30 Paintings in 30 Days

30 Paintings in 30 Days - The Wrap Up

Well.  Here they are.  All 30 paintings in the order that I painted them.  The red dot means the painting has sold.  Click here to view them online.

The last time I did a 30 paintings challenge, I was completely burned out by the end of the month.  This time, interestingly enough, I feel energized and inspired!  I'm looking forward to starting some larger pieces.  As always, I learned something from each painting and continue to grow and sharpen my skills. 

With this challenge, I was much more prepared and organized which made the challenge much easier.  There is so much more to do than simply painting!  Each painting must be photographed, cropped, uploaded, etc.  Some day, my "team" will take care of all those details for me...ha!

Regarding the pricing, I kept these paintings  affordable at $30 during the month of January.  I will extend the pricing through Sunday February 2, and then will likely put any unsold paintings up for auction on either eBay or DailyPaintWorks.

I want to thank everyone who sent along encouraging comments along the way and to those who made purchases.  Painting is a very solitary activity and I'm so glad I have a way to share it with all of you.  Thank you!

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 30 - Kitchen Sink

"Kitchen Sink" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

My theme for the month was "Everything but the Kitchen Sink"  - all food-related items from my kitchen.  My friend, Maria Bennett Hock, suggested that I include the kitchen sink and make it the final painting for the month.  I loved her suggestion so here it is!

I started with a bright blue background and left bits and pieces of blue poking through where I didn't cover it completely.  I just love that!

Tomorrow, I'll have a wrap up of the complete month and share some thoughts about my painting challenge experience...stay tuned!

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame. 

"Kitchen Sink" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Click here to view and/or bid in the ebay auction.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 29 - Standing Guard

"Standing Guard" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

Day 29 of the challenge.  I can't believe tomorrow is January 30 - where did the month go?

This is the only painting this month that I got a little creative on the title.  They just reminded me of two soldiers standing guard together on the edge of my sink.  This is a very monochromatic painting so I added some bits of color here and there to spruce things up.

Half of the challenge paintings have sold.  Many thanks to those of you who made a purchase -- I appreciate it!  Click here to see the paintings that are still available.  I will keep the $30 price effective through Sunday, February 2.  

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

"Standing Guard" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Special pricing $30 for the month of January. Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card or click here for other payment options. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 28 - Utensils - SOLD

"Utensils" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

I learned something new while painting these forks and spoons.  I think metal looks better when you add a note of warmth.  So, you can see the beige and tan accents which compliment the grey-blue ones.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 27 - Red Pepper Jelly

"Red Pepper Jelly" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

I had no intention of painting this jelly jar.  I was gallery sitting at Art on Main for the afternoon and had come prepared with a reference photo on my tablet.  When I fired it up, I couldn't load the photo!  Ok, plan B.  I rummaged through the refrigerator and found this half eaten jar of jelly. This was a challenge to paint with the shiny, translucent jelly so I really had to concentrate!

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame. 

"Red Pepper Jelly" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.   Click here to bid in the ebay auction.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 26 - Milkbone - SOLD

"Milkbone" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

No one was more excited about this painting than my dog Cooper.  You can see here that as soon as I

opened the treat jar, he started licking his chops.  Because I'm a good egg (most of the time), 100% of the proceeds of this painting will be donated to Buddy Dog.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.  

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 25 - Moo - SOLD

"Moo" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

I tried to pare this down to the bare essentials. How can I say "milk carton" without explicitly showing every detail.  I loved the little cow face on the front of the carton so wanted to include that for sure.  I then wanted to suggest a bit of the writing and carton design.  I like the simplicity of this one.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 24 - Cut Cherry Tomatoes with Knife - SOLD

"Cut Cherry Tomatoes with Knife" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Ok, one final cherry tomato painting.  This is it.  I promise!  Happy Friday everyone!

