A Peck of Pickled Peppers

"A Peck of Pickled Peppers"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2012

Our watercolor class has moved on from painting paint brushes to painting jars with interesting things in them.  I nabbed the jar of pickled peppers and this is the result.  With all due respect to Peter Piper, I realize this isn't exactly a "peck" -- but it was too good a title to pass up!  The next one up is going to be another glass jar filled with .... well, you'll just have to check back in a few days and see what it is.  I'm thinking of this painting and the one to come as "kitchen" paintings.  Wouldn't they look yummy on a kitchen wall?!

Indian Corn

"Indian Corn"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, © 2012

Next assignment....an up-close and personal look at something...really "zoom in, but we should still be able to tell what it is."  Wow.  Okay, it's fall, so how about some Indian corn?  And so you have it.  The subject matter is set, now it's time to draw corn kernels.  Gotta admit, after a while, when you're painting something like this, you see blobs of color, not kernels.  But the thing to remember is to occasionally step away from the painting.  So I did, and what do you know!  They're Indian corn kernels.  Again, one of those subject assignments I probably never would have done on my own -- but one which proves to be rather satisfying when it's completed.

Tools of the Trade

"Tools of the Trade"  (Watercolor)   C. Eastwood, © 2012

Carrying on the theme of "Tools of the Trade,"  our class assignment was to paint this still life.  While I've used a number of these items, I have to admit that I haven't had occasion to use a paint roller on anything other than a wall at this point in my career.  I guess it's something to which I should aspire!?  It could happen -- just probably not with watercolor.  Lots of different textures and surfaces in this painting -- so it was a good exercise.

Ready to Paint

"Ready to Paint"  (Watercolor)  C. Eastwood, 2012

Ah, watercolor class is back in session, and we've been working on some composition skills (which in my case were so rusty as to be practically non-existent).  The assignment?  Dig around in your purse or watercolor supplies, find some "stuff," and turn it into an interesting composition.  Six thumbnail sketches later (as required), I'd finally found a mix of objects that provided an acceptable composition and it was time to paint.  Of course, once the painting was done, there was a tad too much space on the right and so I ended up (heels dragging the whole way) adding in some paper clips.  And guess what!  The instructor was right (imagine that).  I'm a lot happier with it now and I feel like I've learned some important lessons about positive/negative space, rhythm, balance, and movement.  Not too shabby for a painting about painting!  Hopefully I can translate all that into future work.

Textural Abstract (Untitled)

Textural Abstract --Untitled (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

In my continuing exploration of mixed media, this is definitely a new direction -- abstract.  There are layers and layers of all sorts of interesting things to create texture and dimension.  The painting is 16" x 20" -- which makes it a bit tricky to photograph.  That plus the metallic elements which create shine (and appear white in the photo) add to the fun!   But I definitely want to try more of this technique.  I've included some photos that show details of different areas of the canvas, each exposing different elements of the painting.  I hope you enjoy it.

(Detail)

(Detail)

(Detail)

(Detail)

Let Your Dreams Take Flight

"Let Your Dreams Take Flight"  (Mixed Media)  © C. Eastwood, 2012

As explained in the post about "Big Engines,"  this is the 8" x 8" mixed media painting for Maddie, Andrew's big sister, who turned three this Spring.  Maddie has an abundance of energy which her very wise mother is letting her burn off in dance and gymnastics.  I believe it's important for every child to dream and pretend, so I wanted to do a painting that showed these two activities carried out to the next level.  Whether Maddie stays with dancing or gymnastics in the future, the message will always be the same -- to let her dreams take flight and carry her to new heights of discovery and joy.

Big Engines

"Big Engines"  (Mixed Media) © C. Eastwood, 20121

Having just returned from a trip to visit family in Chicago, I was determined to do paintings for two of the youngest members of the "fam."  Andrew is rapidly approaching two years and is all boy.  We had a brief discussion about trains and he most enthusiastically informed me that they go, "Woo-woo" (that demonstration being accompanied by pulling the imaginary whistle chain).  I understand from his grandmother that he likes trucks and trains...so this little 8" x 8" mixed media painting is dedicated to Andrew and his love of things with big engines.