After Springs Rains

It's Friday again, and I've been down with the flu all week. That must be the reason that I have another whimsical painting. And of course it is apple blossoms again. Almost daily painting does not leave time for flu, or holidays, or wedding showers. CLICK HERE for more information about this painting.

 These apple blossoms have been very useful. I have been testing different painting styles, and ways to apply the acrylic paint. I'm learning how to blend color and keep the colors clear with the acrylic, which isn't a simple task. The acrylic likes to blend, much easier than the oil paint that I'm used to working.

So for today its bright green rain clouds and deep rose blossoms.  Sounds like a fun change to me.

Blessings on your day.
Kathy

Raspberry Swirl

I've had a breakthrough! You know how that happens, I'm sure. Out of the blue you realize that...all along...you could have been doing "it" so much better.

I have been working along...almost daily....painting flowers and pears, when I could have been painting a cupcake a day....and eating it too. So here is my first cupcake. CLICK HERE for more about this painting...it could be yours...ready to hang!

Now all I have to do is put some very artistic reason behind this new practice. Something very high minded to hide my excess!!

So today it's cupcakes. Shouldn't everyday be cupcake day. Aren't breakthroughs fun!

Blessings on your day.
Kathy

Hillside Blossoms

After a time away, I'm returning to blossoms. The crabapple trees have bloomed in many shades of color. The grass has greened and it seems like my perennials are bursting forth from the damp ground in full flower. They are trying to make up for lost time I think. CLICK HERE for more information on this painting.

The colors of spring are all around us...finally.  It seems to me, the shades of green this year are unlimited.  I don't think I can remember more variety.

Our ancient red pine trees, that line up just outside our door, are ready to dust everything in puffs of red pollen. I was surprised to see this happen our first year here, it seemed rather magical. But now I know I have to keep my windows closed while the red clouds are floating by. It takes the magic away somehow. Isn't that a shame, and a statement on adulthood.

So, for today it is greens and blossoms. And of course the dandelions are in full bloom. Time to sit in the grass and make a chain.

Blessings on your day.
Kathy

Cherry Blossoms

Today is all about having some fun and trying new ways to see these trees. 

I'm surprised...as I am each year...at how quickly they burst into flower. So I took it a bit further and had some of the petals already falling.  For more information on this painting, or to make it yours
CLICK HERE

Hurry...they won't be around for long. Now is your window of opportunity. Standing in the blossoms is a religious experience. If that is too radical an idea, try lying underneath one of these wonderful trees.

The weather will be perfect for achieving your goal...and we even have a long weekend to give you plenty of time. Take a friend...take a picture...let me know if you did it!!

Blossom blessings on your day.

Kathy

Spring Branch

Today's painting began as a focus on the branching form and dappled light that you get with a blossom tree and full sunshine.  Then my brush took over and we got blossoms again.  I'm going to try to curb it's enthusiasm in the future.  For more information please CLICK HERE.....and  also, remember to add your name to the email spot at the top of this page to receive this in your inbox.

But this is just as I remember, do you suppose it was painted by my subconscious?  I used to sit under a tree very much like this one at the corner of my Grandfather's garden at home.  This special tree was sent by a distant relative...distant in that she lived in California...and bore her name as long as we lived there. 

It became the Elsie tree, and held the corner of the garden.  It was placed so that her shade would not shade the garden....that precious soil for planting flowers, and strawberries, and beans, and peas.  But the shade did allow a young girl to lay in the grass and enjoy the shade.

So for today it is memories I guess.  Maybe that is one of the reasons that I am drawn to this subject.  Do you have garden memories today.....the sun is out and it's finally going to be warm.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Apple Branch

 

Another attempt at abstract apple blossoms today.  This one has larger areas of color that do not "stand" for foliage.  They just echo the branching of the tree and allow me to "play" with color.
Again they are on gold foil so they take on a persona in real life....and don't show well in their photos.  In case you are wondering why I keep doing these, they really are magical in person.


They are a welcome bright spot today as we get rain and dark skies.  It is particularly dark indoors today at our house.  I was sitting here for quite awhile before noticing that the light bulb had burned out in my favorite lamp... right next to me.  Good morning Monday!!!  For more information on this painting CLICK HERE....and to receive my email enter yours above.


So for today it is dreary rain outdoors, and bright colors indoors. Color is always a great thing to have in your life....and on your walls.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Uptown Blossoms

Apple blossoms again!  Today they are on a ground of black gesso and gold foil.  They just look dressier to me than the others.  I can see these blossoms hanging outside a gallery in New York City.  Dropping thier petals in the warm sidewalks. 

