Favorite Fun Sketches of 2013

Favorite sketches of Crazy Ladies (and men) for 2013

As I reminisce about my artwork of 2013, I think about the fun I had doing sketches of what I call, "Crazy Ladies" and all the fun I had teaching workshops of this subject.  The students had a ball creating odd faces and their imaginations soared.  These were done using Tombow markers, and after completion, many times, I created paintings using the sketches as my guide.  Usually, I write goals on December 31st, but this year, I'm going to try to keep it short.  I'd really like to complete my book that I've been writing for the past 5 years, and make it my top priority.  Otherwise, I'd like to write goals every night before I go to bed about the next day's expectations.  Not only artwork, but eating and exercise goals as well.  So, there you have it.  It's in print, so there's no going back from here!  Have a great New Year everyone!  I hope to see many of you in my future workshops.http://www.karenknutson.com/workshops.htm  I'm teaching in Arizona in February and in Florida in March. So, if you live in Minnesota, it's a great chance to get some sunshine! Check out my website for my teaching schedule.  www.karenknutson.com

Painting from my Soul

"Standing Tall"

I’ve been painting figures lately that are neither male nor female.  They symbolize hope and triumph of the human soul.  This painting evolved into very tall figures, so I named it “Standing Tall”.  If you know my family, we are all tall, so I was probably influenced by genetics here.  It had been awhile since I had painted in acrylics.  I always go back to my notes from the workshop that I took from Carol Barnes, and love to start my acrylic paintings with wild abandon.  I took a workshop from Carol Barnes at Springmaid Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC many years ago, and she really taught me a lot about acrylics.  I had done many 30 minute sketches of these 2 figures, and after picking one of them, I drew my design on the wild background, using chalk.  This painting turned out to be one of my favorites.   I have several friends who are facing health challenges, and so I was thinking of them when I did this painting.  I believe anything is possible with the help our faith and our friends.  Hope is such an important feeling to hold close to our hearts!  I entered this painting into the AWS (American Watercolor Society) Exhibition which is held in New York.  Wish me luck!

Design sketches make winning paintings!

I just realized that I forgot to post that I had won second place award at the Northstar Watercolor Society Fall Show, for my painting, "Sailing Through Life". I truly believe that if I hadn't taken the time for a value and color sketch, this painting would not have turned out as well.  I'd like to talk a little bit about the importance of a plan as we paint. Whether you're the type of artist who flies by the seat of their pants, or one who likes a plan beforehand, SOMETIME during that painting, you need to stop and make a plan!  I'm the type who likes to have the plan to start with; but I have been known to start very free and wild, and then, 3/4 of the way through the painting, I will make a value sketch where either my medium or light values connect.  Plus I try to combine shapes, so that I have as few shapes as possible, making for a stronger painting.  I really LOVE making color sketches, using Tombow markers in my little 6" x 6" sketchbook.  Another trick that I use is to take a photo of my painting, then copy and paste it into Microsoft Word.  Then click in the middle of the photo, and pick Format.  Then pick the black and white version of that photo.  This isn't a gray scale.  It's where the values below a value 4 become white and those above a value 6 become black.  This truly shows where you might need to combine shapes, or simplify busy shapes. It also spells out whether your painting is balanced.  I love using the computer as a "spell check" for values.  What ever did I do before all the wonderful technology?

Progress of a Painting, finished

"Sailing Through Life"

Here is the completed painting.  Just in time for framing tomorrow and delivering to the show on Sunday!  Whew!  This painting had many layers of minor adjustments to the color. First it was too grey, then too blue, then not dark enough. But the good thing about acrylics, is that you get many chances to change it up.  I knew that I wanted it to have an antiqued look, which is new for me.  There are only about 3 pieces of collage paper in this painting. Otherwise, this started on watercolor paper, with a watercolor underpainting.  Then I switched to acrylic.  Usually, I really like to work on Strathmore Aquarius watercolor paper when I paint with acrylics, so this was learning experience for me, using Arches paper this time.  At the very end, I actually painted with a twig, dipping it in my black paint.  I wanted it to look scratchy, and it worked.  So fun!!!

