Hilton Head Four challenge - Girl with a Watering Can

"Girl With a Red Pocketbook"

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is the Hilton Head Four bi-weekly challenge entry.  "Girl with a Watering" Can by Pierre Auguste Renoir is one of my favorites and I couldn't resist this young woman in a blue skirt studying the piece.  I loved her red purse...ergo the name!

I supplied a source photo from one taken at the National Gallery of Art and my 3 partners in crime supplied their versions.  It is so fun to see what others see in a source photo.  The lessons I learn from the different cropping and colors are priceless.  Three of us painted pretty much the same scene with Lydia stepping back and painting the whole figure.  I think she just liked the boots on the woman.  

Regula aka Lulu did a quick sketch digitally.  I love the watercolor effect it has...such soft colors and she was able to include just enough information so you know the scene.  It makes you think.  hmmmmmmmmmm....

Chris also did a quick digital sketch...

Last but not least Lydia's version "looking forward to spring".  

Hilton Head Four Challenge #8 - Visit to Museum de l'Orangerie in Paris france

We're in the Monet

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is the 8th Hilton Head Four Challenge.  Photos were sent out and the four of us depicted each photo any way we wanted.  The setting is the Monet exhibit at the 

Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris, France!  A great source photo offered by Chris Werst.  

Three of us chose the same basic setting.  I loved the couple sitting looking at the Monet...and the lady with the red coat off to the right gave it a nice perspective.  I wonder what the couple sitting were talking about...what were they thinking.  I know viewing this artwork that completely covers the walls of the Museum is very overwhelming when  you enter.  It is a wonderful exhibit and not to be missed when you visit Paris!

A Monet in Time

8 x 10

Oil

Lydia

http://lydiajechorek.blogspot.com/

Like It?

8 x 8

Oil

Lulu

www.regulascheifele.blogspot.com

Chris Werst

Hilton Head class challenge 2012 - Lydia

Lydia

4 x 4

Oil on board

The Hilton Head challenge is still going strong....but I am afraid I have fallen off the wagon.  Here is my attempt to almost get caught up!!! I have two more to paint and then I will be up with the rest of the gang!  Wanda Rottenfusser has done a great job with the story lines and getting the source photos out every week. 

This is lydia!  She has a great blog that you can check out by clicking her name.  Her blog consists of not only her fabulous artwork but also great tips on painting, videos, and anything else you can think of that is art related!  She is a great resource.

You can scroll down to see my other "catch-ups"

Now off to the easel I go...

Leslie Saeta - 30 paintings in 30 days concludes...

Leslie Saeta

6 x 6 

Oil on Raymar Panel

Leslie is host of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  It has been an awesome month full of wonderful artwork, camaraderie and encouragement.  I was amazed at the number of people that kept up with the challenge and posted daily.  I was also amazed that I could not find a picture of Leslie without her teeth showing!!!  That woman smiles all the time...not a bad thing unless you want to paint her!

Crystal Cook posted a blog about her musings on the 30 in 30 challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta.  

"Recognize that this challenge is more about the journey than the destination."

While it was fun to get to know new artists and share the daily painting with them...my biggest joy was just painting.  

I decided to do artists portraits.  I wrote to numerous artists and asked for pictures that I could use for this project.  I knew it would be a big challenge...but I didn't realize that posting the images to my facebook page and blog would be so stressful.  People often see themselves in a different light and posting what I see and what my abilities let me record on canvas might not be appreciated.  It was cause for trepidation.  All out sheer panic set in when the photos started arriving and they were things I would not normally choose to paint.  Animals and glasses and teeth OHMY!!!  I had to chalk this up to a learning experience and just do my best.  As the month progressed I saw an improvement in my work.  I researched painting things I was not familiar with and then realized that they are just shapes, darks and lights...just like everything else I paint.  I really like painting glasses now...teeth, well the jury is still out on teeth. And I must say my Facebook and blog friends are very supportive and I was met with many compliments throughout the month.   

So, as I conclude this challenge I begin another.  The adventure continues....

Laurie Miller - - 30 in 30 Challenge

Laurie Miller

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar panel

We are on day 29 of Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  I clearly cannot count because I still have artists to paint!!!  Best laid plans...yadda yadda.

This is Laurie Miller.  I met Laurie on Facebook and through our conversations on line I found out she lives a stone's throw away from the house my mom grew up in!!!  Small world.  Laurie was kind enough to walk over to my mom's old house and take pictures for me.  It has a beautiful wrap around porch and I remember sitting on that porch and playing cards with my Memere (grandmother).  Good times revisited because of a chance meeting and the kindness of an online friend.  

Stay tuned...one more day!!!

Carl Baratta - 30 artists in 30 days Challenge

Carl Baratta

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar panel

I met Carl Baratta through my brother, Richard.  Carl is a fabulous artist who works at the Art Institute of Chicago.  His work can be seen here.carlbaratta.com.  When I wrote to ask him for a picture for this project he replied immediately and sent this one explaining that he does not have a lot of pictures of himself and this was taken when he was looking out for bears.  When I began my art journey, Carl was always there ready to answer questions and help me out.  

Leslie Saeta's challenge has taken me many places.  I have met new artists and found out more about many that I know.  It has been a wonderful learning experience...and it is not over yet!!!  a couple more days left!!!

30 in 30 - Artist Series Challenge - Susan Norman

Susan Norman

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Susan Norman is a wonderful artist and instructor who shows her work at the Loft Gallery in Occoquan, VA.  She specializes in portraits and figurative pieces.   I just had to paint her when I saw this beautiful picture...

Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days continues...only a few days left!!! What a trip it has been!!!

Carrie Waller is next up - 30 paintings 30 days...artist series

Carrie Roets-Waller

8 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Carrie is an amazing watercolorist.  She paints still life pieces using glass bottles and crystal glasses in her compositions.  She is able to capture light masterfully. Her work is not to be missed.  Visit her blog to see what she is up to.  She often posts works in progress and it is fascinating to follow her as she brings the painting to life.  

When I first wrote to Carrie to ask if I could paint her "mug" I thought I was asking for a picture  of her face to paint from...Carrie read it as a coffee mug and sent this picture!!!  When I better explained what I was looking for she laughed and said "that is the difference between a still life artist and a portrait artist!"  

Leslie Saeta's challenge is going strong.  check out her blog to see all the beautiful paintings.

Naomi - is Next in the 30 in 30 series challenge

Naomi

8 x 10

Oil on Raymar Panel

I am definitely nearing the end and bending the rules...they are my own rules but I am bending them.  This is the daughter of an artist, Elizabeth Floyd.  Liz is a fabulous artist.  I love her landscapes and still life paintings.  She regularly features her adorable daughter Naomi on Facebook...polishing her nails, baking and just enjoying life.  So today I decided to feature Naomi, who I am sure is an artist also.

Leslie Saeta's challenge of painting 30 works in 30 days has been quite a ride...it has pushed me to paint more loosely and let go of nitpicking every little detail.  I love the result of the challenge!  

30 paintings in 30 days - Artists series - David

David Shevlino

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

When I began this challenge I sent out a lot of messages and emails to artists asking for a picture to use. I asked friends, acquaintances, and artists I know only through FaceBook.  I was very surprised by the responses.  A lot of people said "go for it" and seemed excited for me.  Some politely said they would prefer not to participate and I respect that.  David Shevlino responded immediately and sent a picture.  I was thrilled and intimidated at the same time.  He is such a fabulous artist...I am appreciative of his willingness to help me learn and grow.  

I have taken a David Shevlino workshop and have his DVDs.  He is truly a master of his craft.  Watching him paint was magical.  His strokes are bold and strong.  He attacks the canvas with a confidence that can only come from knowing his craft superbly well.  He paints movement in such a loose and free manner.  His work is not to be missed...here is a link to his website.

My thanks once again to Leslie Saeta for her challenge!  30 paintings in 30 days!!!

Hilton Head 4 Challenge

The Hilton Head 4 are continuing our bi-weekly challenge with "Birds of a Feather".  The challenge photo was sent out by Chris Werst...

"Of Course I Know the Way"

5 x 7

Oil on Raymar Panel

This is my rendition of the feathered flock....

Chris Werst chose to paint three of her feathered friends....

Lulu did a Marvelous job with Johnathan Livingston C Gull.  Check out her blog by clicking her name!

And last but certainly not least is Lydia's fabulous rendition.  

Dot Courson - 30 paintings in 30 days challenge

Dot Courson

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

I have had such fun with this Challenge of painting 30 paintings in 30 days - Artists series.  I am learning about new artists and getting to know artists I am already familiar with.  Leslie Saeta and the hundreds of other artists are still going strong...check out all the beautiful artwork on Leslie's Blog.

When I was thinking about what to paint, Kathy Cousart mentioned painting artist's "mugs" because she knows I love to paint portraits.  She also encouraged me to ask artists I didn't really know.  Dot Courson is one of those artists.  I have seen her on facebook and admire her work but really had no other connection.  When I sent a request for a photo for my project she replied immediately!  I was so pleasantly surprised.  She was very encouraging it made me even more excited to get started!  Visit Dot's blog to see her Year in review!

Off I go to paint another artist!!!

30 in 30...next up...Karen with an "E"

Karen with an "E"

6 x 6

Oil on Raymar Panel

Karen with an "E" is not to be confused with Karin with an "I" Jurick!  I met this Karen online on Facebook.  She lives across the way in Napier, New Zealand.  She is a fabulous artist and has joined the fray painting 30 paintings in 30 days.  Check out her blog 

And while you are at it check out all the great 30 in 30 artwork on Leslie Saeta's Blog

Favorite quote from Karen's Facebook page...

No one ever hurt their eyesight by looking on the bright side!!!

The Lookout - Hilton Head 4 Challenge 2

The Lookout

9 x 12

Oil on Raymar Panel

$200

This is the second challenge for the Hilton Head 4 group.  Every other week one of us sends out a source photo to be used any way we choose.  It can be cropped, chopped, embellished or not.  This challenge was my turn and I chose my favorite lady with the red jacket on.  I met her on the beach at Hilton Head and she was quite chatty.  I was amazed at all the detail of her life she discussed with me...a total stranger.  She was so eccentric she just fascinated me...and, of course, the red jacket was just too tempting not to paint!

 

This is Chris Werst's interpretation of the challenge

Bright and Early

8 x 8 

Oil on Gessoboard

This is Lulu's you can see her blog at www.regulascheifele.blogspot.com

The Look

And last but certainly not least is Lydia's  painting.  Her blog is http://lydiajechorek.blogspot.com

Roxie Girl - Portrait of a Puppy

Roxie Girl

6 x 6

Oil on Board

NFS

This small painting was done for the Daily Paintworks weekly challenge.   The challenge this week is to paint an animal close up and was issued by Taryn Day  She is a fabulous artist who's work can be seen on her blog...Awake and Painting.  

When visiting my son, daughter in law and grandson I had the chance to take some pictures of their beloved Roxie Girl.  I am happy to say they love the little "mug shot" of Roxie Girl!