 I'd like to see them hanging inside the gallery, but don't think that will happen any time soon. To far to ship them...that sounds better.  For more information on this painting please CLICK HERE.....and enter your email above to receive these postings in you inbox.

So for today it is apple blossoms in the city.  Hope they add spice and shine to your Sunday!

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Cheery Crabapple

Back to some abstract florals today and tomorrow.  I need a burst of color and movement to counter the cold, drab, non-movement in the weather.  I'm back to painting on a painted background and missing the shine of the gold underneath.  I'll be trying this on the gold soon.

This blog has been a surprise for me in many ways.  Today I'm being surprised at how closely my mood matches what is going on outdoors.  I know I'm moved by the natural world, just didn't know my emotions were so closely tied.  Retirement changes much.  I'm not out and about and doing three things at once.  I can be more easily moved without the clutter, I guess.

I'm still "trying on" may styles to use with the apple blossom theme.  Today's painting portrays the fun feeling I have standing in the trees.  I can almost smell the faint fragrance, can you? My goal is to have everyone standing in apple trees and crab apple trees by the time they bloom.  Watch as you are driving by an orchard.  I'll bet there will be a body standing close to a tree.  For more information about this painting CLICK HERE.

Also, don't forget to sign in at the top of the page if you want to receive this daily....well, almost...in your email.  Then you won't have to go searching for it in Facebook.

So for today it is fun and cheer and fantasy.  Hope it lifts your spirits.....it certainly has mine.

Blessings on you day.

Kathy

Color and Shine

Continuing in the apple blossom vein......here is my first small abstract on gold leaf in the 6 x 6.  It doesn't show here, but the branch is the base "painting" of gold.  There are also some smaller areas of gold left bare.  The light catches as you walk by, but not in a showy way, I hope.  I'm working toward an integrated gold backing look.  Something that enlivens the painting.  This one works on that level.

I'm working on a few of these so you may see them in the future.  The branching form is different, but the concept of the flower petals remains.  Let me know what you think!!  For more information you can   Click Here......  and don't forget to add your email address on the top of this page to receive future postings in your home email.   

The look of this painting is not as fine as the larger painting I posted last week.  It has a more abstract feeling, with a bit of push pull going on.  The larger paintings painted while at the workshop are definitely bolder than anything that I was thinking.  That's what happens.....you are always surprised!  It is what makes art alive and fun!!!

So for today it is color and shine.  I think we could use more of that this week....to offset the weather forecast.

See you tomorrow.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

May Blossoms on Gold Foil

My time in Grand Marais is always quite fruitful.  This year it has given me a focus forward. I am focusing on the apple trees, crab apple trees that will soon be blooming all over.  I love their branching form and their blossoms.  They have life span each year following the seasons which seems to follow our life cycle.  And I love to stand in them with blossoms all over my head!

For the last year I have been learning acrylics working to eventually paint on gold.  I'm so moved by the natural world, and spiritually, I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit underlying all that I see, trod upon, smell, and feel around me. 

So, I decided that gold would be a great underlayment for my landscapes.  Unfortunately, oil paint reacts with the gold, so I had to learn a new medium.  It was one year ago in that I decided, during my workshop in Grand Maras, to "master" acrylic. Well, I have made friends with it so far.  There is so much to know about this medium.

This little tree was a first try to get color, transparency and stroke right in his 6 x6 size.  For more information please Click Here  I'm feeling that my next few tries will be more abstract.  You can let me know what you think.

But for today it is pink blossoms and a longing for them to actually be blooming.  I will even walk out to see them in my warm coat. How about you?

See you tomorrow. Don't forget to sign above for email....it's just so much easier than Facebook.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Artist's Point Grand Marais

Artist's Point in Grand Marais, MN is a familiar sight to many.  Here was our view of the Point from the room where we were staying, although, this painting has more to do with Lake Superior than the Point.  We did have ice floating for the first few days we were there.  It was cold last year, but this is the first year I've seen ice on the lake.

Our yearly Grand Marais artist's retreat is always a powerful time.  I think the lake has a lot to do with that.  We didn't spend much time out of doors this year, but the studio was buzzing with creativity and color.  Many worked late into the night.

For more information on the painting Click Here.  If you would like to sign up to receive this in your email please enter your email address in the box at the top of this page.

