Wine Country

Head for the Hills, 6 x 6

This is a scene I've been afraid to paint, and I think I know why!  It's a place that's new and very important to me--a view from the deck of Weisinger's Winery in Ashland, Oregon.  Last summer my mom married a childhood best friend, John Weisinger, and this is the view from his winery's deck (or my 5 am attempt at translating the view).  I've been once, and hope to return many times, as it is one of the most relaxing, delightful places I've been, and to sit on the deck and enjoy a glass of wine with mom and John is one of my life's very treasured moments.  I hope to attempt more from this location, perhaps when I'm there in August for a bit I'll paint from the deck, rather than from a photo--even photos don't do it justice.

The Familiar

The Inlet, 9 x 12

After my long weekend of painting, I came home and painted this "larger" one from a 6 x 8 I did the first day of the workshop.  This is a familiar site for me, as Laurel's plein air classes often start the "season" with this location, also at AMOA.  It's a little inlet off of Lake Austin, a really tranquil spot.  I'm more pleased with this one than the initial composition.

-julie davis

Oh the Pain

Laguna Gloria, 6 x 8

I was fortunate to take a terrific plein air workshop this weekend (thank you to Ben and my girls for allowing me the time!) with Laurel Daniel at AMOA.  The weather was gorgeous (save for the crazy wind on Saturday that nearly blew us all away), and the locations were amazing. We painted on the Laguna Gloria campus of Austin Museum of Art, and at the home studio/property of Austin's Jennifer Myers, a fellow painter with a very successful floral design company.  I hadn't painted outside in a while, and the challenges it presented were daunting.  I painted this one at Laguna Gloria of the old estate home there--the building is beautiful--I didn't do it justice, but I tried!  I think with this composition, I should've cropped more to the right or left--it's too divided into halves, but I painted eight paintings in as many hours, so decision-making was fast and sometimes led to mistakes.   Regardless, I am ready to get back at it in class on Wednesday!

-julie davis

Chapel

Santa Barbara Chapel, 8 x 10

I'm always snapping photos on trips--this is one from a  trip to Santa Barbara last summer.  A chapel in Montecito.  I always love the way light hits buildings and the way shadow can envelope them.  I'm thinking I used diagonal lines composing this one--though the diagonal is severe.  

-julie davis

Blue Skies

Paris Street #2, 8 x 10

The rain finally broke this afternoon and it became a stunning day--one of those days when you're just thankful for participating.  I painted this piece in class yesterday (from a photo from our recent trip).  We were supposed to be outside painting, but with the rain we were stuck inside not painting en plein air in a plein air class.  I mentioned the composition techniques Laurel stressed yesterday (there were many), but the one I think I used here is radiating lines. There is also an element of triangles used in the sky, shadows, and sidewalks.  And if I had to list a third, the buildings almost give the tunnel effect.  Next week's class critique will reveal whether I'm correct or not!

-julie davis

Rainy Day

Here is the Steeple..., 6 x 6

It was a rainy day in Austin today.  I didn't get to photograph the piece I did in class, but I painted this one Sunday, so here it is.  I had the best day, despite the storms.  We started our plein air class today at AMOA with Laurel Daniel.  Her classes are always the highlight of my week.  The focus of this one is composing a strong landscape, and Laurel stressed several different composition techniques, I'm sure none of which I've used in this painting, but I'll be experimenting with them going forward and I'll try to identify them if and when I can.

-julie davis

Home of the Wizards

Oxford, 6 x 6

This is from a photo from our trip from the heart of town in Oxford, England.  Talk about history.  It practically seeps from the ground here.  The girls most enjoyed seeing the dining hall of one of Oxford's colleges where scenes from Harry Potter were filmed.  I could've stayed!

-julie davis

Back to Reality

Paris Street #1, 8 x 10

sold

We were fortunate to travel to Paris and London last week with our girls while they were off of school.  I didn't paint for a week, but I came back with plenty of photos--some that I'll try to paint.  I gave this street scene a try today.  Having never been to Paris, I enjoyed the narrow streets in the old part of town and the similarity, yet individuality of the buildings.  

On another note, for those who have asked, I'll be trying this week to connect ebay/paypal to my blog so that my paintings may be purchased online.  For now, feel free to email me at julie@jdavisart.com if you're interested in a piece.

-julie davis

Lemonade

Lemonade, 6 x 6

sold

I was lucky to get a picture of this one today it was so cold and wet outside.  Don't know what happened to our Spring!  I had fun painting this one--I always enjoy lemons--the vivid yellow and the challenge of creating the illusion of something round--I've been more successful with that, but I like the result no less, particularly the one "out" at the bottom.

