Tulip Trio

Tulip Trio Oil on wood, 8" x 6,"  NFS

My dear mother came over to put some much needed order on a flower bed by the side of the house.. She brought everything...tools, gloves and her amazing gardening expertise. (which is good because I am pretty much clueless.) It will be interesting to see what comes out of the dirt now that it's been cleared and fertilized. also, a few teeny daffodils comin' up in the side yard, picture included.  

Tulips and Apples

Tulips and Apples  Oil on wood, 10" x 8,"  NFS

The simplest items can be so fascinating to paint.  

Daffodils and Tulips and a quote

Daffodils and Tulips  Oil on wood, 10" x 8," NFS

Daffodils and Cat

Daffodils and Cat  Oil on wood, 8" x 8," NFS

Well, not a real cat... Workin' out some kinks with the color yellow, better yellows in tomorrow's painting.   

Swirly Greens

Swirly Greens  Oil on wood, 8" x 8,"  SOLD

Loooootta snow out there! But painting here in the studio has resumed. These "Swirly Greens" were a delightful change of pace.  
A quick thanks to collectors and subscribers who partook in my flash sale. You are the bee's knees, thank you.  

Peeper because cats peep.

Peeper, Oil on wood, 8" x 8,"  SOLD

Is "Peeper" too corny of a title, lol? Cats do peep!  Coco has taken to laying next to the woodburner on his back.  (Super cute.)  When he sees me coming to tend the fire, he books.  He doesn't go far, just keeps a careful watch from the shadows. 

Kitty model photographed by Gloria Walters. Thanks, Gloria for letting me use the photo!

Spring Tulips, also a winner in my give away has been chosen!

Spring Tulips  Oil on canvas, each  18" x 18," both $1450.

"Spring Tulips" from a few years ago...Today, I've been blogging for 8 years.  :)  A winner in my bloggiversary painting give away has been randomly chosen and they have been notified!  I'll keep you posted as additional subscribers are picked and the give away paintings find homes.   Thank you for subscribing, visiting this blog and taking an interest in my art.  
1:39pm EST An update:  "Harlequin" kitty painting was chosen by the first winner and will ship to Texas on Monday, which leaves two paintings.  A second subscriber has been chosen and notified.      

Red and Whites, tulip still life painting with lemons

Red and Whites  Oil on wood, 8" x 8,"  SOLD

Flowers and fruit, a timeless combination and a delight to paint.

Tulips and Tom and some news about Randy Higbee 6" Squared!

Tulips and Tom  Oil on wood, 8" x 8,"  SOLD

Roger

I'm pleased to report "Roger" (painting on left) won an award at the 6" Squared Exhibit and Sale at the Randy Higbee Gallery!  Both "Roger" and the other painting that made it in --sold before the show even opened.  I couldn't be more thrilled. Paintings from the exhibit are available for viewing and purchasing online, here.

Tuxedo and Tulips and a Ramble on the Color Green

Tuxedo and Tulips  Oil on wood, 8" x 10,"  SOLD

A few thoughts on the color green:  It's my favorite color to see and my least favorite to paint. Straight from the tube green(s) can be great for fabrics and pottery, but too saturated and plasticy for tulip stems.  I used to mix all my greens, but lately have been using a lot of sap and olive.  The greens in "Tuxedo and Tulips" are both mixed, straight from the tube and all things in between, it's a lotta greens.

Cat in Shadows and critiquing your own art online, do you do it?

Cat in Shadows  Oil on wood  10" x 10,"  SOLD

I advise artists to keep critiques of their art to themselves in my ebook "A Guide for the Introverted Artist."  We (artist bloggers) deliver a buzzkill to our readers when we share (or expound upon) flaws and dissect "what went wrong" with a painting.  When I say "our readers" I'm referring to the intrepid folks who seek to buy art online directly from artists.
Only... we're not going door to door selling vacumn cleaners.  It's hard advice to follow sometimes.  I won't speak for all -- but I have a really strong desire to translate my painting mishaps into actual text that I can refer to later.  And I'm constantly weighing the benefits of doing that against my desire to put my "best foot forward."  Within the context of blogging one's art in a meaningful way, I think it's a fine line between the two.  
Does this sound familiar, fellow artists?  Please comment.  If you're getting this correspondence as a subscriber, please hit "reply" and tell me your thoughts.

The Red Cup still life with tulips

The Red Cup  Oil on wood  12" x 9"  NFS

I'm definitely on to something with the thinner paint block in.

I see potential for more color harmony and --a more enjoyable process of painting as well.  Will include the block in (mostly for my own reference.)  Excited!

Monday Tulips small floral still life painting

Monday Tulips  Oil on wood  8" x 8" NFS

Still experimenting with thinner paint block-in.  Happy with how some of the lavender toned board peeks through in the background!

April Tulips still life floral by Hoeptner

April Tulips  Oil on wood  8" x 8"  NFS

Despite a strong desire to shop for shoes, clean the kitchen and/or avoid all-things-painting (it happens) I dragged myself into the studio to paint April Tulips.  I ended up trying a few new things... thinner paint application and more interpretive color. ...and I learned a few things.  I'm looking forward to the next.

March Tulips floral still life painting

March Tulips  Oil on wood  8" x 6"  NFS

Peacock Floral red tulips fruit still life painting

Peacock Floral  Oil on wood  11" x 14"  NFS

Depending on use, a fan brush can enhance or obliterate previous brushwork.  I'm pretty sure the peacock and full moon "tapestry" background here was competing for attention --and not in a good way-- I took a fan brush to it... I think I'm satisfied with the results but reminded again to proceed with caution with this brush!

Canary Yellow Tulips small original oil painting

Canary Yellow Tulips  Oil on cradled wood  8" x 8" NFS

We're feeling better now.  The garage has been repaired and plans are under way to fix the blown down fence.  Best of all, I painted these tulips on pattern that I like very much...may have to do a few more. Thank you internet friends for the kind words and encouragement --it was really appreciated.

Twilight Tulips red tulip painting by Hoeptner

Twilight Tulips  Oil on cradled wood  12" x 12"  SOLD

 Very happy with this one.  Be sure to enter to win a free painting for my five year bloggiversary.  Click here to find out more.

One Down red tulips oranges still life painting

One Down  Oil on wood  6" x 6" 

I'm sure I'm not done painting the cats, but needed a little break.  After struggling with "likeness issues" with Coco, painting tulips felt like a walk in the park.

Shadow Casters purple tulips painting

Shadow Casters  Oil on wood  8" x 8"  NFS