Garden of Weeden

Tiger

2012-01-25T18:16:00.000-05:00

I still have much to learn in painting fur but I certainly enjoyed working on this tiger. He is an 8x8 inch watercolor.

Many thanks to bridgetds at Flickr.com for allowing me to use the photo for reference.

1st Painting of the New Year!

2012-01-09T19:08:00.000-05:00

I think that I have almost forgotten how to post. My DH has had repeated hospitalizations since the end of September the last one being the day after Christmas until this past Wednesday. While I haven't had time to work on a large painting, I did manage to finish this little 8x8 painting, working a few minutes here and there at the dining room table. This adorable puppy came together literally one spot at a time. I have mounted it on board and am in the process of varnishing it. Once varnished and framed I will post another picture. Thanks for looking! I hope that every one's New Year is starting off with renewed hope and creativity. Thanks to Maja Dumat - flickr.com for the reference photo.

Mockingbird

2011-08-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

This is the 4th project from my Susan Bourdet online class (I haven't completed project 3 yet). This little mockingbird made itself at home on the front porch one cold winter morning and I just happened to have my camera when I opened the door. I combined several reference photos to get the begonia to look good (they get a bit ugly in the winter - I guess they don't like being shut up either). I really enjoyed all of the detail in this one and the background was really fun to create.

Morning Glories

2011-07-22T13:35:00.000-04:00

This is the second project in my online class with Susan Bourdet I had taken some lovely pictures of morning glories growing on my garden fence and previously had attempted to paint them but the painting went in the trash bin. This class gave me the opportunity to attempt morning glories again and I am much more pleased with the results. The painting is 20x20 inches. I hope everyone has a great weekend! My next project - passion flowers.

Art of Change - Showcasing the Best of Summer

2011-07-15T19:31:00.001-04:00

I wanted to share the postcards that are being sent out from Haven Hospice in Lake City for our art exchange. They chose my seashell painting to go on the cards! I would be delighted to see any of you that are close enough to attend the event.

Lion Finished

2011-06-30T10:38:00.000-04:00

I have finished the lion (watercolor, 5x5inch). I knew that I would have to add a bit more detail than I had on the previous WIP. Hopefully I have been able to add enough detail to make me comfortable without totally losing the freshness of the painting. Thanks for following along with the WIP. I appreciate all of your comments.

Lion WIP II

2011-06-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

Here is an update. DH is telling me not to do a whole lot more to it. He likes what the watercolor paint has done. I am to much of a control freak to totally leave it alone but I am going to try to not get so carried away with the detail this time.

Lion WIP

2011-06-23T12:13:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to show that I am still painting. This is a 5x5 inch WIP. I am just laying in the initial washes at this point. I will try to update again this weekend.

Giveaway Winner!

2011-06-17T19:07:00.000-04:00

Nora from SC won the "Sunny" print. Here is a link to her blog - http://norapaints.blogspot.com/ I want to thank each of you that entered the drawing and remember to check back because the 3rd Quarter giveaway will be posted soon!

2nd Quarter Giveaway!

2011-05-21T19:26:00.000-04:00

I believe that it would be a good idea to have the 2nd quarter giveaway before the 2nd quarter ends - lol. I will be giving away a framed 5x7 inch print (double matted to 11x14) of "Sunny" this time. Sunny used to brighten up my studio. He was very social and seemed to enjoy watching me paint. If you would like to enter the drawing for "Sunny" just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net and put Giveaway in the subject line. The drawing will be on June the 17th. Good luck to each of you.

Sunflowers

2011-04-23T18:10:00.000-04:00

Many of you may remember that I mentioned I would be taking an online watercolor class. This is my first project - Sunflowers!

The one on one online tutoring is taught by Susan Bourdet - http://www.susanbourdet.com/ For information about her tutoring class, go to her website and click on the "Workshop" link.

This is not a cookie cutter class. She evaluated my work, we discussed my plans/goals and we picked up at the skill level I was currently at and we are working from that point. I am using my own reference photos and I am very pleased with my first project. There will be 10 projects total. Morning Glories are next!

butterfly Finished

2011-04-11T18:37:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of the finished butterfly. It has been framed and dropped off at Haven Hospice today. I hope you have enjoyed the WIP.

WIP V Butterfly

2011-04-08T18:21:00.000-04:00

Nearing the finish! Here are two more WIP pictures. I should be able to finish this one tomorrow! Now for a name..........

WIP IV - Butterfly

2011-04-03T19:39:00.000-04:00

I am still working on the leaves. There are things that I would do differently if I had more time and I just might redo this one later. I am hoping to get started on the star of the show very soon.

It is also time to post a 2nd quarter giveaway and I will do that once I have finished this project. I haven't forgotten!

WIP III - Butterfly

2011-04-01T18:15:00.000-04:00

I am still working on the first glazes on the leaves and put in the flowers. Maybe I can get started on the butterfly tomorrow.

WIP II - Butterfly

2011-03-31T19:28:00.000-04:00

I have added 4 to 5 additional layers on the background. Working with the time limits that I have I am keeping the background simple. I have started working on the leaves and hopefully will have another update tomorrow.

