The last day of 2014 is also the end of this brief online challenge. There is potential for another challenge later, but for now I will resume my regularly scheduled program.

When I first started painting I painted from photos. The thought of painting from life or the out-of-doors was such an overwhelming thought at the time, yet now I find myself only wanting to paint from life or plein air. A photograph robs the stimulation of the senses that is part of the joy in experiencing the emotion you feel and convey in your work.

I found myself scrounging for a subject for my last challenge, looking all around for something that stirred my emotions. I sat still for a moment and there it was right in front of me, my dog sleeping so humbly on the couch. We carry such an emotional attachment to our pets and mine is no exception to constant spoiling and love.

I added some color around her with my coat and scarf, getting a look as I stirred her briefly from her slumber and took to the canvas. I had no rhyme or reason, while I listened to Richard Schmid on my tv, as to how I was going to paint it but just that I wanted the viewer to feel the emotions I have for this furry creature.

Rarely ever do I use such bold colors and I have to say it was quite enjoyable using some straight out of the tube and for once I didn't worry about whether this was going to be a good painting or a complete calamity. So often I find myself thinking before I paint, this one has to be sellable, and it places so much pressure that I often am extremely disappointed. I threw out all (well most) of the rules. There she is smack dab in the center of the canvas and on the horizon line, but she was where I wanted her to be.

So often I think we get so worked up over the success of a painting that we forget the importance of enjoying the process. Once I sat down and just went for it, I had so much fun playing with the color, and just putting it on the canvas and leaving it.

May your 2015 year be healthy, prosperous, full of color and love!

Nemea in Repose | 9"x12"

I am going to start off by admitting that I realize that I am behind yet again. The holidays are drawing nearer and the annual most stressful time-of-the-year has commenced. While trying to get as many projects done as possible outside of work, I am sorry to say my painting time has been sliced to a fraction at the moment, but I plan on catching up over the holiday break.

I have noticed lately that I have been drawn to more challenging subject matter, which is of course a good and a bad thing. Good for creating some brain work on how to tackle it, bad for frustration and potentially really bad paintings for a while, but that is how it goes.

One of my favorite quotes by Dan McCaw "There is no such thing as failed paintings, only failure to paint." is something I often think of when the going gets tough. It is important to remember that without failure there is no success, and if there is one thing I guarantee is that you will fail over and over again. It is those who accept this fact and use it as a learning experience and press on who will inevitably succeed. (I hope)

Weisenberger Bridge | 6"x8" | oil on canvas

Painting over old paintings is something I enjoy doing every now and then. I have never been one to waste a canvas or two, plus I just love the effect of letting the old painting seep through creating interesting variety and textures.

This week I played around with using thick paint. I pasted it on like butter and it was so interesting to see what different effects could be achieved using this technique. I must confess that I conserve paint far to often. Each tube is so expensive, to me at least, and I become afraid to use too much of it for fear of waste. Truth is I think I waste more paint this way, plus just look at those delicious textures that are created by using thick paint! How can you resist?!

The Dairy Barn | 7"x5" | $225