Fresh Paint - Updated

Small Paintings Inspired by Old Family Photographs

GRAY-SCALE PAINTINGS

These three small images, painted on 5 x 4 inch canvas, were inspired by family photographs of my mom and dad.  They started off as gray-scale value studies painted in shades of black and white.

Mom, as a young woman posing by her fathers car.

Mom and Dad, as a young married couple..  My father in his military uniform and my mother expecting her first child - my brother.

This painting is from a photograph of my mom, taken in the early 1960's.  My father was out to sea and mom was busy raising two babies (my brother and me) - and may have been pregnant with my sister.  Mom had just gotten her long hair cut into a much more manageable short hair style.

GRAY-SCALE PAINTINGS ~ COLOR ADDED

All dressed up and ready to roll.

Together We Serve - Ready to Serve their country and family.

Moms Time Out

These small paintings are available for sale here and would make a fun gift for a new driver, a young couple, your best friend, mom, sister or for anyone who loves vintage/retro decor.  

A Cool Image for a Hot Day...

My husband, daughter and I were suppose to head a few hours south for a college tour today but decided to reschedule due to the high, and probably very uncomfortable heat index.  So, instead of hitting the road early, I hit the paints and finally finished a commissioned portrait painting.  Which is, ironically, the perfect painting for a hot day like today.

The original photograph
and
the painting in process:

The beginning ~

The middle ~ 

The end.

The original photo and the finished piece side x side.
I am used to painting water in its liquid form ~ this was my first attempt at painting a snow-filled  winter scene.  I hope the recipient loves it!

In case these images have you craving something cool and refreshing:

 Here's a Fountain-Style Vanilla Malt Shake recipe that you might want to try.
Find the recipe here

The vanilla shake reminded me of the snow covered hills :)
Cheers.

Dive into Summer - Work in Process

Little Diver

A painting inspired by a vintage postcard and summertime dreams.

  

I'm dreaming of warm sandy beaches.  I'm dreaming of days by the pool.

I'm dreaming of fun in the afternoon sun, and week after week of no school.

 I'm thinking of swimsuits and sprinklers, imaging lemonade stands.

I'm lost in a daydream of squirt guns and ice-cream and plenty of time on my hands.

 I long to ride skateboards and surfboards.  I want to wear t-shirts and shorts.

I'd go for a hike, or I'd ride on my bike, or play lots of summertime sports.  Ken Nesbitt

Hoping your daydreams come true.

This summertime reverie is available here

Two Surfers - Painting In Process

You can tell when the ocean water starts to warm up,

all of the beach boys heed the call of the waves.

Free from wetsuits,

And cold winter wind.

The boys of summer,

 are surfing again.

Summer Surfers

New Paintings In Process

A few new pieces that I'm trying to finish

Hopefully I'll have them finished by Monday - although we do have a busy

weekend planned - husbands 50th birthday celebration tonight - brother's wedding celebration tomorrow - movie date night on Sunday to see "Girl with the Dragon Tatoo"

Enjoy your weekend!

Visions of Summer

Summer Equals...

Bright Sunshine, Outdoor Play,

Swimming, Sunning, Getting Away.

Backyard Diver in Red

Work in Process

Backyard Diver in Red

Original Painting on Gallery Wrap Canvas

Turquoise Water, Pool Parties, Late Setting Sun,

Vacations, Family, An endless season of Fun. 

Can't Wait - It's Almost Here!!

Dive Into the Pool!

Welcome to my studio as a fresh sequence of paintings are created.

 

This is the first in my new series of "Diving into Summer" Paintings ~ 

capturing the nostalgic feel of summer afternoons by the pool.

The original photograph and inspiration for this piece ~

Extreme Diver in 1963 - found on Flicker

Photograph ~ copied, cut, and collaged onto an 8 x 10 inch gallery wrap canvas.

Background composition sketched in and first layer of color painted on the canvas.

Color palette ~ mainly blues, greens, golden browns, yellow and white.

Detail and facial features lightly painted in  ~

The finished painting ~ signed, sealed and available in my shop ~

Magic Markings Art 

And hung together with Vacation Cruise

Thank you for your visit.  Please feel free to leave comments about your summertime memories.