Day 28, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Window Shopping

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Window Shopping

Alcohol Inks and Pen

8 x 10

$135

This is one of those photographs I have been holding on for years knowing I needed to paint it. I wasn't doing alcohol inks at the time I took it - I'm glad I waited. I think they work very well for this picture. All the masks and glass in Venice were incredible. Venice, can you take a bad picture there?

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 27, Pen and Watercolor, Lunch with a View

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Lunch with a View

Pen and Watercolor

8 x 10

$65

When we went to Florence we had the tiniest of rooms at Hotel Medici. In fact, my husband was able to lay across  the bed and touch both the walls with his hands and feet. But this hotel was located 3 blocks from the Duomo, Piazza della Republica, and from Plazzo Vecchio. We were stunned when we went up on the roof for the first time. The view was breathtaking. I think we only went out to eat once or twice. We much preferred to pick something up and go to the roof. Sometimes we were the only ones up there. Certainly a hotel worth returning to.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 26, Watercolor and Pen, Zinnias in Yellow

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Zinnias in Yellow

Watercolor and Pen

8 x 10

$65

Zinnias are one of the few flowers that I will start from seed. ( Also buy a few from the garden center just in case.) I love them. They make great cutting flowers and their colors are wonderful and bight. These yellow buds were a bit understated. They were quiet and undemanding- but totally stunning. What flowers do you plant by seed?

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 25, Oil Painting, Bachelor Button

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Bachelor Button

Oils

12 x 12

$65

How great are bachelor buttons? They reseed themselves each year, bloom early then dry out and die. Even though they don't look so great when they dry out, one simply needs to weed out the dead plants so the next batch can bloom in it's place.


To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 24, Pastels, Sam and Beth

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Sam and Beth

Pastels

9 x 12

$160

Aren't daughters wonderful? Here are mine, Samantha and Bethannie. I had so much fun with these two when they were children; making Halloween costumes, Girl Scouts, buying American Girl dolls, Barbie dolls and reading all my favorite childhood books to them. It was so thrilling to watch them grow to be adult women. They are very different from each other but both of them have terrific strengths and talents. I love stepping out of the mother role and getting to know each of them as individual adults. Being very proud of both of them, I can still say that I continue to have great fun with these two. Aren't daughter's wonderful?

I have been told to include the photograph with portraits so I have included this picture.

Portraits make a wonderful Christmas gift.

If you are interested in having me capture your cherished family memories in a portrait please hit the custom portraits button on the right hand side of this blog or visit my web page at JillRaeFinallyArt.com and go to Custom Art on the menu bar.There you will find all the necessary information concerning the process.

Day 23, Watercolor and Pen, Foxglove

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Foxglove

Watercolor and Pen

8 x 10

$65

Another flower considered "old fashioned". I love watching the hummingbirds feed on these beautiful flowers. I don't always have the best luck with plants returning from the previous year so I make a point to plant at least one new foxglove each summer. 


 To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 22, Oil Painting, Autumn Leaves

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Autumn Leaves

Oil Painting

12 x 12

$75

The end of summer is less painful with the promise of Autumn close by. For years I have tried to capture the colors in photographs but have never been able to do the leaves justice. The camera just can't duplicate the splendid color the eye sees.

 To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 21, Pastels, Afternoon Jaunt

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Afternoon Jaunt

Pastels

8 x 10

$55

It never fails, every year the deers come into the yard Up North and eat the newly planted flowers. Well it's more like, first they pull the plant out, eat what they like, then spit the roots out in the grass.  Then you remember who is eating these plants and it doesn't seem like such a big crime anymore. It's the neighborhood doe and her two fawns. They make scheduled visits during the day, once at 7AM then again at dusk. If momma gets a glimpse of you sitting at the kitchen table watching the babes, she'll let you know by stomping her foot at you in warning. As the summer progresses the fawns continue to grow and eventually are allowed to venture out on their own a bit. This little one and his sibling were playing unattended in the back, by the road, for over an hour. Terri and I had such a great time watching and photographing them.

To purchase this drawing go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 20, Colored Pencil and Ink, Squash

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

 

 

Squash

Colored Pencil

8 x 12

$135

Another picture from Edward's Apple Orchard, these beauties reside in a large bin just ready for the picking. They looked so great I couldn't resist a photo. I don't usually work in colored pencil but I find this 30 in 30 as a time to do things differently and explore the possibilities.


To purchase this drawing go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 19, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Fishing on the Dock

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

 

 

Fishing on the Dock

Alcohol Ink and Pen

5 x7

$45

 

 

Sometimes a boy needs a little alone time. This is my son on the public dock at the boat landing. The lake offers a variety of fascinating things for a 12 year old boy.

