Norma's Daily Paintings: April 2011

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Name This Rooster! Please!

Name This Rooster...Please!

12" by 12" original oil on panel

$295.

Sometimes I just draw a blank when it comes to naming a painting. Tonight is one of those times. I have definitely been into dramatic lighting lately. Had fun with this little guy. I am plum wore out tonight. My son came to help me with my kitchen today. He put my new pulls on my cabinets while I painted and also

put on new door handles that I had gotten online. They are so much cheaper than at the local hardware stores that will remain nameless...HD and L are a clue. I am really pleased with what I have done so far.

I didn't think to take a before picture but may have some in my photo files. I may write more tomorrow but for tonight..I will just say...sleep well. I know I will. Thank you to Patrick for all his wonderful help today!

If you are interested in this piece, contact me at normasart@cox.net,

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Balancing Act

6" by 6" original oil on panel

125.

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Ever wonder how birds are able to balance their puffy little bodies on those tee tiny little legs? They look like they are walking a tight rope! I am not sure of the breed of this bird but she sure is pretty. Had a wonderful time painting her and getting to know her. I have really been busy the last two days in my studio with four new painting finished. A couple I had started last week.

I found a really neat list on one of my favorite artists blogs, Roisin O'Farrel. We are friends on Facebook and I am going to add a link to her site. I love her wonderful paintings of the interiors of beautiful old homes in Ireland.

My favorite three are 5, 14, and 25...how 'bout you? Contact me with any questions at normasart@cox.net.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

All Aglow!

All Aglow

11" by 14" original oil on wrap around canvas with sides painted

$350.

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Don't you just love that time of day when nature is all aglow with the sun as it is setting? I was inspired by this Irish cow and her peaceful stance. It was so much fun recreating a special moment in time.

The kitchen is another story. It is no longer "apricot"! My son's first words were...oh, PINK! I decided to head to the paint store the next day and decided on a really pretty color called Manchester Tan which is a Benjamin Moore color. It isn't finished yet but I am liking it much better! This way anything I add to the decor will go really well and it has a very soft look. When I went back to the store, I realized that they have giant paint chips! Like two feet by two feet! Sure wish I had discovered this a couple of weeks ago. :-)

So far I have a couple of ideas for workshops. One is Paint Your Pet or favorite animal and the other if Fun With Palette Knives! I think both would be really fun to teach. I am working on a supply list and planning them for June. Please let me know if you would like more information or to be added to the contact list! Hope you week is going along great! I am working fast and furiously on the house projects before Andrew gets home. I think he will help me with some things but kind of wanted to surprise him with some of the changes. Thanks for checking in!

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Few Favorites

A Few Favorites

Well, I did it...picked a color for my kitchen. Even though I am an artist and studied interior design for a time....I still had to go run my decision by a designer friend who helped me pick just the RIGHT shade of apricot. I couldn't wait to come home and get some of that color up on the walls! When I finally got enough area to get the FEELING...I felt like I was in a bottle of Pepto Bismol. Why is this process not filled with delight and a sense of adventure?? I might be exaggerating a bit about the Pepto Bismol...it is a little warmer and there is a decided glow coming from my kitchen..... Well nothing that a martini and a good movie can't cure, right???? I am so excited to have my middle son, Sean, home tomorrow and my oldest, Patrick, here for Easter. Andrew is up at Tech and I think there is a game this weekend and he is involved with a run for Cancer so he will not be here for the Easter Bunny. Good thing he doesn't read my blog. :-) I think I am gonna get a bunch of grief what for my Pink kitchen!! O.K. let it go Norma.

My collage today is in lieu of any new works. I have had a really busy week and thought I would do one of some of my personal favorit s. Some were because I developed a relationship with the little creature while painting it or was transported to another place or learned something or perhaps just enjoyed a new color or painting surface.

Lately, I have been getting a lot of requests to do workshops or ongoing classes. I would love to have some feedback on what subjects you would like to see me teach or a specific technique such as palette knife work or impasto painting. I love, love, love, color so that might make a good one day workshop to learn a bit about color mixing and how to use analagous colors to create forms and shadows instead of complentary colors. That is my favorite way to do it. I will look forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderful Easter and thanks so much for checking in with me!

Check out my available works to see which ones are still available!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Sisters Bovine SOLD

11" by 14" on wrap around canvas

350.

