Computer Problems... Ahhhhh!!!

I am having computer problems so I haven't added anything new this week. The part to fix it shipped today so hopefully I will be up and running again by early next week. I'm hoping! Seems like the shipping services are slower now after the holidays than they were during the holidays!! ?? Everything I have ordered has taken longer than usual to arrive. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Wish me luck!

If you have sent me a message and I haven't responded yet... sorry. This has kind of put me a day or two behind. I will get to it, I promise!

Peace and happiness...

Daily Painting - Abstract Tree Thirty-One

Daily Painting - Abstract Tree Thirty-One
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Thirty-One"
11" x 14" (28 x 36 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas

I'm a little late getting today's painting posted. I do believe there are gremlins in my computer! Actually, if it were just the computer I might believe otherwise but with it being the computer, the printer, and the scanner.... well, its either gremlins or fairies. Or maybe those are the same... hmmm. That's a thought.

Anyway, like most of my paintings this one is multi-layered. Kind of paintings on top of paintings on top of paintings. Unlike the usual... the last layer was completely poured giving this one a unique quality to it. I kind of like it actually.

Until tomorrow... May you have better luck with your electronic helpers!

Daily Painting - Abstract Tree Thirty

Daily Painting - Abstract Tree Thirty
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Thirty"
6" x 6" x 1.5"
Acrylic on Cradled Wood Panel

Abstract Landscape Painting - One of My Wishes

Abstract Landscape Painting - One of My Wishes
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"One of My Wishes"
12" x 12" x 1.5" (30 x 30 x 4 cm)
Acrylic on canvas

Another Quote

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, It's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, And that enables you to laugh at life's realities.
- Dr. Seuss

Abstract Painting - Of Life and Living

Abstract Painting - Of Life and Living
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Of Life and Living"
12" x 12" x 1.5" (30 x 30 x 4 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas

Next in my series of abstract trees. I'm thinking now I may never stop painting these.

Daily Painting - Butterflies and Coffee

Abstract Painting - Butterflies and Coffee
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Butterflies and Coffee"
12" x 12" x 1.5" (30 x 30 x 4 cm)
Acrylic on canvas

As is my usual style, this painting started with an underpainting. I then scraped in additional layers allowing parts of previous ones to show through. Then finally I used a pouring method and scraping to finish the image.

Painting - Sometimes It's Better To Stand Alone

"Sometimes It's Better to Stand Alone"

12" x 12" x 1.5"

Acrylic on Canvas
Available for purchase

Here's the next in my series of abstract landscapes. I am so hooked on painting landscapes lately.

Daily Painting - The Secret Tree

"The Secret Tree"
12" x 12" x 1.5" (30 x 30 x 4 cm)
Mixed Media
Gold Paint, Gold Leaf & Acrylic on Canvas
Click Here to See if This Painting is Still Available for Purchase

I finally felt like returning to painting. I had a marathon day of painting yesterday but I didn't get the chance to do any photos before I lost the natural light. I started around 7 new paintings so I should be able to go back to posting a painting a day.

I feel that this painting reflects my current emotions. The dark colors are due to mourning the loss of my friend. The brights and golds are probably from my frequent memories recently of his good nature. I have titled this one "The Secret Tree" simply because that is what kept coming to mind while I was painting it and also once it was finished. So I guess this painting kind of titled itself. :)

Until tomorrow.... Peace and happiness

Quote

I love quotes! So I may add one or two every now and then. Here is one I found interesting that showed up on my iGoogle page this morning.


One should absorb the colour of life, but one should never remember its details. Details are always vulgar.
- Oscar Wilde

Painting - That Day, Against the Sky

Painting - That Day, Against the Sky
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"That Day, Against the Sky"
20" x 30" (51 x 76 cm)
Acrylic on canvas
(Up for Auction! Click Here to See if It's Still Available!)

Usually I can finish a painting this size in a day but this one took me several days to complete. Mostly because the cold and damp weather is causing my paints to dry slower. I noticed they now have an acrylic paint that dries slower, like oil paints. I rarely paint with oils any more for exactly this reason so I don't think I will be trying those new acrylics. I prefer to paint very quickly, This prevents me from getting "stuck" on the details and allows me to stay loose.

I was listening to my favorite CD and watching the sun go down. I knew I had to incorporate that brilliant sky into the painting and the mood the music inspired.

About the Daily Paintings...

If you check my daily paintings you probably already know I have missed several days this week. A beloved friend lost his battle with cancer late last week and I have found it difficult to resume painting. I will start posting daily again as soon as I am able.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Eight

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Eight
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-Eight"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89 x 6.35 cm)
Watercolor on paper

This mini painting was created completely with a pouring method. I love to pour watercolors and am working on a larger painting currently using this method in parts of it. This tiny painting was a practice run to see how certain colors would blend.

Daily Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Seven

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Seven
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-Seven"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89 x 6.35 cm)
Watercolor on paper

Click Here to See Whats Available
(Sometimes paintings are listed here several days before they are listed - if the painting is not listed please email me.)

Hand Pulled Print - Primitive

Hand Pulled Print - Primitive
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Primitive"
7" x 5" (18 x 13 cm)
Linoleum Block Print (Lino)
Series III - 1 of 1

Click Here to See Whats Available on eBay
(Sometimes paintings are listed here several days before they are listed - if the painting is not listed please email me.)

My daily painting today is not a painting at all, it is a lino block print instead. I started this theme several years ago when I was still in college (no I will not tell how long ago that was lol). This is similar to the idea I had then. My intention was to keep this primitive. If you are not familiar with lino block prints, it is simply a linoleum block that is hand carved and then a print is "pulled" from that carving. Most of the time it requires several steps of carving to complete a print. This one was kept fairly simple by using only two colors of ink.

