Willow Bob

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

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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

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

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