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.

Abstract Painting - Patience and Persistence

Abstract Painting - Patience and Persistence
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Patience and Persistence"
Acrylic on Canvas
24" x 18" (60.96cm x 45.72)

This painting is based completely on emotion. Each shape and the direction it is placed each have a separate meaning for me.

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Waiting in Line

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Waiting in Line
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Waiting in Line"
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree #4

Miniature Watercolor Painting - Abstract Tree #4
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Abstract Tree #4
Miniature 2.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Delicate

Abstract Watercolor Painting - Delicate
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Delicate"
Abstract Flowers
3.5" x 2.5" (8.89cm x 6.35cm)
Watercolor on Paper

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

ACEO Watercolor Painting

ACEO Watercolor Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

I just can't resist the winter scenes right now so I'm going to go with the flow even though they really aren't much in my usual style. Now if I can just find a way to integrate that....

Abstract study of a cabin in the snow.
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Watercolor on Paper

ACEO Watercolor Painting - The Sun Turning Back

ACEO Watercolor Painting - The Sun Turning Back
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"The Sun Turning Back"
ACEO 3.5" x 2.5" (6.35cm x 8.89cm)

A miniature, somewhat abstract dreamscape. The second painting I created today.

Bid on this tiny painting

Abstract Winter Landscape - Chilly

Abstract Winter Landscape - Chilly
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Chilly"
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Small Works Series

We rarely get snow here. Instead, if we get any bad winter weather it is usually ice. This one is based on that brrrr feeling I get when I think about an ice storm! lol

I completed two small works today so there will be two posts :)

Bid on this painting

Abstract Watercolor Cityscape - Market Square

Abstract Watercolor Cityscape - Market Square
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Market Square"
Watercolor on Paper
30" x 22"

I had to really work at this one to keep it loose. Still, I created more detail than I had originally planned. It took many layers of wash to get the exact level of transparency and color I was looking for. Overall I think it turned out ok.

Purchase this painting

Painting a Day: Abstract Watercolor - Winter Landscape

Abstract Watercolor - Winter Landscape
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

Here's another in my smallworks series and another winter landscape. I seem to be fixated on snow lately. I don't know why but there's no use in fighting it. lol Earlier this year it was hay bales. Wonder what it will be next! :)

Click Here to see what I have available on eBay

Painting a Day - 3 Studies of Snowy Landscapes

It is actually snowing here today! We don't see much snow here in Alabama. It is just a few flurries but it is still snow. lol With winter here I have been in the mood for painting chilly landscapes. Here are a few of the little studies I just completed.

"Second Snow"
Watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)

"Quietly"
Watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series

"Where Peace Can Be Found"
6" x 4" OSWOA ( 15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Watercolor on 140lb watercolor paper
Smallworks Series

I sell some of the Smallworks Series on eBay. Click Here to see what is available.

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
Bid on this Painting

"Somewhere Else"
Watercolor & Gouache on Paper
6" x 4" OSWOA (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
Smallworks Series
Bid on this Painting

"Smoke & Mirrors in Miniature"
Watercolor and Ink on Paper
2.5" x 3.5" ACEO (6.35cm x 8.89cm)
Bid on this painting

Ink Drawing - Quitting

Title: Quitting
Ink on Bristol
4" x 6" OSWOA

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.

Bid on this painting

Painting a Day - First Snow #2

"First Snow #2"
Study of a Bird
3.5" x 2.5" ACEO
Watercolor on Paper

This is my second study of a bird in the snow. I am working on a larger painting that includes a bird but I want it to be much more loose and abstract than what I have created so far. Well, that is the purpose of the studies so I will try again. Still, I like this little guy so I thought I would share.

Daily Painting - A Walk in the Rain

"A Walk in the Rain"
6" x 4" (15.24cm x 10.16cm)
(OSWOA)
Study in Watercolor & Ink

This one is a study for a larger watercolor I am still in the planning stages with. It is just one horse of many that will be in the painting. He may change some before he is added into the other painting but I thought this small study did well enough to stand on its own so here it is.

Painting a Day - Daily Painting - First Snow

"First Snow"
Watercolor on Paper
6" x 4" (OSWOA)

I have always created small works as studies for larger paintings and/or experiment with new techniques or subjects but I have only begun in the past year to share these and offer them for sale. I usually paint one or more of these small studies per day. I didn't start this because of the painting a day "movement" as I have been doing this many years but I have acquired quite a collection of these small works so I have decided to share them.

