454 Balancing Act

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/454-balancing-act/257231

453 Gems in a Morning Glory Bowl

A few years ago, I got good advice which I have tried to heed with each and every painting: What are you trying to say? Don't just paint a pretty picture, make it mean something. The message may not always seem obvious, but I assure you, there is something I am trying to communicate.
What, you might ask, am I trying to communicate with all these blue and white bowls filled with fruit or vegetables?

Yesterday, I received a comment from Carol A. Ball, another Daily Paintworks artist, regarding my painting "451 Better Than Candy," which is similar to this one. She wrote, "What a lovely painting. It just makes me happy and reminds me of home and food and cooking and family. Good work."
BINGO!! That is exactly what I want to communicate. I couldn't wait to paint today.

Here is a link to Carol's Daily Paintworks gallery:
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/carole-a-ball-4878/artwork

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/453-gems-in-a-morning-glory-bowl/256921

452 Nectarines, Bird's Eye View

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/452-nectarines-birds-eye-view/256755

451 Better Than Candy

Some critter has nibbled nearly every large red tomato in my garden. I see a tomato that will be ready tomorrow, and when tomorrow comes, half of it is eaten on the vine. Thank goodness, the critter has left a few small tomatoes for me. These are so sweet and I love to eat them fresh off the vine.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/451-better-than-candy/256487

450 Perfect Fit

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/450-perfect-fit/256188

449 Red Pears

I don't know the names of these red pears, but they are delicious and so beautiful, especially in the blue and white bowl.

Door County Plein Air Painting Trip, Days 3 and 4

It rained on the third day of our trip, so we spent the day at the coolest place called Hands On Art, where you can experience a variety of art projects, such as welding, glass fusing, jewelry making, mosaic, spin painting, etc. I spent the day in the glass fusing building, and made four gifts, which I am delighted with and hope to make more.

On the fourth day of our trip, we went to the Fish Creek Harbor, where it was windy and dreary. None of the sailboats were sailing, so color was limited. I am not a sailor nor am I familiar with boats, but this is what I came up with.

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Plein Air Painting in Door County, Day 2 The Sheep Farm

On Wednesday, we visited The Whitefish Bay (sheep) Farm in Door County, where we were welcomed with open arms. The grounds were beautiful and included a bed and breakfast, a fruitful garden and a gallery with beautiful pottery, woven goods, and homespun yarn, and of course lots of sheep. The sheep had their little jackets on because they had been sheared, and to keep them clean and unbleached by the sun. The sheep are very interesting animals, herders, and very skittish. I asked the owner if they are smart animals and she said, "They are as smart as they need to be at any given time." I parked myself very near the fence and at times, would catch one or two of them staring at me. The minute I got my camera poised, they were gone. Each one had its own personality, and very different look.

Here is my painting of Bobbin, and a photo of her. I have never painted sheep before, but this won't be the last.

Plein Air Painting in Door County, WI Day 1 paintings

I am in Door County, Wisconsin on a plein air painting trip with 15 other women. Yesterday, our first day, we painted at the John Turner Land Trust. Here are my two paintings, not completed, but a good start. It was a great day.

448 Leafy

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/448-leafy/254538

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.

446 Smitten

During one of our trips to Florida, we went to a Greek festival. I love ethnic festivals, which are also very big in Milwaukee during the summer months. At this particular festival, the food was delicious and I especially enjoyed watching the children dance a traditional Greek dance. I loved watching the expressions on the children's faces, especially these three.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/446-smitten/253756

445 Summer Fun

With school starting next week, summer is too quickly coming to a close. Our local mall has a nice outdoor area where kids can cool off in the water spouts. It is very entertaining to watch them having so much fun.
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/445-summer-fun/253589

444 Three Amigos

The onions are a challenge to paint. Need more practice.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/444-three-amigos/253414

443 Side Dish

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/443-side-dish/253188

442 Scallions, a Spaniard and a Leek

Produce from last week's farm box posed an interesting challenge for me---such limited colors and so many greens and "whites." After several days away from painting, I was very loose, which surprised me.

I was in the Detroit area visiting family, and took the opportunity to visit with fellow "daily painter," Dave Capalungan. Dave was my "neighbor" on Daily Paintworks until a new artist moved in the neighborhood. I love Dave's work, which is exceptionally more beautiful seeing it in person. I was honored and delighted to receive his gift of one of his paintings, and purchased another I have had my eye on. I learn a lot from Dave, as he is always willing to share ideas. Here is a picture of us in front of his stunning orchid painting and the gift I received from him.

441 Labyrinth Garden

Today I participated in the West Bend Mutual's plein air competition, my first. It was fun and stressful at the same time. The labyrinth garden is beautiful but I learned in hindsight, very difficult to paint. It was a good learning experience and I enjoyed the beautiful day and being outside. I painted this and another painting of a stream, framed both of them, all in 7 hours. yikes!

440 Bela

Bela and Gracie (yesterday's subject) both left for the giant dog park in heaven within days of each other. Bela was a loyal companion to my friend and her family for many years. Her presence is missed greatly.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) I am painting in my first plein air competition. I would rather not think of it as a competition because it is too stressful. I just want to enjoy the day in a lovely setting and paint the best painting I can.

439 Gracie

Three of my friends lost their dogs within a short time. This is Gracie, a springer spaniel. I know firsthand how heartbreaking it is to lose a four legged friend.

438 Moonshine

A friend's daughter is getting married and this will be a gift for the couple. There is moonshine in the history of the groom's family, so this is meaningful to them.

437 Forty Seven Twenty

This is only a snippet of a truly beautiful scene discovered on a walk with Oliver. I tried to be discreet with my picture-taking. The home and entry gardens and path are so inviting and it was difficult to decide which portion to paint.

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/diane-campion/437-forty-seven-twenty/250918