30 in 30- Day 29!

"Wine & Cheese"

8" × 8" 

Oil on panel, unframed

Display easel included

$125

Visit ellephantstudio.com For purchase! 

JET LAGGED!!! 

It's been Go! Go! Go! since landing in Seattle. I've almost crossed off half of my to-do list in one day! I even squeezed in an eye exam and got new glasses! They are ridiculously cute! 

We have also gotten to try new places while being here, but of course we hit the places we have been deprived of since living in NY. 

STARBUCKS! 

COSCTO! 

PHO! 

We also saw about 5 or 6 other people we haven't seen since 2010 when we lived here. 

Crazy how time flies.

Oh, I also had my paint withdrawals I spoke of yesterday kick in ALREADY.

I literally stopped in the middle of the sidewalk downtown and stared at a tree shouting to my husband to just look at it!!! It was perfect to paint!  

As soon as I realized what was happening I denied the picture and kept on walking. 

That was not just happening! 

Anyway, this painting was super fun for me to paint. This one I also did upside down. I used a photo for reference and used thicker paint with loose brush strokes to create the blurred out background. The color palette was different from my usual as well which I like. 

I will probably paint more similar to this. 

Not this week though!  

Heading out to a new restaurant shortly...I will blog tomorrow for THE LAST DAY!! 

30 in 30- Day 28

"Love you a Latte"

6" × 6"

Oil on panel, unframed

Display easel included

$60

Visit ellephantstudio.com to purchase.

I am blogging from my smart phone at the airport people! I've got some down time until our flight leaves.

So, I may or may not be obsessed with this challenge and can't shake the thought that I've left all my paints and brushes behind. After this flight they will be clear across the country from me! 

The idea already crossed my mind to borrow my mom's paint gear.

I'm giving myself until tomorrow afternoon before I start feeling the real withdrawals.... 

Hand twitching, seeing colors, examining lights and angles of every subject around me. It's coming.  I can feel it! 

I chose to post about this Latte painting because it reminds me of home. 

SEATTLE and the West Coast.  

Coffee heaven!

No offense East Coasters, but you can keep your flavored Dunkin Doughnuts drip! 

This painting was actually painted upside down (the painting,  not me). I use this method when I am dealing with tricky spheres, reflections, and lighting. This way it  prevents me from over thinking things. I can focus on painting shapes, and the negative spaces are easier to see. 

It's always a surprise when I turn the painting right side up because I have no clue if it really turned out or not until the end.

 Sooo suspenseful! 

This one happened to be success!

Thanks for reading guys! 

  

30 in 30- Day 27

"Fluff and Strut"

8" x 8" 

Oil on panel, unframed with easel

$115

Visit ellephantstudio.com to purchase.

The title of this piece reminds me of the movie Legally Blonde when they are in the Salon.

"Beeeennnnd, and SNAP!" 

"Fluuuuuuuuuuff, and STRUT!"

It's like guys at the gym. Baha!

Mr. Peacock does it better, just saying. Those feathers are FABULOUSA!

I felt the need to paint another peacock because the peacock mirrors I did the other day sold immediately after I posted them.  It was my "pancake hot off the griddle" moment. 

All I could think was, "So that's what that feels like".

MAGICAL. 

Every time I sell a painting it's uncontrollable, I start to dance. Well, more like an awkward wiggle jig hop remedy. Highly attractive, I know. My poor husband has to watch for my elbows. It's not a quick celebration either, I'll go goofy all day long! Oh well, a happy wife is a happy life, he can take it!

Anyway, this is the second painting I did in my painting spree of FIVE yesterday. I'm in love with that color blue. It's so vibrant! Whoever purchases this piece is going punch their living space in the face with  the color on this bad boy (in a classy way, of course). =)

Have a good day guys! 

30 in 30- Day 26

"Sweet Johnny Heaven"

10" x 8"

Oil on panel, unframed with easel

$125

The final remaining paintings won't have step by step photos. Lame, I know. It's because I actually did the unthinkable today.

I painted five in a row. 

FIVE.

Yah, it was insane. Paint was in all places. ALL PLACES! 

I brought this crazy upon myself. Why, you ask?