Because they are usually done as a study of a subject or idea, many times they are not in my usual style so I have been hesitant about offering them. Painting outside of my usual methods and/or style gives me the freedom to experiment without veering too far away from my personal vision of where I want to take my art. I already have a tendency to do that anyway (a symptom of having so many and varied interests!). Painting these helps me somewhat to stay on track.

I will try to add at least one of these every day of the week if possible. Forgive me please if I miss a day or two here and there. I have a disability that occasionally leaves me unable to get out of bed and I don't have a laptop so that makes it difficult sometimes to keep up.

Bid on this painting.

Watercolor Painting - Carnival

Title: Carnival
Watercolor & Ink on Paper
11" x 8-1/2" (27.94 cm x 21.59 cm)

Watercolor Painting - Lady of the Forrest

Title: Lady of the Forrest

Mixed Media (Watercolor, Gouache and Ink) on Paper

20" x 28"

Two New Abstract Paintings

As Yet Untitled - Abstract Fall Landscape
Acrylic on stretched Canvas
14" x 11" x 3/4"
(35.56 cm x 27.94 cm x 1.905 cm)

Title: In the Beginning
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
12" x 12" x 1.5"
(30.48 cm x 30.48 cm x 3.81 cm)

Painting - Somebody's Home Town

"Somebody's Home Town"
Mixed Media on Board
(Collage Elements & Acrylic Paint)
24" x 24"

New Abstract Painting

Title: War, When There Should Be Peace
Acrylic on Board
24" x 24"

Painting - Done Unto

Title: Done Unto
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
12 in x 12 in x 1.5 in (30.48 cm x 30.48 cm x 3.81 cm)

Framing Tips - Watercolors

It is always best if possible to use a professional framer. I mean they do it every day so they are bound to be at least a little better at it than those of us who don't. But if you would like to try your hand at framing on your own here are a few tips for watercolors. Even if you decide to use a professional framer, knowing some of these tips will help you determine if you like their service. I will cover framing other types of artwork and prints in future posts so be sure to check back. :)

**Before you get started you should know you should always use acid free materials when framing original artwork. Professional artist materials are almost always acid free or specially prepared to make the surface acid free. If you apply mats, backings or frames that are not damage and/or serious discoloration can occur over time.

Choosing a mat and frame

One of the biggest mistakes I see made in framing artwork is in the choice of frames. Of course your personal taste and current fashions will affect your choice but it is always wise to keep in mind that when framing artwork "less is better". Overly ornate frames and extremely bright mats can draw the viewers eye away from the the artwork when you want the main focus to be the artwork. Of course, if you just really love that particular frame or mat you may want to choose some art that will compliment it instead of the other way around. :) A well chosen mat and frame not only enhances the appearance of your artwork but also helps to protect it. Watercolors, pastels and drawings are considered fragile so the mat and frame are important. With the right care these types of artwork can last many years.

Mats

If you have never tried framing a watercolor before I highly recommend choosing a mat and "trying it on" before purchasing the backing and frame. How the work "sits" in the mat will have a lot to do with the final size of the frame and of course the backing.

A mat serves two purposes really (besides looking great!).

1) It acts as a buffer between the the glass and the artwork. If the art is in contact with the glass condensation can build up causing serious damage to your painting. Damp spots, stains and mildew can ruin your investment!

2) If the paper the work is created on has texture, the pressure between the backing board and the glass can compress the art and ruin the texture changing the overall appearance of your painting.

Works on paper, including watercolors, are traditionally surrounded by a wide mat. But this also is personal taste. Generally a small image looks best with a wider mat. You have more of a choice with larger paintings both wide and narrow work with those. Some look better with almost no mat or mounted directly on the backing without a mat even. The choice is yours of course.

I highly recommend having the mat professionally cut. Mat cutters can be expensive and unless you plan on framing a lot, the investment probably won't be worth the cost. Also, keep in mind professional mats are usually cut deeper at the base than the top and sides. This can be as little as 1/4 inch (6mm) or or more. I usually cut mine 3/4 inch (18mm) wider. Some can be larger but this is not usually the case. This is to prevent an illusion that the bottom is smaller than the three other sides. So when you purchase your mat make sure you place the wider edge at the bottom!

