Inviting Retreat

Alisa and Scott’s last name is Patterson. Their children named their home “Pattergonia” and that’s what everyone calls it. When they visited the Amalfi Coast they had a tile name plate made that is shown in the picture above. One of the first requests for this special commission was to include the sign. Horizontal guidelines are drawn into the background of the tile that has been painted with mixes of White + Ultramarine Blue and White + MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson). Next “Pattergonia” is roughly lettered in to determine the spacing of the calligraphy. You may click on the image to see an enlargement.

The final version of the lettering is now made into the wet paint of the background using some of the blue mixture left over from the tea pot and cups.

Alisa mentioned that she wasn’t really happy with the corner designs on the tile they received from Positano. So I’ve decided to design my own using the heart motif from the tea pot and cups. I first draw my idea on the glass palette with a mix of MUD + Liquin. It’s very easy to make changes on the glass. I can just wipe away what I don’t like and try again until I’m satisfied with the final result which is shown above.

I’m using all Blue for the corners to go with Alisa and Aimee’s collection of blue and white china.

White Daisies fill the terra cotta containers below the hanging pot. The flowers are first blocked in with mixes of White + Ultramarine Blue, White + Dioxazine Purple and White + Pthalo Blue. Then the foliage is painted around the masses of White with Sap Green + Lemon Yellow, Sap Green + Lemon Yellow + White and Magenta + Liquin.

Pure White highlights the Daisy petals illuminated by the sun. Next, dark centers are made in the flowers with MUD + Liquin.

Then a dot of Cadmium Yellow Medium is made in the middle of the dark spot (#1). To finish up the flowers a tiny speck of MUD + Liquin is made right in the center of the Yellow dot (#2).

A mixture of White + Ultramarine Blue is dragged straight down to indicate the water cascading from the upper bowl of the fountain. The paint is allowed to skip and bump over the underlying texture, giving the impression of movement.

The cheery Sunflowers are blocked in with Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD + Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD and Cadmium Yellow Medium. The large triangular shaped leaves are made with several shades of Ultramarine Blue + Lemon Yellow. I’ll finish the blossoms and leaves in front of the soccer ball after it’s painted.

But first let’s put in the large, dark centers that instantly identify these as Sunflowers!

The soccer ball is covered with mixes of White + MUD, then the distinctive pattern is drawn into the wet paint with MUD + Liquin. My wrist is braced on the Mahl Stick, hooked over the top of my easel, to steady my hand. To learn more about my Mahl Stick, CLICK HERE.

The dark patches are added with Ivory Black.

Another fun personal touch is to etch the University of Indiana Logo on the ball with some of the red paint remaining from the Geraniums.

The large, cheerful blossoms in front of the ball are painted, giving it a snug spot to nestle!

Inviting Retreat

Jack was always the official “Namer” in our family. I absolutely struggle when it comes to naming paintings and have really missed his input. But when I started working on this piece a name immediately came to my mind, “Inviting Retreat”. After the last blog I received a beautiful email from Alisa, here’s an excerpt: “I can’t tell you how happy it makes me watching you paint this for us. It’s such a peaceful scene. “Pattergonia” represents so much to our family. It’s a made up name for a place, that is really a feeling and a way of life for all of us. You are embodying the beauty of our lives. Your picture fills me with happiness every time I look at your blog.”

Somehow I think God may have channeled that name to me from Jack in Heaven, it’s perfect! “Inviting Retreat” has been so fun to paint and I appreciate you following along on the journey. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments and encouragement. With BIG HUGS,

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Afternoon Tea

The top edges of the stone steps have become rounded and dip a bit in the center, well worn by the feet of family and friends who have visited this special place over the years. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any of the images to view them larger.

My paint is mixed and I’m ready to begin working on the rough cobblestones. #1 – Two combinations of White + Ultramarine Blue. #2 – 5 mixes of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange + White. #3 – Three shades of White + Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange. #4 – the darkest shade of #3 + more Cadmium Orange + MUD.

The cobbles near the base of the wall are painted with the #1 mixtures and the lightest shade of #3. These mixes are cooler or bluer, so they will recede. This follows a simple rule to help give the impression of depth in a painting: Cool colors go back; Warm colors come forward.

The foreground of the courtyard is covered with the darker, warm colors. Then a splash of sunlight spills in behind the fountain from the right, illuminating the door, steps and flower pots.

Curved perspective lines are made into the thick, wet paint with a mixture of MUD + Liquin to start forming the cobblestones.

Next, horizontal lines are made to shape the individual stones. Like was previously done on the wall, I don’t want to outline each and every rock. Rather my intention is to work impressionistically, giving the feeling of their rough surface and shapes.

The fountain is blocked in with mixtures of Sap Green + Cadmium Orange + MUD + White.

The Patterson’s son attends the University of Texas in Austin. SO…we’re adding a Longhorn just for Robbie! Interesting thing about the Texas Burnt Orange, Jack had a studio in Austin when UT was changing their logo from Bright Orange to the darker shade. They stopped by his studio to ask Jack what color he thought would be appropriate. He walked to his palette, mixed a little bit and said, “OK, here’s what we need for our Longhorns!” This happened years before I met Jack but he told me his special mixture: Cadmium Orange + Alizarin Crimson + MUD + White!

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Painting the Tea Pot

The cups are first painted as if they are solid white. Next the same heart motif I designed for the tea pot is drawn on them with a mixture of Ultramarine Blue + MUD + White.

Cups and Tea Pot are now ready for Alisa and Aimee to have their Afternoon Tea!

That finishes us up for today. I’ll be painting the “Pattergonia” sign to the left of the door in our next session, hope you’ll come watch! With Colorful Hugs,

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And a STAR Appeared…

Amaryllis and Christmas are inextricably linked in my heart. As our special tradition each year, Jack gave me several bulbs that we’d plant at Thanksgiving; by December 25 the Amaryllis would be in full bloom. They filled our home and were an important part of our Christmas decor. The large ruffled blossoms serve as a beautiful reminder of the Star, announcing the birth of Our Savior Jesus, glowing in the sky over Bethlehem.

The profusion of blooms also symbolize the numerous blessings God has so generously given me. I just want to stop and take a moment to say how blessed I am that you are part of my life. In this spirit I say, simply but sincerely ….

Thank You and Best Wishes for a
Very Blessed Christmas
filled with Love, Laughter and the Spirit of Christ!

Colorful Planting

Silver Pony Foot Vine tumbles out of the hanging basket. The hoof shaped leaves are painted with mixtures of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange + White. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any of the images to view enlargements.

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Painting the Geraniums

Large, graceful leaves of the Giant Bird of Paradise arch out into the sky. They are made with Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium and Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium + White.

I decided this corner needed some warm color to bring it forward of the background and increase the feeling of depth in the piece. So I’m adding some Trumpet Vine nestled at the base of the Big Birds. The colorful blossoms are mixes of Cadmium Orange + Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Orange and Cadmium Orange + Cadmium Yellow Medium.

The heart shaped leaves of Sweet Potato Vine, cascading down the rugged rock wall, bring a romantic touch.

The next step is to paint the Blue Door with combinations of Ultramarine Blue + White. COME WATCH….

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Painting the Blue Door

Several shades of Permanent Rose + White are used for the Bougainvillea hugging the top of the arched doorway.

A few bracts (that’s what the colorful part of the Bougainvillea is called) are popped here and there with Cadmium Red Light + Permanent Rose + White and Cadmium Red Light.

Notice how the extra warmth makes the Bougainvillea over the door come forward of the one clambering along the top of the wall. That’s it for this session. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. May God’s Peace and Joy fill your Heart as we celebrate the Birthday of Our Savior Jesus! With CHRISTMAS HUGS,

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Rockin’ Right Along

The distant Islands are painted into the wet Caribbean water. The island farthest away is made lighter and cooler so it will recede. The closer bluffs are warm combinations of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange + a little more Ultramarine Blue + White. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any of the images to view them larger.

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Painting the Palm Trees

Bougainvilleas cascade over the irregular stone wall that leads down the hill. The colorful bracts are mixes of Magenta + Permanent Rose + White and Permanent Rose + White. Then leaves are painted around the masses of pink with mixtures of Viridian Green + Pthalo Blue + White and Pthalo Blue + White.

NOW…. Let’s get to Rockin’ and construct this building! Several combinations in different proportions are made of MUD + Cadmium Orange + Cadmium Yellow Medium + White. Ultramarine Blue + MUD + White is also mixed to use for the cooler areas on the wall. I’m very careful to work around my sketch of the large leaves of the Giant Bird of Paradise in the upper right corner in order to maintain their graceful curves.

As the wall is finished behind the Bougainvillea I go ahead and draw the gnarled trunks into the wet paint with a mix of MUD + Liquin.

The bracket holding the hanging basket by the door is also painted directly into the wet, rock wall. My lower arm is braced against the Mahl stick, which is hooked over the top of my easel, to steady my hand as I delineate the details.

The brilliant Caribbean sun pours into the courtyard from the right, washing the wall by the door with warm light. After covering the wall with the lighter mixes the crevices between the large rocks are drawn into the wet paint with MUD + Liquin.

The arch over the door is added next.

WHEW! Rockin’ is DONE! Getting the walls constructed really changes the look of the azure Caribbean water glowing in the background! We’ll be doing some planting in our next session. Why don’t you grab your gardening gloves and come give me a hand? With Colorful Smiles,

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Sky and Beautiful Caribbean Water

 

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Blocking in the Sky

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Softening the Horizon Line

The beautiful water of the Caribbean is painted with the mixtures shown above. #1 – Four combinations of Ultramarine Blue + MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + White. #2 – Two shades of Pthalo Turquoise Blue + White. #3 – Four mixes of Pthalo Blue + White.

The ocean nearest the horizon is made with the #1 mixes which are more muted than the others. This follows a simple rule that helps to give the impression of depth in a painting, Muted colors recede, Brighter and more intense colors come forward.  Then some of the darkest color from the clouds is dragged into the distant water to give the impression of them reflecting down into the ocean from above.

Moving forward the water is painted with the combinations of Pthalo Blue + White. Scott loves sailing so we decided to add some sailboats in the distance. The reflections of the white sails squiggle and dance down into the water below them. Please remember, you may click on this or any of the other images to see enlargements.

The water closest to the beach is made with the mixes of Pthalo Turquoise Blue + White. This combination is more intense than the Pthalo Blue + White mixtures, making it appear closer.

The creamy, white sandy beach is made with White + MUD + Cadmium Yellow Medium + a touch of Cadmium Orange. The wet sand along the water’s edge is a darker mix of MUD + White.

We’ll start adding the islands and palms in our next session. Thanks for following along today! I’m listening to Christmas music as I write and imagine that everyone is super busy getting prepared for the holiday. WOW, it’s difficult to believe Christmas is only a week away. Please take a moment to pray for those service men and woman all over the world who are protecting us and won’t be able to come home. Keep their families in your heart and prayers too! Here’s BIG HUGS to ALL!

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Off to Positano…Er…..the Caribbean!

Beginning a new commission today. This piece will be going to my collector’s home in Florida; the original concept was to overlook Positano and the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

But after seeing the sketch they realized they had a painting with a similar view of the church tower in Positano. So Alisa and Scott asked for just ocean in the background with a few sailboats since he is an avid sailor. When I took out the scene of Positano and added the palms the courtyard reminded me of some we’d seen in St. Thomas, looking out over the surrounding islands. When this idea was suggested my collectors readily agreed.

The outside dimension of the painting is 48 inches by 48 inches, it’s framed in my Senkarik/White Signature Frame. The first step is to establish the horizon line and the architecture. The upright lines are drawn with a T-Square balanced on the top of the gallery wrap canvas. This insures the lines are perfectly vertical and straight. The sketch is placed on the taboret to the right of my easel. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any of the images to view them larger.

Giant Birds of Paradise and vines cascade over the wall to the right of the arch. They are drawn in with a thin oil wash made of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin.

Bougainvillea hugs the top of the doorway and arch; next a hanging planter is sketched beside the door. It will be planted with Geraniums.

Palms line the path down the side of the bluff. The beautiful Caribbean water will glimmer though their lacy fronds.

Using the T-Square again, a horizontal line is made to assist in drawing the ellipse that’s the top edge of the lower part of the fountain. The upright line acts as a guide to help make the proportions of the bowl and its base correctly.

Alisa and her daughter enjoy drinking tea from their collection of Wedgwood China. The cups and teapot will be filled with warm memories of happy moments they’ve shared.

Last, but not least, are the distant islands and sailboats! We’ll begin painting in our next session, hope you’ll come follow along! 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.

Please keep in mind, to move through the blog when you get the posts just CLICK on the small titles at the top of the page. The right one for the next post or the title on the left side for the previous session. And if you enjoy my blog please CLICK the FaceBook LIKE Button. THANK YOU!

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Friends in the Garden

Sophia’s velvety leggings are painted with mixes of Dioxazine Purple + Ultramarine Blue + White.

Combinations of Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson), Cadmium Yellow Medium + Alizarin Crimson and Cadmium Yellow Medium are used to block in the Sunflowers. Foliage is painted around the masses of yellow with mixes of Ultramarine Blue + Lemon Yellow.

Next the dark centers of the cheery flowers are added with MUD + Liquin.

The last step of painting the Sunflowers is to highlight the individual petals illuminated by the sun skipping across their tips. The corner of the brush is used to make the thick brushstrokes of Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow.

Sunshine dances along the grass at the base of Sophia’s easel.

Our rescue kitty, Molly rests on the warm, paver steps. Ivory Black is used to paint her soft fur. The blue sky above reflects into her shiny coat so a little Ultramarine Blue + White are added into the Black to make the highlights. The digital camera accentuates the blue tones; the blue is not this prominent in the actual art.

I’ve just started painting the roses and background trees on my canvas. You can see the outline of the fountain and flowers that have been drawn with a mix of MUD + Liquin. An extra heavy glob of Permanent Rose + White is added to the end of the brush I’m holding in the painting. To see this better you may enlarge the image by clicking on the picture.

One of the most fun things about working with other artists is discovering how they “See” a painting. My composition has the arbor, fountain and courtyard garden while Sophia has focused on a closeup of the Lilies. All of us see the world differently and that comes out beautifully in our paintings! Even though we share the same paints, ideas and techniques; the results are stunningly unique.

Mixes of Ivory Black + Burnt Umber and Ivory Black + Burnt Umber + White are used for Sophia’s gorgeous dark hair. The blue sky reflects into her hair, much like on Molly. Here the reflections are made with Ultramarine Blue + White. 

Sophia holds the tissue used to clean her brush in her left hand. It’s time to throw this piece away, it’s full of paint! I suggest throwing the tissue away after a couple of wipes of your brush. That way your brush, hands, face and paint tubes will stay clean. If you hold onto the paint covered tissue too long you’ll have that color everywhere except where you want it to be: On Your Canvas!

We have a little wire Christmas basket we use to hold all the tubes of paint. After painting the various tubes I draw the basket over them with a mix of MUD + Liquin.

Friends in the Garden

It’s a beautiful sunny day, just perfect for Friends to paint in the Garden! If you breath deeply I bet you can smell the delightful fragrance of the Jasmine! I appreciate all of your kind comments and encouragement. Have a wonderful day and remember, This is the first day of the rest of your life! With Colorful Smiles,

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Climbing Roses and Day Lilies

The tiered fountain has been painted with combinations of Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Orange + MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + White. The cascading water is then pulled, straight down, over the wet paint of the bowls. The brush is held lightly and allowed to skip. This results in an uneven brushstroke, giving the impression of moving water.

The pavers are made with mixes of MUD + Cadmium Orange + White, MUD + Cadmium Orange + a touch of Pthalo Blue + White and Ultramarine Blue + White. The front edge of the pavers are highlighted where they are illuminated by the sun. To see this better just click on the image to enlarge the picture.

Now we’re ready to begin working on the Rose Arbor, COME WATCH…..

VIDEO DEMONSTRATION: Blocking in the Rose Arbor

Rose blossoms shimmering in the sunlight are accentuated with White + Permanent Rose. The corner of my square, Bright Brush is used to make the small petals.

Tropicana Canna Lilies grow at the base of the arbor on the right. The broad leaves are painted with mixtures of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow + White. A small galvanized bucket placed on the top of the planter wall holds all of my paint brushes within easy reach!

Day Lilies grow by the rose arbor on Sophia’s side of the arch. The blossoms are Cadmium Orange + Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Orange + Cadmium Red Light and Cadmium Orange. The foliage is painted around the masses of bright color, helping to shape the individual flowers.

Several tubes of paint rest on Sophia’s French Easel.

The Day Lilies are finished and we’ll be planting Sunflowers in our next session. Hope you’ll come and give me a hand! See you then! HUGS,

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GIVE a SENKARIK Original Oil Painting and SAVE!

