Orange Zest

I had a double art challenge this week.  The challenge was to incorporate texture as well as radiating lines.  Citrus slices would meet the challenge, and I don't think I use my orange paints often enough.  Orange is such a happy and energetic color, and I love the way the complements of orange and blue work together.

This was actually my second attempt.  The first one was a nighttime scene of a Ferris wheel and fireworks done with a palette knife. It was the perfect idea for texture and radiating lines! And, working with bright colors on a black canvas was so much fun.  Once it was finished, I could not stop looking at it. I think I was trying to decide if it was so loose and painterly that I should be proud of branching out... or if it was just plain tacky.  After a couple of days, I realized the truth... It was just plain tacky.  So... sadly, the lights went out on the carnival scene, and that canvas is now black once again.  The orange slices are much more "me."

Original Oil Painting on 6"x 8" Wrapped Canvas

To purchase this little painting, just click Orange Zest! 

Ruby Red Grapefruit

So simple... so mundane... so everyday... 
     Yet beautiful if only you'll take a moment see it.
          Next time you slice your grapefruit in half, look closely... 

The inspiration for this piece came from Sara's photograph "Roundabout" on Inspiration Collaboration.
She says she loves making intriguing photographs of things that most people wouldn't give a second thought to... everyday items seen in unique ways... 

I love that.

If you haven't already, visit Inspiration Collaboration. Maybe you'll be inspired to create something of your own and join in.  You'll be welcome!


** If anyone besides me is counting... This is my 499th painting!!!  
What will be next???

Original Oil Painting on 6"x 6" Wrapped Canvas
Click Grapefruit to purchase this little painting.

What Rhymes with Orange?

What rhymes with orange?

Nothing!

Some words are annoying; they refuse to rhyme!
It shouldn't be allowed; it should be a crime!

Roses are red, violets are purple...
... hmmm
Roses are red, lilies are orange...
...nothin'
Roses are red, bells are silver...
...uhhh
Roses are red, a poem has rhythm...
...nope...
Roses are red, of course, what else...
... but
Roses are red, a ring is a circle...
... uh
Roses are red, like beautiful music...
... un-uh
Roses are red, like the heart of a woman...
... really
Roses are red, I'll smile for a month...
... still no
Roses are red, so don't cause chaos...
... forget it

Roses are red, violets are blue,
Words that rhyme are the ones I'll stick to.

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Kiwi

Do you remember your first kiwi?

I do.  I didn't even know that kiwi existed until I was an adult!  My students were eating lunch in the classroom, and I noticed a student with an odd fuzzy brown fruit.  He took a bite and the inside was green.  Honest to goodness, I'd never seen one before that.  Not long after that discovered them in the produce section  and had my first taste.  Yum!  

I painted this kiwi for the February challenge on the Paint and Draw Together site.  I love seeing scrolling through to see all the varied artistic styles - and to think that they all began with the same reference image!

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Lemons II

Which tubes of paint have to be replaced most often? 

I paint with greens more than any other color.  It isn't really intentional.  I just paint what I know and what I love.  I like to paint things that look natural... landscapes, flowers where they're growing outside, kids engaged in something that holds their attention (often outside).  So that leads to using lots of greens.

I love green.  It's my favorite color, but sometimes I notice those other beautiful paint tubes that don't get squeezed often enough.  That's actually the reason I chose to paint these lemons.  I wanted to play with the yellow color family.  Blue is actually my least favorite color, (I know, I know... most people love blue best!) but it seemed like the perfect complementary color for my lemons.

Click Lemons, Lemons to visit an Etsy treasury (collection of related art pieces and vintage items) featuring lots of Lemons.

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Limes

What do you know about limes?

I can honestly say, I don't think I ever even tasted a lime until a few years ago.  I knew they were a green citrus fruit.  I knew from high school history class that sailors used to eat limes to keep from getting scurvy. And, I knew that Sonic made a great limeade.  
So, how did I go 40+ years without the flavor of lime!

I happen to believe that I make the best nachos... in the world... (Maybe that's because I make the best salsa.  Of course, I'm glad to share.  Just click  Salsa Recipe.)  But recently, the best just got better when I discovered limes!  Hold that perfect chip with cheese, meat, onion, tomato, and salsa in one hand, and hold a half lime above it.  One little squeeze... hmmm... Perfect-er!!

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Lemons

What is your favorite use for lemons?

Besides using them for a still life... That doesn't count! I love lemon flavored cake, lemon ice box pie, and frozen lemon aid. I love lemon drops, lemon Jolly Ranchers, and even honey-lemon cough drops. But when it comes to using real lemons... I like them squeezed over fried catfish, squeezed into fruit juice, and even squeezed over cheap frozen fish sticks!

Click the "Lemons" if you'd like to purchase this painting.

How about having the smell of lemon any time! I discovered these candles on Etsy. My mouth waters just to imagine the lovely smell they must have. Click "Lemonade Scented Tea Light Candles" to smell... I mean...see.