Day 8 30/30 Challenge: Dreams of Dancing

Dreams of Dancing
6x12 oil by Wendie Thompson

When I was little I took lessons...dance, voice, drama and some art. I had no fear of audiences. I don't know why. Today I played in paint...laid it down...scraped it off...messed it up and laid more down...I can still dream....

Day 7: 2015 30/30 Challenge: It's Labor Day!

Untitled
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

Values values values

So today was Labor Day here which means holiday which means family which means interruptions. No problem. This morning on Facebook I happened upon a post by Linda Crank discussing the palette of Sargent which was pictured. If you're on Facebook you can find it here:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1714784502138&set=a.1742673599348.2097322.1013943409&type=1&fref=nf&pnref=story

And so today I gave myself a sort of assignment to work with some new colors and techniques as discussed in the comment section of the post. Focusing on values I worked out of an image in my head and not a photo so as not to frustrate myself with trying to get the features right. The first photo is the result...the black and white shows values. Learning, learning, loving learning!!! Not saying I'm done with this painting...but I'm done for today!

September 30/30 Challenge: Day 6 Ms Scooby II

Ms Scooby II
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

My little dog called me again today...pure JOY!

September 30 in 30 Challenge: Ms Scooby

Ms Scooby
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

Have I told you how much I love my little Cavapoo? Her name is Ms Scooby! This is the first time I have painted her but probably not the last!!

September 30/30 Challenge :Day 4... A day for a Wiper!

Did you know artists have some very frustrating days?? Yup...there are just some days when you wonder if you really are an artist. Or maybe, as one of my friends and I say...I am not an artist today. That leaves tomorrow wide open. Yesterday was one for me...I could not get this face right. I wiped it off 3 times and then decided it didn't hold enough merit to continue. Maybe it was because my granddaughter was here and I was trying to do this while she was napping? I don't know. But this I do know...the effort is not wasted. I learned some things that don't work. All is well and she's a goner! 

September 30/30 Challenge: Day 3...Blue

Blue
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

I am endlessly working on faces. They fascinate me. The smallest twitch and the whole persona changes. My assignment for myself was to lay down pieces of color and not mess with them. I am using cold wax medium to add body to the paint. Learning, learning, learning!

September 30/30 Challenge: Day 2 Chicory

Chicory
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

I have been working from photos the last two days but beginning with them upside down. Don't ask me why but it helps to more clearly see the value shapes. The wildflowers this summer on my morning walk with the dog seemed magical to me. This particular morning was moody...I tried to capture that while keeping it loose and harmonious.

It's September! Must be the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge! Day 1

But WHY???

September has come and I have signed up to do Leslie Saeta's 30/30 challenge once again...but why?

Well, first I have learned something each and every time I have done it. Second, September comes and I need a renewed focus. Third, I have been right at a place in my soul where I have grown dissatisfied with my work. I've been doing this long enough to know that this is the very time to push ahead instead of being discouraged. Every time I have I have been rewarded with some new skill or ability in my work...so here I go...DAY ONE!

Lillies
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 30...30/30 Challenge

30 Days Hath September...

I have a secret to tell you...

I started this challenge a week ahead of time. I had to looking at my crazy plein air schedule. I had two plein air competitions and lots of autumn I wanted to paint. But I really enjoyed painting all the pieces I did out of my mind...no photo...no still life set up. They instructed me and challenged me and I am sure I will be doing more of these.

I ended up painting closer to 40 paintings in September. Below are some of the plein air paintings I did...some are still available so if you are interested please message me!!

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A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 29...30/30 Challenge

Day 30
The Willows
16x12 oil by Wendie Thompson

Is there anything else on earth like a weeping willow? We had one planted in our front yard where I grew up. I don't know why they are called weeping...I think of them as cheering. They are normally the first ones to herald spring in Wisconsin...a most welcome sight indeed...almost an otherworldly green. They are also the last trees to loose their leaves in the fall...like guardians of all things living...like my father.

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 28...30/30 Challenge

Day 28
7x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

Good Morning!!!

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 27...30/30 Challenge

Day 27
8x8 oil by Wendie Thompson

Autumn arrives in my mind and in my backyard.

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 25...30/30 Challenge

What if the whole world was pastel??

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 24...30/30 Challenge

Day 24
5x7 oil by Wendie Thompson

She arrived in the candlelit room full of wishes and dreams...

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 23...30/30 Challenge

Day 23
7x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

I have walked this valley in my dreams...I can smell the fragrance and see the clouds dancing...

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 22...30/30 Challenge

Day 22
7x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

It's coming!!! I choose to see the beauty in it!!!

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 21...30/30 Challenge

Day 21
7x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

The only mountains in Wisconsin reside in my mind!!!

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 20...30/30 Challenge

Day 20
3 1/2 x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

Perhaps these flower fields will keep me warm all thru the winter!!

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 19...30/30 Challenge

Day 19
7x5 oil by Wendie Thompson

I have never stood in a field of lavender blooming...but I want to. 

A Little Piece of my Mind: Day 18...30/30 Challenge

Day 18
4x4 oil by Wendie Thompson

Take a walk with me up a hill full of fragrance and color...to the top to watch the clouds roll by...