Southern Painter

Camelias in January

2012-01-25T16:58:00.000-06:00

Can you believe the weather? The camelias have been peeping blooms for two weeks - and I see buttercups blooming - it's January 25th! Brought in a bucketful of blooms to paint. Feels like kindergarten to play i the paint......
12x24
email robinroberts4@gmail.com to add to your collection
$750 unframed

2012-01-24T22:31:00.000-06:00

Picking Up Where I Left Off.....about a year ago I attempted this sky. Skies are not easy for me - scary is more like it. So scary I just left off the ground, and today I plowed in some land. At least it feels grounded now.
16x20

2012-01-24T11:52:00.000-06:00

"Sunny Shopping" a scene I caught while strolling in Charleston. It's so fun to dip into the galleries and shops. A shopkeeper mentioned she keeps a bicycle because the streets sometimes flood in the downtown area. But this day was just perfect.
12x12 on slim gallery wrap canvas
$300.

2012-01-23T17:20:00.000-06:00

Got to keep sketching, and it's soooo much fun with a nice model like this one. Besides being lovely, she can hold a pose that seems effortless. To me, that's an art. 16x20, done with transparent burnt sienna on canvas.

Path in the Pasture

2012-01-04T12:34:00.000-06:00

"Path in the Pasture"
Those subtle winter colors always catch my attention. These goats were funny to watch - seemed to have a sense of purpose as they roamed back and forth across the pasture, on invisible paths, making sure they stayed apart from a group of sheep in the same pasture.
14x14
$400
on gallery wrap canvas

Siesta Time

2011-12-30T20:09:00.000-06:00

I like to pause in the middle of the day too.....

12x16, contact robinroberts4@gmail.com for info on price and framing.
Click on the image below for a slideshow of the progress. And yes, I see tweaking to be done!

Ready- Set- Go

2011-12-29T21:13:00.001-06:00

It was a sunny day one February when I caught a local hunt club setting out .....

I hope you can view this slideshow of the progress. Click the image below to get it started.
12x16, gold frame, contact robinroberts4@gmail.com for information.

Two White Ponies

2011-12-11T20:04:00.000-06:00

Lately, I seldom start and complete a painting in the same way. Two White Ponies is quite different in that I knew from the start I'd produce it in a "direct" way, meaning layers. I wish I'd photographed the background as it went along because it took the longest to paint. It wasn't difficult, but there were decisions made as it progressed, and one or two layers dried as I went along. The horses actually went quickly at the end. It goes against my usual "alla prima" approach that would have them incorporated at the beginning of the painting.

I've tried to make a short slideshow of the phases:

Practice

2011-12-01T14:27:00.000-06:00

Six Practice Pieces

these are little 5x7 paintings done for students showing ways to say alot with a little paint. They're done on a canvas pad with the idea that painting can be like learning to play the piano - not every one will be like playing a concert. Experimenting puts new life to the paint!
Here is the sheet of little paintings.. I used that ugly wide blue tape to make sections, then pulled it off when finished. I didn't try to make them uniform size because I wanted them to be studies, not intended to be framed. If any are successful, I'll paint another version. Even the sheet of canvas was reused - underneath was a little practice scene and I just painted over it.

And here are some of the steps in painting them:

Todays Little Painting

2011-11-16T21:29:00.000-06:00

There's nothing like painting a single leaf to make me feel small and insignificant. At the same time I'm impressed with the magnificence of nature during this beautiful fall.
5x7 inches

Today's Little Painting

2011-11-12T21:36:00.000-06:00

A fox, from a friend who had a family of them near her yard. She said they were bold and not too afraid of her. This one was done with a palette knife mostly, except for that wonderful tail.

8x10, contact robinroberts4@gmail.com for your collection

Come Kick Off the Holidays

2011-11-09T07:57:00.000-06:00

16x12

you'll enjoy the Fayetteville Tn Holiday stroll this Friday, Nov 11 - 5-8pm. Dragonfly Gallery selected these as part of the exhibit and sale. Good gift ideas!

18x24


16x20

8x6

Dragonfly Gallery -on the square -Main street in Fayetteville Tn 931-433-3024

Robin Roberts 256-566-3076

Todays Little Painting

2011-11-04T22:07:00.000-05:00

needs a title like "13 going on 30". How does so much attitude stay in a small kid?
10x8, oil

Todays Little Painting

2011-11-03T23:58:00.000-05:00

Shiny things for your table

Todays Outdoor Painting

2011-11-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

Overlooking the Tennesee River in Florence Al. Photo isn't cleaned up - I don't know what those streaks are. I'll make the excuse that it looks better in person ':) What a lovely day today. My aim was to capture the dark drooping kudzu against the colorful fall trees, but missed.
8x10 on linen

Todays Little Painting

2011-10-31T22:30:00.000-05:00

Isn't it nice to have fresh flowers on the table? This is a little warm-up painting today.
I'm not a cook, but I enjoy taking pictures of good food and pretty tables. Sometimes they wander into paintings.
Enjoy!
5x7 $60 unframed on panel
robinroberts4@gmail.com

Mooresville study

2011-10-19T10:20:00.000-05:00

Mooresville Al is totaly unique. The Plein Air of North Alabama was invited to paint there recently. http://pleinairnorthalabama.wordpress.com October here in Alabama has been remarkable. The weather has been so good I could get spring fever this month! At Mooresville I made 3 studies - this is the best. Even though the weather was terrific, I think it made me lazy. Mooresville has a beautiful view any way you turn, due to the residents who make it their home. They open the village at Christmas and also in the spring - it's worth a nice afternoon to visit there.

"Mooresville Post Office" 8x10, oil $250 unframed

email Robin at robinroberts4@gmail.com

Resting

2011-10-14T09:01:00.000-05:00

Some days a guy's just gotta wait. From a local horse show

14x11, framed in gold, $525

Beside, Behind and Along

2011-10-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

Beside the Farmers Market, behind the Decatur Daily offices, and along the railroad tracks ...this water tank has been on my list of things to paint for a long time. I was watching folks buy pumpkins and tomatoes while I painted beside the farmers market. The curving raised hiway was a challenge, but so fun. The weather has been fantastic for getting out to paint. Just check out those blue skies!

Selection of Paintings for Land Trust

2011-10-06T20:42:00.000-05:00

these are some of the plein air (outdoor) paintings completed over 3 days painting on the Land Trust OF North Alabama. the sale will benefit the Land Trust. These and paintings from 10 other artists will be for sale at the Land Trust Grand Patron Party Thursday, Oct 13.

