COLORFUL VISITORS

This is the last of the Trio of EMBRYOS or Baby Paintings I’m been commissioned to do for my Collector’s new Tiny, Travel Trailer! Come follow along on the start to finish PROGRESSION VIDEO.

COLORFUL VISITORS 6 inches by 6 inches EMBRYO

Cardinals always bring a smile to my soul. These COLORFUL VISITORS bring warmth to even the coldest of winter days! Sending Lots of Warm Hugs and Best Wishes for a Happy and Safe New Years! May Our Lord fill your heart and home with His Peace and Joy in 2023!

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

It’s hard to believe it’s CHRISTMAS EVE. A tradition for many at this time of year is to watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Most of us have probably seen it several times. I want to share a special story about this wonderful Christmas program that was written by Charlene M. Speer from “Christian Life Ministry”. So, take a little break from all your Christmas preparations, grab a cup of coffee, sit for a few minutes and enjoy.

________________

In 1965, Charles Schulz, a devout Christian and creator of the Peanuts comic strip, was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS featuring the Peanuts Characters. He agreed with one requirement, that they allow him to include the story of the birth of Jesus. Although the station’s executives were hesitant and tried to convince him otherwise, Schulz was insistent. As a result, for the past 50 plus years, millions of people have watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, heard the story of Jesus and “what Christmas is all about.”

It wasn’t until a few years back that I realized Charles Schulz had a “hidden message” in the film. Linus appears to be a child who seems to have some insecurities as he always carries a security blanket with him. In fact, Linus NEVER drops his blanket, except once….

While sharing the message of “what Christmas is all about,” Linus drops his blanket at the exact moment he says the words, “FEAR NOT!”

In this seemingly innocent moment, Linus delivers a powerful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. We are to “FEAR NOT”, for Jesus is born. We needn’t rely on material things for security, we have God with us, “Immanuel”, (Matthew 1:23) Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior – the true meaning of Christmas.

Awhile back, someone informed me, indignantly so, that Linus picks up his blanket at the end of the speech so my interpretation must be wrong. Well, he was right, Linus does pick up his blanket at the end of his speech. However, he “drops” it again later…

Amid big, bright, colorful, shiny artificial trees, Charlie Brown chose the least of these, a little, scraggly live tree with just a few branches. Shortly thereafter, Linus uses his blanket to wrap around the base of the tree and says, “Maybe it just needs a little love”. In that moment, the tree “awakens” and stands, tall and firm. A reminder that no matter who we are and how many mistakes we’ve made, a “little love” can make all the difference.

Let’s strive to “FEAR NOT” (Luke 2:10) and “Love one another” (John 13:34), not just at Christmas Time, but the whole year through.

________________

This is such a heartwarming story and wonderful reminder of what Christmas is REALLY about. A couple of mornings ago, God accentuated that message in the most beautiful way to me. I heard a bird singing very loudly outside my home. Looking out the small window in the upper part of my front door, I saw Mrs. Wren. She was sitting on top of my Christmas Garden Flag, her little body vibrating as she put all she had into a joyful song. I quickly snapped a picture, praying as the shutter clicked I wouldn’t disturb her solo. I don’t know if you can read the flag, but it says, “JESUS is the Reason for the Season.” I truly believe Mrs. Wren’s song was in Celebration of Our Savior’s Birth!

May your Heart and Home ALWAYS be Full of the Peace, Joy and Love of Christ!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Everyone!

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

WATCHFUL KITTY

Here’s the second of the trio of Embryos I’m collaborating on with my longtime collector, Jeana.

COME WATCH the video progression!

WATCHFUL KITTY 6 inches by 6 inches

The sweet Snowshoe Kitty is keeping a watchful eye on the zippy Hummingbird that has interrupted her nap! I’d just like to say how much I appreciate you following along and reading my blog! I’m blessed you are a part of my Team Senkarik Family.

With Big MERRY CHRISTMAS Hugs,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

LOTTA SPOTS

A Pumpkin, freshly harvested from the fields, is painted with combinations of Cadmium Orange + a little MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Red Light, Cadmium Orange + Cadmium Red Light, pure Cadmium Orange and Cadmium Orange + White. As you read through my blog, please keep in mind, you may click on any image to view it larger.

