New Day Daily Paintings

Time Management Blog

2012-01-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I just want to assure you I am painting and will be posting some new work soon. I am slowly resolving the computer issues and spending more time at the easel...even painted en plein air today with an artist/friend/neighbor. We declared it to be at least a once-a-week necessity. It is so inspiring and motivating to paint with a friend.

The reason I haven't posted any paintings recently is I can't seem to find the right light to photograph in. They look awful on my monitor, so I don't want to take a chance that they will look that way on yours too.

I received this blog link in my comment section. I took a look and I think a lot of us, especially some artists I know would find some of his suggestions very helpful. Take a look and see what you think. Tell him you found him on New Day Daily Paintings.

Have a great start to February...can you believe it is here already?!

NEW YEAR

2012-01-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I would like to say I have been making resolutions and preparing for a new year, but I am lagging behind. I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the past year. I want to be more productive in this new year. I am searching my heart to see what I want to express this year. Last year was still about trying out new ways and styles, and trying to adapt to the way I want to paint. I think this year will be about letting go of the reins and letting my "artist child" (from the Artist Way) decide how I am to paint. I have been swimming upstream and I am tired. I tried treading water for awhile, and that takes a lot of energy too. I am willing to let go, relax and go where the stream takes me.....although that sounds terrifying. First I have to get into the stream.

I re-entered my painting BOTTOMS UP in the January 2012 Boldbrush contest. Here is a link to that:
http://faso.com/boldbrush/painting/28225

I hope your new year is filled with wonderful possibilities, many successes and happiness beyond imagination.

Update

2011-12-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of starting a new blog that will utilize my name, and hopefully will be an almost daily blog again. I am setting new goals for the new year and I hope you are too.

Here is the link to my December Boldbrush entry. http://faso.com/boldbrush/painting/27513

I am at the Arizona studio and the sun is shining today after two full days and 2+ inches of rain.

Latest Post

2011-10-24T06:53:00.000-07:00

For my latest post please click here

I will be posting to my website blog exclusively, so be sure to save this link: http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/blog/

Thank you for your interest and loyalty. I hope to see you there

To see my Bold Brush entry click here

Self Portrait

2011-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

I found this unfinished self portrait I painted a few years ago....I think shortly after my Mother passed away. Maybe that is why I see a lot of her in it. Anyway I thought it would be fun to post it. I am encouraged to start another one and see what it would look like now....besides old.

Forty Nine years and counting.

2011-09-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

My two latest paintings can be seen by clicking here. CLICK

Keep On Keepin' On

2011-08-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

Some days I find myself going around in circles! I am trying to maintain focus after a very hectic summer. We are planning some traveling next month and I am so intending to get in some plein air painting. I would love to be accepted into the 2012 Telluride Plein Air Celebration.....I need to paint, paint, paint. This has not been a year so far conducive to my plein air activities. Almost all the paintings I have painted this year are studio pieces. I do see improvement. I try to view my references as I would if I were painting them in plein air, so hopefully that will transfer out in the field. This painting is from our trip to Moab to see the new great-granddaughter. We had the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places on the Lasal Mountains. I didn't take paints as it was just an afternoon outing, but I took several photos of spots that I would love to return to and paint. The painting "ASPEN GLORY" is of one of those spots.

Aspen Glory

9 x 12 oil on RayMar panel

There are days when I begin to think that being in the third trimester of my life I may not reach some of the goals and dreams I have dared to let myself believe I could. When that happens, I whisper a prayer for guidance and strength, then one step after another I keep on keepin' on. At least I will know I did not give up.

Where's That Butterfly?

2011-08-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun painting this picture. My dear artist friend, Kathryn Grider forwarded me the photo of her little kitten Jake. He was chasing a large yellow butterfly and wound up in her flower pot. Thankfully she snapped the photo before she removed him from her flowers. I'm also glad she didn't want to paint him. Thank you Kathryn. I hope I did him justice.

12.25 x 14.75 oil on primed matboard

Summer Days

2011-07-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

Summer has started at a crazy frenzied pace for me. Painting time is a bit elusive, but I am able to sneak a little in now and then.

This is a studio painting from a plein air session last August. I call it Pastel Peace. I used the palette I learned from Kathleen Dunphy in painting it. It has a very subtle feel to it compared to some of the ones I have painted this spring. I will be releasing those soon on my web site. click here and watch for the update.

8 x 6 oil on RayMar panel

I hope you are having as good a summer as I am. We have been fortunate enough to have one of our granddaughters come for the summer. She is absolutely delightful!

Plein Air in the Yard

2011-07-13T11:23:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful visit with my friends in late June. We managed to get out one day to Lamoille Canyon to paint, but the rest of the week we painted in the yard. It was nice to have other eyes to help me see my own yard in a fresh way. I did enjoy painting from the shade of the front porch and the patio in the back yard. It is easy to overlook what you are so familiar with. I hope you enjoy these.

10 x 8 oil Aspen Morning

8 x 6 oil Aspen Afternoon

The aspens are in my front yard. I love aspen trees because they remind me of the mountains of Colorado and Utah where I spent most of my life. I also have pine trees there. It sounds like the mountain when the breeze blows and I shut my eyes.

8 x 10 oil Elko Mountain

I painted this from the patio in the back yard. This is the view to the north. The clouds were especially beautiful all week.

I hope you are enjoying your summer. It seems to be passing too quickly after such a late start.

Computers....grrrrr!

2011-07-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the gap in posts. My laptop which has all my paintings stored won't hook up to the internet so I can post a new one. I am working on solving the problem, but it will be a few more days. Thank you for your continued support and patience with me.

FATHERS DAY

2011-06-18T14:36:00.000-07:00

Here it is Fathers Day weekend!! Happy Fathers day to all you dads. My dad is celebrating in his heavenly home. He was a good dad and always encouraged me to do my best at whatever I wanted to do. I dedicate this painting to my Dad.

SUNKISSED

8 x 10 oil on RayMar panel

$185.00 free shipping (unframed)

I painted this from our excursions a couple of years ago. I have rather enjoyed painting in the studio lately. There wouldn't have been much painting going on if I had to do it all plein air this spring.

I have artist guests coming for a week and the weather looks to be all sunshine while they are here, so I am hoping we can get out and enjoy the Nevada countryside for a few days. It will be great having the Kindred Spirits together again...even for a short time. Friends are great anytime, but artist friends are especially wonderful to spend time with. I am lucky enough to have several terrific friends who are also artists.

I hope you are lucky enough to still have your dad to enjoy the weekend with. Dads are the ultimate friend. I do miss mine.

Don't Complain About The Rain

2011-06-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

After returning home from the shopping yesterday I intended to sit down and enjoy the new issue of Plein Air Magazine. I couldn't stop staring at the window at the mountain and the clouds and how beautiful the sagebrush is this spring after all the rain we have had. I hurried downstairs and set up my gear and painted from the studio door. I won't complain anymore about the rain....the results are worth it this year. It is raining on the mountain as I post this.

Toward Secret Pass study

5 x 7 oil on linen

Rubies on Tuesday study

6 x 8 oil on linen

Okay, it is Wednesday and open studio day so I need to decide what I am painting today.

Time Waits For No One, Or miss a few days posting and lose all your viewers!

2011-06-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

I find fame is very fickle. Not that I have attained fame. I apologize for the gap in my posts. I have been rightly punished. I may never have another viewer as it seems there have been none for at least a week. I will try to do better from here on out.