- $30 per person -

Please call 256.534.5263 for Reservations and Details

the largest is 11x14, and most are framed in gold. many can be seen at Golden Griffin in Huntsville before the party.

Painting for the Land Trust of North Alabama

2011-10-06T20:27:00.000-05:00

Grand Patron Party and Art Auction

Thursday, October 13

6:30 to 8:30 pm

at the home of Ana and Jim Byrne on Monte Sano mountain, Huntsville Al

~ Featured Plein Air Artists ~
Ann Caudle Conor O'Brien Sara Beth Fair

Yuri Ozaki Billy Herrin Robin Roberts

Amy Lambrecht Ed Starnes Vanessa Miller

Rene Stubblefield Katrina Weber

- $30 per person -

Please call 256.534.5263 for Reservations and Details

Visit with me in Huntsville Al

2011-09-28T11:27:00.000-05:00

I've been invited to paint at the Plein Air Art Invitational 9/30-10/2 sponsored by the Land Trust North Alabama
I'd enjoy visiting with you while painting......

Friday, September 30
Artists will Paint Out on any Land Trust property, Artist Choice
All day - call me   256-566-3076 to find where I'll be painting.
Saturday, October 1~Quick Draw at Three Caves – Public Encouraged to Attend              10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., judging begins at 12:45 p.m.,
Paintings for sale to be turned in at Little Green Store at 2 p.m.
~Afternoon Paint Out, Artist Choice on or around Monte Sano Mountain
2 p.m. – until? this will be fun, and the Three Caves property isn't often open.
www.thelittlegreenstoreonmontesano.com

Sunday, October 2
Paint Out on any Land Trust Property, Artist Choice
then......
Thursday, October 13
Grand Patron Party at the home of Ana and Jim Byrne
7 p.m.    where you can find and purchase the best of the plein air paintings .   Others will be available at the Little Green Store on Monte Sano mountain

You can purchase tickets for the Grand Patron Party tickets available @ www.landtrustnal.org
Landtrust of North Alabama907 Franklin Street
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
Phone: 256.534.LAND (5263)

you can also find maps for the many properties that the Land Trust manages at their website

Foggy

2011-09-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

It was foggy this morning on the backwater of the Tennessee river. At first I thought it would be dense all day, then whammo! - the sun came out and that patch of blue grew larger and larger, then the rising fog wisped away. Which means I painted fast.....

11x14 oil on linen panel
contact robinroberts4@gmail.com

Stop!

2011-09-23T23:05:00.000-05:00

The eternal painters question is - when to stop. So I stopped, after an adjustment here, and cooling off there, punching in that area, taming down this area, etc. I love this stream, and could paint it again and again.

Here are the steps:

block- in over a yellow tone

next step - more cool mass shapes

tweak time - what needs fixing before I ruin it?

brushwork close up

There are twenty different ways this could be painted, and I've learned that's probably the best thing to do - stop here and paint several more. Gee, it's fun to push that oil paint around!

Country Drive

2011-09-04T14:25:00.000-05:00

.....reminds me of Sunday drives as a kid...

11x14, oil

"Van Meter Road, Lexington"

Rock, Paper, Scissors

2011-09-01T11:25:00.000-05:00

What are they talking about? Girls and their horses, from a paint-out at Hampton Equestrian Center in Huntsville Al organized by Huntsville Art League.

8x8 on board

$200

GARDENS AGAIN

2011-09-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

Every summer I make a point to paint at Delano Park Rose Garden in Decatur Al. The weather is so nice this week that painting there is a pleasure. But the roses have been removed! Choosing a view is the tricky part, as there are so many vistas here. Hope somebody can tell me what happened to the roses.....

8x10 plein air
unframed, so far, contact
robinroberts4@gmail.com for collecting

A Break in the Weather

2011-08-28T23:16:00.000-05:00

Feel that change in the seasons? Now we can relax on the "Back Porch".

This is one of ten paintings I'll have available in Vignettes party at the Huntsville Museum of ARt on Thursday, September 22 at 6:30. Tickets are available online and include music, full bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. This will conclude the Sense of Place exhibit of Plein Air paintings by the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast. It gives an idea of the procedure some outdoor painters use for developing a larger painting in the studio from the study done on location..

Back Porch, 16x20 in a great brown frame.

Your Choice

2011-08-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

My neighbors have a great garden each year, but I don't know how they did it in the heat this summer. I'm experimenting with how to simplify lots of "information" in these 8x10 paintings. The garden is tended in the early morning with shafts of morning light peeking thru the stalks. Apoligies for the paint glare in the lower photo.

Which do you prefer?

Party !

2011-08-19T07:07:00.000-05:00

Save the date in September for those of you in the Huntsville Al area: Go to HSVMuseum.org for tickets. Beautiful art, beautiful place, beautiful music - it promises to be a fine evening. The art pieces will be online for sale if you can't make it. Check the

Huntsville Museum of Art site...

Lovely Day

2011-08-18T11:48:00.000-05:00

Was so excited to get out to paint on a day without that killer heat that I just threw the color on there enjoying the process. This is everything contrary to what I've been taught lately - no restraint, hardly any neutrals, composing on the fly instead of being well thought out. But it was so enjoyable to paint on location again. This pond will probably be all grown up the next time I see it. The property is for sale.

12x16 plein air(on location) on canvas
"Summer Pond"

Remember?

2011-08-17T18:24:00.000-05:00

Canoes at camp? A little unpredictable with more than one camper in the canoe........
Part of the Dixie Girls Paint Challenge with the August theme of ... Remember.....
Check it out!
8x8 oil on board, $175 contact Robin at southrnpainter@hotmal.com or see at Gallery 100 on the Square in Huntsville Al

SHINY THINGS

2011-08-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

I joke that I have tase like a crow - I love shiny objects and irridescent things.   I guess its so hot I'm returning to my "favorites" photo files and these 2 have come off the easel recently. Moral of the story is keep your camera ready.

