Spring Impressions

 

 This is now posted and available in my Daily Paintworks gallery

Click Here For More Info: $100, Acrylic on watercolor paper, painted image 6x6 inches with a 3/4" border

An original expressive floral painting inspired by the energy and abundance of spring!  And I need some spring right now.  The reference photo is from my granddaughters photo of dry flowers at home.  We paint together via FaceTime occasionally and share ideas.  Just for fun and variation I cropped the photo while she painted the original size . 

The border around the painting is actually white not gray.  I like to leave a border making it easier to mat paintings that are on watercolor paper without loosing any of the image or you can include some of the little bleeds for interest.  A mat can be cut to fit an 8"-10" square frame.  

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide © 

Polka Dot Garden

 12x12" acrylic on Da Vinci Pro Panel (cradled panel).

A friend gave me these flowers for my solo show which wraps up tomorrow.  They were so beautiful I had to come home and paint them quick as natures natural course would soon take over.  Before adding the polka dots the painting didn't look finished.  It wasn't my original plan to add polka dots but it made all the difference.

Having a solo show was a great tool for self examination and seeing a whole room of only my paintings was an eye opener.  I haven't had a solo show since my graduation show so so many years ago.  The show was a good experience.  I even stood and gave a talk in front of a group of people, definitely out of my comfort zone.  Absolutely nervous in the extreme but the teacher in me took over and saved the day.

Still haven't figured out mailing on these larger pieces but if you're interested please email me through Daily Paintworks (click on the link to the right).

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Quiet Time

 

 

Click Here For More Info:  $75, Image 6x6 inches, acrylic on Canson Canva Paper

There are times when I need a quiet corner and a cup of tea to escape from the crazy busyness of the world.  Sometimes thats a summer morning sitting on the deck, cup of tea in hand listening to the birds or a comfy chair in the winter surrounded by a warm blanket, a favorite cup of tea and maybe a good book.  Images of cups and tea pots bring back those relaxing moments.  What does your refuge look like?

Going through some of my work for an upcoming show I happened upon this small painting.  The piece was never posted, not sure why as I think its a nice little painting.  The paper is cut to an 8x8 inch and would be nice to frame leaving the interesting edges around the painting exposed.  It's fun finding these sweet little pieces tucked away and hidden.  Time to bring it into the light!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Polka Dot Play

Click Here For More Info:  8x8 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

My favorite artist was playing with some polka dot paintings so I was eager to try.  Couldn't this be a still life in Minnie Mouse's house?  All those bright colors and dots!  The 50's were a great time for polka dots, they just say have fun.

This painting is varnished and ready to go!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Spring Drawing Class

 

Getting ready for my virtual spring drawing class through Rumriver Art Center, Anoka MN which begins March 25th.  I like to include a toned paper drawing with two colored pencils.  Many of my students are afraid of color so this is a nice introduction.  This piece was drawn on card stock since I ran out of toned paper but it worked.  A trip to Dick Blick was necessary (Gee Darn), they have an amazing selection of single sheets and pads of toned paper in their stores and online.  Like a kid in a candy store I couldn't just settle on one and ended up spending around $20 just on paper.  Art supply stores are dangerous for me.

My classes include all drawing materials needed: sketch book, 3 graphite pencils, blending stump and two erasers plus a sheet of toned paper and two colored pencils.  And you get to draw from the comfort of your home.   We have chat times, share times and questions are always welcome.  We work from photo references emailed to each student.  No worries if you are out of state, Rumriver Art Center will mail the materials to you for a fee.

The class will probably be posted in February but here is a link.  Check out some of their other classes.  Also the link indicates these are Vitality Senior classes but anyone can register aged 12 or older.

https://rumriverart.com/classes/senior-classes/

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

 My Daily Paintworks Gallery is temporarily closed!  I plan to open it again in the spring.  

Elephant Express

 

Click Here For More Info:  $150, 8x10 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I've had this little kewpie doll (along with her sister) for years but packed away.  Going through stuff I found them and decided to try adding one to a painting.  I spent hours and days, along with many photos figuring out the set up, which took longer than the painting (lol).  This little girl looks like she is out for an adventure after all those years cooped up in a box, we have a lot in common I think.  So all aboard for the Elephant Express, may your imagination take you to amazing places! 