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 23 - Cut Cherry Tomatoes

"Cut Cherry Tomatoes" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

Back to these sweet little orange cherry tomatoes.  I decided to cut one open this time.  This painting is very different from the one I did on Day 3.  This one is more subtle while the other is more bold.  Which do you prefer?

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame. 

"Cut Cherry Tomatoes" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Click here to view and bid in the ebay auction.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 22 - Vintage Coffee Pot - SOLD

"Vintage Coffee Pot" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

This vintage coffee pot was from a friend who thought I might enjoy painting it.  She was right.  I love the square handle with the textured lines.  I'm sure this old coffee pot has heard a lot of stories told around the kitchen table.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 21 - Butter - SOLD

"Butter" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Overall, I think this is a very pleasing painting with the yellow and soft blue colors.  I especially like how the butter knife came out in this one.  Painting metal is always fun but can be tricky; it usually takes a bit of manipulation until I'm satisfied.  The trick is adding enough darks so that the lights really pop.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 20 - Red Hot - SOLD

"Red Hot" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Two-thirds of the way through the challenge!  Phew!

Ok, you won't hear me say this very often but I love this painting.  I love the rich colors.  I love the looseness.  I love the simplicity.  

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 19 - Campbells - SOLD

"Campbells" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

When I started this painting, I didn't intend to include any text on the soup can label but somehow it happened.  Simplifying a subject is always a balance and a struggle!  

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 18 - Chicken Timer - SOLD

"Chicken Timer" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

Someone gave me this little plastic "chicken" timer and it has been sitting in my kitchen ever since.  But, I think it is time to find it a new home.  So, as an added incentive, I will include the chicken timer along with the purchase of this painting!  (Actually, I'm not sure that is an incentive and may be a deterrent!)

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 17 - Pickles - SOLD

"Pickles" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on canvas

Day 17 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

These are Mrs. Fanning's Bread and Butter pickles.  I don't recommend them.  I bought them when my supply of Bubbies pickles was running dangerously low and I didn't want to drive 20+ miles to a special market for a couple jars of pickles.  Turns out, they are not a good substitute.

I do love the look of Mrs Fanning's.  I like the orange/red lid that contrasts nicely with the green pickles.  I kept this painting loose.  My jar is a little wonky but I don't mind that at all.  I think it gives it a kind of funky/comical vibe.  

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 16 - Toaster Oven - SOLD

"Toaster Oven" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 16 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

This toaster oven probably looks a bit cleaner and shinier than it actually is in real life.  I didn't take the time to paint in all the bread crumbs at the bottom of the tray :) 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 15 - Clementine

"Clementine" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 15 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

Not only is today hump day but it is also the halfway mark of the challenge!

I'm very happy with today's painting.  I started with a piece of treated watercolor paper that I painted with a bright blue acrylic.  I let bits of blue show through here and there which makes a nice complement with the orange of the clementines.  I kept my brush strokes loose and painterly and didn't fuss over this one much at all.  

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

"Clementine" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Click here to bid in the ebay auction.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 14 - Skippy - SOLD

"Skippy" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 14 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  Almost half way!

Skippy Peanut Butter.  'Nuff said. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 13 - Cut Apple with Knife II

"Cut Apple with Knife II" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 13 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

I decided to paint the cut apple again.  In the previous rendition, two apple seeds had fallen out and were laying next to the apple.  This time, I put them back into the center of the apple.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

"Cut Apple with Knife II" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Special pricing $30 for the month of January.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card or click here for other payment options. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 12 - Smuckers II - SOLD

"Smuckers II" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 12 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

Another crack at a completely different shape jelly jar.  I'm especially fond of how the spoon turned out in this one.  As a last minute decision, I included the orange price sticker on top to add a bit of whimsy :)

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 11 - Cut Apple with Knife

"Cut Apple with Knife" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 11 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

One of the benefits of doing this challenge is that I don't have a lot of time to fuss and that can be a good thing.  I like being able to see brushstrokes instead of always blending and smoothing and trying to make everything perfect.  It keeps the painting fresh and loose.  I also like the bits of the blue background that I didn't cover as they add unexpected pops of color here and there.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame. 

"Cut Apple with Knife" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Special pricing $30 for the month of January.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card or click here for other payment options. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 10 - Yoplait

"Yoplait" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 10 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

Wow.  Day 10.  Half of the paintings have already sold so thank to those who made a purchase!  

Every painting presents a new challenge and a new opportunity for learning a little bit more.  I just like the shape of Yoplait yogurt and the shiny foil top.  So, here we have it.  Yoplait yogurt.  

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame. 

"Yoplait" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Special pricing $30 for the month of January.  Click the Buy Now button below to purchase using a credit card or click here for other payment options.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 9 - Smuckers - SOLD

"Smuckers" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 9 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

This one was really fun to paint.  I wanted to keep it very loose so I didn't fuss much with my brushstrokes.  Every painting subject poses challenges and cylindrical objects can be tough as you want to keep them as symmetrical as possible.  

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 8 - Rice Cooker

"Rice Cooker" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 8 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

I'm not one for kitchen gadgets and specialized appliances but a rice cooker is super convenient - no need to watch it and you'll never end up with burned rice stuck to the bottom of the pan.

I love the look of this appliance - a little bit funky with a retro red-orange color.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.  

"Rice Cooker" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Click here for the ebay auction.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 7 - Orange Pepper with Knife - SOLD

"Orange Pepper with Knife" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 7 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge.  

One week completed.  I'm still going strong with this challenge but starting to notice that my house is beginning to look a little ragged.  It will probably look like hell by the end of the month.  Fortunately, I don't think anyone has ever died from too many dust bunnies.

Peppers are always fun to paint with their bumps and curves.  I love the bright green stem that is a nice contrast to the rich orange pepper.

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 6 - Cut Pear with Knife

"Cut Pear with Knife" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 6 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge. 

I didn't really plan on painting this pear but cut it for a snack and thought it was so beautiful that I had to paint it.  I love the harmonious colors in this painting.  It feels soft and peaceful to me.

I'm offering special pricing for the "30 Paintings" challenge where all paintings are priced at $30 for the month of January.  I wanted to make it affordable for anyone to purchase an original piece of art.  The paintings are presented in a white mat that fits into any standard 8x10 frame.   

"Cut Pear with Knife" is a 5 x 7 inch oil on paper painting and comes in a white, 8 x 10 mat.  Special pricing $30 for the month of January.  Click the Buy Now button below  to purchase using a credit card or click here for other payment options. 

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 5 - Wickles II - SOLD

"Wickles II" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 5 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge. 

I enjoyed yesterday's painting so much, that I decided to paint my jar of Wickles once again.  This time you may notice a few of those hot peppers that give these pickles their "wicked" kick.  You may also notice that a few Wickles are missing from the jar :)

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 4 - Wickles - SOLD

"Wickles" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper

Day 4 of the "30 paintings in 30 days" challenge. 

For those who have followed me for a while, you've heard about my obsession with Bubbies pickles.  Well, I've found a new love.  "Wickles" are pickles with a bit of a spicy kick.  I'm hooked!

30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 3 - Cherry Tomatoes - SOLD

"Cherry Tomatoes" - 5 x 7 inches - oil on paper 

Day 3 of the 30 paintings challenge. 

Even though it is winter and tomatoes aren't in season in the northeast, I've been buying little orange tomatoes that are really sweet and delicious.  I also love their yellow orange color.  I took a handful and spread them across the top of my coffee table with strong lighting to create some interesting shadows.

For those that are interested, a put together a quick video of some of the paintings that I did in 2013.  I've done this for the past couple of years.  It is fun to see them in a slide show.  Certainly brings back a lot of memories for me of the past year.  To view the video, click here.