Painting - Study of a Landscape in Miniature

Painting - Study of a Landscape in Miniature
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of a Landscape in Miniature"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24 x 10.16 cm)
Acrylic on canvas panel

Click Here to See What is Available on eBay

I try to paint (and blog) at least one painting each day. I almost didn't today. My friend Jeff lost his battle with cancer this morning. This may not be my best or even "one of" but still, this one is in honor of you Jeff. You will be missed.

Abstract Landscape - Winter Begins

Abstract Landscape - Winter Begins
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Winter Begins"
48" x 24" (122 x 61 cm)
Acrylic on canvas

Buy this painting - Available at the New York Art Exchange

I have used the field behind my mothers home many times as reference for paintings. Of course, I can't resist changing them to suit my mood so they all look different but this is the first time I have painted the scene during the bleak months. There is some sort of proud beauty about the trees and land at this time of year. As if nature has bared her soul to those willing to notice.

There are "in progress" photos of this painting in earlier posts. I wanted to keep the naked feel of the field so I was hesitant about including the tree on the left but in the end that little tree won out and is now there for good. It is the only item in the entire painting done with a brush. I didn't really realize this fact until I was almost finished. I used scrapers, old credit cards, palette knives, painting knives, fingers, towels and rags but I didn't use a brush until I added that tree. Somehow I feel that is symbolic but I'm still not sure how. lol

Small Watercolor Painting - Tree Twenty-Six Abstract Landscape

Small Watercolor Painting - Tree Twenty-Six Abstract Landscape
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Tree Twenty-Six Abstract Landscape"
6" x 4" (15.24 x 10.16 cm)
Watercolor on textured watercolor paper

I am not crazy about today's daily painting but I decided a while ago to share one painting a day even if I don't like them. This is a new watercolor paper I was experimenting with and I have been using it for a couple of days now... I have decided I do not like it. One of the things I love about watercolors is its unpredictable "flows". This paper is textured in lines and that prevents the color from flowing the way I want it too. Instead of not having enough control my problem is the opposite. I like the paint to do its own thing and this paper traps the color between its ridges. So back to my usual paper I go. The art supply companies I buy from should be happy as the paper I usually use is more expensive anyway. lol

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Five

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Five
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-Five"
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35 x 8.89 cm)
Watercolor on paper

Bid or Buy this Painting

I tried a different watercolor paper than I usually use when I painted this one. I am not sure I like it. It definitely is different. It amazes me how different brands of paper can be so different. It seems in no other medium is the support so important. The paper becomes part of the painting with watercolor. I will try this paper again. Probably several times before I make up my mind.

Ramblings again... Painting Light

I always have to stop and laugh when I read something like this "the common thread in all my paintings is the light. Which direction does it come from? The way light falls on a subject defines my style...". Well, you get the idea. Maybe I am wrong but this seems to "talk down" to the people who really matter in the world of art. Those who love art! If you are an artist who has considered adding such as this to your statement (yes, yes I know all about "the painter of light" - not impressed with that use of phrase either) please think about this. ALL painting is about light. Without light... well, there simply isn't a painting. Even a non-representational abstract uses light. The light source being more obvious to a viewer doesn't change this. The fact is, if you can't master the use of light in your paintings, no matter your style or subject, you still have a long way to go.

Personally, I think this trend to use the "I paint light" phrase is due to the expectation placed on artists to write an artists statement. Lets face it, most visual artists are well, visual. Writing a two paragraph statement can become a week long torture!

What I want to know is this... who made up all these "art" rules anyway? I have a bone to pick with them. lol

Watercolor Landscape - Splendidly

Watercolor Landscape - Splendidly
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Splendidly"
36 x 26 cm (14-1/8" x 10-1/4")
Watercolor on paper

Bid on this Painting

I finally decided to complete a larger painting (as opposed to miniature) on the theme I have been painting. I am also working on one on a full sheet but that one will take a few more days as I work on several paintings at a time and this one will have many, many layers.

For a change I think the title actually "fits". :)

Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Four

Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Four
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-Four"
10 1/4" x 14 1/8" (26 x 36 cm)
Watercolor on paper

Bid on this painting

I painted this one on 300lb watercolor paper. All the previous trees I have painted in watercolor recently have been on 140lb watercolor paper. I usually prefer 300lb paper on larger scale paintings as it can take much more manipulation without damage and doesn't buckle easily. Because of the way I work I prefer not to stretch the paper although sometimes I do if really, really needed.

This one is a perfect example of how different monitors can display colors differently. On my other computer the colors appear correct but on the one I am using to post this the yellow appears more beige and darker than on the original.

Small Watercolor Painting - Purple Tree

Small Watercolor Painting - Purple Tree
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Purple Tree"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on paper


This mini painting is very representational of my emotions recently.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Three

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Twenty-Three
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Tree Twenty-three"
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on paper

Small Watercolor Painting - Reflections

Small Watercolor Painting - Reflections
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Reflections"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

My first painting for the year. I always try to get the colors as close as possible but on my monitor the blue is not exactly correct. It is a much deeper color and this appears brighter. I probably need to recalibrate my monitor again but I forgotten how to do that and I don't remember where I placed the directions. lol As they say... I would probably lose my head if it wasn't attached.

I have started reading a book by Robert Henri. So you can probably expect to read some ramblings and a few quotes (I love quotes) from that. I have only read a few pages so far and it is already interesting. He was definately an opinionated man when it came to art but then aren't we all. :)

Happy New Year Everyone! Until the next post... Peace and Happiness!