-julie davis

The Archives

Kitchen Table, 12 x 12

I reached into the archives for this one. Today's painting "was not worthy." I've always liked this one, though (one I did in Laurel Daniel's class) , and though eggs and a mug and pot are not very glamorous, they may be a fundamental part of our mornings--I know the mug is for me at least!

-julie davis

Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek, 6 x 6

sold

The last several days have been a scramble.   The girls have had tests, Ben has been swamped with work and, well, it's generally been busier than normal.  I did paint early this morning, and was pleased with my composition, but got carried away with the brush.  Having painted for two years, I find I still have days when I can't find my identity as a painter, my "handwriting." Today was one of those days.  Maybe I can attribute it to lack of sleep or distraction.  Probably! 

Undertones

Keeping Watch, 6 x 8

This is an exercise we did in Carol Marine's workshop.  We started by painting in the darks, then literally wiped paint away with a paper towel where the medium and light tones were.  It's a terrific exercise to keep you thinking about values.  I keep wanting to paint this one, to "finish" it, but I'm hanging onto it in this form--it's a valuable teacher.

-julie davis

Fast and Furious

Flamin' Hot, 6 x 6

I had about 20 minutes to paint this one before we had house guests arriving--I probably shouldn't even have tried, but NOT painting is more painful than an off-result, so I went for it. Haven't attempted serrano peppers before.  I like the greens and angles I got on the 2nd and 3rd peppers, but the top left one is a bit too outlined.  20 minutes is a little too fast and furious, but heck, I painted!

-julie davis

Combinations

Telling Secrets, 6 x 8

That orange and blue are so good for each other is no secret--and it's one of my favorite color combinations. This little group was almost named "The Huddle," but I don't think it would've been original--I've seen the name before. It just seems like these oranges are discussing something in hushed tones. Maybe that they look good in blue.

-julie davis

Two of a Kind

He Loves Me, 8 x 10

Half Full, 11 x 14

sold

What a treat of a day--I didn't have class (that's not the treat, Laurel), but I painted as if I did--in other words, I spent a ton of time painting, and ended up with two very similar paintings.  I learned a ton doing this twice, one larger than the other, and tweaking things here and there. As Laurel has said, when you do two "alike," the first is more spontaneous, looser.  I think the second benefits from things learned in the first.  In these, I wanted to simplify flowers, which was difficult--there is the temptation to overdo for me.  I also love neutrals, and I wanted to see what would happen if the majority of the painting was high key, grays, whites, etc. Though I'm normally drawn to darks, I like the way these turned out.

Spring Forward

Outstanding in a Field, 6 x 8

I'm climbing my way out of my rut.  I'm itching to start the plein air class, especially since the trees in Austin think it's Spring and have begun to bloom and sprout leaves.  I'm still waiting on winter, but the weather for the last month has actually been gorgeous, so I can't blame the trees!  And Daylight Savings begins this weekend--more time to paint outside.....

-julie davis

Nothing Comes Easy

The Escape, 6 x 8

Today was one of the frustrating days.  After two days of NOT painting, I was excited about getting back into it today.  The excitement subsided after wiping down my initial painting. With little time left to paint before the girls got home, I did a second, just to salvage my tattered self-confidence!  Unfortunately, I don't like this one much better, but am putting it here just to prove I painted today, and that painting, like anything worth doing, doesn't come easy.

-julie davis

Going Bigger

Occasional Breeze 2.0

16 x 20

You may recognize this scene from a few days ago--this is a larger version I painted yesterday. It's interesting to me how, when painting the same subject, the results can vary so much.  It shows you just how human we are.   While I really like the first one--the initial impression, I feel too much like I overthought this one.  I'd really appreciate any comparison feedback on this one and the other!

-julie davis

Simplicity

Gentle Giant, 9 x 12

sold

There is a certain simplicity to trees, not in painting them, certainly, but in their very nature. They have a spirit about them, and as I paint them, I'm learning they can even seem to have a personality.  If that can be discovered, and then captured, then you've done the tree justice.

-julie davis

Last Day of Class

Sunny Side Up, 16 x 16

Today was the last day of my 6 week still life class with Laurel Daniel at AMOA's art school, and I painted the sunflowers in it this morning. I always hate it when class ends, but fortunately, another in plein air begins in three weeks. I'll keep my Wednesday mornings reserved at home for larger paintings. I have to say....flowers again! I decided I may as well keep on with it. I didn't quite know how to handle these complex flowers, but just went with what felt right and wound up with something I like again. Whew!

-julie davis

Gestures

Bastrop View, 8 x 10

I painted this this morning at 6 am--needed a little more coffee, but plowed ahead anyway sustained by the results of Monday.  Shortly after painting it (while checking emails), I recalled something I read recently in Robert Henri's book The Art Spirit.  In discussing trees, he offered that a painter should "Give the tree its gesture," and that in a tree "there is a spirit of life, a spirit of growth and a spirit of holding its head up."  Laurel Daniel's blog post this morning about trees brought that quote to mind; the next time I tackle trees, I'm going to remember Henri's expression, because the "gesture" does convey it all.

