Now to start a brand new week of paintings…..one each day!

I’ll admit that it was a lot of work to complete seven paintings in seven days last week, especially since I had to catch-up due to a 3-day trip to San Antonio to see our youngest Grandson who attends college there. I had to paint two paintings in one day. But did I mention that, already?

Having my theme established, “Vacationing in the Greek Isles”, helped me plan for this week…well, at least the first painting of the week!  I spent yesterday afternoon going through the wonderful photographs our Granddaughter took while she and her husband were in Greece this past summer. Then I did what any commercially trained and experienced artist (like me, for instance), would do; I cut and pasted, added part of one photo to another photo, added bright ideas and so on until I had a composition I liked.

  Now I’m ready for the sketch. By the way, for acrylic paintings I do my prelim sketches on the panel with a CarbOthello pastel pencil, probably about a #4 or #5. It’s so old I can’t read the number on the side. The lines do not interfere with the paint and are easily removed with a damp tissue on the painting surface. I learned that tip from my many workshops studying with THE MASTER OF ACRYLICS, William Hook. And much, much more.

Frequently I’ve been heard to say, “I don’t like to draw/paint architectural subjects, just people, still life arrangements or landscapes”.  Yikes!

Oh yes, there are interesting architectural scenes in Rhodes, of course.  It won’t hurt me.

Painting #8

“Must Be Lunch Time-Lindos, Rhodes” 10″ x 8″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Painting #9

“Backyard Flowers” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

I resisted giving this painting a title that included the word sunflower. I hope it is obviously a sunflower.

The painting is looking mighty proud in its very own display easel…which I include with the purchase price.

Painting #10

“Tourist in Rhodes” 10″ x 8″ ink and acrylic study sketch on paper.  This is considered a “study” because I rendered it very quickly and made decisions along the way which explains the swatch of blue color in the upper corner. Today was a very busy day, including speaking to a women’s Bible study group, so I chose to do a study (which is acceptable for this challenge.)

Painting #11

“Bright Window”  12″ x 12″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

I did this painting in three hours….out of necessity…the only time available. I enjoyed pushing myself to finish; it kept me loose.

Painting #12

“Congratulations” 12″ x 12″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

Painting #13

“Sunset Sail” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel.

Okay, I’ll admit that this is a departure from my theme, “Vacationing in the Greek Isles.” Actually it is in Texas on Galveston Island. But I felt very inspired to paint it anyway. I call it a “practice study” and it is not for sale. I was born in Galveston, Texas, but don’t recall ever going for a sail. Wonder why? David was in the Navy and has zero interest in getting out on any water again. Swimming is enough.

I’ve needed a little more room for my palette, water container, paints, brushes ,spray bottle, tissue,  etc.  While working today I remembered a table we had stored away so I carried it into my studio/workroom and had it set up in no time. It has a very nice imitation leather surface so I covered it with an old plastic picnic tablecloth.

Cozy looking, isn’t it? I’m enjoying the extra space.

And now……Painting #14

“At Tharri Monastery-Rhodes” 6″ x 6″ Acrylic on museum quality panel

This beautiful and rugged stone wall attracted me to this scene…located somewhere on the grounds of the Tharri Monastery in Rhodes, Greece. What a lovely and serene place.

YAY! HALF WAY THROUGH THE 30 DAY CHALLENGE.

“He has the deed half done who has made a beginning.” ________Horace

Week Two has been an adventure in discipline for this artist. Being committed to creating a painting each and every day has been very difficult but a lot of fun.

I have learned much more than I had anticipated and after all the years I’ve been doing art, I still have a lot to learn.

I still have a lot to learn and look forward to next week and its challenges.

I look forward to hearing from you this week. Just leave your comments below. They are very welcome.

Don’t forget to visit my website, http://www.artbyadelebower.com and my Facebook pages.