ART by CAROL ADAMEC

A Little Sneak Preview

2012-02-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Anaazi Sherd #1, 2012
 Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed panel 
8"x 8" (unframed) • $150
 Contact Artist to purchase

Dear Faithful Readers:

I apologize for my irregular posting since the beginning of the year. I have been painting away in the studio for hours every day in preparation for an upcoming exhibit at the Harwood Art Center in Albuquerque during the month of April.

Once again, I will be joining my friends Sondra Diepen, Louise Pryor, and Joanne Kamiya in our 4-person show called "What Remains."

If you have been following this blog for awhile, you may recall seeing images of "sherd paintings" that I've done off and on over the past two years inspired by Indian pottery fragments. For this upcoming exhibit, I am preparing an entire body of work based on Native American pottery sherds and design fragments. And I'm very excited about this new work!

Although I have several large paintings underway, today's post is one of the smaller pieces to be in the show...a little "sneak preview" for you.

Thanks for taking a look. I hope you are enjoying a great week.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
 Text and image ©2012 Carol L. Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Year's Resolution

2012-01-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Sunset Strip #21: Showtime!, 2011

 Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood 

3" x 9.5" (unframed)  
SOLD

One of my New Year's resolutions is to use more color when painting. So how's this? Seems to work for this painting, inspired by a stunning Albuquerque sunset I witnessed last September.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
 Text and image ©2012 Carol L. Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sunset in Florida

2012-01-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sunset Strip #20: Lake Shore, 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood
3" x 9.5" (unframed) • $75 w/ free shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

Here it is...the 11th of January and my first post of the New Year!

Today's painting is the last Sunset Strip Series I finished in 2011. It's an early evening view across our neighborhood lake here in Orlando. I'm posting this painting for all those readers living in cold and snowy weather zones: Keep warm!

Thanks for taking a look. And I hope your New Year is off to a great start!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2012 Carol L. Adamec. All rights reserved.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-30T21:47:00.001-07:00

Winter Gate, 2011

Original oil, alkyd on stretched canvas

10" x 8" unframed • $350

Contact Artist to purchase.

To All My Dear Readers, Friends, Family, and Supporters...
Best Wishes to You and Your Loved Ones
for a Happy New Year!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Painting Like Monet

2011-11-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Lake Bridge, 2011
Original oil on canvas panel
4.5" x 5" unframed • $45
Contact Artist to purchase

I trust that all you faithful Readers out there have recovered from your Thanksgiving feasts and survived the traditional weekend shopping binge. True Confession time: I stuffed myself at the relatives' house (Thank you, Elena and Praveen for a wonderful dinner!) and cyber-shopped for 3 days.

However, the Saturday before all the hub-bub, I went with the local plein air painting group and enjoyed a quiet morning, sitting at the shore of Lake Lily in Orlando, painting the waterlilies, like Monet. Since I am in Florida again, I may as well take this opportunity to practice painting water, especially since it is so plentiful here. There are hundreds of lakes—large and small—all over this city, and Lake Lily is a nice one.

This first attempt started out as a 5" x 7" painting. Over the weekend, I cropped it; and then cropped it again, down to the current size (4.5" x 5"), as the composition of the original version was just never going to "work." I wonder if Monet ever had to do that?

Thanks for taking a look and have a great week.

©2011 Text and image by Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

A Thing of Beauty...

2011-11-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Black Cross, New Mexico, 1929

by Georgia O'Keeffe

Oil on canvas, 39" x 30"

Collection of the Art Institute of Chicago

I am having one of those weeks where every painting in my studio is either unresolved, uninteresting, or just plain ugly. So, rather than assaulting you with an awful painting of mine, I'm posting one of my favorite works of art.

This painting has been a comfort and an inspiration to me for 46 years(!)...most recently as Sunset Strip #13, which I posted on July 13, 2011. Check it out, and I'm sure you'll see the influence.

Like Keats said, "A thing of beauty is a joy for ever."

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

New Mexico Still Life

2011-11-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

Indian Things, 2011

Original painting, oil on gessoed panel
10" x 8" • $375 • Framing available
Contact Artist to purchase.

I'm going to blame Halloween for missing my blog post last week. I consumed too much candy corn and fell into a sugar coma for the rest of the week. Now that I've recovered...

Today's featured painting was begun over two years ago, and then "misplaced." Well, you know how the story goes: Last summer, while looking for something else...there it was, along with another painting I had given up for lost.

So while in Albuquerque during September, I worked on "Indian Things" and finally finished it just this weekend. I especially enjoyed painting all those hot reds.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend.

©2011 Text and image by Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

The Old and The New

2011-10-28T20:14:00.000-06:00

Mogollon Sherd: Motherboard, 2011

Original oil on canvas panel
8" x 8" • $150
Contact Artist to purchase.

I'm still fooling around with images inspired by patterns found on traditional Native American pottery sherds. This painting has been in the works since August, before my sojourn to New Mexico. Despite the fact that the image consists of (only!) 2 basic colors, the painting has been through several sandings (where I completely sanded the paint off the panel) and repaintings. I wasn't quite sure what I was after, but it certainly wasn't "there" yet.

The sherd pattern is from the Mogollon culture, one of the four major prehistoric Native American cultures which occupied a large area in what is now New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico from 150AD to 1450.

Finally, sometime during the repainting process, the entire 40 watt lightbulb in my head came on. I realized that this ancient pottery design is quite similar to contemporary computer circuit boards. Adding the dotted circuitry in gold metallic ink made the painting image, and ideas, come together.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend!
———————————————————————————
©2011 Text and image by Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Fall Flowers

2011-10-19T15:30:00.000-06:00

Blue Vase, 2011
Original painting: oil on paper, mounted on panel
Private Collection

Here's another small painting I completed while in Albuquerque. When I arrived at my friend's home this bouquet was on the table to greet me....flowers fresh from her garden. Now, who wouldn't be inspired by these great colors and such a kind gesture by a thoughtful hostess?

However, the preparation for this painting started a few years ago when I saw a painting done on brown paper, mounted to a panel. I liked the way the oil paint looked on that paper; so I prepared this small panel with brown paper and coated it with a clear gesso (for archival purposes). Then it sat around my studio waiting for the "right" image. I'm really glad that I packed it with my painting gear for my trip to Albuquerque. It was ready to go the day I painted this blue vase with flowers.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week!

———————————————————————————
©2011 Text and image by Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sunset #19: Beyond the Mesa

2011-10-11T10:05:00.002-06:00

Sunset Strip #19: Beyond the Mesa, 2011

Original oil on wood panel • 2" x 6"
SOLD

I've returned to the "Land of the Palms." However, today's painting was completed a few weeks ago while in the "Land of Enchantment." This was the view from Balloon Fiesta Park one evening, looking west at the setting sun beyond the mesa.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week!

———————————————————————————

Albuquerque Sunset

2011-09-27T12:39:00.000-06:00

Sunset Strip Series #18: Looking West

Original oil, alkyd on wood panel

7" x 2.75" unframed • $65

Contact Artist to purchase

How could I be in Albuquerque for almost a month and not yet posted a sunset?

Well, the first two weeks I was here, it clouded up and rained every evening....a very good thing for Albuquerque, not so good for viewing the sunset.

Since then, however, I've been out at sunset with my trusty camera, and here is the first of several Southwest sunset paintings in the works. The beauty of the Southwest landscape is, not only the variety of colors in the sky and clouds, the scope of the view...360 degrees, incredibly breathtaking.

I'm happy to share this with you and appreciate you taking a moment view this blog. Thanks, and have a great day.

———————————————————————————

Blue Gate 2

2011-09-22T10:15:00.002-06:00

Blue Gate 2 (Dappled), 2011

Original oil on canvas panel • 8" x 6"
SOLD

Today's painting may seem familiar to those of you who are longtime readers. I painted the first version of this blue gate at my friend's Albuquerque house over 2 years ago, posted on my blog January 19, 2009. Today's painting is hot off the easel, just dry enough to put on the scanner.

It was interesting for me to compare the two paintings. The first version is much more photographic, intended to capture the subtleties of light. The new painting is more "impressionistic" with stronger contrast and higher keyed color. Same gate, different days, different light, different intention, different paintings, same artist!

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.

———————————————————————————

Red Door

2011-09-20T17:00:00.002-06:00

Red Door, 2011

Original Oil on gessoed panel

6" x 6" (unframed)
Private Collection

This was another sight at The Casa Rodena Winery in Albuquerque, which I photographed last Monday while out painting with the Plein Air Artists of New Mexico. I didn't have time to paint it on location, so I worked up the painting in the studio over the past week. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.

—————————————————————————

Monet, Again

2011-09-19T08:50:00.001-06:00

Sunset Strip #17 (after Monet)

Oil on gessoed wood, 6" x 2"

Private Collection

Good Morning, Dear Readers!

I'm still in New Mexico, painting away, enjoying each and every day. I have five new paintings near completion, still in the drying stage, to share with you.

In the meantime, here's another "baby" Monet sunset, this one from his painting "Puesta de Sol en Etretat." Copying Monet's brushwork is like painting confetti--lots of little slivers of different colors.

Have a great day. See you later this week.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
©2011 Text and Image, Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Mexico Plein Air

2011-09-15T10:28:00.000-06:00

The Winery, 200
Original plein air painting, oil on linen panel

N/A

This past Monday I painted with the Plein Air Artists of New Mexico (www.papnm.org). The group met at 9am at Casa Rodena Winery in the lovely Albuquerque neighborhood of Los Ranchos. It was a bright and sunny morning, so we all clustered along the banks of the acequia in the shade of ancient cottonwoods.

The winery grounds have multiple, classical buildings with green tiled roofs and, of course, rows and rows of grapes, as you can see in this view that I painted.

Many thanks to the PAPNM folks who allowed me to paint with their group as a guest. I look forward to being back in New Mexico as a full time resident in the future and a longtime member of the group.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

New Mexico Greeting

2011-09-08T09:52:00.000-06:00

Photo by Carol Adamec

Well, it was a 1,897 mile drive from Orlando to Albuquerque; and I arrived safely on Saturday afternoon. Making a pitstop just north of Roswell, I pulled into a rest area and was greeted by this sign. Ah, yes, I'm definitely in the "Land of Enchantment"!