So for today it's Artist's Point on ice.  Last year they had trouble finding open water for the Governor's Fishing Opener.  Just a reminder that it isn't really that late for cold weather....not sure that helps this year.

Blessings on your day,

Kathy

Spring Blossoms

This little painting has started a series.  I was re-acquainting myself with acrylics after painting in oils all day, when this appeared.  It is of one of my favorite Spring topics, apple blossoms.  It was a very evocative piece for me. 

It speaks of Spring of course, but it also seemed to speak in a broader sense of my time of life.  I'm feeling like I'm in the Springtime of the "second half" of my life, as Richard Rohr puts it.  I'm just beginning to enjoy "retirement".  I'm just beginning this new phase of my painting career.  I'm allowing myself to have some fun.  All new beginnings.....once again of course.

This painting deals with painting the negative spaces.  After painting the branches I had to pay attention to color organization, composition, and depth.  And, of course, wait for the unexpected.  If you would like more information or to bid on it Click Here 

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So for today it is cherry blossoms. Let's see in upcoming days, where this one leads.

Blessings on your day,
Kathy




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Bowl of Roses

I love the red background in this painting, just for fun today.  The roses became a post modern tribute.  They were almost finished, but needed the white stripes to sharpen the composition. For a better look at them and more information CLICK HERE.

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Life has caught me off guard and caused me to not post daily, yet again.  This time I do have an excuse.  I have been at a workshop, painting daily, in Grand Marais for a week.  It is a special time each year when a group of women come together to make art with abandon.  It was last week, and I thought I would have the time to paint a small painting each day.  I was surprised when that did not happen. I suppose I should not be surprised because this workshop never goes as you think it will.  Always something happens to shake up your work....always in a good way. 

 I will post some of the work that I did do a bit later.  It is slightly larger and is focused on the cherry tree's.  They seem to have a special focus for me at this time.  They are abstract, but interesting I think.  You can let me know.   

But for today, it is roses.  With Mother's Day coming up they could be a hint of sorts.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Single Pear

I'm back to pears to work on composition.  I'm working on my color composition and trying many color combinations.  What colors are the shadows of objects on different colors of grounds.  Pears are old friends, I've drawn and painted my fair share. I love the colors inherent in them, and their lumpy shapes. I have worked for so long in abstract that coming back around to still lives I'm finding I have to re-acquaint myself with all those rules that came so easily once.  It's a great exercise! Today I'm learning from pears.  Having been taught by a pear I can finally say that single isn't so bad.  Tomorrow we paint two, and eat one. Sorry pear.  For more information on this painting ClickHere To begin receiving my almost daily work you can email me from the Dailypaintworks site.....ClickHere to go there, or enter your email info on this site...in the upper right hand corner, it's secure.   It will be great to have you on board. So for today it's pears, my favorite fruit. Hope you enjoy them too! Blessings on your day, Kathy

Lemonade

It was so grey out today I needed some yellow to pick me up, and of course lemons came to mind.  I love lemons.  Ice tea is just my excuse to have fresh lemons.  My bag of lemons is dwindling as I drink ice tea and cut them up to paint them.  Hopefully they will be a sign of a sunny day on Saturday.  I think we are due one again. For more information about this painting ClickHere.

I am still working my way around the still life; trying to use the  single brush stroke to define an area. Unfortunately, old training dies hard and I'm left with a mismatch of styles.  But they are bright and very yellow.  And no one said this was supposed to be easy.  The hardest part is posting work that I’m not fully confident about.  I’m not usually that revealing.

I now have a link at the top of this page for you to sign up to receive the daily paintings in your email instead of on Facebook.  Please enter your email address and join my growing list of followers.  I’m planning to move to just email after a bit.  I feel I can be more candid when I know my audience.  You’ll want to be there when I throw caution to the wind!.....and I hope you are enjoying the images too!

So for today it is lemonade.  Whether it is sweetened, or unsweetened, I hope you have a sunny day full of Spring.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

 

Persistance

My Easter lilies this year are extraordinary.  They are prolific and pungent.  As much as I'm ready for them to fade they just keep on sending out a wonderful scent and bloom on. They are persistent in their fervor.  Don't you wish you could be?

In today's busy life, I find myself bouncing from task to task.  Picking up the next as I lay down what I have been focused on.  I'm  wanting to dwell, not to bounce.  Persistence would be lovely.

