Girls With Boots

 Click Here For More Information - 8x8 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

This photo reference (from Pixabay) was sitting on my desktop for weeks waiting to paint, the wait was almost unbearable.  The patterns, shapes and colors drew me in, I found them irresistible.  And there are those dots again!  Whenever I start something with so much detail, halfway through I fuss at myself for the choice.  But there's that inspiration which can't be ignored and drives me to paint.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

It's almost Christmas!  May you find peace and joy this Christmas even when things aren't "normal".  Maybe we have more time to reflect on the hope and promise this season brings.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Time To Shine

 

Click Here For more Information -  6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

Working in paint time during the holidays is close to impossible for me.  This is the time of year to paint sparkly ornaments and things that shine, it's also the time of year to decorate, bake, cook, shop and mail.  I didn't even mention clean, that's on the list always.  I'm so glad I found time and inspiration for one more Christmas ornament painting, dots seem to be my easy go to for that needed inspiration (how can you resist those reflections?).  

I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Merry Christmas!  Hopefully next year we will be back to more normal celebrations, for now continue to stay safe for a little longer, we are almost there.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

January Drawing Class 2021

 I'll be teaching another 8 week virtual drawing class starting January 18, 2021.  Every week photo references are emailed to each student that are drawn step by step in class.  I cover basic drawing skills and techniques but very low key with emailed handouts.  Time is included for discussions and sharing.  For more information and to register: https://rumriverart.com/classes/senior-classes/

These classes are advertised as senior classes but anyone sixteen or older can register. 

The students from my fall class graciously allowed me to post some of their favorite drawings, check out the work below.  I'm very impressed with how hard they worked and how lovely these drawings turned out.  Some of the drawings below were not class projects but practice pieces done at home.  Very impressive!

All drawings are copyrighted by each artist shown.

Expectations

 

Click Here For More Information - 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

This little still life was set up for my drawing class and I just had to paint it.  It was a good exercise to help loosen up my brushwork, I was in the mood for experimenting and letting go after so many detailed paintings.  The Christmas tree ball was fun, I'd like to try more but all my decorations are packed away except for a few.  Soon they will all be out so maybe.  Hmmm I love packages, the best part is wondering what's inside, the expectation.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!  It will be different for many of us this year, better to be safe and have many many more to enjoy.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Bluewater Refuge

 

Click Here For More Information - 8x8 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I keep looking for photo references that inspire me and I've been finding some fun ones on Pixabay.  The photographer did a great job capturing the light, plus it had an umbrella!  It was a challenge doing the water so Photoshop Elements helped break it down.  I had some trouble with values on this painting, not sure why but adjustments were made and it's better. 

My fall virtual drawing class wrapped up last week, a new one will start hopefully in January.  I love teaching, sometimes I think maybe that should have been my career choice and so thankful that Rumriver Art Center in Anoka gave me the opportunity.  In college I was young and full of dreams not making the best choices but I'm learning it's never to late plus I still get to paint!  Maybe there will be some future postings of my students drawings.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are 1/8" thickness, a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Hangin At LaBoutique

 

Click Here For More Information - 8x10 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

I miss shopping!  The experience of touching fabrics, trying clothes on and just wandering around for anything that grabs your eye.  Oh and grabbing some fast food or lunch out is part of the experience.   The internet is great but it can't replace "real" shopping.  For all you ladies (and men too) feeling the same way here's an image for you to enjoy.  This is number three in my hangin series.  I hope boutiques can find a way to stay in business!

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

We are continuing to be careful and stay isolated as much as possible during COVID.  Please be careful out there, things will get better so be patient. 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Hangin At The Farm

 

Click Here For More Information - 8x8 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

This is the second painting in my "Hangin" series.  There's a lot of nostalgia with images of clotheslines, I believe that's what drew me in, just a bit of remembering my childhood and happy times.  Its nice to have a safe haven to return to during these uncertain days of the pandemic, riots and elections.  This is a Pixabay image cropped and painted on black gesso.  