WIP Butterfly

2011-03-28T16:57:00.000-04:00

Can you believe that i am actually posting a WIP painting? I am on a very short deadline for this one and I hope that I can pull it off. It is a donation for a Hospice fundraiser. I just have the first layer on the background and it is so wet and humid today that it isn't drying so it will be tomorrow after work before I can continue. Yes, I know that it is in the ugly stage but I am hoping that it will get better. The finished painting will be 7.5x19 inches.

Lost Pigeon?

2011-03-19T16:43:00.000-04:00

Here is a picture of a lovely pigeon that has stayed the afternoon with us. There is plently of fresh water and bird seed so I hope that she/he is just resting and refreshing before going home. I took a picture of the yellow band on his leg but I have no idea of who I would contact with the info. Hopefully he will head home soon.

SWAP Painting

2011-03-13T16:36:00.001-04:00

I am a member of a Swap Group and paintings are exchanged quarterly. I received this painting from Susan in AZ and wanted to share it with everyone. She used acrylic ink for the shadow under painting and then painted the greens on top. It is a fun group to be a part of and I have received some lovely paintings.

Spring Discoveries

2011-02-28T10:45:00.000-05:00

I believe this is a female belted kingfisher. While the range maps say that they are in the area year round, I have not seen one in my backyard before today! I only have a point and shoot but it has a pretty good zoom and I was able to get a good enough picture to identify it.

Also another picture of spring blooms. The tulip magnolia is now blooming. It went from tiny little buds to open blooms in about 3 days. Amazing!

Signs of Spring II

2011-02-25T19:21:00.000-05:00

I am really working on a painting. Actually, I am working on several paintings but I have nothing to show you yet. Finally there are some signs of spring in my own backyard. The peach tree is blooming! The weather is warm. The days are getting longer. I am very happy.

Spring Is On The Way

2011-02-12T16:20:00.000-05:00

My spirit could wait no longer, so I went to WalMart and purchased a bit of Spring!

January Giveaway Winner!

2011-01-28T17:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Barbra Joan http://art-hearts-place.blogspot.com/
She won the original watercolor "Desert Rose"
Check out her blog because she does beautiful work.
Congratulations Barbra Joan and thanks so much for your support and encouragement!
The next (2nd Quarterly) giveaway will be announced on April 1st.

WIP VII -Seashell - Finished?

2011-01-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

I think that I am finally about finished with the seashell. It has been too cold to work in the studio (it has AC for summer but normally I can get by with a little electric heater in the winter) so I brought it inside and took over the dining room table. I have found that there are many more interruptions in the home than when I am "hiding" in the studio. There are some things that I would do differently if I were painting it again but I do like how the shell itself turned out and I am proud of myself for painting something larger than 5x7 (it is 24x18). Comments and suggestions are always welcome.

Goodbye Sam

2011-01-08T19:01:00.000-05:00

It is with great sadness that I write this post. Sam our 9 year old bull dog went on a walkabout on New Years Eve and never returned. He was a rescue dog and one of the best natured and sweetest dogs that we have ever owned. He wasn't always real smart, in fact we joked that he had one brain cell and rarely ever used it but he was a sweetheart.

We miss him but especially Babe Girl is having a very difficult time. He was already with us when we brought her home (another rescue) and she teethed on his ears and promptly henpecked him. He always let her have her way and protected her and she is devastated.

Sam had a good life here with us and he so loved running free and swimming. Bye Sam..........

January 2011 Giveaway

2011-01-01T15:41:00.000-05:00

I wish you all a New Year filled with good things! May the excitement of new beginnings stay with you throughout the year.

I have spent quite a bit of time evaluating the direction I would like to take with my art this coming year. First, I am really excited about an online watercolor tutoring class that I will be taking. I will let you know more about it as I get started. I have also decided that at least for this year to do quarterly giveaways. This will allow me some extra time to work on developing my painting skills.

"Desert Rose" is the first giveaway of the year. It is an original watercolor, 8x8 inches, double matted and framed in a narrow black frame. Send me an email to vgreene@windstream.net with January Giveaway in the subject line to be entered into the drawing. The winner's name will be drawn on January 28th. Best of luck to each of you!

Blessings

Vicki

WIP VI - Seashell

2010-12-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

I am trying to finish this one up by the end of the year. I am hoping that the reflection goes a little faster but at least I have made some progress.

A very special Merry Christmas wish to all of you!

WIP V - Seashell

2010-12-13T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, this is were I am stopping until the coming weekend. As I look at the picture, my thought is that I should see more happening for the number of hours that I spent with it but it is progressing and I think that once I finish the shell part the reflection will go a bit more quickly. It is really very cold here in North Florida so I know that many of you must be frozen in. Stay warm and have a great week!

WIP IV - Seashell

2010-12-11T17:42:00.000-05:00

A little more progress on the seashell and a picture of Babe Girl in her sweater.

WIP III - Seashell

2010-12-06T08:07:00.000-05:00

Well I still haven't taken my computer in to the shop but my computer smart sister made some suggestions over the phone which have seemed to help quite a bit. I am glad that someone in the family has a computer brain.

