Purple Rose and learning

I really struggled with this painting. I tried to work with a new type of canvas and found it very difficult to manipulate the color. It never ceases to amaze me that the littlest things can make such a big difference. Blending on this purple rose did not go well at all and I am not really pleased. Oh well I guess you have to try new things to learn new things. I know now that I won't use this type of canvas again.

Iris in the ditch

This is a painting of the Iris that sits in my ditch in front of the house. They are beautiful this time of the year. The next to come up will be tiger lilies. This is of course a watercolor pencil painting on canvas. I tried another canvas but still like the Fredrick's water color canvas the best. I need volunteers to help me with Art Prize. I do not think I can do this on my own. I am hoping to find some people to volunteer to just sit with me as I find this tiring and nerve racking. More on this later.

Sgt Michael Keith Ingram Jr.

Sgt Michael Keith Ingram Jr.

From: Monroe, Michigan
Age: 23
Unit: Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
Died: April 17, 2010

Fatal incident occurred in Kandahar, Afghanistan
Died of wounds suffered when a roadside bomb detonated near his dismounted patrol in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Michael was known for his smile. His step-mom thought he would be a good model with a smile like this. I agree.

Art Prize is going well. I am very tired and noticed that I am more tired after two hours of talking with folks that I am if I paint for three days straight. I don't know why this is or what to do about it. Just standing there smiling just doesn't seem OK. Oh well I will do the best I can. By the way feel free to comment on any of the work or my blabber.

This picture is a 12 by 16 inch picture I did about a month ago. I liked it and still do so I share it with you.

Willa

I have been doing a lot of paintings for my grandson so it was time for one for the granddaughter. This is Willa in all her glory. We were at a restaurant for my birthday party and while we were all talking and eating she got into the birthday cake. She look so funny with the purple frosting all over her face. So this is her picture and I will hang it in her room if she wants it. She is a redheaded handful and I really Love her spirit.

Lilly Pad

I really liked this picture. Originally I took the picture at the Zoo. Zac and I went to a photo class together. I think we took more pictures of the flowers than the Zoo Animals.

Zack's photo

My grandson Zack asked me to paint this picture for him. He is an amazing little guy who is 4 years old. We went to a photo class at the zoo. He took this picture before the class and really liked it. I painted it for him and it now hangs in his bedroom. He says he loves the picture because the flowers up front are clear and the ones in back are blurry. I don't know were he comes up with this stuff but he is right on with depth perception. He also loves the shadows. I really love the picture too. It is a watercolor pencil on canvas picture.