Finishing the Painting

Step 6

Base the entrance and door. Shade the top and right side of all the yellow windows. This will add a warm glow.

Step 7

Paint the trim above and below the windows with a #4 flat and then outline the windows and paint the pane lines with thinned paint and a liner brush. I've also outlined below and to the right of each window pane (in yellow windows) with brown.

Step 8

Door and shutters are shaded and then highlighted. Add a door handle with the same yellow used for the windows using a liner. Shade the right side of the handle and then highlight with white and a liner.

Step 9

Stipple the bushes below the house with Black using an old fuzzy brush.

Final Stages

Stipple the bushes with two shades of green to give depth.

This gives you an idea of start to finish of painting a house. In my books, packets, and classes I gave much more detailed instructions and this would take up way too much space for this blog. Sometime I hope to figure out how to teach classes online. I taught for many years and dearly miss all the wonderful friends that I made during that time. Anyone having online class ideas, let me know in a comment.

This 16 inch x 20 inch painting was listed on eBay this evening. I finished it late and the photo isn't the greatest because of the lighting. I will try to take better pictures tomorrow and replace this one. That's what happens when I'm in a hurry. This one is titled Maple Ridge Manor.

The scent of smoke fills the air as evening arrives. Inside the Robertson home the family gathers by the fire wrapped in the warmth of sweaters and blankets. Lucy has just made chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate for her husband, Edwin, and their two children. This will bring a cheery smile to their sweet faces. Outside the warm glow of light from the windows adds a soft glow to the vibrant autumn hues of falling leaves. The leaves drift here and there as a gentle breeze tucks them into corners and on top of bushes like frosting on a cupcake.

Next Stages Of My New Painting

The continuing saga! Below I've painted the mortar lines on this brick building with thinned paint using a liner brush.

It may look as though I haven't done anything in step three, but I have shaded the chimneys and below the roof line.
In the next step I've shaded the top of the roof with black.
During step five I used a chalk pencil and sketched in the windows, shutters, and doorway. They are basecoated with a brush that fits that area. Several coats are usually needed.
Please excuse my ugly hands in the next photos. My shading is always done with floated color. I start out by folding two "Viva" paper towels into a square to use for my blotter. I'm illustrating with an old brush. Your brushes should "never" look this bad! (Ha!) Dip your brush in water and blot gently on paper towels(one side only).
Now dip the corner of your brush into the puddle of paint.
Blend your brush on your palette back and forth in a sweeping motion, keeping the opposite corner out of the paint. Now your brush is loaded and ready to shade. Practice makes perfect and I've had over 25 years of practice!
I never realized how hard it would be to photograph my own hand without help. I'm sorry for the blurred image.

A Burst of Red

The other day I looked out my bathroom window and saw a flash of red out of the corner of my eye. I stood there for a while and then I saw it. There was this beautiful cardinal hopping from branch to branch and he had food in his mouth. I ran to get my camera and was amazed that he hadn't flown off. He was still there because in the dogwood tree next to this one was the nest where the female cardinal was sitting. This is the only location where I can see this nest. I would love to see it when the babies appear and if I do, I'll try to photograph it for you. I've always loved the stark contrast of cardinals against green leaves or against the pure white of snow. Now, for my other burst of red. This is Stage One of my newest painting. I'm working on a larger canvas for a change (16 x 20). I will try to keep up with photos of the next stages for my next post. I think I'm finally back in the swing of painting!

Pink Fluff Cupcake Painting & Two Awards

I've been overwhelmed with work lately, so Iquickly painted this little cupcake and listed it on eBay last night. I wouldn't want anyone to think I'd given up painting.

If you are feeling the heat this summer, check out some of my "winter" prints that I've listed in my Etsy, Yessy, and eBay Stores.

This moist yellow cupcake is topped with fluffy pink, piped frosting. White buttercream dots are applied on as a finishing touch.

Check out Carol B's Design Studio. She honored me last week with the Brillante Weblog Award. Her blog is brand new, so stop by for a visit. Thanks Carol.

Donna, a dear blogging friend, from Donna's Art presented me a while back with the award below. I can't believe I've been honored with this award once again. I have so many wonderful readers out there and I appreciate each and everyone of you! I'm sure I don't deserve all these awards because I haven't been keeping up with my posting and visiting with all of you. Due to my schedule I haven't had time to pass these on. So, this is for all of my dedicated blog readers. Check out Donna's Art here. She's a very sweet lady with great artwork and a wonderful blog!

Kitchen Cupboard Switcharoo!

