Painting - Wish on the Moon

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.