Hubby and I are heading out of town day after tomorrow, it was going to interfere with finishing the 30 day challenge. And of course the most logical reasoning was to paint them all at once. 

With that said, these apples were first in the line-up. I loved the way the "Lemon Tree" turned out from yesterday so much, I thought I would give apples a try.

 As it turns out, I've had a major breakthrough with getting comfortable with my paints. Not too comfortable though. I did scrape one of the 5 because it got away from me and was muddy and chalky. Doh!

The others? They turned out to be fanfreakingtastic. But you will see those in later posts. ;) Or on facebook.  

30 in 30- Day 25!

"Lemon Tree"

10" x 8"

Oil on panel, unframed

$125

I thought it was neat to show my steps on doing the Peacock mirrors in yesterday's post I have decided to launch.....wait for it....

Fo' Show February!!

FOR I will SHOW you the steps to creating my paintings! haha.

Clever, right?

I absolutely love today's painting! It took a while to find my subject and I woke up from my nap thinking YELLOW

Then I checked my facebook like I do every time my phone whispers my name, and my sister had posted this hilarious status.

"When life gives you lemons, freeze them, and throw them as hard as you can at the people who are making your life so difficult."

AWESOME, right?

Except I couldn't think of anyone to throw them at, which is a super big bummer. The status became irrelevant to me at this current time. I'll wait though, someone is bound to get a lemon in the face eventually.

About this painting and technique, I'll let the photos do a majority of the talking. I don't have a style yet, but I do know I should have laid in a background color in the "sky" prior to the top layers of detail. Lesson learned I suppose. So, I lay on my transparent colors first, usually touching each other, and then lighten and put creamy, bright radiant colors over the top. 

For final touches I examine to make sure there is enough contrast, and I will darken and lighten. Today the leaves needed more depth so I darkened in a few areas to make the light really say HEY GIRL.

And Viola! 

Not quite a Bob Ross episode, but we will get there. =) 

You are now free to mentally launch lemons my friends.

30 in 30- Days 23 & 24

"Peacock"

3- 10" x 10"

Oil on Framed Mirrors

SOLD

It would be super awesome to count this "painting" for three days. But that there feels like cheatin' to me! Soooo it's only going to count for two, haha because I didn't paint yesterday and I write my own rules!

I have had these three 10" square mirrors from Ikea for about four years now just collecting dust. They were $1.99 each and I never got to hanging them. Today I was winning at putting the pro in procrastination and finally told myself to shut up and PAINT! 

Three hours and a nap later I browsed on the computer for a while. 

An hour later, I finally decided to paint. 

 Couldn't paint a normal painting, nope. I wanted to paint on the mirrors... with a snack! Childish, I know.

I thought it would be awesome to show the steps I took to painting these. I basically just used a lot of white to mix with my paints. This made the colors pop against the espresso brown wood. I loved painting them on the floor, it was the only way I could get them to line up properly vs. doing them one by one on the easel and then attempt to puzzle it together. I also didn't have to use reference lines and could paint from one right onto the next! And the real reason is because I was super lazy and didn't want to stand. I can admit that just fine. ;) 

I realize I had slight toddler behavior today, but who cares these mirrors are SICK!

 I am seeing elephant mirrors in my future....

Thanks for reading guys! =)

30 in 30- Day 22!

" Terra Cotta Springa"

10" x 8" 

Oil on panel, unframed

Okay this is by far my favorite in this challenge! I'm so happy!! 

The day did NOT start out that way though. I spent up until early evening scheming for purpose with my paintings. I was stirring over the next move. It's been three weeks. This challenge is almost over. Every day that goes by I have been pushing for success. 

Since starting at the New Year I have:

Started painting!!!!

Created a blog

Painted some more

Created a website, with a business name

Did another painting or two

Added a facebook fan page

Oh, just painted again

Designed and ordered business cards

Kept on painting

Went out and showed my work for the first time to people, SO NERVE RACKING!

More painting (duh)

Currently, I now have work for sale in a store! Woohoo!

Paint, paint, paint

Did my first commissioned piece for someone

Procrastinated a little

Painted a painting

Listed a painting for auction on Ebay

You guessed it, I painted again.

