Spring Sailing Season Begins

12 x 12 Oil on Gessobord

Well, the sailing season has begun, and yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day for the races.  The colors this time of year are so vibrant, and Smith Mountain Lake really shines in the Spring and Fall.  In the summer there isn't enough wind, so no races...  The downside right now is the pollen, however.  It is covering everything.  I put my newly varnished paintings outside to dry..Big mistake!  I had to bring them right back in when I saw a mist of yellow descending.  Maybe it would have provided more "atmosphere" though :-)

The Force of Nature

12 x 9  Oil on Gessobord

This beautiful sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn is at Marina Barrage in Singapore.  He dedicated it to Mother Nature after seeing the damage done during the tsunami in Thailand and the aftermath and destruction of Hurricane Katrina.  The research says that it is reminiscent of the statues made by people as offerings to the gods in the hope of appeasing them.  I love the pull and strength of it.  Here is a woman harnessing the Earth.  How beautiful!

Cleaning the Garbage

SOLD

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

It was the colors that attracted me to this scene, plus I love to paint people going about their daily lives, as we all know :-)  I used a limited palette, once again.  Love those greens and purples...

Sunday Morning at the Park

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This should be called "Fast and Furious Study."  Limited palette (except for the kite), and limited time.  I really like this one.  I think it has movement and atmosphere.  I could have gone a lot further and given it a "finished" look, but that wasn't my intention.  I was trying to zone in on the two figures and what they were doing.  These exercises are really helpful for me, and I'm enjoying the process.  It's a very free feeling to paint like this once in a while :-)

Whose Kite is it Anyway?

6 x 6 Oil on Gessobord

A quick study of Spiderman above the City.  I gave myself a time limit and just kept my brush moving.  I'm not sure why, but as I post my paintings I see all sorts of issues I want to correct, and WILL correct on this one...Things I don't see when I'm in the "zone."  This, however, serves as a starting point for other paintings.  Just a beginning in my "thought process."  With these, I'm always really glad I start on small boards.  If I decide to do a larger painting, these are good references...Mostly in what I need to correct or change.  I do like the energy in this little piece :-)

Cooper Off Leash at the Beach

SOLD

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This is really a painting of my good friend, Gloria, but I can't paint her without painting that black dot off in the distance...Cooper.  She loves the water more than any other dog I know, and went into the ocean, past the waves.  I was pretty certain she was gone for good, but Gloria and Jim had a lot of faith in her and knew she'd come back.  I wasn't so sure!  As we were walking back, we got stopped by the beach police for having her off leash.  No ticket;  just a warning, but for the rest of the trip, it certainly put a crimp in Cooper's style :-)

Punakhan Man with Walking Stick

 

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

Someone said "Make it colorful!"  I think I achieved that, don't you?  For me, this was a study of an interesting face.  It's like a puzzle.  I paint in sections and love to see the image begin to take form, and finally look back at me.  I'm not sure if it's approvingly....It's always a challenge and a learning experience.

On the Rocks

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

This has been a very difficult week as far as my art goes.  I have wiped off almost every painting I started, some close to being finished.  I must be going through a transition.  I know what I want the finished product to look like, but my mind and hand aren't cooperating with each other :-)  Here is a painting I started months ago and never was happy with it.  I have gone back to it a number of times, and I've decided it's as done as it's going to be.  I figured I might as well post it anyway....

On another note, a number of people who have visited my blog have tried to leave messages but were unable to for one reason or another.  If you aren't able to leave a message on Blogger, please feel free to email me.  A lot of people do, and I really appreciate it.  I love the feedback. You can email me at shelleykoop@gmail.com.  My blog visits are over 25,000, and I'm so glad to share my art journey with you all.

A Love Story

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

SOLD

Watch out or this Pit Bull will love you to death!  This is Maddie;  a Pit Bull that just wants to be on top of you to cuddle.  Her head feels like it weighs 50 lbs., but you don't move because she is just so content to be with you...or on top of you.  She's here on the couch with Dona and is giving me that "I'm just so lucky" look.

Three on a Bench with Popcorn

8 x 8 Oil on Gessobord

A very hot day at the Winter Park, Florida Art Show...If you have never been, it is worth the trip.  There were so many wonderful artists displaying their work.  I'm always on the lookout for people to paint though, and I loved these three.  Popcorn, galore!