Primary Colors of Mykonos

Let’s travel to the Greek Island of Mykonos for my eBay auctions this week. My rough sketch is drawn up on the cradled panels with a brush dipped in a thin oil wash of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin.

If you would like to go directly to the auctions CLICK HERE.

Now we’re ready to paint. Mixtures of White + a bit of Ultramarine Blue + a tiny touch of Cadmium Orange are used for the sunlit parts of the walls. Then the shadows of the white stucco walls are pulled over the light parts. The darker shades are various mixes of Ultramarine Blue + a little Cadmium Orange + MUD + White. Remember, you can click on any of the pictures to see them larger.

The blue shutters and door are made of Cobalt Blue + White. A mix of Magenta + Cadmium Red Deep is used for the shadow of the neighboring red door. Pure Cadmium Red Light makes the portion illuminated by the sun.

Bougainvilleas are found everywhere in Mykonos. Permanent Rose is a special color that is PERFECT for the hot pink bracts cascading down over the brilliant hues of the doors, shutters and window.

A patch of soft Magenta Wild Thyme is planted behind the burro. The purple is the complimentary color of the yellow Sunflowers that will be in the baskets and will make the blossoms appear brighter. Then the entire floor surface is painted with the light and shadow pattern. Before adding the wide grout lines between the stones I paint the legs and hooves of the donkey into the wet paint of the floor.

Now let’s add the distinctive grout pattern that is a trademark of the Greek Islands. Some of the shadow color from the walls is used for them. The lighter shade is used for the highlights where the sun hits the courtyard.

I love burros. The winner of this piece, Special Delivery, gets naming rights for the cute, little guy! And the great thing is he’s the ideal pet, he doesn’t eat much at all!

These two Senkarik EMBRYOS, Special Delivery and Vibrant Corner, are designed to be displayed together or individually. The pair of these Original oil paintings would retail in our galleries for $780 but to make it more fun we are starting the bidding on each auction at 1 cent. That’s right, ONLY A PENNY! But you’ll need to act quickly, the auctions end Sunday, March 2 beginning at 8 PM Central Time!

To go directly to both auctions CLICK HERE.

Special Delivery    6″ x 6″   Original Oil Painting

One of the most fun things about the Greek Islands are the donkeys. They are used to carry everything from people to any kind of stuff you can imagine. The baskets of this little burro are filled with golden Sunflowers, ready to bring a Special Delivery of sunshine into your home. Enjoy this cute fella every day on your wall. Or maybe someone special in your life has a birthday approaching. Senkarik Original EMBRYOS make unique gifts that are sure to please. This Mykonos burro will deliver smiles long after candy and regular flowers are gone.

CLICK HERE to go to the auction for Special Delivery.

Vibrant Corner      6″ x 6″   Original Oil Painting

Mykonos is probably the most colorful of the Greek Islands. Doors of almost every hue can be found. The neighboring doors of red and blue in this Vibrant Corner tickled my artistic imagination. Juxtaposed against the white stucco walls, draped with Bougainvillea, flanked by pots of Geraniums and a bed of Coreopsis they’ll bring a spot of cheerful color to your home.

To go to the auction for Vibrant Corner CLICK HERE.

Each piece measures 6″ x 6″. And don’t worry about framing them, these little gems painted on cradled panels with 1 1/2″  finished sides are ready to hang as soon as you unpack them.

Take a magical trip to Mykonos every time you view Special Delivery and Vibrant Corner on your wall. The auctions are staggered 7 minutes apart so you can win one or both Original Oil Paintings for your home or office. AND…..If you win the TWO EMBRYOS we will give you FREE SHIPPING! Don’t linger, the first auction ends Sunday, March 2 at 8 PM Texas (Central) Time.

To go to both auctions in the Primary Colors of Mykonos Diptych CLICK  HERE.