Progression of a Painting

Sometimes, I get myself in some jams.  This time, I entered a show with a title, "Sailing Through Life", without the painting being done yet.  The deadline is coming up this Sunday, and so today, I decided to start the show painting, ready or not!  I have my design sketch worked out, pictured at the top, and also have the napkin as my color inspiration.  Do you ever do that?  I find that napkins, or scarves get me started with a color scheme.  I might not follow it by the end, but at least it gets me started.  It's been a little while since I've painted in acrylics, so this has been a struggle so far.  I keep telling myself to get the big shapes in now, and I'll be able to doodle and negative paint later.  Warm Dominant.  Check!  Now to add some mystery and excitement to this painting.  I'll hopefully post the outcome of this tomorrow.

Crazy Lady Series

"The Morning After"

The painting, "The Morning After" just sold.  I'm sad to see it go, to tell you the truth.  I'm really enjoying sketching and painting crazy ladies, and have taught several workshops that were very successful about this type of painting.  They make great cards, and add a smile to your day, when they are hung in bathrooms or kitchens.  So, I bid you farewell, funky girl.  But you are going to a good home, and for that, I'm very thankful.

How Paintings Evolve

"Family and Friends"

Step one of painting

This painting, "Family and Friends", started with free and loose conte crayon markings.  Then I applied gesso randomly, using a palette knife.  The top photo is the finished painting, and the lower photo is step one.  This painting was as much a mystery to me, as to others.  Every step of the way, I had no idea how it would evolve, until about half way through, when I could see a mountain side, with rocks and decided to add some people at the top of the mountain.  The gesso marks helped me decide where to put them.  At this point, I stopped the painting, and got out my pencil, and made a value design sketch, something that I am passionate about.  Usually, I start with this, but this time, it was fun to start a painting with no preconceived ideas, and let the painting tell me the direction that it wanted to go.  "Family and Friends" just won a merit award at the Minnesota Watercolor Society Fall Exhibition.  I am teaching a workshop in my home studio on Oct. 4 - 6th on how to come up with ideas for abstracts.  There are still 2 openings, if anyone is interested.

Another Bird Painting

Home, Sweet Home
This was my demonstration painting for the home studio workshop for the Charcoal Pour technique.  This painting is lots more busy than my last one.  Which one do you like better?  The students did fabulous paintings, and loved the process of the charcoal pour.  I'm really excited to paint lots more birds!

Funky Bird, using charcoal powder



"Dressed to the Nines"

This painting started with a charcoal pour. This process is discussed in the Virginia Cobb book, Discovering the Inner Eye, Experiments in Watermedia.   It is available for $150, unframed.  Image size:  11" x 11".  I love the texture that the charcoal creates.  Then I added fun by collaging the feathers, using all kinds of busy collage papers.   My home studio workshop went fantastic.  By limiting the students to only 10, we all got to know each other so well, and there was lots of individual help.  Their paintings were so beautiful! I'm definitely painting lots more birds in the future.  They are so fun, when they are whimsical!

Creating texture with Charcoal Powder, Birch Trees

This painting, Roots and Rocks, #1, is image size 11" x 15".   I'm preparing for my next home studio workshop, "Graphite Pours to Create Texture".  This painting started using charcoal powder and then pouring a big bucket of water on the paper!  This process is explained in Virginia Cobb's book, Discovering the Inner Eye, Experiments in Watermedia .  I love textures and I find that starting with texture on the paper, leads to inspiration for completing the painting.  It was fun to go back to traditional painting for a change.  But tomorrow, it's back to abstracts!

Moving from Traditional to Abstraction!

