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

1052 Merrily, Merrily, Merrily

 Slowly but surely, and with lots of practice, I am letting loose of old habits and embracing some new techniques for my paintings.  I have always painted what I see, but in this case, the pitcher and cup were white and the vase was mostly dark blue.  I keep thinking of Chicago local artist/mentor and teacher, Steve Puttrich's saying, "It's a poem, not a police report."  I love that idea,  and repeat it to myself often when I find myself getting too fussy.

So what do you think?

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1052--merrily-merrily-merrily/903672

1050 Summer, Straight Up with a Lemon Twist

 Did you miss me last week?  I had an action filled week at a zoom art class 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. every day.  It was wonderful, but very tiring.

This painting really spells summer to me--sunflowers, zinnia, cherries, and lemon(ade).  What more can you ask for?  I hope you like it.

969 The Gift of Friendship

I have a dear friend--also named Diane, in Milwaukee who was my neighbor for 29 years before we moved to Chicago.  She and I would use this same box, ribbon and tissue inside to pass gifts to each other at birthdays, etc.  The gift was always quietly left at the back door,  welcomed with a warm smile.  I sure miss her, but ha ha, I'm the one who ended up with the box.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/969-the-gift-of-friendship/802220

968 When Life Gives You Lemons

It was really fun to make this painting, and took quite awhile to plan and execute.  The vase is one of my favorites--in case you didn't guess, black and white is my favorite color combinations.  I really enjoyed painting the lemons, but not the teapot which has a very matte finish.  The background is my favorite part.  In my still life, it was one of my scarves, but I carved a potato and used it to print the circles.

What do you do when life gives you lemons?

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/968-when-life-gives-you-lemons/801445