Val Hodgson's Daily Paintings

The Pomegranite

2008-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

The Pomegranate 5" by 7" oil on canvas Available

I painted this thinking about my sons girlfriend and her mom who are both very fond of pomegranates.

Thanks For Looking!

Val

Three Greens

2008-12-11T11:37:00.001-08:00

Three Greens 5" by 7" oil on canvas Available $80

I like the way the separate apple seems to be looking away.....just a loner or rebuffed by the others? Trust me this one looks way better in real life, despite my time trying to get the contrast and intensity just right in my editing program.

Thanks for looking and please pass on my blog to others!

Cheers, Val

Persimmon Pals

2008-12-09T13:54:00.001-08:00

Stand By Me oil on canvas 7" by 5" Available $80

Persimmon Pals Oil on canvas 5"by7" Available $80

Its a two for one day! I am always hunting for something to paint when I am in the grocery store. Perhaps people who watch me in the store think that I am very particular about my fruit as I hold one up and carefully examine it from every angle only to put it back and select another! Persimmons are a favorite for me as I get to use some full strength cadmium orange in a few places.

All my recent "dailies" are on a very nice stretched canvas rather than a panel. Aside from the fact that I like to paint on canvas, these small stretched canvases give a more finished original feel to the final piece. My husband prefers to place them on table top easels or plate stands rather than on the wall.

Again Thanks for Looking!

Val

Through The Pines

2008-12-05T12:52:00.001-08:00

Through The Pines 11" by 14" Oil on deep profile canvas

I completed these gallery pieces in November after returning from travelling. I was so pleased to be back home I really just wanted to paint the Yukon! "Through the Pines" is inspired by the amazing mountains and colours found along the Skagway road.

Available for $350 from me or through Yukon Artists at Work

From Skagway Road 8" by 10" Oil on canvas

This mountain scene is right next to the one above, on the road heading towards the Skagway summit. The snow was already down low covering some of the late fall colours. Its a fairly small piece with plenty of brush work evident.

Available for $250 , from me or at Yukon Artists At Work.

High Country Fall 8" by 10" oil on canvas

I have often looked at this photo and considered painting it, finally I tackled it! This is a spot on the Fish Lake Road, lots of Whitehorse folks recognize it.

Available, for $250 from me or at Yukon Artists At Work Gallery in McCrae.

Country Road 8" by 10" oil on canvas

Again those fall colours! Perhaps after travelling through the mostly grey concrete cities of South America I really needed to reconnect with our colourful landscape. Anyway this is a small study again, inspired by a lane way off the Carcross Road. Those familiar would recognize the bent tree framing the road.

Available for $250 from me or from the Yukon Artists at Work Gallery, where all these pieces are hanging along with plenty of other wonderful works from other artists.

I will post the photo of my most recent "alleyway" painting tomorrow...........along with a "daily"

Thanks for Looking!

Val

I'm Back!

2008-12-04T11:34:00.000-08:00

Mother's Coalport 5" by 7" Oil on canvas Sorry, not available.

I'm Back! I have actually been painting lots since my last post, but they have not been "dailies".

So it is time to change my own guidelines for this blog and include more than just my little still life "dailies". I would like to share with you all my new pieces as they come off the easel, at least the ones that don't get hidden under the bed!

I have been putting off posting to my blog so here are a few other small daily paintings. I hope you enjoy.

Another Cup Of Tea 5" by 7" oil on canvas Sorry, not available

I have plans for these two pieces as gifts but the others below are available from me.

Copper and Onion 5" by 7" oil on canvas Available, eighty dollars

I have painted this little hand made copper pot before. It's been in my home for years. Sometimes it does duty as a plant pot, other times it just sits by the fire. Although I have never cooked in it I could not resist the colour harmony with the yellow onion and the garlic added to the theme.

Pewter Mug II 5" by 7" oil on canvas Available, eighty dollars

Again I have painted this before, but I think I nailed it this time! Lots of different grays, warm and cool in this piece.

So you see, I have been busy! Tomorrow I will post all of my recent gallery pieces.

Thanks for Looking!!! Val

Hey and please leave a comment, the positive ones are like little gifts to me......and criticism helps be grow as a painter.

Patio Pots

2008-07-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

I set up outside to paint these clay pots on my deck. I wonder if Monet had so much distraction from mosquitoes? I ended up with paint on my elbow from swatting bugs! Still, it was more enjoyable than being in the studio. Happy summer days everyone.
Thanks for looking, Val
And once again it is available, directly from me.

Lemon Lime

2008-06-24T13:50:00.000-07:00

Its great to be back painting another small daily warm up! I have been busy with a large portrait project that I will start a blog on in a few weeks.
These were fun to paint and I especially liked the way the lightest part of the lime blended with the halftone on the lemon. It is so hard to judge the lemon in the shadow....what colour is dark yellow anyway!
This is 5" by 7" and is on stretched canvas. I am going to continue to use these small stretched canvases rather than panels. I prefer painting on canvas texture and these have a nice finished substance to them and look wonderful in floated frames.
As usual this is available from me directly for $75.

