"Tang Horse #2"

"Tang Horse #2", 6x8 inches, oil on linen on panel

 

Recently I've been busy painting some larger works in my studio, so haven't posted for a bit.  After painting in such a small format the past number of months, it's really a treat to go back to something on a larger scale. 

This Tang Dynasty horse is one from the series I painted.   Early on in my career I painted real live horses and as a kid spent hours drawing horses and dogs.  I always wanted my own horse and have had a lifetime love of all things to do with them, which my Dad passed along to me.  

I've had to satisfy myself with sculpting them in paint - this seems to be working for me fine. 

"Mr Bear", oil on panel, 6x6 inches

"Mr Bear", oil on panel, 6x6 inches

 

This teddy bear belonged to my daughter and now hangs out with a gang of stuffed animals in her baby's bedroom.  I must admit, since becoming a grandmother, I'm finding many things to do with babies suddenly very interesting to paint. 

Painting dailies allows me to experiment and challenge myself with all the quick starts and finishes that a small format provides. One of the best things about painting these little miniatures is that I can paint anything I want to and have fun with it;  Mr Bear was no exception.

"Crabapples", oil on panel, 5.5x6 inches

"Crabapples", oil on panel, 5.5x6 inches

SOLD

One of the great things about taking on a project to paint dailies is that it's a wonderful way tochallengeoneself, keep your work fresh and develop as an artist.  It's with this pursuit in mind that I begin each new painting.  I love to begin paintings and for me, this is the easy part.  The challenge is always in finishing the work in such a way that it retains its freshness and doesn't get overworked.  

Our neighbour has the most beautiful bounty on their crabapple tree and I could hardly wait to snip a few branches to set up for one of my little paintings. I'd been looking forward to painting these little rosy apples and so was totally sandbagged by the difficulty that was presented. 

It was, by virtue of the small format, a very simple concept; no difficulty there.  But as I quickly got into the painting I struggled with areas of it, not the least of which was dealing with the speed in which the greenery wilted. In the end, since I worked on it over a few days, I just went with the wilting, curling leaves and tried to make the most of it.

There comes a certain point in every painting where aesthetics trump the concept - or the reality. An artist must always be cognizant of this and be willing to look for possibilities that present themselves along the way, for the beauty of the painting.  

In this particular instance, it became increasingly clear that the table top that I'd set up my still life on was competing with my beautifully rosy round apples and sabatoging my painting.  Once I'd established this and altered the surface to a more neutral colour, allowing the beautiful apples to be the star of the show, things began to hum again. 

"Porcelain and Grapes", 6x6 inches, oil on linen on panel

"Porcelain and Grapes", 6x6 inches, oil on linen on panel

SOLD

When I decided to take on the project of painting dailies again, I was really excited about the prospect of painting each and every vessel and object I've been storing in my studio.  I have collected so many lovely vessels over the years because I wanted to paint them.

This is the second time I've selected this particular little vase, with its lovely blue pattern, to be featured in a painting.  It's becoming apparent, at this rate, it could take me several years to get through the collection in my studio cupboards.

I've painted "Porcelain and Grapes" in one of my favourite complementary colour themes - orange and blue.  I'm sure this diminutive vase will make an appearance again.  I find it irresistable.

"Trio", oil on linen on panel, 4.75x8 inches

"Trio", 4.75 x 8 inches, oil on linen on panel

SOLD

Early on in my career I frequently painted my children.  People would ask me, "Doesn't it bother you to sell paintings of your children?" and I would tell them that it didn't.  Well, I have a confession to make.  Now that my children are grown, there are so many paintings of them that I would give anything to see again.  I must have been an extremely ruthless artist way back when.

This was painted from a photo of my kids that's been knocking around my studio for years.  Twenty to be exact.  I've always wanted to paint it and now I have. 

I remember this beautiful summer day with such clarity and such fondness.  While painting, I was absolutely taken back to those wonderful years of my life.