Colorful ears of Indian Corn add to the Autumn scene. Paint left over from the Chili Ristas and Pumpkin is used, as well as mixes of Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD, Cadmium Yellow Medium + Cadmium Orange and Cadmium Yellow Medium.

Cadmium Red Deep + Magenta, Cadmium Red Deep and Cadmium Red Light make the blossoms of Salvia at the base of the low ledge. The leaves are Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium.

Sunny yellow blossoms of Maximillian’s Sunflowers dance and bob in the gentle Fall breeze. They are painted with mixes of Cadmium Yellow Medium + Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow and Lemon Yellow.

Virginia Creeper Vine is often called “Sarza” in Santa Fe. It turns into a beautiful cascade of red and green leaves as Summer dissolves into Autumn. Here I’m using Alizarin Crimson + White and Sap Green + Lemon Yellow + White for the foliage.

NOW, we’ll begin on our sweet Dalmatian. After blocking in her eyes, ears and nose with Ivory Black, her coat is painted solid White with mixtures of MUD + White and MUD + Ultramarine Blue + Cadmium Orange + White. Pure White is used for the highlights.

Distinctive Dalmatian spots are added with Ivory Black, painted wet-into-wet over her white coat.

“LOTTA SPOTS” 6 inches x 6 inches

As promised, there are a “LOTTA SPOTS” before your eyes! Thanks for following my blog. Please feel free to ask questions in the comments section and have a delightful day,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

COLOR MATCH

Painting the adobe walls and weathered wood lintels over the door and window begins our session today. For those of you who are new to my blog, I’m using oil paints. The wall colors are made of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange + a little Cadmium Yellow Medium + White. To learn more about the Double Primary Color Mixing System I use CLICK HERE. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any image to see an enlargement.

Jeana sent the image above to show me the color she’d like for the door and window. The deep red purple on the far left (with the blue slash) is the one she prefers. We’ll use it for the shadow portion and the sample in the center for the sunlit part of the door.

After playing with various paints for a while, I came up with the following combination: Magenta + Ivory Black + White. COLOR MATCH!!!!

So let’s paint that door. The shadows are blocked in first, then the lighter portion is added.

The wrought iron door handle, made of MUD + Liquin Original, is highlighted with White + Ultramarine Blue.

Now for the window!

The tile floor is completely covered with mixes of MUD + Cadmium Orange + White, MUD + Cadmium Orange + a tiny bit of Pthalo Blue + White and Ultramarine Blue + White. Next, the lines separating the individual tiles are drawn into the wet surface with a fine brush dipped in a mix of MUD + Liquin Original.

The chili ristra, previously washed in with an oil mix of Alizarin Crimson + Liquin Original, is painted with Cadmium Red Deep + Magenta, Cadmium Red Deep and Cadmium Red Deep + White. The peppers are painted with thick strokes, sculpting their individual shapes.

We’ve moving right along! Thanks for following along today. We should finish up in our next session, hope you’ll come back to see “Spots appear before your eyes!”

With Colorful Smiles,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

Trio of Embryos

Today I’m beginning a new commission of Three EMBRYOS! Having started my art career in 1979 as a Medical Illustrator, this is the name Jack came up with for my mini paintings. He said they are BABY PAINTINGS, waiting to be born into larger ones! All three will measure 6 inches by 6 inches, painted on Cradled Panels with 1 1/2 inch sides. I’ve covered the edges with Black Acrylic, then taped them off so they won’t get messed up with any oil paint as I work on the front of the panel. A little of the Black extends on to the front, that way there won’t be any white gaps when the Blue Painter’s Tape is removed.

This piece is based on a much larger painting of mine that is shown in the center. Jeana has asked for some changes, she would like to replace the chickens with a Dalmatian. We’re going to change the color of the door as well. Because of the white on the pup, I’ll remove the white flowers at the base of the wall and add a few more red ones to provide more contrast. This will accentuate her spotted coat, allowing our pretty baby to shine!

The Basic plan is sketched on the Panel with a thin oil wash of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Liquin Original. A combination of Alizarin Crimson + Liquin Original is used for the Red Flowers and Chili Ristra.

