Day Fifteen - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

I can't believe I'm half way through the 30 Paintings in 30 Days challenge.  I know I have missed some days  and will  I'll try to catch up when I can but I'm happy with my progress.

This will be the last of my floating floral series.  I thought painting small will be much easier but found out that it's not.  I found myself putting in more details as you've probably noticed.

Lesson for the week from doing this series- I can't ignore the effort being put in painting small paintings compared to larger ones.  They could be more time consuming as my other bigger pieces but painting both sizes are fun and a great way to learn.

Here's my Day Fifteen painting.

Floating Floral #4

Watercolor on Paper

6" x 6"

$30.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

I created a page on how to buy a painting if you're interested and wondering how. 

Day Fourteen - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

I'm excited to say that heat gun is the best invention since sliced bread!  It's a breeze to dry a wash so I can continue painting and not waste time watching paint dries.  I love it.  Thanks Paul Jackson!

Ok, after that excitement back to my challenge experiences.  Here's another picture of a floating floral arrangement.  It's from the same clubhouse near where I will build my future studio.

I love the jade colored vat with yellow and white flowers.

Here's my impression of the floral arrangement, my Day Fourteen painting

Floating Floral #3

Watercolor on Paper

6" x 6"

$30.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Day Thirteen - 30 Paintings in 30 Days - SOLD

Here's one of the vats at the clubhouse that I'd like to paint.  It's a tan colored vat with a tint of blue at the rim.

After a short break, I started painting again around 9PM and was able to finish before midnight.  I was hoping I can catch-up and paint my 4 backlog paintings but two paintings are all I can do last night.

Here's my Day Thirteen Painting

Floating Floral #2

Watercolor on Paper

6" x 6"

$30.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Day Twelve - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Wow! I'm so way behind.  We're now on Day 12 and I'm behind 4 paintings- 2 for last week and 2 this week.  I'll try to catch up, promise to myself.

While I was in a very short vacation in Manila, somehow we still managed to visit my future studio site (I wish!).  At the club house they have these big vats filled with floating flowers.  Interesting combination of colors and texture.

For this week I'd like to paint my impressions of these floating flowers.  I started planning and sketching what I'd like to paint for the week and that helped me a lot.  Lesson learned this week is that planning is the key to being organized and inspired to paint.  Also a good heat gun makes the life of a watercolor artist easy while trying to catch-up with 400 artists :)

I'll try to paint my backlog paintings after I take a little break.  In the meantime, here's my Day Twelve painting

Floating Floral #1

Watercolor on Paper

6" x 6"

$30.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Day Nine - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

My trusted hair dryer gave up on me last night. There's just  too much drying and he can't take it anymore. I can still smell burnt wires. So sad. I went to Home Depot to get a heat gun.  That should do it!

When I started painting last night I already have a feeling that I won't be able to finish and true to form it happened.  Lesson learned, I should always have an open mind, positive thoughts and just enjoy the process. Because if not then I'm already beaten even before I even started. 

Here's my Day Nine painting. A little delayed but I tried. 

Floral Study #2

Watercolor Mixed Media on Paper

10" x 6"

NFS

Day Eight - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

I was able to paint right after the US Open Tennis Women's Finals but it's really tough to keep inspired after such a tiring game.

I think I chose a difficult subject to paint today but I just kept on painting.  Because completing the challenge is a personal goal for me so even if I find it really hard to complete, I kept on going, just enjoyed the process and put my best effort to complete it.

Painting is such a mysterious activity, you wouldn't know what you'll get at the end of the process so it's best that you just enjoy the journey.

Here's my Day Eight painting.  Hope you'll enjoy it as much I enjoyed painting it.

Floral Study #1

Watercolor on Paper

10" x 6"

$50.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Thanks again for your daily support!

Day Seven - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

A few years ago, my artist friends and I took Paul Jackson's workshop at Peninsula School of Arts at Fish Creek, WI.  After class we drove around for dinner, shopping and photo shoots.   I took this photo of a restaurant window at Fish Creek, WI.  I find the color contrast interesting and of course it says pizza, my favorite.

Now as a tribute to my favorite pizza, here's my Day Seven painting.  

Ode to Pizza

Watercolor Mixed Media on Paper

11" x 15"

$100.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Thank you! I'm not sure I'll survive the week without your support and encouragement.

Now back to my easel to complete my seven paintings for the week.

Day 6 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

It's getting to be a real challenge catching up with the Leslie Saeta and all the 420 artists doing the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  I wanted so much to be able to post my paintings in Leslie's blog everyday so I painted day 5 yesterday, day 6 this morning and plan to paint day 7 this afternoon.  Then I'll go back and paint days 3 and 4 (I know Star! You didn't miss a blog post :).

