1144. All Part of the Plan

 

I've been really digging deep in expanding my horizon and my head is swimming from all the information AND the discoveries I've made.  I had some old jars of good quality paint in unusual colors and have been experimenting mixing new hues, as well as giving black paint a second chance.  I've very rarely used black, but have discovered a whole other palette of colors.  I've been scraping and sanding and my hands are covered in paint.  I'm having a ball and am discovering what I like and what I don't.  It's "all part of the plan."

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1144--all-part-of-the-plan/990052

1132. Shimmer

 When the sun hits the leaves of the palms at just the right angle, the brightest bits just seem to glow.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1132-shimmer/979148

1130. Up On the Roof

 This is the view from my Chicago roof at that golden time of the day when the sun kisses the windows till they glow.  Drawing it was a challenge.   My roof is a place that brings me joy in all seasons except winter because I have a  large garden there.  I love to dig my hands in the dirt, and watch the plants grow from day to day and to produce vegetables and flowers I am proud of.  

The Drifters sang it best, and this is really how I feel:

When this old world starts getting me down
And people are just too much for me to face
I climb way up to the top of the stairs
And all my cares just drift right into space…

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1130--up-on-the-roof/978310

1118 Jumped in with Both Feet

 Painting a 48 x 48" canvas is a major commitment.  There is no backing down.  If I thought I was putting my toe in the water before, this was me diving in to the deep end.  I had another more colorful painting in this spot, but was tiring of it, so I painted a new one, with more of a calm feel.  I think Oliver likes it too.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1118-jumped-in-with-both-feet/961124

1106 Afternoon Stroll

 I wanted to give another shot at the white and yellow flowers, as I wasn't thrilled with 1105 Morning Walk.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1106-afternoon-stroll/951015

1105 Morning Walk

 

Even the weeds or wildflowers make a walk on city streets more enjoyable.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1105-morning-walk/950060

1103 Let's Sit For Awhile

 Here is one last painting of zinnias from my garden, painted from life.  I struggled with the chair color, auditioning several different colors.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1103-lets-sit-for-awhile/947198

1102 PANACEA

 Pink and red and orange flowers can cure just about anything, in my opinion.  These are zinnias.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1102-panacea/945616

1101 Seat Taken

 This was my last chance to paint the marigolds I grew from life.  It was really hard to say goodbye to them as they were so brilliant.  The chair is one I painted several years ago, modified in this painting.  In reality, every surface of the chair is painted with a design, but I felt too many details would take away the focus of the marigolds.  I'm very happy with this painting. but I am NOT falling in love with it because that is "the kiss of death" for a painting, as a wise former mentor would say.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1101-seat-taken/945114

1100 Purple Pollinators

 

The Asters are back again and they are beautiful.  I wish they lasted longer.

I've been painting up a storm but haven't been able to post everything I'm working on because they are surprises in one way or another.  I'm having a ball.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1100-purple-pollinators/943672

1098 Dancing Cheek to Cheek

 I had to get one more nasturtium painting in before the garden is put to bed for the winter.  I am collecting seeds from the nasturtiums with the hope of growing them again next year.  They are such a happy flower and bring me joy.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1098-dancing-cheek-to-cheek/940527

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

1095 Norma Jean Baker a.k.a. Sugar

 

Introducing Sugar, a Coton de Tulear, who is living the good life.  Her real name is Norma Jean Baker, named by her "mom," a big Marilyn Monroe fan.   Her name was modified to "Sugar," Marilyn's character's name in the movie, Some Like it Hot because Sugar's "dad" refused to call her Norma Jean, which I think is hilarious.  

This was a commissioned painting to be given as a gift. 

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1095-norma-jean-baker-aka-sugar/937390

1094 Solar Power

 I almost felt guilty buying sunflowers at the farmers' market when I grow them on my roof, but I couldn't resist the unusual colors of the red ones and the mauve/white ones, which I don't grow.  Unfortunately the only sunflowers flourishing that I could (barely) reach are the little yellow ones on the top of the arrangements.  

By the way, I have had many inquiries about note cards featuring my paintings.    I will have two sets of six of my Strada Easel Challenge paintings bundled together for a very reasonable price.   Also, most any of my paintings can be featured as note cards, as an alternative, in case you have favorites.  Please contact me via email if you are interested in more details or would like to place an order.  My email address is:   dianecampion@gmail.com

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1094-solar-power/936829