Created a store on Etsy

Day 22... I finally painted my favorite painting. 

To sum this up, it's been an eternity of a month! With LOTS OF PAINTING! I have had my ups and downs. Doubts and joy. I have started something I am proud of, and it's something that brings me to tears. I've spent a long time talking about doing art, and an even longer time not doing art. I am excited to call these the early days as a painter and I can't wait for next month! 

So from this challenge I am grateful. Grateful to paint. 

Also, I am grateful for all of my awesome support!! Husband, my dear family, RUST BROWN for all of your awesome comments on my blogs! haha. And to my friends. THANK YOU!! =) 

30 in 30- Day 21

"Afternoon Tea"

8" x 8" 

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

Table display easel included

$115

To purchase visit ellephantstudio.com

Today's painting is all by itself. Do you know what this means!?

This girl is back on track! I went a little more detailed and tight with my brush work today. And as my husband put it, "you have really been into this Victorian tea lately". As in, I painted tea yesterday too. LOL. 

I guess I have a mentality that if I paint one, I need to paint two. I'm only giving you more options per subject! 

Usually, I text my work for "pre-approval" to my mom and sisters, and I'm coming to find that no matter what I paint, without fail, I will get a reply from one of them saying "it needs a cat"! 

There was a cat I erased from my first painting of this challenge and it has been haunting me since, and I suppose the cat I put in one of my paintings YESTERDAY was not enough! Sheesh! 

In business land, I listed yesterday's painting on ebay starting at $25! If you are interested in my paintings, I recommend this option for a great deal! 

Here is the link to check it out! =)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261159326704

I also created an Etsy account. I will link my paintings from there to Pinterest for more exposure! 

To view my Etsy shop, click the link below! 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ellephantstudio?ref=search_shop_redirect

I did add a follow me widget on my side bar over here>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If you would like to be a member and have an automatic blog update from me, please feel free to join! =)

30 in 30 - Day 19 & 20

"Brunch"

6" x 6"

Oil on panel, unframed with small easel

$60

Visit ellephantstudio.com to buy now!

So I promised yesterday to start painting every day and here I went again skipping a day and painting two today! Well I never said I could predict the future, so forgive me for false information! 

This painting may seem just like objects, but to me it is day dream from a happy memory.... of my Mema. She is a classy woman who loves to be fancy. She would come stay with my family and take my mom and sisters out for a girl's day in our town. We would drive around in the summer to antique sales, and explore through neighbor hoods near our house to find my Mema a cottage home to live in near us. =) We loved it when she came because she would pamper us and make us feel so pretty!

One day I will never forget is when we went out to brunch. It was in a gorgeous cottage where we had plates of scones, fruit, tiny finger sandwiches, and of course, Tea! I remember there was an antique trunk with beautiful scarves, large fancy sun hats with flowers and feathers, and pearls for my sisters and I to play dress up with. We would sit, and sip our tea with our little pinky up and out!

But really, we just inhaled those mini scones and sandwiches. YUM!

"Art Street Cafe"

10" x 8"

Oil on panel, unframed with table display easel

$125

Some days I have no idea what to paint. This was my first painting of the day. I was unmotivated and tired. My husband had all of his employees over for poker last night. I'll just throw out that I came in 3rd! WHAT! 

Needless to say it was a late night and today I suffered the consequences. I was dragging my feet when it came to "work". I need to write my own biography, network more, and of course PAINT! 

Without a clue of what was happening, I just threw paint on the panel and this came out. I wasn't pleased with it, but I sent a photo to my mom and sis and they suggested a few changes (like adding a cat) and I called it good from there. It is a little different from my "norm", but there is something funky that I just like about it. Maybe it's her glasses?

Not going to guarantee a painting tomorrow. It will be a surprise!! OOOOoooo!

30 in 30- Days 17 & 18

"Perfect Pairing"

6" x 6"

Oil on panel, unframed with small easel

$60

To purchase please visit ellephantstudio.com

Well I slacked again. Whoopsie! I did not get around to painting yesterday and had to do two today! Yesterday was all about business.