In A Jiff   12x12     oil on canvas

and   Bottles   8x10,       apologies for the blurry photo

It Takes a Group

2011-07-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

It was good to paint this among other artists. It would not have turned out as well without their help and guidance. Wouldn't it be nice to have that help all the time.? The boo-boos wouldn't be as hard to correct. As in many of my drawings and paintings, things were wiped away and repainted or redrawn. It was my project in a Dawn Whitelaw workshop. Many will attest Dawns expert guidance gives artists excellent seeds of suggestions and inspiration.
Dot Courson of Pontotoc Ms sponsored this workshop and she has other artists lined up for workshops there. Check 'em out !
Before the Hunt, 11x14, framed in gold, $525

Alabama Skies

2011-07-20T12:13:00.000-05:00

It was cows that attracted me to this place - on a county road not far from home. In the end it was just about color and shapes and shadows. This is the time of year when all the humidity makes skies sort of green. I'll just do another one with the cows deep in the tall grass.

Alabama Skies, 12x16, oil, framed in medium gold. $525 RobinRoberts

HOT

2011-07-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

HOT Chocolate is the second entry in the new Dixie Girls Paint Challenge July theme of HOT.
A theme is selected monthly and the Dixie Girls attempt to paint within that theme. Check out the blog page and subscribe to follow along the monthly challenges. Most can be seen and are available for sale at Studio 100 on the Square in Huntsville (next to Sam and Gregs cafe). You'll also enjoy visiting that gallery during the Huntsville Sidewalk Art Stroll this week, Thursday July 21 around downtown Huntsville Al, AND the Huntsville Gallery Tour next week, Thursday, July 28. And Studio 100 is a good place to start - about 5pm. (256) 539-5845

Robin Roberts - Hot Chocolate, 6x6, oil on wrapped canvas, ready to hang, $95 at Gallery 100 in Huntsville Al

Mom's Place

2011-07-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

couldn't resist this old home place. This is not far from our home - a theme of mine you've probably noticed. I enjoy the common, the nearby, the places we see day after day. One day the sun shines and lights up our world in a different way, and voila! the ordinary becomes exceptional. Made a new friend while I painted this scene from down the road.
8x10 oil on linen unframed - so far - contact Robin robinroberts4@gmail.com

Tall In the Saddle

2011-06-07T22:26:00.000-05:00

Little Girl, Big Horse - from the warm up ring at the major Saddlebred show. She moves in and out of the light, the composure needed to negotiate the big competition very apparent for her young years. Of course, the horse is gorgeous too.
Tall In The Saddle, 20x16 oil on linen panel
entered in the American Academy of Equine Art
Fall Exhibit and show

here are the steps :

starting backwards, it seemed like an ok drawing until I realized I didn't have room for the horse head....

so it gets wiped off and I start over., fitting the horse on the surface first

here it looks clumsy. I wiped the girl off a time or two....

more tweaking, adding and taking away

the background shapes are major eye movers, so I give them some consideration and start estimating the color. The variations of brown is one of the features that intrigued me.

lost track of how many times the neck and head were redone......and back to the first photo to see the leather works ^

Ahhh... the sense of flying when riding a horse like this......

Where We Left It - Upside Down

2011-05-24T11:41:00.000-05:00

Yes, this was a demo for the Shoals Artists Guild, and I drew and painted this upside down to this stage. The Guild graciously asked for a demonstration, and drawing upside down was a technique we don't see often. It comes right out of the book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards.. a book that started me on the journey to really "see". I chose my photo of these horses because the upside down thing is so good for seeing complicated negative shapes in an easy manner. And it makes for a good shock when we turn it over and view it right side up.!

So here is where I stopped at the end of the demonstration - o yes - I did add the yello at the lower edge after I returned home. Then - more refining. Because this was painted rapidly, I wished I had conveyed that at some point it's good to slow down and evaluate and doesn't need to be done all in a hurry.

There is tweaking on both the horses (mostly the shapes that were incorrect from the drawing) and developing the background back in the studio.

Another trick to find boo boos or areas that need fixing is to put it in a frame. Flaws jump out. Holding the painting up to a mirror is another famous trick. More flaws jump out. The beauty of alla prima painting in wet paint makes this easier.

16x20 "Rimlight",
oil on linen panel

to add this to your collection - framed ($850) or unframed - email Robin
robinroberts4@gmail.com

Out In the Pasture

2011-05-19T20:54:00.001-05:00

A cowpond (is that a word?) in a cow pasture today. The cows were enjoying dips in the pond, but when I got started this painting, they all meandered off to graze somewhere else . I'll just have to add them - or not. plein air oil, 11x14
southernpainter@hotmail.com

YOUR CHOICE

2011-05-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

Chapel Garden sketch/demo 11x14

Chapel Garden 11x14

Which do you prefer? The quickly done demonstration sketch, or the more finished version? I was asked about painting more than one version of a painting - whether I liked to make the succeeding versions like the first. Only occaisonly do I paint more than one version, but when I do, the "no two alike" saying holds true. How about yours?

Robin Roberts

catching up..

2011-05-02T22:40:00.000-05:00

funny story... I joked with artists and friends that I painted the bathroom on the first day of the Gadsden Plein Air Invitational. We were located at the Country Club- a tender misty start early in the morning- beautiful. Most artists found a great scene of groomed fairways with mountains in the distance as it's a beautiful course. But what caught MY eye was the bathroom on the 7th green. It was a little green wood building, so unassuming. It had a nice background, a pond in front and a nice fountain in the pond, so I set to work, enjoying the variety of greens.
At the reception on Friday ( the last day) collectors enjoyed seeing the works produced all week. And artists enjoyed greeting and talking about all the Gadsden locations we enjoyed. One of the visitors made a special effort to tell me about the bathroom on the golf course I painted the first day. She enjoys golf and told me she set up her shot, then traced it's projection with her finger on the painting - right through the bathroom, out the other side where it bounced on the green, giving her an eagle! Then she told me another shot skimmed off the fountain, hit the green and gave her a birdie! I had no idea what a famous building it was.

Watching Artists Work

2011-04-20T11:33:00.000-05:00

That Yello Dress, from 2010 Southeastern Plein Air in Gadsden Al

ARTISTS' LOCATIONS, April 25-29
come see Artists work at the Southeastern Plein Air Invitational in Gadsden Al.
You'll also have the chance to see the daily paintings at the Gadsden Museum and bid on them at the Friday party. I'm tickled to be one of the 15 artists on the lookout for something interesting for you to see.

Artists and spectators at the Southeastern Plein Air Invitational will be treated to several new locations this year. Each location offers a completely different challenge to the artists but every site offers variety, drama, and beauty. Spectators may visit the locations between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily but the best time to see the artists working is before 11 a.m. and after 2 p.m. because plein air artists find midday light less interesting.For help on site, look for the Blue Umbrella where volunteers will be on hand to assist you.