I am still working on the seashell but progress is slow. It seems that the colder the weather gets, the slower I work.

WIP - Seashell

2010-12-03T09:00:00.000-05:00

I am having some computer problems that will require me to take it into the shop so I will not be doing a giveaway this month since I do not know how long I will be without computer access. My apologies to my subscribers and followers.

I want to leave you with an update on my shell painting. This is where I am at now. So far, so good and a long way to go.

New Painting WIP - Seashell

2010-11-29T09:05:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since I posted a new painting. I had a few days off from work around the holidays and I started this one. It is 18x24 inches and that is a very large painting for me. The reference photo is from WetCanvas and I have just started putting some color in the shell. The shell and reflections were masked and the background has about 10-12 layers of thin color and then a bit of splattering on the foreground sand. I am continuing to slowly work on the snow leopard also and will post an update soon.

Trip to the Zoo

2010-11-21T15:18:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Cindy and I took a trip to the Jacksonville Zoo. Armed with our cameras, we spent the day shooting animals. The weather was beautiful and we returned tired but with our pictures. Here are a few shots for you to enjoy!

If you are ever in the North East Florida area the Jacksonville Zoo is a nice spot to visit.

And The Winner Is .............

2010-11-12T18:14:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Patricia in KY for winning the November giveaway. I appreciate everyone that entered the drawing. Check back on December 1st for the next giveaway!

Additional work on the Snow Leopard

2010-11-08T15:37:00.000-05:00

It has been quite a while since I worked on this painting but I did accomplish a small amount today. The first picture shows the watercolor underlayers and in the second picture I have started some work with colored pencil on the nose, mouth, lower jaw and paw. It is 5x5 inches.

November Giveaway

2010-11-01T10:27:00.001-04:00

November is here and it is time for another giveaway! I am trying to think ahead and so I will be giving away 2 boxes of Christmas Cards this month. I haven't painted my cards for this year (I didn't think that far ahead) so I will be giving away a box of "Sandy Canes" and a box of "Wise Men Still Seek Him". Send an email with November Giveaway in the subject line to vgreene@windstream.net and you will be entered into the drawing. The winner's name will be drawn on November 12th. Good luck!

Passion Vine

2010-10-29T14:42:00.000-04:00

The weather is perfect! Sunny, soft breeze, cool and the butterflies are everywhere. Their favorite today seems to the the Lady Margaret passion vine. I could not resist taking a few shots and wanted to share with you. It would make a beautiful painting, wouldn't it?

New Site at Fine Art America

2010-10-17T17:52:00.000-04:00

I am trying to be more organized and I have decided that I can't always do everything myself. Having reached this conclusion I have created a site at Fine Art America for prints and cards. The address is http://vicki-greene.fineartamerica.com/ I have also put the link on my sidebar for anyone that might want to visit me there.

I have been very busy recently and feel like I have ignored my blogger friends. Hopefully I will be able to post and visit more now. I have completed setting up a blog for my local Art League over the last couple of weeks and started a facebook page. I also celebrated my 27th Wedding Anniversary and Birthday this weekend!

Hopefully I can get a work in progress going and share with everyone real soon. I just wanted to let everyone that follows my blog know that I appreciate you and I haven't forgotten you.

October Giveaway Winner!

2010-10-15T19:13:00.000-04:00

Kathy from Indiana won the print "Conte du Renard". Congratulations Kathy! Kathy has been entering the giveaways for quite some time now and I am glad that her name was drawn. Check back on November 1st for the next giveaway.

October Giveaway

2010-10-01T15:57:00.000-04:00

October 1st is here already! I hope that you will enjoy the giveaway this month. A print of Conte du Renard will go to the luck winner whose name is drawn on October 15th. Send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with October Giveaway in the subject line and your name will be entered in the drawing. Good luck to everyone that enters! Have a great weekend.

Lisa at Kanapaha

2010-09-27T20:04:00.000-04:00

This is a painting from a photo I took of Lisa Lynne playing the Celtic harp at Kanapaha Botanical Gardens. I know that I have been rather quite on my blog but this little project has taken me about 3 weeks to complete. I will be entering the painting in an upcoming show and will let let everyone know the first part of December if it was accepted. I still have two more paintings to finish before the mid November deadline so I will continue to be a bit quite with my posting but I will be working hard to meet my deadlines.

Don't forget to check back on October 1st for the next giveaway!

What is in the Mystery Giveaway?

2010-09-17T17:27:00.000-04:00

I am rather intrigued by the response to the mystery giveaway. It seems that everyone loves a mystery and I had a much larger number of people enter the drawing. Robert in Tampa won the gift for September! Congrats Robert. The winning gift is a print of my colored pencil snow leopard (matted and ready to frame) and a little colored pencil original already framed. I really appreciate all of the encouraging comments and everyone that took the time to enter.

I may not be posting very much in the next few months because I am working on some paintings for a show. I will be posting the giveaway for October and if I manage to paint anything other than my show paintings I will share them with you.