"Master of the Day"

I painted this while visiting my parents last week.  Mom and I love to paint together, and it's one of the few times that she paints anymore.  We had such a great time!  I'm teaching in Alexandria, MN tomorrow through Friday, and the workshop is "Starting Traditionally, Moving to Abstraction".  One of the first things that I emphasize is to establish the light pathway. There is collage here also, which is my favorite way to paint.  The collage inspires me to create similar shapes, and also to continue in that color scheme.  Since I was raised on a ranch in Montana, this painting brings back happy memories of my childhood.

Cleaning the studio can be a GOOD thing!

"At the Beach"

Every now and then, my studio gets so messy that I'm FORCED to stop painting and start cleaning.  All my students know that I own 2 of everything, so that I don't have to waste time looking for whatever is missing.  But when I can't find either screwdriver, or ruler, or ATG tape, or WHATEVER..... it becomes mandatory that I clean out my studio.  I've been working on this for several days now, asking myself every time where would be the perfect spot to store certain things. I moved tables, and sitting areas, and shelving.  I'm trying to have stations.  For instance, all my card making crafty things would go in one corner, and the acrylics would go in another, the collage papers (wow, do I ever have LOTS of collage papers!!) would go in another!  My biggest fear is that I will lose something, because it won't be in it's normal spot.  Anyway, this painting, "At the Beach" had been missing for several months, and it is a favorite of mine!  And I found it behind lots of mat boards that were in a corner.  I'm so happy!  It's a little like Christmas, when I keep finding things.  This painting is only 6" x 6", but I love the connection of light patterns, and I did it in only 30 minutes, thereby keeping it fresh.  I had wanted to do a huge one of this, but wonder if I'll ever do it.  I had watched the Don Andrews DVD  before doing this.  He works on an easel, letting the paint run together, and the colors are kept very fresh in this approach. I recommend him highly as an instructor.

Finished Painting, "Evening at the Mansion"

"Evening at the Mansion"

This was my demonstration for the workshop, held on Kiawah Island, South Carolina.  It is size 10" x 10".  Based on my color study (see my post from 4/19/2013), this painting was pretty easy to do.  Adding the collage made for exciting textures.  I'm really tickled with the way that this painting turned out, and it sold at the workshop!  Now, my intention is to do another rendition of this that is image size 22" x 30", which will be acrylic and collage or possibly all acrylic.  I had such a good time with this group of 15 ladies, who meet each year in April on Kiawah Island.  It's absolutely beautiful there!  Lots of partying, painting, eating, and laughing!  We all really connected!   

Color Studies, good design

"Luring Music"

Only a few days till I teach a design workshop in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.  One of the lessons involves the students looking through magazines and cropping the photos down to a 1 inch square.  That simplifies the shapes, big time!  This color study (size 4" x 4") was done, using Tombow markers.  I love that they have two ends; one is fine marker, and the other is a brush.  Also, they don't smell, and work very much like watercolors, where I work in layers, etc.  This color study started from a photo of a dining room table and chairs.  How crazy is that?  Below is my 2 value sketch of the photo.  My steady rule (that I really believe in) is to connect the light pathway.  I can always adjust it later, but in the beginning of every painting, I have a light pathway. I will post the painting that I do from this color study after the workshop.

Where do ideas come from?

"Springboard for ideas"

Recently, I gave a demonstration for a local watercolor group; my topic was how I get my ideas for abstract paintings.  The idea for this 30 minute sketch actually came from a handmade card that I recently made for a good friend.  I've had painting friends sometimes tell me that I shouldn't waste my time making handmade cards.  Each one does indeed take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to make, but I always get ideas for paintings or discover interesting new color combinations when I allow myself to "play".  It's refreshing to me when I don't have to think about design, color dominance, etc, when I'm making a card. I used scraps from old paintings to start with, and just added black marker and brads.   Although, I have to say that when I did this 30 minute sketch, which was based on the card pictured below, I did remember to focus on design, color dominance, zinger colors, and center of interest.  Watch future posts, because this 30 minute study will turn in to a real painting very soon!



