Trying for the reflection

1/4 sheet 300# watercolor paper

This painting is unfinished but I wanted to include it as a work in progress.  As you can see, the upper left hand corner is incomplete.  The stem on the fruit is not finished as well as the checkers on the tablecloth going off the page.  This was a fun piece to learn about value as it relates to reflection.  I haven't worked with watercolor for quite some time so I had to get my head wrapped around the transparent medium once again.  Anne Abgott is a colorist and works her paints thick and intense. It was the type of class where we all painted the same thing fairly step by step.  I am anxious to try a few still lifes as well as items with reflections to see if I can advance my skills in this area.  It is good to occasionally try something new and see how it can translate into what you are doing in your own personal work,

Anne Abgott workshop and Adventures in Watercolor

Watercolor paintings done plein aire in Amana, Iowa by Caryl Dahn

This weekend I will be taking a watercolor class from Anne Abgott, a watercolor artist from Florida.  Her work can be seen at www.anneabgott.com.  This year, after a long hiatus, I joined the Iowa Watercolor Society and this class is part of the members exhibit that will be held in Perry, Iowa.  I have taken several watercolor classes throughout the years by different artists.  Each instructor has a new slant on methods and techniques.  I am really looking forward to participating in this workshop.  I plan to add some of the photos of the event later this week.

Wise Old Owl

Barn Owl  Acrylic on hardboard 

September is here and birds are getting ready to migrate.  Hummingbirds are drinking from the feeder like there is no tomorrow. They have a long flight ahead of them.  I also have gold finches, morning doves and cardinals eating hungrily at the feeder, keeping me busy replenishing them often.
I recently tried my hand at painting a Barn Owl.  I like owls in general.  I like the fact that the ancient Greeks associated owls with Athena, the goddess of wisdom.  They even incorporated the owl in their coins with Athena on one side and an owl on the other.  Hidden knowledge and superiority lies behind the stare of this "wise old owl."

Oskar with Orange Tile

Oskar with Orange Tile  6"x6" Acrylic on Hardboard

This painting is of Oskar.  It is a commissioned painting for a birthday present.  Such fun.  The only request was that their might be some orange in the painting.  So, I thought the tile floor could easily have elements of orange in it with the contrasting blue lines.  I also like the perspective of looking down at Oskar as the owner of dogs generally do.

It has been awhile since I have posted and painted.  Life recently got complex and painting was not important for several months.  However, I am feeling stronger now and painting is a type of therapy presently.   My goal is to post a weekly painting or drawing or some sort on the blog.  Heres to good intentions!

Owl Surprise

This is a little 6"x6" painting on masonite that I did from a photo that was taken from a motion activated camera near Northwood, Iowa.  The photo was taken at dawn when this owl flew into view of the camera.  The camera was originally set up to photograph deer but there are many creatures out and about in the predawn morning.
I am painting a series of wildlife as I find the variety of creatures in this amazing world so diverse and interesting to study.

Kitten in the Corn

 

This was a fun painting of a cat hiding behind the corn stalks in a field preharvest last year. This is a 12"x12" painting, so larger than I normally paint these square works. It is always a challenge to play with the light and how it comes through the field, playing off the stalks of corn and the kittens face. 

Rondo in Repose

 Here is another painting of my pet, Rondo. I took a photo of him in Arizona last February sleeping on the bed in our camper that we live in during the winter. Rondo can make himself look incredibly comfortable wound up into a little ball. I painted the picture just recently, May of 2017. It is 8"x10" with acrylic on black gesso.