Labor Day Break? by Pamela Blaies

Texas Lilacs and Lemon Slices

24" x 18"

oil on linen

I am enjoying spending time with my family this weekend. Mostly fun time, but today we are working on cleaning out the garage together. WAIT! Isn't Labor Day supposed to be a day to take a break from labor? Oh well, it's fun doing it together! Speaking of satisfying labor, this painting is one I finished last week. My focus on creating a more loose feel in my work is really inspiring me. It requires a careful consideration of edges and thoughtful placement of brushstrokes.

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Yesterday's Rose by Pamela Blaies

Yesterday's Rose

6" x 6"

oil on linen panel

I cut this rose to paint a little while ago, but didn't get to it that day. Today, I decided I wanted to put it in my composition. Alas, it was to pooped to party and began dropping petals left and right. I still loved its graceful shape and decided the fading beauty was the heart of this little piece.

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Teacup Collection by Pamela Blaies

Having Friends to Tea

6" x 6"

oil on linen panel

I love teacups and have quite a few in my collection. Here are some of them stacked and ready to set the table for tea.

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Teacups by Pamela Blaies

Baby's Breath and Blue China

5" x 7"

oil on linen panel

There is something about the shape of a teacup that draws me to it. I like the way the light reflects and shadows are thrown into and around the cup. Of course, I also love tea!

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Carving Out Time for Me by Pamela Blaies

Time for Tea

6" x 6"

oil on linen panel

I had a thousand things going yesterday, so it was tough to carve out time to paint, but I was determined. I headed to my studio, turned off all of the phones and felt like I was entering a spa. As I listened to music, the composition seemed to put itself together. I used a lot of paint and intentionally kept my brushstrokes loose. With my palette knife I gave juicy highlights to the lemons and sharp reflections on the cup with gold trim. This has turned out to be one of my favorites, it feels fresh and full of color and light.

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Painting with a Spray Can? by Pamela Blaies

Lemons and a Little Blue Bottle

16" x 20"

oil on canvas

OK, so I didn't paint this (one of my newest paintings of lemons and a little blue bottle) with a spray can. But, since my new studio renovation has begun in earnest and I've been covered head-to-toe in dust almost constantly, I thought I'd share a spray paint adventure with you. I've decided I will include our old refrigerator in the studio furnishings, but it was bright white - not exactly what I had in mind. After a trip to Lowe's and a few empty spray paint cans - "Voila!" a new fridge. Check it out below.

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Warm Light Effects by Pamela Blaies

Baby's Breath in a Blue Bottle with Lemons

24" x 20"

Oil on Canvas

This blue bottle has been fun to paint. I love the way light flows through it, subtly illuminating the beautiful deep blue and throwing colorful shadows, and how it reflects colors around it. I paired it with yellow lemons on a white napkin, but didn't want to give it a stark contrast. So I bathed the setting in warm light which softened the look just perfectly for me. Sitting on a worn, old table against the wall gives it a Tuscan feeling.    Ciao!

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