I have unpacked my painting gear and will be out painting in "The Land of Enchantment" this weekend. I hope you have a great weekend adventure, too, wherever you are.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

August Lilies

2011-08-30T11:31:00.001-06:00

Sophisticated Lilies 1, 2011
Original oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
4.5"x8" unframed • $75
Contact Artist to purchase.

Sophisticated Lilies 2, 2011

Original oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
4"x6.5" unframed • $55
Contact Artist to purchase.

And now for something completely different...

In between painting the Sunset Series and the new potsherd fragments, I worked up these two small lily paintings. A couple of months ago I had taken some not-very-interesting photos of a lily bouquet, and then fooled around with the compositions until the images were more enticing to paint.

In the meantime, I am packing up my studio supplies in preparation for my trip to New Mexico. So the next post on my blog will be from the beautiful Land of Enchantment.

Thanks for taking a look. I hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and images ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Call of the Southwest: Part 2

2011-08-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

Sherd Fragment: Ebony & Ivory

Original oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
8" x 8"

Now that I have six(!) paintings based on potsherd fragments, it appears that I have a new series underway. Here's the second painting, completed in the past week.

The image is based on a potsherd found on private property near a pueblo in New Mexico. That kind of find certainly gives one a sense of history.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Call of the Southwest

2011-08-17T21:15:00.000-06:00

Salado Fragment: Cathedral
Original oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
8" x 8"

In just a few weeks, I will be traveling to New Mexico for a monthlong visit, to see friends, scout out the scenery, and get in some painting, of course! With the upcoming trip on my mind, I guess it's not surprising that Southwest inspirations would be showing up during my studio sessions.

Longtime readers of this blog may recall the small paintings of pottery fragments that I posted 'way back in 2008 and 2009, which culminated in the larger painting, "Stones & Sherds" (posted Feb 2, 2010). That was pretty much the end of that thematic effort for me, until this past week. Now there are three new paintings based on Indian pottery sherds and patterns, completed on an 8" x 8" format.

It's truly amazing to really look at the intricate patterns and skillful craftsmanship rendered hundreds of years ago by the Native American artisans, especially considering that their materials were all handmade and natural—no fancy brushes or manufactured pigments for these artists!

Then, too, there is a seemingly unlimited variety of designs and variations in Indian pottery (still today, too). I am reminded of Georgia O'Keeffe's design ideal "...of filling a space in a beautiful way."

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Making an Impression

2011-08-04T14:55:00.001-06:00

Sunset Series #16 (Monet's Sunset)
Original oil, alkyd on gessoed wood 
Approximately 6" x 1.5"
SOLD

A few months ago, my sister April sent me my favorite kind of art book—one that's mostly pictures and very few words. The title is "Monet's Impressions", published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Today's Sunset Strip #16 was inspired by one of Monet's paintings, Setting Sun on the Seine at Lavacourt, Winter Effect (1880), featured in the book. You would think that copying a painting would be easy; but, oh no, not so. Painted 130 years ago, Monet's painting is still striking in its boldness, color subtleties, and complex layering of brushwork, even in reproduction!

The more I looked at the picture and worked away on my version of Monet's painting, the greater my appreciation for Monet's masterful style and my growing desire to see his work again "in the flesh." Wouldn't a trip to New York, to the Museum of Modern Art to stand in front of Monet's 40-foot triptych of Water Lilies be a cool (and cooling) treat—especially for these dog days of August?

Thanks for taking a look. Keep cool...with art!
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Still Under the Influence

2011-07-28T12:46:00.000-06:00

Sunset Series #15 (Homage to Albert Pinkham Ryder) 
Original Painting: oil, alkyd on gessoed wood
 6" x 1.5" • $35 w/Free Shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

Albert Pinkham Ryder (American, 1847–1917) is one of those artists who defies easy categorization. His work is often described as moody, poetic, surreal, allegorical, and dreamy. Considered a "Tonalist"—an artist who relies on light and dark contrasts rather than color to describe form and distance—Ryder painted mostly landscape and seascapes. His work is also notable for the number of forgeries that have been done. It's estimated that over 1,000 fake Ryder paintings exist, in private as well as museum collections!

I've been a fan of ol' Albert since art school days. I find his work mysterious, even mystical, especially his Seacoast in Moonlight painted in 1890, which inspired my Sunset Series version posted on today's blog. Other famous works by Ryder are The Race Track (Death on a Pale Horse) and The Flying Dutchman.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Under the Influence, Again

2011-07-20T22:12:00.002-06:00

Sunset Strip #14 (after Winslow Homer)

Original oil, alkyd on gessoed wood

1.5" x 9.5" • $55 w/Free Shipping

Contact Artist to purchase

After working on last week's Georgia O'Keeffe inspired Sunset Strip, I got curious about sunset paintings by other well known artists. I happened to come across a painting by Winslow Homer called "Crossing the Pasture" (1871-1872) shown below.

Ironically, my favorite part of the painting was the distant sky, beyond the hills. So I "appropriated" that portion of Homer's painting, modified the shapes and colors, and tinged the far clouds with color to suggest the coming sunset.

It's interesting—and quite educational to copy the work of a great artist, even from a reproduction. Within even this small segment of the painting, there is a lot going on—color variations, light changes, and spatial dynamics—all happening in the background of this larger painting.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Under the Influence

2011-07-13T15:04:00.001-06:00

Study for Sunset Strip #13 (O'Keeffe Sunset)
Original oil, alkyd on wood panel 
7" x 1.5"
$45 w/Free Shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

I can't deny it. I've been a fan of Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings since I was a freshman in college, standing dumbstruck in front of "Black Cross, New Mexico" at the Art Institute of Chicago.

If you take a look at that painting, you'll see that I was still under its influence this week when I did this study. Sunset Strip #13, measuring 4" x 36" is currently in progress (a lot of blending to do). I'll share it with you when it's finished.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Caliente!

2011-07-06T22:11:00.001-06:00

Sunset Strip #12 (Red Rising)
Original oil, alkyd on panel
4" x 12"
$195 with Free Shipping

Contact Artist to purchase

It's hot in Florida. I guess in some subliminal way, that heat is seeping into my sunset paintings. Hence the strong reds and oranges in the lower portion of the painting.

Thanks for taking a look. Keep cool!

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––  

2011-06-30T15:44:00.000-06:00

Sunset Strip 11: Pink Fire (WIP)
Original painting:oil, alkyd on panel

4" x 12"

Today's post shows a Sunset Strip I worked on a few weeks ago and set aside. I want more pink in it, and instead, it's too orange and yellow. The challenge is to warm up the pinks to meet the heat of the oranges and yellows. When I have it figured out, I'll post the final image.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good weekend and a safe Fourth of July.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––  
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

After Sunset

2011-06-22T08:00:00.011-06:00

WIP: Night Palm

Oil, alkyd on panel

6"x6"

Since last week's post, I've "finished" two paintings which are pretty ugly (to use an oxymoronic description).

Fortunately, a photograph taken by my granddaughter when she was vacationing in Jamaica inspired me to work up the painting posted for today. It's not quite "there" yet, but coming along. Sometimes 1 out of 3 is just part of the learning curve.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

True Confessions

2011-06-15T22:32:00.000-06:00

Sunset Strip #10 (Above the Storm)
Original Painting: 12" x 4"
Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood
Hanger installed on back.
$195 / Free Shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

I am always jealous of artists who are able to capture their subject matter with a few quick and sure brushstrokes. The skill of these artists give their paintings liveliness and energy, as though the work was spontaneously executed, easy to do, no sweat. I do know better than that. As Edgar Degas noted, "Painting is easy when you don't know how, and very difficult when you do." (This statement sounds better in French, too.)
Meanwhile, back in my studio, I still cling to my love of subtle blending of colors. For some reason I find it exciting to have one color transition into another. It seems magical to me, even when I am the one doing the painting! Still, I am sneaking more lively brushwork into my paintings lately, as you can see in the upper portion of today's painting. The Sunset Strip Series allows me to do both—brushing on some quick dashes of color and experimenting with some interesting color transitions.

By the way, Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there. Enjoy your day!
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sunset Strip #9

2011-06-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

Sunset Strip #9, 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood

6" x 3" unframed

N/A

For the past three days, I thought this painting was done. The acid test seems to be putting it on the scanner. Somehow, unresolved areas are easier to detect by looking at the scanned image on the computer monitor than just looking at the painting. Go figure. For today, I am calling it "finished."

By the way, a few weeks ago I reworked my blog page. I invite you to take a look at the new look: http://www.CarolAdamec.Blogspot.com and let me know what you think. Thanks.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sunset #8: Eye Dazzler

2011-05-31T09:13:00.005-06:00

Sunset Strip #8: Eye Dazzler, 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood
6.5" x 2" unframed. Hanger installed on back.
SOLD

Today's post features Sunset Strip #8, hot off the easel.

Inspired by a New Mexico sunset, I subtitled the painting Eye Dazzler which refers to colorful rug designs Navajo artisans began weaving in the 1870's. The Navajo Eye Dazzler style incorporates bright colors and zigzag designs. This phase in the history of Navajo weaving is also called "Germantown", referring to the colorful synthetic dyes and yarns that came from a commercial mill in Germantown, Pennsylvania, at that time.

For me, the exciting part of working on these Sunset Series paintings is combining colors I ordinarily don't use, such as the bright turquoise, magenta, and oranges. These colors definitely have a vibration, and, in this long format, remind me of a rug, too.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this post. Have a good day.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Ray of Hope for Joplin

2011-05-26T21:52:00.006-06:00

Sunset Strip #7: Ray of Hope (for Joplin), 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on gessoed wood
SOLD

I have been distracted this week. My mother and I have been glued to the television, watching the aftermath of the tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri, last weekend. As many of you know, my mother is from that area, and we have family and dear friends in Joplin. Fortunately, our loved ones and friends have survived; and I am grateful to all who contacted me about their well being: Thank you.