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Thanks for visiting.  The COVID is not gone yet so stay safe.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

 

Hangin In Morocco

 Click Here For More Information - 8x8 inches, acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

Searching for inspiration I fell in love with photos of clothes on clotheslines.  The bold graphic quality of this reference drew me in and perhaps it's a bit of nostalgia remembering growing up with clotheslines in everyones yards.  Not many people in the U.S. have clotheslines anymore or hang up clothes outside.  That wonderful fresh air smell of clean clothes, especially bedding has gone the way of homemade apple pie.  Does anyone make homemade apple pie anymore?

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Thanks for visiting, as always stay safe.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

Nature's Paintbox

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $125, 6x6 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

Today we have a foot of snow on the ground and the leaves are gone.  Funny how fast the beauty of Autumn comes and goes.  A few weeks ago at the height of color I took a walk finding and collecting many beautiful leaves but the most spectacular one for me was the green one in the painting.  It had these amazing large purple veins that were so unique I had to try and capture it.  Of course the painting doesn't do the leaf justice, even a photograph doesn't completely capture the beauty.  I pressed the leaf along with a bunch of others hoping the colors will last for awhile to enjoy.  Nature's paintbox is amazing!

 My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Thanks for visiting, stay safe.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

Crabapple Blues

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

This is my third crabapple painting and to change it up I used a darker background which gave the crabapple a totally different look.  It really influenced the crabapple color, using white to lighten the color made the crabapples fall flat.  Discouragement set in so I put the painting away writing it off as a bad paint day.  Finally yesterday and in a better mood, I tried working the crabapples again, why not, what did I have to loose.  Repainting some with a light cadmium red a thought crossed my mind, what about using a bright orange highlight?  Bingo, the crabapples finally popped.  I have so much to learn!

Think of how bored we would all be if we didn't have anything else to learn or challenge us.  Maybe I just need to think of these little paintings as experiments so discouragement doesn't set in when one fails.  We learn from failures, probably more than when something goes right.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Stay safe everyone, Covid has not been tamed yet.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Foot In The Door Exhibition

 

I'm excited to announce that my painting "No Place Like Home" was excepted in the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) Foot In The Door exhibition.  I'm so honored, they only have this show every 10 years.  This will be a virtual exhibition due to Covid so no matter where you live you can see the show.  Please check it out.  MIA is a wonderful museum which connects to an art school.  The show runs from Nov. 1st through Jan. 10, 2021.

Hashtag - #FootInTheDoor and tag Mia (@artsmia) 

new.artsmia.org

I will try to add a link to my painting later. 

On another note, I've been a little under the weather lately due to allergies which have cause a bronchial issue, so I haven't been painting much.  This news definitely perked me up!  Hope to get back to painting soon.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Crabapple Tea

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $125, 6x6 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

My crabapple branch made it for another painting!  I could have cut another small branch except the tree is loosing all it's leaves.  I love the great designs the branch and stems make.  Yesterday I was ready to give up on this painting, the cup looked awful until the cup shadow was painted then it popped.  This happens to me all the time and most the time it turns out.  There are lots of failures too.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Please Note, the Click Here To Buy It Now link will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want otherwise you are not committed.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Fall Pairing

 

Click Here To Buy It Now -  $125, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

Fall is pumpkin time and I always paint a few pumpkins every year.  I needed something to pull me back into painting again.  This years bounty of tiny crabapples was plentiful, the branches on my tree are heavy with them, the blooms this spring were beautiful.  I've wanted to paint the crabapples for a long time and pairing them with a pumpkin was a winning combo.  Do the birds eat crabapples during the winter I wonder?  It would be nice if they weren't wasted.  If the branch survives maybe there will be another crabapple painting, the leaves are going fast.  

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Please Note, the Click Here To Buy It Now link will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want otherwise you are not committed.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Painting Break

I've been taking a painting break for a few reasons, number one, I needed one and then there was planning for my virtual drawing class through Rumriver Art Center Anoka MN along with family stuff.  It's a good thing I'm involved in teaching drawing as it keeps my observation skills sharp when the inspiration to paint fades.  So the drawing class started on Monday September 21st, it's going to keep me on my toes and  I love mingling with the students.  So tired of being disconnected!  

