Framing makes a difference.

It was fun to see one of my watercolor sketches from class framed and on the wall at one of my new friend's house. (Margaret is always so supportive of my work in Jeanne's classes.) She did a great job of framing it. I haven't framed much of my work yet and am always amazed at how different it makes a piece feel.

Antique Slot Machines

A few weeks ago, Jeanne's class decided to meet at the house of one of our class members. Her house was in a beautiful country setting, with flowers, a pond, etc. - but I liked all the antiques she had in the basement (plus, it was air conditioned inside), so I painted two of her antique slot machine guys. It turned out to be a rather ambitious project for just a few hours - but it was a fun challenge.

Jeanne's Class 5/13

I haven't been painting lately, but these were from Jeanne's last class. I had a few minutes left after painting the lilac - so I painted the lemon picture (unfinished).

Peonies and Lilacs

Jeanne's Class May 6, '13

These were not real, but it looked like such a lush bouquet, I couldn't resist. I used a bit of watercolor pencil for definition on some of the objects.

Jeff, The Tavern Keeper

I rarely say this, but "I like this painting." I see things that I should fix and I probably will go in and deal with the background and some other areas, but overall, I'm happy with the way this turned out. I never asked this guy if I could take his photo, but I figure if you are dressed in costume - you are fair game. I didn't even realize I had a picture of him until I went home and downloaded from my camera.

Here was the reference photo. I had to lighten it in Photoshop to see him.

Wire Baskets

These baskets presented a challenge - I figured I would use a stick and ink to draw them in. It didn't turn out exactly as planned, but what ever does? I took liberties with the background cloth and just used bits of pattern and color that I wanted.

What a Grind...

It seemed like a good idea at the time - to paint something other than flowers in Jeanne's class....

(Coffee grinders courtesy of Sally Young) I'm ok with the way the coffee grinders turned out, but the composition bothers me. I think I would focus on fewer items next time. The squares in the background were not actually there - I just painted them in. Painting objects like this is unfamiliar to me - so I guess it was a good exercise to do.