Yesterday, I worked in the studio to complete this painting from the Sunset Strip Series. While working on the painting, I was thinking about Joplin, childhood visits with Joplin relatives in the summer, the many good people who became—and have remained—my friends, colleagues, and supporters when I lived in the area a few years ago, and how much genuine pride Joplin folks have for their town.

I was inspired to dedicate this Sunset Strip painting to Joplin's recovery with the title, Ray of Hope. It's #7, a lucky number, and bears my good wishes for Joplin's renewal.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this post. Have a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Magnolia in May...framed!

2011-05-17T18:07:00.005-06:00

Magnolia in May, 2011
Original Painting, 6" x 8"
Oil, alkyd on canvas panel
$245 framed as shown / Free Shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

I intended to have this painting ready for Mother's Day...and the first "version" of it was done by then. But then I was not happy with it, and kept on painting. Here's the final version (I think), along with photos of my framing process, which I mentioned in last week's post.

Photo 1 shows the finished painting on panel. What you can't see is that image extends around the edges of the panel, too. The best way to display a painting on panel in this state is on a decorative tabletop-style easel, since there is no way to securely attach any hanging mechanism for wall display. The nice thing about this display method is that the painting can be moved around, and placed on a side table, a book shelf, a dresser or other flat surface.

Photo 2 shows the 1/2"x3/4" strips that I have cut and glued along the edges to the backside of the painting panel. You can also see a screw eye on each side for attaching a wire.

Photo 3 is a corner view of the painting with the strips glued on. The wood strips are painted black for a more finished look. In this state, the painting can now be displayed on the wall, too— no frame necessary and ideal if you prefer a more contemporary look.

With the wood strips glued to the panel, the painting is also ready for mounting in a canvas floater frame. This style of frame is my favorite, since it allows the entire painting to be viewed right to the edges. Having a little space between the painting and the front face of the frame actually expands the painting's image, allowing it to "breathe." I think this is especially important for smaller paintings, where any cropping of the painting with traditional framing seems to make the image appear even smaller.

The nice thing about canvas floater frames is that they come in ready-to-frame sizes (I use the Illusions brand.) and in custom lengths for nonstandard sized framing for the do-it-yourselfer. I did use Rub-N-Buff to get the gold color on the face, since the 8x6 only comes in flat black finish.

Photo 4 shows the back of the painting, with the floater frame attached to the panel's strips. The bottom image is the painting, framed and ready to hang on the wall.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this blog. Have a good day.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

SunSet Strip #6

2011-05-10T21:34:00.007-06:00

Sunset Strip #6 (with Palm), 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on 12" x 4" gessoed panel
$195 / Free Shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

Last week we enjoyed an afternoon shower, which made for lovely, dramatic clouds at sunset here in Florida. I grabbed my new Nikon CoolPix digital camera (a Christmas gift from my daughter and son-in-law: Thanks again, M&M!) and ran out the door to make several photos of the changing light and cloud forms. So far, I've gotten four new Sunset Strip paintings from that one evening of picture-taking. Nice!

These Sunset Strip paintings have prompted me to look for materials that provide a long skinny format. Mostly I've been painting on odd lengths of wood on hand, that I trim, sand, and prepare with gesso.

However, at the art store the other day, I came across a 12" x 4" birch panel that is ideal, and bought all they had. To the backside of the birch panel, I glue 3/4 x 1/2 inch wood strips around the perimeter, so that the panel will sit flat against the wall and a wire can be attached. I paint the edges of the painting and the wood strips for a finished look. No framing is necessary, but is still possible if the buyer would like to frame the painting. On one of my next blog posts I'll share some photos of how this all works.

Thanks for taking a moment to read this blog. Have a great day. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Real Lemon

2011-05-03T22:31:00.003-06:00

Real Lemon, 2011

Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on 4" x 6" panel

I think the title says it all. Thanks for taking a look.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Good Friday Sunset

2011-04-22T15:08:00.004-06:00

Sunset Strip #5 (Good Friday Sunset), 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on 6" x 1.75" panel
SOLD

I've been saving this new Sunset Strip #5 to post for this Easter weekend. The colors in the painting reminded me of the pretty pastel hues used to dye Easter eggs—one of my kids' favorite holiday activities.

Happy Easter, Happy Spring to all. Enjoy a wonderful weekend!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Garden Tour

2011-04-18T20:33:00.004-06:00

Sunlit Arbor, 2011

Original Painting:
Oil, alkyd on 6" x 8" canvas panel
SOLD

A few years ago I participated in the Eola Heights Garden Tour, held every April in this historic neighborhood of Orlando. Yesterday I spent the most lovely Sunday afternoon painting in the garden of one of the homes on this year's tour.

It was an absolutely perfect day—sunny but cool in the shade, a light breeze with very low humidity, and everything in full bloom. The homeowners had employed a harpist who entertained the 650 garden lovers who passed through, viewing the abundant herb plantings, gigantic Meyer's lemon tree with fruit the size of grapefruits, and many fragrant flowers. So the entire ambience was "heavenly" and I overheard many great gardening tips, too!

Last Thursday I visited the site to preview the garden, which offered several picturesque views. I finally decided to do the arbor area. On that visit, I completed a monochromatic value study in burnt sienna—that orange-ish color you still can see here and there in the final painting—to work out the composition and the sunlight and shadow areas. By Sunday that underpainting was dry, so during the tour I was able to focus on the final colors mixtures to complete the painting. I was very flattered by the many kind comments about the painting from the tour goers, and especially pleased that the owners added the painting to their collection.

Later this week I will be posting a second painting for the week...just in time for the Easter weekend.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Sunset Strip #4: Pink Glow

2011-04-12T20:25:00.011-06:00

Sunset Strip #4, 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on 11.5" x 2" gessoed wood
Ready-to-hang; installed D-ring on back
$95 with Free shipping
Contact Artist to purchase

Another beautiful sunset—this time in Florida. My studio faces west, so I watch the skies as day fades into dusk. I am especially inspired if there are clouds scattered around, catching the changing color, like those in this Sunset Strip.

BTW, I've been asked how to hang or display some of the Sunset Strips or the small, 3"x5" still life paintings that I've been posting lately. Usually the paintings on canvas or linen panels are standard sizes (i.e., 3x5, 4x6, 5x7) and will fit into readymade frames that can be purchased for a few dollars at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, or even local frame shops. Another option would be to display the painting on a small easel, which could then be placed on a table, bookshelf, etc.

As for the odd sized Sunset Strips: I really did not intend for these paintings to be framed. So each painting has a hanger attached for wall display or is mounted on a thicker piece of wood that can stand on its own, allowing it to be displayed on a table, bookshelf, etc.

From now on, each painting description will include info about the hanging system for each artwork. Of course, if you have any questions, just send me an email.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Back Gate: Morning Light

2011-04-06T13:52:00.004-06:00

Back Gate: Morning Light, 2011
Original Painting:
Oil, alkyd on 8" x 6" canvas panel

Today's post takes me back to New Mexico, to my friend's adobe home in north Albuquerque. This painting also is a milestone in my career: I completed the entire painting in one day. Of course, I have been thinking about doing this painting for over a year! It all came together this past Monday.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Single Tulip

2011-03-28T10:45:00.006-06:00

Single Tulip, 2011

Original Painting: oil, alkyd on 5" x 3" linen panel
N/A

Painting from observation is challenging and rewarding, since a simple subject matter can be radically altered by repositioning, lighting, background, and viewpoint. One need only consider Monet's 30 paintings of Rouen Cathedral illuminated at different times of day in various seasons to become aware of such possibilities.

Last week I posted the first version of this tulip in a small glass ("Tuesday's Tulip"), painted from direct observation. A couple of days later I did a second painting of the same tulip, in a little different position and illuminated in a different light. If the poor flower hadn't finally wilted, I might have done a third version. (Cathedrals don't present this kind of problem!)

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Tuesday's Tulip

2011-03-21T22:08:00.005-06:00

Tuesday's Tulip, 2011
Original Painting: oil, alkyd on 5" x 3" linen panel
Contact Artist to purchase

It seems there are a zillion different painting surfaces for an artist to work on, each with a variant of texture, weight, paint "grab" and other factors to consider. For small paintings and working en plein air, I usually choose gessoed panels or canvas panels. They are thin, strong, and lightweight in smaller sizes.

Recently I ordered some linen panels, which have a finer fabric weave and, hence, a smoother surface. I am really enjoying this new (to me) surface to paint on, especially for the small studies, like the tulip posted today, that I've been painting lately.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Modern Skyscape

2011-03-17T20:58:00.006-06:00

Evening Flight, 2011

Original Painting
Oil, alkyd on 4" x 6" panel

Private Collection, Florida

I was outside taking photos of the sunset last week. The pink clouds in the deep blue sky were lovely. A plane heading toward the airport crossed my field of vision just as I snapped the shot...a gift from the Sky God, I think.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Wild Sky

2011-03-10T10:00:00.003-07:00

Sunset Strip #3 (Tiger Stripes), 2011
Original Painting
Oil, alkyd on 6" x 1.75" panel

Private Collection

Here's another Sunset Strip painting, this time a vertical, inspired by a gorgeous Albuquerque display at sundown. These are really fun to paint!

Thanks for taking a look.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

No Easy Lemon

2011-03-08T20:09:00.006-07:00

Lemon Study, 2011

Original: oil, alkyd on 3" x 5" panel
SOLD

It's been a few weeks since I painted and posted the grisaille rendering of a lemon. A couple of you asked what grisaille (pronounced griz-eye) is. Basically, it is a painting done in black, white, and grays...like using black and white film to photograph something.

Once the grisaille painting is dry, color is usually added to the painting via thin glazes of diluted oil colors. This is a very traditional method for developing a painting, allowing the artist to establish the correct "values" or graytones before taking on color considerations.

Although I was happy with the graytone version, I wasn't happy with the color glazing results. So, I have been fooling around with this painting for the past week. My greatest challenge was to keep the lemon from looking like a yellow hand grenade. (It's odd what your mind will conjure up when working too intensely!)

