TamandaArt

 Another example of small works here.  Whispers (140) floral still life - peonies oil on canvas board 5" x 7" S OLD (detail)

Larger Works I'm splitting my time in between larger works and smaller. The smaller being oil on canvas boards (sizes between 5x7, 6x6, 8x8 and 8x10) and canvases (9x12, 11x14 and 12x16) This is one of my larger works. Serenity (134) 14" by 11" oil on canvas Click to Buy The paintings will mostly be of peonies, as I have so many references to use of them. There are a few gerber daisies and roses references so far too. In the next two months I'm hoping to gather a lot of varieties of flowers as references, especially hydrangeas. I'm hoping to continue as much as I can this summer, even with the family underfoot.

Small Paintings I have a few photos that I've taken that I want to make into a series of small works. This is one of them. I like to paint these because they make great little accents in small spaces. Reflections (139) 5" by 7" oil on canvas board Click to Buy

In the picture below you can see the photographs that I took and placed them on the computer screen to view while painting. I try to use my own photos as references as much as I can.  I also try to create still life set ups so that I can just copy a true image, but alas, I still find myself mixing up several photographs to get what I want. It's all a learning process. I try to take photographs of my work with a blank background. In this case, I use my desk. The flowers can give you reference to size. A side angle is a great way to show the wraparound effect on the canvas. I try to paint the sides at the same time to keep the colours true. Solace  (128) Peonies 9" by 12"  oil on canvas Click to Buy I think, as of this date, this is one of my favourites. I love the vase and how it came out so solidly and seems to just ground the flowers. The flowers were painted somewhat simply but they work. I think I was able to play with the

I've taken so many photographs this past month, with so many variations of piles of flowers and closeups but I have also placed together more traditional still life set ups, like this one. Dark Glass (127) oil on canvas 10" by 10" S OLD I've included a photo here outside so you can see it with outside light.

A Rainbow Surprise Peonies (125) Still Life Floral  8" by 8" oil on canvas panel Click to Buy

Peonies Peonies have been a feature in a lot of my paintings. I enjoy their form, their flimsy petals, and their colours. They add interest to any bouquet. I've tried several formats at attempting to paint them but I think truthfully, each project has it's own identity and how I handle the painting application of them is decided for each project individually. 

Copper Pot This is just another example showing you the process of painting. I didn't have a photo of this arrangement, it was created out of 4-5 different photos.  Trying to keep the light source was the hardest part. Copper Pot (123) 12" by 16" oil on canvas Click to Buy

Peony Twist Peony Twist (121) 10" by 10" oil on canvas Click to Buy

Peonies Dark Ruffle 10" by 10" oil on canvas Click to Buy

Peonies Windswept 8" by 8" oil on board S OLD

I don't always take photos while I'm painting but I think it's fun to see the process especially when you see what a mess it is in the middle. Peony Cluster 10" by 10" oil on canvas S OLD

Our house looks like a gardening shop most days but right now it smells great too. Peonies everywhere! It's wonderful.  So I have been taking a LOT of photos ready to paint. so get ready!

My sister has been bugging me to paint her dogs for ages. Like years. I'm a professional procrastinator, I'm really good at it but I've had the photos in a folder and finally she told me "do them!" So with a huff, and yes I prolonged it another three days but I finished it. They turned out better than I thought they would.  They're easily framed. I left enough room for an overlap if there will be a mat board but not too much that it looks too empty.  Juno I tried to give them a sitting position even though the photos were not the same. Luna Each of the dogs has their own personality and I tried to paint them their own way giving them their own distinction but still similar enough that they look like they're together. Zeus Because they are the same size, no matter what format you use for hanging, they'll all go well.