LOCATIONS

Monday / April 25COME TO THE CLUB

The Gadsden Country Club has kindly offered the use of the golf course on a day when the premises are usually closed.Only artists will have use of golf carts so spectators can expect to do some walking.

Directions: The Gadsden Country Club is located on U.S. 411/Rainbow Drive.The entrance is marked with brick columns and red roses (no traffic light).Proceed up the hill to the 2^nd parking area and look for the Blue Umbrella.

Tuesday / April 26UP ON THE FARM

Stone Arches Farm in the Little Wills Valley community offers artists bucolic scenes much like those favored by the first Impressionists in France over 150 years ago--fields and meadows, flower gardens and fish ponds, blue hills and stately trees.Directions:The farm is located on U.S. 11 about 10 miles north of Attalla. Look for the Blue Umbrella.

Wednesday / April 27 THREE HISTORIC DOWNTOWNS

Artists have a choice of three downtown settings—Gadsden, Alabama City, and Attalla—each with its own flavor and character.Spectators are invited to visit each site, call the museum during the day for information on where artists are located, or come by the Blue Umbrella at the Gadsden Museum of Art.For spectators with limited mobility, this day offers the chance to see artists at work with little walking required.

Thursday / April 28DOWN BY THE RIVERSIDE

Artists will be painting on both sides of the Coosa in the area of the Southside Bridge—Rainbow Landing, Buck Island Road, and the causeway on Hwy 77.Look for the Blue Umbrella at Rainbow Landing.

Directions:Take Rainbow Drive (Hwy 411) to the intersection with Hwy 77.Turn left.Proceed past Regency Point on the right.Turn right just before the SouthsideBridge.The entrance to Rainbow Landing will be on your left.

Friday / April 29 GADSDEN HISTORIC DISTRICTS (morning only)

Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and beautiful gardens make this residential neighborhood near downtown Gadsden an ideal location for plein air painting. Artists will have their choice of painting on Turrentine Avenue, Argyle Circle, Haralson Avenue, Reynolds Street, or Walnut Street.For spectators with limited mobility, this day offers the chance to see artists at work with little walking required since most will be visible from the street.The Blue Umbrella will be located at the corner of Walnut and Turrentine.

Friday night, Gadsden Museum of Art, 6-8 p.m.

Wet Paint Silent Auction (2 specially chosen painting from each of the 15 artists)

Artists’ Reception (refreshments will be served)

Artist Recognition and Awarding of Prizes

The public is invited to view over 150 paintings created during the Southeastern Plein Air Invitational and to meet the artists.

follow the blog at www. gadsdenmuseum.blogspot.com

Southeastern Plein Air Invitational next week

2011-04-18T23:44:00.000-05:00

Yipee! I was invited to the

2011 Southeastern Plein Air Invitational
April 25 - 29

Fifteen professional artists will be painting on location for a week in Gadsden and Etowah County. You can observe artists as they work their magic on canvas plein air style – working in the out of doors and completing a painting in one setting.

WHERE CAN I SEE THE ARTISTS AT WORK?
Monday, April 25: 9 – 4
Gadsden Country Club
Tuesday, April 26: 9 – 4
The Owen Farm in Little Wills Valley
Wednesday, April 27: 9 – 4
Downtown Gadsden, Alabama City and Attalla
Thursday, April 28: 9 – 4
Rainbow Landing & Coosa River south
Friday, April 29: 9 – 4
Gadsden historic residential district

www.gadsdenmuseum.com

paintings will be on exhibit and for sale all week, with a reception and sale Friday evening.

If you can come to Gadsden, I'd love to visit with you while we paint.

the painting above was done at last year's paint out - at the Wright Dairy Farm and found a new owner.

Just because it's red

2011-04-18T23:14:00.000-05:00

It was raining buckets when this was painted. I wanted to go out to paint, but I sliced up these tomatoes instead for some cheer. Sometimes red can have a soothing effect.

9x12 on linen panel, email robinroberts4@gmail.com for info

Dogwoods

2011-04-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

Wanted to paint our dogwood trees for years. It won't be long before its too late because the heat is making them wilt fast. This little study was fun.
8x8 on panel

Party Time!

2011-04-03T18:30:00.000-05:00

You're invited - lunch and reception for Barbara Davis and myself featuring "Southern " paintings. It's an all day affair in Montgomery Al, on
Thursday, April 7. We would enjoy your visit to Charleston House Gallery to see new and exciting work.
David and Ashley Owen have a beautiful gallery with the lovliest pottery, jewelry and surprise items- and they have great southern food planned!

Can't Get Enough Spring

2011-04-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

Sun and color - that's what we're starved for around here. That time before the leaves come out and the bugs bug is so lovely, though.

Anticipating Spring is 9x12, framed in gold (top)

Rolling Springtime is 11x14, framed in gold (lower)

Finished Product

2011-04-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

Ever have a painting that lays around asking to be finished? Perhaps I just couldn't understand what it was asking, or maybe I was afraid to mess it up.   That's a dangerous way of thinking that leads me to paralyzed ways of working. Anyway, I took a chance and pushed this one from its' former vague state to a more balanced and finished look.   Now we can get along and I'll feel good when it finds a new home.
20x16 oil on linen panel,   framed in brown and gold.
robinroberts4@gmail.com

CHORES

2011-03-31T09:30:00.000-05:00

Got to be done everyday and get on to the fun stuff! - tidying up around our pets, like horses and dogs and birds and cats....
This oil painting is a stable I spotted in Aiken SC.

9x12, oil on linen panel. It will be available at Thoroughbred Antiques in Lexington,Ky 859-233-9375 or email me robinroberts4@gmail.com

2011-03-16T13:34:00.001-05:00

Keenland Race Track in October. Ahhh so crispy, so colorful- so fun, especially when Zenyatta had such a great year.

oil on linen panel, 16x12. This one is going to Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington Ky, so if you would like it check with Jerry @ www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=110057795710414, or call 637 East Main Street,Lexington, KY 40508 OOPS, CORRECT NUMBER!:(859) 233-9375. in a gold frame

2011-03-05T20:20:00.001-06:00

Horsey people know what these are: muck buckets, all tidy after a mornings' work.....
8x10 oil on linen panel

Time of the Sandhill Cranes in Energen Art Competition

2011-02-27T21:57:00.000-06:00

Good news! "Time of the Sandhill Cranes" was accepted into Energen Corporation 12th Wonders of Alabama Art annual competition. You can visit with the artists on Sunday afternoon the 27th. The show is at Energen Plaza in downtown Birmingham which is on display and for sale from March 21 thru 27th. The art competition celebrates Alabama artists. Five winning entries will be purchased by Energen and will become part of Energen’s “Alabama Collection”, which is displayed at Energen Plaza, the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, Al. A portion of the proceeds from the 2011 Energen Art Competition will benefit The Jimmie Hale Mission.
I painted Time of the Sandhill Cranes after one of those freezing snows. We have the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge here in Decatur, and the Sandhill Cranes gathered in tremendous numbers this year. This is some of the icy backwaters at the Refuge.
Hope to see you Sunday the 27th.

