Good Friday Sunset

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

Garden Tour

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

Sunset Strip #4: Pink Glow

Sunset Strip #4 (Pink Glow), 2011
Original Painting: Oil, alkyd on 11.5" x 2" gessoed wood 
Ready-to-hang; installed D-ring on back
$75 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.

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

Back Gate: Morning Light

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

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