 I did my first day working in the shop! I spent the afternoon learning about all of the different artists, their backgrounds, and what they do. It was tons of fun! There are about 35 artists that have their work hosted in the store. I have met a large portion of them because they all come in and hang out, re-arrange their work, and peep in to see if anything of theirs has sold. Hehe.

I got a TON of feedback and advice on how to make it in the store. One of the things I need to do is brainstorm and figure out some low ticket items to attract the "casual" shopper. I have calendars and notebooks with my paintings on them coming in, so I will give those a try. If anyone has an idea, by all means... shout it out! =) They were also talking about events and weekends coming up that attract a crowd into the store. Coming up is Valentines Day! I have created a couple of cheery/lovey paintings that may make great gifts. Like my next painting.....

"Forever and Owlways"

6" x 6"

Oil on panel, unframed with small easel

$60

To purchase please visit ellephantstudio.com

This one is a little more free and whimsical, I really do enjoy it! I have been hearing that I've got the Children's art vibe going on in some of my paintings. It might have something to do with my color palette, and partly my style. A majority of my paintings I do envision going into a Child's bedroom or in a family Dr.'s office or something. Who knows! =) 

I realize I have created a bad habit of doing what I am going to call "slack and stack" with my paintings and blog posts. I have less than two weeks until vacation. I promise to behave and do this right! SO I WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW! 

30 in 30- Day 15 & 16

"Affie"

8" x 8"

Oil on panel, unframed

SOLD

Yes, I skipped blogging yesterday. In my eyes, I committed to 30 days of paintings, not so much 30 days of blogging. Therefore, I'll just squish it into today's post. This little gem is Affie, she was a special request from a friend. I have done some animals like the elephant and turtle, but this was a first in the canine department.

 Was I nervous to say yes to such a request? 

Oh you betcha! 

But ladies and gents, I like to live life on the adventurous side. This is my new profile:

First Name: Risk

Middle Name: Danger

Last Name: Taker

Turns out, she loved it. Which made me love it! Yay!! Now on to the next---

"Walking in a Winter Wonderland"

9" x 12"

Oil on panel, unframed

$165

To purchase, visit my website ellephantstudio.com

This one was tough! The trees were tough! The everything about it was tough! Yet it's so cool! 

I had a late night painting last night. I tried my hardest all day to ignore the easel. I just wanted to take a day off. I was perfectly fine with it. I have one backup painting I could have used for the blog and I would have had a great relaxing day off with my Husband... 

but NOPE.

Around 9 pm, Hubby says I should paint.

WHAT??! 

Burned through every excuse known to man, including cramps.

Before I know it I am up in my studio, my extra lighting is all set up, and I have no clue what I am going to paint. 

With the conditions stated, I had a blast. My husband sprawled out on the floor in the studio behind me and played games on his cellphone, Jason Mraz was streaming on Pandora, and I was jamming along. Painting.

Awesome.

Onto business side of things, I am all set up in the Artisan's Corner. I am going in tomorrow to learn the ropes and study the other artists. We are required to work in the shop at least once per month. I think it's neat because it's ran by all of the artists! I will update in tomorrow's blog to let you know how it goes! 

30 in 30- Day 14

"Skate Escape"

8" X 10"

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

$125

I stuck to my guns. I said yesterday I would be painting snow, and I was scary close to painting not snow. This is my first winter painting. I surprise myself sometimes. Not saying this is amazing, but man I thought it was going to be way worse! 

Enough about that. The reason I am painting this is because I now have a target market!! I was offered to display and sell my paintings in a local art boutique!!!! I had a meeting with a board of five talented artists that I nervously presented a majority of my paintings to. They were leaning in close, holding them far away, and inspecting them at all angles. The one man found a wet spot on a piece with his thumb (doh!) and I thought for sure that was a deal breaker. It was also the first time I have ever shown my art to anyone. They did their analyzing and said they would let me know soon.  

Needless to say I slept like a rock, and got the phone call this AM during coffee time with my husband! I went from one end of the couch to other and landed on my husband shrieking with excitement!! So it has been an amazing day! I feel blessed beyond belief and am excited for what God has in store for the rest of my painting career. There was risk of being shut down involved. I also had lots of doubt running through my mind that I am not polished enough as a painter, I don't carry enough experience, I am too young, etc. Nope! None of that is stopping THISSSS! 

