Today's the day #650

Daily painting #650 5"x7" oil on primed canvas panel

Today marks 650 daily paintings.....quite an achievement, if I say so myself, considering that I have continued to work on other paintings, continued teaching my painting classes and running a busy household! Today is also the day my husband leaves on his 4 week adventure to coach the Gemini Arabians in the Masters Cricket League Tournament being held in Dubai.

So this morning I was awake early...my best time of day to contemplate and gather my thoughts!

"Day raised the blue banner, and sounds of life shuddered from sleep: a shout, a laugh, a bird cry brazen in the light, and doves trembling stories of love."
From The Mountain Shadow by Gregory David Roberts

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End of a protea #649

Daily painting #649 6"x6" oil on primed board

The proteas from my desk are near the end....the petals have shriveled and dried out, their colour is more dull and they are becoming brittle...but there is still an element of beauty!

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From my desk #648

Daily painting #648 8"x8" oil on primed canvas panel

I painted from these proteas a few days ago....or maybe a week ago. They are in a glass jar and have been keeping me company at my desk. They don't have many more days left in them, the petals are wide open and starting to dry, so I thought it best to put them to good use one last time! My desk is going to look dull and boring without my favorite blooms!

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Blueberry breakfast #647

Daily painting #647 5"x5" oil on primed canvas panel

Mmmmm....the smell and creamy, juicy texture of oil paint!

These delicious blueberries are from my first batch of organic produce for the year. The little shop which sells organic and local produce from surrounding farms is back to sharing delicious bounty with us! They take a break over the festive season and I have really missed my weekly shop! I have especially missed the delicious farm eggs which have yolks the colour of glorious sunshine! These little blueberries were plump and popping with juicy flavour....breakfast was a treat this morning!

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Small and pink #646

Daily painting #646 5"x5" ink and acrylic on primed board 

This is such a tiny little painting and I struggled to get a clear picture of it. We have had some much  needed rain and the light today is gloomy and dull which is not good for taking clear photos of paintings....so apologies for the poor quality photo!

I think I need to get back to my oils tomorrow....there is something about the creamy texture and even the smell of oil paint that I miss. It will always be my first love!

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One more bud #645

Daily painting #645 5"x7" ink and acrylic on primed board

Yes...another one! This little daily is more acrylic and less ink. I have to admit I am not yet sold on the acrylics, but I do love working with the ink. I find the acrylic more harsh and intense to work with although the one bonus is that they dry quickly and so I can carry on 'playing' and exploring immediately without having to allow drying time....a luxury one doesn't have with a daily painting if using oils. I seem to be a little impatient lately....mmmm....and the loose style I enjoy working with on florals doesn't really appeal to me with object painting or still life. I guess I need to continue exploring! Never get stuck with working in your 'style' of painting. Always push the boundaries. It's comforting to go back to what feels familiar and that will always be your starting point ....but don't be afraid to explore, experiment, play and just have fun! Change your materials, change your brush size, change the way you apply your paint.....push yourself a little further from the familiar and see where it takes you....

I think I need to try some BIG inky florals! What do you think?

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Another inky day #644

Daily painting #644 5"x7" ink and acrylic on primed board

Apologies for the glut of flowers, especially roses, but I think I am developing a love affair with ink! It's a messy affair...unpredictable....sometimes infuriating...it makes me loose control and gives me a rush of excitement when out of the chaos emerges something I quite like. This sounds like my kind of dangerous....maybe tomorrow I will head back to the comfort of my oils. I really am an indecisive kind of gal!

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