On Wednesdays I have open studio. There were four or five artists that joined me weekly to paint and confer and just socialize a bit. Being an artist is sometimes a very solitary undertaking. If you are fortunate enough to live where the weather is good enough to paint en plein air and you have artist friends who enjoy that also, it is a little more social than being pent up alone in your studio with your muse...assuming she will make her presence known. Three of the artists have moved to other states, but one is still faithful to join me most weeks. Here is my painting for last Wednesday.

Midday Shade

9 x 12 oil on primed matboard $270 free shipping

Thank you for taking time to visit. I hope your days are filled with whatever you enjoy most.

Time Flies

2011-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

WOW! How did it get to be June already? I kept thinking the sun would come out and I would get to do some plein air painting. It did come out for a bit one day and the wind was light enough to do a quick sketch of one of my hubby's salvage pieces. I finished up in the studio as the clouds were making it near impossible to finish outside. Here is the result. This is an old manure spreader rescued from one of the ranch dumps (with permission of course). The sagebrush has begun to embrace it's presence adding to the charm of the whole scene. I have seen cottontails up on the tongue and even inside being such curious little creatures.

9 x 12 oil on RayMar panel $275.00 free shipping (unframed)

Think sunshine and maybe June will be a better month than May. I am working on a body of work from the McChristian workshop I took in March. I will preview it first to my newsletter subscribers.Click the link if you would like to subscribe.

Thank you for your patience. I hope it was worth the wait. More coming soon.

Toned Canvas

2011-05-01T05:20:00.000-07:00

I have been painting in the studio since arriving in Nevada. It has been snowy, cold and gloomy for almost three weeks now. I think sunny days are coming this week. My fingers are crossed and I am hoping the wind doesn't blow.

I have been trying different colors to tone my canvas before I paint to make things more challenging. I decided the only way to really see the difference would be to paint the same subject on different backgrounds. The results were interesting and quite apparent. The reference I painted from was taken during our Model A trip last June.

9 x 12 oil on canvas panel $180.00 (unframed) free shipping

A frame can be added for $45.00

10 x 14 oil on canvas panel $240.00 framed, free shipping

The top painting was painted on a canvas toned with Terra Rosa Hue. The second was painted over Indian Yellow and Permanent Rose combined in various strengths. I found it very enjoyable as well as challenging to paint the same scene. I usually only do one once. Maybe I am finally maturing as an artist.

Hopefully I will have some new plein air paintings to post this week. Don't forget to check out my latest blog entry. I posted a picture of Jennifer McChristian painting a demo from the Scottsdale Arizona workshop in March.

Wishing you sunny days and gentle breezes.

Bruin

2011-04-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 oil on linen $245.00 framed, free s&h

Back in Nevada....the temps aren't so bad, if the wind would just stop blowing. I finished the bear I left on the easel when we went to Arizona for the winter. I so want to get outside and paint. If the wind will just stop blowing I will even be happy to paint cloudy skies.

This photo of the bear isn't quite the right color. The grasses are more of a bluish-green, but I finally gave up trying to get it to photograph correctly. The texture is a little exaggerated also. I may see if I can take it outside and get a better representation. This is from a photo my brother-in-law took on his way to work in Alaska one morning. I loved the atmosphere and the bear reminded me of the old "Bre'r Bears"cartoon character.....and I can't remember the name!

Hoping for calmer days and a chance to get outside to paint. Thanks for stopping by to look. Have a GREAT day doing what you love.

Goldfields Ghosts

2011-04-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

9 x 12 oil on canvas on matboard

A few miles from the house is the old mining camp of Goldfields. It has been resurrected as a tourist site. The little snippet of mountain on the right is part of the Goldfield range. The history is rich and if you are in the Apache Junction, Arizona area it is worth taking time to visit. I painted this just before the Jennifer McChristian workshop. I will repaint it using the methods I observed while she was demonstrating for us.

Jennifer McChristian Workshop

2011-04-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

8 x 6 oil on RayMar panel

One of the paintings I did in the workshop with Jennifer McChristian. In the essence of time I am adding the link to the Blog on my website

I have posted all the paintings I did in the workshop there, plus the highlights of the workshop.

Thank you for your interest and have a great weekend. I will be posting again soon, and then off to Nevada for the summer.

March Blooms

2011-03-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

9 x 12 oil on canvas

I finally made time to paint out. I went to my artist friend & neighbor's and we painted out in her yard. We will try again this afternoon if the wind isn't blowing too hard by then. I am still having trouble getting the right light to photograph my paintings in, so in a way I guess it is a moot point to post them, but you get the idea hopefully. I will be back in Nevada in a few more weeks and then I will repost after getting better photos of the paintings.

I am so excited about next week's workshop with Jennifer McChristian. I am a bit nervous at the same time. It will be the culmination of the past 4 1/2 years of study with some of the finest oil painters in America. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to study with each and every one of them. It will be up to me to sort out and put to use what I have learned from each instructor/painter and become the best artist I can be.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Gourmet Still Life I

2011-03-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

10 x 8 oil on panel $140.00 free shipping

I have so many neat kitchen items I have decided to do a Gourmet Kitchen series. This should be fun. I am not real good at still life set ups. I always feel like they are too contrived. Hopefully I will come up with some good ones. It is all good practice anyway. Thank you for your interest. If you see something you like, I use PayPal and will be happy to email you details.

Lime n Pepper

2011-03-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

6 x 8 oil on panel

More still life from the studio using the three color plus white palette. Sometimes there will be a certain hue I can't quite get, but color is relative to what is already there. I have learned a lot by making myself do these studies. I hope it translates to my plein air paintings. Thanks for taking time to look. Have a spectacular day!

Individual Mini Studies, Lemon & Cork

2011-03-04T05:40:00.000-08:00

4 x 4 oil on panel $40.00 free shipping

This is the last of the individual studies on the panel. I am still working in the studio, and wanting to get out en plein air. SOON.

Individual Mini Studies, Grapefruit and Two Lemons

2011-03-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

3 x 4 oil on panel $40.00 free shipping

I am looking forward to the workshop in March with Jennifer McChristian. I haven't been able to go out to paint...my husband is recovering nicely from his hip replacement surgery but I don't want to leave him alone yet.

I hope spring is beginning to show her self wherever you live. It is getting warmer here. It feels so good to bask in the sun for a bit.

Have a wonderful day!

Individual mini studies - Grapefruit and Lemon

2011-02-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

4 x 4 (approx) oil on linen panel $40.00 free shipping

I decided to add a little challenge to my studies. I was getting bored and needed to have some variety. This grapefruit was from our son's tree.

Individual mini studies - Lemon

2011-02-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 x 4 oil on linen panel $40.00 free shipping

I was really getting into these little studies. They can be great fun.

Individual mini studies - Fortune Cookie

2011-02-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 x 3 oil on linen panel $40.00 free shipping

The fortune cookie was amazing to paint. There was so much color that I could see and it was totally unexpected. Had I not observed it, I would not have believed it.

Individual mini studies - Apple

2011-02-24T11:02:00.000-08:00

approximately 3 x 3 oil on linen panel $40.00 free shipping

Class assignment

2011-02-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

This was a value study assignment in class. We used black for the black and white study. The values were mixed with black and white by squinting at the object. The colors were then mixed to match the values. Squinting makes it easier to see the value comparison.