HAPPY BIDDING and HUGS,

Our Paintables are almost SOLD OUT

Our Senkarik PAINTABLES are going quickly!!! For those of you who are not familiar with our newest goodies here’s a little introduction. Many of our blog readers have wanted to know if we offer any videos or tutorials so they can paint along with me, copying the steps of the pieces shown on my posts. Several have asked if I give painting lessons. This prompted an idea. Jack said, “Why don’t we come up with sort of a Paint by Number Kit that your readers can paint. That way they can learn from following your painting.” We tossed several thoughts back and forth, finally coming up with a name: Senkarik PAINTABLES!

Floral Splendor

ONLY TWO KITS LEFT!

CLICK HERE to purchase Floral Splendor PAINTABLE on eBay.

The kit consists of an 11 inch by 14 inch giclee on canvas of one of my original oil paintings. The image is a lighter version of the original piece, giving you a pattern to follow. The image is not saturated enough to display as a fine art piece, these are intended to be painted as an art lesson.

The giclee comes mounted on a 3/4 inch deep cradled panel. When you’re finished with your piece you can either frame it or paint the sides and hang it on the wall.

Also included in the kit is a list of the oil paint colors needed for the project, an explanation of the Jack White Double Primary Color Mixing System and step-by-step instructions showing how to paint the piece.

Charming Welcome

SOLD OUT!

Cascade of Fragrance

SOLD OUT!

Dreams of Sunflowers

ONLY TWO KITS LEFT!

CLICK HERE to purchase Dreams of Sunflowers PAINTABLE on eBay.

Pause and Enjoy

ONLY FOUR LEFT!

CLICK HERE to purchase Pause and Enjoy PAINTABLE on eBay.

These are READY TO PAINT. Just collect your oils or acrylics, squeeze them out on the palette, put the panel up on your easel and start having FUN! You can purchase these kits on eBay for $48.99 plus shipping. The number of kits are limited; we’re selling them on a first come, first serve basis. AND if you purchase more than one we will consolidate your shipping.  CLICK HERE to view all my listings on eBay INCLUDING My Original EMBRYOS! If you have any questions please feel free to email us at senkarik@senkarik.com.

HAPPY PAINTING!

Provence Flowershop

Don’t you find flower shops delightful? As Jack can well attest, I’ve never seen one I didn’t like. When we happened upon this quaint establishment in Provence my heart did a cartwheel, ideas for paintings skipped through my head. My plan for the Provence Flower Shop Diptych is sketched up on the two panels and we’re ready to begin painting.

CLICK HERE to go to both auctions.

I work on both pieces at the same time. After blocking in the old rock building the front door of the Flower Shop is painted with mixes of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange + White.

The same colors are used for the window and shutters. Moving to the sign the background is first covered, then the lettering is drawn into the wet paint. The bicycle is done in much the same manner, drawing the wheels and frame wet-into-wet over the wall behind it. You can see this better by enlarging the image, just click on the picture.

The umbrella presents an interesting challenge in how to approach the red and white stripes. I finally decided to paint the entire umbrella as if it was white. Then I come back and paint the red stripes over the white.

The floor and terra-cotta containers are finished before I begin to plant flowers. Sunflowers, some of my favorites, fill the large pot by the front door offering a happy greeting to all who enter.

What would a painting of Provence be without some Lavender? A bed is planted in the lower right corner, filling the air with its wonderful fragrance. Then the Geraniums and White Daisies cascading out of the wicker bicycle baskets are added.

These two Senkarik EMBRYOS, Sunflowers and Stripes and Flower Powered, are designed to be displayed together or individually. Original oil paintings this size retail in our galleries for $390 each but to make it more fun we are starting the bidding on both auctions at 1 cent. That’s right, ONLY A PENNY! But you’ll need to act quickly, the auctions end Sunday, February 23 beginning at 8 PM Central Time!

To go directly to both auctions CLICK HERE.

Sunflowers and Stripes

Got Spring Fever? I know I do. Let the Sunflowers and Stripes of red and white on the umbrella chase away those winter time blues, bringing a burst of spring color to your home or that of someone special. Senkarik Original EMBRYOS make unique gifts that are sure to please. The cheery blossoms in Sunflowers and Stripes will last long after regular flowers are gone.

