Study of a Woman #52

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

Mini OSWOA Painting 6" x 4"
Mixed Media

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"

Miniature Abstract Watercolor Painting - "Rebecca"

Miniature Abstract Watercolor Painting - "Rebecca"
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Rebecca"
6" x 4" (15.3 x 10 cm)
Watercolor and Ink on Paper

Mini Abstract Watercolor Painting - Reclining Nude

Mini Abstract Watercolor Painting - Reclining Nude
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Reclining Nude"
6" x 4" (15.3 x 10 cm)
Watercolor on paper

I know I haven't posted in a while... sorry, but my studio is in the process of being built and everything is a mess! Of course, right in the middle of all the chaos I had the urge to paint, paint, paint.... So here is the 1st in my newest series in the smallworks category.

I won't promise I will be able to post daily right now but I will try to get at least a couple of posts done a week. Until then...

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

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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.

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

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.

Small Watercolor Painting - Early Morning

Small Watercolor Painting - Early Morning
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

This one is a little different than what I usually paint but that is the point of creating studies in small formats. I enjoyed this one and I thought it turned out "happy".

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Nineteen

Miniature Painting - Abstract Tree Nineteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

#19 in my "obsession with trees in abstract" series of studies.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Study

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Study
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Abstract Study of Boats on a Canal
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Watercolor on paper

I have felt really rotten today. I am grateful however, as I had a fairly good day yesterday so I had the opportunity to spend some time with my family. Meniere's is a real pain to live with. So I think maybe todays study reflects some of the vertigo I have been dealing with today. lol I actually like it though. I love painting loosely in watercolors. This one was done using a photo as reference as there aren't any canals such as this around here. I found the composition really interesting and thought I would give it a try.

Mini Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Eighteen

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

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

Not a Christmas theme but I did get one done on Christmas! Merry Christmas everyone!

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Seventeen

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Seventeen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

For everyone who celebrates Christmas "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
For everyone who celebrates other winter holidays "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"
Peace and happiness to everyone!

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Sixteen

Small Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Sixteen
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

Perhaps my obsession with painting trees will slow down some, or maybe not. Either way, here is the latest.

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree Fourteen

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

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

#14 in my "Obsession with Trees" portion of my Smallworks Series. Today I will be working on a painting quite a bit larger than this one. The plan is that it will be on a full sheet of watercolor paper.

I spent the day Christmas shopping with my sister yesterday and I didn't work on any other paintings other than the one I posted. I love spending time with my sisters. I am lucky in the fact we have always gotten along well with one another. They are my best friends. So I knew I wouldn't be getting much work done yesterday as once we get together that is out the window. lol

Watercolor - Red Flower

Small Watercolor Painting - Red Flower
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Red Flower"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series
Watercolor on paper

Watercolor - The Blue Forrest

Small Watercolor Painting - The Blue Forrest
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"The Blue Forest"
4" x 6" OSWOA (10.16cm x 15.24cm)
Smallworks Series
Watercolor on paper

I usually paint in layers. This one definitely has the layers. There are probably seven or eight layers minimum in this tiny painting. In larger paintings I may add many more but that is a lot for a small painting.

Miniature Painting - One Red Tree

Miniature Painting - One Red Tree
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

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

Although my painting style is usually much more abstract than this, I really like this one.

I love working with watercolors. The unpredictability of the medium is so thrilling. The bloom on the right side turned out in the perfect area I think. Many watercolor artists try to control blooms, meaning prevent them, but I think they add character when they happen. I welcome the unexpected in this wonderful medium.

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Moonlight

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Moonlight
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Moonlight"
Abstract Landscape
6" x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on Paper