Final view of the pond

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

Bassin trois...a la Monet!

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

Another View...a la Monet

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.
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Text and image 2009, Carol Adamec

Summer Pond...Monet style

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

What's Up, Doc?

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

Success en plein air

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

Piedras Marcadas en plein air

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