Redemption

What a great way to redeem my confidence after my last painting that I struggled with for a week!  First and foremost, I have to give photo credit to my 9 year old son for taking the reference photo for this painting.  We tend to frequent I-71 in Ohio when visiting family in Cincinnati.  If you've ever traveled this section of interstate you'll know there are several old barns that sit prominently along that route.  I've always thought they would make great paintings, but I'm usually the one behind the wheel.  He successfully captured a couple of great looking barns for me.  This is one of them.

Back to the "redemption" part of this painting.  If you read my last post, you'll know some paintings are more challenging than others.  The challenges are sometimes induced by myself and my wanting to "control" the direction of the painting.  Then there are paintings, such as this one, that I can't help but jump up and down and pump my fists, all while whispering under my breath "YES!!!".  I vowed to keep things simple and loose before attempting this piece, choosing a limited palette and preserving the white of the paper for the barn. 
I believe I was successful.

Thanks to all who frequent my blog. 
***If you're a Facebook junkie, I welcome you to join my Facebook page at Gretchen Bjornson ART, if you haven't already.  To fuel some excitement for the upcoming holidays I will be giving away a painting to a lucky Facebook "fan".  So if you want to join in on the fun, go to my page and click the "like" button to be automatically entered.

This is the original photo captured by my son.  Not bad at 70mph!

Just Not Satisfied

I took everyone's great suggestions to heart and dug my heels in to make the needed adjustments.  However, I'm simply not satisfied with this painting.  Every once in awhile I come upon certain pieces that just don't live up to my expectations.  I have a final image in my brain of what I want it to look like and I can't get my brush and paint to perform the way they should.

I still think my darkest values are lacking.  I'm also frustrated by the left garage door....I can't seem to push it back behind the tree.  The left window has also been troublesome.  It's suppose to be open, but it almost looks bowed. 

This painting will most likely sit in my closet for awhile.  If I'm not happy with it, I can't justify giving it away for the sake of gift giving.  I am still open to suggestions, but I certainly don't want to "beat a dead horse".

Time to move on.......
And again, many thanks to all who provided wonderful and helpful suggestions.  Even though I can't walk away from this one feeling satisfied, I've walked away with additional knowledge to take to my next painting.

Crazy Colorful Cone Flowers

I'm venturing outside my comfort zone on this painting.  I've had this one sketched for awhile and just today I've begun to work on it.  I couldn't find my reference photo, so I had to think outside the box and use my imagination, hence the crazy colors.  I think not having the photo to look at has made my right brain work a bit harder, which is a good thing.  I still have a bit more work to do on it before I can call it finished.  This piece exudes happiness for me.....hopefully I can find a happy home for it as well.  Again, thanks to those of you who view and share my art blog.

Pick Me!

Currently I am working on a 10x14 painting based on a photograph that was taken courtesy of my cousin in Texas.  They farm sunflowers as well as other crops.  I thank them for the inspiration.  I believe the two flowers on the left are trying to stand out in the crowd almost as if to be saying "Pick Me! Pick Me!". 





Naturally the focal point of this painting would have to be the two flowers striving to be noticed in a field of many look alikes.

Once finished, this painting will be available for purchase.

Wow, we had a really busy weekend but it was thoroughly enjoyable.  Luckily, today I had some free time to finish the Bird of Paradise card and envelope.  I mounted the painting onto a card I made out of 98lb. Canson Mi-Teintes drawing paper.  The envelope was created using the same paper.  I chose the sage color so as to not draw attention away from the flower. 

These unique 8x8 inch cards with envelope, all handmade, can be ordered for $20.00 and customized with your flower of choice.




Thanks again for sharing my creative journey and artwork with family and friends.  If you are interested in a custom piece please contact me at gabjorn@embarqmail.com.