Thanks for taking a look.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Looking Westward

2011-02-23T21:46:00.008-07:00

Sunset Strip #2 (Albuquerque)
Original oil, alkyd on wood panel
2.75" x 9" unframed
SOLD

It's been dry in Florida, with clear skies for weeks. Those wonderfully fantastic clouds that catch the evening light and make for dramatic sunsets...and dramatic sunset paintings, too...just haven't been around.

However, Florida is not the only place that can boast beautiful evening light effects. While living in Albuquerque, I enjoyed the view to the west from my second story studio window. There were many beautiful sunsets out over the mesa, like the one which became the painting posted today, Sunset Strip #2. I hope you enjoy it.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Back to Basics....Again

2011-02-17T20:51:00.004-07:00

Lemon Grisaille (WIP)
Oil, Alkyd on panel

In past posts, I've talked about "painting the grays." This is a grisaille rendering of a nice fat lemon I picked up at the grocery store last week and decided to paint. You would think that a simple object would be simple to paint. Yeah, right!

I did cheat a little, as I began the painting on a burnt umber toned panel and let that brown color show through in the background. Once the paint dries, I'll be glazing color on top of the grays. It's been awhile since I did an entire painting--even a small painting--using this method, so we'll see how it all turns out.

This week I also complete the second "Sunset Strip" but it's still too wet to put on the scanner. So, I'll be sharing that painting with you next week.

Thanks for taking a look. Enjoy your weekend.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Try, Try Again...

2011-02-09T22:42:00.009-07:00

Florida Pines, 2011
Original: oil, alkyd on 5" x 3.5" panel
Framed size: 7" x 5"
Contact Artist to Purchase.

Wow! I received so many positive responses via email regarding the Sunset Strip #1 painting I posted last week. Many thanks to all of you who took a moment to give me your feedback and comments.

It seems that the long horizontal format is a hit, with several of you suggesting cool places where such a format could be installed. I, too, have been looking around my house, noticing all kinds of places a long strip--horizontal OR vertical--could go. There are a lot more niches for that format than a regular, rectangular painting, as I see it. And, yes, the Sunset Strip paintings will be for sale, once I figure out the postage costs and shipping logistics.

Today's painting may look familiar to my longtime readers, as it was posted 'way back on June 29, 2008. Since then, I framed the painting, and it has been hanging on my studio wall, nagging me to do "something" to give it a little zing, or "wow" factor. (Another lesson learned: Framing will not improve a boring painting.)

Since I'm on a sunset kick, I decided to give those Florida pines a more interesting and colorful background. I think a Florida sunset was a good solution, eh?

Thanks for taking a look. See you next week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Trying Something New

2011-02-03T23:21:00.008-07:00

Sunset Strip #1, 2011

Original: oil, alkyd on canvasboard
1.25" x 16" unframed
Private Collection

I've been thinking for awhile that I'd like to do a series of sunset paintings. I know, I know, that sounds like a pretty cliched subject to take on. Well, what the heck. I have several strips of canvas board and gessoed panel that I've cut off other paintings and saved. So why not use them?

A few evenings ago, as I was finishing up in the studio, I looked out the window to see dramatic clouds strung across the sky. Since I had one of those canvas board strips handy, I went for it and did my first "Sunset Strip" that you see posted here today.

So, there's another item on my list of New Year's Studio Possibilities: Try out a new idea. And, hey, it was fun to do, too.

Thanks for taking a look. See you next week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Studio Tangerines

2011-01-26T12:51:00.009-07:00

Studio Tangerines, 2011

Original Painting: oil, alkyd
on 5" x 7" canvas panel unframed

Since there are still nice, ripe tangerines on the tree outside, I picked a few more for this studio still life painting.

I used the same palette of colors that I chose for my last painting ("Frostbitten") and again painted from direct observation. However, this time the image is infused with lots of light, giving the painting a completely different feel.

Thanks for taking a look. Enjoy your week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Year Possibilities

2011-01-11T20:44:00.007-07:00

Frostbitten, 2011

Original painting: oil, alkyd
on 3" x 5" panel, unframed
To purchase, contact Artist.

I always look forward to the New Year. I usually spend the first few days of the New Year making a fresh list of what I'd like to accomplish in my studio with the brand new, 52 weeks that lie ahead.

Rather than calling it a "New Year's Resolutions" list, which sounds like a lot of dreadful to-do tasks I'd rather avoid, I've named it my "New Year's Possibilities", which sounds much more enticing, exciting, creative, even adventuresome!

One of my possibilities for 2011 is to paint from direct observation than from photographs. Another possibility on my list is to work with a limited color palette, i.e, using just a few basic colors. So today's post is my first new painting of 2011, done from direct observation, using the following hues: Yellow-orange, red-violet, blue-green, burnt umber, and white.

Living in Florida, I have a small tangerine tree with bright orange fruits on it, growing in the front yard. Several days ago a cold snap "bruised" some of the fruit, leaving red-violet blotches on the skins. I picked these fruits off the tree and set them up in my studio as a little still life. I must say I am pleased with the results of trying out a couple of my new possibilities.

Thanks for taking a look. I hope your New Year is off to a great start, too.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
* Please note that at this time I ship to US addresses only.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2011 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Holiday Wishes

2010-12-25T18:16:00.003-07:00

To My Dear Readers, Friends, Family, and Supporters...

Best Wishes
to You and Your Loved Ones
for a Joy-filled Holiday!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Back to Wekiva Island

2010-12-17T21:24:00.005-07:00

Wekiva Bridge, 2010

Original oil, alkyd on canvas panel
5" x 7"
To purchasem contact Artist.

Yikes! Time flies when one is getting ready for the holidays!

It's been two weeks since my last blog post; and I have to admit that I've not been in the studio much. However, I did get out last Saturday morning, meeting up with a couple of the Central Florida Plein Air artists at Wekiva Island.

I painted at Wekiva last April. You may recall the photo I posted of the alligator sunning on the lawn where I had hoped to set up my easel? Well, this time I was greeted by 5 deer that ran out from the surrounding woods, just as I was driving into the parking area. My sister contends that I have a lot of "wildlife encounters." I guess she's right!

Anyway, it was a rather atypical Florida morning: fairly cool (I actually had on a fleece hoodie); overcast (I thought it was going to rain any minute); and most surprising, there was autumn color on the trees!

The challenge of painting on an overcast day is capturing the more subtle color shifts in the scenery while keeping it interesting. Since I began with a canvas toned with a burnt orange, I let a lot of that warm color come through for the branches and trunks of the trees. I think it plays off well against the cool colors of the sky and water.

Around noon the sun came out and the clouds floated away. What a difference the dazzling sunlight made! It's like turning on the lights on the Christmas tree. Although it was tempting to brighten up everything, I resisted (Now, that's unusual for me!) And I'm glad I did.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Back in Orlando

2010-12-04T15:46:00.004-07:00

On the Street Where I Live, 2010
Original oil, alkyd on 3 panels
(Each panel is 8"x6")
$750 unframed
Contact Artist to purchase

I've returned from my Missouri exhibition and Thanksgiving in Memphis to absolutely beautiful 75 degree weather in Florida, where the flowers are in bloom and little oranges are ripening on the tree in the yard. Considering the cold weather and snow in other parts of the country, I certainly do understand why folks flock to this land of the palms!

Speaking of palms, I am posting the final version of the three palm studies I worked on (and reworked!) during the summer. The three separate paintings are now configured as a single artwork.

On the Street Where I Live, as shown above, is included in my current exhibit at artCentral in Carthage, Missouri, which ends tomorrow (Sunday, December 5). Many thanks to all my friends and family who attended the opening or have dropped by to see the exhibit. I appreciate your support!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Show Time!

2010-11-16T19:05:00.006-07:00

O'Keeffe Calla, 2010

Original painting, oil on panel, 7" x 5"

To purchase, contact the Artist

Hello, Dear Readers,

It's been a busy time since my last post. I left Orlando last Friday to drive to Joplin, Missouri, to install my solo exhibition at artCentral in Carthage, MO. Those of you who know me may recall that I was Director of this nonprofit artist group when I lived in the Joplin area several years ago.

My exhibit is titled "In Natural Light" and features mostly studio and plein air paintings completed over the past year--many which have been posted on this blog--along with a couple of larger color pencil drawings. Of course, there have been a few revisions, reworkings, and final touches on the paintings, which hopefully are improvements. All framed up and hung on the walls, the paintings look pretty nice. I am pleased with the show.

If you are local or in the area, please accept this invitation to attend the opening reception this Friday, November 19, 6-8pm. artCentral is located at 1110 East 13th Street, Carthage, MO 64836. The event is free and open to the public. The exhibit continues through December 5, and can be viewed on weekends and by appointment.

I will be returning to Orlando around December 1, so look for my next blog post in a few weeks. In the meantime, best wishes to all for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Good News!

2010-11-04T22:36:00.003-06:00

Mt. Dora Train Station
Oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
6" x 8"

Last Friday I went to the opening reception of the plein air show at the Mt. Dora Art Center. The exhibit was the final event of last week's Mt. Dora Paint Out. I submitted one plein air painting for the show—"Yellow House, Mt. Dora" which you saw on my October 25 blog.

When I arrived at the opening, I was very pleased to see that my little painting had taken Third Place in the show. Considering that there were many fine plein air paintings in the show, I was surprised and delighted.

Today's post is the reworked version of the Mt. Dora train station that I started in last week's plein air workshop. I returned to the site in the late afternoon on Thursday, and this time got a much better depiction down on the canvas.

Sometimes, when a painting isn't going right, you just have to start over.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air, Day 3

2010-10-27T21:12:00.003-06:00

WIP: The ChewChew Station

Oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
6" x 8"

This was the third and final day of the Mt. Dora plein air workshop with Gregg Kreutz . And it was another hot day (around 90 degrees). I actually got sunburned!

After Gregg did an inspiring painting demo of the marina first thing in the morning, I headed back into town. Even though yesterday's train station painting didn't turn out the way I had hoped, I still had the bug to do the old train car. Next to the train car, there's a modest diner called, The Chew Chew Express, which hosts a casual outdoor patio. The umbrella tables in bright morning sun in front of the old train car caught my eye.