Thanks for Looking!

Val

It's A Daisy Day SOLD

2008-06-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

This little painting insisted on being blue! I wanted the yellow centres to really stand out so I kept having to reduce the contrast elswehere.
I love the way daisy faces turn up to the sun, I feel the same way!
Thanks for looking,

Val

My Old Workhorse SOLD

2008-06-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

I really needed to get outside of my studio and so today I painted in the back yard, and it was wonderful! I have been using this wheelbarrow for more than 30 years, and every dent and ding is well earned. Very enjoyable to paint!
A heads up to Whitehorse folks ; I will be doing a mini workshop as part of the Yukon Portrait Project tomorrow at 3pm at the Old Firehall. We will be mixing skin tones. Please think of it more as me sharing information, rather than teaching as I am still a student myself.
Thanks for Looking!
Val

New Growth SOLD

2008-06-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

I love digging in the dirt almost as much as I love painting. Getting the ellipse of the pot opening correct was a drawing challenge, but I think its right....good practice.
This Saturday I will be doing a mini workshop at the Old Firehall on mixing skin colours in oil. It is a part of the Yukon Portrait Project running for 2 weeks starting June 6. Come and see the many wonderful pieces by various artists at the Old Firehall and throughout downtown.
I hope to keep up with a few "dailies" every week over the next few summer months but I am starting a demanding new painting project that will take up much of my time.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Planting Day SOLD

2008-06-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am back in my studio after a family visit and some time in my garden. Here is a scene familiar to many folks at this time of year! Hope you are all enjoying your gardens.
Thanks for looking. Val

Willow Bob

2008-05-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Well as you can see I have been busy! This is a portrait started from life and finished from a photo. I dont usually post my gallery works but I really wanted to share this piece with everyone! It is entered in a Yukon Portrait Project that will open at the Old Firehall June 5th.
Bob makes wonderful willow furniture, some of which can be found at Yukon Artists at Work gallery in McCrae. I loved painting all the grizzle and that HAIR!
This is still a work in progress as I may do a glaze on it when I return from a week long trip. There is also some glare on the dark wet oil paint on the right side.
So because I am leaving for a week there will be another drought of paintings. I miss doing the small works. Perhaps I should have named it Val's sporadic daily painting blog.....
Thanks for looking, Val

Antique Compass

2008-05-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

I started this yesterday and almost wiped it out because I was having trouble with the composition. I changed the background and adjusted the values and now I think it works. This is a gimballed mariners compass that was used by my late husband's grandfather and is part of a small collection of his items that we have inherited. Now that I have tackled it once I think I will be able to include it in future compositions without being so afraid of the drawing. I have looked several times at his sextant as a possible subject but, wow, the drawing is daunting!
It is 5" by 7" on Masonite panel and is available from me. By the way, many of my past "dailies" have found their way to the Yukon Artists at Work Gallery in McCrae.
Thanks for Looking!
Val

Worn Out SOLD, Thanks!

2008-05-13T11:53:00.000-07:00

Dan asked me to paint a pair of running shoes and these are my retired oldies. This is one of those paintings that just go so well and I realize that all the time spent with a brush really does build skill and sight. Time to get out on the trails!
By the way I have found a couple of wonderful frames for these small pieces. They are quite reasonable and if you are interested in purchasing one call me or email me. I order them from Kelowna.
Thanks for looking!,
Val

Cappuccino SOLD, Thanks!

2008-05-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Coffee is a wonderful part of our social culture. I imagine you have shared many wonderful conversations over coffee and this painting celebrates that. It was hard to to sip on this while painting it!

I have a question for you all. I am thinking of re- naming my blog so I am asking for your opinion. I want to call it "Little Life Paintings" or "Little Lifes" by Val Hodgson or similar. Leaving out the still in still life. You see there is only one rule I made for myself with this blog and that is everything I paint and post must be from life, in other words no photos. I spend lots of time painting from photos for my gallery work and this is a way to develop my skills further.
Let me know your opinions, leave me a comment!

Thanks! Val
This piece is 5" by7" oil on Masonite and is for sale directly from me for $75

Blue Bowl and Pear

2008-05-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

With special thanks to the person who left this lovely blue bowl after the birthday party in April. Now, I will give it back when I know whose it is!! Painting the mottled texture on the pear was my favorite part. Did I say how much I love my new brushes?
Thanks for Looking!
Val

Rose and Vase SOLD, Thanks!