Head Over Heals Cute

 

This is not for sale, I painted this per a request from my daughter.  This is her families very beloved Shih Tzu (Shitzu?), Aryana who is in the winter of her life.  I've painted her before for my granddaughter.  I wasn't excited about the photo my daughter sent me but it was one of her favorites.  I played around with the photo in Photo Shop Elements to get rid of the bandit eyes which helped, (see the photo below).  I'm curious if my daughter will see this post as she doesn't know that it's painted.  She never visits my blog so it's probably safe, lol.

Pepper Party

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x8 inches, acrylic on 1/4" Ampersand gessobord

My husband grew the most beautiful mini sweet orange peppers this summer.  They were perfect, so sweet and prolific.  They are slowing down now due to the cooler weather, it will be hard to say goodbye to them.  I was hoping to do another pepper painting, time is running short however and I've been busy planning my Zoom drawing class.  This painting is bright, cheerful and bold, it would be fun to do as a large piece.

Our continued issue with internet problems seem to have been resolved for the moment.  My wireless printer is up and running, the speed problem was fixed, and I bought a newer version of Photo Shop Elements (and it's working, yay!).  It's been over a month of one problem after another and the whole reason why I don't like changes.  Technology is wonderful when it's working but a major bummer when it's not.  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Please Pass The Tomatoes

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 5x7 inches, acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

Another painting from almost a month ago when I was enjoying the first tomato harvests and going through Internet nightmare.  I had a hard time with the title for this one as the three tomatoes look like they are witnesses to the one tomato on the plate chopping block, "The Witnesses" was all I could think of.  I hope this doesn't ruin the enjoyment of the painting for you that's why another title was needed.  So to put a positive spin on the painting I focused on the pleasure of meal time.

In case you haven't read some of my other blog posts, we lost our internet for a whole month.  I can't tell you how many hours I spent on the phone to our old service (that canceled us due to leaving our area) and the new service we were signing up with.  And I'm still working to get my printer working.  I spent another hour on the phone yesterday trying to solve that problem which turns out to be the new router.  Then I downloaded the new working system on my computer and I can't open my Photoshop Elements any more, which probably means the old app isn't supported by the new system.  Arrrrgh!  The story is endless.  Do you have to be a computer technician now-a-days?  So frustrating, I just want to spend time creating, life is short.  

Stay safe!  Sorry for complaining, maybe I just needed to vent.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Finally Tomatoes

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x6 inches, acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

We grew our own tomatoes this summer, first time in years, and I was so excited when the first ones ripened.  These are some of those first tomatoes, they were beautiful and tasted wonderful.  It's a reminder of the many blessings that surround us everyday.  Now it's many BLT's later, the tomatoes are slowing down and looking a bit worn due to heat and wind.  But my mini orange sweet peppers are still charging along and you will see them soon.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Please Note, the Click Here To Buy It Now link will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want otherwise you are not committed.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Virtual Drawing Class

I will be teaching a virtual drawing class beginning September 21, 2020 through the Rumriver Art Center Anoka MN.  You can find more information and register on their website at https://rumriverart.com, then click on this link -  Vitality Arts Older Adults 8 Week Courses.  You don't have to be an older adult as long as you are 16 or older.  I've been teaching an hour long virtual drawing class a few times a month all summer.  It was so nerve racking when I started, let's just say it's a work in progress with the nerves.  There are plus and minuses with virtual classes, the plus side:  students can see your drawings step by step and follow along, safety from the virus, no driving in the cold and snow,  you can live anywhere and be included in the class, you can work in your PJ's and you don't even have to brush your teeth!  The down side for me is the social contact, walking around the class talking with students, seeing their work and giving individual tips and advise.  I'm working on the last part and will be encouraging students to email their drawings for advise and comments.  Also I just found out there are chat rooms, woah so many things to learn.  It will be a fun journey, I'm excited! 

Cupcake Sundae

 

Click Here Now To Buy - $100, 6x6 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

Being a cake lover I was inspired to paint a fun dessert especially since there were cherries available.  I baked some cupcakes, cut them in half and layered them with frosting.  I had no food coloring so creativity kicked in and using mashed up cherries the bottom layers of frosting became a nice pink.  There were worries the whole thing would topple over while painting but it made it to the end after a few scary moments during set up.  Yes it was gobbled up by myself and husband, nice to have a reward after painting.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed and dated with the paintings information on the back.

