We have Great Team Senkarik Members

I want to extend a great big THANK YOU to everyone who took part in our Collector Event this year. We have the most wonderful Team Senkarik Members. Even though you knew Jack and I couldn’t be there you attended anyway. Your efforts made this a big success for us! I have empty spots on the gallery walls to fill and several more commissions to paint. As we say in Texas, MUCH OBLIGED.

OK….. Back to work. This is the first of a trio of Limited Originals I’m embellishing to hang in a Physician’s Office. They are framed with our White Senkarik Signature Frame. The edges of the frame nearest the image are protected with blue painter’s tape. Shrink wrap keeps the outside of the frame clean. Before starting to paint the unembellished giclee was covered with two coats of UV varnish, helping to protect the image from fading over the years. The first step in painting is to glaze certain areas of the piece. I’m working on the wall of the building on the left. Notice how much richer the glazed portion of the wall above my brush looks when compared to that below it. To see this or any of the other images larger just click on the picture.

The clouds are repainted, then the water of Lake Como is glazed with a thin coat of Ultramarine Blue and Phthalo Blue + Liquin. Next I come back in and enhance the reflections of the distant village of Varenna.

The pink Bougainvillea and Magenta Vine are embellished. Light and dark mixtures of Cobalt Blue + White are then used to paint the windows, shutters and door.

I have always loved ivy cascading over stone walls, it’s redone with mixes of Pthalo Blue + Lemon Yellow. A few strokes of Pthalo Blue + White are randomly added for coolness in the depths of the foliage. Mixtures of Permanent Rose + Cadmium Red Light + White are perfect for the Daylilies dancing in the corner.

The purple Salvia, red-orange Nasturtiums and bright Sunflowers are totally repainted.

Reflections of Lake Como       Limited Original       #2/49

One down, two more to go. Hope you’ll come back and watch as I work on the other Limited Originals in this set. 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. And if you enjoy my blog please CLICK the FaceBook LIKE Button. As we say in Texas, “Much Obliged!

2014 Senkarik Collector Event Catalog

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles with warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things……. Don’t you love the The Sound of Music? It’s one of Jack’s and my favorite movies. Julie Andrews’ voice gives us goosebumps and brings smiles to our soul. Our Annual Collector Event in Santa Fe is Friday and Saturday, August 29 and 30. This year I’ve decided to share a few of My Favorite Things with you. Here is an Advance Preview of the new show pieces. If any of these Original Oil Paintings grab your heart and beckon to be added to your collection just call Santa Fe Art Collector Gallery at 505.988.5545. They will cheerfully provide assistance. If a painting you’ve fallen in love with has already been spoken for I will be happy to do a commission based on that piece for you. Bright Colored Blossoms and Sassy Striped Awnings….. Take Home a Bunch    30 inches by 36 inches with Senkarik Signature Frame      $2,900 CLICK HERE to watch the step by step progress of Take Home a Bunch

Bluebonnets, Babies and Soft Texas Mornings …..  Morning Magic 24 inches by 30 inches with Senkarik Signature Frame      $1,900  To watch Morning Magic being painted CLICK HERE  Santa Fe Doorways Filled with Intrigue ….. Carefree Garden  SOLD                         Sun Filled Courtyard   Elegant Vibrance                           The Shuster House  These pieces are painted to the edge and around the sides on gallery wrap canvas. Each measures 14″ x 14″ and is priced especially for our Collector Event at $590. Remember, I can paint a commission for you if one of the SOLD pieces has stolen your heart! Just contact the Gallery at 505.988.5545. Soft Clucks of Chickens on Warm Summer Evenings ….. A Lazy Day in Santa Fe  38 inches by 48 inches with Senkarik Signature Frame   $5,900    Detail of A Lazy Day in Santa Fe   Flower Lined Pathways and Open Red Gates ….. Walk on the Garden Path 30 inches x 36 inches with Senkarik Signature Frame   $2,900 Gondola Excursions in Venice at Sunset ….. Reflections of Romance 24 inches x 30 inches with Senkarik Signature Frame   $2,400   These are a Few of My Favorite Things …..                        Fresh Harvest $390                                            Coastal Captivation  SOLD                 Turn to the Sun  SOLD             My EMBRYOS measure 10″ x 10″ and are specially priced for our Collector Event. The sides are finished as shown, the pieces don’t need any extra framing. I’ll paint you a commission if the one you like has already sold. Just let the gallery know you would like to collaborate with me on a special Embryo!