2008-05-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

Well I really had to work for this one! Again the photo has lost some definition in the rose...whats with that? I guess the red is a problem in my colour balancing. I just received some new "fitch" brushes made by Winsor Newton. I only had them for the last part of the painting but they are wonderful for loading on soft thick paint!
Thanks for looking,
Val
This piece is 5" by 7" and is available from me for $75.

Henley Goblet with Rose SOLD, Thanks!

2008-05-05T17:36:00.001-07:00

The Henley is an important rowing regatta in Britain and my son, once a national team rower, was given this old silver goblet. It is very tarnished which makes it easier to paint!
My photos are getting better with the information from Morgan Whibley's course and although most of the darks are true I can see a loss of my darks in the rose. The photos are never as nice as the real painting!
This is 7" by 5" and like all my small paintings is available directly from me. Hope you enjoy.
Oh and check out the links to other artists that I have added to my blog, some wonderful work. I will add more later.
Thanks for looking,
Val

Lemon and Slices SOLD, Thanks!

2008-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided that I need to focus on a particular style for my daily still life paintings. This will help my paintings to improve faster. I really enjoy exploring a variety of styles and compositions but I am always drawn back to the classic traditions.

So here is a very classic presentation and I loved painting every minute of it! Although I want to limit my style I do not think this means I need to limit my subject matter. I am pretty sure I can do cowboy boots and teddy bears with a similar lighting and painterly brushwork!

Thanks for looking,

Val

Three Onions

2008-05-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

No tears while painting this one. In fact I am very pleased with how this turned out! Maybe I am getting better.....
It is 5" by 7" on Masonite panel.
Thanks for Looking!
Val

Moonshine Jug

2008-05-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is yesterday's painting that I did not get to post, so here it is. I think I have had this pottery jug forever and it looks like a classy version of a Moonshine Jug. Maybe we will find a use for it....
Thanks for looking!
Val

Stacked

2008-04-29T17:53:00.001-07:00

I have inherited a collection of very old books and sometimes they find their way into my paintings. I measured and re-checked my perspective but still the top book seems to tip forward. Perhaps I needed to soften the far edge and add some background colour to the far side as well. Then again maybe I just need to redo the drawing again!
Anyway here it is. Sometimes I get so involved in my other paintings that I simply forget to post!
Thanks for looking!
Val

Fresh Eggs II

2008-04-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Yes that egg really is blue/green. I thought I had a better composition than my last egg painting but now that its finished I can see this one is not as strong a composition. However i am pretty happy with the rendering. Sometimes when I get in my studio I am so revved to start painting that I don't take enough time planning and evaluating my composition.
Thanks for looking and I hope you enjoyed your weekend breakfast as much as we did!
Val

Fresh Eggs

2008-04-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Dan brought home these beautifully coloured farm eggs and I thought they were perfect for a colour study of skin like tones and form. I am working on a portrait series and trying new colour palettes appropriate for portraiture. I see a lot of similarity in the variation of skin tones and these egg colours, one is quite pink, another quite orange and the third is less saturated and a cooler brown. Then the real challenge is to make the form turn convincingly!
I think I will do more again tomorrow.
This is 5" by7" oil on panel and is available from me for $75.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Chinese Jar II

2008-04-23T19:21:00.000-07:00

You may notice that I have painted this before. There is so much to it that I had to simplfy and be selective. I think I did a better job this time than last.
It is 7" By 5" on panel.

Thanks for looking!
Val

Japanese Brushes

2008-04-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

These brushes are from my weaving and silk dying past. They have unique split bamboo handels. I love having them around my studio, perhaps as a reminder of my fibre arts days. I used them to apply dye to my handwoven silk fabrics.
This is 7" by 5" and is available from me for $75.

Thanks for looking!
Val
www.valhodgson.com
bajaval@gmail.com

Pear Shapes

2008-04-18T14:01:00.000-07:00

These were simply wonderful to paint. And I am getting better with the photos and editing for colour. Hope you enjoy and thanks for your comments!
5" by 7" oil on stretched canvas. $75 direct from me, a little less than my gallery price.

Thanks for looking,
Val

Red Rose III

2008-04-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

I am back after a few days of bookkeeping and tax preparation! I promised myself that I would paint each rose that Dan brings home(though I may not post them all). Easy promise, difficult subject.
In this photo the petals are little out of focus. I am taking a digital SLR workshop at the local Arts Underground with Morgan, who is an excellent teacher...so they should improve!
This is 7" by 5" on stretched canvas. Available from me for $75.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Afternoon Apples

2008-04-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

Great snack after a pleasant walk. This is 5" by 7" , oil on stretched canvas.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Four Generations

2008-04-11T12:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Geoff! My son is 29 today. This is his Great Grandfathers wooden ships block and a wrought iron anchor that Geoff made some years ago. Four generations of sailors in our family.
I have discovered a new joy in doing these dedicated pieces on special days......I spent the morning thinking about Geoff as I selected his set up then painted his painting. Of course it is not for sale (but you will have to wait till it is dry before I can send it to you, Geoff!)
Thanks for looking,
Val