To go to the auction for Sunflowers and Stripes CLICK HERE.

Flower Powered

Parked under the window of the ‘fleuriste’ in Provence was a bicycle, its baskets draped with flowers. Jack took one look and quite proudly exclaimed, “That bike is Flower Powered!” I almost fell over laughing. But it stuck, I smiled the entire time I was painting this piece. Let the captivating Flower Powered bicycle bring a smile every time you view it in your home.

CLICK HERE to go to the eBay auction for Flower Powered.

Each piece measures 6″ x 6″. And don’t worry about framing them, these little gems painted on cradled panels with finished sides are ready to hang as soon as you unpack them.

Take delight in this charming Provence Flower Shop every time you view Sunflowers and Stripes and Flower Powered on your wall. The auctions are staggered 7 minutes apart so you can win one or both Original Oil Paintings for your home or office. AND…..If you win the TWO EMBRYOS we will give you FREE SHIPPING! Don’t linger, the first auction ends Sunday, February 23 at 8 PM Texas (Central) Time.

To go to both auctions in the Provence Flower Shop Diptych CLICK  HERE.

HAPPY BIDDING and HUGS,

Sunflower Serenade

Let’s get going on the Sunflowers. The paint mixtures are laid out on my palette. #1. MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin. #2. Pthalo Blue + White. #3. Ultramarine Blue + Lemon Yellow. #4. Mix #3 + more Ultramarine Blue. #5. Cadmium Yellow Medium + Cadmium Orange + a little MUD. #6. Pure Cadmium Yellow Medium. #7. Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow. #8. Mix #5 + White. #9. Mix #5 + a little more MUD.

The Sunflower field is started by painting the yellow mass of blossoms. Those in the distance are painted with the most muted yellow mix #8. The far edge of the field is made uneven, taller flowers pop their golden heads above the shorter blooms surrounding them.

Next the masses of color for the Poppies and Daisies are blocked in. Cadmium Red Deep + Magenta and Cadmium Red Deep are used for the Poppies. The Daisy area is painted with blues and lavenders. This will provide the shadow color of the white flowers.

The foliage is now painted around the flower color. Mix #2, which is cooler, is used toward the back of the field. The leaves in the foreground are made with the warmer green mixes #3 and #4.

The large, dark centers of the Sunflowers are now made with mixture #1.

The final step in painting the Sunflowers is to highlight the flowers touched by the sun with mix #7. I use the corner of a medium sized Bright brush to delineate the individual petals. To see this better you can enlarge the image by clicking on the picture.

Sunflower Serenade     24″ x 36″    Original Oil Painting

The leaves and details of the Red Poppies and White Daisies are added and we’re done. Sunflower Serenade will have to dry for a few days and then it will be off to its new home! Thank you for following along, I really appreciate all of my readers. And please, if you have any questions feel free to ask. Hugs,

Villa with a View

Now for the heavy construction on the villa. We’ll start with the terra-cotta tile roof. Many of you have asked for the color recipes for the tiles so here goes. #1. Cadmium Orange + Cadmium Red Light + MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson). #2. Mix #1 + White. #3. Cadmium Orange + MUD. #4. Ultramarine Blue + White. #5. Mix #3 + a touch of Pthalo Blue + White. #6. Mix #3 + White. #7. Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange + White. #8. Pthalo Blue + White. The basic colors of our Double Primary Mixing System are at the top of my palette. If you would like to learn more about our color mixing system CLICK HERE. Leftover paint from yesterday’s session is placed in rows on the left.

The roof area is covered with several of the darker shades. Blue is added toward the back of the roof on the right to make it recede.

I come back and add the highlights with the lighter terra-cotta shades. The brush strokes are applied thickly, giving the roof lots of texture. A few dabs of the Pthalo Blue mixes are made here and there to give the feeling of moss covered tiles. You can enlarge the picture by clicking on the image.