Mini Still Life studies

2011-02-21T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is a 12 x 16 panel. I divided it up with 1/2 inch tape and painted small quick studies. These were all painted with a limited palette of Cad yellow med, cad red light, ultramarine blue, and white. I think I will post the color chart we made in the workshop also.

Of course there are many variations possible as well, but these were the colors we were to match as assigned by James Coulter for the workshop. He said these were the colors most like the colors in nature.

High Steppin' Rooster

2011-02-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

12 x 9 oil on linen panel $275.00 free shipping

This is a painting I did from a friend's photo. Our neighbor has a rooster just like it. I had been trying to get photos of the neighboring rooster when my friend sent this one. I decided to use it, with her permission of course. I will do another one of the neighbor's bird eventually.

It has been a crazy spring. Good weather, bad weather...even here in Arizona, although in comparison to the rest of the country not so bad. We have had friends and relatives visit this spring to catch a break in their winter. We always enjoy it when someone comes down, as we get a little homesick sometimes.

I am trying to catch up on my posts. I attended five Saturdays of workshops with artist James Coulter. It was very good for me. It is sometimes too easy to be lazy and not do the preliminary work to a painting.....value study, design, color sketch to work out any problems before starting the actual painting. It is so easy to fall into bad habits when working alone. I have been working on a lot of still life studies to practice the principles we worked on in the workshop. I will be posting some of those a little more regularly. It is also difficult to have to share the laptop.

Here's to spring arriving soon.

Cactus Boot

2011-01-19T06:21:00.000-08:00

6 x 6 oil on Blick panel

This is a cactus boot. It is actually created by the Saguaro cacti when they are injured. Usually this is caused by woodpecker invasion. The resulting "container" is used by smaller birds for nesting. Once a Saguaro has fallen due to old age or severe wind after heavy rains, the "boot" is revealed after sufficient decay.

I have two Saturdays left in the James Coulter workshop. I will be sad to have it end. It is such great fun and inspiration to be with a group of artists, painting. James is a good instructor and I like his attitude about art and painting.

I am reminded this week how uncertain life actually is. One can have the best laid plans and in an instant it can all change. Sometimes for the better, sometimes not. The trick is to take it as it comes and stay positive and focused. I hope life is being kind to you.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. It is my desire to give you a little bit of hope and beauty with my art to help you along your way. God bless you.

My New Plein Air Hat

2011-01-14T12:55:00.000-08:00

9 x 12 oil

I went shopping the other day and found this wonderful Cowboy Sombrero to wear when I go out in the sun to paint. It should be like standing under a shade tree. I have to wait till the wind stops blowing or I may take flight like a kite. : )

I am finally getting back into the studio. I have attended one Saturday workshop with James Coulter and have three more to come. I am thoroughly enjoying being with other artists and getting back into the basics of making a painting. We are choosing our subject and designing the painting around the subject paying close attention to values BEFORE paint goes onto the canvas. I have needed the discipline of a structured setting to make myself take more time to think about a painting. Sketches are mandatory in the class! Boy, does that make me squirm. I would rather sketch with my brush and hope it works out....which many times does not.

The Ugliest Painting?

2011-01-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

Wow! I knew I was rusty, but I didn't realize how rusty. I would have normally just pitched this or wiped it down and used it for an underpainting, but I decided to post it instead. Sometimes as we are struggling to find our way as accomplished artists, it is good to remember we can have a bad day without throwing in the towel and taking up tennis instead. In some ways I kind of like it. It is coarse, unpolished as humanity can sometimes be, but honest and humble at the same time. Maybe it represents my finally accepting myself with all my shortcomings and flaws. I know I can do better, I hope I don't do worse, and if I do, it will probably end up in the scrap pile next time. I am trying not to take life so seriously this year. Enjoy the sunshine, but if the wind is blowing, go read a book and have a nice cup of tea.

Chopsticks & Fortune Cookies

9 x 9 oil on canvas

We had dinner at P.F. Chang's the other evening, and that was where I got the idea for the painting. The plate on the tripod was given to me by a friend. It turned out a lot more complicated than I wanted to portray, so I totally simplified it and then cropped it out almost completely. I hated to open all of the fortune cookies, but I am over that and will be doing another set up using them OUT of the wrappers. I hope this gives you courage to try something and not give up if it doesn't turn out the first time.

In the Studio

2011-01-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to the studio and put some paint on a canvas. It has been a few weeks and it was about to drive me crazy. It is amazing how rusty one can get in between paintings.
A friend sent me a Wolf Kahn calendar to start the new year with and I hung it in the studio. I had never really looked at any of his work. It is colorful, light and FUN! I decided to break my block by painting something in that manner. This is the result. I had to listen to my muse and just have fun...no expectations, just color and emotion. As I am a realist painter, I signed it with Reva. I am thinking I may paint a few more and show them under that name.

Aspen Path

8 x 10 oil on RayMar panel

I don't have good lighting for photos in the AZ studio yet, so this is a little dark, but you get the idea.

FYI...I am only using Red, Yellow, Blue, and White for my palette. I am amazed at the variety of color I am able to get. I am truly enjoying painting with such a limited palette.

Don't Give Up On Me

2011-01-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Help! The New Year has left the station and I am running behind trying to catch up!
I am attending a James Coulter workshop on Saturday mornings this month and the first one was great. I am looking forward to the next three and possibly meeting an artist to paint out with.

I apologize for the lack of posts to this point...sharing the computer with my hubby and getting stocked up again in Arizona. I just hate all the trips to the grocery store. Got to eat. I will be posting some paintings soon.

Thank you for your patience. I do not want to disappoint you.

Time to Fly South

2010-12-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

It is finally time to "fly' south. It will be nice to get out of the cold, but I will miss the changing of the seasons. It has been fascinating to watch the subtle changes in the color of the landscape. Those of you familiar with the Nevada landscape know the subtlety of colors and values. They will escape your attention if you are not looking for them. As a painter I have struggled with this. As an artist I am beginning to see the beauty in the minute color changes. I have come to love the beautiful variety of nuances in the colors of the landscape. I used to think of them as just gray and drab.

I painted these two little paintings out my patio door since it was too cold and windy to go out and paint. They are both oil and 6 x 8 in size.

This fellow is on the easel and will have to wait for my return to Nevada before he is finished. I am sorry to leave him unfinished.

I will be posting from the Arizona studio in a few days. I am looking forward to two workshops at Scottsdale Artists School and possibly some live model evenings at a local gallery/art store. I am not much for leaving the house after dark, but one evening shouldn't be that hard.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. I hope I can continue to improve and inspire you. Stay warm.

November Day Still Life

2010-12-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

7 x 5 oil on canvas panel

It was a dreary cold day and I couldn't stand the thought of another day without painting, so in desperation I set up this little still life. The oak leaf I picked up at Yosemite park last October, and the vase I bought from the pottery shop near Murphys California. I use it to hold my palette knives most of the time. I don't remember where I got the square candle, but I love the way the melted wax collects on the sides. I hope you are staying warm.

Revisiting Douglas Flat

2010-11-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

This is a painting from my trip to Murphys California last year for the workshop with Kathleen Dunphy. I liked the way the light filtered through the leaves this particularly clear sunny morning. I took progress photos that I will post on my FASO blog

Old Timer, Douglas Flat

14 x 11 oil on panel

I hope to start posting some almost daily paintings soon. I am still working out the details.

Thank you for visiting.

