Monday, December 31, 2007

Split Primaries, Happy New Year! Abstract Daily Painting

"Split Primaries"
8 x 10 inches
(ready to frame)
Acrylic on foam core board
I am not sure how archival this painting is. It started as a standard palette and quickly turned into a fun experiment. Foam core should be framed behind glass, but this has a lovely impasto quality, I would have to have an expert frame it.
It reminds me of Flowers exploding, or a rooster crowing in the morning. I guess it could be anything you wanted it to be. It was fun to create! I used a palette knife at first, then pushed some of the colors together with a brush, very much like I do on my palette.
These are the colors I use the most, and they are used in this painting: Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Medium, Cadmium Red Medium, Napthal Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, and Thalo Blue. These are my primary colors and by using two of each (warm and cool) you can mix almost any color imaginable. I also use white, Dioxizine Purple, and Burnt umber.
I just love these intense strong colors. I can dull them by adding the compliment, creating lovely grays. I do not like using black, it takes over and muddies up my colors. I use it now and then with other colors in it, but I can get nice dark rich blacks in a variety of shades with this palette.

For tips on using color click here.

Email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more



Sunday, December 30, 2007

Wild Angels, Birds, palette knife painting by Fawn


"Wild Angels"
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
Sold

The morning I took some pictures of this stream, some of the foliage and mist looked like large beings. As I painted it, they began to look like angels. So I had to emphasized them.



Please email me at: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having something similar created! (We can also create animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc.)  Would love to create an original with you!   
Price list by size.

Thanks for stopping by!




Saturday, December 29, 2007

Taylor Creek Again, Plein Air, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek Again"
(#4 in this series)
Acrylic on hardboard
8 x 10 inches
(ready to frame)
This is the same view of the levee as "Taylor Creek Too" which I did a few weeks ago. This time I zoomed in more and left out the big tree in the left foreground. I had set up farther away so the angle was a little different. This is a simple composition, yet it worked well for the birds I wanted to add. I added them this morning along with a few more details.
I saw pelicans, seagulls, egrets, cormorants, herons and a hawk! I settled for the egrets as they are so stunning. I love adding them to my paintings. We have small cattle egrets, snowy egrets, and great white egrets, all in different sizes. Then we have white ibis and the little blue herons that often turn white and look similar to egrets. I almost always see these beautiful birds while I am out painting, especially this time of year. Some stay all year, but the population increases three fold in the winter months.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Friday, December 28, 2007

Taylor Creek Cypress, Plein air, Daily painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek Cypress"
(#3 in this series)
8 x 10 inches
(ready to frame)
Acrylic on canvas
Not Available
Finally got to go back to Taylor Creek. It was a beautiful morning. I wanted to paint this cypress tree at a different angle than the last time. I love the interesting shape it has. This was done alla prima, including the bird!


Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created.  

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Brunch 2, egrets, heron, Daily Painting, Wildlife art by Fawn




"Brunch 2"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on hardboard




SOLD


This is actually the fourth in this series, The first one was done last January! ("Breakfast")


The second one ("Brunch") is on special at eBay (see the side-bar). The third painting is called "Early Birds." they are all from Lake Okeechobee with this similar theme and color scheme.





I watched this great blue heron try to swallow a very large catfish. It took him almost half an hour. I got lots of great pictures. He would toss it up and turn it a certain way and try again and again. He would hold it in the water sometimes and then toss his head up again. I really thought he would have to let it go, but he finally swallowed it! Click on the image to see it closer.



This is painted alla prima, or all at once. This creates a nice wet-in-wet effect with thick impressionistic brush work. I love this technique. Usually I end up letting a painting dry and working over it to make final adjustments, but when they turn out like this it is very exciting. I will leave this one as is.






Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Top Notch, Paddock Farms Miniature Horses, Portrait

"Top Notch"

12 x 16 inches
Acrylic on canvas

SOLD

I have been working on this painting off and on for two weeks. Finished it up today. Well, maybe it is finished. Smile. I may touch up the background a little. I like the glow and may extend it down a little more.




Some friends of mine own a ranch called Paddock Farms. They have very nice show horses.


