September 13, 30 in 30

Day 13, 30 painting in 30 day
hosted by Leslie Saeta.

I think some paintings have a life of their own. They let you know when they're done. Sometimes they aren't ready and they need to be put away for awhile. Sometimes they get forgotten.

Today's work is such a painting. Over a year ago I was inspired by a technique I found in a watercolor magazine. I liked it but I just wasn't quite ready to finish it and I moved on. Recently, a friend of mine went to Florence and through her phone was able to share her trip with me as it unfolded. What a thrill it is to see real time videos of the music and happenings of Piazza della Signoria!  It brought the trip my husband and I took several years ago back to mind. And as I walked into my studio one day, there it was. This painting waiting for the right time. Waiting to be penned. I wasn't even sure if I could find the photograph that was used for the painting. But there it was, patiently waiting, in my store of photos under Europe.

So today's painting was several years in the making but I am so grateful to it. With it, I was able to travel back to the banks of the Arno on an evening Mark and I enjoyed a walkabout. On top of the hill you can see a bit of Piazzale Michelangelo.

Florence, Along the Arno

Watercolor on heavy Watercolor Paper

11.5" x 17.75"

$155 + S&H

Buy Me Now

 

September 13, Morning Chores

Day 13

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

One of my favorite things about doing a 30 in 30 is that it encourages you to finish pieces that have gone unfinished for too long. The thought of creating thirty paintings in as many days is overwhelming sometimes. Most of my pieces take more than one day to complete. That's why twice a year I go through my work and see what needs to be finished. They may still require more time an a day but at least there's movement.

Morning chores was one of those pieces. I wasn't sure how I'd handle the bricks and some of the architectural features in the picture so I put it aside. My sister brought this photo home from her trip to Italy and I have always loved it. It feels good to have finished it.

Morning Chores

Alcohol Ink and Pen on Yupo Paper

11 x 14

$225

Buy Now

Sept 5, A Bag for Bob

Day 5

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Bob is a friend, who along with his wife, have been extremely supportive and generous of their time to my husband and I. Bob is brilliant in finances and his wife, Judith is a marketing wiz. Together, they help us get through those areas that seem foreign to us at times.

When the Rockford Art Guild chose to paint bags as their fundraiser Bob bought my bag before I even began painting it. What support! Thanks Bob and Judith.

A Bag for Bob

Alcohol Inks and Pen on a Canvas Bag 

Not For Sale

Day 20, January 30 in 30

Day 20, January 20th

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

Day 20 is a work in progress. 
Alcohol Inks of Tuscany.

The Sweeper

alcohol Inks

Work in Progress

Day 19, January 30 in 30

Day 19, January 19th

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

This took a few days,
but I'm happy with the outcome.
Day 19 is back to Venice for the da Raffaele. Just in time for the Art in the Lofts show this weekend at Garrison Lofts, loft #111. 6-8PM $25 entrance to benefit the Rockford Arts Council.

da Raffaele

Alcohol Inks and Pen

The Canal

I'm having a lot of fun with alcohol inks this month. As I continue my Drive By series this is one of those pictures I just had to squeeze in. And no, there's no place like this in Rockford.

There's only one Venice!

The Canal 

Alcohol Inks

8" x 12"

$95

 What I like about alcohol inks is that you never really know how they're going to turn out. But I guess you could say that about any painting.

A work in progress shot.

Day 2, Alcohol Ink and Pen, Piazza della Signoria

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.

It's the last week of the 30 in 30. I'm getting tired and a bit behind in other projects and responsibilities but I'm looking forward to the week ahead. This is a great opportunity to work on a mini series for the Rockford Museum Show and the Guild  monthly challenge, which is friendship.

Piazza della Signoria

Alcohol ink and Pen

8" x 12"

$95 

I never tire of going through photos I've taken over the years and then painting them. So fun, just like being there again.

Day 10, Alcohol Inks and Pen, Ristorante

30 in 30 hosted by Leslie Saeta.



 






There are so many pictures from our travels that I have held on to for years thinking someday I'm going to paint that. 
 No better time than now.

This is one of those pictures. It's 6,7 years old? Some of these pictures I wasn't sure what medium to do them in. Gosh, 6 years ago I didn't know what Alcohol Inks where. Anyway, I'm enjoying doing some of the Italian pictures. I listen to Italian music and it brings me right back to the trip. Too fun!

While I work on the French drawings  I'm listening to Duo Gadjo Radio on Pandora. Try it, it's yummy!

Well, time to get back to work! I've fallen behind a day.

                            Ristorante

                                 Alcohol Inks and Pen

                                           9" x 12"

                                             SOLD

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. 

Congratulations to William Ball for winning the Custom Ink Drawing! And thanks to everyone who signed up for my newsletter. Your support means so much to me.

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 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.