Panache Figs, In Progress

Wow, it's been ages since I painted a still life! So far, it's been fun. I should do more of them.

When I stopped yesterday, I was just hitting the point when the painting was not cooperating and I wanted to start over. Every painting has that point. I don't normally like to stop at that point -- it's best just to keep going and work through it. Otherwise, it's difficult to pick it back again later.

However, I had to stop. And here it is so far. It's about half finished. It's not too bad. The shapes need some definition, the fruits need some shadows to give them some weight, and the background is iffy. Another hour or two and it will be fine.

The fruits are panache figs. They're yellow and green striped on the outside. When ripe, the flesh inside turns a gorgeous red and tastes just like strawberry jam. Absolutely heavenly!

The painting is 8 x 10 inches on a stretched canvas. I'm using acrylics.

Normally, when I do still lifes, I use a limited palette -- one shade each of red, yellow, blue, and white. Yesterday, I put 2 shades of each on my palette, plus raw sienna and Payne's gray and a green. I think all the color choices were a bit much. Live and learn.

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, we wish you a peaceful and happy holiday!

2010 Calendar

In all the flurry over my recent shows and holiday preparations, I completely forgot to show you my 2010 calendar!

Each month features a different artwork painted within the past year. Some are snowflakes, some are flowers, some fish, and even a few abstracts. Very cheerful images!

The calendar is wall sized, so it is 11x17 when fully opened, and spiral bound. The months have plenty of room to write appointments.

Calendars are available in my CafePress Shop:
http://www.cafepress.com/life_needs_art.414267166

And there might just be enough time to get one for Christmas (sorry sorry sorry!). There's certainly enough time to get one before the New Year.

Nutmeg Log Cookies

So, yes, I realize this is an art blog. But I like to bake, especially at Christmas. And these cookies, with all their nutmeg and rum flavorings, smell just like eggnog! Yum...these don't last long in my house!

I couldn't resist sharing this recipe. It was given to my by a coworker several years ago, and it's become my favorite. Please enjoy!

Nutmeg Log Cookies
1 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp rum flavoring
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3 c sifted flour
1 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 deg.

Cream butter, vanilla, rum flavoring. Beat in the sugar and then mix in the egg. In a separate bowl, stir the flour, nutmeg, and salt. Mix with the butter/sugar.

Shape dough into logs about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into 2 inch pieces.

Bake on greased cookie sheet for about 12 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden on the bottom. Let cool on wire rack.

Frosting 1/3 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp rum flavoring
2 cups confectioners sugar
2 Tbsp milk

Blend butter, vanilla, rum flavoring together (I used my stand mixer). Then add the sugar and milk. The frosting is fairly stiff, so I added just a few drops more milk to make it a little softer. It should not be runny. It needs some texture.

Frost the cookies, making grooves in the frosting using the tines of a fork so that they resemble logs. Sprinkle with powdered nutmeg while the frosting is still moist.

Small Painting Holiday Show and Sale

Hudson Society of Artists
Small Painting Holiday Show and Sale

December 5, 2009 – January 2, 2010

Laurel Lake Retirement Community
200 Laurel Lake Road, Hudson, Ohio 44236

I've entered two paintings in the show: "Snowflake Collage" (top) and "Joy" (a small watercolor).

I dropped them off this morning and spent the day running errands. Since the show was being hung today, on my way home, I thought I'd swing by the show to see how it looked. Much to my surprise -- and delight -- "Joy" was already marked as sold!

If you're in the area, stop by any time and take a look at the show. If you're interested in any of the paintings, each artist has posted their contact information with their paintings so you can contact them directly.

Handpainted Bookmarks

I've just started a line of handpainted bookmarks. They're painted with acrylic paint on sheets of heavy watercolor or printmaking paper. Most have accents of either metallic gold or pearlized white.

They are 2 inches wide by 6 inches tall, and are packaged in clear cellophane bags. The backs are painted white and stamped discreetly with my web address. They look very elegant and upscale.

Bookmarks make perfect teachers' gifts or stocking stuffers. Great for all the readers in your life.

See all the colors and styles here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lifeneedsart?section_id=6604010