Quiet Reflection

Quiet Reflection is a combination of brush and palette knife work.  Can you spot the little bird?

12" x 24"

Oil on Board

Winter Robin

Here is a tiny English Robin waiting for the weather to warm up.  So far this year it has been a mild winter here in southern England and we're all hoping it stays that way.  Well, perhaps the children would like to see some of the white stuff but personally, I'm happy just the way it is.

6" x 6"

Oil on Board

Hangin On

Sometimes you can find inspiration from the most simple of compositions.  I wanted to paint something to suit the season and thought my little red mitts would be a fitting subject.  

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

6" x 6"

Oil on Canvas Board

Fresh Pumpkin

Painting with a palette knife is, for me, a challenging but rewarding experience.  It's a challenge because there are definite restrictions regarding how much detail can be achieved but rewarding because the end product reveals a lovely fresh look to the subject.

6"x6"

Oil on Canvas

Autumn treasures

One day near Halloween I was walking through the grounds of one of the beautiful National Trust properties and found a variety of nuts and leaves that caught my eye.  I put them together with our pumkin and came up with the idea for this painting.  The cloth was especially fun to do!

12"x12"

Oil on Linen Canvas Board

Whacky Birds 1 - Sing-a-Long

I really enjoy painting still life style paintings but sometimes I get the urge to do something a bit less detailed and something from my imagination.  I have started a series of whacky bird paintings and this is the first one in the series.  It was great fun to do and kind of makes me smile.

 16"x20"

Oil on Canvas

Three Juicy Bites

Cherries are one of my favourite fruits and painting them is almost as good as eating them!  Can't wait until next simmer.  Yum

8"x10"

Oil on Canvas

Sunflower Duo

Inspiration for a painting can come from anywhere you happen to be.  One day last summer I was passing by a street vendor's flower stand in the city and was immediately drawn in by all the beautiful colours.  Sunflowers are a subject I've always wanted paint so I chose these ones to bring home and decided to paint them as well.

14"x18"

Oil on Canvas Board

Sweet Feet

I love going to car boot sales and sometimes I come across something that peaks my painting interest.  That's what happened when I saw these little shoes.  What even made it nicer was that I actually met the little girl who used to wear them and when I told her I was going to do a painting of them, she beamed and said,  "Wheally"?  :)

5"x7"

Oil on board 

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Summer Favorite

When I saw these cherries at the market I just had to buy them.  Not only was I attracted to them them as a painting subject but they brought back childhood memories of Granny's huge old cheery in the back garden.  As kids we used to climb the tree and eat cherries until we were full and covered in cherry juice......the joys of childhood!

12" x 16"

Oil on Canvas

Merlin's Cave

Cornwall is a beautiful county in the UK and is full of amazing painting opportunities.  Merlin's cave is a sea cave made famous by Tennyson in Idylls of Kings.  It was written that the infant Arthur was carried by the waves to the shores of the cave and then taken to safety by Merlin.

10" x12"

Oil on Canvas Board

Tea Time

Shiny things are a challenge I just love!  I don't know how many pots of tea have been made in this old brown pot but it has never lost it's charm over the years.

8" x 10"

Oil on Canvas Board

  

Living Life on the Ledge

Living life on the ledge is a combination of palette knife and brush work.  The petunias are done with a knife which gave the flower petals a lovely soft look.  

16" x 22"

Oil on Canvas

Lazy Day on the Water

Lazy Day on the Water

Painting with a palette knife is great fun and quite a departure from my usual style.
This type of painting forced me to to loosen up and concentrate on shapes rather than details.  I really enjoyed doing this little one!  Paint on!

8" x 10"

Oil on Canvas Board

Yellow Carnation

Yellow Carnation

This fluffy little carnation was done with a palette knife which gives it a lovely texture.  I plan to do a small collection of similar subjects in the near future and will post them as I go along.  Paint on!

5" x 7"

Oil on Canvas Board

Goldie

Goldie

Goldie lives a privileged life in the fields near 5 Lanes in Cornwall.  She is the 6 year old daughter of Golden One who was the much loved pet and friend of her owner.  Goldie has a wonderful disposition, sultry eyes and a hairdo that could one day be seen on the catwalk!  She's beautiful.

12" x 16"
Oil on Stretched Canvas

An Apple a Day

An Apple a Day

Well, I must say, I've had some interesting comments on this painting.  One day I had the urge to paint but couldn't decide on a subject.  While I was thinking about what I'd like to paint, I was enjoying a nice juicy apple and after I finished it, I put it down, looked at it, smiled to myself and thought, "why not"?  Believe it or not, it was quite a challenging subject but a challenge I really enjoyed.  I especially liked painting the seeds.  As my friend Diana says, "Paint On"!