Paintings go in the shop tomorrow morning. Rance has the day off, we are going to explore local towns and see where else I can bestow my art upon! WHOOOP WHOOP!! =D

Lastly, huge thanks to those who have been instilling me with encouragement through liking, commenting, sharing, and purchasing my paintings. It helps my world go round happily. =)

30 paintings in 30 days- Day 13

"Lovely Bunch"

8" x 10"

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

$125

Click HERE to purchase.

Yet another bouquet of flowers! I am trying to build a couple different assortments of paintings to be less obvious about being "all over the place" in with my subjects. I did this one quickly yesterday before the Seahawks game (may we take a moment of silence for their loss) because I was out all evening after that and wouldn't have gotten my painting done. I am very proud of myself for planning ahead for once! If there's one thing to be thankful for during these 30 days of painting, it is sticking to a commitment! WINNING! 

I do enjoy the color palette I used in this one. It makes me look forward to spring time! HOWEVER, I am on a mission to attempt a couple of snow paintings this week. Why? Well I will tell you tomorrow. 

Goodnight Friends. =)

30 in 30- Day 12!

Beach Cruiser

11" x 14"

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

SOLD

This one was fun and tricky at the same time. A friend suggested I paint this, and I only had an image from my cellphone to go by. So I am quite pleased with how it turned out! This bad boy gets shipped out to a friend living in Maui! On second thought, maybe I should hand deliver this one to ensure it gets there safely. MAYBE soak up some vitamin D for a few days! ;)

I'm keeping this short and sweet because the Seahawks are on! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

30 in 30- Day 11

Market Flowers

9" x 12"

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

$165

These flowers were actually painted the day before yesterday, fortunately I am ahead of the game because my Husband and I are flying across the country to Washington to visit our family towards the end of the month! BOOYAH!! =)

Since I have a couple "get out of jail free" paintings stocked up, I didn't paint today. Well I painted, but I got frustrated and scraped it all off because it was HORRIFIC to say the least. I will show you, I am not ashamed!! It is my goal and duty in life to give people a good chuckle...

I call this Gorilla Ginger.

It's not THAT BAD (my sisters and mom will say otherwise) but I just don't like the feeling of "wasting" canvas. I order them online, the local art stores only carry a couple of my not-so-favorite brands. Therefore, I stock up and when they come in the mail I stand hunched over them in my art room whispering "myyyy precioussssss".

Vote of hands, who said that like Smeagol? 

Anyway on an awesome-ER note... I ordered business cards today! My mom sent me a groupon for an awesome deal. So not only did I get my cards, I may or may not have gotten some sweet prize give-aways to a few of my lucky followers! That's right, who do you "like" now?!?!?! Details to come on that soon... approximately 14 days shipping and handling soon.

Thanks for reading! =)

Here is my facebook page to follow & get prizes: http://www.facebook.com/ElleLeshaBrownFineArt

Day 10 of the 30 paintings in 30 days

"Bess"

8" x 10"

Oil on panel, unframed

$125

MMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Like that Mom? I kept today simple. =)

Visit ellephantstudio.com to purchase!

Day 9

"Daily walk"

8" x 10" oil on panel, unframed

$125

To purchase please go to my website: 

ellephantstudio.com

This painting was a struggle! I actually painted it yesterday and it got too late in the evening to finish, so I made some final touches this morning.

My absolute FAVORITE thing to do is walk on the beach, barefoot! I run, kick the sand, stop to find seashells... and occasionally my husband and I would grab a coffee and walk hand in hand talking and spending time together. It was THE BEST! 

We weren't alone though! Nope! There were other couples out, joggers, there was even this one macho guy that would literally STRUT up and down the beach most days we were there. Hilarious! Anyway, I loved seeing dogs on the beach. They appeared to be the most free, and having the best time! 

I have no idea why I tease myself with beach paintings, but I am really enjoying the couple I have done now. 

Thank you all for reading my posts, "liking" my new facebook art page, and being supportive! It's the best motivation! =)

Day 8 of 30

Floral Bouquet

8" x 10" oil on panel, unframed

$125

Visit ellephantstudio.com to purchase.