I remember attending an artist talk by photographer Sandy Skoglund, who discussed how the background of an image lets the viewer know where they are. I was sure to paint in a few palm trees amidst the greenery, since this is Florida I am painting!

I have a few more touch ups on this painting, and it's done. Thanks for taking a look and following along with my plein air workshop this week.

See you next week!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air, Day 2

2010-10-26T22:06:00.003-06:00

WIP: Mt. Dora, Fifth Avenue

Oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
6" x 8"

Today was the second day of the plein air workshop up in Mt. Dora. I put in a long day today, and actually worked up TWO paintings. (Hey, I said I was trying to pick up speed!)

The one you see above—a view of Mt. Dora's shopping area—was my morning painting. It's better resolved than my afternoon painting, a view of the train station.

There are a lot of painters in Mt. Dora this week for the paint out. Everyone has been very friendly and mutually encouraging. And there are many courageous paintings underway—views and subject matter that are pretty challenging to capture in just a few hours or a single day. I was reminded of a quote by Georgia O'Keeffe: "To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage."

Thanks for taking a look. Tune in tomorrow to see what unfolds on Day 3. We are hoping to paint down by the lake.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air Workshop Day 1

2010-10-25T22:15:00.009-06:00

WIP: Yellow House
Oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
6" x 8"
SOLD

This week I am taking a plein air painting workshop up in Mt. Dora, a town located about an hour away from Orlando. Since the elevation of Orlando is only 14 feet above sea level, I guess that Mt. Dora can flaunt its 184 foot elevation.

Mt. Dora is a charming village on a good size lake, with nice old trees, a train station, a yacht club, lovely parks, good restaurants, and unique shops.

The three-day plein air workshop is being taught by Gregg Kreutz, a traditional fine art painter from New York. He did two painting demos today. Amazingly, his paintings took only about 30 minutes each and captured a good likeness of the scene before him.

The image posted shows my morning effort, still in its cardboard holder. Although I spent about 2.5 hours painting on this piece, it isn't quite finished, but coming along. I am hoping to pick up a little speed during this workshop.

Thanks for taking a look. Tune in tomorrow to see what unfolds on Day 2.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Backyard Boat

2010-10-14T08:20:00.007-06:00

Backyard Boat, 2010
Original painting
Oil, alkyd on gessoed canvas panel
8" x 8" unframed
Contact Artist to purchase

Dear Readers,

I've been entertaining visitors the past few weeks, and have been away from my computer. So I apologize for missing my weekly posting schedule. I did, however, finish the painting you see posted today.

Having been in Florida for awhile, I notice that there are a lot more boats in people's backyards than out on the many lakes that make up so much of the landscape here. I was prompted to do this painting by the thought of how we all put off, postpone, or give low priority to the things that give us pleasure, provide fun in our lives, fulfill our interests, engage our passions, and make for happy memories.

I know I can be a workaholic, and figure that every one of those folks with a boat in their backyard is a workaholic, too. In a society that values wealth above all, we forget that time is the real treasure to spend. I set the time of day as late afternoon for this painting, to remind me that the day is short and can slip away before you realize it.

Thanks for taking a look; and I hope you get your boat out of the backyard this weekend.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Return to Plein Air

2010-09-20T21:15:00.006-06:00

Iris's View, 2010

Original: oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 8" x 6"
Contact Artist to Purchase

This past weekend, I was pleased to be one of nine artists selected to participate in the "5th Annual Art in the Gardens" plein air painting event in Leesburg, Florida. The event lasted from 10am until 2pm, during which time I painted the view you see posted above while enjoying several nice conversations with the garden tour goers and the generous homeowners who made their garden available for the event.

It was a lovely day and felt really good to get outdoors to paint! Painting all those greens over the summer really paid off, too, as I'm pretty happy with the way the sunlight on the lawn turned out.

Now that the weather is cooling down, I'm looking forward to regular forays into Florida's scenic spots to do more plein air painting.

Thanks for taking a look and I hope you're having a good week.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Labor Day Lily

2010-09-06T09:30:00.004-06:00

Peeking Out, 2010
Original: oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 6" x 6"
SOLD

As I am posting on the Labor Day holiday, I hope everyone is indulging in a relaxing day, or at least "laboring" at something they enjoy doing.

Today's painting is going to Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, MO, for their annual "Small Works Auction." As I've mention before, I enjoyed being Spiva's Associate Director when I lived in Missouri a few years ago. Although the job was labor-intensive, it was very rewarding. The folks involved with Spiva--the staff, board members, artists, volunteers, and members--all are hardworking and generous with their knowledge, skills, and time. Their efforts make a huge difference in the community.

So, it's always an honor for me to participate in this Spiva fundraiser. This year's auction begins on September 18, and anyone can bid on the work...Just give them a call.

Thanks for taking a look. I'm off to work on a new painting..something I truly enjoy doing.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Painting the Tulip Red

2010-08-26T09:45:00.004-06:00

Red (Tulip), 2010

Original, oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 6" x 8"
To purchase, contact the Artist

After painting so many greens, it was fun to paint all these reds. Actually, after letting the painting dry, I glazed the reds.

Glazing involves brushing on a transparent mixture made with a tiny bit of pigment—in this case, a cadmium red—diluted with a lot of medium, which I painted over the red of the tulip. The result is a "deepening" of the color that really sings. As you can see, the tulip color appears highly saturated and seems to glow.

BTW: My friend Sondra, who took the original photograph of the "Pea Pods" I painted for the last week's post, dropped me an email: "These are mimosa or aka silk tree seeds. Gardeners and horticulturists could be offended!" I am red faced, since I used to have a mimosa tree and should have recognized the difference! Once again I have confirmed that I am no gardener, although I am very happy to have friends who are! I'll be changing the name of that little painting, right now.

Thanks for taking a look, and enjoy your weekend. I'll see you next week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Out in the Garden

2010-08-18T12:40:00.005-06:00

Mimosa Pods, 2010

Original: oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 7" x 5"
To purchase, contact the Artist

Although I haven't posted for a couple of weeks, I've been painting almost daily. I started five new paintings--mostly small ones---all different subject matter. This is the first one dry enough to scan for uploading.

I'm still into painting the greens, accented with some hot reds and bright yellows. It turns out that the palette knife practice that I struggled with on those palm tree paintings a few weeks ago finally paid off. I knifed in the background on this little painting to layer the color and keep it loose. It was actually fun!

I hope your week is going well. Thanks for taking a look, and keep cool!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Water Greens

2010-07-30T10:00:00.004-06:00

Golden Frond, 2010

Original, oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 6" x 6"
To purchase, contact the Artist

For the past two weeks, I've been working on and off on this little painting, and yesterday it came together. It's so hot here in Florida that I think it's influencing my painting. As you can see, I've "heated up" the palm fronds with touches and edges of yellows, oranges, and reds. Against all those greens and cooler blues, those warm hues add some visual spice to this image.

Hope you are keeping cool, wherever you are. Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Palm Re-do

2010-07-23T08:26:00.002-06:00

Technicolor Palm
Original oil, alkyd on panel
8"x6"

A painter friend of mine liked to say, "Nothing succeeds like excess." I thought of her one-liner while reworking this palm "practice", especially when I added that bright yellow-green on the grass.

Now the coloration of this painting reminds me of the saturated color on those '50's postcards...kind of gives the entire painting a "retro" flavor. What do you think?

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you next week. I have a couple of new paintings to share with you.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Soul Search

2010-07-11T22:12:00.004-06:00

Nectarines & Shells, 2005
Original, color pencil on paper
Framed size: 16" x 18"
To purchase, contact the
Rose Gallery of Fine Art , 417.782.7177

A couple of weeks ago when I posted the "Practice Palm" painting, an Albuquerque friend emailed me: "So, what did you learn from the exercise other than that trying something new doesn't always work out?" Her question made me stop and review my intentions for doing those palm tree paintings.

1) Use a palette knife rather than brushes to put the paint on.
2) Brighten the colors to create a sunny feeling.
3) Paint greens that felt "real" and natural.
4) Capture the essence of a palm tree.

I was inspired to set forth these goals by North Carolina plein air painter Mike Rooney. I came across his blog and several YouTube videos where he demonstrates some of his techniques and methods. He paints bright and sunny seashore scenes, beach houses, seaside towns, often with palm trees, and using a palette knife. He makes painting color and light look easy and seems to have a lot of fun doing so!

After spending almost two weeks trying out some of Mike's painting approaches on my palm tree paintings, I must admit I was discouraged. I just wasn't getting the results I wanted. And I was frustrated...I mean, how hard can it be to paint a palm tree and some grass? Evidently, harder than than I thought; and I certainly wasn't having any fun!

Just as I was about to sand the paint off those canvas panels, I decided to give it all another try. So, my three palm tree paintings are back in the studio being reworked. (By the way, if you'd like to check out Mike Rooney's artwork, here's the link to his blog: http://mikerooneystudios.blogspot.com)

In the meantime, here's the second color pencil drawing I shipped off to the Rose Gallery. I did this piece in Joplin, too, while working on the lilies in Sunlit Moment. Ironically, everyone thinks that the lace doily was hard to do. Actually it was the easiest part. Getting the nectarines to sit on the tabletop (getting the shadow right) took more effort.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great day.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Gallery

2010-07-06T23:38:00.005-06:00

Sunfilled Moment, 2005

Original: Color pencil
Framed size: 17 x 18" • $525
To purchase contact Artist

A few weeks ago, Tricia Courtney, an artist-friend of mine in Joplin, Missouri, called and invited me to exhibit work at a new gallery that she and her sister are opening, the Rose Gallery of Fine Art.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile, you may recall that I lived in that area a few years ago, and last summer returned to Joplin for my a one-person exhibit at Spiva Center for the Arts. The folks in Joplin—including all my dear relatives in the area—have always been supportive of me, and I was especially fortunate to meet many dedicated and talented artists like Tricia and the artists who will be showing in the gallery.

So I am very happy to be included in this new commercial venture, which just open to public last week. Sunfilled Moment, posted above, is one of the four pieces I shipped to Joplin. It's a color pencil drawing I did a few years ago while living in Missouri.

