Squash with Orange

Orange and Blue are complementary colors.  Complements can be a subject for a painting as they tend to create an energy when they vibrate with each other.  I loved the look of the Patty Pan squash (also known as white scalloped squash) with the orange vase and pumpkin.  A few black eyed Susans confirms the season.

3 Pear

8"x8" oil

This has been an incredibly difficult year for me, but being able, when I can, to paint and more importantly, being able to see beauty moment to moment has been the vehicle which has carried me through these trying times.  I am so excited about 2016 and the wonderful things it will bring into our lives. It is my hope that 2016 is the best year yet for you.  In the past I always made New Year's resolutions and printed them out to remind me through the year.  It has been a good goal setting exercise for me but this year I just hope I can continue to see and experience joy and beauty and live so that my life reflects the gratitude I feel.

30-30 Challenge #24

2"x4.5" acrylic

This is #24 in the 30 day painting challenge.  I am so glad I decided to do miniatures as I have learned a lot including the importance of composition.  I missed that a bit with this one as the top bird is not quite positioned at the most advantageous place.  But my main concern with this one is that it looks like the wings are moving and I think I got that.  Value is so important in painting and I continue to see that when something isn't working, frequently it has something to do with the values (light and dark) against each other.