Moonlit

"Moonlit"
24" x 24"
Oil on wrapped canvas
Two years ago, to the day, I photographed this peony on my way to work. She was in the yard where all the white roses would eventually bloom along the white picket fence. She appears to be moonlit, therefore, the title. And if you know me at all, I adore the moon. 

This year the peonies are still in the "marble" stage. Mine won't be blooming for a while yet. I'm glad I had a photo to satisfy my longings for today's effort.

Carol

Brushstrokes@comcast.net
Carolkeene.com
Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com

Mother

"Mother"
24" x 24"
Oil on Museum wrapped canvas
April seems to be the month for losing mothers in my circle of friends. I lost mine in April, too. My post of a pink peony today is in honour of all the mothers who have left us and are now "safely home."  

All those petals pointing in so many directions in a gazillion shades of pink, may have daunted me in the past, but I rose (peony, actually) to the challenge and passionately painted this piece without fear or trepidation.  Love was the motivator.

Bless our mothers.

Carol

Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com
My Gallery
Brushstrokes@comcast.net

Pink Peony Bud


"Pink Peony Bud"
6" x 6"
Oil on hardboard
My peonies bloom in May. It was just dumb luck to have planted them in a place where spring blows warm kisses over them from the opposite direction of the dryer vent's contribution!  Sunshine and warmth make for an early display. What a gift! 

I used my last clayboard! I coated it with gesso and painted on it with ease. I wish now I hadn't returned a stack of them.  

Thank you for spending a part of your day with me. I'm always grateful.
Carol

Dailypaintworks.com
Dailypainters.com
My DPW Gallery
Brushstrokes@comcast.net

At the Heart of the Matter

"At the Heart of the Matter"
6" x 6"
Oil on hardboard
There are nights when everything simply tumbles into place and brushstrokes land where they should. It could have been the passionate music playing over my shoulder, stimulating the emotions. Or perhaps it was the aroma of almond cake baking in the oven. Whatever it was that happened, this pink peony landed on my board with no more effort than it takes to slip into my Birkenstocks.  

I'm toning my canvas consistently every time I paint now.  I never knew the value of it until recently.  Having come from a watercolor background where white is so highly prized, it seemed a shame to obliterate a perfectly good white canvas. My discovery is that it's a lot harder to paint a low key painting on white.  Burnt umber seems to LIKE to be covered in deep, luscious color.  I thank my Muse for tending to me with such loving care.

I appreciate your visits.  Please come often. 
Carol