My colors for the old, stone villa are as follows: #1. Two shades of Ultramarine Blue + White. #2. MUD + Cadmium Orange + Ultramarine Blue + a tiny bit of White. #3. MUD + Cadmium Orange + a touch of Pthalo Blue + White. #4. Mix #2 + White. #5. Mix #3 + White.

The walls are covered, establishing the light and shadow patterns on the textured stone facade. After blocking in the shadows under the roof I come back and delineate the rounded ends of the terra-cotta tiles. This is done with a mix of MUD + a tiny bit of Liquin.

Cobalt Blue + White doors, windows and shutters add a bright touch of color that compliments the old stone. My wrist is braced on a mahl stick to steady my hand as the details are painted. What is a mahl stick? CLICK HERE to find out.

A little landscaping finishes out the villa overlooking the field of Lavender. Notice the Poplar trees in the distance are made cooler, or bluer than the ones up by the building. Can you see how they fall back? The warm greens of the Poplars next to the house make them appear to be closer. Tomorrow we’ll be working on those luscious Sunflowers. See you then! Hugs,

Clear Skies and Lavender

I begin any landscape painting with the sky. It’s the light source and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Today’s forecast calls for sunny skies with no clouds. So my paint mixtures are as follows: #1. Cobalt Blue + White. #2. Pthalo Blue + White. #3. Pthalo Blue + a touch of Lemon Yellow + White.

Since the light is entering the scene from the right the sky mixtures are placed with the darkest on the left, the lightest closest to the sun. The junctions between the colors are feathered so there is a smooth transition from left to right. You can click the image to see it larger.

Painting “Forward” the most distant mountain is made bluer so it recedes. The closest one is warmer with muted purples and greyed blue greens. This follows a simple rule that helps to give a painting depth: Cool Colors Go Back, Warm Colors Come Forward.

Now for the Lavender field. My paint is mixed and we’re ready to go. #1. Ultramarine Blue + White. #2. Ultramarine Blue + Dioxazine Purple + White. #3. Dioxazine Purple + White. #4. Mix #3 + more White. #5. Mix #4 + even more White.

The field is now painted with the cooler mixes, #1 and #2, in the distance. Mixture #3 is used in the middle ground, while #4 is reserved for the front of the lavender.

After blocking in the entire field I come back with the lighter mix #5 to delineate the rows of lavender.

Alright, done with the lavender! Can you hear the bees buzzing in the distance? They’re gathering nectar for lavender honey. Have a wonderful evening and we’ll see you tomorrow. Wear your hard hats, we’ll be working on the old, stone villa. Hugs,

Website: www.senkarik.com

A Sunny Collaboration

Long time collectors, Sheila and Jim, made a special trip to Gallery 1870 in the Napa Valley just to pick out one of my paintings for her birthday present. She saw “Dreams of Sunflowers” and fell in love. Unfortunately for her the painting had already sold. So we decided to collaborate on a piece just for her.

We made a few changes. The major one was to take out the stone wall in the lower right corner and add more flowers. Then she decided a 24″ x 36″ piece would fit their space better. I did a sketch so Sheila could see how the painting would look with the adjustments.

After receiving approval on the sketch I gather my reference materials to start painting. The basic plan is drawn on the canvas with a thin oil wash of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin. The horizon line is established first. My vanishing point for the building is at the far right of the piece at the junction of the horizon line and the blue tape. You can see this better if you will enlarge the image, just click on the picture. The colors of our Double Primary Palette are lined up at the top of my glass palette. If you would like to learn more about our color mixing system CLICK HERE.

After finishing the villa the landscaping around the old stone building is delineated.

The sketch on the canvas is complete. I label the flowers for a guide as I paint. Tomorrow we’ll start adding color. Hope you’ll come watch. If you would like to receive an email every time I publish a new post please feel free to subscribe to my blog. CLICK THIS LINK and scroll to the upper right side of the page. You will see a heading EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS. Just enter your email address and click the button “Sign me up!”  It’s easy. If you enjoy my blog please CLICK the FaceBook LIKE Button. As we say in Texas, “Much Obliged!