I use professional acrylic paints in all my acrylic paintings for permanence and longevity.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide © 

Treasured Things

 

Click Here For More Info: $150, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

My Mom brought me this really pretty paper weight from her trip to London years ago.  Mom has since passed so it's a treasured memory and it's sparkly glass paired nicely with the delicate peony.  And yes I treasure everyone of my peony blooms in fact so much so that it took years for me to even cut a bouquet.  

I've been spending this week drawing alpacas at a drawing camp.  Getting to know four beautiful boy alpacas who were recently sheared of fluffy coats.  At first I thought darn wish I could have drawn them with the fur but now I realize it's great seeing their bone structure which gets totally obscured by fur.  I may post some of my drawings later and may even do a painting.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©   

A Delicate Subject

 

Click Here For More Info:  $200, 8x8 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

Returning from vacation I was happy to find more of the peonies still blooming!  Their beauty is so short lived but I managed to capture a few more.  I discovered something about them this time around, the younger blossoms will close at night to open again in the morning.  How did I never notice that after 30 some years!  One more to post and they are done until next spring.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©   

Subtle Inspirations

 

8x8 Inches, Acrylic on a linen panel

Turns out we had a vacation planned just as my peonies were blooming!  Fortunately I had just enough time to get this one painted before leaving so these are a couple of the first blooms, first blooms are always the largest.  The subtle tones and values of peonies are so hard for me to capture and I have to confess to almost ditching this painting half way through.  A few choice words were said, brushes almost thrown and thoughts of never painting again promised.  I took a break or two.  Funny thing happened when I stood back to look at the finished piece, not only did it come together somehow it's my favorite peony painting so far.  Maybe a little blood, sweat and threats help.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Hope

 

Click Here For More Info - $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on linen panel

Spring again and peony bloom time, yay!  I'm always hoping I'll get a chance to paint peonies every spring, sometimes it doesn't work out.  But this painting is about a different kind of hope, hope for peace, hope for unity, hope for those going through hard times and the list goes on.  I just felt like someone out there needs some kind of hope so here's thinking of you.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Pine Cone Party

 

Click Here For More Info - $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8 inch ampersand gessobord

I painted this in 2019 before my world went crazy and then forgot about posting so now its out in time for Christmas.  Hard to believe the holidays are almost upon us.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide ©

Grandma Has Marbles

 

Click Here For More Info: $125, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on Ampersand Gessobord

This painting made me think up a little story:  A grandchild races in the house for a visit with grandma as parents follow behind.  The grandchild views a table and with eyes wide comments to the parents, "See grandma hasn't lost her marbles, they are right here!"  I'm a grandma and I still have all my marbles at the moment.  My mother suffered from dementia late in life and so did her mother.  Perhaps I will loose my marbles some day but at the moment they are right here.  It's also a reminder to enjoy each and every day. 

Last of my flower paintings for now, maybe some peonies as they bloom but that's a ways off.  This was a new experience for me to paint four similar paintings using mostly the same still life subject matter and rearranging it.  I note this because I did not get bored.  Thats a milestone! 

Enjoy your day!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright 

Runaway Marble

 

Click Here For More Info:  $125, 6x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

These pastel type colors are fun to work with, so much that I may continue to incorporate them.  I continually get distracted with new ideas so who knows what the future will hold.   Just to point out I've completed three flower paintings in a row without getting bored, now that's a track record for me.  Keeping the inspiration flowing by trying new things is the trick.

I'm beginning to feel the pull for mixed media however so there you go more distraction.  Is it a distraction or more of the learning process?  I'm a forever student.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Opposite Attraction

 

 

Click Here For More Info:  $125, 5x7 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I'm really loving the pastels, usually my paintings are all about bright color, this is a nice change.  Most artists would understand the title but for those with little art background it has to do with the color wheel.  Pink and green (light green) are complimentary colors, they are opposite each other on the color wheel, they compliment each other.  If you have another meaning for the title let me know I'd love to hear.  One thing great about art work is it's a personal experience for the artist and the viewer.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Three Cheers For Spring

 

Click Here For More Info - $175, 8x8 inches, Acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

I was in the mood to paint white daisies, these are actually white daisy type mums but they worked.  These little pastel vases were a Goodwill purchase some years back, they are favorites even with their tiny chips here and there.  I needed a third something and the little bluish bottle worked.  Now I have to find a third little vase in a pastel green.  The cheery bright colors are my response to spring and maybe the world getting back to a new normal.