The large leaves of Virginia Creeper Vine are washed in with Magenta + Liquin Original and Sap Green + Liquin Original.

The initial oil wash sketch is complete, we’re all ready to begin painting. Hope you’ll come back and follow along!

Thank you for visiting my studio and following along with me. I’d like to invite you to subscribe to my blog, you’ll receive an email every time I publish a new post. CLICK THIS LINK and scroll to the upper right side of the page. You will see a heading EMAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS. Just 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 one on the right for the next post or the title on the left side for the previous session.

I appreciate you subscribing to my blog! With Big Hugs,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

‘TIS THE SEASON!

CHRISTMAS is right around the corner. A gift adorned with a SENKARIK BILLBOARD OF HAPPINESS will bring smiles for years to come! Senkarik Mugs, Tote Bags, Greeting Cards, Flags, Phone Covers, Throw Pillows, Prints and several styles of Apparel are available.

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THEM ALL!

BRAND NEW!

CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS & REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS!

Decorate your Christmas Tree with “BillBoards of Happiness” Ornaments. The ornaments are approximately 4 inches tall, made of 1/2″ solid wood and come in six different shapes: hearts, stars, bells, ovals, trees and stockings. Each ornament includes a string for hanging on your tree and a magnet on the back for use on your refrigerator!

These make GREAT STOCKING STUFFERS TOO!

CLICK HERE to shop the entire Collection.

SENKARIK Coffee Mugs will warm the heart of every person who receives them! Select from OVER 60 IMAGES of my paintings! Choose the size of art and background color. Pick from Two Sizes, 11 ounces and 15 ounces.

They’ll enjoy their favorite hot beverage in a SENKARIK Coffee Mug. Add several to your Santa’s Bag, CLICK HERE!

WEEKENDER TOTE BAGS

Image is printed on BOTH SIDES of the large canvas bag; it’s 16 inches tall by 24 inches wide! Design how big you would like the SENKARIK ART to appear on your bag! You may even want to purchase one of these as a Gift to Yourself!

Give a splash of Happy Color with a SENKARIK WEEKENDER TOTE. CLICK HERE to SHOP.

Give Santa a hand. SENKARIK PRINTS make Wonderful Christmas Gifts! I’ve ordered some of these high quality reproductions to give to my friends and they are beautiful. Over 60 designs are available.

CLICK HERE to SELECT your PRINTS

All images are available in different formats from PRINTS on paper, canvas and wood. My pieces can even be printed on acrylic or metal panels! “Dancing in the Wind”, the painting above, is shown on a metal panel.

You may order your Prints framed or unframed. The sample above is “Colorful Captivation”. You have LOTS OF CHOICES. So, let your imagination run free. Select just the right piece or pieces for your recipient’s home. Or maybe even YOURS! One of the coolest decorating trends right now is to group several smaller pieces together on a wall! I have collectors who even hang my artwork in their bathroom!

Gift that special loved one with a PRINT to match the Ornament you gave them in their stocking! “WINTER’S MAGIC”, in a Gallery Wrap Style, goes with the Star Christmas Ornament shown at the top of the page.

CLICK HERE to SHOP.
SELECT YOUR PRINTS from over 60 Designs!

SENKARIK GREETING CARDS NOW AVAILABLE!

These measure 5″ x 7″ and the inside may be customized with your own personal message! Send them for all occasions OR purchase several and frame them to be displayed in a grouping on the wall.

Some of the images offered are perfect for your Christmas Cards.

To Shop entire Collection of SENKARIK GREETING CARDS CLICK HERE!

Do your shopping for everyone on your Santa’s List from the comfort of your own home. THANK YOU for making SENKARIK “Billboards of Happiness” part of your gifting this year!

There are A LOT more gift items to choose from. Check out the Phone Covers, Flags, Pillows and Apparel!

CLICK HERE TO SHOP ALL SENKARIK COLLECTIONS

 ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

CARESS OF SPRING

California Poppies spill out of the rectangular container. They were blocked in first with mixes of Cadmium Orange + Alizarin Crimson, Alizarin Crimson + Cadmium Red Light and pure Cadmium Orange. Then foliage, made of several combinations of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Orange + White, is painted around the masses of Orange in order to help shape to the flowers. Please remember as you read through my blog, you may click on any image to see an enlargement.