Sorry that this first picture is a little blury. This shelving unit was built by my father several years ago and used to be in my daughter's room at our other home. When she got moved out on her own, I put it in the kitchen to house all my painted pieces. As I've gotten older, I realize how much I hate to dust! Those heart cutouts weren't my fave either. I've simplified a lot....

and therefore, I decided to bring home my painted cupboard that was in a shop where I used to sell on consignment. Several of the items on the shelves were sold (I kept the plates and mugs) and now this is what this section of the kitchen looks like:
The four panels are painted with the same cottage, but changing seasons. I'm much happier now that all I have to dust is the top of this cupboard and not all those shelves and all the items on it. My husband thinks I would sell anything that isn't attached and is never very happy when I sell these pieces. He's even remarked, " I guess I'll go to Winnie's house when I want to see your artwork." I'm not really attached to my pieces like he is.
I did keep those shelves though because they were made by my father. It's in storage for now.

Great Furniture Makeover Award

It's been a few days since I've had time to get on the computer. When I finally got the chance to check my mail I was surprised to learn that I was the recipient of this great new award started by Jen at Sanctuary Arts For The Home. Jen is an amazing furniture refinisher/remaker/artist! I was honored to receive this award from another extremely talented artist, Penny, at Lavender Hill Studio. Penny's mosaics are quite amazing and her blog is so inspiring.

The only rule is when you are given the award, you must pick one and only one blogger who's furniture make-over you love and think is really innovative or creative and pass it on ...."
So, I am passing this award on to Kim at Daisy Cottage. I have always loved Kim's boldness with vibrant, rich color throughout her home inside and out! The link above goes to one of her posts on refinishing her patio furniture. Please take a tour of her archives and you'll be amazed by her talent!

Also a big hug and thanks to Sandy at Quill Cottage for this award which I've received from a couple other blogs lately. I'm really honored to receive this from all these wonderfully talented ladies! Visit Sandy's blog and you will be amazed by her beautiful writing.

Acorn Valley Folk Art Painting

This evening I finished this little painting and then listed it on eBay.
I'm sorry for the short post, but I'm helping a friend with a "tissue paper" wall finish tomorrow. I'm out of shape so I need to get plenty of sleep.Sage lives in a rose covered cottage in Acorn Valley. She works as a midwife and has delivered many children in the valley over the years. Her husband, Jeremy, is very understanding when she has to leave in the middle of the night because he knows how much she loves bringing these pink faced darlings with rosebud lips screaming into this world.

Yesterday I got several plants moved to different areas of my garden because rain was in the forecast. I don't usually move plants this late in the year because of the heat, but this an been an usually cool summer with tons of rain. When I left the house this morning I noticed the little droplets of rain on the leaves of my newest roses. I love the way each little drop clings to the edges like beads sew to the edge of fabric.

I promise to get back to painting soon. I've been busy with gardening and visiting with Grandma Chickie at the nursing home. She hopes to be going home soon and this evening we will be moving some furniture around so she can get through her home easily. She's 97 and determined to go home again. What a lady!

At Home Redesign

This week I was honored to have Mary, from At Home Redesign, feature my painted rug seen here, along with lovely ideas from other blogs. Hop on over to her blog and check out all the wonderful ideas she has to share.

I thought I'd share a few more photos of my ever changing garden. I love the way seeds from the previous year scatter and leave me with new surprises the next year.

Cup of Cake Folk Art Painting

Have a great Independence Day and stay safe!

Below is a little painting I added to my eBay auctions last night.

A lovely robin's egg blue teacup with pink roses makes the perfect receptacle for a cup of cake with luscious pink buttercream frosting sprinkled with sugar!

Chalk One Up ... Filled With Joy!

Click on this photo for a larger view.

This week I was surprised and honored to be given the "Arte y Pico" award by Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage ."The 'Arte y Pico' award was created to be given to bloggers who inspire others with their creative energy and their talents, whether it be writing, or artwork in all media. When you receive this award it is considered a 'special honor'. Once you have received this award, you are to pass it on to at least 5 others."

I feel honored to receive this from such a talented person. Thanks Cindy!!

Since I was also honored to receive this award from Penny at Lavender Hill Studio a while back, I am passing this on to all the wonderfully creative people out in blogland.

I am filled with joy!

Whitby Cottage Folk Art Painting

Just a quick post to let you know about this new little 6 " by 6" painting, Whitby Cottage, that I listed on eBay last night.

Mabel is an avid gardener, artist, distance runner, and the head of the local chamber of commerce. Her husband, Ralph, who has always admired his wife's engery, recently convinced his wife to retire her bike when she turned 73. Not wanting to give up her bike completely, she painted it pink and put it in her garden for all to admire. A couple of years ago they purchased Whitby Cottage as their retirement home, but it hasn't slowed them down. They may have downsized their home, but their lives are still overflowing with activity.