A Painting Challenge

My creative time I must admit has been infrequent over the last several months. I decided to paint some fruit. I created one a few years ago, but decided to do a study of this yummy fruit. That is when I decided to try to paint a small painting a week. This will keep my skills up, and build up my inventory.

This will also have me create some more work for a few local art galleries that carry my work. It is time for me to change things up a bit.

I am going to list this first in a series in my shop soon.

Cityscape

I am excited to be venturing out to some new subject matter in my line. I usually never paint a city scene, but I was just itching to give it a try. My desire was to paint a pleasant small town scene to add to my collection. This will be the first one of a new series of paintings that you will see very soon.

New Landscape Painting

I completed this painting last month, and just need to sign it, then take to my local gallery to have on sale. I will also make this into an inspirational block and maybe magnet. I'm thinking of naming this painting New Horizons. Do you have any suggestions of titles? What inspirational message should I use?

Ode to Racing

I have been taking forever to complete this painting for my son's room. I must admit that cars are not a subject that inspires me much. I was intimidated by the reflections in the car, and having everything look just right. I am used to more organic girly subject matter. I was determined that inspite of my lack interest with the car thing, I was going to finish this painting. I knew my son would be so excited to have this in his room. He is thrilled to have this on his wall. Now my next project is painting this wall baby blue.

The winner of the cards from A Splendid Adventure is Angels and Everlasting!

Still Life Mixed Media E-Course

My new online class begins January 11th on Creative Workshops which is hosted by Gail Schmidt. I am so excited to have my second online class available at this wonderful site of many talented artist with a wide variety of great courses. Come and join me for a time of creative fun!

Whimsical Landscape Painting Workshop

After taking a couple of online courses, I decided to take the challenge to develop my very own ecourse. This has been an idea that I have been floating in my head for a few years. I quickly learned that it is not as easy as it looks. After my second attempt the class is almost ready to launch! I am very honored to be one of the instructors at Creative Workshops which is hosted by Gail Schmidt. The class will become available June 13th.

New Painting

I have been busy with the kids since they are out for summer vacation. Computer time is limited since there are now three other people wanting their time. I wanted to show a new piece I started working on a few weeks ago before the school year ended. Hopefully I will get a chance to work on it some more this week.

Still Life

I wanted to show you a painting that I did several years ago before I started creating my landscapes and bird images. It is good to look back on how your art changes over the years. The year I created this was a good time of experimenting and trying new techniques. As an artist you need to keep learning as you progress with whatever media you might use. Have fun with it!

Painting Finished

I finally finished my landscape painting. I am happy the way it turned out using the different patterns of color for the background. I am already thinking about what I am going to do for my next painting. I will start some preliminary sketches today.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

New Youtube video!!

Here is my latest video on Youtube of my painting titled "Paradise". I hope you enjoy it.

"Eden" is complete

I finally completed this painting after putting it aside to figure out what finishing touches I would add to the painting. Hopefully I will be complete editing the demo of this painting video this week so I can upload onto Youtube. A print will be available this week in my shop.

Finished Painting

Happy Friday everyone! Man is it sure getting hot here in Hotlanta.

I wanted to show you my finished painting that I started last week. It was such a tough decision, because you guys gave such great suggestions. I decided to name it "Deeply Rooted", as suggested by Pocket Full of Prettys. Pocket, I will send you a print for helping me decide the title. I was pleased with the finished result and plan to create another with this similiar technique.

Sneak Peek

This weekend was fun filled with attending a ballet called "Praise in Motion" with my daughter and her friend, then attended our first cookout at our neighbors home.

Here is a sneak peek at my latest painting. I just have to put a few finishing touches to make it complete. I also made a video of me painting this piece that I plan to post on Youtube very soon.

My Little Artist

My daughter made this beautiful cityscape piece in her art class that I just had to share with you. I don't where she gets all this talent from :).

Have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

My Creative Process

I decided to share with you my creative process of creating an original piece of art. First I start with a sketch in my sketch pad. After I have determined what image I will use I prime my canvas. I use gel medium to texturize the canvas. I usually prime several at a time. Then after they are dry I paint a base coat of brown acrylic Liquitex paint. I used to use red or purple for my base coat but lately brown is my favorite, which also adds as an outline for my image.

Another Birdie!

I am continuing on with my series of fanciful bird series. Birds come in all different shapes and sizes. They are a beauty to behold. I believe they reflect God's awesome beauty and grace. I hope you enjoy my take on these beautiful creatures!

I look forward to creating more of my creatures as I prepare for art festivals in the fall. I hope they bring tons of smiles to those who see them.

I hope my birds express my passion for art like Laurel Burchs' cats have for many who have followed her career over the years. I have long been a admirer of her work! I was so sad to hear she had died last year, she was truly a talented artist.

New Image titled "Eden"

I have been working on this new image for several weeks now. I wanted to have my fanciful birds in a forest setting. I loved working with all the different shades of color and texture. I was happy with the way it turned out. Prints are available in my Etsy shop and soon I will have note cards of this image also. Each image I am creating I try to push my self a little further as I get to know my bird a little better. Hopefully I hope to convey joy and love of God's beautiful creation!

Presenting My FANCIFUL BIRDS

I have two new images that I am very excited about. It was so much fun to create these whimsical, quirky birds. They are on there way to a trip to Florida. This feathered duo are off to lots of adventure, and fun in the sun! These images are available in 8 x10 prints in my Etsy shop.

This painting is the largest painting I have ever created (approximately 48" x 36"). It hangs very proudly over my mantle and fireplace in the living room. This style I am currently working on is reminiscent of a stained glass window. I painted the first layer with textured medium to add dimension then a base color of brown, then I added various colors but allowed some of the brown to show underneath the colors. This really makes the colors more brilliant.

To view more of my images visit my Etsy site: http://mechelledesigns.etsy.com/