The gallery is located at 508 N. Range Line Road (just north of the mall, if you're familiar with Joplin), and the phone number of 417.782.7177. Drop in and see the new place.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Practice Palm...Best of 3

2010-06-27T11:57:00.004-06:00

Practice Palm
Original painting: oil, alkyd on panel

This week I finished painting the different versions of my neighbor's palm tree, and this is the best of the three. As you can see, it's far from a "Wow!" painting. (I'll spare sharing with you the other two versions.)

I was reminded of a few previous lessons in painting, such as...Grass really isn't just green...It really is better to be outside en plein air, rather than standing in the studio looking out the window...Attempting something new—even more than once—doesn't always work out. (I've had this lesson many times in the past.)

Now I'm going to the garage to sand off these three panels. That's a skill I acquired a long time ago that comes in handy, too. (Always wear a mask, since the paint dust is deadly.)

Thanks for taking a look. Have a good week.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Palm Series: Values

2010-06-17T20:53:00.004-06:00

Left: Photo
Right: Value study painting

There are many lessons to be learned from art history. The lives of great artists are intriguing—how they struggled to create something new and visually exciting, what inspired them, who or what influenced them.

Artist Stuart Davis (1892-1964) is best known as an American Cubist painter. Although he started out on a traditional path of realistic painting, he decided to become a "modern" artist after seeing the work of Braque and Picasso at the 1913 Armory Show. He pursued this goal by mounting an eggbeater, electric fan, and a rubber glove to a table and painted only those items over and over for an entire year until he had mastered the lessons of European Cubism. Now that is discipline!

While working on the drawing of my neighbor's palm tree, I thought of several different painting "exercises" I wanted to try out. Rather than work up new subject matter, I am taking a lesson from Stuart Davis's methodology. I have underway three different versions of my neighbor's palm tree with the intention of doing something different with each one.

The version you see posted today is a value study done in black, white, and grays. The point of this exercise is to hone my skills in discerning and matching values. You'll also notice that I've changed the proportions of the various elements in the value study. I wanted less sky, so I made the house larger. There are many details that have been omitted too, since it's just a study. It's not too exciting yet, but we'll see where it goes.

Thanks for taking a look and have a good weekend.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air...from the Studio

2010-06-15T16:38:00.004-06:00

Graphite & color pencil

With the temperature and heat index over 100 degrees here in Florida, working outdoors is out of the question. However, I do have a very nice view of my neighbor's house from my studio. And my neighbors do have a nice tall palm tree in their front yard. So, why not just paint the view of out my window, sort of working en plein air from my nice cool studio? Works for me!

As I've mentioned in the past, when I am unhappy about how a painting is turning out, the problem is usually the drawing. I find that drawing is the best tool for really observing an object, getting the details, and gaining understanding of how a thing truly is. I find that I discover the beauty of an object just by drawing it.

So, I've begun my study of Florida trees with this drawing of my neighbor's palm. I'll be working up a small painting that I'll show you in my next post.

In the meantime, thanks for taking a look and stay cool this week.

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there, too!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Branching Out

2010-06-07T09:50:00.006-06:00

In the Shadows
Original: oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
6" x 6" unframed
To purchase contact Artist

The Florida sunshine is so inviting for plein air painting, but the summer heat and humidity have kept me indoors for the past several weeks. In the meantime, I've been drawing, reading, and trying out some "experimental" stuff in the studio...most of which I will refrain from sharing with you, my dear readers. Let's just say, that some days I can't believe I actually learned anything in art school!

I did complete the little painting posted today. As mentioned in my last few posts, I have much to learn about painting the multitude of leafy greens in the Florida landscape.

Thanks for taking a look and keep cool this week.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

More greens...

2010-05-23T20:22:00.005-06:00

View of the Lake
Original: oil, alkyd on canvas panel
10 x 8"
To purchase contact Artist

My dad was from Minnesota, known for its motto, "Land of 10,000 Lakes." However, considering all the little lakes (and quite a few big ones, too), I think Florida could lay claim to that slogan as well.

A few weekends ago, I went out with the Central Florida Plein Air Artists again, this time to Lake Minnehaha Park, located in Maitland, a suburb of Orlando. It's quite a lovely city recreation site, with a boardwalk over a marshy area, winding sidewalks with manicured lawns, and nice trees providing plenty of shade throughout much of the park. I found a cool spot with a view of the lake.

Since I'll be staying in Florida for awhile, I have many opportunities to paint trees and water—views not readily available in the high desert of New Mexico.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
_________________________________________
Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Painting the Greens

2010-04-27T16:45:00.005-06:00

Wekiva Footbridge
Original oil, alkyd on panel
5" x 7"
Contact Artist to purchase.

My plein air painting session on Saturday morning at Wekiva Island was quite enjoyable, with a cool breeze coming off the river, a shady spot to set up my easel, and no alligators around!

The real challenge of the day was painting all those greens in the Florida landscape. I was grateful for the white footbridge, which I used as the subject matter for this little painting.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
_________________________________________
Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air...Florida style

2010-04-23T15:45:00.003-06:00

When I have the chance, I usually like to preview the site where the plein air group is meeting—partly, so I know where I'm going, and partly so I can pick out a good view and comfortable site to set up.

This weekend, I'll be painting en plein air at Wekiva Island, a commercial recreational area located on the Wekiva River, The location offers a boat launch, along with canoe and kayak rentals, a sandy volleyball area, lots of shaded spots to enjoy a beer, glass of wine, and socializing, and many lovely, relaxing views of the river.

So, this morning I took off for a leisurely drive to check out Wekiva Island in advance of the painting session. After about a 30 minute drive from the house, I arrived at the site, which is unpretentious, laid back, even quaint. Since it's gotten much warmer this week in Florida, I was looking for a shady spot. And because everything is so full and green, I wanted a river view as a contrast to the all the vegetation. I spied a nice spot across a field, and headed over in my car.

I wasn't the only one who thought this was a good place. When I pulled my car up to the river's edge, there was an alligator sunbathing on the grassy shore. And he wasn't giving up his spot just because I showed up!

Maybe he'll have something else to do this weekend, and I'll get to use that spot for painting.

Hope you have a good, alligator-free weekend, too.
_________________________________________
Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Winter Apples

2010-04-20T20:44:00.004-06:00

Winter Apples
Original painting
Oil on stretched canvas • 5"x5"
SOLD

Today's post features a 5"x5" oil on canvas painting I just finished up today. The title is "Winter Apples" inspired by a photo I shot in my Albuquerque backyard well over 10 years ago. It had just snowed, leaving wet clumps clinging to the withering apples on my next door neighbor's tree. I always thought that the fading rosy apples contrasted beautifully with the cool icy fluffs of snow; but I didn't get around to painting the image until this week.

It's funny to me how I can hang on to a photo, sketch, or image for years; and then one day, that's just what I want to paint...and it comes together as a painting.

As a Lifelong member of artCentral—an artists organization I've belonged to since my days in Joplin, Missouri—I am pleased to be sending this painting as a donation for their Silent Auction fundraiser which runs April 25 through May 15. The bidding opens at $25 for any 5x5 artwork. Knowing how many wonderful artists are members of artCentral, I certainly do wish I could be present to place my bids on my favorites. I know there will be some dandy pieces to choose from.

If you live in the area, you might want to drop by artCentral to catch this event. For more information, contact Sally Armstrong, Director, via email: artCentral@suddenlinkmail.com or call 417.358.4404.
_________________________________________
Text & image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Back Among the Palms

2010-04-08T08:12:00.002-06:00

Dear Readers,

I apologize for the long lapse in posting, well over a month now.

I have left the Land of the Cacti and returned to the Land of the Palms. I am back in the Orlando, Florida area taking care of my mother. I packed up my studio in Albuquerque and have been setting it up here in Florida, getting ready to paint again.

Last week I contacted the Central Florida Plein Air group; and I am hoping to get some outdoor painting in before the days get too hot. Considering that when I left New Mexico there was snow in Tijeras Pass, I am enjoying the pleasant, dry 75 degree days in Orlando.

Happy Spring to all!
_________________________________
Text ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Big Night at Harwood on Friday

2010-03-02T20:12:00.004-07:00

Once again, all the Harwood artists, including yours truly, will be throwing open their doors, welcoming the general public to venture into their studio spaces for this year's annual Open Studio Night, on Friday, March 5, from 6-8pm. This is a big event–with music and openings in the Harwood galleries. It's a fun evening, open to the public, and FREE!

So if you're in Albuquerque or the vicinity, please know that you're invited to drop by. My studio is upstairs on the Main Hall, #3. The Harwood address is 1114 7th Street NW, ABQ 87102, located on the southeast corner of 7th and Mountain Road.

Have a great week. I gotta go hang up my paintings!
_________________________________
Text ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Virtual Paintout: San Francisco

2010-02-26T16:24:00.007-07:00

View of the Bridge
Original oil, alkyd on archival canvas panel
6x8" unframed • N/A

It has been a hectic week and I am posting on Friday, instead of Monday. I am hoping that next week will be more "normal"...whatever that is!

Last month I participated in Bill Guffey's "Virtual Paintout" when the selected location was Corsica. I received some nice comments about "Le Fondago." (Thanks to those readers who emailed me a note.)

This month's location was San Francisco. I visited California—in particular, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Jose, Morgan Hill, San Juan Bautista, Sacramento and some of the coast, for the first, time just a few years ago, and found the light as beautiful as New Mexico. Of course the landscape was much more lush and green there.

It wasn't easy to choose a "view" to paint in the San Francisco Bay area, since there is so much colorful and interesting subject matter. Although Google shows the Golden Gate Bridge in bright sunlight, I wanted a bit more atmosphere. I'm happy showing this tourist attraction, set in a landscape setting, in a soft, diffused light.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great weekend.
_________________________________
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Stones & Sherds

2010-02-15T00:01:00.001-07:00

Stones & Sherds

Original oil, alkyd on wood panel
12 x 12"
SOLD

Today's posted image is a painting I did for the Harwood Art Center's annual 12x12 fundraiser, held in November. The Harwood supplies the 12" x 12" blank wood panels and the artists supply the creativity.