Thanks for looking!


Click here to see my gallery pages!


Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

A Rose is a Rose, Alla Prima, Daily Painting

"A Rose is a Rose"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
SOLD

I was thinking about a song called "A Rose is a Rose" as I painted this from one of the groomsmen's corsages. I added the bud and leaves to give the composition more balance.


Monday, December 24, 2007

Wedding Roses, Merry Christmas!

"Wedding Roses"
5 x 7 inches
(ready to frame)
Acrylic on hardboard
I wanted to paint this from life, but my corsage fell apart when I got home from my son's wedding. I wore a royal blue dress, so I used that color for the background. I put the roses in a bowl of water, and I painted them and rearranged them to resemble my corsage. The bridesmaids had on burgundy and the bride's mother had on silver, so I decided to wear blue and not step on anyone else's colors! Smile. Everyone else had red roses. The Church was all decorated for Christmas, so it was very lovely.


Email me at: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com for availability 

Friday, December 21, 2007

Hanging Out, palm tree, water, bird

"Hanging Out"
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
SOLD

I painted this in April and this week I have subdued the foreground to set off the middle distance. I really like the broken brush strokes and the colors in the water.
Thanks for looking!


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Lake Lilies, lily pads with flowers, daily painting

"Lake Lilies"
© Fawn McNeill 2007

I just love this vertical format. I did one titled "Boat Trail" not too long ago from this same area of Lake Okeechobee. Created this from photos I took before the drought. I loved going out and looking at miles of these wonderful water lilies.

The canvas wraps around and the sides are painted so framing is optional.
  • Original Art
  • Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas
  • 6 x 12 x 1.5 inches
  • Sold

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Fawn McNeill's Studio



This is where I spend most of my time! The top view shows almost the whole studio. There is a large framing table just out of the picture to the right. I teach semi-private lessons at the drafting table and the craft table. My easel is in the far left corner.
http://www.dailypainters.com is posting studio tours tomorrow. It will be fun to get a peek at some artist's working space.
I have placed a large mirror on the right side of my studio that is at the perfect angle to my easel, so I can stand back and see the painting in reverse. That helps me see anything that needs to be corrected. (When you look at something for a long time it is good to see it at a different angle, up-side-down, sideways or reversed, then you can see the how the painting looks as a whole.)
I have large windows on the north side, so the lighting is usually very nice. There is also track lighting along the top left ceiling, as well as regular lighting and a ceiling fan. The book case is built into the wall on the far right corner. I have a stereo system there where I play christian rock and contemporary worship music as I paint. Positive, upbeat music makes for great painting sessions!
The doorway on the left is a storage room. The entrance to the studio is out of the picture at the closest left corner, and there is an entrance/exit that goes outside just opposite of it -- in the closest right corner on this side of the framing table.
I am very proud of this studio as I designed it myself. When we built our house two years ago, I had the dividing wall left out of these two rooms. My studio is located downstairs next to the garage and the laundry room. (Which is perfect, because I can take a break from painting and do some laundry and then go back to painting.)
The living area of the house is upstairs. That is the hard part! I am getting used to lugging groceries and such upstairs, but for a long time I had to take breaks in between trips!
I am pleased to say that I have been making almost as much $ as I did working a full time job! Not including the benefits of course, but the benefits of being at home doing what I love to do, and having time with my husband, far out way the stressful life of an art teacher in the public school system! I thank God everyday for this opportunity and for all of the support my friends, family, and clients have given me!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Hot-Hot-Hot, still life


"Hot-Hot-Hot"
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on canvas

Not Available



I didn't get today's painting done, so I thought I would post this little gem that I did for a very dear friend of mine back in 2002.


This painting was done in many thin layers with lots of gloss medium mixed into the paint. It was painted from a still life that I set up and worked on over a period of a week. Each layer of paint must be completely dry to apply the next layer. Every layer effects the next. I really like the warm colors in the tomato and the counter top, but the contrast of the cool colors in the hot pepper just set it all off. There was a window off to the right, and the reflected bluish light was quite evident.


Thanks for looking!