Please Note, the "Click Here To Buy It Now link" will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want, otherwise you are not committed.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Cherry Cup

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x6 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

Another painting from almost a month ago when I was having fun painting cherries and miseries with our internet service.  This is my favorite old tea cup that's been used a bunch of times in my paintings.  The dots with the cherries make a very cheerful painting don't you think?  (I could have said cheery painting but I decided not to push it.)

Hard to believe summer is almost over!  I'm still getting some vegetables from our garden which you will see soon in paintings.  And we still have many beautiful fall days ahead with nice weather.  Still it's hard to let go of summer, those long summer days how I love them.

My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

Please Note, the Click Here To Buy It Now link will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want otherwise you are not committed.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Pile Of Cherries

 

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x6 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand gessobord

We lost our Internet for an entire month!  It's been a nightmare but I'm finally connected and will be entering some new paintings, some done a month ago like this one.  I've been trying some different brushes and liking the results.  My acrylic paintings are protected by an acrylic satin varnish and I use professional acrylic paints: Winsor Newton, Liquitex and Utrecht.  The Ampersand gessobord's are a museum series panel which are acid free, archival.  All my paintings are signed, dated with the paintings information on the back.

I feel like I've been gone forever even though I continue to paint.  Finally I'm able to purchase some much needed art supplies.  It's been particularly hard with the Covid 19 situation and trying to stay isolated and safe, we've been so dependent on the internet.  Makes you think.

One more thing, the Click Here To Buy It Now link will take you to Daily Paintworks where you can purchase the painting if you want otherwise you are not committed.

Continue to stay safe everyone, unfortunately this pandemic is not over yet.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Colors Of Summer

Click Here To Buy It Now - $250, 8x8 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

There is a special piece in this painting with many memories, the blue glass salt shaker.  It's one of a set that belonged to my brother who passed away last fall, they bring me happy memories of visits to his home in Colorado.  Then I pulled out my Mom's old filbert paint brushes to experiment with for a creative jumpstart (yes she was a painter).  I LOVE the brushes and will be using them maybe from now on.  So thanks Mom and Dan for your inspiration, love you always!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Bright Spot

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 5x7 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

Sometimes it's the simple joys than can cheer you up or maybe brighten a dark mood.  Yum Cherries one of summers simple joys and they are great to paint and eat.  This is another painting on black gesso, it just makes red pop.

This is a little paint sketch, 3x5 inches, on Canva paper I practiced on before doing the larger painting.  It really helped with color on the glass bowl.  Now I'm not sure which one I like better.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Admired

Click Here To Buy It Now - $150, 6x6 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

These cups seem to be surrounding and admiring the silver sugar piece.  Well at least I am, it would be fun to use as a display for a tea party with friends.  The first silver painting "Showoffs" took me about 5 minutes to set up, this one took me hours moving cups around and trying different colors.  I needed something to create a composition that was interesting and pleasing to the eye without distracting from the sugar bowl focal point.  The white cups where perfect and the yellow cup gave it some pop.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Silver Showoffs

Click Here To Buy It Now - $175, 6x8 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

It's almost as if these two silver pieces were saying to me, "see we can reflect life better than you".  They are such showoffs!  I made a happy discovery recently, the silver tea set believed to have been sent to Goodwill was actually wrapped up and still in storage.  Yay!  I've been looking for silver pieces so I could paint more reflections and upset with myself for having thought I'd given this set away.  A friend gave me this fun patchwork and embroidered piece of fabric which has been sitting around for over a year because I had no idea how to use it.  I set these silver pieces on the fabric and wham that was it, in fact I never even moved them for this painting.  Sometimes good things just happen.

On another note, capturing art work via photographs is challenging.  Colors can be off and then monitors are not all the same which can affect color.  In this case my camera is pumping up brushwork, things you don't see or notice when viewing the original painting.  The blue background area in the photo is an example, the brushwork just pops out, something you don't see much in the original painting.  I have to figure this out.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Mostly Rocks