Waterfall Painting & WIP Slideshow

2010-09-07T06:51:00.000-04:00

I set aside my snow leopard painting for the last couple of weeks so that I could work on a waterfall painting. Since most of my paintings are 5x7 inches and smaller, it is a large painting for me measuring 10x16 inches. The reference photo was taken by Nicholas_T who is an amazing photographer. Thank you so much Nicholas. The painting is done on board with india ink, watercolor and a touch of gouache on the water. It will be varnished and framed without glass or matting.

And below is a slideshow of WIP pictures - enjoy!

September Mystery Giveaway

2010-09-02T18:43:00.000-04:00

September 1st has passed and I failed to post a giveaway (sorry guys - it has been a busy few days). Since I am already late I have decided to do something totally different this month and post a mystery giveaway. If you would like a surprise gift, all you have to do is send me an email at vgreene@windstream.net with September Giveaway in the subject line and I will draw a lucky winner's name on September 17th. Good luck!

I Won 2nd Place & Update on Snow Leopard

2010-08-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

First for the good news! My angel fish painting won 2nd place in the ALNF's 6th Anniversary Show. There were pieces in the show that I would have rated more highly than mine but I am delighted that the judges gave me an award. I am excited about getting in the studio and painting today.

I haven't had much time this week to paint but I am posting a minor update to the Snow Leopard WIP. Hopefully I will get more accomplished on it this coming week.

Black Death - Mystery Novel

2010-08-20T18:51:00.000-04:00

I like to share exciting news about other artist and this is especially true when they are part of my own family. My favorite niece's (this has nothing to do with the fact that she is my only niece - lol) husband, Roy, has written his first novel and it is now published. I am so excited for him. It is a good read and I think that it would make a great movie. I am pleased to share this news with my artist friends and there is additional information and links below for anyone that might be interested in a good mystery novel.

Roy's mystery novel Black Death is now available in paperback and in e-book form for the Kindle. Here are the links:

Paperback copy: www.createspace.com/3470378

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DEATH-ebook/dp/B003ZK5P48/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1282218789&sr=1-21

Roy has been working on this for over two years. He is already working on the second book in the series that will also feature Grant Dalton and Robyn Kyser.

Giveaway Winner for August!

2010-08-16T14:51:00.000-04:00

The winner of the August Giveaway is Miach from PA. Miach has supported my giveaways since the beginning and I really appreciate her. Here is a link to her blog and although she does not update real often it is always worth the wait. http://micah-walkinginwatercolours.blogspot.com/ Congratulations Miach!

Snow Leopard WIP II

2010-08-12T19:33:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone can hang in there with me through the ugly stages and I do hope that I can pull this one out of the ugly stages. I dropped in a little bit of color just to get an idea of where I was headed with the leopard and then covered him with masking. I completed the background using black ink and watercolor. Now I am ready to work on the leopard.

Magnificent Petite #2 - Snow Leopard

2010-08-06T08:46:00.000-04:00

This is the second painting in my Magnificent Petite Series. I painted this snow leopard a while back in colored pencil and now I will be doing it with a combination of india ink, watercolor & colored pencil. The finished panting will be 5x5 inches. This is the very early stages of my WIP. I have the basic drawing and the beginning layers of color on the eyes and at this point will work on the leopard and then go back and finish the eyes toward the end of the painting. Thank you for joining me in the journey of the snow leopard.

August 2010 Giveaway

2010-08-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

It is time for another giveaway! I received many compliments on my Angel Fish painting, so for the August Giveaway I printed six notecards and I have named them Angels in the Ocean. The 6x12 inch painting format would not work on a 5x7 notecard so I cropped a section of the painting to create the cards. The cards come with six envelopes and are in a clear plastic box. The back of the card has the basic information about the card and my favorite scripture verse and the inside is blank. To enter the drawing send just send an email to me at vgreene@windstream.net and put August Giveaway in the subject line. The winner will be drawn on August 16th. Good luck to each person that enters!

Summer Daze

2010-07-24T16:25:00.000-04:00

On steaming hot summer days do you ever find yourself daydreaming about waves and cool ocean breezes? Summer Daze is a 5x7 inch varnished watercolor on board and she is dressed in a lovely frame with 2 inch molding (framed size 9x11). This painting is ready to take out of the box and hang on the wall. This is a great gift idea for your friends or yourself. Take a mental break and enjoy that ocean breeze.

Free shipping within the United States.

For purchase information click here .

Angel Fish

2010-07-23T08:18:00.000-04:00

I enjoy working very detailed in my paintings but sometimes after working hard on a detailed painting I find that I have a desire just to play with color and let the "details " develop with only a little help from me. Angel Fish is one of those paintings. I splattered, splashed and played with color. I had fun and the painting came together quickly. Now I am fresh and ready to start another detailed painting. I will be doing a second in my Magnificent Petits series. Stay tuned.........

Conte du Renard

2010-07-17T08:31:00.001-04:00

Conte du Renard is completed and dressed in a beautiful custom made frame. The painting is 5x5 inches and the framed size is 13x13 inches. This one would make a perfect gift, ready to pull out of the box and hang. Thanks to Domenico at http://www.flickr.com/photos/dominiqs/ for the reference photo. Monsieur Renard is painted mainly with transparent watercolor with touches of gouache and colored pencil and then varnished. As a special bonus I am including free shipping in the United States. For purchase information click here .

