The Mother Load

The exciting life of a pair of

hungry bees captured forever.

Acrylic on 5x7 panel board.

This painting is for sale.

Morning Sunflower

Morning Sunflower stands out as

another lovely garden flower being

explored by a bee in flight.

Acrylic on 5x7 panel board.

This painting is for sale.

Lessons Learned

As I was trying to teach my 5 year old grand daughter to paint I realized

what a tremendous challenge it is sometimes to be able to convey a

thought or instruction to someone else, especially if that someone

else is 5. This picture was just thrown in for the fun of it.

First I paint mostly in acrylic. I love this medium because of it's fast drying time

and easy cleanup. I have found a few things which make painting easier, some of which I have learned from other artist along the way. As with any thing in our lives we learn from doing. I have been painting daily for almost a year. As I look back to past paintings I can tell the progression of my success. I felt that to post these few tips may just be helpful to those out there who are looking to improve. I know that I have certainly searched the Internet and other resources for all of the information I could glean. So enough rambling here is a small list of valuable things I have learned.

1. Never give up

2. Search Artist sites, Art blogs, And Art, Art, Art.

3. Study other artist paintings, notice shadow and light, value and chroma.

Define what it is in a painting which appeals to you.

4. Ask for critiques from other artist and put your feelings aside. Listen and

realize you can paint a better composition by allowing someone else who sees

things you may be missing to help point out areas of improvement.

5. Study the golden mean.

6. Take the time to do a value study when you first arrange your palette before

starting a painting.

7. Try to set aside an hour or two several times a week to paint.

8. Join art challenges as often as possible even when you think you are

not good enough. Some I have found very helpful and fun are as follows

1. http://www.windowstothewords.blogspot.com/

2. http://www.rookiepainter.blogspot.com/

3. http://www.paintanddrawtogether.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.virtualpaintout.com/

5. http://www.inspirationallaroundus.blogspot.com/

6. http://www.studioatelier.blogspot.com/

9. When using acrylic paint invest in artist grade paints. I prefer heavy body.

10. I use an atomizer to finely mist my paints while painting in order to prevent

them from drying out.

11. I prefer a glass panel for a palette. The one I use is approx 11x14. I place it

standing on my easel when painting small works when possible. I secure it

by placing foam board behind and extending out to stabilize the glass. Clips

can be used.

12. I keep two jars of water. The first is a quart jar with a plastic dish washing

disc in the bottom for gently cleaning brushes and the second to rest my

brushes in while painting. This is extremely important in keeping your

brushes in good shape. Only put approx 1-1.5 inches of water in the 2nd jar

so the silver ferrel will be above the water level. This keeps the brushes from

becoming loose and wobbly.

13. Finally when ready to store my paints I simply give them a final mist. I

place a small cut wet sponge in the Mastersons wet palette box. I place

the glass palette inside and seal. This will keep for several days. Wash

the box occasionally to prevent mold from occurring.

14. Last but not least I use a razor blade type paint scraper to clean the glass.

A wipe with a wet paper towel and your ready to paint another masterpiece.

Sweet Nectar

I have been pleasantly bothered
by wasp and other flying things in
my garden. I was intrigued to capture
one in flight.
Acrylic on 5x7 panel board.
This painting is for sale.

Snowball

Snowball is another maltese on
5x7 panel board.

Lemon Sour

Lemon Sour was painted for a challenge at

www.inspirationallaroundus.blogspot.com

acrylic on 4x6 panel board.
UNAVAILABLE

Comfort Things

Comfort Things is an acrylic painting on
a 4x6 panel board. Painted for a challenge
UNAVAILABLE

Birds of a Feather Flock Together

4x6 acrylic on panel board. This was painted for a

artist challenge at www.studioatelier.blogspot.com

This painting is for sale.

Replaced by a Cat

I have been replaced by a cat,
Now what do you think of that.
Perphaps if I had some fur or could pur,
Maybe I could get somewhere.


Written by my 87 year old mother.
Imogene Johnson

That Stare

That Stare is a little dog painting
acrylic on 4x6 panel board.
This painting is for sale.
UNAVAILABLE

Cool Cat

Cool Cat is an acrylic painting on 8x8 panel
board and he sure would love to come home
with you. This painting is for sale.

Bowzer

This cute little pup is
4x6 acrylic on panel board.
This painting is for sale.

The Gift

The gift is a painting of a perfume
decanter given to me as a gift form
my husband. I couldn't wait to paint
it. For sale. This painting is acrylic
on 8x10 panel board.
No Longer Available

Sparkle

Sparkle is an 8x8 acrylic of a
feline with piercing blue eyes.
This painting is for sale.

Drifting

This lone duck is lazily looking
for food which is floating on
the pond surface.
11x14 acrylic on panel board.
This painting is for sale.

Grandma's Pitcher

Cool blues and purples and golden
yellow set off this pitcher from years
gone by. The tulips are fresh cut and
are a sharp contrast to the coolness
of the white pitcher. Used to serve tea
in the past now it simply holds beauty.

No Longer Available

Tender

Tender has outstanding blue eyes.
White Fluff as only poodles can
have.
5x7 acrylic on panel board.

Blue

Blue is a dog with piercing blue eyes.
Acrylic 5x7 on panel board.

The Vase

UNAVAILABLE

Peaceful Harmony

Peaceful Harmony is a rendition of
a violin waiting for the masterful
fingers to bring it to life. 16x20
acrylic on panel board. I would like
to give credit to Silverlady on wetcanvas
forum for the photo I got my inspiration
from.

Almond Blossom

Almond Blossom was painted for a challenge
on http://www.windowstothewords.blogspot.com/
Thanks to James Parker for presenting this
challenge. 4x6 acrylic on panel board.

Jester

Jester is a long haired chihuahua. He has bright
eyes and a wet little nose. 5x7 acrylic on panel board.
                                   SOLD

Silver

Silver is a maltese just waiting to come and

play. 5x7 panel board.

Butch

Butch is an acrylic on 5x7 panel board.

Chief

Chief is an acrylic on 5x7 panel board.

Old Man

Old Man is someones love. He has been
around for awhile but has lots of love
left to give.5x7 acrylic on panel board.

Copper

5x7 acrylic on panel board. Copper is lounging
waiting to bounce into action.

Mischief

5x7 acrylic on panel board. Mischief is a little
yorkie just waiting to get into some trouble.

'Ol Red

Hey there! I can sniff a scent from a
mile away. No Sir Rhee, you won't get
away. Just look in my eyes and you will
be mesmerized. Buy Me, or else.
5x7 acrylic on panel board

On Deck

On Deck is an acrylic on 5x7 panel board.
I love painting crabs because of the deep color
saturation you can incorporate.

Shrimpy

Shrimpy is an acrylic on 8x10 panel board.
Very Painterly shrimp.

Sammy

8x10 acrylic on panel board.

Sarg

Sarg is an acrylic on 5x7 panel board.

Your Highness

Your Highness is royalty just waiting
to be a part of your family. 5x7 acrylic on
panel board.