My eight week drawing class for April was canceled, I'm a little disappointed but gives me more time to paint.  There is a virtual four week drawing class being offered as a substitute through Rumriver Art Center Anoka MN if anyone is interested.  It won't be set up as a basic drawing class but a time to get together and draw step by step with me while including some drawing principles.  

https://rumriverart.com/classes/virtual-art-classes/ 

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Two Fruits

 

Click Here For More Information:  $125, 6x6 inches, acrylic on 1/8" Ampersand Gessobord

Did you know you're supposed to eat two fruits a day?  My husband told me so, plus 3 veggies a day.  He always shares what he finds on the internet.  So now you have met your daily fruit requirement.  I'm just doing my part to keep you healthy and at your best.  Seriously I couldn't think of a title for this painting until I remembered the two fruit requirement.  Done with fruit moving on! 

I really went loose this time around with the big one inch brush and I'm applying more paint.  The smaller brushes are still in use for the little things, I'm trying to keep it that way for now.

Stay well!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Caring for acrylic paintings or any paintings:  keep them out of direct sunlight and the weather elements.  Seems logical right?  For an example my mother (who was an artist) towards the end of her life started hanging her paintings on a covered patio in Arizona.  The patio had a misting system plus the desert temps provided high heat.  Both caused the paint to peal away from the canvas.  I understand she wanted to decorate her patio but not a good idea with original art work, use prints or ceramic pieces.

Navigating Stripes

 

Click Here For More Information: $125, 6x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel

The pears look like they are sitting in a sea of stripes, so it seemed Navigating Stripes was a good title.  There's something about stripes and polka dots that add vibrancy.  I rely on them a lot for inspiration.  

I stopped varnishing my paintings, it seems to flatten the brush work which I work hard to incorporate.  I use professional acrylics of good quality and they will last a long time if well cared for.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Feeling Spring

 

Click Here For More Information: $175, 8x8 inches, Canvas Panel

I needed some still life subjects, so these are no occasion flowers that brighten my studio.  And the lily smells so good!  I'm still working with the one inch brush and loving the look.  I've been trying to let go of details concentrating on shapes and values, the larger brush has been a big help.   Experimenting with different tools and techniques keeps me inspired.  There is something about this painting that reminds me a little of Van Gogh's style, I think it's the flowy leaves.

Little over a week to get my second vaccination.  Yahoo!

Keep well.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

 

Balancing Act

 

Click Here For More Information - $125, 8x8 inches, acrylic on canvas panel

I hit a dry period.  Maybe it's the COVID, maybe it's winter or a combination of both.  Inspiration came by way of another artist who paints loose with big brushes, 1" and 2" flat brushes.  It drew me back to the studio for a go at it.  The first painting was a bust but I learned something and this one has a lot of energy.  

Spring is on it's way, received my first COVID vaccination last week and I'm ready for normal.  Much to be thankful for.  And my drawing class ended this week, I will be posting some of their work soon.  

Stay well!

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright

Have A Heart

 

Click Here For More Information - $125, 6x8 inches on 1/8 inch Ampersand Gessobord

After weeks of health issues I'm trying to get back at painting again.  What a good way to start, with Valentines Day, I've always wanted to do a Valentine painting.  I love Valentines Day, to me it's a day to celebrate Love not just the romantic kind.  Maybe because of the fun stuff we did in grade school but I'm also a fan of vintage Valentine cards and art (I have a small collection). Sometimes I make Valentine cards when there's time and this year out came the mixed media stuff, oh so much fun, stamping, stenciling, spraying and more.  So I've included a few in this post, enjoy and Happy Valentines Day.  The world could use some more love don't you think.

Deborah Ann Kirkeeide copyright