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White Dove

6x6 watercolor 

Here are two value studies I did of this little dove. The difference between them is that for the watercolor painting, the dove was lit only with ambient light from a table lamp and the oil study was lit with a spotlight.

For me, white objects are fun to paint and a great way to study value and temperature.

There are a few spots left in my class at Von Liebig on Friday. 

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White Dove

6x6 oil on panel 

White Dove

White Dove
6x6 Oil on Gesso Board

I've been at the pool recovering from my bout with value studies and my last wipe off.  But, I'm determined to get this dove right. The values still seem to be a tad off in the reflected light on the lower side of the bird, but perhaps I've been looking at it too long. Reflected light is deceiving and aways looks lighter than it is.
What do you all think?
Yesterday I went over to the Bonita Springs Art Festival to visit my friend JoAnn Sanborn who has painted the Everglades in all seasons for many years. She looked mah-velous and it was a beautiful day for the show. I'm looking forward to going down this week to visit her studio at the Esplanade on Marco Island. 

JoAnn Sanborn

Two Alike

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I think white eggplants are just beautiful. 

"Cup Shadows"

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 Three beautiful cups and a saucer from my extensive collection of white objects found mostly at Goodwill. Naples is loaded with second hand shops, filled with any and all kinds of treasure. Don and I went into a place called Sensible Chic which is in a strip mall sort of building. Come to find out the entire building was filled with second hand 'vendors', each renting space. What we initially thought was a 3 store section, turned into a maze of conjoined shops all filled to the brim with YOU NAME IT! We were in there for an hour before Don had to go sit in the car and read his book. I finally exhausted my sensory receptors and quit without buying a single 'Prop'....but I saw some tempting stuff ;) so I'll be returning.   

Humpty Dumpty

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I'm obsessed with white. Can't stop trying to 'get it', and continue to collect white objects at second hand shops and flea markets. Finally, after 3 wiped off paintings this week, I managed to work this one out. I should probably give myself more credit for what I do accomplish rather than fretting about the ones that elude me, but that doesn't seem to be my nature.

The Escape

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Often, when I create the setup I look at it and imagine a scenario and a 'tongue in cheek' title to go with it. Thus, in this one all the onions are those little flat cippolini ones except that white one in front which feels like he should get the heck out of there before they all figure out that he doesn't belong to the tribe. This and painting keeps me out of trouble;)

Treasure

You know how things that are old are more precious than things that are new? This little vase is made of recycled glass from Egypt and was a Christmas gift from my dear friend, Teak.  So, it's new but it's old, too. Today is a snowy, cozy day at home painting in my pajamas :D listening to Dan Gibson music on Pandora radio. I could not be happier.

Bundle Up

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Another example of white not being white. White asparagus!

'Pretty in Pink' Painting Give Away

WINNER: Janet McCarthy of Kingston, Massachusetts

Just to illustrate the power of the Blogosphere, I hit a milestone Sunday when my profile view turned over to 10,000. In January of 2007 it was 148. This blog has connected me in a way that nothing else can. To celebrate I'm going to give away this 5x5 painting of a white carnation on Gessoboard to someone, just for commenting on this post. I will put all the names into a 'hat' and have my hubby draw the winner on Friday. If you are not a registered blogger, make sure you leave your first name in your comment and send an email to me at WENDL15@verizon.net with "painting giveaway" in the subject line. I will include a tiny easel to set it upon. 
Good Luck and thanks for all of your support!! Merry Christmas.

Carnations and Stripes 12x12 WIP

Be warned that posting a WIP (work in progress) is a touchy thing. This is a block in for white carnations with a few red peppers and limes scattered about for counter balance to the green stripes. It was making my head spin. It's not finished at all but this block in appeals to me because of the under painting. I just love the colors. I have already taken it past this point but think I need to back up a bit because I lost some of my darks. I sort of wish I could call this the finish. I suppose I could. It's my work after all. Check out 4thFloorArtists.org for information on our upcoming Open Studios. 18 years!

Chasing White

This turned out to be a chase to get the values. I do like the shell and that's the look I was trying to get with the cup. There is more white waiting.