Remembering sunny days at Lake Powell

2010-11-24T19:47:00.000-08:00

It has been really cold these past few days. I painted this one to remind me of the warm sunny days that we spent at Lake Powell with our daughter and her family a couple of years ago. Maybe it will warm you up too.

Quiet Cove, Powell

11 x 14 oil on panel

Thank you for taking time to look. I hope your Thanksgiving is happy and prosperous.

What Happened to the Sunshine

2010-11-17T16:18:00.000-08:00

The sun was shining and the sky was blue, so my friend Kathryn and I decided to go out for a bit and paint. We chose a site close by so we could hurry since we didn't decide until this morning to go out. I set up my tripod and paint box and realized I had forgot to bring my panels to paint on. I did have my camera today. I also needed gloves. By the time we got to our location the sun had disappeared behind a thin haze of clouds and a breeze had picked up. At 36* it felt very cold. I moved my tripod behind my vehicle for a windbreak and proceeded to lay in my chosen composition. I managed to get everything layed down and the colors approximated and my fingers were nearly numb. (Even though my dear friend had loaned me an extra pair of gloves she had). We packed up and went home to our studios and after a warm bowl of soup for lunch I finished my little 6 x 8 oil of Elko Summit while the scene was still fresh in my mind. I think having to hurry makes me get to the meat of the painting instead of taking my time to "sneak" up on it. I really am pretty happy with this one.

New Painting

2010-11-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

I just finished a painting for the ranching series. I had thought I would be able to do daily paintings as well. Even though I can multitask at a lot of things, I find when I am painting I need to focus on one at a time. I am working on changing that. In case you are interested in the painting process of this painting you can click here to see the sequence in which I painted this painting.

All In The Wrist

14 x 11

oil on canvas on masonite

Thank you for visiting. I hope you enjoy the step by step photos of my process at the following link: http://ryvonnecolclasure.fineartstudioonline.com/blog

Resurrection Day

2010-11-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

I have too much traffic on this blog to let it die, so I am committing to keeping it alive. I will post different content on this blog from the FASO blog to keep it interesting for my followers. I have missed posting to it anyway. I am thinking of doing a series of small paintings for a certain period of time and offering them on eBay. I know, many artists do that, but people seem to enjoy it. I know I do. I get hooked on checking every day to see what the new painting is and how much it sells for. I have a lot of antique items (maybe just old) that I may use for the first series.
Today is election day and since it is going to be warm and sunny I am taking my plein air pack along and I am going to paint after voting.

My November entry in the Bold Brush contest sponsored by FASO is a 10 x 12 oil titled San Carlos Shadows. I snapped some photos on a fishing trip there last June. San Carlos is on the reservation in eastern Arizona. FASO is having problems with the facebook badges that enable you to vote, so I will just add a link to the contest site so you can view the entries and maybe they will have a way to vote on the ones you like on site.

Canvoo Bold Brush Entry

Have a wonderful day and don't forget to vote. It is still the most important freedom we have. : )

New Blog Location

2010-09-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

I will be posting my new blog entries at the FASO site. You can follow my journey to becoming an accomplished artist at the new blog, In The Pursuit of Excellence, An Artist's Journey

Thank you for your loyalty. I hope the move won't be inconvenient for you. I am trying to simplify my life so I will have more time to paint.

Hope to see you there. Remember, I always love to hear what you are thinking, so feel free to comment. I wouldn't mind if you wanted to purchase a painting, either. :) Sales transactions are handled by PayPal for your security and my convenience.

Summer activities

2010-08-15T15:28:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the middle of August already! I have had a most interesting summer. A friend from New Mexico came to visit the last week of July. She is 91 years YOUNG. Boy, did she keep me hopping while she was here. We shopped and casino hopped and ate out, and she taught me to play Cribbage, and my husband and I learned to play "3 13". A card game that kept us up till 11 or 12 every night. The final day we packed for our trip to Colorado and Utah with games in between the packing and loading. Thank you Hazel. We had so much fun. You are an inspiration and a role model. I pray I have your energy when I am your age.

We traveled to Utah and spent the weekend with children and grandchildren, then on to my sister's in Colorado. We spent a week there sight-seeing and trying out various local cuisine. It was over all too soon. I did manage to pull off one small study the day the guys were fishing. I wanted to be able to paint some of the quaint old mining buildings and refurbished homes. Oh well, next time. I did take about 200 photos (thank goodness for digital cameras) so I will make some studio paintings soon.

This is my little 6 x 8 oil study.

After leaving my sis's we were off to Utah again for the wedding of our granddaughter. It was beautiful. The only day there was no rain as they were married outdoors in the park. She was absolutely gorgeous and they make such a cute couple. We lingered a couple extra days to visit with everyone, then back to Nevada to catch up from three weeks of slacking. Life is so grand. I hope tomorrow I have the energy to get a painting done and posted.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your summer is going well and you are living life to the fullest.

Another one for the ranching series

2010-07-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

12 x 16 oil on canvas board

This is to be a part of my Western Ranch Life Series. I am really looking forward to getting the collection compiled and presenting it in a show. The individuals are not painted to represent any particular individual. Any implied identity is purely accidental.

Nevada ranching series

2010-07-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

14 x 11 oil

This portrait is of Horace Smith, patriarch of the Cottonwood Ranch. My thanks to him and his wife Irene for allowing me to post it. I asked him for his photo when we visited the guest ranch by model A in June. (see my earlier post). It is my hope to go back and take a day to paint in the area with Irene. There is nothing quite as enjoyable as a day painting out with another artist. Of course, making reservations at the ranch and sitting on the deck with a lovely glass of wine, enjoying the scenery isn't too shabby either.

Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

If you are a subscriber to my web site newsletter, the winner of the free painting drawing will be announce in the forthcoming issue. To find out who won and what painting they chose, subscribe at http://www.ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/

Above Jarbidge

2010-07-15T08:00:00.001-07:00

9 x 12 oil on linen panel

I have been painting in the studio for the past few days. I think I have enough reference material to last me the rest of my life, so when I am unable to make it out to paint en plein air, I go through my photo library of scenes. When one catches my attention as it did when I snapped the photo, I paint it. We spent a few days in Jarbidge with friends last summer and this painting is from that trip. I always think back to the particular day as I am painting. It is like having a recording of the trip in my head. I hope you enjoy the scene as much as I did.

If you are interested in purchasing a painting, they will be posted on my web site, http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com where you will find a link to PayPal under the painting when you click on it. Thank you for visiting. I appreciate your interest.

Near Cottonwood Ranch

2010-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

9 x 12 oil on linen panel

I love the sagebrush in Nevada. This spot is near the Cottonwood Ranch. It was early afternoon and the light was flat, but the sagebrush is still lovely. I enjoy mixing the beautiful subtle grays of the Nevada landscape. It took me a while to discern the difference in their subtleties, but I never grow tired of "mixing colors in my head" as we are traveling. I hope you enjoy Nevada from my eyes. I certainly am enjoying putting her on canvas. You may go to my web site http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com if you would like to purchase a painting. There is a PayPal link there for your convenience and safety. Thank you for visiting and I hope you will return soon.

Little A

2010-07-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 oil on panel

I have been painting in the studio since the temperature has heated up. I snapped the photo of this IH tractor on our antique car road trip to Cottonwood Ranch in June. I was actually interested in the scenery, but when I was reviewing the photos for future paintings, this one jumped out at me. If you are interested in this painting you can visit my web site http://www.ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/ where there is a PayPal link or email me if you would like to commission something similar. Paintings of tractors make wonderful gifts for the collector or just someone who loves the nostalgia of days gone by.

