30 Day Challenge - Painting #30!!

"All Lined Up"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

Woo hoo!  The 30 day challenge is complete!  This painting is going to a collector -- and is the last in a series of 3 theatre paintings, as well as the last of the 30 Day Challenge paintings.  It was so worthwhile, although I'm actually looking forward to cleaning my house!  :)

Thank you Leslie Saeta for hosting this challenge and thank you to all my readers and to those who left such lovely comments.  I appreciate your support.

Have a lovely day!

30 Day Challenge - Painting #29

"Pass The Popcorn"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

Day 29 -- one more painting to go in Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Painting Challenge.  This one is part of a series of 3 theatre paintings that have been commissioned.  They are planning to be displayed near my client's home theatre.  How cute is that?  

I apologize for the quality of these photos - I'm hoping to get a new computer and scanner in the near future, hopefully though, you get the idea of each painting.  You see, my camera went on the blink and I've been using my husband's -- which is actually a very nice camera, but I don't know how to use it properly.  I've also been finishing these up after dark and rushing the photography, not taking the time to do it properly.  Anyway -- that's my story . . . luckily though, I've been able to get high res images of them for my records, but that's been after posting. I have to say, I think they look much better in person and am excited to put what's left of them out on display during my Open Studio next weekend.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #28

"A Shave And A Haircut"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper

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"A Shave and a Haircut . . . Two Bits!"  My grandfather used to sing that to us, so I think I will dedicate this painting to him, God rest his soul.

Two more paintings left of this 30 Day Challenge, sponsored by Leslie Saeta.  It's been a challenge to say the least -- but oh so rewarding.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #27

"Two Popcorns, Two Sodas"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

I keep wanting to throw in a "Please" at the end of this title, but am afraid it would be too long.  However I just don't want anyone thinking these Fisher Price people don't have manners!

This piece is not exactly authentic Fisher Price, but it was oh so much fun.  A collector suggested to me that a concession stand would make a delightful painting and could round out a little vignette of 3 theatre themed paintings that they would like to purchase.  So I drew up what would be the concession stand "decal" - stuck it on the wall of one of the Village shops, threw in a couple of movie-goers and voila!  I hope they like it . . . and you as well.  It was a lot of fun to do.  

Thank you for viewing my work

30 Day Challenge - Painting #26

"Her First Apartment"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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I can still clearly remember my first night in my first apartment.  It was very exciting and a little scary . . . but mostly exciting.  And no, I didn't live over the Barber Shop.  :)

We're getting close -- only four more paintings to go!  To see more of this challenge, head on over to Leslie Saeta's blog.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge -- Painting #25

"Chatting At Work"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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Day 25 -- it's getting close!!  I have the remaining paintings all plotted out.  Four are in the works already of which 3 happen to be commissioned.  I've been lucky and have sold 10 of these paintings through Daily Paintworks -- you can see one of the packages below, all ready for shipping (a photo taken a few days ago.)  I am very grateful for my collectors -- thank you!

I'm also posting a photo of some of the collection all together.  Thank you for viewing my work and have a lovely day!

all ready for shipping

21 paintings

30 Day Challenge - Painting #24

"The Family"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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This one took a lot longer than I had expected, but alas it's done.  I have 3 more in various stages . . . so stay tuned.  We're in the homestretch!  

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #23

"Got Milk"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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I don't think there was really ever a milkman in the Fisher Price Village, but I thought I'd make one using the mail truck.  I think this works.  I must say, it was nice having a milkman, ours was Mr. Banas . . . I wish they were still around.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #22

"Annie"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper
NFS

My friend, neighbor and favorite mail lady is retiring on Monday . . . so this, my 22nd painting of the 30 day painting challenge is for her --  Congratulations, Annie!!  We love you.  :)

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #21

"No Jumping On The Bed!"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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I think we all remember hearing those words from time to time when we were kids.  Another late night for me, but this one felt good.  I'm hoping to get back to my better routine tomorrow.  Thank you for taking a look.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #20

"I Got You Babe"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper

Click here to bid.

Ok -- so this one is a bit wacky, but hopefully it will make you smile, perhaps even chuckle a little bit.   I've had this idea floating around for a while -- 1970's Fisher Price + vintage pop culture = Sonny & Cher in Fisher Price style.  Why not, eh?  Fisher Price did Sesame St.  I still think it's funny, and I like the idea, I just didn't take my time prepping for it, so the execution is a bit lacking I think.  And once again, I started painting late in the day.  Oh boy.  For all you authentic FP fans, don't worry, I've got plenty of regular paintings planned, I just had to get this one out of my system.  And isn't that what this challenge is about -- trying new things?  Anyway, thank you for viewing my work.  Oh ya, this is #20. And the beat goes on . . . 

30 Day Challenge - Painting #19

"Fill It Up . . . Hi-Test"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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"Hi-test" . . . now there's a word you don't hear anymore.  And look at the poor grump -- he must already know about the parking ticket . . . or he's just mad that the nozzle is coming out of his head.  Either way . . . he's none too pleased and I can't say as though I blame him, poor fellah.