16" x 20"

Oil on Stretched Canvas

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Wash Day

Wash Day

Private Collection

  As life rushes by, it's nice to take the time to notice some of the more simple things in life such as a gentle breeze wafting through wash hanging on the line.  This painting was inspired by a sketch done by a friend while on vacation in Venice.

18" x 26"
Oil on Canvas Board

Pears and Things

Pears and Things

Many times I have admired how artists paint objects in a way that it would appear you can lift them off the canvas.  I've had several people tell me they feel they could pick the pears off this canvas so I'm a happy painter!  

14" x 18"
Oil in Stretched Canvas

Little Engine House

Little Engine House

This little abandoned engine house sits alone overlooking the scenic Tamar Valley in Cornwall.  Although not used as an engine house these days, over the years it has not been completely abandoned. I've been told that it has been known to be magically transformed into a castle used by children while they relive history and defend the land from the hilltop.  Imagination is a wonderful thing!  Happy painting!

8" x 10"

Oil on Canvas Board

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

30 Paintings in 30 Days - January 2014

 Here is a collage of the work I did in January while participating in the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by to look at my paintings and to those who left words of encouragement and kind comments. Special thanks to Diana for inviting me to join her in this challenge and also to my husband for not being too annoyed about being left to his own defences for the past month.  :)
Cheers and Happy Painting!
Geri

Painting 21-Tangy Bites

Oh no!  This little painting was supposed to be number 21 of the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge.  It wasn't until I went to assemble my collage that I realized had either forgotten to add this post or I didn't save it!  Never mind, here it is.....juicy but not very sweet!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 30-Sweeties

Whew, I can hardly believe the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge is over.  I guess now my friend Diana and I can stop rooting around at the market for the best looking fruit and veggies we can find.  It has nothing to do with how they might taste, it's more to do with how they look!
For my last painting, I'll leave you with a couple of treats from the sweetie dish.  Cheers and Happy Painting!
Geri.

Painting 29- Melon

I'm having some computer difficulties but hopefully I will get my last 2 paintings posted without too much grief.  This painting should really be called the disappearing melon because I ate it before finishing it...just typical!  That meant I had to improvise because I also didn't take a picture of it before it magically disappeared.  :o)  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 28-Old Friend

Sometimes old articles of clothing can become old friends....that's how I feel about my old sun hat. Over the years it's become so floppy that I have to pin it back or it completely covers my eyes...kind of looks like a tent over my head!  Some might say that's not a bad thing.  :o)  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 27-Spring is coming

It was so nice to see these little bulbs at the shop today.  It reminded me that Spring is on the way and hopefully the rain will stop long enough for me to plant them outside!  There definitely shouldn't be a watering ban this summer, at least not in this part of the world.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 26-Nice and ripe

      

These tomatoes are lovely and sweet and I'm planning to add them to my spaghetti sauce later today.  It's hard to believe that we are on day 26 of this challenge....I feel that I have learned to relax a lot more with my paintings which is exactly what I was hoping would happen.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 25-Bad Hair Day

Meet Ducky!  Pretty much every day is a bad hair day for poor old Ducky but he's still loved. He's one of those things that you just can't part with; a chubby little chap that brings back memories and makes you smile. He's actually a lot more tatty looking in real life but thought I'd spruce him up in this painting.....call it a painting makeover.  :o)   Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 24-Aubergine

I really don't know what to do with this now that I've painted it.  I've often looked at them in the shop but never bought one with the intention of eating it.  I guess I'll have to go online and look for a recipe to try....more R&D for the dinner table.  :o)  Happy Painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 23-Cuppa

Who would have thought that painting a cuppa would be so much work!  This is the first time I've ever painted a colored liquid so it was a very interesting exercise in studying the colors and shapes of the tea in the mug.  I really enjoyed painting this piece and will definitely do something similar again...what fun!  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Ger

Painting 22-Balancing Act

These little plums looked so inviting in the shop that I just had to buy them.  They are African Rose plums and definitely look better than they taste.  They are a very sour variety of plum and I imagine are used mainly in cooking recipes.  It was a bit of a challenge to get them stacked up in a way that they would stay there but with a little perseverance, all things are possible.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 20-Pile of Peppers

Well here are the rest of the peppers!  Hot peppers are not something I normally buy but they are interesting to paint.  I tried giving them away to one of the workmen that was here today but he was quite emphatic that he didn't want them.  My husbands Dad used to eat them like candy....I tried them one once and ended up with blisters in my mouth and on my lips so I'm afraid they're off to the bin! Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 19-Hot and Sweet

It has been a crazy busy few days but I tried to set as much time aside as I could for painting.  I put this chili pepper together with a plump pear just for interest.  I'm not sure I've ever heard of these two things together in a recipe but who knows, it could be an interesting combination!   Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 18-Some salad fixins

Both of these tasty morsels are on the menu for tomorrow so thought I'd have a go at painting them before they end up in the salad bowl.  All through this challenge I have been trying to get myself to put more paint on the canvas (keep telling myself it's only paint) and am happy to say that I managed it with the tangerine in this painting.  Happy painting.
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 17-Old jug and limes

It's been a little hectic around here over the past 2 days but I'm managing to keep up with the painting challenge.  This one is of an old clunky jug I have tucked away in the back of the cupboard and added the limes for a bit of color.  If it looks a little fuzzy, it most likely isn't your eyes or the painting, I'm pretty sure it's the photographer.  :o)  Happy painting.
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 16-Where's the cream?

