787 Still Sunny

Sunflowers are universally loved, I think.  There are so many interesting varieties
that everyone should be happy.  Sunflowers remind me of two special friends who love the cheery flower, one of them being from Kansas, where sunflower is the state flower.

Sunflowers also remind me of Van Gogh's iconic paintings.  This past weekend, I visited the Art Institute of Chicago and the "Van Gogh's Bedrooms" exhibit, where a life-sized mock-up of his bedroom in his yellow house was featured.  It was wonderful and I'm happy I had the opportunity to see it. 

"787 Still Sunny"
acrylic - 12x12 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/787-still-sunny/464141
dianecampion.blogspot.com

685 Lingering

The magic vase with different designs depending on the turn was made by Courtney Hancock and purchased at Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor Door County.

"685 Lingering"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/685-lingering/411394

684 The Party's Over

Company has returned home, and the sunflowers aren't sunny any more.  The petals are dropping everywhere.  They are such a happy flower until that happens.   Painted from still life in my studio.
The Van Briggle vase was purchased many years ago, is my all-time favorite, and painted many times
for daily paintings.

"684 The Party's Over"
acrylic - 6x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/684-the-partys-over/411172

672 No Worries

I am trying to loosen up with my painting.  It's really tough for me because my natural inclination is to want to keep at this.  It took every ounce of restraint not to add a lot of fussiness to these flowers.

The title of this painting, "No Worries" refers to a message to Lisa Dara Kennedy, who I have been hoping would come to my neck of the woods to conduct a workshop, that she has no worries about this artist ever infringing on her territory.  yikes.  I guess Lisa would rather teach in Italy than in Milwaukee.  Imagine that.   hmmmpff.  Ha ha, Lisa. 

"672 No Worries"
acrylic - 8x6 in

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/672-no-worries/405726

617 Celebrate Friendship

I could have called this painting "Blubbering" because that's what I did when I received this floral delivery today.  I was so surprised and touched by this thoughtful gesture from a dear friend, who sent me this arrangement to celebrate my art showing at a favorite gallery.  I took artistic liberties to paint it in one of my blue and white bowls in official celebration of this special weekend.   I am nervous and excited, and I certainly feel loved by the overwhelming outpouring of good wishes and kind gestures.  It is all very humbling, touching and .....I don't even have the words.  It's a wonderful feeling. 

603 Sunflowers in the Sunroom

It was a perfect moment,  as the sunflowers just happened to be falling in a perfectly natural arrangement and the sun streamed in our front window, the light hitting some of the the petals,   charging them with vibrancy.  I couldn't let the opportunity to paint them pass.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/603-sunflowers-in-the-sunroom/372117

503 Sunny Farm Near Algoma

This is a lovely farm near Algoma, Wisconsin.  I have never seen so many sunflowers in one place.  I am almost finished painting it in a larger format, which I have to say is a heck of a lot easier than this was.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/503-sunny-farm-near-algoma/290868

447 Welcome

Two interesting things happened yesterday.  Okay, not all that interesting.  My paints and gear are all packed away for a plein air painting trip and fortunately I found this half finished painting.  I began painting it at my dearest friend's kitchen table during a recent visit to the Boston area.  She is always so thoughtful, welcoming me with flowers and a loving heart (and lots of tolerance).  So #1 good fortune is that I have something to finish and post today.

Since I didn't have sunflowers and statice readily available as references, I Googled "sunflowers and statice."  As I scrolled through many beautiful photographs of these flowers, I ran across one of my paintings, 154 Mixed Bouquet, http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/154-mixed-bouquet/166187.  It was such a surprise that I didn't know what to think, but I was happy that there was a link to my painting readily available and credit given. 

Not sure what all that means, other than "small gifts" that make a person happy. 

154 Mixed Bouquet

I'm a sucker for the flowers at the farmer's market.  I can't resist buying them.   In this bouquet, sunflowers, stock, statice, gladiola and celosia--all so cheery.

112. Sunflowers and Statice With Baffling Background

I am not skilled enough to get the photo of this painting to show the correct colors and it is very frustrating and time-consuming.  If I get the purple right, something else is wrong.   The statice is not quite so blue, the upper background is mint green and the lower part is a pinkier purple.  I must say I like the painting much more than the photo.  So sorry.

111. Sunflowers in a Cobalt Vase

I am getting my money's worth from these sunflowers in terms of paintings.  The petals' edges are starting to curl and darken, but that is part of their charm. 

109. Market Bouquet, Long Lasting

Although all the other flowers are withered and gone, the sunflowers and statice are still fresh and beautiful on this 6th day after purchase.

108. Sunflower Trio

I've tried photographing and editing several times but cannot get the yellows to appear as vibrant as they are in the painting. 

104. Sunflowers in a Bowl SOLD