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.

At 317 Studio and Gallery

 

 

I had such a great time Friday night at 317 Studio and Gallery. I met some wonderful people... had a bit of wine and cheese. Thanks to Tabitha and Teresa for making me feel right at home.

We used the dry erase board to have people sign in and leave a bit of  their own art behind. My son, Matt joined in.

 

 These are pictures of my paintings hanging in the gallery. I would have posted them sooner but I lost them somehow in my camera. I had a hard time photographing with the reflections.

 

Two Paintings To Work on Tonight at 317 Studio & Gallery

 

I have chosen  two paintings to work on tonight at 317 Studio and Gallery. They both pose different challenges. The painting on the right is blue salvia, one of my favorite perennials, with white flowers. I will use the white of the paper for the little white flowers. (I haven't done many white flowers.) The composition of the orange lilies on the left is a bit odd, but I am drawn to this picture. I love the leaves, the berries and the bold flowers.

I don't usually paint in front of people. I'm looking forward to it though just because I know this is an area where I need to improve on. I hope to do some plien air in the future so like it or not, I'm going to start painting in front of people.

Getting Ready for 317 Studio and Gallery on August 22nd

I just dropped off six originals at the 317 Studio and Gallery in preparation for next week's show. 

 The show will start at 4:00PM August 22nd and go throughout the week. I will be painting in the studio from 4PM to 8PM on Friday the 22nd, at 317 Market Street in Rockford, Illinois. Come join me for some conversation, wine and snacks. For  information about 317 Studio & Gallery visit:   http://www.317studiogallery.com/

For information about the Artist at Work Schedule visit:  http://www.317studiogallery.com/artists-at-work-2014-schedule.html

Amanda Janet's Dahlias

This is my newest painting that I was working on Up North. Amanda Janet is my goddaughter who I have had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful woman. I wasn't able to complete the second painting but I'm pleased with the six that will be in the gallery; Mark's Pears, Beth's Tulips, Terri's Crabtree, Nancy's Chives, Mary's Peonies and Amanda Janet's Dahlias. Four of these paintings are fairly new. 

Museum quality, Giclee prints for most of these paintings are available on my webpage at http://www.jillraefinallyart.com/giclee-prints.php       Or just hit the "Purchase Prints" button to the right of my blog.
Sorry, Amanda Janet's Dahlias is not available yet.