Yesterday's Lineup

2011-02-20T07:59:00.000-06:00

It's all about the Light - it shines on everything, even us old guys!
8x24 on wrapped canvas $450, contact Robin southernpainter@hotmail.com

Entertaining Artists

2011-02-16T20:40:00.000-06:00

Meet Richard (Little Richard, that is). I'm in Aiken, SC taking a workshop from the talented Booth Malone sponsored by the American Academy of Equine Art. We are honing painting skills on horses. Our wonderful hostess brought us some entertainment INTO her studio this morning. Enter Richard the Shetland pony.

Richard is a ham, as you can see. We tried to sketch quickly, but everyone soon grabbed cameras to catch his antics.

Richard, like a dog, is finding a place to sit down.........

You can see Richard is assisted by the Corgi Ruffles.

he finds a place to sit with us, and "mom" has a treat for him...

And he stands up and says hello...

....and he takes a paintbrush and paints!

Back to the workshop - some of you know artists might not do the best work because of the learning curve we want to grasp. Here is the start of mine - I wiped half of it off and redrew the left side of these Clydesdales. More to come........

MidWinter Finished

2011-01-21T19:22:00.000-06:00

Gee, I've never done so many winter paintings! Doing this one feels like 3 extra paintings. It coincides with the extra snow we've had lately. It's been renamed Time of the Sandhill Cranes. Can you see the cranes? At the Wheeler Refuge they meet together on the land areas that were planted in corn. This frozen pond/backwater doesn't seem to be where they like to congregate.

Middle of Winter

2011-01-15T22:21:00.000-06:00

Middle of Winter - middle stage of the painting, that is. Yesterday we saw this frozen water at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Decatur Al. This year there are HUGE numbers of Sandhill cranes there. Wish I could have made good photos of the cranes, but my zoom won't do it. So this icy scene is the next best thing I saw. I'm maybe halfway finished on this 24x36 oil. It's been 43 degrees here today and we still have as much snow as and ordinary north Alabama snow would be!

Our backyard today

2011-01-12T12:49:00.000-06:00

It's a big deal around here- 3 days with school and offices closed from snow. Today the sun at least made it look pretty. Snow, snow go away- come again no other day.......
oil, 9x12

Complicated

2011-01-06T21:19:00.000-06:00

Everybody who drives relates to traffic, but did you ever think traffic scenery is pretty? This painting was more complicated than I usually do. The scene itself was pretty- I liked the peaceful look of twilight punctuated by glowing reds and headlights weaving in and out of the trees. I used it to practice techniques for another version.
Moving, 12x16 oil on linen. Contact southernpainter@hotmail.com for purchase
RobinRobertsArt.com

#139

2010-12-22T13:23:00.000-06:00

Christmas approaches...anticipating that special day, and yet I'm already looking back and looking forward to the new year. This is #139 of paintings this year, so I want to say Thank You for following- you have been some of my biggest blessings this year. I think a person is fortunate to be able to utilize natural gifts, whether it's facility with numbers, organizing, sports talent - any talent is valuable. For me, it couldn't be better than the ability to paint. Thanks again for coming along on this journey!

Up the Lane, 11x14, oil- red clay dirt roads......

Cowboys Two

2010-12-19T18:57:00.000-06:00

More in my Cowboy series from a cattle drive north of Taos.
I know Christmas is nearing, yet some paintings just call to be painted!

Cowboys Two, 11x14, oil on panel-
you may contact me before it gets framed and goes to the gallery next month. $400 unframed

Outta da way....

2010-12-15T21:08:00.000-06:00

Out of My Way 14x16, oil on canvas

I think I'm glad I'm not the one who took the photo for this. I usually paint from my own references, but Gary Keming has given me a great way to practice animals I probably won't see in the wild. Gary's WildernessArtChallenge (go there to see the photo) shows something from his outstanding collection of photos from Wyoming. And check out his beautiful paintings, too. I don't know how Gary ever selects a subject to paint! I'm just glad I didn't meet this bear this close. Thanks Gary, for a fun way to pass an icy day.

Here is the progress - backwards:

the main repair here at the end was lengthening the legs, then softening the fur on the back - see if you can compare it to the finished version.

A Christmas Card for You

2010-12-11T22:08:00.000-06:00

9x12 oil on linen

Yup, sometimes in north Alabama we get snow - this was last year. Now we're having something not as pretty and much colder. We really have to get out quick around here to get snow photos - it often melts so fast. Are you dreaming of a white Christmas?

Sleeping Dogs....

2010-12-01T11:35:00.000-06:00

Sleeping Dogs 8x8

Painted this today - the way I feel - move over dogs!

BEAUTIFUL FALL HIGHLIGHTS

2010-11-29T11:46:00.000-06:00

Shadow Shapes 12x12 oil

Last week North Alabama was displaying a glowing end to fall color. I passed this place several times, catching it as the evening sun bounced off the house and tree. Now we're into the winter season and Christmas is coming.......I guess nothing is sure but change!

EXERCISING MY COLOR MUSCLES

2010-11-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

5x7 Purple Hydrangeas

Short on time today, so I assigned myself an exercise in color and application. These are from a huge hydrangea shrub near our deck.

the start , using shapes instead of drawing

mid stage, hoping for some color balance

framed in simple silver frame, $110 includes shipping, email robinroberts4@gmail.com

RED THINGS

2010-11-10T14:51:00.000-06:00

All Grown Up, 6x8, black frame

Hollyhocks, 6x8 black frame

Red Bike 8x10 , black frame

Red Vase 6x8 black frame

Softly 6x8 black frame

STROLL THE SQUARE THIS FRIDAY

2010-11-09T16:51:00.000-06:00

Taos, 12x16, oil
You can see this one Friday 5to8pm at the Host of Christmas Past Open House around the courthouse square of Fayetteville Tn. Dragonfly Gallery is celebrating the entrance to the holiday season and its Tenth year with exciting new artwork.
Sparkling lights abound as you enjoy refreshments and find stores open and decorated for the season. Robin has 7 paintings for you to see - everything from donkeys to this serene fall scene from Taos NM. Of course, Dragonfly Gallery is open if you can't make the Holiday Stroll this Friday.