Handmade card which folds inward from both directions.



Metallic Paintings

"Metallic Leaf"

I'm preparing for a workshop that I will be teaching near Charleston, South Carolina, on Kiawah Island.  One of the days, we will be doing different metallic effects.  I used grommets, embossing powder, rubber stamps, metallic ink pads, and gold liner pens in this painting.  I hadn't done one of these for at least a year, so it was fun refreshing my memory as to the many effects of metal.  To start with, I used an old painting (see below) and built up a light pathway.  Have you heard me say that before?  If you've been in my classes, you definitely have heard about the light pathway.  It's key to leading the viewer's eye through the painting.  This painting is image 6" x 7", and is available for $95, matted.

Old painting that I started with for this project.

Demonstration for Minnesota Watercolor Society

Last Thursday, I gave the demonstration for the Minnesota Watercolor Society.  My subject was how I get my ideas for abstract designs.  This painting, "Which way to the beach?" was derived from a view of Minneapolis buildings from my friend's studio window.  I love to use contour drawings, and link my light shapes, thereby simplifying the design.  Both of these paintings are about 15" x 15" image size.  I'm a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright, and it's fun watching his influence creeping into my work lately.  I also showed the cropping technique of working with a little 1 inch square frame to spot good designs when you hover over a busy photo in a decorating magazine.  Below is my other interpretaion, using basically the same light pathway design.  I asked the group which one they preferred and the top one got more votes, although it was close.  There were about 150 people watching my demo.  Really a fun evening!

30 Minute Studies, One Year Challenge

"Radiating Beauty"

I again am challenging myself to do a 30 minute study every day for one year! Limiting the time to 30 minutes makes me use bigger shapes, and simplify. These aren't meant to be framed works of art, just studies!  I find that my whole life is in better balance when I do these each day.  And they often lead to paintings later!  Working out the design and colors on a small format is a practice that I really like. So....my one year challenge started on March 2nd.  I won't post every one, just my favorites, OK?  Unlike last year, I will give myself a little more slack when my schedule is busy, and will allow myself to do extra 30 minute studies before the busy days.  But no catch up!  Only thinking ahead sketches.  This one started as a contour drawing from a flower.  I then used Tombow markers to build up the layers of color.  I can't wait to turn this into a big acrylic painting!

Dragonfly workshop- Lynne Baur, instructor

Lynne Baur with her demo painting, (not quite finished)

It's been a busy time for me so I'm tardy in posting a review of the dragonfly workshop that Lynne Baur taught in my home studio.  (Click on the link, and go to the Dragonfly Gallery to see her incredible dragonfly collection.) It was my first workshop with a guest artist instructing at my home studio.  Lynne went above and beyond, and everyone was thrilled with everything that they learned.  We learned so many techniques to create texture, and although it was only a 2 day workshop, everyone finished a full sheet watercolor painting in that short time!  This was a mixed media workshop, including acrylic inks, acrylics, watercolor, and metallics.  I strongly recommend that you take a workshop from Lynne, who gives private lessons also, at a very affordable price.  It was so fun for me to be a student again, although I didn't get my painting done, due to being a hostess.  I will post it soon!

Painting on silk by Lynne Baur.  I purchased this one!

Passing it on with Kindness

"With an Angel's Help"

This morning didn't start out so well.  I spotted a cold sore and thought sarcastically, "Oh, that's just great!"  But after driving my granddaughter to daycare (her smile that could melt ANY bad mood), I was again off to a good day.  I stopped at Caribou Coffee, (my favorite coffee place) and ordered my Northern Light Latte, and headed to the restroom to put on my makeup.  Then, I spilled my coffee all over the floor!  The girl who had waited on me, came into the restroom just then, and I apologized about the mess that I had made.  I told her that I would have cleaned it up, but there weren't any paper towels.  "Don't worry, we'll clean it up", she said.  I thanked her, and joked, "That was a very expensive sip of coffee this morning, since I spilled most of it".  She said, "No problem, we'll get you a new one!"  I also had purchased the keurig single serve cup coffees and she had said earlier, "Did you know that there are now dishwasher safe containers where you can put your own coffee in these little containers, and it would be far cheaper for you?"  (It reminded me of one more way that I could use less plastic and be more "green", to be nicer to our world.  Something, I really need to work on!)

