe you are curious about the title?  I started this painting yesterday and it was mostly complete except for background (which always gives me a problem).  When I resumed today, not only had the darn tulips grown several inches in different configurations, but the colors changed dramatically, becoming more on the red violet side rather than yesterday's purple.  I must remember to complete tulip paintings in one sitting or else.....

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1010-note-to-self/853412

1007 The Kiss of the Sun

 

Happy Holidays to all of you.  During this year's shelter, I managed to get all my shopping and wrapping done early, a first for me.  I had plenty of time to paint and try new things, one example is studying abstracts.  I've collected a huge file on Pinterest.  I wonder if I will ever get confident in this new genre.  

This is the first time I have painted on heavy weight art paper, and I am surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  The surface is much smoother than canvas and it doesn't take up much space.  The painting can be varnished and mounted on a cradled board, or framed in a standard 14 x 11" frame.  A friend just sent me pictures of artwork framed in IKEA frames, which was surprisingly beautiful.

The weather here in Chicago has been very cold---no snow, but cold.  A friend in California sent me some nasturtium, sunflower, and hollyhock seeds and that got me dreaming of being back in the gardens.  I never tire of painting flowers.  

I wish you all a very healthy and happy new year.  All it takes is just one slip up, and boom, you're exposed to covid.  May 2021 be filled with optimism and and peace.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1007-the-kiss-of-the-sun/852204

994 Friend of a Friend of a Friend

 I love nasturtiums, but was very disappointed that my attempts to grow them this year on my roof did not bring better results.  I'm not sure if the reason they did poorly is because it's too sunny, too much water, or the soil wasn't bad enough.  Oddly, such a sweet little flower likes poor soil.  I'm not giving up yet, and will try again next year.  One more thing, did you know that nasturtium flowers and leaves are edible?

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/994--friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend/832703

993. Family Dinner

 

Flowers are a must-have staple in my house.  They make me happy, plain and simple.  This year, I enjoyed growing flowers on my rooftop garden.  They get regular watering and all the sun their little hearts can hold.  It's so nice to be able to pluck the blooms and plop them in a vase for a friend or family member.  We had a family dinner yesterday and this arrangement graced our dinner table.  I felt proud to create a simple arrangement and a delicious meal.  Flowers make life so much better.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/993-family-dinner/832325

929 Out of Pocket 3

It's always fun for me to find colorful collections to paint, and old billiard balls certainly fall into that category.  This one is 8" x 8" and painted with acrylic paints.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/929-out-of-pocket-3/750229

Follow me on Instagram:  paint_dmc

In Wine There is Truth (In vino veritas)

I loved these antique hand blown wine jugs, but was really wondering if I could handle painting the complexity of the subject.  I went into it thinking it would be a good learning experience and as it turns out, I loved every minute of the experience.

Finding the right title was a challenge.  "Antique Hand Blown Wine Jugs" just didn't do it for me, so I did a little research.  The title in English and Latin, is one of many common proverbs about wine in everyday language in Italy, wine being an important element.  Basically it means "wine makes people tell the truth."

"In Wine There is Truth (In vino veritas)"
acrylic - 30x24 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/in-wine-there-is-truth-in-vino-veritas-/517104

dianecampion.blogspot.com