"Blue Vase" --- SOLD

You'll have to take my word for it - this one is better in person. I found this blue vase at a junk shop yesterday. It was next to a whole bunch of small vases that were very obviously hand-made by an amateur. The bottoms were thick and the glazes drippy. But they're perfect for painting, so I bought several. I did a larger painting today with this vase and flower and several others, and it seemed fitting to use them in a small one too. Unfortunately, the dark background shows a ton of glare and obliterates any subtlety there. The small things are tiny onions - I was going for minimal strokes.

"Trail of Orange" --- SOLD

I'm pretty sure I've talked about this before, but one thing I really try for is to have a dominant color. I feel it makes my compositions stronger than if I don't have one. I learned the idea from a book by Harley Brown. I hear he has a new book out. I would love to hear what anyone thinks of it if they've bought it. I haven't seen it in a bookstore to browse.

"Disassembled" --- SOLD

Things are easier now that I'm not so afraid of white. I use it sooner and with less fear. I really liked how light these orange pieces were on the white plate - almost no darks in or around them.

These last few days have been really difficult for me. My husband and I decided to pull our son, Jacob, out of day care. He was sitting in the corner every day by himself with his blanket over his head. When I dropped him off he would shake and scream and apparently this never got better after I left. So we figure either it isn't the right environment or he's not ready or something. We're now looking for someone to come to the house 2 days a week to watch him while I paint upstairs in the studio. So if you know anyone in Austin...

Sorry about the comments

Because I am a nincompoop, I did something funny to my comments and it took me this long and a question from a friend to make me realize it. I just fixed it and have published all the comments I've gotten since I made the mistake. Sorry about that. I LOVE getting your comments - please don't be discouraged by this!!!

My son didn't take a nap today :( so no painting.