One of the things I love doing is poking around in charity shops looking for interesting objects to paint (and the odd rare antique would be good too although that's never happened yet).  :o)   I found this little sugar pot the other day and thought it would be an interesting challenge for me as it's basically only two different colors (blue and white).  I don't think this little pot has much age to it but I like the color, the shape and will probably use it as a little trinket box.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 15-Hot Lemon

When I was a child and came down with a cold and sore throat, my mother used to make a hot lemon drink to make me feel better.  It wasn't the lemon I liked so much but rather the honey she put in it!  I loved the way the reflection of the lemon was stretched out because of the shape of the pot.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 14-Good for You

Today I challenged myself to concentrate on getting lots of paint on the canvas and not to fiddle around with the paint too much.  I managed to get loads of paint down but still found myself going over and over some areas.  I found the subject difficult to paint but hopefully you recognize what it is.  Happy Painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 13-Beep Beep

This is hilarious.  This painting was inspired by a little car we bought for our grandson to play with when he comes to visit us in March.  Unfortunately I still have much to learn about perspective as is evident here.  There's still something charming in all its wonkiness though.....kind of makes me smile!  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 12-Red Pepper

We were out shopping yesterday and came across these beautiful red peppers with huge stems.  I thought , hmmm, I know what I can do with that!  Today's painting is tomorrow's salad.  Happy painting.
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 11 - A Little Ripe

This is one of those things that was pushed to the back of the fridge.....don't you hate when that happens.  There weren't any serious fuzzies growing on it but it almost hit the bin before I decided to give it new life. Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 10 - Three Little Figs

Knowing that today would be a bit hectic, I started early with the hopes of completing 2 paintings. That isn't going to happen I'm afraid but I am pleased with the way the 3 little figs came together.  I'm slowing creeping up and hope to soon be caught up to everyone soon.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 9 - Late Bloomer

Every Friday morning I paint with a lovely group of people in a small village in Cornwall.  We meet in a church hall and to my delight, someone left this sweet little Christmas Cactus plant in a pink pot on the window ledge.  I found several other interesting objects to paint in the kitchen at the hall so am looking forward to next Friday for something new to try my hand at.  Happy painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 8 - Sweet Pepper

I love these sweet peppers and buy them often.  I'm pleased with the way this little painting turned out but unfortunately the pepper is destined for the dinner plate tonight.  Never mind, there are plenty more at the shop if the urge to paint one (or more) strikes.  Happy Painting!
Cheers,
Geri

Painting 7 - From the Vine

These three little tomatoes looked so juicy and delicious.  I must say, they were a lovely addition to my salad and I enjoyed watching them appear on the canvas.  It's always fun looking for new subjects to paint and on my trip to the supermarket today I found a few more tasty morsels to try my hand at.

Happy Painting!

Cheers,

Geri

Painting 6 - Pink Lady

Well, here it is, almost midnight again.  I'm still struggling with my camera settings but did have fun painting this Pink Lady.  I will touch up the shadow before I'm completely happy with it but sleep beckons for now.  Happy painting!

Cheers,

Geri

Painting 5 - Hanging Around

These rose hips were painted from a picture I took when out walking on the grounds of Saltram House. One day I'm going to get brave and paint the whole picture but for now, I am practicing on just a few at a time.  :o)

Cheers,

Geri

Painting 4 - Lemon Twist

After scouring the supermarket for the perfect lemon, I came across this quirky little fellow!  I'm still getting to grips with the lighting on my camera but after abandoning 2 paintings because I couldn't get a descent picture of them, I think I'm getting there.  We'll see what tomorrow brings....maybe I will even catch up to everyone.  Happy painting!

Cheers,
Geri

Painting 3 - Tea Time

I was about to make myself a cup of tea and thought the tea ball and jar of tea leaves would be fun to paint.  It's painted in oil on an 8x10 canvas board.  Happy painting!

Cheers,
Geri

Painting 2 - Orange and Pear

I'm still raiding the refrigerator and decided to put this orange and pear together.  I hope you're all enjoying your painting....I'm hoping to be caught up to everyone tomorrow.  Have a lovely painting day!

Cheers,
Geri