PICK A COW FINISHED

2010-10-25T13:07:00.000-05:00

You know how it feels to get to the end of a project? It's been a couple of weeks since this one started and it's a nice feeling to know it's finished.

Here is the next to final stage:

18x24 oil - to be framed in a nice wide wood frame
interested? contact me: southernpainter@hotmail.com before it goes to a gallery

Women Painters of the Southeast

2010-10-14T19:55:00.000-05:00

Wow! I was just accepted to the Women Painters of the Southeast Check them out and you'll find some outstanding work:
http://womenpaintersse.blogspot.com/

PICK A COW, ANY COW

2010-10-13T22:44:00.000-05:00

laptop photos (best color reproduction)

You know I really enjoy painting outdoors. Recently I was able to photo these cows while painting at a lovely creek. My husband can tell you I have a strange passion to find cows in the water. So this day was my lucky break. Thought you might like to follow along.....I hope the painting does justice to these beautiful cows - looks like these were all girls.

several photos used for selecting certain cows to make a rhythm. Used for structue and composition, but not for color.

drawn in thin paint

At this stage, changes are easy to make in thin transparent raw sienna. A section was wiped off when cows got too large or needed shrinking.

darks laid in first

the color wash on the background is just to knock off the white. The darks are added regardless of the "cow" - Painting just shape by shape and value by value from here on....... The dark in this case is burnt sienna with a violet added here and there.

Now it gets funner, but more complicated. When applying the ligher colors of the cowhide, I can see the darks were making the bone structure and some places needed changing. Working left to right just because it seems simpler.

main cow, midstage

left cow, mostly finished

Lights are even more fun, and I can see more bone structure, here the attempt is to stay loose until the end.

mid cow and right cow getting structure

What color are those highlights? Lavender? Orange? a combo?

So, thanks for following to this point. Now there will be decisions about the water and some cow tweaking until it gets finished.

18x24, oil on clay surface canvas

This is the glass palette used for this painting on the mid and highlights. When I started to scrape it down after a session, I realized it looks very similar to colors for a persons' face. :)

STARBUCKS GIRLS

2010-10-12T23:54:00.000-05:00

STARBUCKS GIRLS
painted on location, then I decided it needed the girls. This one will go to the Decatur Newcomers Charity Auction that benefits children at Christmastime.

9x12, oil on linen panel

RETREAT

2010-10-11T09:26:00.000-05:00

from Disciples Womens Retreat at Camp Chandler near Wetumpka Al last weekend. Such a beautiful place and weather, but it wasn't easy to find a scene to make a composition for plein air painting. Finally these gals caught my eye - paddling confidently to?...... Painted on location, using the camera viewer. The scenery was wonderful for retreat, but the program was even better. May you be blessed as we were.

A HOT WEEK IN NASHVILLE

2010-09-27T23:57:00.000-05:00

paintings from a recent workshop near Franklin and Nashville Tn. I call these "flying by the seat of my pants" style. Painting on location is a struggle and a rush at the same time. You can easlily see a wide range of success in these - some ok, some not so ok.

COWBOY CONFERENCE

2010-09-19T22:17:00.000-05:00

"Cowboy Conference" oil, 22x20 oil on linen

finished Cowboy painting. You can see signs of the way it morphed from the close up photos. The ghostly cowboy served a purpose at one time, but the composition is much better without him. The linen makes a painting more fun, quicker and the paint quality is jucier.

horse adjustments, people adjustments, blocky paint - having fun stage.

Cowboy Conference - $1100 22x28 framed

a companion to:

Cattle Drive 12x16. these two are going to Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington Ky, if you're interested - just email me and I'll put you in touch with them.

and this is the sister painting:

Mountain Cattle Drive 22x28, in a new home.

A PLACE OF PEACE

2010-09-11T22:31:00.000-05:00

Must have been seeking solace when I found this place to paint yesterday. Perhaps it had something to do with 9-11, but I like old cemetaries anyway.
I alloted myself 2 hours to paint so I made a decision to take advantage of the scenery rather than looking too far for a subject - took a little longer since the caretaker came over to give me a history lesson. Even the sign says "a place of perfect peace"

COWBOYS ON MY MIND

2010-09-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

stage one - 22x30 oil End of the Trail

I do work in series - they're just spaced far apart! I've had this composition in my head since last fall. And it's the third or fourth one in this series. I used several photos to group these cowboys. No preliminary sketch - just drawing on the canvas. The scene is a cattle drive north of Taos where - cattle were brought down from summer in the mountains to the lower pastures - a two day job. These cowboys were taking a rest as the cattle went straight for the stock pond. I'll show you the photo and finished version soon.....

phase two

mid stage - when the paint goes on in this stage it gets fun.

ALL EARS

2010-09-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

Back in the summer - remember when it was so hot?? we saw this donkey group near a fabulous horse farm. The horses were exotic and beautiful and very much a good subject for a painting, but these guys were like puppies begging for treats. I couldn't resist. They were special - meaning they were a particular kind of donkey, but I'm afraid I don't know which.

SKETCHBOOK #2

2010-09-02T23:01:00.000-05:00

She looks like a Pre Raphelite lass, doesn't she? Another sketch project from my photo stack - just to keep sharp. She's a lovely young lady we met this summer, and this candid shot was from a landscape photo I intended to paint.

perhaps you'd like to see the start- doesn't look so promising, but she is so lovely I just kept trying....

If you're trying to learn about drawing, I hope these awful starts make you feel better - just keep trying and measuring.

SKETCHBOOK

2010-08-31T19:46:00.000-05:00

sketch, about 11x14, oil on canvas

If I can say something with few "words" I consider it a success. Just practice from a model - keeps me humble. This is about the 5th sketch of the morning!

