Saturday, August 27, 2011

Painting for Pleasure

I just finished a fun art project I had been working on for a while.

My mom found this great painting at Michael's and asked if I might be able to touch up the soft colors with more vibrant oil paints. 


I started painting about two years ago as a way to relax from all the studying I had to do as I began my Ph.D. coursework.


It's something I always have to look forward to when I get the urge to be creative!


"Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work"
~ Henri Matisse ~


I just love the distinct texture of oil paints, the brilliant hues it's possible to mix from the basics, and the soft scratching sound of the brush as the colors are carefully applied to the canvas. 



So when my mom asked me to work on this piece, I was excited to have the chance to take out my brushes, prop up my easel, and squeeze out some color onto my palette!




It was even more fun knowing that the painting had so much to do with our newest creative project...


Our BLOG! 


"Everything you can imagine is real"
~ Pablo Picasso ~ 


What fun projects have YOU been working on lately?  
~ Nel

21 comments:

Decor To Adore said...

Oh my! You have true artistic talent. Well done.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh Nel,
That is the first time I've seen it since I gave it to you. You did a fabulous job!! I am going to cherish this forever because I know how much time you spent on it. Thank you, my love. Now, you have to help me decide where I'm going to put it in my house. hehe
~Mom

Jenna said...

Hi Ladies! Wow! that painting looks wonderful now... great job and your mom loves it too as she has commented on how wonderful it is already :O) I love roses and it goes perfect with your blog. I never learned how to paint pictures, but I do paint ceramics..I think paint is the best craftin tool there is! have a wonderful weekend! hugs, Jennifer (I did change my blog a bit needed somthing a little different.)

Unknown said...

Oh, WOW, Nel ... this is AWESOME! What a beautiful creation you have created. Now if it were PINK ... I'm just sayin' ...

Have a beautiful weekend.
TTFN ~
Marydon

Becky said...

Oh Nel that is gorgeous.How lovely.Thanks for sharing lucky mom.

Happy weekend to all!

Yusuf Chowdury said...

wonderful painting. I like all of them.

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Great job on the rose painting! I love it! I used to paint with watercolor. Hope to get back into it at some point. Your painting of the lovey rose is inspiring! XOXO Kim

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Ooops! Lovely I mean! :)

Gloria e Rogerio said...

We love your blog, it's wonderful and we are following.
Super Glorinha kisses.
Creators earring star tetrahedron, fighting radiation from mobile phones.
http://sbrincos.blogspot.com

Ricki Treleaven said...

It's your header!!! I love it! This is great. You have posted great stuff while I've been away!!!

(((hugs))),
Ricki Jill

Draffin Bears said...

Beautiful work, love the pretty red rose and goes so well with the black and white background.
the quotes from Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse are great.

Have a happy new week
Hugs
Carolyn

Shine said...

Most beautiful!! Thank you for sharing your lovely talents~~~Shine

Tanya Bermudez said...

Creativity is soo important in life, this is really beautiful!

Christine @ Stonehouse Living said...

Hi Nel,

Very nice work, what a pretty rose!
Love the greens and added textures...
Thank you all for becoming a follower!
I really appreciate it!
All the Best,
Christine

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Oh wow! Nice job! Your description of why you enjoy it so much is very inspiring. I've always wanted to try it but have that "fear." Thanks for the blog post!

Tara said...

It looks great! I have always wished I could paint, but furniture and walls, not the canvas seem to be my forte!

Unknown said...

Pretty! I love what you did. I wish that I knew how to paint. I'm just working away on the Christmas Cards still! UGH! I'm going to be so sick of them.:)

~Liz

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your kind comments everyone! Jillian, I know what you mean about having that "fear." I was a little nervous to pick up painting with oils too, but I can't tell you how glad I am that I did. Even just messing around on the canvas with colors is so relaxing! I'd definitely recommend going for it if it's something you've been considering doing. ( :

Melissa said...

That turned out just beautiful!!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Nel, Oh this is fabulous. I love it and the colors are stunning. Your mom will love it. You are very talented. Thank you for sharing this wonderful inspiring piece.
Hugs from Texas, Celestina Marie

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

That is wonderful. Good job!!!! I've been painting lately too. Must be something in the air . . .