Copper Kettle

2008-04-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

This little kettle has been in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. So of course I was tempted to paint it. All those ellipses to draw correctly! But I do think I separated the colours of the brass and the copper in the end. Whew.
This is 5" by 7" and is on stretched canvas. Available from me for $75. (yes my prices went up)
Thanks for looking!
Val
bajaval@gmail.com
www.valhodgson.com

Tulip II SOLD, thanks

2008-04-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

I started this with two tulips...but it has ended up as "Tulip II" because my composition was awkward and so I wiped the other one out, now it looks like the mirror of yesterdays. Ah well.
It is 7" by 5" on stretched canvas. Available for $75 directly from me.
I have recently re-joined Yukon Artists at Work, hope you will come out and see the gallery!
Thanks, Val

Spring Tulip SOLD, thanks

2008-04-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

I noticed this little vase this morning and thought it would be the perfect support for the pretty pink tulips that my step daughter brought me. My studio is now getting crowded with all the odds and ends that have found their way into my paintings!
I think the colour on this photo is a little off, it had lost the contrast even after I tried correcting it. You will just have to come to Yukon Artists At Work next week to see the real deal!
Thanks for looking,
Val

Louie SOLD

2008-04-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Louie was gracious enough to sit for the entire portrait session! He was ready to go home for a little tea party afterwards. If you have a special friend or favorite object that you would like a small painting of, contact me.
Thanks for looking!
Val
bajaval@gmail.com
www.valhodgson.com

Starting Dinner

2008-04-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Its great fun rooting around in the kitchen for vegetables and fruit that compliment each other. Today I liked the huge white onion next to the small sweet campari tomatoes. A casserole for dinner?
Todays painting is 5" by 7" and is oil on stretched canvas.

Thanks for looking!
Val

There's a Cowboy in Us All

2008-04-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Cowboy! The first time I danced with Dan he was wearing cowboy boots.
These are his newest pair bought a year ago on the road into Baja at Guerrero Negro, a real Mexican cowboy town.....oh and this one is not for sale....its for my sweetie!

Cheers all,
Val

Tall Tea

2008-04-01T16:57:00.000-07:00

A simple cup of tea for today. Enjoy.

Thanks for looking, Val

Just A Rose

2008-03-31T13:20:00.000-07:00

My hat is off to those wonderful flower painters out there. Flowers are tough! I love revealing form in my paintings but flowers are so complex in their form.

My husband is a romantic and brings me a single red rose often. So I think I will keep trying to paint them......

Thanks for having a look!

Val

www.valhodgson.com

bajaval@gmail.com

Floppy Ears

2008-03-28T12:08:00.001-07:00

Another funny bunny! Floppy Ears is 6" by 6" and is oil on masonite panel. Available from me for $65. Thanks for looking.
Val
www.valhodgson.com
bajaval@gmail.com

The Slouch

2008-03-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

A friend asked for more on the stuffed toy theme, so here is The Slouch. He is just as cute in real life! Hope you enjoy him...actually its a cow, so hope you enjoy her. She is 6" by 6" on masonite panel. Available from me for $65.
Thanks for looking,
Val
bajaval@gmail.com
www.valhodgson.com

Little Red Shoes SOLD

2008-03-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

Simple subject, right? It seemed so to me when I chose to paint my granddaughter's little red shoes. There are parts of this painting and my paint application that I like though. I will have a better day tomorrow!!!

Thanks for looking,
Val

Happy Easter SOLD

2008-03-21T12:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all my painting friends and family!

This fluffy little bunny is an Easter gift to our granddaughter. I am glad I chose it for a subject today as I really enjoyed working all the fuzzy texture.

Enjoy your weekend celebrations,

Val

Pear on Glass

2008-03-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Remember the green pear from last week? Well its now a gorgeous yellow as you can see.
This is 5" by 7", oil on panel. It is available from me for $65.

Thanks for looking,
Val

check out my web site:
www.valhodgson.com

Farm Fresh

2008-03-19T17:59:00.000-07:00

I have been busy this week with an art marketing workshop so no time to paint. But when Dan brought home a dozen varied and wonderful eggs I knew they would figure in my "dailies" this week.

I wanted to paint more drapery so I chose to tuck this egg into a white cloth. Its really about the drapery not the egg.