We Have a Winner for the July Giveaway!

2010-07-16T15:49:00.000-04:00

The winner of "Gardenia" is Christiane from Canada. She is one of my blogger buddies and here is a link to her blog: http://christianekingsley.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Christiane! Thanks to all that entered the drawing and remember that there will be a new giveaway posted on August 1st.

***************

Check back tomorrow for the final version of "Conte du Renard". Monsieur Renard will be dressed in a beautiful custom made frame.

Conte du Renard WIP - Update

2010-07-12T09:15:00.000-04:00

Here is an update on Monsieur Renard. The first photo I put in the background and the second photo is where I am at today. I believe I am getting close to the finish line on this one! Thanks to dominiqs @ flickr for use of the photo. Thanks for checking in everyone.

Fox WIP - Moving Forward

2010-07-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

I am moving along slowly but making progress. Here is the latest on "Conte du Renard". The photo reference is from dominiqs flickr photos under the Creative Commons Attribution License and a special thanks to him for a great photo. I guess it has become a mixed media painting since I have resorted to using a bit of gouache. Thanks to everyone for following along.

Fox WIP

2010-07-05T20:23:00.000-04:00

It has been quite a while since I have posted a new painting so I thought I would share what I am working on at the moment. This little fox had such a wonderful expression that just had to paint him. This is a 5x5 inch watercolor and I have many more hours to go before he is finished but this is a start.

SWAP #26

2010-07-04T08:24:00.000-04:00

I am a member of a watercolor group that does a quarterly swap. Names are drawn and paintings are sent, to and from, all over the world. Then the waiting begins to see the painting you will receive and who your SWAP Partner is this time. We all have a good time posting our paintings on the SWAP site and once all of the paintings are accounted for, Rhonda, the creator of the group makes a slide show so that we can sit back and enjoy all of the paintings for the SWAP. My partner has not received my painting I sent to him/her yet but I received my painting and wanted to share it with you. My painting is from Rhonda and here is a link to her blog - http://rhcarpenter.blogspot.com/

July Giveaway - Win a VickiG Original!

2010-07-01T07:13:00.000-04:00

This piece is called "Gardenia". It is a 5x7 inch watercolor that is mounted on a 9x12 gallery wrap canvas and then varnished. This is an original painting that you can take out of the shipping box, hang and enjoy immediately. I see that it looks a little bit crooked in the photo but that is my photography, not my painting.

Send me an email at vgreene@windstream.net with July Giveaway in the subject line and you will be entered in the drawing. The winning name will be drawn on July 16th. Best of luck to each of you!

Winner of the June Giveaway!

2010-06-18T15:42:00.000-04:00

Brenda K from Texas is the winner of the coneflower print for June. Congratulations Brenda! Brenda has supported my giveaways almost since the beginning and I am thrilled that she won.

I thank each of you that entered the drawing. Check back on July 1st for a new drawing.

Summer is a very busy time and I haven't done a lot of painting but I will try to have something new to post soon.

Giveaway for June

2010-06-01T19:27:00.000-04:00

It is time for another giveaway! This month I am giving away a 5x7 inch print of my coneflower painting. The print will be matted and ready to frame in a standard 11x14 inch frame. The drawing for the winner will be on June 18 and to enter the drawing just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with June Giveaway in the subject line. Good luck!

Bloggers Are Such Terrific People

2010-05-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

These beautiful tatted pieces are from Joy in Australia http://artbyjoymac.blogspot.com/ . I had commented on how beautiful her work was and she sent them to me. I am speechless, they are beautiful and of course I just had to grab a flower and take a picture for a possible watercolor. Thank you so much Joy, may the blessing be returned to you one hundredfold.

Photos From Home

2010-05-22T20:00:00.000-04:00

I do wish that I could include the wonderful rich lemony fragrance of this southern magnolia along with the photo. The first five years after it was planted it refused to do anything but finally the last couple of years it is starting to grow and bloom and it is delightful. On the other hand, the lotus has more than tripled its territory in one year and will probably cover the entire pond by next year but the blooms are so beautiful and I only planted just a couple of seeds (really, just a couple).

Blog Giveaway Winner

2010-05-15T17:38:00.000-04:00

The winner for the May Blog Giveaway is Jan from Canada. I have been very blessed with a group that is very supportive of my art efforts. They faithfully enter my drawings and send encouraging comments and helpful hints and have done so almost from the very beginning of my blogging. Jan is one of these wonderful people and she is very appreciated. Congratulations to you Jan, notecards are coming your way! Don't forget to check back on June 1st and enter the new drawing.

Flower Photos

2010-05-11T19:03:00.000-04:00

The summer flowers are getting started and I wanted to share a couple with you. This is my first daylily of the season and there are a lot of buds to continue the blooming for a while. Also my hibiscus have started to bloom. I have to keep them in pots and move them to the porch in the winter but they are worth the effort.

Have a great week!