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" museum gessobord

Visiting Arizona one winter my sister and husband took me for a ride in 4 wheeler type vehicle into the desert.  We followed a mostly dry riverbed and stopped to picnic and look at rocks.  I'm a huge rock lover, growing up in Arizona I saw more rocks than water.  The riverbed was the same thing, more rocks than water.  Arizona has it's monsoon season and the washes and riverbeds can fill up fast from mountain runoff.  I lived in AZ for 28 years and we were used to road closures when a big storm came through because many streets crossed washes, washes that otherwise were dry most the time.  Not good planning!  I love this bit of water trickling through this huge rocky riverbed, probably a remnant from a recent passing storm.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Meadow Belle

Click Here To Buy It Now:  $150, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" museum gessobord

I'm inspired to paint animals right now so here is Belle.  She has a dreamy far away look or maybe bored and wants to be back at the barn.  I really don't know Belle but loved the photo reference and decided to give her a bright sky background with clouds.  I was thinking of naming this painting Belles In The Meadow but my husband wasn't fond of that title.  What do you think?

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright  

Another acrylic sketch

Working from one of my own photos and experimenting painting rocks and water on Canva Paper.  This photo is from a visit to Arizona and there were so many rocks it was confusing so I downplayed the rocks for a more pleasing composition.  I may try another as this one turned out pretty good for a first try.  Sometimes my first trys are the best, funny how that works.  This one is pretty small which keeps me loose and from adding to much detail.  It's a continual battle to keep from adding to much detail.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Life's A Ball

Click Here to Bid Now:  6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" museum gessobord

This painting is from a photo reference on pixabay, it makes me smile and gives me joy.  What could be better than a ball and a loving human companion to tirelessly throw it?  The joy of simple things, a simple life.  It's a reminder that there are still good things in a world that seems broken.  I needed this reminder and I hope the painting makes you smile.

Stay safe everyone and be reminded of the simple joys around you.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright


On another note I'm still working on my painting of a family vintage photo from the 1940's.  It's getting closer but just not there yet.  A good exercise but frustrating.  I'm not someone who likes painting the same subject over and over, I loose interest and if you don't have interest you might as well not pick up the brush.  I'm also stubborn, this is like my 4th try at painting this subject.  Because I have so many great family vintage photos to paint I keep striving to figure it out.  The place in Arizona is called Hole In The Rock.

More small sketches

I've been working on some ideas for this vintage photo below of my Mom and sister Martha in Arizona at a place called Hole In The Rock around the 1940's.  So love how they dressed to go climbing on rocks!  Anyway the first sketch on the left is gouache using two colors, ultramarine blue and burnt sienna with white.  The gouache was a little disappointing but it's an inexpensive set bought for experimenting a few years ago.  The second sketch I tried for a more Art Pop look using bright acrylic colors.  Both are painted on Canva-Paper by Canson.  So two sketches and still searching as both are missing the mark.  There are interesting things about both that may be incorporated into a finished piece. ?  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

The Watcher

Click Here To Buy It Now - $150 auction, 5x7 inches, acrylic on 1/8" museum gessobord

For me the most amazing thing about owls are their eyes.  Don't get me wrong there are lots of amazing things about owls but I'm intrigued by the eyes.  They are almost hypnotizing and I'm sure the little critters would rather not see them.  This is another painting on black gesso.

I've been trying smaller paint sketches before painting the final.  This little paint sketch of the The Watcher is on Canva-Paper by Canson with black gesso and measures 3x4 inches approximately.  I love working on this paper, there is hardly any warping.  I try to keep these sketches fast at around 20 minutes to avoid detail because detail will hang me up.  Then I look at the sketch while painting the final to remind me to keep it simple.  And I have these fun little sketches to sell or give away.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

One That Lasts

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 5x7 inches, acrylic on 1/8" museum gessobord

This is the last peony I've painted for the spring season 2020.  I was going to name it The Last One but to put a positive spin on it the name changed to One That Lasts.  This is my favorite peony for 2020.  I had trouble finding a short glass vase, for some reason my short glass vase did a disappearing act.  How does that happen?  The stubborn part of me wouldn't give up until finally remembering my saved food jars under the sink, I found this short pickle relish jar which worked perfect after removing the label.  More info than you probably wanted to know, I just thought it would be fun to let you inside my imperfect world.

I did a gouache two color paint sketch (with white) and an acrylic paint sketch using bright colors yesterday.  I will post them soon.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

So many ideas, not enough time!