Sunday, December 16, 2007

Bougainvilleas 3, flowers, plein air painting

"Bougainvilleas"
5 x 7 inches
(ready to frame)
watercolor
This is a closer view of the bougainvilleas I did yesterday. I wanted to emphasize the rhythm of the repeated shapes.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Bougainvillas 2, Flowers, Plein air painting by Fawn

"Bougainvilleas 2"
5 x 7 inches
(ready to frame)
Watercolor
Had a very nice day in Jensen Beach. Did a little art show, sold a painting, and did a couple of watercolors of these wonderful flowers!

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Indian River Palm, Plein air painting by Fawn

"Indian River palm"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
(ready to frame)
$225.00

This is the second one from yesterday in Jensen Beach. I was trying to use a softer palette to set off the palm tree, I like the results. it was windy and choppy, so the water was fun to paint.

Email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Caribbean Palms, Palm trees, Plein air

"Caribbean Palms"

8 x 10 inches

Acrylic on hardboard
SOLD


No, I didn't go to the Caribbean Islands to paint this one (although that is not a bad idea). I went to Jensen Beach this morning and painted at a resort called Caribbean Shores. It was very windy and cool, and these palms were so beautiful I had to try my hand at them!

Email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Angel Fish, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Angel Fish"
6.5 x 9 inches
Watercolor
This is a fun painting I did for an art lesson next week, so it will be available then. This blue angel fish contrasts nicely with the back ground.


Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Monday, December 10, 2007

Great Egret's Grace, wildlife art by Fawn


"Great Egret's Grace"
20 x 24 inches
Wood frame with rope pattern
Acrylic on canvas
$525.00

Detail:

This is a painting that I did in 2004. I did a series of about ten paintings with drips and runs. I would throw the paint on in thin layers and then put the thick paint over the top for detail. It makes a nice contrast -- not only in the surface texture but also in the transparent to opaque paint quality. I have recently softened the small waves in the foreground.


Email me at: fawn@Fawnsartstudio.comfor availability and/or information about having something similar created in a size you would like. 
Thanks for stopping by!

Saturday, December 08, 2007

High Tide, Seagulls, Wildlife art by Fawn

"High Tide"
11 x 14 inches
(Ready to frame)
Acrylic on canvas
SOLD

This painting started as a demonstration for an art lesson, then later I added more detail and the seagulls. I love the foam and the way the waves lead your eye right to the gulls.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Poinsettias, Plein air, Daily paintng by Fawn

"Poinsettias"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
Sold
Tis the season! These lovely poinsettias were growing just below the crotons so I thought I would paint them too.
I love the wet-in-wet technique and the thick paint.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Crotons, Plein Air, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Crotons"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
Ready to frame
$225.00
Thick paint, fast loose brush strokes, and bold strong colors! Went to Fort Pierce with my painting group and had so much fun painting out at Heathcote Botanical Gardens yesterday. These crotons were partially in the shade and the parts in the sun were just glowing!

Email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more


Monday, December 03, 2007

Winter Marsh, Egrets, Lake Port Florida, Daily Painting

"Winter Marsh"
9 x 12 inches
(ready to frame)
Acrylic on Hardboard
$675.00
I am still working on some things I was reminded of at my workshop a week ago. I used a reversed "C" shape to plan out the composition and I tried to use some less intense colors away from the focal point. I like the effect: as if the sun is trying to come through on the right and the birds are about to fly out of the picture!


Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Taylor Creek Too, Plein Air Painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek Too"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hard board
This is the second in this series. I hope to go back and do a few more. I scouted out some more nice places to set up next time.
The lock is just off to the left. This is where Taylor Creek ends and joins the levee. Click on the image to see the birds hiding in the painting.

Thanks for looking!

Click here to see my gallery pages!


Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 




Friday, November 30, 2007

Taylor Creek, Plein Air Painting by Fawn

"Taylor Creek"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
Ready to frame

Went out late this morning, and it was so hot for November! 85 degrees. But the wind was blowing and the sun light made everything easier to paint. I found a cypress tree to set up under and got two paintings done. Beautiful day.

I am working with some new colors. I also tried to make a plan and really slow down. So much more enjoyable. Things go much smoother if I don't change my mind half way through the painting!

