Ramblings

It takes more concentration than one would think to create a cohesive mess on a piece of canvas.

Abstract Painting - Blue City

"Blue City"
12" x 12" (30 x 30 cm)
Acrylic on stretched canvas.
(Click image for more info)

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 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!

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

Whats New ...

As I write this, it is Sunday afternoon and cold. We can have crazy weather here sometimes. Yesterday, before the storms it was 70 degrees. Now you must wear a jacket outside and I turned the heat back on today. Oh I hope it warms back up this week! Everything here is already green and getting greener. The trees are all in bloom and it is beautiful. Our property looks like the Creator took a paintbrush and splattered gorgeous colors everywhere!

Unfortunately, there is nothing new with my studio (the one being built anyway). There are still building materials all over my yard. That makes it kind of difficult to cut the grass. Sometimes I go look at my tiny new studio and get so excited I want to jump up and down like a six year old. lol. The roof is on, the walls are up and the windows are in. I have two whole walls of windows, the largest facing the north. The other wall has four tall windows in it and looks out over my front lawn. There is going to be so much more natural light than my current area I paint in!!!

In the meantime... I have completed several new paintings that I have been and will be adding here soon. If you scroll down some you will see the first in my new "Conversations with Mother Nature" series. It is separate from the obsession with trees series in that the paintings may or may not have trees and they are all based on emotions inspired by nature. Or in some instances, the lack of it. I have also started a new series of abstract figures. The name of this series hasn't been revealed to me yet. Maybe soon.

I will be updating my website soon with a few changes. Some of the changes will be:

• Ability to purchase directly from my website.
  
• Galleries sorted by series.
• I will phase out the "In the News" page as I will keep updates posted here instead. Be sure to subscribe to my blog if you had a subscription to the news page!

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

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

Painting - Signs of Spring

Painting - Signs of Spring
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Signs of Spring"
24" x 18" (61 x 46 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas

Abstract Painting - Delicate Flowering

Abstract Painting - Delicate Flowering
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Delicate Flowering"
20" x 24" (51 x 61 cm)
Acrylic on Canvas

Study of a Woman in Abstract - Mini Watercolor Painting

Study of a Woman in Abstract - Mini Watercolor Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of a Woman in Abstract"
3.5" x 2.5" (9 x 6 cm)
Watercolor on paper

Watercolor Painting - Study of Two Bluebirds

Watercolor Painting - Study of Two Bluebirds
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Study of Two Bluebirds"
11" x 15" (28 x 38 cm)
Watercolor on paper

One of the studies I just completed of two bluebirds. I usually complete several studies before starting a painting and then sometimes more while I am working on it. Because they are studies often, like this one, they are not in my usual style.I intend to incorporate some of the properties of this study into an abstract I am working on. This one was painted on a leftover piece of Arches watercolor paper torn from a full sheet.

Abstract Figure Study #39 - Watercolor Mini Painting

abstract figure study #39 - Watercolor Mini Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Abstract Figure Study #39"
6" x 4" (15 x 10 cm)
Watercolor on paper

Abstract Figure Study: Early Morning, Watercolor

Abstract Figure Study: Early Morning, Watercolor
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Figure Study: Early Morning"
3.5" x 2.5" (9 x 6 cm)
Watercolor on paper

I have been on a "painting rampage" the past couple of days. I now have 7 paintings in progress. My studio is on hold at the moment while my incredibly wonderful builder completes another job. He's family so I gotta wait. : ) Everything is very, very cramped but I have managed not to sling paint too terribly much. I'm afraid I'm going to have quite a mess to clean up in my house by the time my studio is finished. lol

If you are an artist in or near Huntsville Alabama and you are looking for someone reliable to build or add on a studio (or if you are just wanting renovation work or home additions) my builder is now taking appointments. You can contact me and I will give you a referral. He gets very, very booked so don't delay. :)

Blackbird on a Wire - Mixed Media Painting

Blackbird on a Wire - Mixed Media Painting
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Blackbird on a Wire"
15" x 11" (38 cm x 28 cm)
Mixed Media - Watercolor and Ink on paper

The blackbirds have returned. I have quite a few this year. Unfortunately, my cat has already managed to catch several of them when they found their way into my new studio somehow. They always bring with them a certain mood that is hard to explain. Winter is almost gone and the trees are starting to bloom but much is still bare from the winter. I tried to capture that moody feeling I get in this painting.

ACEO Watercolor Painting - "Cry Despair"

ACEO Watercolor Painting - "Cry Despair"
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"Cry Despair"
3.5" x 2.5" (ACEO)
Watercolor on paper

I am finally having a new studio built. There is still one area that is open to the outside. It is just a small area really but I guess it was large enough. A few days ago I found a blackbird lying in the floor where it had obviously flown in and died somehow. It didn't have a mark on it. This miniature painting was inspired by that beautiful bird. Perhaps I will name my new studio for the bird. After all it is also the location near where a blackbird made a nest last spring.
Any suggestions?

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

Miniature Watercolor Painting - A Man and the Moon

Miniature Watercolor Painting - A Man and the Moon
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"A Man and the Moon"
1.5" x 2" (4 x 5 cm)
Mixed Media - 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...

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!

Abstract Landscape Painting - A Sure Sign

Abstract Landscape Painting - A Sure Sign
Originally uploaded by Benita S.

"A Sure Sign"
Acrylic on Canvas
11" x 14" (28 x 36 cm)

I usually post a painting a day but my computer has been very naughty the last week so here is the 1st in a while. As usual I am still obsessed with trees. :)

I am still working on my computer so please be patient with me in case I hit a snag. I am seriously thinking of replacing it. It's old anyway, I just feel so wasteful since it still works! I guess I am an oddball in a throw-away society. lol