Day 19 of the Challenge . . . we're getting down to the wire.  And oh so many Fisher Price ideas still floating around in this nutty little head of mine.  I may have to continue this series even after the challenge has ended.  After taking a little break though, of course.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #18

"The Parking Ticket"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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Apparently parking in front of a hydrant isn't such a good idea . . . especially one that's set right in front of the Police Station.  I guess even Fisher Price people have to obey the laws.  I wonder if this car belongs to "The Grump" -- that could explain a lot.  :)

Sorry for the lousy image -- again, it's late at night.  I didn't get a chance to start this painting until very late tonight.  But I was determined to stay on track.  I just hope I can get some painting done early in the day tomorrow, so I won't be burning the midnight oil again.

Anyway -- thanks for dropping by.  And now I'm going to bed!

30 Day Challenge - Painting #17

"Baby, It's Cold Outside"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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It may be cold outside, but this little lady is keeping warm by her cozy fireplace.  Now if only she could get some insulated glass . . . or something at all, in her windows to protect her against the elements and keep the heat in.  Have a lovely day.  I finished this one early today -- yippee!  Thank you for stopping by.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #16

"Wake Up!"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

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Day 16 --- woo hoo!  I'm trying to get some paintings started for the week.  It's funny, one minute I'm feeling like I'll be able to get ahead and the next I'm saying "oh no . . . I have no paintings started."  These days just keep coming . . . and so quickly . . . and using up all my started paintings.  

Thank you for viewing my work.  Have a great day.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #15

"Grandma And The Baby"
5"x5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

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I've been scrambling here this weekend.  Although I have a couple more started, this pace is just nuts to keep up.  How the heck do people do this?!  

So I think this photo was snapped while Grandma was feeding the baby.  Ha!  Aaaah . . . the little people -- they're just so happy.  Hope you enjoy . . . and thank you for stopping by.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #14

"Bovine Pride"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

I had a lovely day at my cousin's bridal shower, hence the late post.  I had to finish my painting when I got home, but then I started listening to music and googling other music and . . . well . . . you know how it goes.  

The colors in this image are pretty horrible -- it's night now, so the photograph stinks and I'm so tired I didn't do much color correcting.  But at least I have something to post for today.  Well . . . actually I guess it's already tomorrow.  Oh well.  Day #14 is done.

Thanks for coming by.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #13

"Date Night"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper

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Now who can think of a better place to spend an evening, than under the stars on the terrace of the Village Restaurant enjoying a fine meal with their honey?  I hear they grill up a lovely salmon with dill.

I'm working on a commission and trying to keep up with these little ditties as well, in addition to preparing for my Backroads Studio Tour coming up on October 5th and 6th.  I'm also teaching a new class at Workshop13.org in my hometown of Ware, MA.  Some art friends have purchased an old church in town and renovated it to become a beautiful community arts center.  Classes begin next week!  I'm excited.

Thank you for viewing my work and have a great day (well, evening, here.)  :)

30 Day Challenge - Painting #12

"Number, Please"
5"x5"
watercolor on paper

Click here to bid.

Aaaahhh, the phone booth. Just another item going the way of the dinosaur. I wish I had room in my house for an old wooden phone booth. How cool would that be? Just tuck it in the corner of a giant mudroom or entry way. 

So this is my entry for day 12 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Day September Challenge. I hope you like it. And a big thank you to all who've taken the time to comment and share your memories -- I so enjoy reading your notes. You inspire me to keep going.

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #11

"Listening To Records"
5"x5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

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Do kids today even know what records are?! And I seem to recall that the record player is actually the "Fisher Price" record player.  Oh FP -- you so rock -- what great product placement!  :)  

So this is my 11th painting in a row for Leslie Saeta's 30 Day Challenge. I can't believe I've made it this far. I have a few bids on these paintings (if you've bid and are reading this post, thank you!) and m really happy to finally have started a series. I've wanted to do a series of Fisher Price paintings for a while now, and this Challenge has kept me disciplined enough to do it. I'm learning so much -- about painting, process and commitment. It's been great -- thank you Leslie.

And thank you all for viewing my work and supporting this whimsical painting spree I'm on.  :)

30 Day Challenge - Painting #10

"Hangin' At The P.O."
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

I'm getting excited that I'm going to have 30 paintings (or close to it, if I can't keep up) of Fisher Price paintings. I think a little series of these will be very cool. Of course, I may be the only person in the Universe to think that, but that's ok.

This one was very fun to paint.  I just LOVE the Village. I'm also hoping to get my little hands on the camper and houseboat -- two other big favorites. I think it's time to start trolling ebay again!  :)

Thank you for visiting and have a lovely Fisher Price day!  

30 Day Challenge - Painting #9

"Tickets, Please"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

I think this one is my favorite, so far.  :)  I'm still having some trouble with my camera, so please bear with me. After tonight, I'll be able to catch up with some studio stuff, painting, etc. I've had some appointments, workshops and such to attend to, but have a stretch of studio time this week, that I'm really looking forward to. Hopefully too, I'll be able to straighten out my camera issues.

Thank you for dropping by and have a lovely day!