 

 

 To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

 

 

 

Day 18, Pastel, Lunch in St. Mark's Square

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

 

 

 

Lunch in St. Mark's Square

Pastels

9 x 11.25

$85

 

 I've been holding on to this photograph for a long time, waiting for the time I could draw this scene. I love the row of chairs, the tuxedos, the band and all the people in the background. In the middle of all the tourists in their jeans and tennis shoes sits this lone woman is having a very elegant lunch.

 

 

 To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.
 

 

 

 

 

Day 17, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Dog Days of Summer

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Dog Days of Summer

Alcohol Inks and Pen on Yupo Paper

11 x 14

$65

 

When we're on vacation, and the temperature is hot, you'll probably find me in the lake swimming with my family. You may find a bottle of wine too. What you will definitely find is our loyal, trusty, old lab, Spike watching over us and waiting for that moment when he thinks we need him. He's a big part of our family. Never demanding attention or complaining, he's 110 pounds of unconditional love. At 13.5 years he getting older and we know he won't be with us forever so we try to pamper him a bit in his old age just as he has pampered us for so many years.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.
 

 

 

 

 

Day 16, Watercolors, Hollyhocks

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Hollyhocks

Watercolor

8 x10

Not Finished

 

 

Hollyhocks remind me of my grandmother's garden. She had lots of hollyhocks and foxglove flowers. I love that they are so tall (5 feet) and keep on blooming, surviving the wind and the rain. These are along my garage. They reseeded themselves and have required zero care. How great is that?

 

Yesterday, I hung some works at Emerson house, had to take Spike in for his shots, then drove 5 hours to Eagle River Wisconsin. I didn't have time to finish this painting. I have it packed with me and will post it when it's finished. In the meantime I'm hoping to get some great photos of Northern Wisconsin to paint.

 

Day 14, Pastel, Super Duper Cooper

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Super Duper Cooper

Pastels

8 x 10

$45

Here he is, Cooper my studio manager. This is my buddy who keeps me company each day in and out of  the studio. He keeps me on track and faithfully protects me from the many dangers that I face daily like; mailmen, women walking down the street with strollers or - the ever scary - squirrels! I just wish I could be half the person my dog believes me to be.


 To purchase this drawing go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 15, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Tall Order

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Tall Order

Alcohol Inks

9 x 12.5

$65

My parents starting bring our family Up North when I was ten years old. For me it was love at first sight. The trees are what did me in, tall, fragrant and full of life. This is a picture of the garage and wood shed with my favorite tree. It's the second tall tree in the picture, the one closest to the wood shed. I remember being a young girl standing at the base of that tree wondering about all the things that have gone on around it. Did native Americans camp at it's feet? How many black bears stopped to enjoy a scratch from it's coarse bark? How many animals, birds and insects have made a home in that tree? To this day, every time I go Up North I stop and look at that tree and just wish it could tell about it's life and what it has lived through.

To purchase this drawing go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 13, Colored Pencils and Ink, Welcome To Edward's Apple Orchard

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Welcome To Edward's Apple Orchard

Colored Pencil and Pen

8 x 10

$85

It's true! Most people in Boone and Winnebago Counties love Edward's Apple Orchard. It's a family tradition - plus my family won't let me leave there without a dozen apple donuts in hand. (But I really go for the apples.) Edward's was hit by a freakish, January tornado a few years back. It totally devastated many of the out buildings, trees and family house. They rebuilt it with determination and strength. The Edward's family is truly an example to all of us of facing adversity and coming out of it with grace.

To purchase this drawing go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Where is Day 12? Well on the Friday the12th I had a nasty case of stomach flu and not only was I not in the mood to paint, I just couldn't bring myself to get to the computer to post the painting I have in reserve. So, I will extend my 30 in 30 to include October 1st which will be my Day 12.

Day 11, Oils, Orange Tree

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Orange Tree

Oils, with pallet knife

8 x 10

$55

This is a tree we found in Florence as we were walking to the Pitti Palace. I loved the pealing paint on the walls and the oranges peaking through the foliage. I have kept this photograph for several years now knowing that one day I would paint it. That's one of the great things about a 30 in 30. The opportunity is there to paint all those pictures you haven't had time to or to try all those new techniques that inspired you.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu. Please note that oils take a few weeks to dry. I won't be sending this painting out until it is dry and varnished.

Day 10, Pastels, Celebrate the Harvest

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Celebrate the Harvest

pastel

8 x 10

$45

Every year we go to Edward's Apple Orchard to get our apples and of course, donuts. This display caught my eye. It has those beautiful colors of Fall. And I find myself attracted to letters for some reason. The chalk board was very interesting to me.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 9, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Happy Anniversary Dear

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Happy Anniversary Dear

Alcohol Inks and Pen 

10 x 13

NSF

Today is our 32nd anniversary. Where do the years go? Here's to another 32 or more!

