From The Back Burner - Day 4 - 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Continuing my exploration with things I've put off, I treated myself to a new work surface. Or at least I thought it would be a treat. Usually I work on a rather heavyweight canvas with a bit of tooth. When I want a panel, I make my own archival product. But I've heard such great things about working on linen, I'd thought I'd try some linen panels. I bought 6 oil primed linen panels after reading rave product reviews about what a pleasure they are to work on and how well they hold colors.
Well, I couldn't have been more disappointed. The panels are so smooth and slick that it's like painting on a sheet of waxed paper. The key words in the product description were "non-absorbent surface". I can see them working quite nicely for someone who paints in thin layers. I work by layering on top of the underneath strokes. Since the paint skims the surface of these panels, there is nothing for the next layer to react with. I found myself painting on top of un-anchored strokes and fighting the surface the whole way. I kept persevering though and this day 4 painting is the result.

The Sound at Night -9x12 - oil on linen panel
Sold!

I know I will not be using the other five 9x12 panels. If there are any artists out there who want to conduct their own explorations with these panels, I purchased them on sale and will pass the savings on to them. For today's painting,  I'll be trying yet another panel. Wish me luck!

From the Back Burner - Day 1 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

This is my first painting of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge! I used a photo I took in Pensacola Florida. I liked the pattern the rocks made and the pensive simplicity of the scene. 

Waiting - 6x8 - oil on linen panel
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Getting Ready for 2013

 My holiday travel is over and I'm getting ready to get back to work.  Earlier in the month I traveled home to Florida where I finished a teaching contract, delivered artwork to a gallery, finished consolidating the contents of two houses, rehearsed and sang a duet at my church, and spent some holiday time with my husband and family. It was  a busy two weeks! Now I'm ready to get the paints out again and get to work.

Usually, I work fairly large like this 30x40 of a spot close to my house. These larger paintings tend to take a while to execute especially if they're done entirely in the studio rather than plein air.

Sand Dunes and Fences -30x40 -oil on canvas
to purchase, contact Patina Art Gallery- 251 928 2718

 Lately I've been feeling the need to search for more in the process of painting. I can sense exactly what I'm looking for even if I can't quite articulate it. In addition to the larger pieces, I've started making smaller pieces so that the start to finish process happens faster and my eyes stay fresher.  More paintings means more freedom to try new palettes, different working methods and new ways of translating what I see and feel, into paint on the canvas.
To start the new year off, I'll be participating in a 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. Watch this space every day in January for the results. It's going to be fun and for the perfectionist I am, it's going to be a challenge to step away from each painting at the end of the day. For any artists wanting to join in, here's the information. Happy painting!
 http://www.lesliesaeta.blogspot.com/2012/12/thirty-paintings-in-thirty-days.html?m=1