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.

Two New Paintings Added to Website

I have added two new paintings to my online gallery. Just click the images to view a zoomable image.

Abstract Cityscape Fifteen
Acrylic and metallic paint on canvas

Abstract Tree Thirty-Five
Part of the Smallworks series.
Acrylic on canvas

Also, I have moved things around a bit in my online gallery. Check out the changes. www.benitasweeney.com

Abstract Painting - Quietly Be There

Title: Quietly Be There
Acrylic on canvas

I grew up living on the Tennesse river in north Alabama. If you jumped hard enough you could have leaped from our balcony and landed in the water. The river was over 5 miles across in front of our house. I have many memories from that place. Some good, some not so great. This is the first in a new series of paintings based on those memories and the emotions they invoke. At the moment, these are being included in the Conversations with Mother Nature series on my website. However, I will be adding a separate category as soon as I meditate on a name for it.

Abstract Landscape Thirty-Seven: Red

"Abstract Landscape Thirty-Seven: Red"
12" x 12" x 1.5" (deep)
Gallery wrap canvas - painting extends along the edges.
(Click image for more info and larger view)

Abstract Landscape Painting - That Moment

Abstract Landscape Painting - That Moment
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"That Moment"
20" x 16" (51 x 41 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas

Abstract Landscape Painting - One Stood Taller

Abstract Landscape Painting - One Stood Taller
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"One Stood Taller"
14" x 11"
Acrylic on Canvas

Part of the "Obsession with Trees" Series

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-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

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 - 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

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.

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.)

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.