Nevada Range

2010-07-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

8 x 10 oil on panel

This was the result of this week's paint out. We went to Jiggs and sketched the old brick hotel that was built around 1914. I had intended to do a plein air of it, but decided it would be worthy of doing a large studio painting instead. There is so much detail it would have been hard to capture it in the short time we had to paint. The bugs were out and it was really very warm standing in the direct sun. We took a chance on finding a spot down a dirt road past the ranches, and it was worth the trip. The sun was up pretty high and the light was getting flat, so one quick one was all we had time for. I would like to go back earlier in the day and capture the morning light.

Thank you for taking time to visit. I hope you see something you like. You can always leave a comment or email me with questions.

Latest Paint Outs

2010-07-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

My goodness I can't believe July is here already. I have been going out to paint a couple of times per week. It takes so much time to get the photos of the paintings and then find time to sit down in front of the computer to get them uploaded. I need two more of me.

These are the last paintings from our excursions. Everything is getting dry and dead looking, so these may be the last plein air paintings for a while. I will have to resort to the studio and reference photos and on site sketches.

I will be drawing the name of a newsletter subscriber in a few days for the free painting. If you haven't signed up yet, you have a few days to do so. The link is http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/email-newsletter

Thank you for taking time to look. Please take a look at my web site for pricing if you are interested in any of the paintings. ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com
I know, my name is too long.
Hope your summer is going well and you are enjoying life.

Wildflower study

2010-06-23T15:44:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil on canvas on birch panel

This was a quick little study about noon before we left for the day. It wasn't nearly as pretty here as in the meadow where the cows wanted to nap. They were all bedded down when we drove out. Even though we didn't want to, leaving was the best choice as we were outnumbered considerably. This cow and calf proceeded to eat the bushes from my first painting. I guess I must have good taste in scenery, or they were making a statement about what they thought of us painting in their territory.

Wild Irises In June

2010-06-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

8 x 8 oil on gessoed masonite

Our second day out painting was absolutely perfect. The meadow we picked to paint in was gorgeous and peaceful...... At least until the cattle decided it was naptime and we were in their bedding ground. We packed our gear and found a spot on the other side of the cattleguard to finish the day.

Thanks for stopping by to look. Have a wonderful day and come back to see the second paintig I finished. I don't have it photographed yet.

Paint out June 16

2010-06-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

I and my friends, Kathy and Wendy did make it out to paint this morning in spite of the weather forecast. It was cloudy and cool; actually it got down right cold with the breeze picking up. I was very glad to have my gloves in my jacket pocket. We are going back tomorrow to finish up and take advantage of the gorgeous late spring wildflowers and the greens everywhere. As you can see the wild irises are still hanging in.

I will go better prepared...seems I left my memory card for my camera in the laptop back at home, and I didn't have enough layers on or a hood for my ears. Thanks to Kathy for this photo of my set up and the area I was painting. I am also taking a thermos of coffee. : ) Of course, being Nevada, it may be 85 tomorrow.

June Trees II, Lamoille

2010-06-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

This is the second painting from our paint out last week. It is a 9 x 12 oil on canvas on gator panel.

Where did the week go? Sheesh, I can't keep up these days. It seems life takes more and more time away from my painting. If it isn't raining in the morning we will be headed out again. I am finding it more and more invigorating to paint on location. If only I didn't have to drive several miles to do it...takes time and fuel. I guess we can't have everything. I feel like I am finally making some headway with the field studies. The photos are a little better than previously, but still not as good as seeing the paintings in life. I discovered if I set my megapixels lower and set the camera up farther away and used the zoom I got better color.

I hope you have a wonderful week and will check back to see if it rains tomorrow or not. I may paint from the back of the tahoe anyway. : )

June Trees, Lamoille

2010-06-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Kathy and I finally made it out for a morning of painting this week. The weather was beautiful.

I have been told that green paintings don't sell, but spring in Nevada is short and I wasn't about to pass up an opportunity to paint green. If you want to see Kathy's paintings her link is at the left, Kathryn Grider.

I have one more to get posted, but I don't have photos yet. Hope you enjoy seeing the results of our day as much as we enjoyed creating them.

Hope you return soon. Thanks for visiting.

10 x 8 oil on panel $180.00 unframed

Morning Meadow, Cottonwood Ranch

2010-06-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the only painting I had time to paint while we were at the Cottonwood Guest Ranch (a Nevada working cattle ranch). The morning was absolutely gorgeous and it was so peaceful listening to the birds sing their early morning tunes. The best part was that I didn't have to make breakfast! I waited for the call that it was ready. What a breakfast it was too....homemade sourdough pancakes sausage, eggs and all the trimmings. I had to have a homemade cranberry muffin too. Shhhh, I know that is why my pants are too tight today.

If you are looking for a unique vacation experience that you will not soon forget, I suggest you check out the Cottonwood Guest Ranch and tell them Yvonne sent you.

Trip to Cottonwood Guest Ranch, Nevada

2010-06-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

We took the model A (green one) and went on a road trip with five other cars, and four tractors to the Cottonwood Guest Ranch near O'Neil Basin in northeastern Nevada. The weather was perfect, and great fun was had by all.

This was lunch break next to the creek about halfway.

We arrived at the guest ranch around two o'clock in the afternoon. We had time to stretch our legs, meet the Smith family, who owns the ranch, and have a bit of refreshment before post time for the Preekness which we watched on the big screen television in the recreation room. As you can see the lodge is a very large and elegant facility. It was far more than I had anticipated and totally exceeded my expectations. We had a wonderful time. The food was excellent, the rooms were very clean and comfortable, and the Smith family and ranchhands are very personable and committed to making the experience a pleasant and memorable one. My only regret is that we only spent one night. I would love to go back and take a pack trip, or go on a horse or cattle drive. If you would like to check it out for yourself, the website is: Cottonwood Guest Ranch If you make reservations, please mention that you found them from my blog.

Tomorrow I will post the only painting I had time to get in before we left. I got up early and painted before breakfast.

If you ever have the opportunity to go on a back roads trip in a model A I would say do it. This was the best trip I have taken in a long time. I love the fact that we are going slow enough to take photos "on the fly" (our top speed was about 35mph) and they aren't a blur. It is more fun than the ATV because I could just ride and enjoy the scenery, I wasn't sunburned or windblown as on the ATV, my butt wasn't sore when we got there. : )

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day.

Painter's dilemma

2010-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

I uncharacteristically decided to paint the tulips from my yard yesterday afternoon. They were so pretty, I couldn't resist...even though I find it more than a bit challenging to paint flowers. I think I have a mental block; it should be no different than any other subject. Painting is finding shape, color and value, no matter the subject. This is my lay in:

This is what I found when I came down to the studio this morning! Standing at attention, just like little soldiers. So now I have to see if they will droop again or if they are going to stay upright which means I can fake the original painting idea, or start another one and FINISH before they can present me with any more surprises. I guess you will have to come back to see what I decided. Have a wonderful day!

Harley

2010-06-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

14 x 10 oil

This is a painting of my son-in-law's boxer....if he doesn't look at my blog it will be a surprise for his birthday. I fhe does look at it, he will know ahead of time.

