Day 5 - 30/30 Challenge - Orient Lighthouse Progress

Orient Lighthouse, Sunset, pastel, unfinished

Under the heading of "Yes, you've seen this before." The painting of Orient Point Lighthouse is coming along nicely. I would say this is about 60% done in this picture. The rocks and the lighthouse, need to be more clear - some more definition. I've already done more with the sky than is in this picture. I'll post the final tomorrow.

My goal in this 30/30 Challenge is not necessarily to paint 30 finished pieces in 30 days, but to paint every day for 30 days. With a solo show coming in November and some other life changes, this time around, just painting everyday will be enough to get a substantial bit of work done.

Though many of these paintings won't be for sale right away, I'd like to direct you to my Etsy page where I'm having a little sale. Please consider purchasing a painting because, a. Christmas is coming, and these little 6x6s really make nice gifts, and/or b. the mermaid needs to buy some picture frames for the big solo show and selling a couple of these little guys would be a BIG help!

I'd also like to suggest that you sign up on the right side of this page for emails (not every day), and the follow button to get notifications when this blog is updated (for this month nearly every day, most times, not so much).

Get more info on the 30/30 challenge go to Leslie Saeta's blog by clicking here.

Round 4 of the 30/30 Challenge - Day 1

Sailboats and Clouds, pastel, 9x12

Here we go again! The fourth go-round of the always interesting 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. This little challenge was dreamed up by artist Leslie Saeta about two years ago. The rules are very loose – although the obvious stated goal is 30 paintings in 30 days – there are caveats. You can paint more than one a day, you can skip a day, etc. The ultimate goal is to paint everyday. There are about 700 artists participating over the next 30 days...That's potentially 21,000 pieces of art work! (Go to the link above to see where the participating artists are located.)

I will first confess, that it is highly unlikely that I'll get 30 paintings done this time. I have a number of paintings I need to do for a variety of reasons - not the least of which is a solo show – my first EVER – coming up in November! I know from past experience that working bigger than 6" x 6" will simply not produce a painting a day (I do have to pay my rent!). I will, however, try to paint something everyday – I need to paint something everyday. And I will post the progress.

I also will probably not be putting these up on Etsy immediately. Some may end up in the solo show – I need to fill those walls! (If you are absolutely in love with something, contact me and we can talk...)

Above is the completed pastel painting I started plein air last weekend. I finished it yesterday.  I just love the clouds and the sky. I don't know if it will be part of the November show, time will tell!

Oh and by-the-way I'm having a sale in my Etsy shop. Anything $35 and more is 15% off. (The mermaid has to buy some picture frames for that solo show, you know.) Use the coupon code below...

Day 30 - 30/30 Challenge - Painting 25 - Teddy Roosevelt Park

Summer's Over

10.25" x 8.5", watercolor, $85

Soon to be in my Etsy shop. If you are interested, please contact me below.

Puffy clouds, blue. blue skies, warm sunny day in late September. some of my favorite things.  I confess, I did see another local artist paint this scene at Teddy Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay, a week or so ago...I just loved it, so I went and painted my own rendition. (Thanks Noel Darvie!)

When I wasn't painting, I watched people put their boats in the water for one final fling around the bay, or read a book. (Chocolat, by Joanne Harris - Yes, the same story that was made into a movie with Johnny Depp & Juliette Binoche. She's an excellent writer.) 

I afraid this may be the last of summer for real this time.

Day 14 - 30/30 Challenge - Bike Ride & Painting

Clearing Skies Over Oyster Bay

6" x 6" watercolor, $45
WOO HOO - SOLD!

I went out for a bike ride and I brought my little to-go painting kit in my pack. The sky seemed so clear and the weather was perfect. However, as I looked back to the west - WOW! Some crazy clouds were coming my way. I stopped to take some pictures, got a phone call from a friend who said that it was pouring in Glen Cove. 

Then it rained, but not hard. I braved it out for a 

while. There was even a rainbow!

I love the colors of the marsh and water! There's so much going on there!