Le Pont Japonais

Now for the second painting in the Monet’s Gardens Diptych, the Japanese Bridge.

CLICK HERE to go directly to both auctions.

The design is first sketched up on the panel in a thin oil wash, this is my ‘road map’ to follow. The flowers are labeled so I don’t forget my original idea as I get to painting. Don’t forget, you can click on any of the images to view them larger.

The background is blocked in with cool gray-greens and blues. It is made lighter toward the base of the left end of the bridge, this helps to give distance in the piece. The cool colors recede. Remember the rule: Cool Colors go Back, Warm Colors come Forward.

The curved railings are painted with mixtures of Viridian Green + a little Pthalo Blue + White. Notice how your eye is drawn to the light behind the dark upright at the left end of the Japanese bridge.

Dioxazine Purple + White is used for the incredible Wisteria Monet planted years and years ago. I love the gnarled trunks, twisting and winding up and over the bridge.

Next the massive clump of Canna Lilies on the opposite bank is painted, letting the sunlight illuminate the large leaves. Reflections are pulled straight down into the water. The final touch is to add the bright red flowers using the corner of a medium sized Bright brush.

Le Pont Japonais (The Japanese Bridge)

Since I love to grow and paint flowers I’m absolutely in awe of the gardens Monet designed in Giverny. Turns in every pathway reveal breathtaking views. The iconic Japanese Bridge is recognized the world over. Monet had it built by a local craftsman in Giverny and it shows up in many of his paintings. Cascades of purple envelop the bridge each spring. Here is your opportunity to stroll across La Pont Japonais and admire Monet’s serene water garden every single day.

CLICK HERE to go to the auction for Le Pont Japonais.

Le Pont Japonais measures 6″ x 6″. And don’t worry about framing this little gem, it’s painted on a cradled panel with finished sides and is ready to hang.

Le Pont Japonais is one of two EMBRYOS designed to hang individually or as a pair. It’s companion piece is La Maison de Monet (Monet’s House). Have a gift giving occasion coming up? Senkarik EMBRYOS make unique presents that are sure to please. The Climbing Roses, Irises, Wisteria, Canna Lilies and Dayliles in these Original Oil Paintings will last long after candy and regular flowers are gone.

Enjoy the serene beauty of Monet’s Gardens every time you view La Maison de Monet and Le Pont Japonais on your wall. The auctions are staggered 7 minutes apart so you can win one or both Original Oil Paintings for your home or office. AND…..If you win the TWO EMBRYOS we will give you FREE SHIPPING! But you’ll have to hurry, the first auction ends Sunday, February 16 at 7:30 PM Texas (Central) Time.

 CLICK HERE to go to both auctions.

HAPPY BIDDING and HUGS,

La Maison de Monet on eBay

Claude Monet is one of my absolute, all-time favorite artists. Let’s take a quick trip to France to paint his beautiful house and gardens in Giverny. That’s one of the advantages of being an artist, we can travel the world at a moment’s notice. The initial idea for my eBay EMBRYO Diptych is quickly jotted down in my sketch book.

Now let’s begin with Monet’s house. The basic plan is sketched on the panel with a brush dipped in a thin oil wash of MUD (Alizarin Crimson + Ultramarine Blue) + Liquin. The window areas are made translucent instead of completely opaque, when I’m finished it will appear as if there is something in the room inside.

To go directly to the auction CLICK HERE.

The colors Monet chose for his home were quite radical at the time, he wanted the house to blend with the surrounding gardens. He broke the tradition of drab walls, grey shutters and doors. Claude painted the exterior of his home a soft pink, selecting a rich green for the doors, windows and shutters. The complimentary colors make each other appear more intense. Aren’t they yummy together?

One detail both Jack and I found extremely interesting was the door knobs were mounted right in the center of the front doors under the windows. Seven steps lead up to the main entry. In the Bible seven is the number of perfection. Well, Monet’s home and gardens look perfectly beautiful to me. What do you think?