-julie davis

Reminders of Home

Occasional Breeze, 9 x 12

I have to admit, I really like this one. It reminds me of home, West Texas. Windmills have always had an appeal to me; I've taken countless photos of them, and I finally gathered the courage to paint this one, and I really love the way it turned out. It's a relief after having painted flowers for days. Speaking of that, I made it 16 days in a row! Today was a Monday (read: very hard to find time to paint) AND my husband and I have tickets to see Willie Nelson at an Austin City Limits taping tonight! So, I'll have to break the streak for Willie, but will pick up at 5 am tomorrow.

-julie davis

Backyard gatherings

Pansie Posers, 6 x 6

As I've said before, I'm not a fan of panting flowers.  I can get lost in them.  Sometimes that's good--painting every blossom and leaf leads to an effect I don't much enjoy--a painting where nothing is left to the imagination.  Our eyes and minds know to interpret what isn't there if the artist gives us just enough information.  Hopefully, I've done that here!

-julie davis

The Substitute

Houses On the Park, 12 x 12

This marks my 15th straight day of painting! I didn't paint this one today, because by the time I got around to painting, it was dark, and I couldn't photograph what I'd painted, so I've tossed in one from this summer (I'll get today's on the blog tomorrow). I painted this last summer on our vacation in Watercolor, Florida, from our 2nd story porch that overlooked a park. The park is a gathering place for kids playing soccer, tag, looking for frogs, you name it. Watercolor is mainly a beach retreat, but backs to a beautiful little lake, so between the park, the beach, and the lake, I had plenty to paint!

-julie davis

Headed for the Dinner Table

Hanging Out, 6 x 6

First, sorry if anyone subscribing to my blog received more than one email from me last night--I'm still not sure what happened; I thought it was still a draft, so I hit the publish button again and ended up with not one, but three emails in my own inbox. Second, a huge thank you for all the kind words about the tulips! I hope I can achieve flowers like that again soon--it's very satisfying to feel like I'm getting the hang of them. Third......I love the color combination of this painting--there is something very calming about this orange and this blue--and these heirlooms don't have much of a future, I'm afraid--they're headed to the dinner table tonight!

-julie davis

Classwork / Homework

Just Home from the Market, 14 x 18

sold

I painted this one in class this morning.  I actually steered immediately away from the tulips as I walked in; on Tuesday I'd painted a small group of tulips at home and wiped it off just as I finished--it wasn't clicking.  Those who paint with me know I am terribly fearful of painting flowers--so no surprise to me that I nearly ran from them in class.  Because Laurel challenged us to do something "unexpected" with the composition, I chose to confront that fear, and was rewarded with a result I'm really happy with.  It may be the one I donate to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Art Auction.  I can't think of a name for the life of me, so it remains--untitled.

One and Only, 6 x 6

I took a souvenir home from class and painted it this afternoon....

-julie davis

Rough Drafts

No Fences, 6 x 8

sold

I really like these tiny landscapes. Friends keep urging me to go larger--time is the enemy! The way I see it, painting small landscapes is a great "rough draft" for a larger one when I do have the time. And I'd better get the time soon--I promised to donate to two upcoming auctions, and I don't think 6 x 8's will do!

-julie davis

7 for 7

Fresh Coat of Paint, 6 x 6

Talk about a little landscape!  This is the first time I've tried a landscape this small--the subject is smaller than in the 6 x 6 still lifes I've done, so it was a challenge to stop myself from overworking it.  I definitely fought the urge to make more brushstrokes--it doesn't take much to convey what needs to be conveyed on a tiny canvas.  The 7 for 7 title refers to me painting the last 7 of 7 days--a new thing for me; such a gift!

Night Painting

Clear Night, 9 x 12

West Texas Moonrise, 9 x 12

I did this pair of night paintings recently from two photographs I had taken on a beautiful, clear night on the way to my hometown of Abilene. I finally felt ready to take them on, and once I did the first, found that I enjoyed working with the deep blue so much that I tackled the second one right away. They seem to be quiet landscapes, and in the craziness of day-to-day life, they appeal to me.

5:00 a.m. painting

The Outlier, 6 x 6

sold

So my new thing is getting up at 5 a.m. to paint on the days that are going to be crazy (before the kids get up and I move on to being breakfast chef).  I'm really giving daily painting a try, and so far I'm so excited about the idea of being able to paint every day that I've had no trouble jumping into it so early.  I did this one this morning, and I really like the color combination. Grapes are a challenge--I'm learning blocking them in is key--but I like the little guy in the front--I see him as out there intentionally, stubbornly on his own.