Today's painting is the ever difficult white on white.  There are so many colors that those whites become as they move into shadow.  This is a simplified version for a rainy afternoon.  I'm looking to find the key to persistence, not the nuance of white.  The answer is there.  For more information ClickHere.

So, for today it is April lilies and persistence.  On a rainy day, it’s bright inside.

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

May Flowers

Daily painting turned into weekly painting this last week.  I could blame Holy Week, and Easter,  and deviled eggs, but I won't do any blaming.

Daily painting is proving to be quite a challenge for me.  My usual “painting rhythm” is furious painting with days of rest and contemplation in between.  Knowing this, I took up the challenge, and it has been a great experience for me.  I just have to make it work on a more daily basis. I am having a lot of fun!

Daily I do work in my head; read, listen, look, and soak in the environment.  Many things will trigger paintings in my head.  Working on gold leaf was an idea formed after a trip to Collegeville to see the St. John’s Bible in person.   The “presence”  of the gold leaf made me feel that God’s presence in the landscapes that I love could be shown by painting on gold leaf.  This has been more of a challenge than I expected.  I have been working  to make the outcome luminous, not schmaltzy. 

I'm getting closer with this little work.  Prairie grasses, meadows and fields all are lovely spots.  The tall grasses waving in the breezes give movement to the landscape.  This is what I was trying to convey in this small work.  Our April showers today and tomorrow will bring us closer to these May flowers. For more information on this painting Click Here. 

So today it is the hope of May Flowers.

Blessings on your day.
Kathy

April Snow

I just finished work for today and walked into the living room to find soft, fluffy snow falling outside.  It feels like I was standing inside a snow shaker...beautiful.  Except it's April and this winter has been so very long....its hard to see the beauty.

Remembering my last post, I began to think of the flakes as apple blossom petals falling from the sky....April snow.  I began to think of the Spring rains, and how after blooming for awhile, the petals would fall during the spring rains or a strong wind.  They pile on the grass like snow.  Is this taking you into Spring?....I hope so.

So, I'm making today's painting another blossom painting.  It is one I finished awhile ago, but it seems relevant to my thoughts today.  It is larger and is one of the first in a series I'm working on.  It is acrylic on gold leaf...and it's the reason I have been working so hard to master acrylics.  More on the later.  But that does bring me to daily painting.  For more information click here.

So for today it is Apple blossoms, again. I hope it brings a breath of Spring to you today.

Blessings on you day.
Kathy

Cherry Tree

I hear that the cherry trees are blooming in Washington DC. It's on my bucket list to visit one spring. Somehow it always seems so early when they bloom. Here in MN we are still in the grip of winter at this time of year. Maybe that is what has my interest sparked. That and I hear that the size of the blooms are very large. One of my favorite walks in the spring is to walk over to blooming crab apple trees...our MN equivalent...and just stand with my head in the branches. I always look to see if anyone is looking before I do.

It is a wonderful experience. You are surrounded by white and pink blooms. The fragrance is very mild and is not a distraction. You can see the yellow stamens at the center of each blossom. The variety of white and pink is marvelous. I live in that experience for many months later.

One of the benefits of painting each day is that I can play. Most times I don't keep my playful paintings, but I did keep this one. It just sparked my apple blossom experiences. I'm sharing it with you for two reasons...to celebrate the cherry blossoms in DC, and because I don't have another painting to share today. Another benefit of painting daily...and posting daily...I can't take myself too seriously. Normally these are the paintings that no one sees. It is a bit humbling, but a growing experience non the less.  Click here for more information on this piece.

So today it is blossoms. Hope you have a blooming wonderful day. Pretend that the white flakes coming out of the sky are apple blossoms....wouldn't that be something?

Blessings on your day.
Kathy

First Lemons

On a grey rainy day what could be more welcome than lemons.  These look to me to be summer lemons at the beach.  It's my first try at high key painting, and I had fun with it.  The trick to high key painting is to use straight color...no white to get a lighter shade.  Then the rest of the colors in the piece follow suit. It can be a bit tricky, not what I'm used to at all.

Lemons and Easter always go together at our house; lemon pie, lemon poppy seed bread, lemon bars.  It is a rite of spring, always fresh and bright. Somehow better than chocolate...well, maybe!

So today it's lemons!  We should all make lemonade I guess.
Hope this wakes up your day!  To Bid Click Here 

Blessings on you day,
Kathy

Healing Garden

As I was watching the morning news they did a segment on the St. Paul Children's Hospital Healing Garden.  It is just outside the critical care unit and is available to patients, parents, and staff.  What a great place it is, with many garden themed things to see and do.  A calming place to just be for awhile.  This floral just decided to come and I dedicate it to that healing space. It has the bright colors and green background of the space. We all need our healing spaces.  Maybe this will take you to yours.