Hope you enjoy! Thanks for looking,

Val ... oh ...as for the marketing....this is 7" by 5" on panel and available from me!

bajaval@gmail.com

www.valhodgson.com

Green! - Pear on a Plate SOLD, thanks

2008-03-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

This is my 50th post!!!
I usually like very subdued greens so my goal was to push myself to use unfamiliar pigments and stronger greens. It was definitely a challenge and took me longer than usual.
The lovely little plate is hand made by Janine Baker a local artist working in glass.
This piece is 6" by 6" on masonite board $65
Thanks for looking!
Val
bajaval@gmail
http://www.valhodgson.com/

Blue!

2008-03-13T14:26:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the painterly feel of this piece! THIS is the way I like to apply paint.
It is on gessoed clayboard panel, a new surface for me. The panel has a smooth surface with enough tooth to grab the paint. It is 5" by 7" and is available from me for $65.

Thanks for looking!
Val
www.valhodgson.com
bajaval@gmail.com

Orange!

2008-03-12T11:50:00.000-07:00

This lovely Haws copper watering can almost defeated me! I was interested in the strong reflected lights from the orange and the softer reflected lights from the room. I was also in a bit of a rush this morning......hope I still like it later today.
Thanks for your interest!
Val

website: www.valhodgson.com
email: bajaval@gmail.com

Yellow! SOLD

2008-03-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

So you may think I planned this monochrome colour theme, but it simply occurred to me after posting "Red!" yesterday. I will try to keep the theme for a few days but I am worried about green......hmmm I don't think I want to paint the broccoli thats in my fridge.
If you know someone who is interested in art please forward my blog and encourage them to subscribe. Thanks!
And thanks for your interest!
Val

Red!

2008-03-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

No tears while I was painting this one! I hope you can see the thick textural whites in the face of the onion.
It is 5" by 7", oil on panel and available from me for $65.
Thanks for your interest and please pass on my blog address to others who may be interested.

Val

Cream and Sugar

2008-03-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Trust me this one looks much better in real life!
Today's painting is a more contemporary approach than my usual. These little pieces are hand made pottery with brown edge markings (that I could not colour correct on my monitor!)
Thanks for looking!
Val

Lemon and Light

2008-03-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

OK so this was really hard! I had to keep the colours very limited and simplify, simplify the highlights in the glass. I think it reads like a glass with the lemon tucked in behind.
Wheww...I think I will take a break from these overly challenging subjects.
Thanks for your interest!
Val

CocaCola Bottle

2008-03-05T11:20:00.001-08:00

I found this petite size Coke bottle in our fridge after returning from holidays. It eventually found its way to the studio. For me there is always a struggle between maintaining accuracy of drawing and sustaining a painterly feel. I am pretty happy that this one has a balance of both. Now where's that rum.....
Thanks for looking. I would love to see your comments on my blog.
Oil on panel, 5" by 7" available directly from me for $65.
Val

Nautilus Shell

2008-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Painting this was a little crazy, a little fun. I kept asking myself 'why am I doing this'! But in the end I think the challenge was worth it. Good thing I am posting it otherwise I would be tempted to keep fiddling with those lovely squiggly lines.....
Again it is oil on panel, 6" by 8", and it is for sale directly from me for $65.
Thanks so much for having a look!
Val

Red And Green SOLD

2008-03-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Today's painting involves a bit of hide and seek. I wanted to use the red apples on the red background to develop areas of mystery where the apples are lost into the background. Then I plunked the light green apple right in the middle for contrast.
This is 6" by 8", Oil on panel and is available directly from me for $65.
Thanks for looking!
Val
email: bajaval@gmail.com
website: http://www.valhodgson.com/

Sliced Grapefruit SOLD, thanks

2008-03-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to all those who came out to see my show opening at Arts Underground! I appreciate your support. It will be hanging for the remainder of March.
Today's painting was actually finished yesterday but I did not get a chance to post it until this morning. I am enjoying a looser more "painterly" paint application involving thicker paint and soft edges with less detail. This piece is 6" by 8" and is available directly from me for $65.
Thanks for looking!
Val
email: bajaval@gmail.com
web site: http://www.valhodgson.com/

Carrrying Canes From the Field

2008-02-28T12:07:00.001-08:00

OK so this is not one of my "Daily" paintings. I am using this post to invite you all to attend my show opening "Faces and Places", tomorrow, Friday Feb 29 5- 7 pm at Arts Underground in the Hougen's Centre. This Vietnam inspired piece is one on 15 new works that will be on there for the month of Feb. Some of my "dailies" will be there as well. I hope to see you there for some wine and food and art.

Val

A Couple of Tomatoes SOLD

2008-02-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

I was thinking of calling this one "coupled tomatoes" but opted for a less risque name!

I would like to invite you to attend my show "Faces and Places", opening on Friday Feb 29th at Arts Underground, 5 to 7pm. And, oh yes, there will be wine a few goodies...maybe even tomatoes?

Thanks for Looking!