When I was photographing these two, the song, Sisters, made famous by Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas kept running through my head. I imagine these two bovine girls as inseparable in the field...caring, sharing...well you know the rest. I had fun with these two while painting them today. Ever since my workshop, I have been feeling somehow rejuvinated. I began this piece with a sketch as I had to make up part of the composition and it was so helpful. Kind of wonder why I have not been doing this all along!!

Yesterday was a wonderful day at the Virginia Beach Garden Tour luncheon. I had my display set up on a covered dock by all the yachts! It is a dirty job but someone has to do it. Almost makes up for all the times my cat rubs her tail in my paintings! Almost. I met so many people and I had to chuckle. There were several artists there in various mediums. Bird carvings, hand painted bird ornaments, handmade bird houses, and three D whimsical birds made of gourds. I mostly displayed my birds but I must admit to sneaking a cow into the mix. Guess what got the most attention. There is something about cows and cow admirers... I met so many people...all out enjoying the beautiful weather and an incredible setting. The neighborhood, Birdneck Point, was the site for the Garden Tours. All the azaleas were in full bloom, dogwood trees, and all the bulbs and flowers. Really lovely.

This weekend will be a busy one with so many people on the road. I wish you all a safe and happy

holiday and spring break. Thank you for stopping by!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Valentia Irish Cow

11" by 14" on wrap around canvas

350.

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My friend and fellow artist, Barbara Mastaglio, lives in one of the most beautiful places on the planet about half the year. She and her husband have a home on Valentia Island off the coast of Kerry in Ireland. I began my journey of cow painting about five years ago when I did an artists workshop over there and it was wonderful. The instructor was Charles Kello and we had a blast. A few weeks ago I asked if she had any cow photos I might have for inspiration and this cow was in the one she gave me. I swear I know this cow from my trip over there! What a beautiful and open face with such a soulful gaze. After my workshop my weekend, I was anxious to use the approach we were taught. I first began with a loose rendering in a large sketchbook. I used only burnt sienna and white and worked out the values. It was so much fun! I also played with some other images before getting to work on canvas. I think this will be my new routine. I began this cow working from the inside out instead of drawing it in paying attention to shapes of dark and light and working the background at the same time. I am REALLY pleased with the result and felt some of the initial excitement of those early days of painting cows. Some times a new approach is just the ticket to shake things up a bit. I am looking forward to another one! I will also be getting ready tomorrow for my display on Wednesday of birds at the Virginia Garden Show Tour held at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach. Hope you will come out and see me! Please email me if you have any questions about my work or anything else!
Study that helped me loosen up and work out values....

Painting from my workshop that encouraged loosening up!......

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Eastern Mountain Blue bird

6" by 6" original oil on panel

$125.

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I loved the expression on this little bluebird and enjoyed working on his fluffy little body. I have also been loving working the background using the palette knife as it seems to suggest the texture of nature surrounding these little creatures!

What an awesome weekend so far, with a workshop yesterday with an artist whose work I have admired for years, Gloria Coker! We all met at London Square Gallery and got set up. She began with a demonstration in a large sketchbook using black india ink and white paint. After working out

the compostion and values she then had us begin doing the same with the image we brought to inspire us. Mine were a red pair of shoes. I will share some of these photos tomorrow. Scott London took pictures and has not uploaded the afternoon session yet. Anyway, then she did a demo using color of a pair of dancers. Anyone who knows her work is familiar with her wonderful colorful dancers who seem to dance across the canvas! I love how loose her work is and the way it leaves the viewer to use their imagination to fill in and interpret the story. I hope to be using the techniques I learned this week and will share more of those images with you! Hope you have had a fantastic weekend and survived the storms yesterday. We mostly had rain and lots of wind in my neighborhood but I know it was rough in other areas. Thanks so much for checking in with me!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Eastern Yellow Robin

6" by 6" original oil on panel

SOLD

I love this little bird. They remind me of the English Robins...kind of chubby and whimsical looking! I had fun in my studio yesterday working on two birds and a chicken! Today I am headed to Norfolk to teach. Tomorrow I am excited about taking a workshop with Gloria Coker...an artist whose work I have admired for years! Then...it is back to working on my kitchen to get the remaining glue off the walls so I can get them painted. My son, Andrew, will be home from college the middle of May so I want to have it finished by then. Anyone have a suggestion for a good kitchen color? I have been thinking of a grayed sage green but have not made up my mind yet. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Brown Eyed Girl