What service, and what a difference she had made to my day!  Sometimes, people have no idea what a small gesture can do for someone else who just might be having a bad day.  A smile, or a kind deed can really make the difference!  I asked for her name, so I could write a letter about her kind deed, and her supervisor overheard me doing it.  I gave her the "thumbs up", and told the supervisor about her kindness.  I'll follow up with a letter to Caribou Coffee too.

This painting was done last year, using Elegant Writer pens, which I LOVE.  (Just click on this link and you can order them from Karlyn Holman.)   Karlyn introduced me to Elegant Writer pens some years ago, and I find them so much fun!!!  I've done many of these kinds of paintings.  I call them Story paintings.  They are very simple paintings, and are done totally free and easy with no forethought of what will be done.  I do a contour drawing, and then smear the pen marks for shading on the people.  A few glazes for depth, and they are done.   "With an Angel's Help" is a story about simple good deeds helping others around them. These story paintings are usually 14" x 7" images and are available for $95.    "Statuesque" (Day 28 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days) was also done using Elegant Writer pens.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Happy Valentine's Day"

For many years, I have hosted a painting group at my home studio, and every Valentine's Day, we would all paint only one handmade card and then, we would draw numbers to see which card we would get.  Change is hard for me, but sadly, we finally had to stop meeting every Friday, due to "snow birds", teaching schedules, grandchildren duties, etc.  The list goes on forever.  We really LOVED painting together and sharing ideas, and critiquing each other's paintings.  So, we changed our group to a Critique Group and we will be meeting seasonally, (4 times each year).  I just realized this morning that this is the first year in about 15 years, that I didn't paint a Valentine painting.  This one was painted several years ago, but I do like the abstract quality of it.  Maybe I'll get time yet today, to paint a valentine painting.  I love the romance of this holiday, and wish all my blog followers a very Happy Valentines Day! 

Day 30- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Party Time!"

Can you believe it???!!!  I'm done with the 30 paintings in 30 Day Challenge!  This portrays my excitement for reaching that goal, I think.  I did a contour drawing of some friends,, and then basically doodled with the Elegant Writer pen.  I think this would make a great card!  Now, all my friends are going to be wondering, "Is that me?"  I'll never tell!  What I learned from doing this 30 in 30 challenge:

1. Perserverance pays off!'

2.  It is madatory that you have a very understanding family before attempting this.

3.  Practice makes perfect!  I am a better artist than I was 30 days ago!

4.  Doing a series actually increases my imagination and creativity.  I have so many more ideas of people to paint!

5.  I lost weight during this challenge.  Perhaps staying busy keeps me from snacking????

6. Balance is a must in my life from now on.  Everything else fell by the way side this past month.

7.  It really helps to have friends cheering you on during this huge undertaking.  Thank you dear friends!

Now, what am I going to do with my time?  Organize..... for one thing!  Clean my studio, and I've made a new goal to create a 30 minute daily sketches every single day in the next year, starting now.   I love doing those, and we all have 30 minutes every day!  Hope you'll all keep checking in to see my blog.  I enjoy staying in touch!

