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.

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

Abstract Painting - Understanding

Abstract Painting - Understanding
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Title: Understanding
11" x 14"
Acrylic on canvas

Well, my studio is not anywhere near being finished but I can't stand not painting so I have carved out a little corner and will be working on a few smaller works until I can get into the new studio. I am trying to get back to posting a painting every day. Perhaps I will succeed :)

This painting is somewhat representative of my spiritual state recently. That's all I will say as I prefer you interpret it for yourself. What does it mean to you? Comments are welcome!

Daily Painting - The Garden at Midnight (Abstract Landscape)

"The Garden at Midnight"
6" x 6" (15 x 15 cm)
Acrylic / Mixed Media on Cradled Wood Panel
Part of the Smallworks Series

Here is my latest in the Smallworks Series. This one is only 6" x 6" and is 1-1/2" deep. The painting extends beyond the edges so it is intended to be displayed unframed.

I finally got part of my computer fixed. So now I am playing "catch-up". Hopefully I will be able to get everything working back the way it's suppose to soon. Again, wish me luck!

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

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.

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.

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

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(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.

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

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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.

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". :)

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.

Painting - Senseless Joy

Painting - Senseless Joy
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Senseless Joy"
Acrylic on Canvas
18" x 24" (45.72cm x 60.96cm)

Unfortunately, I am nowhere near being a professional photographer. Since this one hasn't gone in to be photographed yet, I tried my best to get a shot of this painting without the glare but no go.

Daily Paintings - Three Small Watercolors / Mixed Media

I have been a little "under the weather" for several days now but I am just not the kind of person who can sit still. If I'm not asleep I have to be doing something. So I have worked on a few small paintings. Here are three of them.

"On a Good Day"
Watercolor on Paper
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series
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"Somewhere Else"
Watercolor & Gouache on Paper
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series
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"Smoke & Mirrors in Miniature"
Watercolor and Ink on Paper
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
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Daily Painting - We Are All The Same

"We Are All the Same"
Watercolor & Ink on Bristol
6" x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm) OSWOA
Smallworks Series

This one is part of my Smallworks Series and not a study like most of my smaller pieces are. It is based on my feelings, especially frustration, regarding the different aspects of bigotry in its many forms.

Daily Painting - Prayer

"Prayer"
3.5" x 2.5" (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
ACEO
Watercolor on Paper

I have worked on this image several times. I created a drawing that had the right feel to it but everytime I painted it, it just didn't convey the emotion I wanted. This one came closer than any of them. I guess I should have used watercolor from the beginning.

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