Mary B Spires Watercolor & Art Stuff

6 x 6 Oil on Canvas This also is a re-do. I had more success this time around. I need more paintings for the show, so this takes a little less time, plus I like the subject matter.

8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

8 x 10 Oil on Board This is another re-do, the first didn't have enough paint! Plus her face was not right.......I tried out the new light box, still haven't got the lighting right!

7" xx 10" Oil on Board I posted this one a couple of weeks ago, but didn't like it! So I changed a few things. In fact I painted over the whole thing!

16" x 20" on Canvas I've been working on this one for a couple of weeks. I painted it in watercolor, but had trouble with the hands in oil. So as you can see I left them out!

Sold 8"x 10" Oil on Canvas The Plums were the best part of painting this one. With the spot light on them they were almost transparent. My cloth was brown, but once I finished the stripes they didn't look good, so I decide to change them to blue! This worked much better. In fact I think I will do a couple more with this cloth.

8 1/4" x 10 1/4" Oil on Board Do you think I'm watching too much Food Network? The reds were easier on this one! You think maybe painting everyday helps!

8 1/4" x 10 1/4" Oil on Board This was a fun one! Just love those abstract designs on the material. It just happened to color match the bowl.

7" x 7" Oil on Board This was a tough one, started it a couple of days ago. Had trouble with the "reds". I just couldn't get the right value or color. Tomatoes look so easy, but there not!

7" x 7" Oil on Board Here's another one of those "Dots" paintings! What fun! The square format is really fun too.

7" x 7" oil on canvas Just love those Dots!

Sold 7" x 7" Oil on Board I now have a set up for still lifes ! I took an old watercolor board that Dick made years ago and put it up in the studio. Now I can have a spot light and see shadows! WOW!

8" x 10" Oil on Canvas This was a tough little study. Trying to get the texture & color of the vase.

7"x 7" Oil on Board This was a tough one! I purchased several pieces of cloth with fun designes . This board was already attached to the frame. So I had to mask around the inside with tape. I have 7 of these and they are just the right size. I painted over the original design on the board with acrylic. I hope to have them all finished for the Art Walk.

7" x 7" Oil on Board I set up this still life from my inspiration of Carol Marine, another blog artist. I have been watching her progess for a couple of months. She does nothing but small still lifes.

Finally got a new lap top PC, also have wireless! Remember we're out in no mans land. NO Roadrunner! This works 10 times faster than dial up. I've been painting all week, to date have 5 new ones, but I'm still trying to figure out VISTA!!!!!!!

10" x 15" Oil on Board #33 Another one for the Art Walk.

Well, today I have completed 32 paintings!~! Since my first post! A little less than I had planned, but I can see a difference in my work. Sure I'm not happy with some of them, but as you can see I'm still a student. I think you go through life as a student. I hope I never stop learning. This whole blog thing for me is about the commitment to paint more. All the great painters and teachers say you must paint a 100 paintings, before you can even begin to understand the process. I am a true believer!! I'm still working on paintings for the Lancaster Art Walk, July 20 th , I some how got in two places. It's a long story! But as it may be, I need double the paintings! I will be at WC Grinders on South Columbus St. and ADMAH at Main and Broad.

I don't really like this one, but it's all about practice!

8 x 10 Oil on Canvas This photograph was taken on the deck, under morning light. I can't decide which one I like best!

8" x 10" Oil on Canvas This photograph was taken inside with warm light. Of course I worked on it with Adobe.

8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Step 3 Background of wall is Cadmium Red plus Cadmium Yellow, Burnt Sienna and White. Glass windows are done with Phthalo Green and a touch of Alizarin Crimson, the mix need to be warmer, so I added a little Yellow Ochre.

8"x 10"Oil on Canvas Step 2 Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red and White to block in flowers. Ultramarine Blue and Lemon Yellow with a little Alizarin Crimson for the green leaves.

8" x 10" Oil on Canvas Step 1 Block in with burnt sienna and ultramarine blue.

10" x 15" Oil on Board

10" x 15" Oil on Board

10" x 15" Oil on Board I'm starting to work on paintings for the Lancaster Art Festival at the end of July.....so the pressure is on!