It's amazing to see what each artist does on that format, which can range from traditional oil painting to contemporary photography, mixed media, collage, watercolor, and even sculpture!

The opening is quite an event, since many of the artists are very well known—locally, nationally, and internationally. Since every 12x12 sells for the same price ($144), it's a great opportunity to purchase an original for a very reasonable price.

Before the gallery doors swing open at 6pm, there's a long line of excited buyers hoping to get their first choice. However, it takes a quick eye and fast cash to take home the artwork you desire, since there's no preview and the sales are first come/first serve. By the time the evening is over, most of the pieces are sold.

I was very pleased to have Stones & Sherds purchased by a friend of mine.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Mexico Morada...Done?

2010-02-08T16:25:00.006-07:00

New Mexico Morada, 2010
Original, oil, alkyd on panel
Unframed size: 9.5" x 8"
Contact Artist for purchase information

I'm posting late today, as I just got home from Florida last night. Before all of you get jealous, let me tell you that it wasn't exactly sunbathing weather in Orlando last week....it was cold (for Florida), windy, and rainy!

Anyway, before running out the door to catch the plane, I finished re-working this painting. As you may recall, I started this painting almost a year ago, worked on it for a few months, and then set it aside. If you check back to the post on 5/18/09, you'll see the last version before this rework.

Most of the "new" painting is in the background, which is a reminder to me that all parts of the painting must work to create a cohesive image.

Thanks for taking a look. Have a great week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Virtual Paintout: Corisca

2010-02-01T00:01:00.001-07:00

"Le Fondago" 2010
Original oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
Size: Approx 10.5 x 10"
Site: Place Bonaparte, Rue Fred Scamaroni, Bonifacio, Corisca
For purchase information, contact Artist

While web surfing one evening, I came across a site called "Virtual Paintout." Artist Bill Guffey came up with the idea to use Google street maps as a way for artists to paint "on location" anywhere in the world.

Each month Guffey selects a country or city, and artists Google that country and select a site to paint. Once the artwork is completed and emailed to Guffey, he posts the images on his Virtual Paintout blog. Artists of every level of experience can join in.

For January, Guffey chose Corisca. It was fun to zoom around Corsica and see the countryside, the coastline, and various towns; and I spent hours doing so! I finally selected this street scene, mostly because I liked the light coming down the street, that red sign in the foreground, and the name "Le Fondago." (Does anyone know the meaning or translation of "Le Fondago"? I'd like to know.)

It's interesting to note that there are no people on location as one Googles around...especially odd for a city view. Still, I enjoyed the armchair travel and virtual inspiration delivered by Google to my computer screen.

I'm looking forward to seeing which location Guffey chooses for February. It's quite amazing to see what artists pick to paint and how they translate a Google image into an artwork. I think I'll try it again myself!

Thanks for taking a look. See you next time.
————————————————————————
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Blue Gate: Winter

2010-01-25T15:20:00.005-07:00

Winter Gate (WIP)
Oil, alkyd on canvas, 10x8"

Since last week's post, it has turned snowy and wintry in New Mexico. This change of weather has put me in the mood to paint snow.

Today's post shows the beginning stage of a new painting based on the photo posted a few weeks ago on December 31.

This image may also seem familiar since I painted a warm and sunny version a year ago, called "Blue Gate" posted on January 19, 2009. Already the new painting has a much cooler tone. It will be fun to compare the two paintings when this one is completed.

Have a good week. See you next time.
————————————————————————
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

New Mexico Adventure: Silver City

2010-01-20T20:00:00.006-07:00

PHOTO: Historic Building in Silver City, NM

Hello, Dear Readers,

I'm posting midweek, since I was out of town for a long, leisurely weekend with friends on an RV trip to Silver City, New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment was just that, providing ideal travel weather and very mild temperatures for January.

Silver City is a modest sized town of about 12,000 inhabitants located in the southwest section of the state, about 240 miles from Albuquerque. The town and surrounding area is rich in Western history, starring notable characters such as Billy the Kid, Butch Cassidy, Cochise, and Geronimo, to name a few.

Although the fabulous Gila Wilderness is close by, we spent Friday and Saturday browsing and shopping the various antique shops and art galleries in town, and enjoying the historic buildings along Main Street.

We did take a side trip to the City of Rocks, a truly unusual geologic site of rock outcroppings, boulders, and columns. I'll share some photos from that excursion, maybe next week.

—————————————————————————
Text and photo ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Lunch Becomes Art

2010-01-11T00:01:00.005-07:00

"Hard Boiled Egg" 2010

Original oil, alkyd on 6" x 8" panel
SOLD

About 20 years ago, I attended a Chinese painting demonstration given by artist Cecilia Lin in her Memphis studio. She stood at a table, a large sheet of rice paper spread before her. She became very quiet, very still, very focused, holding a brush loaded with black ink over the paper. Suddenly, with a few quick and decisive strokes, a fully alive koi splashed its way across the sheet. I was amazed.

I thought of Cecilia Lin and her masterful skill and speed while considering what to work on in my studio last week. One of my (as of yet) unattained goals is to paint more quickly, like the Daily Painters who can finish at least one small painting a day.

So, my subject matter for painting that day became the hard boiled egg I'd brought for lunch. One must work quickly when painting food items, as the heat from the studio spotlights will affect the color, texture, and even the shape of some foods—like the jalapenos that turned yellow, then red, and got so "hot" they made my eyes water after a few days under the lights.

It took about four hours to render this simple "still life" from direct observation, but I was pleased to have it completed in "record breaking time"...at least for me.

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my blog. Enjoy a great week!

PS: Many thanks to those who emailed to let me know you're glad to see my blog is back in publication. I truly appreciate your readership, support, and encouragement. It's fun to know you're out there!

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved

Autumn in the Jemez

2010-01-04T00:01:00.002-07:00

"Autumn in The Jemez" 2010

Original oil, alkyd on 8x6 panel*

Last October I came back to New Mexico from a trip out East, just in time to catch the height of the fall colors. Rather than work in the studio that day, I drove up to "The Jemez", located an hour away, north and west of Albuquerque.

The Jemez is a truly spectacular area which includes the Jemez Pueblo, the Jemez Mountains, and the Village of Jemez Springs. The scenery is fabulous, winding along NM 4, with mountain and valley views, red rock areas, large rocky outcroppings, Spanish mission ruins, Soda Dam, and much more. (You can visit this website to see other photos: http://www.jemezmountaintrail.org/whattosee.html)

After driving around to just take in all the beauty of the place, I ventured into one of the trail parking lots , found a good view near the stream, and set up my easel.

It was a gorgeous day—short-sleeve weather, bright sun with occasional fluffy clouds lazing across a deep blue New Mexico sky, and the cottonwoods all decked out in gold and yellow leaves.

Surrounded by so much loveliness, I wanted to include every aspect in my little plein air painting. Too much for a 6x8 inch panel! So I honed it down to this single vista and worked up the basic composition and color on site. With the help of a few photographs, I added the details and finished up the painting just this weekend.

Thanks for taking a moment to visit my blog. I hope you enjoy a wonderful day.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2010 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T15:07:00.007-07:00

Season's Greetings

"Blue Gate (Winter)"
Photo by Carol Adamec

Hello, Dear Readers,

It's been so long since I published a new entry on my blog...and there's much news and new paintings to share with you. I resume posting on Monday and look forward to connecting with you again in the New Year.

Please accept my Holiday Greetings and Good Wishes to you for 2010!

Hugs & Best,
Carol
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Almost show time!

2009-07-06T19:56:00.012-06:00

I am in the throes of finishing up paintings and framing for my exhibit at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri, which opens July 17 to the membership and guests, and on July 18 for the general public. The image above is from Spiva's website: www.spivaarts.org.

My exhibit, Catching the Light is a one-person show in Spiva's Regional Gallery and will feature many of the original paintings you have seen posted here on my blog over the past year or more. If you're in the Joplin area on July 17, please! come to the free opening reception (6-8pm) as my guest!

Brave New Art is a group exhibit in Spiva's larger Main Gallery, and includes digital paintings by my friend Lisa Rivas whom I introduced to you last summer in my July 29, 2008 blogpost. I am looking forward to see what new exciting work Lisa will have in the exhibit.

And to the Anonymous Friend of the Arts who has donated to Spiva in support of my exhibit, many thanks and muchas gracias. I can't thank you enough!

I am suspending my blog for the next several weeks while in Joplin, and will resume posting in mid September. Thank you for your readership and support.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text copyright 2009 Carol L. Adamec

Red

2009-07-02T00:01:00.003-06:00

Red

Original painting
Oil, alkyd on panel
5" x 7"
SOLD

I don't know if it's the heat in Albuquerque or because I've been mixing up a lot of red colors to finish another painting, but this image of an Orientale poppy was nagging me to be painted. So here it is!

I took some photos of these blossoms a few weeks ago when the poppies were in full bloom; and I'm glad I did, since the flowers don't last all that long.

Happy Fourth of July! See you next week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Final view of the pond

2009-06-29T00:01:00.003-06:00

Homage to Monet #4

Porcelain paint on ceramic tile
4.25" x 4.25"

As the last post for June, I'm posting the fourth and final porcelain painting on ceramic tile that I've completed, inspired by Monet's water lilies.

Meanwhile, back in the studio, I am starting a small flower painting. Maybe it will be ready for Thursday. See you then.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Bassin trois...a la Monet!

2009-06-25T00:00:00.005-06:00

Homage to Monet #3

Porcelain paint on ceramic tile
4.25" x 4.25"

From the emails I've gotten in the past week, it seems that many of my readers are enjoying these Monet-inspired porcelain paintings of water lilies on ceramic tiles. So, here's a third view of "the pond"...inspired by Monet.

Some of you have mentioned that these painted tiles could be a great decorative touch in a bathroom, either incorporated into the tile wall, a sink back splash, or just framed as a piece of "bathroom art." All good ideas, I think, although poor old Claude might be taken aback!

