A work in progress

Patience has never been a virtue I was familiar with. This morning I found the time, energy and drive to do some painting. I have to say I really excited about the painting so far.
I stopped myself even through what I really wanted to do was put the snow in and the dry grasses. For a change I was able to control the impulse knowing that the white would never stay white when the rest of the work was wet. I'm just as proud of my unusual discipline to stop working as I am the work that I did do.
(There is a glare on the left hand side of the painting due to a hasty photo)
I'm going to be away for a few days so I won't be able to finish up this painting until next weekend when I lay the snow in and cut the sky and branches back in. Still, I wanted to let you have a peek at what I got accomplished.

Neat photo and inspiration for future painting

This morning I decided to venture out into the snow and head over to the park to get some winter reference photos. I happen to see this group of trees and shot the photo from inside my car - through the passenger side window. Just a quick shot to get started, nothing special...

When I got home and downloaded it to my computer I decided to play with it a little.
My computer has a neat photo program with special effects and this is what I ended up with. I love this - love love love this - I saw no potential at all in the original photo - nothing inspiring - but now....

I realized that I'm too immature as an artist to see the potential in a scene - I think I'll be using this photo program to help me isolate shapes and colors instead of choking myself with details.
Look for this picture to end up in oil very soon.

Simply Moonlight (finished)

Simply Moonlight (SOLD)
11X14 inch original oil on stretched canvas

Ta Da! Here it is - finished and I really like it. As I mentioned before I intend to do more night skies. I'm a little obsessed with other artist who do them so well. I thought I'd try my luck at a few.

For my first completed work of 2010 I feel like I'm getting a pretty good start.

This year I also intend to change the way I market my work. I will post my paintings on my blog along with a purchase price and if anyone is interested they can contact me directly. After a week or so I will move them to eBay. This give those who follow my blog first chance to buy and avoid the whole bidding process.

I also intend to take a class on website building so I can establish a website for my artwork. I had some great advice from Donna Clair. She recommended I start doing some larger pieces and develop a website.

I also intend to "try" to be more focused and disciplined....quit laughing....seriously - I need to be more structured.
So now you know some of my goals for 2010 - wish me luck!

P.S. Just a note to let you know this paint sold shortly after being posted - my sincere gratitude to the buyer - Thanks so much and enjoy.