Day 29- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"One of a Kind"

I'm interested in everyone's reaction to this painting.  I think this may be my favorite of all 30!  (It's either this one, or Day 19, "Girl with a Secret" or Day 16, "Sassy Girl". Maybe it's because I really enjoy the friendship of Carolyn, who approved me doing this painting of her.  I love the way she's peering over the top of her glasses.  Carolyn was one of the first people who I met when I taught in Springfield, Illinois last year.  What a great community; Carolyn and her husband showed me around and hosted my husband and me one night at a local restaurant.  I named this "one of a kind", because we artists definitely dance to our own drummer, and I kind of feel sorry for all those who aren't artists, don't you?  Carolyn has a real zest for life, and enjoys every minute of painting.  And I think she just might crunch in as much fun into one day as I do!!!  We artists have the luxury of seeing any object as beautiful, even when someone else might just walk right by it, OR even call it junk.  I like that I have influenced my husband to be more aware of things, due to seeing things through my eyes.  I love it when we are out for a hike, and he will be the one to mention the color of the sky or pick up a simple little flower and admire it for it's simple beauty.  Anyway, this painting is pure watercolor, so I might enter it in the Transparent Watercolor Show next year.  How cool would that be if this would get accepted?  This painting is 10" x 10" image.

Day 28- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Statuesque"

Today, I felt like using the Elegant Writer pen and doing a vignette.  OK, I took the easy way out, by letting the bottom of the painting just fade away.  I like it because she might or might not be nude.  Who knows?  I forced myself to use gray tones, and just a little yellow tone added subtly.  I thought she looked almost like a statue when I was done, so that's why I titled it "Statuesque".  I did the sketch of this girl in April, 2011 while waiting for our plane to take off.  And I did the background abstract then too.  We were on the runway for over 30 minutes, all loaded up, but going nowhere.  I was so glad that I had a pen, so I could sketch.  Below are the 2 sketches that I combined to make this painting.  I turned the abstract upside down.  For those who don't know, an elegant writer pen is a marker that smears when you wet it, so it adds great shading.  Karlyn Holman introduced me to it years ago, and I really LOVE working with it.  This painting is 10" x 10" and available for $125.



sketch from April, 2011



Sketch from April, 2011

Day 27 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"A Real Cowboy"

     Growing up on a ranch in Montana, I've seen many cowboys, my brother being one of them.  He rode bucking broncos in rodeos and still to this day, talks like a cowboy.  He has a great sense of humor, and that was one thing that I wanted to portray in this painting. 

     I used my past painting from Day 23 as my model for the cowboy, just added the holster, hat and spurs.  You would think that would have made this an easy painting, but because I didn't have a value study to work from or a color scheme in mind, I really struggled with this one.  Thank goodness for a toothbrush to scrub out mistakes.  I began with a blue/green color scheme in mind, but half way through, I decided that I wanted the sky to be a dark value, so glazing produced the purple/red color.  I like the color scheme now, but it took me 2 full hours longer than it had to, just because I wasn't prepared ahead of time.  Lesson learned!  My favorite part of this painting is the way I hid the word "cowboys" on the left side, and how it repeats the feeling of the fence. 

     This painting is 10" x 10" image, and is available for $125.

Day 26- 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Climbing to the Top"

I felt like doing an abstract painting today, and I have to confess, there's a national show deadline coming up and I really want to enter an acrylic in it.  So, I read the rules, and found out that collage is approved in this show, but it has to be handmade, and it can only be 20% of the painting.  I have quite a few collage papers that I made some time ago, after watching the Anne Bagby DVD .  It was fun grabbing some of them and adding them to my painting.  I really love collage, and I like using magazines and purchased papers too, but couldn't use those this time, due to the rules.  If you've been following my blog during this 30 in 30 Challenge, you know that I stated that all of my paintings have to be people paintings.  If you look closely at this painting, you'll see the figure at the top right. It is my intention that you won't see the person, till you study the painting for awhile.  It reminded me of a person climbing to the top of his career goals, hence the title.  This painting is 14" x 14" image, matted to 20" x 20". 

poster of first 25 days-30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"First 25 Paintings"

Can you believe it?  I'm 25 days into this challenge, heading down the home stretch!  I discovered a really cool website, www.picmonkey.com which allows you to drag photos from your picture file and create a collage.  However, I can't figure out how to create 30 on one poster, so we'll see if I get that done by day 30!  This challenge has taught me so much.  Perserverance, need for balance in my life, gratitude, creativity, and every day, I can see improvement in my paintings! My house has suffered, my kids and grandkids haven't seen very much of me, not to mention my husband!  We've been eating a lot of restaurant food too.  But, all in all, I'm so glad that I did this!!!  I'm also very glad to be almost done, and get balance back in my life.  Nobody said this was going to be easy! Thanks to all of you who have been following me in this challenge, and who have cheered me on! 