Our Special 24th Anniversary AUCTIONS Preacherman’s Son: Gunfighter John Wesley Hardin We are going to have TWO AUCTIONS at our Gala Collector Event Saturday, August 30. The first is for a set consisting of Jack White’s newest book Preacherman’s Son: Gunfighter John Wesley Hardin and the cover portrait painted by Mikki. The two items have a total retail value of $1,000. The Senkarik Original Oil Portrait of John Wesley Hardin measures 14 inches by 11 inches and is framed in a quality gold leaf frame. This was done especially for the cover . A first edition copy signed by both Mikki and Jack comes with the painting. Molly, our rescue kitty, IS NOT included in the auction! Soft Hum of Spring Senkarik Original Oil Painted Jewelry Box    5 inches by 7 inches If you would like to see how this piece was painted CLICK HERE The second auction is for the Senkarik Original Oil Hummingbird Jewelry Box. This would be priced at $500 in the gallery. To add to the festivities we are starting the bidding on both auctions at 24 Cents! That’s right, a penny for every year I’ve been showing in Santa Fe. PHONE BIDS will be accepted so you can join in the Celebration! The auction will begin about 6 PM. You must register to bid, so please contact the gallery for more details. 505.988.5545    Thank you for taking the time to view the catalog of my new paintings for our annual Collector Event. We hope you will come to Santa Fe and take part in the festivities. The Event is Friday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30. A special Preview Reception will be Friday evening. The Official RSVP Collector Gala begins at 4 PM on Saturday. You may not know, Jack had a slight stroke a couple of weeks ago. He is doing well and we had hoped to make it to the Collector Event. However we’re having a difficult time getting his new medications regulated so Jack is “Grounded”. BUT…. Thanks to computer technology we will be able to take part via SKYPE! Jack and I can still personally say we are “Much Obliged” for you being a member of Team Senkarik. The Santa Fe Art Collector Gallery is located at 217 Galisteo Street. If you would like to RSVP, add any of these pieces to your collection or want to participate by phone in the auctions please call 505.988.5545.                               HUGS,

Boxing Day

This Jewelry Box is going to be auctioned at our annual Collector Event in Santa Fe over Labor Day weekend. I’ve primed the outside with White acrylic. Then both top and bottom are placed on small boxes in order to paint them. The tape indicates the front of each.

My basic design is sketched on the top in a thin oil wash.

The Jewel Box is going to be covered with Petunias. The outlines of the individual blossoms are drawn on the top. Holding the bottom up to the top I continue the design onto the sides.

The bright flowers are painted with mixes of Permanent Rose, Cadmium Red Light and White.

Working in my usual sequence of Flowers First, Leaves Last I begin blocking in the greens of the foliage around the blossom color.

Jack suggested adding a Hummingbird. Don’t you think he’s just perfect for our little Jewel Box?

The top is complete. Please remember, if you’d like to see this or any of the other images enlarged just click on the picture.

The base of the box has been painted with Black Acrylic. Then it is taped off for protection so I can paint the sides.

Tape is also placed between the two parts of the box. This allows me to paint the bottom and not get any paint on the top.

Soft Hum of Spring            Jewelry Box         Original Oil Painting

Our little Hummingbird Jewel Box is finished. Can’t you just hear the hum of his wings as he flits from flower to flower on a warm spring day?

 

The auction is going to be Saturday, August 30 around 6 PM. This one of a kind, Senkarik Original Oil Painting Jewelry Box would retail for $500. But to make it more fun we are starting the auction at 24 cents. That’s a penny for every year I’ve been showing in Santa Fe! If you are interested in bidding please contact the Santa Fe Art Gallery at 505.988.5545 to register. Phyllis, Darrell, Arlene or Tom will cheerfully help you.

Hugs,

Take Home A Bunch

Now for gardening! Soft lavender Gladiolas nestle behind the cheery Sunflowers. The basic shades of yellow are blocked in first, followed by the leaves. Then I begin painting the cellophane wrapped around the individual bouquets. To see this larger click on the image.

Asiatic Lilies are favorites of mine. The shadows of the flowers are blocked in with various shades of blues, lavenders and aquas. Pure White is reserved for the petals illuminated by the sun.

The old bicycle is one we photographed years ago. When Jack saw it he said, “That bike is Flower Powered!” 🙂 I especially like the wicker baskets.

Nasturtiums are a nice compliment to the Blue door behind them. By placing the complimentary colors next to each other the Orange flowers appear even more brilliant.

Buddleia or Butterfly Bush fills out the lower right corner. Our Flower Shop is done, wouldn’t you love to stop in and Take Home A Bunch? I really appreciate all of you reading my blog. Remember, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask. Hugs,

Sign Work

The flowers draping down over the building are made of various mixes of Permanent Rose, Cadmium Red Light and White. After the mass of color for the blossoms is applied I come back and paint the foliage.

Now let’s get to work on the sign. The background is blocked in first, then the letters are drawn into the wet paint. My wrist is braced against a mahl stick, steadying my hand so I can delineate the calligraphy accurately. What is a Mahl Stick? CLICK HERE to find out.

The entire surface of the terra cotta tile floor is covered. I establish the light and shadow pattern first, then draw the perspective lines into the wet paint. This is done freehand; resting my hand on a mahl stick would limit my movement. It would be difficult to make a straight line. You can click on the image to see this or any of the other pictures enlarged.

The horizontal lines separating the individual tiles are drawn. The final step on the floor is the add the highlights on the edges of the pavers where the sunlight hits them.