Snow Leopard

2010-05-02T11:15:00.000-04:00

There is a local art show that I need to finish this painting for starting Thursday. So that means that I need to finish up today and frame it tomorrow before going back to work on Tuesday. I have painted very few animals and this certainly has been a learning experience. There are things that I would do differently but those can be tried on the next painting. Any suggestions for a title? Any minor changes that I can do quickly? I always appreciate critiques because that is part of the learning experience. Thanks for looking.

May Blog Giveaway!

2010-05-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

It is time for another giveaway and in celebration of finishing "Walk This Way" I am giving away a box of 5x7 inch notecards (6 cards/envelopes) with my 3 favorite doggie paintings. You will receive two of each - Walk This Way, Dog's Life & Nosey Neighbor. It is easy, just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with May Giveaway in the subject line to be entered into the drawing. A lucky winner's name will be drawn on May 15th. Best of luck to everyone!

Walk This Way - Finished

2010-04-25T13:34:00.000-04:00

I think I have finished "Walk This Way" unless someone sees something that is glaringly off. I had hoped to get a better picture but it looks as if it is going to continue to rain this afternoon and the photo was taken inside. This photo is close except that the water has a bit more color. The photo was a challenge for me to paint and I am pleased that I was able to complete it. You can click on the picture to see a larger version. The painting is 10x14 and painted on Fabriano SP 300lb paper. Photo is from Morguefile.

A Couple of WIPs

2010-04-19T15:53:00.001-04:00

I have been working very hard the last few weeks with my painting but just didn't seem to make much progress. I am posting a couple that I have been working on and hope to finish soon. You should be able to click on the picture to see a larger version.

I had started on "Walk This Way" last weekend and it went downhill fast and was thrown away. I have restarted and I think that I am at least improving over the first try. The photo is from Morguefile and I am doing this one in watercolor.

The snow leopard is a photo from WetCanvas and I have been working on it off and on since the first of the year and I do believe that I just might finish it in my lifetime - lol. I still have a very long way to go on it but progress is being made. The background is india ink and watercolor and the leopard is colored pencil. Once I have finished the body, I will go back and check the eyes. I think they need a bit more shading at the top.

The Winner for April Is...........

2010-04-16T17:42:00.000-04:00

The winner of the original watercolor for the April giveaway is Susan! Susan is another blogger friend that has been a great inspiration to me. Check out her blog at http://wcbysusanroper.blogspot.com/

Of course, I want to thank each of you that entered the drawing. I really do appreciate all of my followers and subscribers. Don't forget, there will be a new giveaway posted on May 1st. I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

The Survey

2010-04-12T19:01:00.000-04:00

I "finished" this one up this afternoon. I am sure that I will go back and do some touch up once I can look at it with fresh eyes. It is approx. 8x16 inches and the texture in the background was created by dropping rubbing alcohol in the damp paint.

April Giveaway!

2010-04-02T12:41:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally made it to North Florida and the day is beautiful! My hummingbirds have reappeared late yesterday afternoon and they are back today. I was beginning to wonder where the little hummers were.

This month I will be giving away an original 5x7 inch watercolor called "Searching". The drawing will be April 16th. To enter the drawing just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with April Giveaway in the subject line. Best of luck to everyone that enters.

SWAP Painting That I Sent Out

2010-03-25T11:33:00.000-04:00

This is the SWAP painting that I sent to my SWAP partner, Lenora in West Virginia. Her response was very kind when she received it. She said, "This painting is a soft sigh, executed with a brush and paint." Those poetic words felt good! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

My SWAP painting!

2010-03-22T13:07:00.000-04:00

I am a member of a watercolor group that quarterly does a SWAP. The paintings are not posted until the recepitent has received her/his painting in the mail. These painting come from all over the US and internationally also. It really is a delight to receive and to give and we all are very excited as we post our paintings! This SWAP I receive a painting from Susie Short from the state of Washington! She is a terrific artist and also has instructional DVDs on her web site @ http://susieshort.net/home.html

She just released a new DVD called "Making Waves" and I am excited to have received an original watercolor from her with one of these terrific waves! Now I want the DVD so that I can learn to paint my own waves! I just wanted to share my newest treasure with my blogger friends. Have a great week.

March Giveaway Winner!

2010-03-21T10:25:00.000-04:00

I am very pleased to announce that Micah won the "Flutterby" print for March. She has supported the giveaway since the beginning and I am so glad that I can consider her one of my internet/blogger friends. A link to her blog is below. Congratulatons Micah!

http://micah-walkinginwatercolours.blogspot.com/

Signs of Spring!

2010-03-06T18:33:00.000-05:00

While I spent most of the day in the studio framing some prints, I did take a few minutes this afternoon to enjoy the beautiful weather and take a few pictures. I do believe that SPRING is finally making an appearance. The birds were out in abundance and really enjoying the sunflower seeds I had put out for them. The little narcissus is the first flower to bloom in my yard and they smell so wonderful. The koi are looking good even if it has been a tough winter and of course, Babe Girl has to keep guard while Mon takes picutres. You can click on any of the pictures to see them larger. Hope you enjoy your weekend!

March Giveaway!

