Sanity

Sanity
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Mixed Media on Paper

Preparation - Abstract Figurative painting

Preparation - Abstract Figurative painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

2009. Mixed Media on paper

Wading Birds - Abstract nature Painting

Wading Birds - Abstract nature Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

26 cm x 36 cm
Mixed Media on Paper

Sense of Self - Abstract Figurative Painting

Sense of Self - Abstract Figurative Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

26 cm x 36 cm
Mixed Media on paper

Wading Out - Abstract Painting

Wading Out - Abstract Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Mixed Media - Watercolor and Ink
26cm x 36cm

I was seeing wading birds in everything so I decided I needed to paint them. Here is my 1st version of the cranes.

Just Before Fall - Mixed Media Painting

Title: Just Before Fall
Mixed Media Painting on canvas panel
6" x6"

New Ornies started for the Holidays!

Two new ornaments I just completed. Order early for the holidays!

Painting - Wish on the Moon

Wish on the Moon
Acrylic on stretched canvas
12" x 12" x 1.5" (deep)

Esther - Primitive Country Doll

I am so enjoying making these primitive country dolls! This one is 19" and I named her Esther. My sewing machine is still not working so this one was completely hand stitched. There's a part of me that wants to just keep hand sewing them. Only problem is, they take so long to complete. If I kept making them this way I would have to charge more. :(
I will be auctioning this one too so check out my eBay listings.

Blackbird on a Stick

Blackbird on a Stick!

Betty Sue the Primitive Doll and More....

Betty Sue is the first in my "old lady" series. This series of dolls were inspired by my grandmother who loved what she referred to as "the old lady look". She loved it so much she always told us she wanted long gray hair but never did. This are in honor of my Granny's memory who was a true southern lady.

Natalie - A Whimsical Art Doll

I just finished Natalie yesterday. She is the 1st doll of this type that I have tried making. She was a lot of fun and I do plan on returning to a similar style doll sometime soon but for right now I am starting on some new primitives. I am sooo enjoying the freedom primitive dolls give me.

Natalie will be auctioned so be sure to click on "My Auctions" in the sidebar.

Dolls on eBay

Woman in Black and Red

Woman in Black and Red
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

ACEO - Miniature Painting
Ink and Watercolor

My interpretation of a vintage photo (public domain). It looked a little creepy to me so I decided to go with red and black only.

Primitive Earth Goddess Art Doll

Here's a little make-do primitive Earth Goddess Doll I just completed. She is approximately 14" tall and made from various fabrics, fibers, found objects, hand embroidery, wooden beads and natural objects. She has a loop sewn into the top of her head for display and she was sealed for protection against dust and moisture. I made her using a combination of vintage hand-stitching and machine stitches.

Night Out - Mini Painting

Night Out
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Miniature Painting
ACEO 2.5" x 3.5" (Art Card)

Woman and Red Cloth

Woman and Red Cloth
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Acrylic on canvas panel (eco-friendly)
11" x 14"

Miniature Painting - Fashion

Miniature Painting - Fashion
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Title: Fashion
ACEO Size 2.5" x 3.5"

Study of a Woman #52

Study of a Woman #52
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Mini OSWOA Painting 6" x 4"
Mixed Media

Tosca Olinsky, American painter, 1909-1984

Tosca Olinsky, American painter, 1909-1984
Originally uploaded by Smithsonian Institution

I have acquired quite an obsession with vintage photos recently. While looking for a few as reference for paintings I came across this and wanted to share.

Naughty fairies card illustration - Arethusa 500w

Naughty fairies card illustration - Arethusa 500w
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Mixed Media on paper

Woman and Bird 4 - Enchantress

Woman and Bird 4 - Enchantress
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Mixed Media
Miniature (4" x 6" / 10 cm x 15 cm)

I have to use magnifying glasses to paint these little paintings. They are completely handpainted and aren't manipulated or touched up on the computer. What you see is it. :)

This one turned out a little different from my usual style but I think maybe it was because I was experimenting with my paint. At any rate, I liked how it turned out so here it is.

Forest Fairy 1

Forest Fairy 1
Mixed Media on paper
OSWOA 4" x 6"

Woman and Bird 3 - Raven

Title: Woman and Bird 3 - Raven
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO Size Mini Painting
Acrylic on Paper

Two New Paintings - Birds Nest and Still Life

Title: Pink and Sunshine
Acrylic

Title: Birds Nest
Acrylic

Be sure to check my website at www.BenitaSweeney.com for purchases.
Both of these paintings will be auctioned. Be sure to check my auctions section for more info.

Bird in the Grass

Bird in the Grass
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

I love blackbirds. This little guy was so pretty!

Little Brown Bird

Little Brown Bird
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

I do these little paintings as a study of a subject I am working on. This one measures 6" x 6". I am working with birds a lot right now for the "Woman and Bird" series. This one is one of my personal faves. I always try for a looser, less detail kinda painting. All of these little paintings are auctioned when I finish them.

Three Studies of Blackbirds

Just completed these three studies of blackbirds today. They are all three acrylics and measure 6 in. x 6 in.

Woman and Bird 2

Woman and Bird 2
Acrylic
11" x 14"

1st in the New Series - Woman and Bird

Title: Woman and Bird 1: Contemplation
Acrylic on Canvas/Panel

I am still contemplating what this series means to me and why I feel compelled to create it. I am aware that, as all, it is very symbolic. Probably more so than most of my work.

Birds are a common dream symbol but not one I dream about often. Actually I added the birds in as although they are symbolic in my dreams just like everyone else, they are very symbolic to me in my daily "awake" life too. Although, they don't seem to always have the same meanings for me as they do everyone else. For instance, several people have made the comment that if blackbirds "hung around" their house like they do mine they would be uncomfortable thinking they were a so-called "bad sign". But personally, I love my blackbirds and have even named my new studio Blackbird Studio in honor of the birds who used to make a nest where the studio stands every year (they still make it in the corners by the way. lol).

One of the things I found interesting was this information taken from Bella Online:

"The Language of the Birds is also known as the Angelic Tongue, supposedly being the language the the angels themselves speak. Angels and birds seem linked and the most likely reason for this linkage is the idea of communication and message delivery. Bird song and angel tongue both seem to have the same goal--the revelation of something important, something otherworldly, something perhaps divine, to the mortal. With such an emphasis on birds' ability to communicate, it seems pretty obvious that a dream bird may represent communication of some form. The bird may be a herald, bringing news about something which may soon come into being in waking life." (direct quote found here).

I especially find this interesting as I have felt compelled to paint angels again, which is a recurring theme in my art over the years. I have yet to start a painting of an angel but perhaps I will soon.

I have noticed that I have added only blue birds (different kinds) and black birds to my paintings though. I will have to research that one too.

The Night the Bird Spoke

Title: The Night the Bird Spoke
Acrylic on Canvas Panel

Red Umbrella

Title: Red Umbrella
Acrylic on Canvas Panel
Will be offered at auction. Click Here to Check .

Latest Small Studies.... Horses and People again! :)

Just completed these two studies. Both are 11" x 14" (28 x 35.5 cm)
Both will be offered at auction.
Click Here to See My Auctions