What do you feed magpies? Almond Blossom Still Life

Almond Blossom Still Life

Oil, palette knife painting

24x30cm (approx 10x12inch)

On MDF canvas panel
Available on Daily Paintworks

We have an almond tree in the corner of the garden. It was here when we moved in nearly 10 years ago and I suspect it is about 40 years old. It receives absolutely no attention (apart from a good looking at!) but produces masses of blossoms and almonds every year. We don't profit from the almonds though, as the magpies get in first.

About this painting
Although the canvas panel is primed and could be painted on straight away, I always prime my panels with additional gesso. I have two reasons for this
- I prefer the feel of the fresh gesso
- the gesso adds some texture

The background is fairly smooth on this painting. I scraped back some of the paint which also has the effect of blending. On top of that I added more paint always with a slightly different hue. This produces so lovely rich layers. For the blossoms I loaded my palette knife with really thick paint and 'ladled' it on, leaving it and impasto. I love the effect this gives. The vase is one of a set of three which can only be described as square/triangular and makes for interesting painting.
Some close-ups

A challenging challenge - Daisies and Cherries still life oil painting

Daisies and Cherries Still Life

Palette knife painting

Oil on narrow box canvas

25x30cm (10x12inch) x2cm

Contact me about this or any other painting HERE

A challenging painting for the Facebook Challenge from Evhe. Evhe post two challenges a month and this is the second time I have participated.
This is the reference photo

Quite a complicated scene and, as you can see, I simplified I always like to take part in these kind of challenges as I love the different way artists interpret the same scene.

 See my previous challenge entry here

What is your favourite supporting colour for pink flowers? All pretty in pink - sold paintings

I sold these three paintings yesterday (I did a happy dance) and they will be on their way to the US next week.

These look great as a group and I do like the combinations of colours but hadn't really thought about how often I use them together. The purple/turquoise/pink combination is hard to beat but perhaps it is time to think about using other colours with pink flowers.

I used more blue in the background of this painting which gives a softer, more gentle look. Perhaps a pale greenish background would also work. What colour background is your favourite with pink flowers?

Sweet Memories - Roses still life

palette knife paintings

24x30cm (approx 10x12inches)

Oil on canvas panel 
Available in my Etsy store

Limited Palette Study - Cascading Roses, oil painting

Roses Limited palette study

Oil on canvas panel

15x15cm (6x6inch)

Available on Daily Paintworks

I used a limited palette of alazarin crimson, ultramarine blue and cadmium yellow medium plus titanium white.

Using my painting 'Over the garden wall' as a starting point, I wanted to see if I could bring the flowers to life with only the one red. I used Jackson's titanium white instead of my normal Winsor and Newton brand and was surprised at the lovely pink obtained as sometimes pinks can be a bit dull when using alazarin crimson. I worked quickly and very loosely as I didn't want any definition, and I like the spontaneous result obtained.

Challenge Painting - Summer Romance, Pink Roses still life in oil

Summer Romance

Palette knife oil painting

15x15cm (6x6inch) on box canvas 1.5cm deep

Bid by auction on DailyPaintworks

This little painting is in response to a painting challenge on Facebook hosted by Evhe. It is always good to get together with a group of artists and compare paintings. I am always amazed at how different the paintings can be when painted from the same subject. But then again, that is what makes painting such good fun.
I have put this painting up for auction on Daily Paintworks. The auction runs for 5 days after which the painting will revert to normal price.