702 Survivors

As I was conducting the first round of Fall cleanup, I just couldn't discard these sweet little survivors, scraggly as they were.  I think they are charming in my new vase from New Mexico in a random sort of way.  I'm such a sap.

"702 Survivors"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/702-survivors/418097

690 Vineyard Beauty

This is my first painting of grapes.  It may very well be my last.  I have a new appreciation for those who can effectively paint grapes.  I photographed these grapes at the Ixser Vineyard in Lebanon and I had never before seen this range of colors on a single bunch of grapes.  I thought they all ripened at the same pace.  Either way, it was not an easy task to paint them.

The wine, by the way, is delicious, and brought back many lovely memories of our summer trip to Lebanon.

"690 Vineyard Beauty"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/690-vineyard-beauty/413131

688 Veronica, Dalia, and Rose

These three "girlfriends," Veronica Speedwell, Dalia (don't know her last name) and Rose Campion are lingering in my garden after just about everything else is kaput.

"688 Veronica, Dalia, and Rose"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/688-veronica-dalia-and-rose/412089

685 Lingering

The magic vase with different designs depending on the turn was made by Courtney Hancock and purchased at Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor Door County.

"685 Lingering"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/685-lingering/411394

680 Underappreciated

Well.  This is the third little vase I purchased at Off the Wheel Pottery in Door County, made by artist Courtney Hancock, and by far the most difficult to paint with all those little leaves.  I hope I didn't get too "precious," the kiss of death for a painting.  I think it will be easier to paint on a larger format.  I am happy with the geranium after struggling with the color.  In case you are wondering about the title, geraniums are rarely my first choice flower for the garden because I don't think of them as being a glamorous choice, but I always end up delighted with them.  This one was a lucky find at Costco this spring and graces our patio with a giant splash of color that says,  "Welcome home!"

"680 Underappreciated"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/680-underappreciated/408659

679 The Glance

This is another vase purchased at Renee' Schwaller's Off the Wheel Pottery Gallery in Egg Harbor, WI, and made by her former intern, Courtney Hancock.  This may very well be my favorite of the three vases since it has a different pattern depending on the side you are looking at.  (You'll see....) Sorry for the glare on the photo, wet paint.  Again, the nasturtium is from my garden.

"679 The Glance"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/679-the-glance/408495

676 Art Ladies

The Art Ladies had a celebration last night in anticipation of our plein air painting trip this fall, and this was the hostess-with-the mostest's table centerpiece.  It was a delightful evening in every way!

"676 Art Ladies"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/676-art-ladies/407686

672 No Worries

I am trying to loosen up with my painting.  It's really tough for me because my natural inclination is to want to keep at this.  It took every ounce of restraint not to add a lot of fussiness to these flowers.

The title of this painting, "No Worries" refers to a message to Lisa Dara Kennedy, who I have been hoping would come to my neck of the woods to conduct a workshop, that she has no worries about this artist ever infringing on her territory.  yikes.  I guess Lisa would rather teach in Italy than in Milwaukee.  Imagine that.   hmmmpff.  Ha ha, Lisa. 

"672 No Worries"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/672-no-worries/405726

662 Blue Sky

I photographed these flowers, Thumbergia Grandiflora Blue Sky Vine, in Lebanon, although I have seen them in Florida.  They are a beautiful vine and en masse are breathtaking.  I seriously doubt they would survive in Milwaukee.

"662 Blue Sky"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/662-blue-sky/403149

660. Gift of Love

My husband is one of a kind.  He buys flowers for me each and every week, taking great care to select flowers for the bouquet.  He encloses a little note with something pertinent for the day/week.  I particularly loved this combination of coral roses and lavender roses, and liked how it looked in the red dining room.    Yep, he's a keeper!

"660.  Gift of Love"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/660--gift-of-love/399342

659 Old Fashioned

More of Vicki's beautiful hollyhocks.  They are all beautiful!