Some Sidenotes:

 ... in the off chance you might be thinking that I'm still as ruthless as ever, let me just say that this painting could very well be the study for a larger piece.  It's right off the easel, partly wet and partly dry.  I'll take a proper photo of it once it's varnished.

I've joined Twitter!  My son thinks it's a good idea.  You can follow me @BobbiDunlopArt.

If you'd like to receive my miniatures as I post them for auction on Daily Paintworks, please fill in the email box above. Thanks for visiting!  

"Counting Sheep?"

"Counting Sheep?"

oil on panel

5.5 x 6 inches

CLICK HERE TO BID

SOLD

In deciding to paint something for Daily Paintworks "Paint Your Mug" Challenge,  I realized it would be impossible for me to choose a favourite mug.  I love vessels and part of the joy each morning is getting to pick a different one from the cupboard.  

Perhaps that's why I love painting still life;  observing light flowing over all these beautiful surfaces and round plump shapes make my fingers tingle to sculpt them in paint.

I painted this child's mug years ago in a painting called "The Black Sheep?".   The mug belonged to my children and I've always thought it has such attitude, perhaps even naughty or non-conforming.   I've recently become a grandmother for the first time and that could be the reason this little mug follows so closely on the heels of my teddy bear painting. 

I assure you, this mug was a perfect angel while I painted it.

"Salt Water Vase with Grapes" 6.24x6.75 inches, oil on linen on panel

To Purchase CLICK HERE

I spotted this Salt Water Vase at a local pottery sale and fell in love. Grapes are just plain fun to paint and

like a gorgeous pair of red shoes, accessorize any painting beautifully.  My second offering on Daily Paintworks! 

I've joined DAILY PAINTWORKS! ...

 "Turquoise and Rose", 8x6 inches (appx), oil on linen on panel

SOLD 

I'm happy to announce that I've joined the daily painting artist group, "Daily Paintworks"!

Recently, this group opened their doors to new membership and I thought it provided a wonderful opportunity to once again offer my little miniatures for auction.   "Turquoise and Rose" is my first offering. 

This is an art dedicated website, full of wonderful art with possibilities for every art collector. The best part is that it allows the first time collector an opportunity to buy one of my original pieces at a starting bid of $100.  I will also post a number of my paintings which are available through galleries representing my work.  As with most endeavors in an artist's life, it will be a work-in-progress.

Whether you are just starting out on this exciting road to building your own collection ... or expanding on an existing one, I hope that you enjoy looking!

Purchases are made through the secure PayPal website.  The "Click Here To Bid" link will be provided under each auction painting on this blog for you to make your winning bid or you can go directly to the Daily Paintworks website to do so. 

If you would like to receive each painting posted to my auction , please fill in your email information at the top of my blog. 

Feel free to email me if you have any questions ...  Good Luck!

Note:  Please note updated workshop info at right ... will post more about it soon.

"Windmill Blue" - Daily #2

"Windmill Blue", oil on panel, 6 x 8 inches

SOLD

This is my second 'Daily' painting and I have to admit, I'm really enjoying this.  I'm also

coming away with a renewed respect and admiration for 'alla prima' painters - painting a painting in 'one go'.    My usual approach is a 'direct' one; working without a drawing and with a large brush.  But, I like to build my paintings and often work on a dry surface.   Painting wet-in-wet until the painting is entirely complete is a new experience for me!   I won't lie...it was tough for me.  I wanted to leave areas til the next day knowing that I can build on the day's work.  It was tiring, knowing that each brush stroke was a final statement. 

To add to the excitement I was painting on a new surface.  Those that know me know how fussy I am about the surfaces that I paint on, making my own canvases, often from scratch, on oil primed belgian linen.   This 'Daily' is painted on a 6 x 8 inch  "Panelli" wooden panel.   You can see from the photo that it is primed with an acrylic gesso and it has an unusual finish.  Much like one would get from a roller when painting a wall.   It was unusual, but fun.