Climbing Roses cascade over the doors and windows. Mixtures of Permanent Rose + Cadmium Red Light + White are used to block in the flowers. Then I come back and paint the leaves with mixes of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium.

La Maison de Monet  (Monet’s House)

Elegant purple Irises line the pathway leading to the gorgeous green doors of Monet’s home. Wouldn’t you just love to walk up the path and sit on one of the steps, taking in the wonderful fragrance of the Roses? You can, every single day, with La Maison de Monet on your wall! If you’d like to see this or any of the other images larger just click on the pictures.

To go directly to the auction CLICK HERE.

La Maison de Monet measures 6″ x 6″. And don’t worry about framing this little gem, it has finished sides and is ready to hang.

La Maison de Monet is one of two EMBRYOS designed to hang individually or as a pair. It’s companion painting is Le Pont Japonais (The Japanese Bridge). Senkarik EMBRYOS make unique gifts that are sure to please, bringing smiles for years to come. The cheerful blooms in these EMBRYOS will last long after regular flowers are gone.

Enjoy the serene beauty of Monet’s Gardens every time you view La Maison de Monet and Le Pont Japonais on your wall. The auctions are staggered 7 minutes apart so you can win one or both Original Oil Paintings for your home or office. AND…..If you win the TWO EMBRYOS we will give you FREE SHIPPING! Don’t linger, the first auction ends Sunday, February 16 at 7:30 PM Texas (Central) Time.

 CLICK HERE to go to both auctions.

HAPPY BIDDING and HUGS,

Serenity of Skopelos

One of the things I love about the Greek Islands is the stone floors with the wide grout joints, they are so beautiful. The first time I painted one it took a while to figure out the process. After several tries I found the easiest way is to paint the entire surface of the grey stone to start. I make it cooler toward the back of the terrace so the floor recedes. I let a patch of sunlight illuminate the terrace behind the table and chairs. Then the grout lines are drawn, wet-into-wet, over the base color. Those in the sunlit portion are made lighter.

Now that the floor is complete notice how the grout lines are made a bit bluer toward the base of the wall and become warmer at the front. The Geraniums are painted in my usual sequence of Flowers First, Leaves Last. #1. The mass of blossom color is blocked in with mixes of Cadmium Red Deep + Magenta, Cadmium Red Deep and Cadmium Red Medium. #2. The leaves made of various mixes of Pthalo Blue + Lemon Yellow are painted around the red, helping to shape the flowers. After all of the foliage is complete I’ll come back to add stems, buds and highlights on the individual petals.

My mixtures for the yellow chairs are laid out on the palette. #1. MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin. #2. Cadmium Yellow Medium + a touch of Alizarin Crimson + a bit of MUD. #3. Mix #2 with more MUD added. #4. Pure Cadmium Yellow Medium. #5. Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow. The colors lined up on the left of my palette are all of my leftover paint. That makes it easy if I need to go back and make any touch ups. If you would like to learn more about our double primary color mixing system CLICK HERE.

You can see the finished Geraniums in this step. Bracing on a mahl stick to steady my hand I paint the happy yellow chairs. What is a mahl stick? CLICK HERE to find out.

Now for the copper carafe, a traditional Greek metal pitcher to serve the wine. I use mixes of MUD + Cadmium Orange + a little Cadmium Red Light + White to make several shades of a rich coppery color. You can enlarge the image, just click on the picture.

Serenity of Skopelos    14″ x 14″    Original Oil Painting

Let’s pour a couple of glasses of Retsina, sit back and enjoy the Serenity of Skopelos. What fun it has been to collaborate on this present for Doris and Andrew. Joan’s ideas make it so personal for them.  If you have a gift giving occasion coming up I’d be happy to work with you on a unique painting that will bring smiles for years to come. Thank you for following along. And if you live in the frozen north here is a BIG WARM TEXAS HUG,