12" by 12" on panel

$295

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As I was painting in my studio yesterday, I decided to do a cow but not use my usual palette of colors just to change things up a bit. I am really pleased at how this brown eyed girl turned out! It was late when I finished so I am only posting it now. Hope you like her! I used a name given to me by one of my collectors, Luanne, when I asked for help in naming a cow in one of my earlier posts. Thank you Luanne! Hope your week has been going along smoothly. I can never believe how fast they go...guess that is because I am doing what I love. I am excited to be taking a workshop with Gloria Coker on Saturday whose work I have admired for years. It is in acrylic so I need to get some more paints and supplies that I don't have on hand. I will let you know how it goes! I am also excited that several friends will be taking the workshops as well. She is doing a morning and afternoons session. Well, more later! Contact me at normasart@cox.net if you have any questions about this piece of any of my other paintings.

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Red Canary SOLD

6" by 6" original oil on panel

125.

I think there is noting prettier than a red bird. This one reminds me of birds I saw in Puerto Vallarta that were along perches outside for all to admire. Hope your week is going well! I will be working on several birds in the next few days as I prepare for the Virginia Beach Garden Show display next week. It is really hot in the house today and I am putting the air conditioning on for the first time this year. My car was covered in pollen today and all the trees are in full bloom. We sure go from winter to summery weather pretty fast in these parts!

If you have questions about this painting or any of my other paintings, please contact me at normasart@cox.net. If you are interested in a larger piece done from one of your photos or similar to

one you see in my available works, we can discuss your ideas!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Penny Henny

6" by 12" original oil on wrap around canvas with sides painted

$225.

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This painting will be entered into the Daily Paintworks Challenge. What fun! I found this story when I was looking for an inspiration for naming this little hen and I was so excited. I remember my mother reading me this bedtime story over and over and I never tired of hearing it! Penny Henny was my favorite character! I have been out of my studio for a bit while I was concentrating on my house projects and the marketing side of things but I did send out my April newsletter. I announced the winner of March's free painting and it is Kathy Cousart. She is one of my subscribers and also a fellow artist! I hope you will stop by and visit her blog. I shipped her painting to her today. It was a painting of a bird called Balancing Act. Congrats to Kathy! I do this drawing every month and all my subscribers are entered into the drawing. If you have not done so, please sign up at the top of my blog!

: Chicken Little was in the woods one day when an acorn fell on her head. It scared her so much she trembled all over. She shook so hard, half her feathers fell out.

Chicken Little: "Help! Help! The sky is falling! I have to go tell the king!"

Narrator: So she ran in great fright to tell the king. Along the way she met Henny Penny.

Henny Penny: "Where are you going, Chicken Little?"

Chicken Little: "Oh, help! The sky is falling!"

Henny Penny: "How do you know?"

Chicken Little: "I saw it with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and part of it fell on my head!"

Henny Penny: "This is terrible, just terrible! We'd better hurry up."

Narrator: So they both ran away as fast as they could. Soon they met Ducky Lucky.

Ducky Lucky: "Where are you going, Chicken Little and Henny Penny?"

Chicken Little & Henny Penny: "The sky is falling! The sky is falling! We're going to tell the king!"

Ducky Lucky: "How do you know?"

Chicken Little: "I saw it with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and part of it fell on my head."

Ducky Lucky: "Oh dear, oh dear! We'd better run!"

Narrator: So they all ran down the road as fast as they could. Soon they met Goosey Loosey walking down the roadside.

Goosey Loosey "Hello there. Where are you all going in such a hurry?"

Chicken Little: "We're running for our lives!"

Henny Penny: "The sky is falling!"

Ducky Lucky: "And we're running to tell the king!"

Goosey Loosey: "How do you know the sky is falling?"

Chicken Little: "I saw it with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and part of it fell on my head!"

Goosey Loosey: "Goodness! Then I'd better run with you."

Narrator: And they all ran in great fright across a field. Before long they met Turkey Lurkey strutting back and forth..

Turkey Lurkey: "Hello there, Chicken Little, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, and Goosey Loosey. Where are you all going in such a hurry?"

Chicken Little: "Help! Help!"

Henny Penny: "We're running for our lives!"

Ducky Lucky: "The sky is falling!"

Goosey Loosey: "And we're running to tell the king!"

Turkey Lurkey: "How do you know the sky is falling?"