If you have been keeping up with me, you have noticed that I haven't been going for a specific theme throughout this painting challenge. I have been experimenting with my paints and subjects throughout this past 8 days. From doors and beaches to candy, Paris, and shopping I am all over the grid here. Today I even accidentally discovered a new blue color that I have been dying to figure out! WHAT- WHAT!! It's going to be all up on my next painting for sure!

Today's painting is a floral. I can't say I've enjoyed it as much as painting the beach, but that's what this experience is for! Looking back at the past week worth of painting there have been some frustrating moments where I've scraped off my entire canvas, and the joyous moments where I've done a little dance because my painting looks pretty bomb! 

THANK YOU again to everyone reading and sharing these blog posts with others! =) 

Day 7 of 30!

Ocean play date

8" x 10"

Oil on museum quality panel, unframed

$125 plus shipping

One week in baby!! This is a HUGE accomplishment for someone like me.... all talk and no game when it comes to producing art! lol. So yay!

Also, I woke up to sunshine today! There is still heaps of snow and icicle fencing around my windows, and as the weather is absorbing whatever moisture my skin struggles to hang on to, I still have sunshine and that's a load of joy to my morning. More light for painting!

It made me reflect back on more sunny Maui days from last year. This painting was from a day spent at the beach people watching. OH HOW I LOVE TO PEOPLE WATCH! (not meant to be creepy) This is a mom and her daughter that came and set up near my husband and I. I watched them play ball for a while, it was pretty cute. I was happy to capture that moment because well, what a great painting it made! (yes, I do believe I was tooting my own horn right there)

I have started to list my paintings with prices if anyone is interested. You can view more of my paintings on my website....

ellephantstudio.com

Thanks for checking in on my blogs everyone! Last week alone I had over 300 blog views, WAY more than I expected. That must mean you really like my writin skillzzz. 

Day 6 out of 30!

Candy Classics

8" x 10"

Oil on Panel

Well, I warned all of you I was going to do sweets at least one week into this. Who is still going strong on their New Year, new you diet???

Okay you don't have to lie, we don't care if you inhaled the leftover holiday treats on the 2nd day...there's always next year. Or I hear Mondays are great for starting diets....or anything, really. 

This painting was nice because I was in one of those whatever moods where there's no over thinking,  or tight strain for detail. Otherwise, I would know exactly how many gumballs are in the machine...but I don't. Or do I? 75 cough*  (tempting to count now, right?) 

Anyway, I don't know how many of you artists in this challenge are getting a block in your brain on what to paint, but still manage to lay awake at night or even dream of painting but WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ABOUT??? 

Off for a well needed nap. Good luck with that diet... today is Monday! ;)

Ruby

Well, today went a little different than I intended. I didn't plan to paint today at all (I painted two yesterday so I could take today off). My husband, Rance, has the day off today.. so I figured I should take the day too so we could spend some time together (aka watch football). NOPE. I couldn't shake the addiction...

Ruby

11" x 14" Oil on panel

This is Ruby. She is a girl after my own heart...rocking a tutu swimsuit and polka dot shades at the beach! 

She is the darling little girl I had the privilege of nannying while Rance and I lived in Maui last year. Ruby, her Mom, and myself took a day trip out to a secluded island right off Maui and had lunch at the Four Seasons Resort (practically the only thing located on that island). We played the rest of the afternoon on the beach soaking up the sun, and let me say, it was truly PERFECT.

I was wanting to paint from a photo so I could slow down and focus on details today, and I'll just say... four hours later, I am quite pleased . =) 

NOW, time for some football! LETS GO SEAHAWKS!! 

Day Four!

Bonjour!

Paris

11" x 14" Oil on museum quality panel

Okay, so I have always had an urge to paint a little French somethin'. I have never been to Paris, but if one could day dream... Poodles, stripes, a beret, and a mustache all the way!  

Today I tried using a bigger brush and thicker paint. I used a larger canvas as well because I was nervous I couldn't fit everything I wanted. I think I got it all on this one!

If any of you are interested in how I come up with some of my paintings, I have made the decision to post how I get started on a daily basis. 