For Day 6, I painted my impression of this lovely house in Savannah, GA.  It was taken many years back with an SLR camera and printed on a photo paper.  I've wanted to paint this picture as I've seen it that day but everytime I do the painting just didn't feel right.

For the challenge, I thought I'd try again.  I think with this attempt I've captured some of its essence.  I may try to paint it again someday.

Here's my Day 6 painting.

Welcome Home

Watercolor on Paper

9" x 11"

$75.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Day Five - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

While day 3 and day 4 paintings are cooking, I'd like to post my Day 5 painting so I can catch-up.

I'm excited that finally I was able to paint this picture which I took when I was assigned as consultant for a company in Hamburg, Germany.  I find the sign on the window very interesting of course because I don't know what it says.  Now with Google translate it's easy.


Here's my Day 5 painting.

Room for Rent

Watercolor Mixed Media on Paper

11" x 15"

$100.00 USD

Click here to Purchase

Day Two Painting - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

While vacationing in Florida this arch window caught my attention.  It's just a simple architecture but somehow it gave me the impression of being in a Spanish villa.

When I took the picture there were birds flying around and they left shadows on the building facade.  I wish I can remember the exact location but unfortunately not.

I've tried many times to paint this picture and each attempt I consider a failure.  I haven't captured the essence of the scene.  Hopefully with this attempt I was able to do so.

Here's my impression of the Spanish Arch Window.  My Day Two painting.

Looking Through the Arch

Watercolor on Paper

11" x 15"

$100.00 USDAvailable

Click here to Purchase

Oh my! I'm Painting Like Crazy

It's already day 4 and I only have 2 paintings completed. I already posted day 1 and just finished day 2 (whew!) I'll take a picture tonight and will post.

To catch up, I need to paint day 3 today and wish to also finish day 4. If not day 4 and 5 tomorrow. 

Wish me luck!!  

                   

Day One Painting - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

When my brother and his wife visited Manila, my mom, my siblings and their families and I went along for a ride when they went to Bicol which is my father and sister-in-law's home town.  

Bicol is a place south of Manila where the famous perfect coned Mayon Volcano is located.

We went on a tour of the ruins caused by Mayon Volcano's eruption in 1849. Below is a photo of bell tower what was left of Cagsawa Church. 

On the way to Bicol we passed by a small town in Quezon and I saw this very old house. It's a Filipino house typical of the Spanish era.  It has a big staircase going up the main entrance of the house.  Lots of big windows that have panels made of capiz. 

With modernization these houses are now a rare sight but some places like Vigan have done a good job of preserving and restoring these beautiful architecture.

I love windows and doors and for Day One, I'd like to show my impression of an old Capiz window. 

Sorry for the delay.  As a good friend always says "Life happens".  Here's my Day One Painting.  

Looking Through Capiz

Watercolor on Paper

8" x 10"

$150.00 USDAvailable 
Click to Purchase

I entered this painting at the Eagan Art House Harvest of Art.  So if you want to see the original you may visit it at the Harvest of Art event on September 8.

Enjoy!

On to Day Two and Three! 

Still on the Road

I'm still on the road so I haven't posted my first painting.

Arrived in Tokyo a few hours ago then had dinner with my niece and her husband.

Right now we're watching an Eagles concert at their beautiful house. Relaxing and getting ready for my next journey.  I'll be taking the train to Haneda airport to take a flight back to the US. 

Will post when I get home. 

Day One - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

The time has come. This is the first day (technically 12hours ago was 1Sep here :) and I'm all excited to paint!  I've done a few sketches and one will be my reference for my "Day One" painting. 

 Leslie Saeta 

http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/2013/08/getting-ready-for-30-paintings-in-30.html

I'm heading back home in a few hours. Will be on the road/air again and offline  for a good part of my travel.  

I'll see you on day 2 from the other side of the world. 

Are you ready?

1 Day to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Today I feasted on my favorite food and fruit-  Taho (made of silken tofu topped with sugar syrup and tapioca pearls), mangoes and lanzones.

 

This is it!  Tomorrow I'll be painting my first.

It's 2:19AM September 1 where I am.  So is this my first day of 30 in 30?  I guess so. 

I've chosen a picture that I've been trying to paint for a long time. I've tried several times painting it and every time I did, the painting turned out to be a failure.  I hope this one doesn't but if it did, I think I'll be ok with it.  I'm just happy to try again and learn from the experience.

I'll post the finished painting on my 2 September blog post.