Day 25- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Frazzled"

     Need I say anything more?  At Day 25, I'm running out of energy and feeling totally worn out, totally FRAZZLED!!  This is a self portrait, part of my Crazy Lady series.  I did the 30 minute study of this some time ago, (See below) when I taught back to back workshops.  I like to teach 4 day workshops and then have at least one week to refuel, but this time, I had scheduled these workshops in order to pay for some remodeling that we had done.  Never again!  Although I'm glad that I'm almost done with the challenge, I'll never be sorry that I did it.  Thank you, Leslie Saeta for setting this up. 

     I've got a friend, Karlyn Holman, who teaches many workshops within a year, and I don't know how she does it!  I call her the Energizer Bunny.  You definitely should look into taking a workshop from her.  She's the best!  My paintings are in several of her books.  Click on this link to get to her website.  

     This painting took several hours to complete, but was very fun to paint.  It always works better when I work from a color design sketch.  I use Tombow markers to do these.  That's what I will be doing daily after this challenge is over.  I miss doing them, and I'll pledge to do another year of 30 minute studies.  Did I just say that???!!!!  Below is my study for today. 

Day 24- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Garden Walk"

My intention was to start a full sheet acrylic painting today, but then decided to do my 10" x 10" painting first, and work out the colors in it.  After completing this painting, I'm still undecided about my colors for my big painting.  One thing  I will change about the full sheet is to eliminate many of the small shapes, and to unify shapes more.  Don't get me wrong.  I like this painting, it's just not one that I would enter in a national competition.  As it was snowing outside... yet again..... I craved Spring flowers, so I decided to paint them.  Then I got caught up in watching golf on TV, and so the second painting didn't happen today.  This painting is available for $125. 

Day 23: 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Big Shoes to Fill"

Today's painting is to pay tribute to all those husbands and fathers out there.  My husband is a real keeper, and this is especially for him.  Dick is such a great supporter of my art and even though he is the main bread winner in our family, he always makes me feel so special.  When he used to help me out at outdoor art fairs, he even wore the name tag, "Mr. Karen Knutson".  Here he is, a very accomplished businessman, and he's making me queen for the day, actually queen EVERY DAY!  I like the design in this piece, with an abstract F in the background to symbolize father, and the papers piled on the table, because Dick does so much paper work for everyone in our family.  Taxes, bookwork, receipts, banking.  I used one of my 30 minute studies for my reference, so this painting was a pretty easy one today.  The image size is 10" x 10" and will be a gift for my husband.  I will be making cards out of it, though if you would be interested.  They will be available for $10 for a package of 4. 

Day 22: 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Doing the Happy Dance"

Today's painting was done in honor of my friend, Connie, who had her last chemo treatment today.  She's doing the "happy dance", and has visions of long glorious hair growing back in the future.  This has been a long difficult journey of many trips to doctors, some good news days, some bad news days, and

many anxious days awaiting news from tests.  Connie taught me so much about "taking lemons and making lemonade out of them".  I'm going to make cards out of this painting, and she will get the first one.  Thank you, God, for protecting my dear friend during this healing time.  Connie is a gifted artist and also writes great poetry.  Here's a link to her blog:   http://conniecuthbertson.blogspot.com/  This watercolor painting is done in the illusionary painting method and is size 10" x 10". 

