Boo...

It is such a fun time of year.

Mr. Man is going to be a Bumble Bee this year. Photos will follow. Precious is going to be a Witch. I believe I will be a Bee Keeper. Maybe...

More Variation...

Last night I was up until almost 2:30 am painting. This "Quick Draw" thing has got me very nervous. Having never done anything like this before, I am terrified I am going to choke under the pressure.

When I played baseball, I had no problem playing in front of thousands of people. I never gave it a second thought.

Having to paint in front a few hundred people has be scared to death. I keep telling myself that this is a character builder. If I can get through this it will be one more fear that I have overcome. Well, myself isn't listening. Character schmaricter!

Back to the point. I tried this design again. I like the layout. This one is 18 x 24 inches. It took about 70 minutes. I added a bit of table and the leaves. The leaves slowed me down. They will not be in the final painting.



I was not as pleased with the reflection in the glass either but my sight was a bit blurry at 2am.


*****


This one was just for more practice. Working on the reflections. It is 14 x 18 inches. This will either be a very inexpensive gallery piece or get painted over. I paint over a lot of my works. Anything I am not totally happy with gets several coats of gesso and a fresh start. It adds to the soul of the canvas.

Variations...

This is another version of the same set-up as a couple of days ago. I like this composition so I painted it several times in a few different sizes.

This one is 8 x 24 inches. I got distracted while working and it took me about 65 minutes. I am confident I can get these done in under 60 minutes now.

So now it is down to finding the right composition for the event. The size is going to be 10 x 30 inches, gallery wrapped canvas with a black edge. It's about an inch and a half thick. That's what this one was, you just can't see the edge. Or 12 x 24 inches with a small liner and frame.

I like the idea of not framing it.

I have many more to paint before I'm ready. I think I want a wine bottle in the work too. I should be able to do three or four more tonight. I hope.

One of the finalists...

This is one of the design finalists for my wine themed painting. I have 7 days until the Quick Draw. This one is 16 x 32 inches. It took 62 minutes. I could have finished it sooner had I rushed it a bit.

I am looking forward to putting a lot more time into some of these paintings. Next week.

Speed Painting...Still...

Alright, I know I said that we had decided to go with one of the wine theme works for the "Quick Draw". But I like to paint women.

Yes the wine work would have more of a general appeal, but is this about what I can sell or what brings me pleasure. It's not like I am making my living off of my paintings at this point. The people who collect my work (and yes there are a few) have come to accept my variations of styles.

Sure the women take longer and they don't fit in as well as a bottle of wine in most homes. I torn...

Here are two works I just painted. The blond is 33 x 41 inches. She took about 75 minutes. Too long.

The red head is 14 x 18 inches and took about 135 minutes. Way too long.




You're right, you're right, I know you're right.
Wine theme for the Quick Draw, women for me and the gallery.

It is about what would sell for the most money at the auction.
It is charity after all.


Back to the studio...Feel free to help me with giving names to my girls. I need titles.