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

Daily Painting - Study of a Dancers Feet #39

Study of a Dancers Feet #39
Acrylic on canvas panel
6" x 6"
I will probably paint these feet, or rather more similar to them, several times as I have a new idea for a painting. :) This one will be offered at auction starting tonight.

Daily Painting - The Silver Stallion

The Silver Stallion
Acrylic on Panel
Will be offered for auction. Click Here to View my Auctions.

Mini Painting - Tree #37

"Tree #37"
Acrylic on Panel
6" x 6"
Will be offered for auction. Bidding will start on 07/12 - Click Here to Check my Auctions.

Up for Auction - Study of an Orange Flower

Just offered for auction! Click Here to Bid
Very low beginning bid!!

Watercolor Painting - Carla

"Carla"
Watercolor on paper

I finally decided on watercolor for this one. This one will be available for purchase soon. I will update this posting with a link when I list it on my website.

Study of Carla #2

Study of Carla #2
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

I painted this one rather quickly. The nose is not how I wanted it but I was concentrating more on the emotion of the painting than accuracy. I already have accurate photos and sketches and I wanted to get at least a little more of an abstract feel before I start the final painting. I'm thinking of switching to watercolors for this one. I think the medium will work much better for what I am trying to achieve.

Study of Carla #1

Study of Carla #1
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Finished this one yesterday. It was done as a quick study and as such won't be added to my website. Once the final painting is created however, I will offer it at auction. I will post a link when it becomes available.

Two New Paintings

Finished these two paintings today. This one is a quick study in semi-abstract of a dancer. I always end up right back to painting dancers. My intention was to abstract this dancer using as few strokes of paint as I could. I painted this one very quickly, hardly looking at the canvas at all. I will be auctioning this painting. You can bid by clicking on the image.

"The River After"
Acrylic on stretched canvas
Part of the Smallworks Series.

Art Buying Tips...

I am so frustrated with all the misinformation and outright lies used by some so-called artists to sell on the internet. So I have decided to occasionally put a few "tips" on buying art here on my blog. I am by no means an expert but I am honest and want everyone to be treated fairly.

Here is my first.

Tip #1 - If you find a painting that claims to be an original and/or hand-painted and it lists more than one for sale... this is at best a dishonest attempt to make more money on one image by an artist (by copying his or her own work which devalues the true original i.e. the first one created) or at worst a flat out scam. With the technology available today it is possible to make a very good copy of an artwork and have it printed on canvas. When it comes to painting, it is assumed an original means ONE OF A KIND and any copies (by mechanical means or otherwise) should be listed as prints. There are even several states that have laws about this. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to ask before buying.

Painting in Progress - Dancer 07-01-2009

Painting in Progress - Dancer 07-01-2009
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

This painting is still in progress so it is still a little rough. I am painting this one in oil on canvas. At this point I am allowing the paint to dry some before refining the image. It measures 48" W x 38" H.