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

1028 Sentinel

 I really enjoy birdwatching in Florida, where the birds are so different from birds in the north.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/1028-sentinel/873344

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988 Reprieve at Twilight

This scene may look familiar to you, and you are correct that it is the same scene recently painted.  There are many benefits to the artist in painting several versions of the same scene, and "it's never the same painting twice," as it is virtually impossible to get every brushstroke the same.  This one is          30" x 24" which was challenging.  

My daughter took the photo reference, which was virtually black and white.  It was challenging to add color where there were only lights and darks.  I think I have one more in me, this time in various shades of blue.

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/988-reprieve-at-twilight/824700

 

983 Untroubled

Oh how I would love to be on that boat right now.  It looks so peaceful and tranquil and, well, untroubled.  My daughter took the reference photo for this painting a Mazomanie, Wisconsin.  

https://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/983-untroubled/818911

801 View From Cottage Row

I am taking a class from a favorite artist, Milwaukee's own Shelby Keefe, who is a very thoughtful and delightful instructor.  Her technique is so different from what I know that I had a very slow start after her demo (which I loved).  The original photo reference had a beautiful sailboat, which wasn't so beautiful after I painted it, so I eliminated it.  I'm sure I will want to make some adjustments after fresh eyes have examined it.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.
"801 View From Cottage Row"
acrylic - 11x14 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/801-view-from-cottage-row/482274

dianecampion.blogspot.com

647 The End of the Day

"644 Late Afternoon at the Harbor" was a mini version of this scene, 6 x 6" painted earlier in the week.  Many people really liked it, but I'll tell you now that I absolutely hate that painting, and it nearly ended up in the trash.  After all the time I spend on it,  I decided that I should post it anyway because not every day's painting turns out the way I want.  There is always something to be learned from the experience, and from that experience, I learned that for this artist, those big scenes require a bigger format.  This is the same scene, but is 20 x 16" and I am much happier with it.

"647 The End of the Day"
acrylic - 20x16 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/647-the-end-of-the-day/394917

644 Late Afternoon at the Harbor

This was a lovely scene in the harbor at the sailing center, Milwaukee, Lake Michigan, Wisconsin, where I go to study the relationships among water/sky/boats.  I am still frustrated when painting these water scenes, specifically boat scenes.  I am concluding that painting in a small format presents more difficulty for me, as I have had success with larger formats.  Any way you look at it, I may be moving on to land soon!

"644 Late Afternoon at the Harbor"
acrylic - 6x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/644-late-afternoon-at-the-harbor/394324

636. Quiet Stillness

A friend of mine posted the reference photo on her Facebook page and kindly let me use it for this painting.  I enjoyed painting it, and I wish I had a rowboat and a calm lake to experience the quiet stillness of a summer or fall's late afternoon. 

"636. Quiet Stillness"
acrylic - 16x20 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/636-quiet-stillness/392172

581 Door County Sunset

I thought I'd take a little break from the grey winter skies and seas and paint from a reference photo taken last Fall in Door County, Wisconsin where the sunsets are spectacular.  There is a particular restaurant, Buster something or other, where tables are set outside for all to witness the breathtaking views. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/581-door-county-sunset/365578

577 Plymouth Beach, MA

I am enjoying this learning process of repeatedly painting skies and sea with a very limited palette; especially challenging are the grey tones.  With warm weather flirting with us, I am hoping to paint at the Lake in the near future. 

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/577-plymouth-beach-ma/364417

461 Fish Creek Harbor

It was a dreary day at Fish Creek Harbor when we painted there, and none of the boats were sailing.  The paintings I made on that day were noticeably much grayer, but on a later, brighter day I drove by the harbor and snapped a picture.  I am fascinated by how the water color changes so drastically with the weather.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/461-fish-creek-harbor/258918

445 Summer Fun

With school starting next week, summer is too quickly coming to a close.  Our local mall has a nice outdoor area where kids can cool off in the water spouts.  It is very entertaining to watch them having so much fun. 
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/445-summer-fun/253589