Thanks for Looking!

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Drifting, shoreline driftwood, Daily Painting by Fawn

"Drifting"


I love driftwood. It reminds me of my grandmother who collected it for her flower gardens. I painted this from some photos I took last year. I like the movement.

The mat board adds a nice texture to the water, so I used that to exaggerate the broken light on the water.

I tried to keep it loose and impressionistic, which is difficult for me.  Usually, I end up overworking a painting and adding too much detail. 

Thanks for looking!

Original Art
Acrylic on Acid-free Mat Board
Image size: 5 x 7 inches
Ready to frame
$85.00 (includes shipping)

Email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com







Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Paynes Prairie 2, landscape, Daily Painting

"Paynes Prarie 2"
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
Not Available

This is based on the value studies from yesterday.  I tried to limit my values, which I don't think I managed so well, because I really like lots of contrast. I made the focal point in the distance, and tried to soften the foreground. It took a couple of tries, but I like the effect. No critters this time, just wanted to practice some of the new ideas in my head.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Monday, November 26, 2007

Paynes Prarie, Value Study, Plein Air, Alla Prima


Paynes Prairie Study
4.5 x 6 inches
Acrylic

Not Available

These are value studies I did at the workshop Saturday. We did about ten different exercises, not including warm ups. The goal here was to use limited values. The dark values could not be black or even dark gray, and the lights could not get very white. The color study had to follow the same values, only using color. I really liked this exercise, as it forced me to think through the whole process and not just slap it on in a hurry.
I plan to paint a larger painting of the color study and see if I can keep the subtle changes in value.

Thanks for looking!

Click here to see my gallery pages!


Saturday, November 24, 2007

Paynes Prairie, Plein Air Painting


"Paynes Prairie"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
(ready to frame)

Went up to Micanopy today, just south of Gainesville. Had a workshop with Linda Blondheim. She is an excellent instructor. It was windy, cold, and absolutely beautiful. Don't think I even came close to the feast of colors my eyes enjoyed today. It was a fantastic day!


Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Friday, November 23, 2007

Cypress with Crotons, Plein Air Painting by Fawn

"Cypress with Crotons"
8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
First time out in a long while. I started with just the crotons, at least that was the original idea, but the roots of this old cypress tree were just too interesting to pass up. They soon became the focus of the composition!
Have a plein air work shop tomorrow in Gainesville. Can't wait!

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Sandhill Crane, wildlife art by Fawn

"Sandhill Crane"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel
SOLD
This crane was the leader in a row of five. He kept stopping and looking at the others as if to say "hurry up!" They were not happy with me and my camera, as I kept following them around and taking pictures. Only got three or four really good shots. This is one of them.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Lake Side, sunlit shell, daily painting, by Fawn

"Lake Side"
5 x 7 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel
NOT AVAILABLE
This is a fun little shell that was floating along and glowing in the sun. One of the shore birds here had just cleaned this one out.
Busy week, getting ready for Thanksgiving and all. Thought I would do a few small paintings this week. I may not get one posted everyday, but I will try. I will be out at a workshop on Saturday, so most likely wont have one that day.

Thanks for looking!

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 


Monday, November 19, 2007

Sunny Journey, sunlit cactus, Daily Painting

"Sunny Journey" (Life's Journey, 2)
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
(Ready to frame)
$650.00


Wanted to try this one again with a different color scheme. I added a wall behind the cactus and changed the growth pattern a little. I love the luminous quality of this piece.

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created. 

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Life's Journey, sunlit cactus,daily painting by Fawn

"Life's Journey"
9 x 12 inches
Acrylic on hardboard
(Ready to frame)
$700.00


This little cactus really caught my eye while I was at a garden painting last year. It has such interesting shapes and growth patterns. The sunlight just set it off like a jewel against the dark foliage. I got a couple of good photos of it, and now I have rearranged them slightly to create this composition.

This painting is symbolic for the twists and turns life brings our way, which bring about growth and character in us.

Thanks for looking!

Click here to see my gallery pages!

Email me at: fmcneillbarr@gmail.com for availability and/or information about having your own custom painting created.