Eleven paintings in eleven days! This is an excellent reminder of what we can accomplish when we make a commitment and stick to it, even on the hard days.
This week has been all about landscapes and waterscapes (and one pup) in acrylic. It's hard to choose which one I like best, they all have something about them I really love. Do you have a favorite?
5 of 30
The inspiration for this painting came from the recreation center near my house. It hosts two beach volleyball courts, a disc golf course, multiple parks, a splash pad, exercise equipment, a football field, and multiple baseball fields.
There is also a sidewalk that runs the span of the recreation area with benches, like the one above, placed in shaded areas. Across the street there is a paved trail through the woods that leads to the Gulf of Mexico. It is not lost on me what a beautiful area I live in.
6 of 30
As you know, sunlight brings joy to my heart, even when it's setting. Add in a tropical tree and some water and I'm in heaven. I like how the sun is shining on the grass in the photo background. It enhances the artwork.
7 of 30
I LOVE animals, especially cats and dogs. And of all the animals I draw and paint, they're the hardest for me to do. But I keep trying. I have to say, I like this little prancing dog. He's a cutie.
8 of 30
This one. It didn't turn out how I wanted it to, but I like my clouds.
There will be days when our art (and many other things in life) don't turn out the way we want them to, and that's ok. We are strong and we persevere and keep going, and that's what's important. Never give up.
9 of 30
A storm was sliding its way across the sky the day I took the photo I painted this from, but there was still a little sunshine peeking through. I like the dark water mixed with the sunshine on the tips of the grass.
10 of 30
A friend of mine is vacationing with her family in Lake Tahoe. She has sent several gorgeous photos of the view from where they're staying. This is one of them. When I saw the lush green trees and pastel horizon I knew I had to paint it.
11 of 30
Another gorgeous scene from my friend's vacation in Lake Tahoe. I think I could spend a lot of time there.
One of the great things about art is one painting can encapsulate an entire day, week, month, season in life, and not only bring beauty to a home, but bring up memories from that time period.
What I Learned This Week
I am learning more and more about what subjects I like painting and which ones I need to work on more. I thought I loved doing landscapes and waterscapes - and I do - but I need another subject in the painting as well. It could be a person, animal, house, object, just something.
Even though I have a good idea of what I like to paint, coming up with different paintings every day can be a little challenging.
Although there are many benefits to doing plein air painting, I prefer to paint from photos.
How well I did my painting affects my mood.
I need to relax when painting. It doesn't have to be perfect and not all paintings will be good, and that's ok.
Some days I don't feel like painting (these are usually after working all day), but I feel better when I do it anyway.
An artist I follow said, "you're artwork should evoke a feeling." I try so hard to make it look like the photo (and I'm not a hyperrealist artist, so it never does) I forget to focus on the feeling of the painting. The process and the feeling - those will be my focuses going forward.
Have a great week!
Rebecca ~
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