Township Road
This is from one of my photographs taken in Troy Township, MN. We’ve vacationed in northern MN for close to 40 years now (wow, just saying that makes me feel ancient!!), and I have accumulated boxes of photographs. The funny thing is that looking back over the years, nothing seems to have changed. Now that’s a good thing! We’ve traveled this road and many like it by auto, foot and horseback, and it never stops giving us pleasure. Here’s to another 40!!!
Marcia – Final Version with original photograph
I have finally decided to walk away and quit messing around with this one. The hardest aspect of painting is to just say “done” and not keep coming back at it. The only problem is for me to do that, I have to stop looking at it. So this one is off to the owner before I potentially ruin it by over-tweaking!
‘Til Further Advised, “Sisters”
Howdee, howdee! I bet you thought Gail and I had packed up and left for the Caribbean, huh? Nope, still here and slaving away over our paintings. - yeah, right. No, seriously, we have both been working on commissioned pieces. Both mine and Gail’s commissions are from black and white photos from someone’s past. Gail just posted hers recently (“Marcia) and I am posting mine today. Knowing how I am, I am sure I will give this painting a few more tweeks, but small ones if any.
Gail and I will be taking commissions on paintings created from black and white photos in the future, as it is definitely something we are both enjoying. Tomorrow we will sit down and figure out our pricing for future ones.
Also tomorrow, Gail and I will be working on the large mural that we and Brenda White started, uuuuuuuum, I don’t even know how many years ago …I don’t think Gail will ever be able to move from that house without cutting that mural out of the wall and taking it with her. It’s just one of those paintings that is full of memories that cannot be replaced.
Okay, enough with the talk. First, here is the black and white photograph from a dear friend in Florida…
And, here is the commissioned 18×14 oil painting…
So, before I close, remember, we will be taking commissions for black and white photos. Surely you have one that you’d love to have made into a painting that you can cherish forever. And, what a great gift idea! (and, I thought I wasn’t a salesperson??)
Prices will be available soon.
Smiling,
Leigh
Marcia
This was a commission to paint Marcia from an old black and white photo. It was very challenging but also exciting recreating this beautiful photograph. I am starting on a second painting of the same woman but in a different setting. My hope is that these paintings will evoke fond memories for Marcia and bring enjoyment to her daughters. Thanks, Bill, for trusting me with this task. Hope you like it!
Jealous!
Finished “Pink Bucket,” couldn’t help wishing I was at the beach with this young lady, gathering shells and soaking up the sunshine.
Gail and I will be working on commissioned pieces next week. We also have a few ideas brewing – excitement is mounting in our studios – can you keep a secret?
Smiling,
Leigh
Almost, But Not Quite
As anyone who knows me, or follows this blog knows, I can be a bit slow on production on occasion. Well, I am once again trying to pick up the pace, so just posting this one to let all know that I’m up and at ‘em and “almost, but not quite” done with “Pink Pale.”
Goldilocks and The Three Bears
Welcome to my attempt at illustrating a children’s story. As you can probably tell, it was quite a struggle and somehow I just couldn’t get these three little guys to look like the fuzzy furry little bears. Trust me, I struggled, I griped, and I repainted more than once. But still, all that came out of all the effort was “the three pears.” Dull little pears at that.
Sad, sad day in the Seten household
I have to say goodbye to my Christmas tree today. The rule of the house is that the tree comes down January 31 or when it becomes a fire hazard, whichever occurs first. Today is the 31st. Goodbye beautiful tree, and thanks for the countless hours of pleasure from the twinkling lights to the aromatic pine fragrance. Ten months until another will take your place. My heart is heavy!
Vase and Grapes
It has been sooo long since I have blogged, I almost forgot how to do it! Okay, so I am now officially renewed in spirit and enthusiasm. I finished this still life. I stressed and labored over it at times, but find that there is just something about still lifes that I do enjoy so I’ll be starting another. I received a commission that has me intrigued so we’ll see how that progresses. No hints yet! Life is good, always a challenge, but that keeps me on my toes. Onward and upward!!!!! Let’s see what the day has in store for me.
Vase and Grapes 11X14 Oil $200.00
Done Lucille!
Don’t faint, I’m keeping it short, really!
I finished the “Red Vase” on this cold wintry day. I am already planning another still life, much more fun than I’d have thought.
"Red Vase" 11x14 Oil on Canvas $200
YOU Make the Opportunities!
I am wondering if I should re-introduce myself after being absent for a bit too long? (along with my faithful sidekick, Gail, who checked back in before I did)
My Christmas vacation, of course an unpaid one, was admittedly a great one…have I ever had a bad Christmas? Well, I could tell you about the year my two gifts were a scale and a toilet seat, but, naa, I’ll let that one ride…maybe one day over a cup of java, eh? This year was the usual overbooked Christmas season capped off with a quiet Christmas morning filled with love, smiles and, as always sharing special memories of Christmases past.
I hope that you were as blessed as I was last year. I have no complaints.
So, all that said, it’s time to begin a new year. My plan is to welcome in 2012 with enthusiasm, a spirit of giving back, pressing forward on using the gifts that God has given me and to “cheer-on” every opportunity.
Um, I have one little thing to say about “opportunity.” We make them, if you want lots of good opportunities, get out there and make them for yourself. You, and only you, are responsible to make them happen for you! (Trust me, I am shouting this to myself.)
I am starting 2012 with a bit of a challenge to myself. I am giving the “still life” a go. I’ve never been much for still lifes, but I am surprisingly enjoying the challenge and already plotting and planning for the next one. This one is not quite done (you’ll notice, ha!), but thought I best show you that I am still at work…
"Red Vase" 11x14 Oil on Canvas $225
Autumn Blaze
Well, it has been a dry spell since my last post. . . . and last painting! Thanksgiving came, then Christmas, and my priorities took over – faith, family and food!! We had a wonderful Christmas. It actually is still going strong at my house – tree doesn’t come down until January 31 or when it turns into a fire hazard, whichever occurs first. Anyways, I just put the finishing touches on a commissioned piece. The request was for abstract and fall colors so here it is. Here’s to a wonderful 2012!!
Autumn Blaze Oil 2'X4' Sold
Do You Know?
Do You Know what famous artist was born in Italy, died in France in 1519, was left-handed, and penned his many writings with a mirror image script?
Hint - This is one of the artist's unfinished paintings.
Wedding Day
This was done from a photograph of my friend’s niece’s boys playing in the waves after her wedding ceremony!
Wedding Day 6"X6" Oil
“Slow Ride, Take It Easy”
Guess that best describes my painting. No, no, you’re wrong if you are guessing that I’ve decided not to paint as much. I’m still painting away. But, I am painting some larger works, still have some smaller ones that I am working on too.
I’m guessing no one (except our husband, kids and parents) would be the least bit interested in checking in all that often anyway. So, maybe this is good, huh?
On another note, if you are the “arty” type, you should check out James Gurney’s blog, Gurney’s Journey. It has some great information for many different creative areas and he makes you think, that’s always a good thing.
Another art blog is Lines and Colors. It has a variety of art and worth a visit when you’re wanting to explore the options that art provides.
So, just who sang “Slow Ride?”
Leigh
Gail