I'm hooked on these little paintings!   What fun!   I've signed it so it's done....no messing with it tomorrow.  This is what 'Daily' painting is about.

Tomorrow is a new day ... and another 'Daily Painting'.... hope you check back to see how I spend my day!

You can click on the images here and enlarge the photo.  Keep in mind that, depending on the size of your computer screen, these are very little paintings so you'll most likely be looking at an image much larger than the original!   (to get back to the blog, click on the 'back' arrow) 

WORKSHOP NEWS

The past three months have flown by in a flurry of creativity! In that time, I've held four weekend workshops in my studio and each session has been a rewarding growth experience for everyone, particularly for me. I'd like to sincerely thank those people who have participated and look forward to seeing you all again.

I have some exciting plans for my upcoming workshop so please continue to visit my website at Bobbi Dunlop Fine Art and this blog for updates on new ones.

The next weekend workshop will be January 23rd and 24th, 2010. This workshop will focus on painting "Dailies"... those diminutive paintings which are overtaking artist's studios in a new phenomenon called "Daily Painting". This fast growing group of artists are painting small paintings daily - or weekly - and posting them to a blog for sale. There are as many variations to this theme as there are artists. For example, my own personal venture into this phenomenon was done while painting larger paintings so my goal was to paint one little masterpiece per week and post it to my blog. Many artists sell these paintings on eBay or on their blogs beginning at $100 each. Paintings are painted on panels or canvases in varying sizes such as: 6x8, 5x7, 8x10, 6x6, etc. Some are even smaller, 2x3! The "Dailies" are there for you to explore and only limited by your own imagination.

In addition, participants will learn how to prepare panels for their 'Dailies' - 4 panels will be supplied for the weekend workshop. We will focus on painting small still lifes, discuss setting up a free blog, selling your paintings on eBay or your blog and shipping and marketing your work. There will be a demo, and one-on-one instruction in a very small class size, in my personal studio.

All subjects/objects to paint will be supplied and there will be handouts for reference.

Painting these little "Daily" masterpieces is a wonderful way in which to challenge oneself and develop as an artist, while having fun!

Workshop Date: Saturday & Sunday, January 22nd & 23rd, 2010
Place: Bobbi Dunlop's Studio (Calgary, Alberta)
Time: 9am - 4pm
Cost: $265
Class size is limited to 7 participants, so register early
Deposit: $100 with registration
All objects/subjects supplied for the still lifes as well as 4 panels and handouts.
Note: participants will require their own 'french' style easel

Please email me for further information and to register at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com

Also, please visit earlier archived posts here to see many of my "Dailies". You will also find them under Miniatures and Studies in 'Collections' on my website.

If you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you!

"Tulips and Windmills"

Oil on prepared panel
Available
Please email me at rembandtetc@hotmail.com or bobbi@bobbidunlop.com for purchasing information.
Another little chiaroscuro painting which I began a few weeks ago, prior to my trip to Germany, Italy and New Mexico. Put the finishing touches on the tulip today, as well as the windmill pattern on the china. Couldn't resist painting a grape..... see detail of this painting above.

"Three Tulips"

Oil on linen mounted panel,
SOLD
Please email me at rembrandtetc@hotmail.com or bobbi@bobbidunlop.com for purchasing information.
This painting of 3 beautiful tulips was fun to do.....tulips are among my favorite flowers and I seem to choose to paint them a lot. I started this painting prior to my trip and couldn't resist putting some finishing touches on the flowers today...it's tough for me to do them justice in one single sitting. Today my artist friend, Rick Berg, visited me at my studio....his beautiful landscapes can be seen on his site http://www.rickberg.ca/

"Petite Ochre Pot" - SOLD

Daily Painting - "Petite Ochre Pot" oil on panel
SOLD

"China Box"

Available
This second daily painting again stars the small square china box. The once vibrant greenery, now yellowed and brittle, does not go unappreciated in my studio.