Backing

Always choose an acid free backing for your watercolors. This is as important as using an acid free mat. Remember, the backing will be directly touching the entire back of your painting. Archival quality backing boards, quality uncut mats or special acid-free foam boards can all be used. Never use untreated cardboard. There are methods for treating the cardboard so it can be used but unless you are an artist or framer it is unlikely you keep them around the house and it is a lot easier just to purchase acid free backing. All of these materials can be purchased from a quality frame supply or local art supply store. Make sure the back board is the correct size to fit the frame, not the same size as the artwork itself unless you are planning on framing the work without a mat and without allowing the edges of the paper to show. Even when you frame without a mat some paintings look nice with some of the back board showing. Especially when a complimentary color is chosen. Uncut mat is perfect for this technique.

The artwork should be mounted to the backing with either archival mounting tape or a removable spray adhesive. I always use the tape and "tab" it to the back of the painting or the far edges as I don't fully trust the adhesives. I know several other artists however, that love the adhesive and say they use them with little trouble. These items can also be purchased at a framing or art supply store.

Spacers

Spacers are not usually necessary with watercolors. However, if even with a mat, the paper touches the glass or the inside edges of the frame you should use them. If you decide to frame without a mat at all you should definitely use them. Spacers are just small strips that are placed between the glass and the mat or artwork. They are placed under the lip of the frame, out of sight. They serve to place a space between the glass and the artwork to prevent damage (such as the paper sticking to the glass from even tiny amounts of condensation). Spacers can be made of wood or plastic. I like using the clear plastic ones because they are less likely to show around the edges even if they slide a little. Also, the ones I purchase have an acid free adhesive that makes it easy to attach them to the frame, mat or backing. (Hint: I will offering these for purchase in my eBay store soon).

Glass

In my opinion, regular picture glass is the best to use. Non-reflective types cast a shadow across the artwork that can reduce the brilliance of the colors causing a matte effect. Personally I am not a fan of plexi-glass either although I have been told there is actually a static free kind. I have not confirmed this nor ever used it but I would love to hear from you if you have. Tell me what you think.

Did I leave something out? Need more info? Please feel free to comment or email me. I would love to hear from you!

Until the next post... Peace and happiness!!

Abstract Painting - The World is Burning

Title: The World is Burning
Acrylic on Board
24" x 24"

This painting is based on my personal feelings about the environmental crisis our world is experiencing. I worked on the composition for several days and finally settled on a combination of three. As I painted I allowed the paint to flow freely with only minimal control.

Painting - Meditation

Title: Meditation
Acrylic on stretched canvas
Gallery wrap 12 in x 12 in x 1.5 in
Smallworks Series

Here's another in my smallworks series. I can't seem to keep my fingers out of the paint lately. This one was painted using a combo of fingers and brush strokes. There is a slight glare in the photo. For some reason I have had problems with that lately. In the painting itself the gloss is even.

Painting - Shelled

Title: Shelled
Acrylic on stretched canvas
Smallworks Series, 12 in. x 12 in x 1.5 in
Gallery wrap canvas

This painting was only partially planned. I had an idea of what I wanted but I still didn't have the details worked out. So I just started painting with only a vague idea of where I was going with it. This one was painted using both brushes and my fingers.

Painting - Two Dancers

Title: Two Dancers
Acrylic on stretched canvas
16" x 20"

Painting - Nude and Dressing Table

Title: Nude and Dressing Table
Acrylic on Gallery Wrap, Stretched Canvas
18" x 24" x 3/4"

Thoughts and Ramblings...

Art...

...like life

is about transformation.

Everything...

...is becoming

...something else.

Painting - Untitled Ballerina

Untitled Ballerina
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
Smallworks Series
11 in. x 14 in.

Painting - Flowers and Basket

Flowers and Basket
Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
14" x 11"
Gallery Wrap Profile

Painting - Orange Boat on a Stormy Sea

Title: Orange Boat on a Stormy Sea

Acrylic on stretched canvas

14" x 11"

Painting - Moon and Tree

Title: Moon and Tree

Acrylic on Canvas

Smallworks series

14" x 11" x 3/4"

Sculpture - Within Us All

Title: Within Us All

Sculpture

Size: 11" H x 8" W x 5" D

Attached permanently to wooden base (5" x 5")

Detail Photos:

Painting - The Backyard on Washday

Title: The Backyard on Washday

24 in. x 18 in.

Acrylic on Canvas

Expressionist Style Painting

Painting - The Performer

Title: The Performer

16 in x 20 in

Acrylic on Canvas

Detail Closeups: