"XOXO" - 3 x 3 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

"XOXO" - 3 x 3 inches - oil on canvas

Happy Valentine's Day!  Congratulations to Sheila Youd who won my February give-away just by being on my mailing list.  She will receive this original painting.  You can sign up too by putting your email into the box on the right side of this blog and click the "subscribe" button.

I like the simplicity of this painting and decided to leave it at just one Sweethearts candy.  I also have to report that they changed the flavors of these candies and they tasted terrible!  But, it is fun to read the little sayings, "Be Mine", "Love Bug", etc. so I look forward to them every Valentine's Day.

Other News

On Thursday, Feb 23 at 7 p.m., I'll be at the Westford Museum talking about my book, "Paint the Town!" and giving a painting demonstration.  The talk is free but they ask that you register in advance by calling 978-692-5550.  I hope you'll join me.

I haven't been posting much lately since I've been working on a commission.  I hope to have it finished this week and will post it as soon as I get final approval.  If you are interested in commissioning a painting, contact me at LaurieGMiller@gmail.com.  I love to paint pets, houses and am open to any ideas you might have.

"Peppermints" - 6 x 6 inches - oil on canvas - SOLD

I found these peppermint candies in the bottom of my backpack.  I have no idea when I tossed them in but they looked pretty sad so I'm guessing it was quite a while ago.  Painting these mints was a bit of a challenge as I've never attempted to paint cellophane.

Like any new subject, the key is to focus on what you actually see as opposed to what you think you see.  I would have thought that the center of the mints were a very bright, white color.  However, the brightest color is the highlight on the wrapper and the mints are actually several shades darker.  My other observation is that the shadow under the mint is much darker than the shadow under the twisted cellophane wrapper.

In other news, congratulations to Jo Wray who won my January give-away!  To become eligible, sign up for my mailing list ... each month I randomly select someone to win.