So for today it is Healing Garden.  Hope it sparks something special for you.  Click Here to Bid

Blessings on your day.

Kathy

Garden Memories

All of life has it's ups and downs!  Welcome to my NEARLY DAILY painting blog!

I knew when I began that I would not make a painting "every" day....but I didn't count on the train wreck I ran into this weekend.  No excuses, and I have been painting. I have not been happy with the quality of the work I was pushing out every day.  So, I have taken a step back and will begin again.

And it's always right to begin again with flowers.  I'm missing my garden this year.  Usually by this time there is at least a bit of green beginning to grow.  But this year I still have a mound of snow covering a good portion of the garden.  So I will have to rely on the memory of gardens past.  As always this memory is soft and muted, a jumble of greens and flower petals.  And sometimes memories are the best way to go....you don't need to weed a memory, right?  To Bid Click Here

So today it is a memory that I carry with me.  Hope it sparks a memory for you, too! 

Blessings on you day.

Kathy

Gooseberry Memories

Gooseberry Memories

I'm beginning to get ready for my annual workshop in Grand Marais at the beginning of May.  It is a great time to re-connect; with the North Shore landscape, old friends, new materials, and the work.

Last year, for the first time, I drove north alone.  All along the way the water was rushing in the small streams, running down the hills and across the road, running in the streams into the lake.  I decided to stop at Gooseberry Falls, break my drive, and see what was up.  I was rewarded with rushing waters falling, and falling again.  The banks were so swollen that you could not walk out onto the rocks as you can usually.  It was magnificent.  I got lost in the power of the rushing waters.  The sound was deafening.

So here is a memory of Gooseberry falls for you, the rushing water, the tall straight trees, the wonderful, massive boulders.  And of course the colors.....pink and baby blue are the unexpected sky colors up north.  Anywhere else they don't work, but up with the pines and the lake they are perfect.If you have stopped, you might remember too.  If not just sit awhile.  I'll bet you'll be able to hear the rushing waters.   Click here to go to the auction site.

Can Spring waters be far away?

Blessings on your day,
Kathy

Arizona Evening

We've had a gloomy day awaiting the "big snow". I was almost wishing for the promised snow to brighten the day....almost!

As I was getting my paints together, I was thinking back just a month to our trip to Arizona. Spring was in full force as we landed. The wild flowers were beginning to bloom. My favorites are the orange desert poppies that mass  in unexpected corners.

We spent an evening at the Desert Botanical Garden. We had the luxury of time for a change, and spent some time sitting as the sun began to lower.  Slowly I noticed a fragrance...a woodsy, citrus, warm aroma. It was quite magical!

So today's landscape is of an Arizona vista...with just a hint of poppies. I think I will visit the memory often. Hope it helps brighten your landscape today. To bid click here.

See you tomorrow.
Blessings on your evening.

Kathy

Three's A Crowd

Three's A Crowd

Pears are wonderful...fragrant, bumpy, and such beautiful colors.

Over the past many months they have been helping me learn about acrylic painting. I've painted.. and eaten...a peck of pears. They make up a part of my indoor landscape.

As a painter of landscapes, I have a few favorites...Natural, Indoors, Garden, Interior, and Spiritual. I look forward to sharing these landscape spaces with you as we journey together.

So, to begin, we have pears. They capture my attention with their beautiful and varied colors. Their shape echo's the human form...sometimes closer than we may wish. And they share space together with a curious sense of design that fascinates me.

So, today it's pears! Click here to bid.

See you tomorrow.
Blessings on your day.

Kathy

April Fools!

Hello, and welcome to my new Blog!  I have committed to painting daily and will post the results here.  Maybe the joke is on me this April Fools day!

Our Minnesota April 1st began with snow....who knows what we'll end up with.  I decided that it would be better to begin with flowers....so that is my first posting on this snowy day.  Hope it brings a hint of spring to your day!  I was thinking of daffodils and "Johnny Jump Ups".

Each day my original work will be available at auction with a beginning bid of  $25.  You can click here to bid.  I have enjoyed the auction experience and have acquired some great pieces at great prices myself.  Hope you'll check it out!

Happy April!
See you tomorrow!

Blessings!
Kathy