The Poppies were finished by delineating their deep centers with a mix of Alizarin Crimson + Liquin Original. Now, I’m blocking in the leaves of the Penstemon in the adjoining pot. This is done first because the tall spikes of the blooms tower above the foliage.

The Cadmium Red petals of the Penstemon glow against the warm greens of the Ptahlo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium leaves.

Turning my attention to the Wisteria, the twining vines are highlighted with some of the color remaining from the tile floor. Bracing against the mahl stick that is hooked over the top of my easel steadies my hand as I add the fine details.

Cheerful Sunflowers are blocked in with Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson), Cadmium Yellow Medium + MUD + Cadmium Orange and pure Cadmium Yellow Medium.

The broad leaves of the Sunflowers have been made with combinations of Pthalo Blue + Cadmium Yellow Medium + Lemon Yellow. Silver Ponyfoot Vine, painted with mixes left over from the foliage of the Poppies, cascades out from under the bright Yellow blossoms.

The distinctive large centers of the Sunflowers are added with MUD + Liquin Original.

Hollyhock blossoms are first blocked in with mixtures of White + Dioxazine Purple, White + Ultramarine Blue and White + Phtalo Blue + a touch of Lemon Yellow. The foliage is painted next, using mixes of Pthalo Blue + Lemon Yellow.

Pure White is used to highlight the sun-washed blossoms lining the tall stalks dancing in the gentle breeze.

“CARESS OF SPRING”

During our spring in the Hill Country of Texas, God paints the landscape with His beautiful wildflowers. His “CARESS OF SPRING” makes my heart jump for joy! I think that little Turquoise Gecko on the tile by the door is doing the same! I truly appreciate you following along with me on this painting. With Joyful Hugs,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com

Door, Floor and Pots!

You’ve probably wondered why I haven’t posted a blog on my Bluebonnet painting for a while. WELL, I spent Thanksgiving with my good friends and collectors, Cindy and Ron. They are the couple whose home was hit by lightning and burned. I went last summer to repair and restore their art collection. CLICK HERE to read all about that. Anyway, I had a few more things to do to complete the work on some of the paintings. So, they invited me to join them for Thanksgiving in their home that is now completely restored from the fire. Working trip, YES. But we still got some time to play at the beach!

Now I’m back and ready to pick up where I left off on the new painting for Pitzer’s Gallery in Wimberly, Texas. Red Door first. The shadows are painted with a mix of Cadmium Red Deep + Magenta, the sunlit portion is pure Cadmium Red Light. To view an enlargement of any image, just click on the picture.

After adding the wrought iron handle, the Wisteria blossoms draping down over the door are painted. The soft Lavender blooms, made of Dioxazine Purple + White, are accentuated by the deep red behind them.

Geckos are always a fun design that brings a welcoming and whimsical touch to a wall tile by the front door.

Now to the Saltillo Tile floor. The entire surface is covered with several mixtures, in various combinations of MUD (2 parts Ultramarine Blue + 1 part Alizarin Crimson) + Cadmium Orange + White, MUD + Cadmium Orange + a little Pthalo Blue + White and Ultramarine Blue + White. My goal in this step is to establish the light and shadow patterns on the courtyard floor.

Perspective lines are drawn into the wet surface of the floor with a fine liner brush dipped in a thin mix of MUD + Liquin Original.

The horizontal lines have been drawn with that same MUD + Liquin Original mixture. Here, I’m highlighting the edges of the individual tiles, illuminated by the sunlight streaming across the floor.

The rectangular container has been painted with some of the mixes remaining from the tile floor. The round pot to its left is made with combinations of MUD + Cadmium Red Light + White. The right edge of the container, opposite from the side the sun comes in, is made bluer with a mix of Ultramarine Blue + White. The cool blue makes the edge recede, giving the impression the pot is round.

We’ll be planting more flowers in our next session. Hope you’ll grab your gardening gloves and come give me a hand! With Beachy Smiles,

ALL SENKARIK IMAGES ARE PROTECTED UNDER INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT LAW

© Senkarik 2022

www.Senkarik.com