"659 Old Fashioned"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/659-old-fashioned/399197

658 Vicki's Hollyhocks

I've really REALLY enjoyed painting these hollyhocks, and I am sure there is at least one more painting in my future.  There are so many exciting learning opportunities to paint the lights and the shadows caused by the bend of the delicate petals.

Vicki has them in such a perfect place for passers-by to see in her cottage style gardens---simply beautiful!

"658 Vicki's Hollyhocks"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/658-vickis-hollyhocks/398998

657 Reminiscence

My neighbor, Vicki is a fabulous gardener and I just realized today that she has hollyhocks growing in her garden!  Hollyhocks remind me of my childhood as we had them growing so tall in the alley behind our house when I was growing up.  I remember the bees especially liked their nectar.  Their beauty has stood the test of time.

Side note:  I painted this entire painting upside down.  Don't ask me how that happened, I don't even know, but it did.  I just know that I signed it and something felt wrong....could be that the pollen defied gravity. 

"657 Reminiscence"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/657-reminiscence/398743

639 President's Dinner

The Garden Club's official year has come to a close, and on Tuesday night we had our President's Dinner at the beautiful Lynden Sculpture Garden.  I was in charge of centerpieces and favors for guests and I was delighted to find beautiful flowers at a local farmers' market.

638 In the Garden

This is part of Edgewood Orchard Galleries' Sculpture Garden path and one of the sculptures.  I photographed this scene last Fall, but didn't make note of the artist and sculpture name.  I tried to find out, but couldn't in time for this post.  I will identify if and when I learn the information.

* This sculpture is called "Evening Out," and the artist is Cathy Broski.

"638 In the Garden"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/638-in-the-garden/393056

635 The Mighty Oak in Spring

The oak tree is full of Spring green leaves now, but it is so big that you can stand under its canopy and still see its beautiful structure.  I enjoyed painting it with leaves, an unexpected surprise.

"635 The Mighty Oak in Spring"
acrylic - 8x6 in
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/635-the-mighty-oak-in-spring/391705 


Today I went to the Old Towne Art Fair in Chicago and saw some really nice art.  Two of my fellow artists, Ken Reif and Judity Gahn Murphy also represented by The Leigh Gallery were there and it was fun to chat with them.

I was also thrilled to meet Brian Burt, a fellow Daily Paintworks artist whose work I instantly recognized.  He uses "classical techniques with contemporary subjects."  As an example, you want to take a giant bite of his jelly donut because it looks so real.  His paintings have just the right amount of whimsy coupled with perfect realism.  Amazing.  I've always admired his work and it was a joy to meet him today.

617 Celebrate Friendship

I could have called this painting "Blubbering" because that's what I did when I received this floral delivery today.  I was so surprised and touched by this thoughtful gesture from a dear friend, who sent me this arrangement to celebrate my art showing at a favorite gallery.  I took artistic liberties to paint it in one of my blue and white bowls in official celebration of this special weekend.   I am nervous and excited, and I certainly feel loved by the overwhelming outpouring of good wishes and kind gestures.  It is all very humbling, touching and .....I don't even have the words.  It's a wonderful feeling. 

614 On the Outs

This is probably the last of the Indian eggplant paintings.  I hope to make a visit to Whole Foods this weekend to look for cherries as I will soon be in Door County to celebrate my acceptance at the Edgewood Orchard Galleries,  and cherries are very important to Door County.

There is a "rule" in painting that objects should not 'kiss," but I love the negative space created by this kissing thing, and in the case of objects leaning against one another, I think it's got to be "legal" and if not, I'm breaking the rules anyway.  So there.

"614 On the Outs"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/614-on-the-outs/385239

603 Sunflowers in the Sunroom

It was a perfect moment,  as the sunflowers just happened to be falling in a perfectly natural arrangement and the sun streamed in our front window, the light hitting some of the the petals,   charging them with vibrancy.  I couldn't let the opportunity to paint them pass.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/603-sunflowers-in-the-sunroom/372117

554, Encore, In the Limelight

I like this lighting much better than yesterday's and am much happier with this painting and the larger format.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/554-encore-in-the-limelight/335854