Chicken Little: "I saw it with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and part of it fell on my head!"

Turkey Lurkey: "Oh dear! I always suspected the sky would fall someday. I'd better run with you."

Narrator: So they ran with all their might, until they met Foxy Loxy.

Foxy Loxy: "Well, well. Where are you rushing on such a fine day?"

Chicken Little, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey (together) "Help! Help!" It's not a fine day at all. The sky is falling, and we're running to tell the king!"

Foxy Loxy: "How do you know the sky is falling?"

Chicken Little: "I saw it with my own eyes, and heard it with my own ears, and part of it fell on my head!"

Foxy Loxy: "I see. Well then, follow me, and I'll show you the way to the king.

"Narrator: So Foxy Loxy led Chicken Little, Henny Penny, Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, and Turkey Lurkey across a field and through the woods. He led them straight to his den, and they never saw the king to tell him that the sky is falling.

...

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net . My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Irish Bovine Ladies

This weekend will be another busy one as I am helping a friend move into her new home and tomorrow will be tackling my kitchen again washing and preparing the walls for paint. I found a great deal on some new brushed nickel knobs for the cabinets and with a good scrubbing, they should look much better.
The opening at the Artists Gallery was really fun last night. They had a great turnout in spite of the huge black bear that was in the tree on the adjoining street. There were helicopters circling overhead and one of
the ladies who attended had a picture on her phone. Great excitement. Apparently he was not so excited and fell asleep in the tree. There was a lot of beautiful paintings and it was great to see quite a few artists who were my studio mates about five years ago. I miss that day to day camaraderie. Well, I have to get my day started. Hope you have a great weekend! Check out my available works to see what pieces I have in my inventory!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Out Of The Shadows!

Out Of The Shadows

$295.

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It was a real fiasco tonight as I was getting ready to photograph this painting and get it posted. I had it on the table easel in the kitchen ready to photograph when the cat, Rusty, jumped up to get away from the dog, Bailee.

I tried to move her aside so I could get a shot and because her tail was VERY close to the wet paint. Next thing I knew she had her claw in my neck and was leaping off the table as the easel came crashing to the floor and landed on top of the painting. After taking a few deep breaths, I returned to my studio to do the necessary repairs. Now she, Rusty, is innocently perched on my arm as I type. KIDS...what can you do? Hope I don't get cat scratch fever.

As far as the kitchen goes...I have switched back and forth between a warm gray to kilm beige...to a buttery yellow..to...help! I was so used to my colorful leaf pattern that I am afraid my all white kitchen will be too bland. I love white kitchens but a feeling of warmth too.

I guess I just need more information...like an inspiring area rug or tea towels. Have an awesome Thursday!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.nett. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Pansies And Pears

$375

12" by 16"

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This piece is one I did awhile back. The past couple of days, I have been working on house projects. My friends, Claudia and Adele, came over yesterday and helped take the wallpaper down in my kitchen. They were amazing and it was done in a few hours. My plan is to paint it a pretty warm gray that is one of the Pottery Barn colors and I am going to replace the knobs and see about hanging a pendant light above the sink. Just a few relatively inexpensive changes should really give it a new updated look. I wish I had taken pictures now of the before and all of us pulling down the paper in the process. I had a fun discovery on one wall. My boys and one of their friends had signed the wall before we put the paper up. My youngest was seven and oldest was fourteen! They are now 18 and 25! I will have to take a picture of the wall before the primer goes on! The kitchen looks so much bigger without the busy print on the walls!

Today I have to get back into the studio and paint! Sometimes it is good to take a break and get some balance in other parts of my life. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Thought I would share my discovery!

Sunday, April 03, 2011

The Colors of Spring

The Colors Of Spring

What a beautiful spring day here in Chesapeake. I am looking forward to a busy week in my studio so today I will be organizing my house and getting caught up on the domestic front. Hope your weekend is going well! Thank you as always for taking the time to stop by and visit my blog! Check my available works if you are interested in any of these paintings! The sunflower is sold already!
I will be working on my April newsletter this weekend. Sign up to receive it and also get my daily posts delivered to your inbox. My subscribers are automatically entered into a drawing for one of my paintings each month!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.nett. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Pages

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Friday, April 22, 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Monday, April 18, 2011

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Friday, April 15, 2011

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Monday, April 11, 2011

Saturday, April 09, 2011

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Sunday, April 03, 2011