I sketch. 

I head up to my art room after coffee time, sit in the middle of my floor with a blanket and go to town with the sketch book. I get my subjects in place, and then add my background and surrounding as I'm at the canvas. I don't draw on my canvas but just go from my sketch, and my head. 

Does this make a perfect painting?? 

Not always. Sometimes proportions are off, and maybe contrast. My lovely sister even chimed in that sometimes my backgrounds can be dull and boring, but my subjects ROCK!

This is EXACTLY what I am utilizing these 30 days for. Attention to detail, confidence in brush strokes, and believe it or not, SLOWING DOWN on my paintings. Today's painting only took an hour and a half! I am a speedy gonzolas when I paint and sometimes that can bite me in the bum! Beep! Beep!

So there you have it. Thanks everyone for reading the blog today! =) 

And on the 3rd day, there was shopping!

Though there is a door in this one, I've halted on The Great Door Collection.

Today's painting is one simple, yet wonderful thing that we all know the definition of.

Shop 'til you drop

8"x 10" Oil Paint

Museum Quality Panel

Exciting news for you guys. As you can see from me spamming up facebook every 5 minutes, I have been working like crazy painting, blogging, and SUCCEEDING at the 30 day paint challenge. I have also been working on my own personal website to host my work! ROCKSTAR! 

>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ellephantstudio.com <<<<<<<<<<<<<

The Great Door Collection

This is day number two of Leslie Saeta's 30 paintings in 30 days. So far this is the best track record I've had! Not only on my commitment toward painting, but also sticking to doing a collection. I'll be honest here, I am a little sick of painting doors and I've only done a couple of them... call it pAintDD if you will.

 I'm ready to MOVE ON.

So much so, I am going to list TWO pieces of The Great Door Collection today.

Just call my cell

8x10 Oil Painting

Museum quality panel

This one here has a door, so pipe down! It counts.
Now as I was explaining in yesterday's blog, different door colors carry seperate meanings.

The red door is the most common. It has SEVERAL meanings. I'll just rattle them off and keep going..

WELCOME (how original)
LUCK
SAFE HAVEN
BLOOD OF CHRIST
And finally in Scotland they paint the door red to symbolize that they've paid of their mortgage. (braggy much?)

Purple doors

8x10 Oil Painting

Museum quality panel

 Purple doors are the most diverse in the spectrum of door land. These doors represent royalty and wealth.

Now, we all knew purple = royalty, but it means more than that...not much more, but MORE.

Religious people also rep a purple door to show a connection towards their spiritual side.

 This is not a common color for people to paint their doors, so those that do are considered open-minded and willing to think outside the box. 

So to sum this up, I'll bet the Pope has a purple door. 

HAPPY New Year!

To kick off the 2013, I have decided to start a blog to host my paintings. I'm not the best at writing, and I am  frustrated just trying to get this all set up. If you are a freak about correcting grammar, it would be best that you skidaddle because this is going to be pretty sloppy as my writing is poor due to dropping out of English 101 not once, but twice in my college career. But am I funny? Heck yes I am so let's go.

This all started because I was invited by my awesome artist mother to participate in Leslie Saeta's "30 Paintings in 30 Days starting today. She told me about it yesterday. (It's cool Mama I'm better at jumping on board last minute anyway, no worries.)

Do I have enough gesso board? Not even enough to get through tomorrow. Whatever...

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED--- DAY ONE

I just went ahead and decided to start a collection instead of my usual solo pieces. My first painting was inspired by the new year and what I would like it to bring.

Happiness. 

Yep, we say HAPPY New Year folks. We casually wish it upon each other and don't even realize it!

So, what is a symbol of happiness??

A YELLOW DOOR. Duh.

Doors carry different meanings depending on color and culture. The yellow door portrays happiness, mental sharpness, and a sense of well-being. Who wouldn't welcome that to start off the year? I can't paint a piece of chocolate (that also makes me VERY happy) while everyone is on a diet, that would be down right rude. I'll paint that next week when everyone gets tired of hitting the gym...until then, nobody wants to eat a door.

Yellow Door

8x10, Oil Painting