"Fruit with Blue and White"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

Since I collect a lot of blue and white china, it's always easy to find a piece or two worthy of incorporating into a painting.

"Chinese Bowl"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

sold

When our son was first married, he and his wife were lucky enough to make a trip to China. Before they left, my daughter in law asked if there was something special she could bring back for me, and I told her anything blue and white would be great. Well, to my surprise, she hand carried this beautiful bowl back home to me. It is one of my special treasures! Thanks, Mallory!

"Solo Daisy"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

Just realized that I started this blog one year ago. It's been a great year for artistic growth and especially for meeting and connecting with other artists in the blogging community. Thanks to each of you who have been so loyal with your comments and the wealth of information that you are so willing to share. I appreciate your friendship more than you know!

"Grapes Galore"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

Started this with the canvas primed with red, something I've done in the past, and like hints of the red background "peeking" through. Have you seen the price of grapes lately, wow!

"Flavors"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

Had fun painting all the layers of this purple onion, and do the green sprouts on the garlic mean that it's been "around too long"? Even so, I was happy to have that touch of green.

On another subject: Met a very talented artist, Carol Carmichael, at my last workshop and thought you would like to check out her new blog. Join me in welcoming her to the blogging community.

"Exall Lake"

9 x 12

oil on gessoed hardboard

Today was tailored made for plein air painting, which was fortunate because it was my first attempt. Perfect Spring temperature and very little wind...I think that's what makes for a good plein air day...that, and fun and creative artists to share the day with! Joined about 7-8 local painters who get together once a month at different locations around Dallas. Today they chose Exall lake, part of Turtle Creek in Highland Park, and also a popular picnic and walking area for locals since the late 1800's. Spring is definitely bursting out, starting with this flowering Bradford Pear tree. Will look forward to another outing with this talented group!

"Fruit Basket Turnover"

11 x 14

oil on stretched canvas

Isn't "fruit basket turnover" a childhood game, it rings a bell with me from the past! Wanted to try one more still life after my workshop, but will now start thinking "plein air" since a local group has asked me to join them this weekend for one of the first outings this year. It will also be a first for me, so will have to downsize my gear from "u-haul" size to something I can carry!

"I'm Guarding The Fruit"

11 x 14

oil on stretched canvas

sold

This ceramic rooster seems to be in charge of all the fruit!

"Qiang Huang Workshop # 3"

9 x 12

oil on stretched canvas

sold

The workshop with Qiang Huang has been a fantastic three days, all so well run...and filled with a wealth of information and hands on instruction. I would encourage anyone who has a chance to study with Qiang to not miss the opportunity. He is so well organized, very giving with his knowledge and has a gift for sharing his talent with each student. He is hoping to have his class demos posted to his blog within the next few days after he returns home. Be sure to check out his work. It is magical to see him "in action" at the easel!

"Qiang Huang Workshop #2"

8 x 10

oil on stretched canvas

sold

Qiang paints the most beautiful roses and many in the workshop today requested that his demo include roses. So when it was time for the students to paint, I felt that I should follow his lead and give it a try. My hats off to all you floral painters! This was another great day in the workshop with lots of valuable information given in a power point presentation, followed by Qiang's demo and then the class doing a still life of their choosing from a number of available props.

Thanks to each of you who have shown interest in these workshop posts, hope to have one more post tomorrow after the last day of the class. It's been a blast!