SOLD, Thanks

Val

Green Marble Mortar SOLD

2008-02-24T17:00:00.000-08:00

The swirly marble texture was the last element I painted. I loaded my brush and pushed paint into paint. That's the joy of oils! This one is 6" by 8" and is oil on panel.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Feels Like A Rose SOLD

2008-02-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

Its great to be back home in my studio and I am looking forward to returning to my daily painting posts!
My husband brought me this lovely red rose and I decided that I should paint it. I kept it loose and textural with the "feeling" of a rose. Getting the correct colour balance in the photo was quite difficult with this fully saturated red, so the photo is not quite as powerful as the painting.
It is 5" by 7" on stretched linen.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Three on the Tree SOLD

2008-02-09T15:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Painting Friends,

This is another go at the orange tree in the garden! My goal was capturing the form and keeping the leaves loose. I think this is a better effort than my last oranges on the tree.

Thanks for having a look!
Val

Pot and Shadow SOLD

2008-02-06T07:33:00.000-08:00

Hola from the Baja!
This skinny little plant cast an intriguing shadow across the wall of the courtyard. It is oil on a stretched canvas, 5 inches by 7 inches.
I am going to try to paint more outside the condo. The sun, wind and changing light create quite a challenge for me! But its about growth, right?
All the Best, and thanks for having a look.
Val

Citrus Trio SOLD

2008-01-28T15:43:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to post this piece!
Oranges, grapefruit and limes abound here. We are off to Guadalahajara for a few days so I won't be painting again until next Monday.
Thanks for looking,
Val

Aquacate Por Favor SOLD

2008-01-26T11:03:00.002-08:00

Hola! Another Postcard for you from Mexico, SOLD, Thanks!

Avocados in Mexico have so much more taste than in Yukon! I am figuring out places to set up and ways to light my small studies, especially needed today as there is a strong wind blowing outside.

Thanks for Looking!
Gracias, Val

Green Peppers SOLD

2008-01-22T07:59:00.000-08:00

SOLD, Thanks!

I just had to buy these green peppers to paint! They are not the deep green of our typical peppers and I loved the shape. And....OK...I also had some cobalt green paint that I was wanting to use!
Well I suppose you may be thinking that I should re-name my blog to "vals every second day" paintings! It is a challenge to get enough time to post every day!
When we go to the market and I am suddenly looking around with a distant gaze, Dan will say "what are you thinking of painting tomorrow?"
These pieces are available. I can bring them home from the Baja at the end of Feb. Email me through my website if you are interested.

So until tomorrow( or the day after!)
All the Best and Thanks for looking,

Val

Palm in the Morning Light

2008-01-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Palm trees just wont keep still to be painted!!! Simplify, simplify that was the lesson today. Just the essence of a palm tree.....at least I hope so.
I have been painting these Mexico pieces on canvas that I prepared back home. The gessoed canvas is cut a little larger than the finished piece and left unmounted. when I am ready to paint I simply clip them to a board. Once dry they can then be mounted on a backing panel. This way my suitcase stays light and I still have plenty of canvas pieces to work with.

Thanks for looking!
Val

Cactus

2008-01-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

I found this little cactus in a small dessert garden around our condo. I really like this piece but it did not come out so well in the photo. I hopr it looks good in the blog!
Thanks for Looking!,
Val

Still on the Tree

2008-01-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

These "daily paintings" are about painting from life rather than photos as I so often do in my studio. Colours are clearer and shadows more honest when painting from life. So instead of setting up a few pieces of fruit on a table in my studio I just headed outside to this tree full of beautiful, not quite ripe fruit! Outside is different again from the controlled light in the studio. The sun and shadow pattern kept changing as I painted! Little lessons from nature!

While I am here I am also working on some larger pieces for my show in Whitehorse at the end of February so I think I will post them here as I get them finished.

Thanks for looking,

Val

Just the Blossoms

2008-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

These were hard to do! My goal was to get the transparency of the light through the blossoms. Anyway I will have lots of opportunity to try again! Maybe some cactus tomorrow?
All the Best, and thanks for having a look!
Val

Bouganvilla View

2008-01-12T13:14:00.000-08:00

My first post fromMexico! OK, so I am not really a flower painter but how could resist painting the beautiful Bouganvilla vines that grow everywhere outside our Baja condo? This blog is about growth, experimentation and develpment so....here is my first postcard from Mexico.

Thanks for having a look!
Val

Blue Vase and Apple

2008-01-03T12:56:00.001-08:00

The colour of this little vase was challenging to capture. It is a blue green that really changes in the warm light.
I am packing to travel to Mexico with a stop in the city on the way, so I may not get to painting until after we arrive January 9th. I will be taking my portable palette and paints, so expect some daily paintings from the Baja! This one is 7" by5" and is available!

