Day 8 - "Fruit Tattoo"?

"Fruit Tattoo"?  6x6 Oil

by Renee Brennan

Day 8 - of the 30 Paintings in 30 Day Challenge by Leslie Saeta, 

bares the fruit I started painting awhile back.

I had intentions of doing a silly series of fruits and veggies showing off their "tattoo's".  

A-pear-antly that didn't come to fruition....but I may try picking my brain and attempt a few more.

What I have learned so far:

 The day doesn't alway's go as planned.

My photography skills are terrible.

A good sense of humor is a must!

Accepted..River Gallery Juried Show "Bottle, Book and a Pear" & "Pussywillow's in a Tenmoku Tea cup"

Well I am very happy to announce
that I got 2 paintings jury selected into the
River Gallery's 25th Community Show!
Even happier that I am in very good company there with some amazing artists.

"Pussywillow's in a Tenmoku Tea Cup"
6x8 Oil
$200 Framed
Available

"Bottle, Book and a Pear"
12x15 Oil
$300 Framed
Available

River Gallery is located in the charming town of Galesville 
on the Chesapeake Bay,  in Maryland.
If you get a chance stop by,  they are open Fri - Sun 11-5.
This Community Show runs until March 30.   Artist Reception is March 8, 3-5pm. 

Day 20 "Stoneware Beer Bottle, Book and a Pear" SOLD

"Stoneware Beer Bottle, Book and a Pear"

12 x 15 Oil $300 framed

Renee Brennan

Day 20 - Of 30 Paintings in 30 Day's Challenge.

 I spent time finishing this piece from November.

The bottle I painted then was off,  so I carved the left 

side in to make it more symmetrical.  

However when looking at 

the actual bottle closer,  I realized it was OK as it was.  

These bottles aren't perfectly shaped.  

 They are imperfect with little ripples, bumps and glaze drip marks.

Wonderful, really.

To read original post on this painting, click on "November" above.
SOLD!

On the Easel

2 weeks ago I had the opportunity to take yet another workshop with Abbey Ryan at the 

John F. Peto Studio Museum in Island Heights, NJ.  

It is a lovely restored home/studio of the artist who was known for Tromp l'oeil (to fool the eye). 

 Peto's props where all over the home as well as a gallery upstairs which had an amazing Tromp l' oeil exhibit including 3 pieces of Abbey's.  One of the props that caught my eye was a ceramic beer bottle just like the one I had brought from home, so I knew I had to use it.  

Thank you Vintage Stew for selling me that bottle!

The small unfinished painting in the middle is from the workshop.  Abbey helped me get the correct colors of the pear and there were supposed to be some figs on the right...those got scrubbed out.  SO  it was used as a study for a larger painting when returning home.  I used the same props from the workshop except added an old green book, and yes that is the same pear.   

 

This is my alomost finished 12x16 version.  I think it needs a little tweeking on the symetry of the bottle and not sure what else yet, so going to let it sit a few more day's...  Thoughts and comments are welcome.

This finished painting is available framed $300 please contact Renee Brennan

A Pear

"A Pear"  6x6 oil on panel

by Renee Brennan
$150 available framed

I painted this one in the Fall from a still life set up in my
"studio"...uh hem kitchen.
 I really wanted to paint something for the New Year but the truth is,  I need some inspiration, motivation, inclination and all that.
SO( a pear antly) this girl needs a trip to a museum soon!

Wonderful Workshop

This is a photo taken from the Workshop of Abbey Ryan.  It was situated in the Pennsylvania countryside at the Artist's of Yardley.  AoY is a great place to take classes, workshops, kids camps and  see local artists work.

The photo below is of Abbey giving a very informative demo.  We were asking her all kinds of questions and she graciously answered while painting.   Alla prima is the practice she chooses which means to paint wet on wet and complete in one sitting.  

  

After lunch the class set up about 5 different still lifes throughout the room near the windows.  I shared one with 2 other gals it was  a piece of pottery, 2 cherries and a pear.  I had never painted those fruits before so it was fun trying something new.

Abbey took the time to sit down with each of us and study the view we were painting...then gave us her expertise advice on how to correct or enhance something on our paintings.  I learned quite a bit, but still have far to go. 

 Abbey's workshop was enjoyable and she is a gifted young lady who is also very inspiring.  If you have  a chance to see more of her work or take a workshop, I highly recommend it!!!

p.s. she paints and sells her beautiful small works nearly every day...amazing!!

6X8 Oil on panel

Here is my study of the setup....I have been playing with it today but still need to adjust the background and shadows need to be darker....reflections are driving me crazy!!   time to take a break :)