2010-03-01T20:14:00.000-05:00

It is March already so spring cannot be much further away! My giveaway for this month is a 5x7 print of "Flutterby". The print will be double matted and ready to go into an 11x14 inch standard frame. The drawing for the winner will be March 19. All you have to do is send me an email at vgreene@windstream.net with March Giveaway in the subject line. Best of luck to each of you!

Sunshine Award

2010-02-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks Christiane for this bright and cheerful Sunshine Award. I believe all of the people on my blog list deserve this one so this one is for all of you.
Check out Christiane Kingsley blog at http://christianekingsley.blogspot.com/

"Day's Work" won an award

2010-02-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I wanted to let my blogger friend know that "Day's Work" won an award (5th place) at the Art League of North Florida (ALNF) 5th Annual Member's Exhibit.
A special thanks to all of those that encouraged me to enter this one in a show.

"Day's Work"

Watercolor Batik

14x20

Photo by Jane James

used with permission

February Giveaway Winner

2010-02-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

The winner is...........Barbra Joan! Barbra Joan is one of my blogger friends and here is a link to her blog - http://art-hearts-place.blogspot.com/
When she entered the drawing she stated that she liked both of the cards so if she won she would take half and half. Congratulations Barbra Joan. Thanks to everyone that entered the drawing. I appreciate your support.

February Giveaway

2010-02-01T17:54:00.001-05:00

This is February and if I had been more organized I would have had a Valentine giveaway but I will save that for next year - lol. But I do have a nice giveaway for you this month. I am giving away a box of notecards and you even have a choice. The notecards are 5x7 inch and there are 6 cards/envelopes to a box. You may choose between "I'm Not Going Without A Fight" or "On The Way Home" or if you want three of each. Just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with February Giveaway in the subject line to enter. The drawing will be February 19. Best of luck to everyone!

Waterlily Finished

2010-01-25T10:37:00.000-05:00

I have really enjoyed completing some projects that have been with me for some time. This one did not turn out as I had envisioned it. I am sure that I will work with this idea some more in the future and see where it will lead. It is 14.5x8.5 inches on Fabriano SP 300lb paper. Ideas/comments/suggestions are welcome.

Watercolor Batik

2010-01-22T17:50:00.001-05:00

Inspired by various batik post on Deb Ward's http://debwardart.blogspot.com/ and Sandy Maudlin's http://sandymaudlin.blogspot.com/ blogs, I decided to give this one a try. The photo is by Jane James and she had posted it on Watercolor Workshop several years ago and allowed the group members to use the photo. You may have seen several beautiful watercolors based on this photo by various artists. When I looked at the photo it seemed to cry out to be painted in watercolor batik style. It has taken me several months off and on to complete and somewhere along the way I seemed to loose track of my values but it is finally finished. I think I probably should have choosen a less complicated photo to practice watercolor batik but I do love a challenge. It is painted on rice paper and wax is used as a resist. Once the wax is ironed off of the painting you are left with a lovely transluent watercolor that has wonderful texture. You can click on the picture to see it larger.

The First Winner in 2010!

2010-01-15T06:57:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Kylie & Robert for winning "I'm Not Going Without A Fight".

I had a wonderful response to this painting with many entries and I want to thank each of you for joining in the drawing. Your entries and kind comments help keep me motivated and I appreciate each of you.

Don't forget to check back February 1st for the next giveaway.

Waterlily WIP

2010-01-10T14:58:00.000-05:00

The sun is shining today but the temp is still quite cold for North Florida so this painting will have to wait until next weekend for additional work. I don't know if you can tell much about it but it is a waterlily showing the reflection on top of the water and then showing underneath the surface of the water. I still have the lily pads and water hyacinth leaves to add and the defining of the white lily petals. This is painted on 300lb Fabriano Soft Press paper. I started my first one on Lana 300lb but had covered the top part of the paper with frisket film while painting the bottom and when I removed the frisket film the surface of the paper was very damaged so I began once again on a different paper. Size: 8x15 inches.

Thank You Rhonda & My Current WIP

2010-01-09T15:20:00.000-05:00

I want to thank Rhonda for my wonderful suprise package I received in the mail! It included a painting 5x7 (picture included), various note cards, stickers, and art supply samples. It was so much fun going through the items in the package. When you win a giveaway on Rhonda's blog, you win big! Thank you Rhonda. Here is a link to Rhonda's blog: http://rhcarpenter.blogspot.com/

What a bright spot in a cold, cloudy day here in Florida.

I had wanted to show you my new painting but I doubt I will get it finished this weekend. My studio is just to chilly to work comfortably even with an electric heater. I might post a WIP if I make any progress at all.

January Art Giveaway & Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:15:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

This is my one year anniversary for the monthly blog giveaway. And above is the giveaway painting for January called, "I'm Not Going Without A Fight". The reference photo is from deel34 at Flickr. Her photo is under the Creative Commons and this crab's attitude was something I just had to paint. It is an original 5x7 inch watercolor and will be shipped without mat or frame. To enter the drawing just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with January Art Giveaway in the subject line. The drawing for the winner will be on January 15.