SMALLER THAN IT LOOKS

2010-08-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

This is 8x10. It was simply an excuse to push paint around, and when I finished, it seems much bigger than real life. It was a fun project for getting drama with light values and still having some "punch" in the painting.

oil, 8x10 on cradled board
$250
contact robinroberts@gmail.com for your collection

A COOL PLACE

2010-08-25T21:19:00.000-05:00

A COOL PLACE

"Canyon's End Pool" 9x12, oil. Ahhhhhh this was a cool place to be painting in July. This little sketch just took about an hour. I was standing by a footbridge over this little creek in North Carolina. The creek led to a lovely sheltered spot to rest and relax. I have thought about it many times through the August heat. We survived! Today a gaggle of Robins and Cardinals arrived in our yard, taking advantage of the north winds, so I know fall is on its way.......

$425, framed in gold
email southernpainter@hotmail.com for purchase

SUMMER FUN

2010-08-20T23:12:00.000-05:00

SUMMER FUN

Ever had to put on a wet bathing suit? I've been quiet posting lately doing a fun series of paintings of a notable girls summer camp. Since late July I've finished 6, and this is one of my favorites. Reminds me of towels and swimsuits that never dried during camp sessions. But who cares? Campers are so busy they don't notice.
The cabin isn't as crooked as it appears - it's the picture taker/maker who's crooked.

NOT A PORTRAIT

2010-08-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

NOT A PORTRAIT

model sketch about 12x16, oil

I was getting heavy handed with my painting, so I made a point of attending the live model sessions at Huntsville Art League. I sketched in pencil for the short sessions, but when we were ready for the long pose session I was feeling the need to use something fluid to describe what I was seeing. It just seems easier. This is just thin burnt sienna oil paint, no white or any other color, just wiping out the light areas with my fingers or paper. The "real" portrait artists would use this for a sketch, or they might start adding thicker mixed colors for the next step in a portrait. For me, it will go in the stack of practice sketches.

THAT YELLOW DRESS

2010-06-29T22:05:00.000-05:00

Wanted to show you this - I already posted on Facebook awhile back. But I confess - I like it - probably because it was a struggle, but fun. It's a store window in Gadsden Al, with outrageous dresses on display. It was one of several I painted during the Gadsden Southeastern Plein Air event, and it's quite different from any recent painting I've done. Visitors stopped on the street and seemed to want to know the process while I painted it. Explaining an "artsy" thinking process to a non painter was a challenge, especially if you could see my messy preliminary underpainting. So there I was - all sweaty all afternoon painting those luscious shiny fabrics wondering how nice it would feel to clean up and go to a party!

9x12 oil on linen panel $400, framed

APOLOGIES TO SOME STUDENTS

2010-06-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

I owe apologies to several students for suggesting we use the photo for this painting for our project several lessons ago. I saw the photo in simple terms of light and dark shapes making a composition. Well, we struggled thru class and the painters got farther along in their paintings than I did - as usual. With lots of grumbling about the fence. Well, when I returned to finish it later, I was just as frustrated as at the start. You might not believe how difficult that fence is! I think I did it over 4 times. Poor students - subjected to the whims of a fake teacher! I learned alot from struggling thru this one and I can only hope they did too - or else they went running into the woods screaming!

The site of the photo reference was the Haywood College campus in Waynesville NC, where they have a wonderful daliah garden

SPARKLE AGAIN

2010-06-02T23:04:00.000-05:00

This is a larger version of the previous "Little Dip". I took the advice of artist Anne Stickney and painted another version since the little one had promise but lost the sparkle I had hoped to achieve. My references were canada geese cruising back and forth on this pond, but I made the decision to leave them out. Maybe that could be the third version!

IN THE MIDDLE

2010-05-31T13:13:00.000-05:00

Hard to photograph, tricky to paint - I'm in the middle of this sunset scene. Where to go, what's next?
24" square, oil on gallery canvas

LITTLE DIP

2010-05-29T20:40:00.000-05:00

Looks better in photo than in real life - does that ever happen to you? Usually it's the other way around. I am close to trashing it because it has lost its' oomph. Color has faded, edges are seeming mushy instead of free and effortless. I've lightened it 3 times and tried to make the foreground more colorful and still subdued, but it didn't work. O well, it will make a good greeting card photo.

6x12, oil on prepared board...

RENEWED, REFRESHED

2010-05-18T21:45:00.000-05:00

I liked this image so much that it required painting another version. Last fall the weeds were dazzling in the sunlight and the horse was almost lost in the foliage. In this version, the horse looks our way, expecting something?

We used the beginning of it in our monthly painting class. Sometimes there isn't enough time to put those finishing touches in class, so I wanted painters to see how a painting can progress when the alla prima approach takes more sessions.
Here are the stages and a close up of the finshed painting:

Where's the Hay? 16x20, black/brown frame with gold liner $850, oil on canvas,

contact Robin southernpainter@hotmail.com for purchase

PREPARING FOR THE GADSDEN PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL

2010-04-30T22:34:00.000-05:00

Plein Air means painting on location, and I'm gearing up for the Gadsden Plein Air Festival next week in Gadsden Al. Our rhodendrons this year have been lovely, and I painted them to warm up for the week long event next week.
Plein Air Artists paint their pieces outdoors and many have an impressionistic style. They use their brush strokes and color palette to convey the organic appearances of their surroundings and to simulate the natural lights and shadows of the objects that they are creating. Visitors are welcome to all of the on location events, May 3-7 to watch the artists in their element. The collection of paintings, created during the festival, will be on exhibit from May 7th until June 4th: the museum is open monday through saturday from 10 am- 4 pm and there is no charge to attend. For those intersted in acquiring paintings, there will be multiple chances to do so: the Wet Paint Auction will take place on May 7th; the Online Auction will be available for those who are unable to travel; the Live Auction will take place on June 4th. You can find me and the other artists here:

Monday May 3: Downtown Gadsden (9am-4pm)
Tuesday May 4: Noccalula Falls (9am-4pm), The Brow (5pm-7pm)
Wednesday May 5: Historic Distric (9am-4pm)
Thursday May 6: Rural Countryside (9am-4pm)
Friday May 7: Coosa River and Bank (9am-1pm), Wet Paint Auction (5 to 8pm)
You can follow the blog for paintings http://www.gadsdenmuseum.com/
Hope to see you!

Mr Chestnut has a farm...

2010-04-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

Mr Chestnut has a farm in Georgia where we had a workshop recently. It's a painters treasure trove of barns, cows, tractors, gardens, sheds - things that make easy subject matter. Mr Chestnut was a gracious host, letting 20 painters rove over his place. This particular morning was hazy after a nightime rain. I love this tender springtime when the leaves on the pecan and walnut trees are just beginning to show.
This was a good warm up for the upcoming Gadsden Plein Air Festival. Come to Gadsden Alabama next week and you'll be able to see about 30 painters fan out over the town Monday Thru Friday. And you can take home those scenes by visiting the Gadsden Museum of ARt, and you can follow their blog and see updates daily...