I have all these ideas for future paintings and I want to get started on all of them before I loose the excitement.  Small gouache paint sketches, compositions using old family photos (like the one below), owl eyes, mixed media and more.  But it's summer, theres the garden, food to fix, dishes to clean.  I'm not going to complain life is good, we are staying safe and healthy.  I'd just like to know how all these daily painters do it, a painting a day.  Maybe they have house cleaners, a cook or just an amazing amount of energy.  This is my muse for today, time to get started......

 
I used Photoshop to alter this photo and I'll try working this into a paint sketch with the gouache.  Getting excited!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Peony In A Bottle

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 5x7 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

Goodbye peonies until next year.  I'm happy that a few from my garden made it to paint.  I have one more to post then sadly they are done.  I do however have some photos I took for those winter blues and the need for spring.  But summer is just beginning, the world is sunny and warm, yay!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Gifts From The Garden

Click Here To Buy It Now - $175, 8x8 inches, Acrylic on museum gessobord

The peony season passes so quickly, the wind and rain can also play a factor.  I promise myself every year to give the peonies their day in paint.  They started blooming last week, huge and beautiful but I was in the middle of something else and growing anxious.  To set my mind at rest I decided to pick a bunch and if nothing else I would photograph them for reference later.  Good thing because the rain and wind hit.  This painting was actually painted after the photo session and while the flowers were still fresh.  The lingering scent in my studio reminds me of those gorgeous blooms, oh how I wish they lasted longer.  They truly are a gift!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Stranded

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 8x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel

Maybe this is a reflection of being isolated at home, anyway this little boat appealed to me.  Another painting on a black gesso ground.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Bird Nest Tea

Click Here To Buy It Now $100 - 6x6 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

I found a photo on Pixabay (copyright free photo site) of a bird nest in a tea cup and loved the idea, so having all the stuff I set up my own still life.  I added more twiggy stuff to the nest for interest.  The twiggy stuff is actually some old plant material under one of my Siberian iris which worked perfect (yay for not cleaning it up last fall).  The blue eggs are wooden so no worries that they were stolen from a robin nest.

Below are some photos of the actual still life I set up and then my working area.  For correct proportions I use a view catcher, the gray cardboard cutout is my own created version of a view catcher.  You see a little bit of the still life through the gray cardboard frame.  The photo just gives you an idea of how it works, the view from the seated position was much different.  Having a very small studio I like to work with a table top easel in order to give myself more table space.  My plein air easel gets used in the studio too.  Maybe I should have cleaned up my studio before taking the photo!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

What Now?

Time to come up with some new painting ideas.  This is that in-between time where I'm working but not producing.  Because I'm still excited about painting on black gesso I prepared some of my Ampersand Gessobords with black gesso today.  The Ampersand Gessobords that I use are thin wood panels (1/8") with a museum quality surface prepared and ready for paint by the manufacturer, they are white.  So in the photos you see the bottle of black gesso I use and paint on the little panels.  After thats done its time to look for inspiration.  If I'm at a total loss, looking at other artist's work or interesting photos can recharge the batteries.  This is the hard part but I've been thinking about ideas using some of my old family photos and working them into a composition.

Something else I needed to work on for my upcoming live video drawing class has kept me busy.  I try planning a drawing that is not to difficult for beginners, usually one object.  I've just started doing these little one hour drawing classes through my art center, this is actually my second exercise.  I'm hoping to include more complicated compositions in the future....maybe.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Flower Dancer

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 6x6 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord

It's not always easy coming up with a title for paintings.  But I'm particularly fond of this title since bees always look like they are doing a little dance on top the flower to get at the pollen.  The little busy dancers covered in speckles of pollen are one of summers pleasures.  When I see a bee I feel like all things are right in the world.  Size has nothing to do with importance.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Goldfish Garden

Click Here To Buy It Now - $200, 8x8 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord panel

I love bright colors so painting goldfish in a dark blue environment is a lot of fun.  The original photo had a black background so I played around with some different ideas for the underwater garden.  The subject matter was made for painting on a black gesso ground.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Beached

Click Here To Buy It Now - $100, 5x7 inches, acrylic on museum gessobord panel

The colors in this reference photo drew me in and I love color.  This is another painting on a black gesso ground.

Deborah A. Kirkeeide copyright