I have taken some time to evaluate the monthly giveaway and I want to continue them in 2010 but with a few changes. I think that it may be a bit stressful to try to paint an original for each month so I will give away an original each quarter (January, April, July & October) and then will give away a print or box of note cards on the other months. I do hope that each of you will continue to enjoy and participate in the monthly giveaway. Each of you (my subscribers, followers and even random visitor) are appreciated.

I pray that your 2010 will be filled with blessings. I am excited and looking forward to growth and accomplishments this year. I have some wonderful painting ideas and I am jotting down notes and working on reference photos and sketches.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish each of you, my subscribers and followers, a very wonderful and blessed Christmas. I appreciate the encouragement and support that you have given to me in 2009 and I am looking forward to 2010.

With all of the rush and prep for this holiday season let us not forget to take some time to reflect on the greatest gift of all. The reason that we can celebrate - Jesus, the reason for the season!

The Winner Is.........

2009-12-05T14:19:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Karen from California. She won the December giveaway. I once again want to thank everyone that entered the drawing and supported me with your kind comments. Please check back on January 1 for the first 2010 giveaway! May your Christmas be filled with love, joy and peace.

December Giveaway

2009-12-01T07:14:00.001-05:00

It is December 1st already! This giveaway is a little bit different. The drawing will be on December 5 so you have less time to enter. The holidays are so busy (as is the post office) that I will mail this early and avoid the stress of postoffice lines later. The giveaway is a 4x6 magnolia matted to 8x10 and in a black frame. As a Christmas bonus I will be including a box of notecards (6 cards w/ envelopes). Best of luck to each of you!
To enter send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with "December Giveaway" in the subject line.

Second 2009 Christmas Card

2009-11-29T08:15:00.000-05:00

This is my more traditional card. On this one I used a reference photo from WetCanvas and changed the rocks in the background to sky. The painting is 5x7in.

First 2009 Christmas Card

2009-11-28T11:18:00.000-05:00

I am doing two Christmas cards this year. One will be more playful and one more traditional. You have ideas like this when you live in Florida and see more sand than snow. I am about half way through the second painting and plan to work on it some more today. I hope that everyone had a very blessed and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

A Photo WIP

2009-11-22T10:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I started working on the annual Christmas photo of my doggies (Babe and Sam) but I do not think they are in the Christmas spirit yet. It is raining today but the next sunny day I will try again. They finally ran to DH for protection.

November Giveaway Winner!

2009-11-21T12:34:00.000-05:00

Dottie from Florida won the November Giveaway Painting! Dottie is one of my local artist friends. Congratulations Dottie! Once again, I want to thank each of you for entering the drawing. Check back on December 1 for the next giveaway.

Pears in colored Pencil WIP VIII - FINISHED!

2009-11-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

I think it is FINISHED! I will post it here and leave it unsealed for a couple of days just in case anyone notices anything that needs adjusting. I really appreciate your patience in following along on this one. I had no idea it would take so long to do. Since last time I added a bit of color to the pears, completed the stems, add some reflected color in the shadows and adjusted the color in the bottom rim a bit.

Pears in colored Pencil WIP VII

2009-11-14T16:24:00.000-05:00

I am getting much closer to the finish! Now that I have completed the colander I believe that I need to go back and add some more color to the pears. What are your thoughts? Of course I still have the stems and some more work on the rims and shadows too.

Pears in colored Pencil WIP VI

2009-11-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

Moving slowing along. I am starting to feel like I should apologize that this one is taking so long but I really don't want to rush it (you are probably thinking there is no chance of that - lol). I am also working on several watercolors and maybe will be able to post at least one of those by next weekend. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

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I also would like to share with you a couple of paintings that have recently sold. I am so blessed to be an artist and it brings me joy when others want to purchase one of my paintings. Croatian Stroll 10x14 watercolor (many of you watched me take months to do this one step by step) sold through the Haven Hospice in Gainesville and Ocean Swim 16x20 on watercolor canvas was a direct sale through my studio.

Pears in Colored Pencil WIP V

2009-11-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

I am really pleased to be able to post progress on my colored pencil pears. The last progress post on these was Sept. 28 so it has been a while. I think I am about through with the leaves and background but have many layers to go elsewhere. Thanks for looking. Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

November Painting Giveaway

2009-10-31T19:04:00.000-04:00

The Blue Door

5x7 Original Watercolor / Pen & Ink

Here is the giveaway painting for November. The drawing will be November 21 and to enter just send an email to vgreene@windstream.net with November Giveaway in the subject line. Best of luck to everyone!

Let me introduce you to Eve

2009-10-21T20:36:00.001-04:00

I got to meet one of my email/blogger friends on Monday. Eve is a delightful and hard working artist who I met via email during my first Hospice show about a year and a half ago. She works in oil and acrylics. You can visit her blog here - http://artbyeve.blogspot.com/. I really enjoyed getting to talk with her in person and she is very generous with all sorts of helpful information. We had lunch and then I had the honor of visiting her home and studio. A wonderful studio it is with plenty of light and room to work. I also met Rambo and he welcomed me with a kiss. It was a very enjoyable day. I have included some pictures of Eve, Rambo and myself.