Day Twenty One- 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Girl with Attitude"

Guess I shouldn't be surprised that this isn't one of my favorites.  I kind of had a bad attitude today, myself.  So, it stands to reason that the girl that I painted would have both hands on her hips, with a real attitude.  I'm needing a break today, but did my challenge painting anyway.  I so enjoyed doing an abstract yesterday, that I think I'll go back to that tomorrow.  I have learned so much during this challenge, and am very thankful that I'm doing it, but I look forward to the finish line!

Day Twenty- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Hidden Agenda"

Starting this painting as a total abstract, my plan was to include a woman at the last minute.  I had an all day painting day with my friend, Lana Grow and we had a great time trying to make a total collage painting like Carrie Burns Brown does.  Her DVD is one of my favorites.  Below is the painting before the changes.  When I got home, I knew that I would have to get the acrylic paint out and fix the painting.  I like that I have her right in the center of the painting, and yet, I got away with it.  (In my opinion, anyway)  I believe that the dark big shape on the right side of the painting adds more weight to that side of the painting, thereby disguising the fact that she is in the center.  What do you think? I called this painting, "Hidden Agenda", because I like the fact that the viewer doesn't see the woman right away.  This acrylic and collage painting is image 12" x 12" and is available for $295.

Painting BEFORE changes

Day 19- 30 Paintings in 30 Days

"Girl with a Secret"

Nearly 2 years ago, I visited a coffee house in Texas, and saw this girl wearing a fun scarf, and I asked her if I could take her photo so that I could paint her.  Wonder what she would think of the way that I abstracted her image?  Again, being influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, this painting was a pleasure to paint from start to finish.  However, it took 8 hours to paint!  For my reference, I used a color sketch that I had done while I was in Texas.  I'm finding that my 30 minute sketches are so valuable as I do this 30 day challenge.  This painting is 10" x 10" image.

Day 18- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"The Optimist"

I have several friends who are having health problems right now, so I felt the need to paint a painting that expressed optimism and hope.  I think this girl looks so optimistic, with waves of good energy surrounding her.  I used a napkin for my color guide, with great greens, turquoise, oranges, and reds.  I believe in the power of optimism and that even in times of crisis, things will get better quicker if you keep a positive attitude.  My prayers go out to all my friends who are going through a rough time right now.  This painting is 10" x 10" image, and is available for $125.

Day 17- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Distance between Friends"

Again using a design sketch from last year, I found myself recalling wonderful memories between myself and 3 other friends who paint together once per year.  The story behind this painting might make you wonder about me, but this is a true story.  At that time, I was in the habit of doing 30 minute sketches every day, and even though we were in the Happy Hour of our time together, I grabbed my sketch book and pen and just let myself make up a scene without a plan.  As I was sketching the people, I thought how odd that I had sketched 5 people, when there were only 4 of us there at the Paint-in.  Then, in studying it further, I saw that the 3 people were separated by a fence from the other 2 people. The truth was that one of my friends sho was at the Paint-in, actually was traveling back and forth every day, visiting her husband in the hospital, and therefore, wasn't able to participate in our Paint-in very much.  I truly had nothing in mind when I started this sketch, and look what came out of my subconscious!  I'm thinking that the 2 houses in the background must be the fact that Janice was going from our house to the hospital every day.  Wow, spooky!!! To see my design sketch, click on this link.http://karenknutson.blogspot.com/2012/01/goals-for-new-year.html This painting is 10" x 10" image, and is available for $125.  I intend to paint a huge painting of this image.

Day 16- 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

"Sassy Girl"

This is my personal favorite of all my people paintings in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  I taught an illusionary workshop this weekend, and really loved the class.  This was my demo for the group, although I didn't finish the details till tonight, when I got home.  Good karma really makes a difference in the outcome of my paintings.  Like when I'm up at the North Shore of Lake Superior, I'm at such peace, that my paintings usually turn out.  This class created the same inspiration.  So many laughs we had and they were all so eager to learn.  The only complaint I have is that it was far too short.  We neede more time!  This painting is image 7" x 11".