Jarbidge Backcountry

2010-05-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

8 x 10

The weather is still windy and cloudy, and trying to snow periodically, so I resorted to reference photos from our trip to Jarbidge last summer. I think the road to this spot has been closed by the forest service.....why I can't tell you....so without the assistance of a pack mule, I probably won't be back here again. I am thankful to have photos. I wish there was a way to get the photograph of the painting to look as good as the painting does in actuality.

FREE painting drawing will be held in July. If you would like the opportunity to be in the drawing, please go to my web site and sign up for the email Newsletter. I do not sell or share your email address. Your privacy is as important to me as my own. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Thank you for taking time to visit, and have a wonderful day.

Creative Alchemy

2010-05-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

I did some tweeking today....wrong or right, it is done. I hope it improved, unlike the weather which is windy and dreary. I may have to start painting stormy scenes. I can always resort to photo reference, but it is not nearly as much fun. Here is the new painting. I also worked with the settings on my camera to get the color temperature closer to the real thing. I forgot to mention also that the two pottery pieces are by Georgia, a local potter. I try to get something every year at Art In The Park.

16 x 19 oil on acrylic sealed matboard

Well, it is finished. I liked the start better. I think I am just not a still life painter. I am always stuck on how to finish. Some artists are able to make still life look so inviting. It is also a lot warmer than the photo shows. My camera seems to have a cool bias no matter what kind of light I photograph in. This is one of those days when I question whether I am really an artist, or just a wannabe. Thank you for your time to view my work....sparse as it has been lately. I have heard these times are had by most artists and lead to growth. I pray that is so. I am determined to be a GREAT painter, no matter how long it takes me to get there.

Thank you for your participation. Your comments are welcome.

Off to a good start!

2010-05-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

I finally felt well enough to get in the studio and set up a still life. I had a good day, and am excited about getting this one finished. It has been a long time since I painted in my own leisure time instead of racing the light and the elements to get something down in paint. It feels so good to just relax and enjoy the process. I seldom enjoy painting still life, but this one feels good. I already have the title for it which usually doesn't happen before I finish a painting. Maybe a few weeks off was just what I needed.

My set up.

My lay in for this afternoon.

I hope you will check back in a few days to see the final results.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Quick studies

2010-05-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

I have finally arrived at home, and the allergies have turned into sinusitis.....bad enough I purchased a neti-pot! I always thought of the swimming pool water up my nose when I thought about using a neti-pot, but I found it to be very soothing. I am hopeful for a complete recovery SOON. I have been out of commission for too long! I miss my easel and my paints and posting regularly to the blog and communicating with you. I am trying to use this time to check my goals and see if my focus is misdirected. I have found in the past sometimes we get knocked down because we are heading in the wrong direction. I hope you are enjoying spring weather (good spring weather) it is still a little on the cool blustery side in Nevada. I am so anxious to get together with my painting friends and share some painting time.

These are quick studies, several of them unfinished, but enough information to jog my memory of the day and make a painting from them in the studio.

This one was painted in the neighbor's yard. The angel is special to her as a gift she received at the death of a beloved pet.

Thank you for taking time to stop by. Have a wonderful week ahead and I hope to see you back here SOON with some new work.

All Is Well

2010-04-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

I am sure by now many of you think I have left the country or perished in the desert or just given up on the whole process. NOT SO! I am well, and functioning (most of the time). Allergies have kicked my tail again this year, but they can't get me completely down. It is getting quite warm and I find I am looking forward to being back home in Nevada.

I had a visit from my dear friend from Oregon and we had a wonderful time visiting and scouting around painting together. I haven't had time to photograph any of the paintings, so I will get to them as soon as I can. After her week was over we loaded the travel trailer and made a trip to San Carlos reservoir to meet with some friends. My husband fished, and I painted and took photos. The trip over and back was incredibly beautiful with wildflowers strewn across the desert. I took photos on the fly as it was an ordeal to get off the road with the trailer in tow. I will get some sized to post soon so you can enjoy them too. I had intended to catch up on the posting, but forgot the wifi card.

Here is one of the plein air paintings I did while there. I will get some more posted soon. We will be getting ready to head north this week. We are taking the trailer to Utah for some extended stays later this year and a plein air workshop in September.

Thank you for your patience. I hope you will continue to check in for updates. Remember to sign up for my email newsletter on my website. I will be drawing a name from the subscribers list to receive a free painting later this summer. May you be blessed with health, wealth, and happiness.

6 x 8 oil

This is my little water mixable oil setup for plein air. It works very well for small studies. Everything fits in a backpack and I only have to use water when I am out. There is no worry about spilling or splashing turp or mineral spirits. I always have water with me, so there is nothing extra to bring. My paints are Winsor Newton, and the box is a small art box I got off eBay. I attached a tripod plate from Judson Outfitters to fit a tripod I bought at a yardsale. I use a plastic orange juice container for my brushes clipped on with a flat clip. Some thick double stick tape works to hold the canvas board.

Rain in the Forecast

2010-02-24T14:14:00.000-08:00

9 x 12 oil on gessoed matboard

I decided if it was going to look like rain I would use it to my advantage. As you can see I decided on a wash for the foreground. I wasn't sure what I was going to do with the foreground when I started this painting, because I look out on the neighborhood. I was pleased when I "saw" it in the block-in even even though it wasn't there. I mixed up some paint with the palette knife and troweled it on for the wash. I love the textures of the cholla and the palo verdes across the desert. The palo verde trees are so light and airy they are almost invisible. This is state land and there are still many saguaros growing. They are not as numerous on unprotected lands. Thanks for stopping in. I welcome your comments as well. It is always nice to have feedback. Oh, can you guess why the locals call the rock formation on the left Elephant Rock?

Life Happens

2010-02-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

What is it they say about best laid plans? I apologize for the gap in posts. There has been a lot going on in my life and painting hasn't been one of them unfortunately. Here is a start I decided to try from the window of my studio since the weather and time were not cooperating with my creative drive. As you can see this is a very rough lay-in. I will post progress as it is achieved until I am able to accomplish my goal of plein air painting once again. Thank you for hanging in there and I am sorry for the disappointing results of my artistic endeavors. I do want to remind you that I will be drawing a name from the list of newsletter subscribers to receive a free painting in the near future. There is no cost to receiving the newsletter. To subscribe please go to my website and click on newsletter
Thank you so much for your loyalty. I will sincerely make every effort to keep you from being disappointed in the future.

The view from my window.

Finishing touches for "Merlot"

2010-02-03T16:02:00.000-08:00

I have put the finishing touches on the demo. I will let it sit for a few days and then evaluate it after a coat of retouch varnish. Hopefully it will stand as complete. It becomes difficult to be objective after spending so much time on one piece. Time away from it will make it easier.

If you are interested, this was a very good wine. We drank it at my son's for dinner one evening. It is a 2004 vintage.

If all goes well, I will be looking for a good spot to paint one of my favorite subjects....the Superstition Mountains. There is rain in the forecast, but there was rain predicted for today, and it was dry.

For the fun of it here is a black and white of the last stage, and also a posterization of it. The value design shows in the posterized image.

Thanks for joining me in this process. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Knowing you were looking over my shoulder as I worked helped me to think more about the decisions I made. I may do this again with a plein air painting.