All of the containers are now painted. I especially like the one on the wall by the door. Now the construction is all done and we have our containers we’ll start planting flowers. Hope you’ll come back tomorrow and help. Hugs,

Sassy Stripes

The walls are painted with mixtures made of various proportions of Cadmium Orange + Ultramarine Blue + White. I add MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) into the mix for the shadows. Jack developed the Double Primary Color Mixing System we use. CLICK HERE to learn more about it. Please note how the door wall is made bluer in the back near the corner. This makes it recede. Remember Cool Colors Go Back, Warm Colors Come Forward.

The door, window and shutters are painted with a combination of Ultramarine Blue + Ivory Black + White.

Isn’t this striped awning Sassy? When I first saw it I knew it would end up in a painting one day. It’s perfect for our little Flower Shop.

Okay, the building is constructed. Tomorrow we’ll be laying the floor. Grab your gloves and come give me a hand. Hugs,

Don’t You Love Flower Shops?

 

I most certainly do. As Jack can attest, I’ve never passed one up. Since the theme of my Collector Event this year is A Few of My Favorite Things a flower shop seems quite appropriate. It definitely fits the bill. I excitedly sketch my idea, not even bothering to take time to ink it in.

The perspective lines of the building are established first. Then I begin construction on the window, awning and door.

The bicycle tires are a challenge. I can see the back one is not quite round, I’ll make that correction later.

Sketched up and ready to begin painting. We’ll start in our next session. AND….. so many of you have asked. Jack is doing much better. The doctor put him on blood thinners. Our biggest hurdle now is getting his clotting factors regulated. I want to thank each and every one of you for your good thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful to have you on our team. Hugs,

Morning Magic

Cactus are found everywhere in the Texas Hill Country. Most of the pads can be made with a single brushstroke. Twisting the square Bright brush as I apply the paint makes the oval shape. To learn more about the brushes I use CLICK HERE.

A fine liner brush is used to delineate the spines backlit by the sun just peeking over the horizon.

The mixtures for the blood bay mare are shown above. #1. MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange. #2. A darker mix of MUD + Cadmium Orange. #3. MUD + Cadmium Red Light. #4. Mix #3 with more MUD. #5. MUD + Alizarin Crimson + White. #6. Mixture #5 with more White.

I begin blocking in the body of the mare. The sun glints off her withers and hip, making them warmer.

The warm bay mare pops against the backdrop of Bluebonnets. The white of her blaze separates her from the surrounding landscape and foal.

Now I turn my attention to the newborn foal, struggling to stand for the first time. Mama nuzzles him, giving encouragement.

Morning Magic   24″ x 30″   Original Oil Painting

Our baby is complete. White caps are added to the Bluebonnets and Morning Magic is done. We’ll ship this off to Santa Fe for my annual Collector Event. Thanks for following along. Have a wonderful day and hope to see you again soon. Hugs,

Texas Bluebonnets

Texas Bluebonnets today! Here are my mixes. #1 and #2: Two shades of Ultramarine Blue + Cobalt Blue + White. #3 and #4: Light and dark mixes of Ultramarine Blue + Dioxazine Purple + White. #5: Cobalt Blue + White. #6: Mixture #5 + more White.

Mixes #3 and #4 are used for the part of the field nearest the barn. The Bluebonnets in the middle distance are painted with mixes #1 and #2.

The closest Bluebonnets are made of the pure Cobalt mixtures. After the mass of blue is painted I begin adding the foliage of the flowers and the grass around the foal. A few brush stokes of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium + Cadmium Orange + White are added in the grass to indicate the blades illuminated by the rising sun.

Now for our little stream. The limestone rocks are made of Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Orange + White. MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) is added into the mixtures for the darker shadows.

After the entire surface of the water is covered I pull the reflections of the rocks straight down into the wet paint.

A little foam collects where the waterfall spills into the calm surface of the pond. Can’t you just hear that pleasant babble? Should finish up in our next session. Hope to see you then. Oh please remember, you can see any of the pictures larger by clicking on the image. Hugs,

Early Morning Sky

The blue of the sky is blocked in first with a mix of Pthalo Blue + a touch of Cadmium Orange + White. Then the soft clouds are made of MUD (Ultramarine Blue + Alizarin Crimson) + White. Nearest where the sun will be breaking through a bit of Cadmium Red Light is added to the cloud mix. Directly to the right of the windmill I make a few brushstrokes of the previous mix + a little Cadmium Orange. The oval shape of the top of the windmill is drawn into the wet sky with some of the oil wash I used yesterday. You can click on the image to see it larger.

The distant hills are painted, those farthest away are made bluer so they recede. I’ve let the sun break through the clouds with strokes of White + a little Cadmium Yellow Medium. The sunlight reflects off the clouds, this is why I painted them warmer close to where the sun is rising.

Jack and I love old barns, this is one of our favorites. I’ve used this one many times as a model; somehow it always seems to come out different 🙂 Warm light also bounces off the huge Live Oak tree behind the structure.

Now I come back and delineate the spaces between the windmill blades with some of the leftover cloud mix.

The farthest edge of the field of bluebonnets is blocked in with a mix of Ultramarine Blue + Dioxazine Purple + White. Thank you for visiting our studio today. Hope to see you again soon. Hugs,