30 Day Challenge - Painting #8

"The Grump"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

This little guy always made me laugh -- what is it that's making him so grumpy!?  I assure you this isn't a reflection of how I'm feeling about this challenge!  :)

I started the bidding at $35 for this painting. You may wonder why some of the paintings in this series are more expensive than others, given they're of similar subjects and are all the same size. I take a few things into consideration when pricing my work -- the time it takes to paint, my level of satisfaction, the subject matter, to name a few. This piece may strike a chord with someone, and so I don't want to just toss it aside without giving someone the opportunity to purchase it, (or for me to sell it), but as far as my level of satisfaction -- I experimented a little more with this one, working on some things that I wanted to try on a small scale. While all of these little paintings are helping me improve (I hope), they're allowing me to focus on particular things that I want to try out -- different colors, mixtures, techniques. Some things work and others not so much. I learned a great deal from this one, but it's just not as involved as some of the others and so I wanted the price to reflect that difference . . . same with the painting from yesterday.

Anyway . . . that's just a little insight into my pricing process for those of you who may be interested. I don't know if it's right or wrong, but it feels right to me.

Happy painting!  And I'm excited about the new FP paintings I started for next week!  :)

30 Day Challenge - Painting #7

"Relaxing"
5" x 5
watercolor on paper

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Dad is all settled into his favorite armchair, ready to watch the ballgame.  I can't believe I've actually kept up for seven days straight!  I've also finished two other paintings that I will post once this is all over.  They're not big, but each one serves its purpose.  One is for a class I'm teaching at the Hardwick Winery tomorrow (Sunday) and the other is for the month of December on my 2014 calendar.  It will probably be a Christmas card this year for either myself or my dad.  

So that's all the news here.  Have a lovely day and keep painting, people!  :)

30 Day Challenge - Painting #6

"Like Farmer, Like Son"
5"x5"
watercolor on paper

Click here to bid.

Oh boy . . . I'm struggling here folks!  It's been a very busy two days and I got "behind" -- even though I was ahead. I know that I'm technically not behind, but for me I am. You see, I have to have a few of these started, and just finish them on the days their "due."And because of my schedule, I'm not as well "overlapped" as I need to be. The end of my weeks are crazy and this is going to be a tough weekend to stay on track, as I'm working both days. Hopefully, I can keep up.

Anyway, enough belly-achin' right?  I hope you like Mr. Farmer an his son.  I took some more photos today for future paintings for this series -- I'm excited. but first, I think I'm going to go get something to eat and relax before bed.  Have a lovely evening and thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #5

"The Lion Tamer"
5"x 5"
watercolor on paper

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Just got this one done -- a little later than the other four -- but I had a very busy day today.  I'm just happy I've been able to keep up this long!  Ha!

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #4

"The Family Dog"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

The family dog . . . begging in the kitchen of course!  And the poor thing . . . I think a "real" doggy chewed up his ears!  Ah, but it gives him character.  Actually, I have two real dogs, and my Teddy sometimes chews on my Delilah's ears.  It's so gross, because I'll go to pet her and her ears will be all wet and slimy.  Blech!  So I like to think that's what happened with the Fisher Price doggy -- he's just been slimed and not seriously maimed. 

I'm also working on other paintings and will try and post some progress shots tomorrow.  So much to do -- but oh so much fun!  

Thank you also for all your lovely comments . . . I'm sorry that I'm not responding to each one individually.  I'm trying really hard to keep up with all this painting.  But please know how much I appreciate them and know that I read each and every one.  

30 Day Challenge - Painting #3

Mom At Thanksgiving
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid.

It looks like "Mom" is wearing a hairnet.  When I was painting, I wasn't sure if I should include the ridge that apparently her hair sits on, but I did.  I thought it made her more authentic . . . or like she's wearing a hairnet -- either way it's ok by me.  :)  

Thank you for viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge - Painting #2

"Farming"
5" x 5"
watercolor on paper
SOLD

Click here to bid. -- bidding begins 9/3/13

So far so good . . . I'm keeping up . . . although it's only day 2! Ha!  :)  Thanks for coming by and viewing my work.

30 Day Challenge -- Painting #1

"By the Silo"
(watercolor on paper)
5" x 5"

Click here to bid.

I'm probably insane, but I've signed up for Leslie Saeta's "30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge." If you're not familiar with Leslie, or her challenge I encourage you to check out her blog -- she's very inspiring and has LOTS of great marketing advice and services to offer. I've plotted out and readied the first 15 paintings. Now I just have to paint them!  :)  Seriously, this is a big commitment for me, but I think it's going to be very worthwhile -- I just hope I can keep up without going nuts. I've wanted to do more small "daily" paintings and although I'm working on larger paintings, I'm committed to having a new finished painting each day. We'll see how it goes. I'm sure there will be some clunkers, but I know that I'll be learning a lot as I go. 

As for more progress . . . here's "Big Fruit" (below). I'm going between this one and my big grapes. Both are moving along. I'm excited to get them both finished.

Have a good day and thank you for tuning in.  :)

"Big Fruit" - wip
(watercolor on paper)
17" x 10"