More refinement

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

More refinement of the colors, some of the shapes....the side of the charger keeps needing refined. It is still a little out of shape as I look at the photo. Funny how you stand in front of your painting for an hour or so, and pretty soon don't actually See it anymore. At least, I find it true of myself.
I had to change the shape of the napkin, because it looked too geometric. The straight edges did not fit into the rest of the painting. Looking at the set-up I was not aware of the problem. It was only as I started to lay the color on it and begin to refine the shapes that I realized it was not working. I bet Stapleton Kearns could have told me that before I ever started.
I have a dilemma now. The weather is starting to be nice, at least we had a great weekend. I feel I need to finish this, but I am wanting to paint out. Maybe I can swing some paint out time today as well as work in the studio.

As usual, I took a black and white of the progress so far to see how the values are working. I think I actually like the black and white better than the color.

I still have a bit of refining of the values in the napkin. It is flat yet. I forgot to turn off the overhead light before I took the photo and there is a shadow from the top of my easel across the painting.

I hope you have a great day.

Refinement, day two

2010-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

I started laying in the darks with a transparent mix of the blue, red, and warm yellow (hansa medium). It makes a beautiful dark, almost black. My blue and red are DVP brand and the yellows are Gamblin. These were just some extras I planned to leave in the Arizona studio, but I am having second thoughts about that. I find they mix very well and the color variations are pretty easy to attain. I love the silver of the lable and the foil on the bottle neck. I really am enjoying this project. I hope you are as well. You can always leave me a comment, too. So far I haven't touched to cork from the first day. I have layed in some of the other colors in the background a little more opaquely. Before I stop for the day I will check my values by setting my digital camera to black and white. How did I ever get along before the digital camera?

Actually it looks pretty good for values. I may need to darken the left side some when I come back for the next round. It may be the wetness of the dark paint looking lighter than it is. So far, so good. I am a little out of shape, the standing is making my back hurt. I will have to get toughened up. See you next session.

Color lay-in for Merlot

2010-01-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is pretty scary looking. I wanted to just get some color in to help check the placement of the objects. I think this is going to work. The cork was a lot of fun to paint. So far I have a transparency to the glass. We will see how the next session goes. This surface is fairly smooth and the paint is sliding around right now. I think I am using mineral spirits which is oilier than my preferred turpenoid. I can't remember what I left in the brushwasher when we went home. They are both odorless, so hard to tell. (I used to love the smell of the turpentine). I will let this dry for a day or so, need to get a birthday present for my son....46th. How do your children catch up to you in age? : )

Waiting out the rain.

2010-01-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

We have been in Arizona since the 4th of January and I still have not had a chance to get out and paint. The wind blew the first two weeks and it has rained all this week. I have resorted to a set-up although I am limited on props here. I decided I would take you along for the ride. I may be successful, I may end up throwing the final result (assuming it is worth finishing) in the firepot some cool evening. At any rate, you will see what I am doing, and I will try to relate my thought process as I go as well. It will be good practice for me and hopefully interesting enough for you to want to follow along.

This is the setup I have chosen, for lack of anything better at the moment. I like the color unity. It will be a challenge to give it enough variation to make it pleasing to look at. I am using a very limited palette of

ultramarine blue
quinacridone red
hansa yellow medium
hansa yellow light
white.

Below is my initial sketch. I may find I need to change it a little as I explore the design or lack of at this point.

Thanks for stopping by, and check out my web site if you haven't yet. Also, some time in the next few months I will be giving some lucky newletter subscriber a painting. If you would like to have a chance, sign up at the following link: http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/email-newsletter

Ten Feet Four Inches

2010-01-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

12 x 16 oil on panel

This tunnel is on the way to Yosemite NP. We arrived about the same time the rain did. It was still a wonderful day and the scenery is breathtaking even shrouded by clouds. I hope to do some more paintings from the reference material I gathered while in the park.

We arrived in Arizona on Sunday evening. The wind has blown since arriving except for yesterday....and wouldn't you know it we had an errand to run on the other side of Phoenix and were in the vehicle all day. Thank goodness for photo references. I will hopefully be in the studio finally today....and out painting as soon as the wind lies. I picked up my parking pass and my senior passport yesterday, so I am ready to do some plein air in the beautiful areas near my house.

I would like to remind you to visit the website and sign up for my newsletter. I will be giving away a painting later on this year, and the only way to have a chance to win it is to be signed up for the newsletter. http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/email-newsletter

Thanks for visiting and I wish you a very prosperous and happy 2010.

Child's Play

2009-12-28T06:35:00.000-08:00

8 x 8 oil on panel

I am still revisiting my Oregon resources. It was windy and overcast this particular day. I was on the balcony of the hotel in a jacket as these children were enjoying the ocean waves completely oblivious to the weather. If only we adults were able to engage so completely in FUN so that we were unaffected by the elements...... I would be outside painting a snow scene in Nevada instead of sitting in the warm studio painting a beach scene from Oregon.

I will be on the road for a few days heading to warmer temperatures in Arizona. I wish you a Happy and Successful New Year. Thank you for taking time to stop by. I hope you will continue to enjoy my posts, and remember to check out the new web site at http://www.ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/

I will be adding new paintings frequently, and the larger ones will only be posted there. I will be initiating some new ideas in the new year as well.

Happy New Year to all of you.

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-21T05:47:00.001-08:00

8 x 8 oil on sealed matboard

Every year I plan to paint a Christmas card to send to friends and family. Well, I did get the painting done, but it will have to be an ecard this year.

This little ornament was handmade by my husband's late uncle. It represents love, patience and joy....all the attributes I certainly could use more of.....so with it comes my hope that all of you too will find more of them in your life and the year to come.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS

My web site

Transition

2009-12-18T13:15:00.000-08:00

8 x 8 oil on board

This is from a day last May just after getting home from Arizona. I met my friend Kathy in Lamoille Canyon for a day of painting and getting caught up after the months away. There was new spring grass growing beneath the reds of the dried grass and brush left from a long winter. The creek was flowing at a fast pace with the start of the spring thaw. I would rather be there painting than in the studio, but I am grateful I have a studio and the opportunity to paint. I love revisiting my reference material in preparation for a painting as it brings the day vividly back to be relived and shared with you my viewer via a painting. Thanks for the memories.

Please check out my new web site and blog at www.fineartstudioonline.com/ryvonnecolclasure or http://www.ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/ and click on the blog link.

Thanks for stopping to visit, and remember an original oil painting not only makes a great gift, but a good investment.

New Blog Link

2009-12-09T11:32:00.000-08:00

http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/blog

6 x 8 Oil on panel

This painting has been posted to my new web site and the new blog.

http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/blog

http://ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/

I hope you will take the time to view the new locations.

While you are there please sign up for the newsletter. I will be sending updates and some art tips and other little tidbits that I hope you will find interesting and useful, or at least entertaining.

New Web Site

2009-12-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

I have just launched a web site at Fine Art Studios Online. I hope to integrate this blog into the blog on that site in time. Till then, thank you for your visits and I will keep you informed. The link is: http://www.ryvonnecolclasurefineart.com/

This is the backside of Lone Mountain which can be seen coming back to Mountain City highway from Tuscarora. This was painted a while ago on a trip with a dear artist friend who succembed to cancer far too young.

Superstition Gold

2009-12-03T06:15:00.000-08:00

12 x 16 oil

I love the Superstion Mountains! It is getting about time to fly south, although this year we aren't certain we will go. I haven't painted snow since I started painting in plein air. We usually leave before the first big one comes in. I'm sure as soon as my Husband has to plow snow he will change our minds. In the meantime I am going to PAINT.