Thanks for looking,
Val

Just a Jar

2008-01-02T14:24:00.001-08:00

Hi Painting Friends,

Just a simple subject, right? Looks can be deceiving! I think I captured the transparency as the light passes through the marmalade though, and that was what drew me to this subject in the first place. I will try for simple tomorrow (again). Whew!
This little piece is 5" by 7"

Thanks for your interest!
Val

Persimmon with Vase SOLD

2008-01-01T13:03:00.000-08:00

Some paintings seem to almost paint themselves. Perhaps its the part of us that lets go of the analytical and embraces the spontaneous. This was one of those ones.

Its very much in the traditional style which I am enjoying more and more.

This one is not for sale. I need to keep it for a while to remind myself on struggling days that I can paint!

All the Best for the New Year,
Val

The Old Ships Block SOLD

2007-12-31T15:33:00.000-08:00

Remembering Dave.
November 23rd, 1948 to January 1st, 1996
Keep Well, Val

Three Apples SOLD

2007-12-30T14:59:00.000-08:00

Well today I am back in my studio. So painting should go better, right? Hmmm this is my second attempt today! I am also trying some new techniques to photograph the paintings and I am afraid this one has some glare that breaks up the darks. I really like this piece in real life however! Its 6" by 8" and like the others, is available from me directly.
Thanks for Looking!
Val

Tea with Lemon SOLD

2007-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

My son and daughter in law gave me this wonderful little cast iron tea pot for Christmas. I immediately thought it would be great to paint! It has been a challenge to get into my painting "zone" with so much activity around the house. I have attempted a few other paintings that were not good enough to post, humbling reminders of just how much focus and concentration painting demands. This one is 5" by 7" on masonite panel.

Thanks for looking, Val

SOLD...Thanks!

Mango steins

2007-12-26T13:04:00.001-08:00

I am excited to be back painting after the hectic pace of Christmas celebrations! My son's girlfriend brought me some wonderful fruit to paint. These Mango stiens have a beautiful dark purple shell and curvy dried leaves. I had to expand my usual limited palette in order to get their rich colour. Now we get to eat them, yumm!
Holiday Wishes to all,
Val

Peeled SOLD

2007-12-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

Not so many posts lately as family time definitely trumps painting time! Both my sons are home and their partners are coming for the holidays as well. One son is moving into my studio space so I am thinking of doing some views out the house windows. Think lots of snowy trees! Hope I can pull it off.
This piece is 6" by8" on masonite panel.
Thanks for your interest!
Val
SOLD, Thanks!

Simply Persimmons SOLD

2007-12-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Buying these was kind of fun. I picked through them carefully for colour while a fellow shopper was giving me directions on just how to serve them up! The cool background colour is a departure for me but I thought I would try the blue against these brilliant orange persimmons.
Hope you enjoy. This is 6" by 8" and is available from me through the email link on my website.

Holiday Cheers, Val

Pomegranate

2007-12-12T14:32:00.000-08:00

This pomegranate was just too fun to paint! All those little seeds and the pale pink membranes.
This blog is developing a life of its own, somehow these smaller paintings are more important than completing my current larger pieces. I will have to strike a balance soon or I will have some very empty walls in my February show at Arts Underground!
Our daylight hours are getting so short that it is sometimes hard to find any natural light in the studio. My setup is a homemade still life box with a 3oo watt bulb to light the subject as well as my painting support. I usually need to turn off the overhead lights to maintain the light and shadow patterns on my subject, so with this low winter light it can feel like I am painting in the dark!
Again thanks for taking a look and please pass on my blog to a friend or two. If you subscribe you may need to change your settings to allow my emails through your junk filter.
All the Best, Val

SOLD, Thanks!

Red and Gold

2007-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

A little Christmas painting for you today. I am getting excited about the holidays because my sons and their sweethearts are arriving soon. We will have a busy household and so I will not get to my "dailies" as often......lots of cooking and visiting to do!
This piece has a fair bit of glare on the surface. I tried a new fast dry medium that improves the gloss of the paint but unfortunatly leads to a problem with photographing the image. I think it looks a lot better in real life.
Holiday Wishes! Val

Two Apples SOLD

2007-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Double trouble today! This is my second painting for today...the first one was not working so I wiped it off and started again with a new subject. My goal was a strong a composition with clear light and dark patterns. Sometimes I loose sight of the dark and light composition as I get involved in rendering specific objects.

Oops my last few posts may be sitting in your junk box because I wrote in purchase information. So just know these pieces are available unless otherwise stated.

This one is 6" by 8" on masonite panel.