This year give a unique, one of a kind gift; each colorful brushstroke in my paintings is filled with joy and smiles directly from my heart! I’m offering an exclusive CHRISTMAS COLLECTION of my Original Oil Paintings at a SPECIAL SAVINGS especially for your gifting this year.

“It’s a Santa Fe Christmas”

This snowy, southwest scene with adobe architecture, chili ristras, turquoise bench and cowboy snowman joyfully sings “It’s a Santa Fe Christmas”!

Fresh off my easel, the painted image of “It’s a Santa Fe Christmas” measures 15 inches x 19 inches and is framed in our Senkarik/White Signature Frame. The outside dimension of the frame is 20 inches x 24 inches.

REGULAR PRICE $1,690

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $1,490   SOLD!

To shop the entire CHRISTMAS COLLECTION, CLICK HERE

Anyone who has met me knows I’m a “HUGGER”, so our friendly snowman is offering a BIG HUG to all who view the Christmas scene. And don’t let anyone tell you that the “Good Guys” never wear Black Hats. Jack had a beautiful Black Stetson; my heart fluttered and skipped when he wore it! In fact I’ve used his cowboy hat as the model for my snowman’s, you can even see Jack’s signature paintbrushes stuck in the hatband! Just click on the picture to see an enlargement!

To purchase “It’s a Santa Fe Christmas” CLICK HERE

“Whisper of Wings”

Hummingbirds dance in a “Whisper of Wings” around this colorful garden. I bet someone on your gift list loves these zippy birds; this Senkarik Original Oil Painting will bring them smiles for years to come.

Painted Image 11″ x 11″  Outside of Signature Frame 16″ x 16″

REGULAR PRICE $690

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $620

CLICK HERE to purchase “Whisper of Wings”

“Chili Cascade”

Bring a touch of the spicy Southwest to the home of someone on your gift list with “Chili Cascade”. Or maybe you’d like to add a bit of spice in your own kitchen! The painted image measures 15 inches x 19 inches and is framed in our Senkarik/White Signature Frame. The outside dimension of the frame is 20 inches x 24 inches.

REGULAR PRICE $1,690

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $1,490

CLICK HERE to add “Chili Cascade” to your Santa’s Bag!

“Simply Sunny”

Painting this sweet burro in Santorini, laden with sunflowers, made my soul feel “Simply Sunny”. Give a Burst of Sunshine to one lucky person on your Christmas List and magically transport them to sunny Greece!

Painted Image 11″ x 11″  Outside of Signature Frame 16″ x 16″

REGULAR PRICE $690

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $620

CLICK HERE to purchase “Simply Sunny”

“Allure of Amalfi”

The azure waters of the Amalfi Coast invigorate one’s senses. Give the “Allure of Amalfi” as a gift; the recipient’s happy heart will thank you every time they view the majestic scene of the famous Italian coast! Or perhaps you’ve traveled this beautiful area and would love to color your wall with warm memories of your trip.

Painted Image 11″ x 11″  Outside of Signature Frame 16″ x 16″

REGULAR PRICE $690

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $620    SOLD!

CLICK HERE to purchase “Allure of Amalfi”

“Hearty Welcome”

A heart shaped chili pepper wreath greets visitors with a “Hearty Welcome” at this cheery entry gate. What a unique and long lasting way to say “I Love You” to that special someone on your Christmas List!

“Hearty Welcome” is painted in a gallery wrap style with the image flowing from the front of the 16 inch x 16 inch canvas, over the edge and onto the sides.

REGULAR PRICE $990

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $890     SOLD!

To add “Hearty Welcome” to your Santa’s Bag just CLICK HERE!

“Peaceful Valley”

Ah, take in the view from this fragrant, flower filled terrace overlooking the serene Napa vineyards. “Peaceful Valley” is painted in a gallery wrap style with the image flowing from the front of the 16 inch x 16 inch canvas, over the edge and onto the sides.

Here’s a closeup of the tiger striped kitty mesmerized by the Orange Sulphur butterfly lazily floating above him.

REGULAR PRICE $990

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL PRICE $890

To Purchase “Peaceful Valley” for that kitty or wine lover in your life CLICK HERE!

Christmas is quickly approaching! So make your selections as soon as possible, I want to make sure your Senkarik Original Oil Painting(s) arrive in time for your Holiday gift giving!

CLICK HERE To shop the entire CHRISTMAS COLLECTION!

THANK YOU for Shopping with me and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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