Nevertheless, if you think of a use for these paintings on ceramic tile, let me know. I'd like to hear your ideas!
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Another View...a la Monet

2009-06-22T01:07:00.003-06:00

Homage to Monet #2

Porcelain paint on ceramic tile
4.25" x 4.25"

Now that we are "officially" into the summer season, here's another view of "the pond"...inspired by Monet. Enjoy! See you Thursday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image 2009, Carol Adamec

Summer Pond...Monet style

2009-06-18T00:00:00.001-06:00

Homage to Monet #1
Porcelain paint on ceramic tile
4.25" x 4.25"

Rather than painting this week, I have been going through my studio, checking my inventory, and framing, getting ready for my July exhibit at Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri (which you'll hear more about soon).

I came across a box of ceramic tiles--the kind that you install in a bathroom or kitchen--and found some that I had painted on with porcelain paints. I did these tiles several years ago, inspired by a large water lily painting by Monet that I had seen in a museum. The porcelain paints are fairly transparent and dry within minutes, so you have to work quickly and loosely.

These were fun to do and I'll probably be showing a few others next week. I think they have a "summery" quality to them.

Thanks for taking a look today. Have a great weekend, and "Happy Father's Day" to all the Dads out there, too. See you Monday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

What's Up, Doc?

2009-06-15T15:56:00.004-06:00

Bugs & Roses
Original oil, alkyd on canvas panel
12" x 16"

Today's post begins with another apology to my faithful readers. I missed posting on Friday and, once again, my internet was down over the weekend. So, here's Monday's post, a bit later than usual!

Meanwhile, I did complete the painting you're seeing on today's blog. My friend Sondra brought home a wooden cutout of Bugs Bunny which she rescued from a dumpster and leaned it against the adobe wall where the roses were in full bloom. When I saw it, it was instant inspiration. And I hope it makes you smile!

Thanks for taking a look today. See you Thursday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Success en plein air

2009-06-08T00:01:00.003-06:00

Cottonwood Reflections

Original oil, alkyd on canvas panel
7" x 5"
SOLD

When I go out to paint, I usually prefer a sunny day....better to capture distinct lights and darks/sunlight and shadow. Saturday began as an overcast day with thick clouds overhead. Oh, well, as a plein air painter, you go anyway. That's part of the challenge, to see if you can get a decent painting out of whatever weather and natural elements are available on a given day.

Sandia Lakes is just a few miles north from where I live. I met my friend Carmen there and we drove around to select a spot with a good view. Because of the clouds, the great view of the Sandia Mountains was pretty hazy. So I picked a closer view of old cottonwood trees reflected in one of the man-made lakes. The issue was to keep the colors subtle yet interesting.

Fortunately I had brought a panel toned with a thin wash of burnt sienna, so I allowed that color to show through in places, providing a warm "highlight" here and there. After a couple of hours, the painting, as seen here, was done. I was happy with it ...a success en plein air for me!

Thanks for taking a look today. See you Thursday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Piedras Marcadas en plein air

2009-06-03T00:00:00.001-06:00

Piedra Marcada

Original oil, alkyd on canvas panel
6" x 8"
SOLD

To those faithful readers who tuned in to this blog on Monday, I apologize for the missing post. My internet connection was down. As it turned out, it was a good thing.

I had thought that this little painting, that I began last week, was done; it was to be the post image for Monday. However, the painting was so lifeless, "tight" and uninteresting that I almost sanded it down to start all over. Instead I decided to "push" the image....what the heck! It couldn't get any worse.

The version you see today better captures the feel and light of this New Mexico site where I set up my easel. I'm much more satisfied with it. Maybe the painting is even done!

I'll be out again painting en plein air this Saturday with my dear artist friend Carmen Sharpe. Carmen enjoys painting outdoors more than I do, and has a natural affinity for capturing the light and air on location. I hope she'll give me some pointers. And, I have every intention of remembering my white paint this time!

Thanks for taking a look today. See you Monday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein air...stage 2

2009-05-28T00:00:00.001-06:00

Piedras Marcadas (WIP)

Oil, alkyd on canvas panel
6" x 8"

Today's post shows what I had hoped my "on location" painting would have looked on Monday, after a morning of plein air painting at Piedras Marcadas. As you can see, I definitely needed the white paint for the pale blue sky, distant mountains on the far right edge, foreground light, and highlights.

Although I took a few photographs of the the view, most of what you now see has been painted from memory and invention, and, in my opinion, better than the "reality" I observed. It proves what Pablo Picasso is famous for saying: "Art is a lie that tells the truth."

Many thanks to those who sent me email comments about Monday's post. I truly appreciate your encouragement!

I'll be finishing up this little landscape and post the final version next week. Thanks for taking a look today. See you Monday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Plein Air rough

2009-05-25T13:59:00.004-06:00

Piedras Marcadas (WIP)
Oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
6"x8"

A few months ago I joined the Plein Air Painters of New Mexico. Due to schedule conflicts I hadn't been out to paint with the group yet....until today. Since I hadn't done plein air since living in Florida, I was really looking forward to this session, since it was clear, cool, and quite pleasant this morning.

I spent part of yesterday setting up my plein air paint box and priming a few 6x8 panels to paint on. So this morning when I left the house at 8am, I thought I was all set to paint. The location was on the westside of Albuquerque, an undeveloped open space, called Piedras Marcadas, meaning "marked rocks", because of the petroglyphs in the area.

I hiked around, lugging all my painting gear, and found a shaded spot with a nice view. While setting up my palette, I discovered that I had forgotten my white paint, a huge deficit when working with a limited palette of 5 or six colors. Darn! Not wanting to completely give up on this opportunity, I worked up a tonal rendering of the scene, concentrating on the composition and lights and darks.

Fortunately I did remember my camera. So this rough start will be completed in the studio.

Enjoy the short work week! See you Thursday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

New Potsherd Painting

2009-05-21T00:00:00.001-06:00

Blue Diamond
Oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
Approx 3.5 x 3"

Many thanks to those who emailed me their comments and suggestions about last week's potsherd piece. I appreciate the input!

Today's post shows another "mini-abstraction" based on an Indian potsherd.This little "mini" painting began much like the others --by covering the entire panel surface with black paint, then scratching through the paint to make the design, and adding other colors. I do like the blue-green colors.

See you next week. Have a safe and most enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©Carol Adamec 2009. All rights reserved.

NM Morada revisited

2009-05-18T00:00:00.003-06:00

New Mexico Morada (WIP)

Oil, alkyd on canvas panel
9.25" x 8"

This painting has been sitting on a shelf in my studio since I last posted it back on March 9. It didn't quite work, so I've been just looking at it to determine what needed to be done.

The first change was to alter the 10" x 8" format. By chopping off three-quarters of an inch of the foreground, I think the church seems to "sit" better in the composition.. The new size is 9.25 x 8".

The whites were too cream-colored, so they've been lightened and cooled. I put more background space around the morada building and enhanced the distant landscape, adding some clouds along the horizon to relate the sky to the foreground cross and church.

I'm still not completely certain that the painting is finished, but this is where it's "at" for now.

Have a good Monday. See you Thursday.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©2009 Carol Adamec. All rights reserved.

Bits and Pieces

2009-05-14T00:00:00.001-06:00

Sherd #1
Oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
Approx 4 x 4"

Today's post shows another of my "mini-abstractions" based on a potsherd. I've heard that folks come across various bits and pieces of Indian pottery on their property, often when planting a garden, putting in a patio, or digging a new foundation for a home addition. Fragments of history can exist just below the surface out here in the Southwest.

I began this little painting by covering the entire panel surface with black paint, scratching through the paint to make the design, and adding other colors.

I have a few of these "in progress" in the studio. I don't quite know what they'll turn into or inspire, but thought I'd share this one with you today.

Thanks for taking a look. See you next Monday.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Text and image ©Carol Adamec 2009. All rights reserved.

Monday's "Balanced Universe"

2009-05-11T00:00:00.001-06:00

Cosmos in Sunlight

by Carol Adamec
Original painting
Oil, alkyd on stretched canvas
6" x 6"

To see a World in a grain of sand
And a Heaven in a wildflower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand.
And Eternity in an hour.
from "Auguries of Innocence"
by William Blake

My mother is a Midwest farm girl who can nurture a dead stick into a mighty oak tree. She always had lovely, blossoming flowers around our house, in every season but the cold, snowy winters of Chicago.

I guess it's one of those genetic things that evidently skips a generation. Thus, my gardening skills are not my strong suit. Usually I choose hardy cacti and the ever-forgiving peace lily for my houseplants. However, I do believe I may plant some cosmos seeds outside my door.

According to various gardening websites, the colorful varieties of cosmos thrive in hot, dry climates and produce more flowers if underwatered. Now this is my kind of plant! And perfect for Albuquerque, too. Cosmos are related to sunflowers, daisies, and asters. Having an even number of petals around a yellow center, the cosmos received its name meaning "balanced universe." I like that concept, too.

In the meantime, I'm posting this 6"x6" oil painting on canvas, Cosmos in Sunlight, to start off the week. I usually don't choose a palette of pinks and lavenders to paint with, as I think of those hues being "softer" or more subtle. However, it seems this painting comes across as a pretty strong image.

I hope your universe stays in balance this week. See you Thursday.
________________________________________________
Artwork and text ©2009 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.

Final "Glorious" Version

2009-05-07T00:00:00.003-06:00

Morning Glorious, 2009

by Carol Adamec
Original painting in oil, alkyd on gessoed panel
5" x 8"
SOLD

I posted this painting a few weeks ago as Almost Done. Now it is done ... and re-done!

If you compare today's image with the version on April 23, you can see that I reworked the color of the leaves, lighting and "greening" them up. I also added hints of more foliage in the background. The stamen details in the blue morning glory on the right are now defined, too.

Overall, I think this final version has more illumination, space, and air in it. And, even though the painting is only 5" x 8" it seems to have a larger "presence." I'm thinking I may translate this image into a larger size. Any suggestions or observations from my Readers are welcome. Please leave a comment. Thanks!

My sincere Thank You to those who posted/sent me comments about the lily painting. I appreciate your thoughts. Often your observations help me to better see what I've painted...really!

Enjoy your weekend .... and call your Mother on Sunday!

See you Monday.
________________________________________________
Artwork and text ©2009 Carol L Adamec. All rights reserved.