Thanks for looking! Val

Well Red Apple SOLD

2007-12-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

I put a few more compositional elements in this piece. The books are from a small collection of very old books that I have painted before. Their perspective is challenging to draw! Let me know what you think, I enjoy your comments.... just click below the image in my blog to leave a comment.
This is 8" by 6" on masonite panel and is for sale for $65.
Thanks for looking!
Val

Chinese Jar

2007-12-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

We bought this ceramic and silver jar in Vietnam a few years ago. I don't know much about the function or history of such vessels but it proved to be a very challenging subject. Lots of silver carving to simplify! I almost quit but now I think my persistence paid off. Let me know what you think, I appreciate your comments. And please pass on my blog to others and encourage them to subscribe, feedburner subscriptions are very secure. Thanks!
This is 8" by 6", on masonite panel and is available for $65. You can contact me through the email link on my website.
Thanks for taking a look, Val

Bree's Christmas Angel

2007-12-05T13:07:00.001-08:00

I imagine the puppy she is holding is a Golden Retriever, like my dog Bree. So I think of her as Bree's Christmas Angel.

Just like painting the figure, the shape is defined by where the light meets shadow. With these little pieces its very hard to decide when to stop! This is probably good practice as it is easy to overwork any piece by fiddling with it instead of stopping.

She is 6" by 8" on panel and she is available for $65.

Thanks for looking! Val

Pear on a Placemat

2007-12-04T12:16:00.000-08:00

A painterly paint application....that was my goal here. Evident brush strokes and fairly thick paint. The shine of the thick fresh paint creates a bit of glare in the photograph though.
As I was painting the warmth of the spotlight on the pear released the most delicious fragrance into my studio! Again this is 6" by 8" on panel.
Hope you enjoy, Val

A Pair of Peppers

2007-12-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Plenty of colour changes to describe all those curves! This piece is 6" by 8" on panel.
THANKS SO MUCH to all of you who have been so supportive! Almost every painting has sold.
I am grateful to have such a following.
Again this piece is $65 directly from me. There is a link to my email from my web site. In a week or so I will place them on Ebay as most of the daily painting bloggers do.
All the best and thanks for looking.
Val

Orange on Red SOLD

2007-12-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Christmas Oranges on Red for Dec 1st. Lots of full strength pigment in this painting! It was difficult to get the photo image to match the painting...this image is somewhat more red than the actual painting. All my "daily paintings" are available for $65 direct from me.
Have a great weekend.
Val

SOLD, Thanks

Lemon Slice SOLD

2007-11-29T16:02:00.000-08:00

Continuing on the citrus theme...lemons.

This piece is 6" by 8" on masonite panel. I ate the grapefruit for breakfast this morning, maybe we will have the lemon with our salmon tonight.

Thanks for having a look!

Val

SOLD, Thanks!

Pink Grapefruit SOLD

2007-11-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

Almost as juicy to paint as they are to eat! My goal was to capture the tranparency and the wetness. I think its there. This piece is 6" by 8" on panel. Its for sale at $65 directly from me.

SOLD...Thanks!

Copper Pot SOLD

2007-11-27T12:23:00.001-08:00

It seems this little copper pot has always been in my kitchen. There were lots of confusing reflections to deal with in painting this.
It is 8" by 8"on stretched canvas.

SOLD....thanks....

Mother's Coalport Cup SOLD

2007-11-26T14:48:00.000-08:00

I love the warm light on the gold rim against the cobalt blue.
I know I will paint Mom's china again and again. It is quite contemplative to spend time looking at and painting things from my family history.
This piece is 8" by 8", oil on stretched canvas. Hope you enjoy.
Please enter your email in the side bar to recieve my paintings directly to your email.

SOLD...Thanks

Blue Coffee Pot SOLD

2007-11-26T14:25:00.000-08:00

Form and edges were the theme for this simple subject. It is 9" by 9" on stretched canvas. The blue enamel pot reminds me of camping, hot coffee on a cold day.

I paint these small daily works for practice and experience, kind of a warm up for my painting day. This is a place where I can focus on particular themes and explore new directions.

Its also a great place for me to share my paintings with friends and family! I hope you enjoy viewing them.

For now I am offering these daily paintings starting at $65. Contact me directly if you are interested.

SOLD....thanks.....

Pewter Mug SOLD

2007-11-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

Today I am posting the works I did last week as it took me a few days to get my blog up and running!
I have found that colour correcting the photo with the painting right beside my monitor gives me quite accurate results. There will be some variation on each monitor so the colour you see may not be quite correct.
Warm light and form are the themes for this painting. It is 5" by 7", on stretched canvas, a nice size for daily paintings. Most of my pieces posted here will be 5 by7 and 6 by 8. Small works, painted directly from life.
Almost all the work posted here is offered for sale. If you are interested please contact me directly through the email link. Like many"Daily Painters" I will post these on e-bay once I get it set up.

Sold...thanks

Pottery Goat

2007-11-26T14:02:00.000-08:00

This is my first post to my daily painting blog. We brought this little fellow home from Mexico several years ago. It was fun to capture his "character" on the canvas. This painting is 8" by8" on stretched canvas.