I'm still experimenting with portraits using alcohol inks by making the skin tones exaggerated and bold.. I'm not convinced that this is the way to go. Here's something you may not know about me. Although I love taking photographs, I hate having my picture taken. So I tend to look a bit stiff and my smile a bit forced.

To see more of my 30 in 30s see other dates of this blog or go to my webpage http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 8, Pastel, Flower Shop

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Flower Shop

Pastels

aprox. 9" x15"

$65

This was a beautiful little shop Mark and I found in Rome. That's the great thing about Rome, a surprise around every corner. It was good to do a pastel again.


To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 7, Watercolor and Pen, Peonies

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Peonies

Watercolor and Pen

8" x 10" with mat

$65

Don't you love it in Spring when the peonies pop and suddenly you have all these wonderful big blooms to bring in the house? 

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 6, Oil, Garden Harvest

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Garden Harvest

Oils

12 x12

$115

Here are some pears and tomatoes from this year's garden. The squash is from Edward's Apple Orchard. We have a lot of pears even though the tree hardly bloomed with the cold Spring we had. I guess it bloomed enough.

I love oils- everything about them; the smells, the texture of the paints, the way the canvas gives when you put a paintbrush to it, the shine of the paint, the way the pigments are serious - you get them on your clothes and they aren't leaving. Lately, I've been doing so many watercolors and pastels that I just haven't had time for the oils. Thanks 30 in 30 it was fun.

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu. Please note that oils take a few weeks to dry. I would not be sending this painting out until it is dry and varnished.

Day 5, Alcohol Inks, Daylily

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Daylily

 Alcohol Inks
11 x 14

$60

We have many daylilies in our garden. Their blooms last for just one day (thus their name). The spent flowers dry up and turn brown. I have always enjoyed deadheading them. I just turn the hose on "jet stream" and shoot the flowers off their stalks. It's just like a carnival game!

I'm enjoying the freeness of alcohol inks, sometimes my watercolors become so controlled that it's good to let loose. 

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 4, Mixed Media, Childhood Dreams

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Childhood Dreams

Mixed media on Yupo paper

11" x 14"

$35

I love Pinterest. I love collecting all sorts of art related boards. Under watercolor tips, I have a board that demonstrates using watercolors on Yupo paper and lifting the paint in areas so that it is white again. Who knew? I see all these great ideas that I want to try but I have other works that I must finish and usually don't have the time. 

To me, that's what this 30 in 30 is for, to try new things, to paint those pictures that have been begging to be painted and to push myself out of my comfort zone. That's what abstracts do. I love them. When I see one I like I think, "Boy that looks so fun and free." When I try to do an abstract it is anything but free. They just look that way, they are actually very difficult. But I did have fun with this one, even though the voice in the back of my head kept saying, "Don't mess this up, it's getting late."

To purchase this painting go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php  Or just hit the "Visit My Web Site" button on the right of this blog. When you get there go to "My Art"  then "30 in 30 in the pull down menu.

Day 3, Dahlias in Summer

 30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Dalhias in Summer

Watercolor and Pen on Arches watercolor paper

8" x 10", with mat 11" x 14"

$65.00

One of my favorite flowers to plant are dalhias. I buy them by the flat full. By the end of summer they are bushy and full and about the size of a mum. You can't beat it, and they last up until a hard frost.To purchase go to http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php. Or hit the"Visit My Website" button on the right of this blog. At my web go "My Art" and hit "30 in30".

This is my first Pen and Watercolors. I saw some up North at the Artarama and couldn't wait to try it. Today was also my first day of painting at Katie's Cup in Rockford. What a blast! Some iced chai tea, Pandora radio and wonderful smells. I love meeting new people when they approach me with questions.

Come join me every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. 

Day 2, 30 in 30, Deep Woods Greenery

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta

Deep Woods Greenery

Alcohol inks and Pen on Yupo Paper

4.5" x 6.75"

$45

Purchase at http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/30-in-30.php

Or, visit my web page using the "visit my web page" button to the right of the blog. Go to "My Art" then "30 in 30 " in the drop down menu.

I love photographing and painting Northern Wisconsin.  There, even a tree stump becomes beautiful.

Day 1 of 30 in 30

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Samantha's Birthday

 Alcohol Inks and Pen
11 x 14 on Yupo paper
$160
Custom Portrait in Alcohol Inks $160

September 1st is my daughter, Samantha's 30th birthday and although she is being very brave about it I know she doesn't like leaving her 20's behind. I have a few things to say about that; First, the thirties are WONDERFUL! Old enough to know what you're doing and young enough to do anything. The second, is that no matter how old you get Samantha Rae, Dad and I will always see you as our blue eyed, curly haired, little girl. Enjoy today and every day. We love you.

Custom Portrait done in Alcohol inks or Pastels are available on my web page http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/custom-prints.php. Or just hit the "Custom Portrait" button to the right of this blog.