Fairie Slide

6"x 6"

watercolor on paper

mounted on 12" x 12" canvas

 

detail

This is another piece from the nature abstraction series.  Currently it is on display at the Art Sanctuary in Martinsville.

I know... "Fairie Slide" is a kinda corny name.  But I have a story that goes with the name.  We used to have a very large tree behind our house.  Under that tree I planted a huge shade garden.  I grew about 75 different varieties of hostas and all sorts of shade-loving flowering plants.  I had garden beds around my house and in a border garden I still share with my neighbor.  All of these gardens thrived under the shade of that large tree.  I had a path that encircled the big tree and garden that was covered with hardwood mulch.  It was quite lovely and everyone said it looked like a place fairies would live.  (I didn't have a bunch of kitschy garden stuff around it, either.)  

Well, one stormy day the tree was blown down.  Now, the lush shade-loving plants were thrust into the blazing sun where they would get burnt to a crisp if left where they were now.  I cried for about a solid day.  But, I gathered my strength, dug new beds, and, with the help of my wonderful friend, Andrea, began to transplant the hundreds (I'm not exaggerating) of plants.  So... I named this piece "Fairie Slide" in remembrance of that garden.  (sigh)  Ok, it is still a corny name!  I don't care!

Grape Appeal

15" x 12.5" framed

watercolor on Yupo

Framed and matted

$155.00 USD

I'm guessing that you are wondering what on earth Yupo is, right?  Yupo is actually plastic!  It is only like paper in the fact it is flat and white!  The paint sits on top of the surface and remains workable until the moisture is evaporated away.  

Detail
This tricky surface takes some getting used to but pays off in the long-run with some unique and surprising effects.

This piece is part of the nature abstraction series I'm working on.

Luscious Pears

6"x 4"

oil on wood panel

$40.00 USD

Umm, yummy looking, aren't they!? 

Pear of Nuts

4" x 6"
Oil on wood panel
$40.00 USD

Yes, I'm still on the pear and peanuts series.  I figure while I have them in the studio and they are fresh (the pears) I might as well paint them.  I like pears.  Not only are they tasty, they are good still life material.

Nuts To You

4" x 6"

oil on wood panel
$40.00 USD

Pear Pair

10" x 8"

oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
$55.00

Lean On Me - or - A Shoulder To Cry On

10" x 8"
oil on gallery-wrapped canvas
$55.00 USD

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This is the first daily painting for this week.  I painted it at Monday night painting group and snapped a photo of it when I was finished.  My daughter, Stephanie, is teaching me the Photoshop CS3 program (that is how I cropped the photo.)  I am still unfamiliar with navigating my way around in the program.  I was trying to work with another photo a few minutes ago, but got only so far before I had to give up.  I need another lesson! 

"Roxie Dog"

 10" x 8" 

watercolor on canvas
personal collection

This is our dog, Roxie, when she was a puppy.  I have had this finished and in the studio for a while, but decided to frame it today.  I thought I would go ahead and post another dog portrait!  I have two cat portraits I might just post, also!  This portrait was a lot of fun to do and not very time consuming.

If anyone is interested - I take pet portrait commissions!  Starting price is $75 for an 8" x 10"  I can work from your photo or one I take.  For questions you may contact me at:  janetsskinner@gmail.com

"Sadie"

10" x 8" 

acrylic on canvas

commission

Sold

This is an acrylic painting commission I finished yesterday.  I know I have been less than faithful to a "daily" posting.  I have, however, been painting.  Really, I have!  I am pretty faithful to painting... I need, however, to acquire better skills in the photography department!  I work up until the last conceivable minute, clean my brushes, grab my coat and glance to notice the camera bag hanging beside my coat.  Drats!   I realize I have not allowed time to photograph the work I have just completed.

So, obviously, I need a better plan.  Either I need to allow time at the end of the day for photography OR photograph first thing the next day.  Perhaps it will be a bit of both.