Dazed Series #1
Watercolor on Paper
11" x 7 1/2"
$125.00 USD Available

2 Days to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Hello from Manila! It's 2 days away from the 30 in 30 challenge and I'm jet lagged!  It's ok, I'm used to it.

I arrived last night at 10PM Manila time.  My brother Bot and her wife Mimi picked me up at the airport.  The weather here is not much different from current Minnesota weather- hot and humid.  It's actually cooler here with the all day rain.

ROUND A BARN

Watercolor on Paper

6 3/4" x 10 3/4"

$75.00 USD Available

My plan for today is just to have fun with my mom and family. I brought some pictures to organize but I'm not sure if I can do anything productive today.  I'm feeling it would be a day for enjoying the company and eating my favorite dishes and fruits.  I'll have coconut juice today! The real one not from the can (oh! that would be a good painting subject).

BLUE NOTE

Watercolor on Paper

8" x 12"

$30.00 USD Available

What do you suggest I paint from here?

3 Days to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Getting closer!  I was able to sneak in a post today (thanks Narita Airport for the wireless!) just to say I'm still on the road and may not be able to do much.  But! I'm planning on a strategy to help me stay on course and with all your help, hopefully to complete the challenge.

Thank you for all the encouragement.  And a special thank you to Thyra Moore a wonderful artist and a fellow Judy Morris workshop graduate.  Thyra's painting got juried in National Watercolor Society's 92nd Open Annual Exhibition. Congratulations Thyra!

AN APPLE A DAY

Watercolor on Paper

$150.00 USD (Available)

I think we're boarding. Talk to you later.

Dazed Series #8

Watercolor on Paper

11" x 7 1/2"

$125.00 USD Sold

 

4 Days to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

More pictures went into my "30 Paintings in 30 Days" album.  I'm using iPhoto's smart album to automatically add photos I tagged for the challenge.  This way I can just go over all my photos and tag those that I think are good candidates for painting.

Thank you for all the suggestions! Special thanks to Arnold for his very interesting ideas!  Keep them coming.

I will be traveling tomorrow and will be offline for parts of the 2 days (or is that one day? I don't know) I'm on the road/air.  Then I'll miss another day with a huge jet lag because of the time change. That will leave me 2 days to organize my photos at least for the first week of painting and get them ready for the big day.  I'm terrified and excited at the same time.

FOR LEILA - Sold

Watercolor on Paper

7 1/2" x 7 1/2"

I'm looking forward to finishing one painting on the first day of the challenge to set the mood for the month. The second day of the challenge will be a real challenge since I'll be on the road/air again. I will still try to paint that day. If not, I will do catch-up paintings. ;)

Dazed Series #6
Watercolor on Paper
11" x 7 1/2"
$125.00 USD Available

Thanks for being part of my journey.  I appreciate your support.

5 Days to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Thanks for all the posts on suggested themes and ideas for painting.  Keep them coming!

Special thank you to Karen Knutson for the kind words and encouragement.  She did this 30 in 30 challenge last January and I was following her posts. Great paintings!  Check out her works.

I've always thought that it will be very tough to choose which photograph to paint but I found out that organizing my studio is on the "tough job" category. This is the proof. I have to clear my work table before I get started!  That's on top of the list.

As for photos, I think even if I have a definite theme in mind there's just too many good pictures to choose from! It's not helping that I get lost looking at old photos instead of scouting for pictures for my theme.

I'm very fortunate that I've chosen a few preliminary photos (thanks for your suggestions!) and will continue until I get all pics organized by painting day. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right but I'll find out soon when I start painting. I'm hoping I'll find some order soon in all my chaos.

Dazed Series - Mini #3

Watercolor on Paper

7" x 5"

$50.00 USD (Available)

Any suggestions to keep me organized?

6 Days to the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

I checked my supplies and I may need to stock up on paint. I have my favorites but the red need to be replenished.

A trip to Wet Paint may be in the plan or I'll try to make them last until I get an online order shipped.   That would be nice.  It will save me the drive and maybe a few bucks.

LUCY - Sold

Watercolor on Paper

8" x 9 1/4"

For watercolor paper, I still have a bunch of full sheets (remember I haven't painted lately :).   I have Arches 140 lbs cold press and some Fabriano 140 lbs and 300 lbs cold press. I think I have enough to work on for the month.

I'm planning to paint on 7 x 10 size watercolor paper. I think that's a nice size and hopefully I'll manage to finish one painting of this size in one day. If not, I'll rethink the size or the theme ;)

Tomorrow I'll organize my photos. Thank you for the great suggestions on themes and ideas to paint.  Please keep them coming as this is going to be a 30-day hurdle.  I need your help!

Please comment with your fav theme.