Morning Stroll

2009-11-30T06:06:00.001-08:00

12 x 9 oil

Time flies when you are having fun! Last week was busy with the holiday. If I were three people it would work out just right. One of me could be painting all the time. I have so many paintings in my head that want to be painted! Oh well, one at a time.

This is a scene I captured while looking for a spot to paint. This is at the park in Murphy's California.

Golden Beauty

2009-11-17T15:29:00.001-08:00

5 x 4 oil on panel $45.00

Fall is officially here. The apples are ripe and ready to be peeled and put into a pie. This one still had it's leaves attached and I couldn't resist doing a quick painting from it before it became a tasty treat.

Autumn Audition

2009-11-12T09:26:00.000-08:00

9 x 12 oil on canvas board

This tree was just vibrant the afternoon we painted in Murphy's park. The blackberry bushes in the foreground were losing their leaves and the other foliage was just beginning to turn. I bet the next week was absolutely spectacular.

Camouflaged

2009-11-09T09:14:00.000-08:00

8 x 6 oil on canvas panel

This is was my subject from the first day of the workshop. This is the second painting, as I messed up on the first one. There were some good things in it, though, so I used it as the model for this one. We were at the Douglas Flat Schoolhouse near Murphy's California.

The Artist

2009-11-06T09:06:00.001-08:00

8 x 6 oil on gessoed foamboard

This was an exercise in pure FUN. I love the photo Kathleen Dunphy uses in her promos. It was taken by her friend and artist Janette Jones. My goal was to see if I could capture the light in paint. Now, if I can just apply the same principles to my other paintings.

My thanks to Kathleen and Janette for permission to post this little painting.

Vineyard Roses

2009-11-01T04:36:00.000-08:00

6 x 8 oil on canvas panel

My friend Kathy and I went to the Ironstone Vineyard the day after the workshop ended to paint. It is a lovely vineyard. There were rose bushes planted at the end of the grapevine rows. I never did ask if there is a reason for them or if they just add to the aesthetics of the vineyard.

Home Again

2009-10-28T16:26:00.000-07:00

8 x 6 oil on canvas panel

I had a wonderful time at the workshop in Murphy's California with Kathleen Dunphy. I love the area, it is a beautiful and inspirational place to paint. This cottage is where we stayed the first night. This was my painting on the second day. It was more complete than the others I painted. I will get them to a more finished appearance and post them soon.

Monday Afernoon

2009-10-14T05:49:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil on canvas on masonite $60.00 free shipping

The wind was blowing too hard to go outside, so I painted looking out the patio door.

This may be the last one till I get back from California next week. I have to pack and get loaded up. I haven't decided if I am going to try to post during the week or just enjoy the scenery and post what I have painted when I get back home. I hate to keep you in suspense, but hopefully it will be worth it. Thanks for taking time to view my work,and have a great week.

Nevada Gold

2009-10-11T09:13:00.001-07:00

7.75 x 11 oil on gessoed board $110 free shipping

The studio version of my paint out behind Twin Bridges.

September Raindrops

2009-10-06T16:22:00.001-07:00

7 x 10 oil on gessoed gatorboard $65.00 free shipping

I visited this place in Juneau a few years ago, and I have wanted to paint it ever since. The weather has been less than cooperative for plein air painting, so I got out my resources from the Alaska trip, and painted it finally. There was a light mist coming down, and you could barely see it hitting the water's surface. I hope you like it as well as I do.

Cement Cart

2009-10-02T16:47:00.001-07:00

8 x 6 oil on mounted canvas $75.00 free shipping

I painted in the yard today. I am beginning to see my husband's collectibles in a more favorable light. I think I am getting the hang of the new palette finally. I do wish I could get these to look on the monitor like they do in real life. I don't know if it is my camera or my monitor. I can only say they look a lot better in life than on my computer screen.

I hope you enjoy looking. I appreciate your support and faithfulness. Feel free to comment or send an email. I am always interested in your thoughts.

Pasta Salad Anyone

2009-09-28T07:02:00.000-07:00

8 x 6 oil on mounted canvas $75.00 free shipping

I guess I am in the food mode lately. The Nevada landscape is getting pretty dry and allergy season is kicking in, making plein air not so pleasant to do. Food items make great still-life set-ups. I will be doing some more paintings outside in the yard soon using some of my husband's interesting collectibles.

Friendship Soup

2009-09-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil $85.00 free shipping

This soup mix was a gift from a friend. I thought it was so pretty I didn't want to fix it until I painted it. I finally accomplished that, and I think it has been too long to eat it now, so it will become a prop in my collection. The bean pot belonged to my mother. I remember having beans from it many times as a child. It had an electric tray it sat on and a metal lid that has long since disappeared.

Thanks for taking time to look. I hope you enjoy seeing what I enjoy painting. I will be listing some paintings on eBay soon.

May your day be blessed with health and happiness.

Give Us This Day

2009-09-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil $45.00 free shipping

I love artisan breads. These ciabatta rolls are delicious split and toasted in the oven with a little apple butter on them. M-m-m, must be lunch time.

September 19th

2009-09-19T17:15:00.001-07:00

6 x 8 oil $60.00 free shipping

I stood outside on the patio and painted this afternoon. It was cloudy and the sun kept peeking through the clouds on the Rubies. I'm practicing for Kathleen Dunphy's workshop next month.

Puff Ball and Pot

2009-09-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

6 x 8 oil $65.00 free shipping

I just had to paint this puff ball again. I hope it comes off as light and fluffy as it is. I am painting in the studio more at this time because it is allergy season...good old Nevada sagebrush.

Thanks for stopping for a look. I hope you are enjoying life.

The Old and The New

2009-09-15T11:22:00.001-07:00

6 x 8 oil on panel

We went to Jarbidge, Nevada for the week. No cell phone, no computer, no clock. Ate when we wanted to eat, slept when we wanted to sleep, and sat in the shade by the river and listened to the water as it gurgled and blooped over the rocks. It was wonderful. I didn't paint like I planned to. We did a lot of exploring and looking at the scenery and sites. I did get a lot of reference material for studio paintings, but this was the only plein air I came home with.

I hope you aren't too disappointed, and if you get the chance to take a few days to just be, I bet you would enjoy the time in Jarbidge too.

Puff Ball

2009-09-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

3 x 5 oil $35.00 free shipping unframed

I painted this the same day as the gourd. It is actually the head from a milkweed. I sprayed it with hairspray to keep it intact. It was a challenge to make it look puffy. I am reasonably pleased with the way it turned out.

I will be back in a few days with several plein air paintings to post. I am committed now, because I don't like to break a promise.

Thanks for stopping by, and don't forget to come back and see how I did, and where I went.

Gourd

2009-09-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

5 x 4 oil $45.00 free shipping (unframed)

Wow, what a crazy short summer! I had the best intentions of posting daily, too. Thank goodness for studio day and my friend Wendy who faithfully makes the trip to my studio every Wednesday.

I will be going on a paintout for a few days tomorrow. I am looking forward to three days of painting en plein air. The weather is perfect, and I will take my large umbrella in case it decides to rain. I will not be deturred from this painting trip.

Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon and see what I bring back.

8-17-09 paint out

2009-08-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

We took the quads on a 63 mile round trip.....too many miles in one day. The spot I had planned to paint has burned in some of the range fires, so on we went, and I am glad we did. I really liked this spot. We found a large cedar tree to shade up under while I painted. I am anxious to do a studio painting of this scene. I want to go back, but it will be in the air-conditioned truck this time.