"Early"
11x14 oil on linen
contact robinroberts4@gmail.com for purchase
$525 in a great gold frame.

HEADING TO FAIRHOPE

2010-03-11T10:15:00.000-06:00

"All Lit Up" is an oil painting I'm taking to the Fairhope Art Show next weekend - March 19,20 & 21. I'm looking forward to spring break, because the weather is nice that weekend, and I get to show you the latest of the "places you know by heart" paintings. My booth is usually near the corner of Section St and Fairhope Ave in downtown Fairhope Al. If I don't see you there, I hope you have a fun weekend too.

A PROMISE

2010-02-26T22:25:00.000-06:00

Waiting to Plow, 11x14 oil.
....In the winter farm plein air series, as I promised in the last post. Now that I see it here, there are several tweaks it needs - what do you think? Got to make the puddles look like puddles and fix the mass of trees on the right.
Suddenly it occured to me how many winter scenes I've done. I looked back over the files of paintings on my computer and was reminded how much I enjoy those delicate colors and the patterns that emerge in farm lands. Like an abstract quilt.
I'm easily exited !

Long Summer Night, 12x12, oil on cradled board
Todays' painting takes a completely different turn. This fishing pier is huge. There's a complete kitchen in there. More decks on either side. It's a place for gatherings to eat the crabmeat the owner patiently cracks and puts in the freezer. Like we crack pecans up here. The evening was soft and breezy..... (here's where you make up your own story...)

both paintings still wet, contact Robin at robinroberts4@gmail,.com for collecting. Or you can see them to the Fairhope Arts Show in mid March.

2010-02-25T23:56:00.000-06:00

Thank you Trish Siegel for nominating me for the Sunshine Award blog award for creativity and positivity in blogging. Wow, creative? Positive? Well, I positively know I'm inspired by all you artists out there who share the process. I think everyone has something great to pass on. In my case, it's usually the blunders that I can show. You inspire me to keep up. When you check Trish's work - and the others, you'll know what I mean....
and I nominate the Sunshine Award to:
1. Gina Brown - watch this girl fly
2. V...Vaughn - the softest, truest touch in painting
3. Gwen Bell - luscious
4. Tracy Helgeson - mysterious
5. Anita Stoll - pastels you want to touch
6. Beth Macre - multi media artist
7. Carol Abla - fresh plein aire
8. Don Gray - dailyartwest.com ( couldn't get the link to work) - truth in paint
9. Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson - paper paintings - unbelievable
10. Greg Little - plein aire full of energy

The rules for accepting the award are:
Put the logo on your blog or within your post,
Pass the award onto bloggers,
Link the nominees within your post,
Let the nominees know they have received this award.
Link to the person from whom you received this award.

"Old Friends" oil, 12x16
Here's to new friends!

SOMETHING RACY AND RED

2010-02-25T21:54:00.000-06:00

Took a break from the plein air winter series to inject some warmth in these chilly days. This is a little one - 7x10, I think. I have another winter farm to show in the next post. Seafood anyone?

"Red" 7x10, oil on cradled board, $350. Contact robinroberts4@gmail.com for collecting.

SOFT WINTER COLORS

2010-02-24T22:39:00.000-06:00

Another plein air painting from the Alabama Plein Air Artists gathering last weekend. We are still anxious to get some normal weather here, but I'm still enjoying the soft winter colors. I painted this little creek 3 times, looking in both directions. The winter light is so thin this time of year that it doesn't give much warmth to the landscape, and the lavenders get emphasized.

WINTER IS OVER

2010-02-21T23:25:00.000-06:00

At least that's what I'm declaring. The weekend in the southern part of Alabama was sooooo nice. In north Alabama we were getting desperate for sunshine and above freezing temps. The Alabama Plein Air Artists met at the retreat of one of our painters this weekend. Winter IS retreating and we could still see those subtle colors I enjoy. How nice to stand in a pasture in the sun painting this stream after so long with harsh weather.

CORRECTING MISTAKES

2010-02-17T11:24:00.000-06:00

Took a still life workshop with Roger Dale Brown recently. I'll probably never make it as a still life painter, but everything we paint improves what we want to paint. Roger had us painting at least 2 a day, finishing on the last day taking longer on a complicated set up.

This one started life as another scene early in the week. I used Ken Auster's suggestion: when it doesn't work in the very first stage START OVER. Auster writes that in big letters on his video. Rather than waste time fixing something that lost my interest, I scraped it all off. Ever heard that scraping sound?? It can be a good thing. I thought I'd take off more paint than scraping, so I sloshed oms on the canvas, then decided to just let it drip.

Not wanting to lose time, I turned to another still life that seemed more interesting - this brass vase. Using the drippy moist canvas I had just scraped down, I slowly worked my way around the vase, just blocking darks and medium colors - no preliminary drawing. Left the lights for last - the fun part. Really - I was waiting for lunch (!), and just let my brain go on autopilot. That sometimes works best for me - to just get out of the way and paint exactly what's in front of me, shape by shape.

My other paintings were competent, but boring. This whacky vase turned out to be my favorite. The second photo shows what I did to it when I returned home = enriched and darkened the colors on the top so it seems to have more depth. I also added a shadow on the left that you don't see in this photo.

DOWN SOUTH

2010-02-15T14:16:00.000-06:00

I'm wishing for Charleston again where we found plenty of seafood, wildlife and scenery because the winter has been so ....cold. I know, you live with this all the time.

So this painting could actually be the bottom of a recent painting "Pelican Party". All this bird action was going on below the dock - looked like a feeding frenzy at the end of a lovely sunset. I think I'm painting things that seem to warm me up. This one is 24x36, and even though it's not larger than recent paintings, I really had to focus to get it done. Things went slowly probably because I composed it backwards - my watercolor background coming out again. I needed to decide which of a hundred pelicans to include or leave out. Since I usually paint without a preliminary drawing, birds get scraped off, added here or there, tucked behind or in front of, mouths open or closed.......believe it or not, the water took as much thought as the birds. 24x36, oil on canvas, framed. $1100 email Robin robinroberts4@gmail.com if interested.

Entered in the Alabama Flora And Fauna show sponsored by Alabama Wildlife Federation www.alabamawildlife.org . Check this website for dates of the exhibit in April.