Relax, beach scene, sunset, coat hanger

"Relax"

I found this wood sign in a thrift store.  Went back to it several times, but I really did not want to clean it up.  It was old, grimy, and smoke stained. It also needed some wood glue to hold the letters in place as they were coming loose.  

The scene on it was cartoonish, and the shells were dull browns. I wasn't sure it would be worth the time to clean it and prime it.   

First I repaired it, then I tried to clean it.  What a mess.  It did not come clean, even with strong cleansers and rubbing alcohol.  So I sanded it down to get most of the dirt and paint off.  Then I primed it with a couple of coats of white primer.  

The shells and starfish are made from some kind of hard plastic.  I used a special primer so the acrylic paint would not peel off.  (Acrylic paint does not like slick surfaces.)

 Now I could see it would work.  I drew my seascape on it and got the first layer of color started. That's when I knew it would be worth it! I always love painting the colors of the ocean, and this was one I could really exaggerate.  I also added some pearlescent paint to my colors on the shells and some in the painting too.  When you view it at different angles it shines.  

The idea of taking something I would have thrown away and turning it into something beautiful and valuable really made me feel good.  Made me think about how God rescues us so often, and He turns our lives around for good.

Description:

Original hand crafted art

Acrylic on wood

Coat hanger (see below)

15.5 x 8.5 inches

SOLD

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Thanks for looking!

 

Spring Showers, arrowhead plant, swamp, mixed media

"Spring Showers"

Fun little knife painting that was a study of this water plant.  I found it a couple of months ago while going through some things in storage.  Thought I should finish it up and add some bling! 

I was thinking about the winter colors of oranges and reds giving way to lime greens and all the bugs coming out as the flowers start to bloom. I darkened the background and added some blues to symbolize rain, then added more texture with acrylic modeling paste to make the leaves jump out more.  I also added charms and beads to emphasize the ideas of spring. They catch the light at different angles.

  

About this Painting:

Mixed media 

6 x 6 inches

custom wood frame (see below)

$185.00 (includes shipping in the USA) 

Click here to see more

Love the classy wood frame, which added the finishing touch. 

Hint: frames can really set off a picture, or kill it.  They also protect the artwork from damage over the years.  Look for something that enhances the art or brings out the colors first, and then something that also goes with your décor. 

 

Rough Shore, sand dunes, waves, mixed media

"Rough Shore"

"...in this world you will have trouble... Take heart,

 I have overcome the world!" 

 (Jesus) John 16:33

 Learned how hard it is to undo things that have been adhered to with acrylic modeling paste while I was working on this painting (off and on for the last couple of years)!  It certainly is difficult to change my mind once it has dried.  (This was one of my early experiments with mixed media.)

 I started it just before I closed my gallery and teaching center because of the pandemic.  Worked on it several times, but I struggled to resolve the texture issues that are left behind when you remove items that aren't working.

I wanted to contrast smooth areas (created with a brush) with thick areas (built up with a palette knife).  I was after the effect of waves crashing against rocks near the shore.  This proved to be quite a mess at first.  Needed to resolve texture issues and correct the size and placement of waves coming onto the shore. Finally found the effect I was after.

Then I got to have some fun! Added sea glass, beads, shells, and aquarium stones. Rearranged them several times before deciding on exactly where to place them.

I framed it in this lovely textured frame, which complements the whole effect I was trying for.  

• Original Art
• Mixed media on hardboard
• Professional materials
• 11 x 14 inches
• Textured custom frame (see below)
• SOLD

Email me if you are interested in something similar! Custom orders are priced by size.

fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more

Thanks for looking!

 

Sandy Daze, beach, shells, sand dollar, mixed media

"Sandy Daze"

Here is a free art lesson:

I cleaned and sealed this unusually large sand dollar, which was bleached white, before adding color to it.  I used very thin glazes of paint to get subtle value changes.  I would add color and rub it off, leaving a soft stain behind.  This made the flower shape stand out, which is what I wanted.

Next, I tried it in a wooden tray, a shadow box and on a regular canvas.  But I wanted some kind of wood support to give it more protection, without it being so deep.   This inverted cradled wood really set it off!  I liked the way I could use the edges as a frame too.  It was the perfect depth to show off the sand dollar and still give it some protection.  I primed the wood surface and then created the sandy colors for the beach.  I used professional grade acrylic modeling paste (which doesn't crack or loose its hold as easily as student grade) to adhere the sand dollar and build up thick areas of sand at the bottom.  (I added some sand color to the modeling paste before using it.) The shells in the sand gave it more balance and interest.

Painting transparent glazes (thinned paint with acrylic matte medium) for the water gave the illusion of the sand dollar being in the water instead of on top of it.  Then I used gel medium to adhere beads and create some texture for the splash.  (The texture is rendered with a palette knife by tapping gently onto the thick gel medium.)

  I used a paint brush and more opaque paint as I moved away from the sand dollar.   I love the sandy areas in the water, and put some of those back in when they disappeared. Using small detail brushes for extra shadows under the splash and under some of the shells gives it more depth.  Then small liner brushes are nice for extra details and lacey lines of seafoam. Had fun adding some pearlescent paint for extra shimmer in the water (as well as on some of the small shells at the bottom).

I painted the back and then the edges of the frame before using matte gel medium to adhere the shells to the corners.  Then I sealed the whole piece with two coats of an acrylic semi-gloss clear medium and varnish.

 I use professional-grade acrylic colors and mediums also because they have more intense hues and are thicker in viscosity. 

Feel free to email me with questions if you want to try to create a mixed-media piece of your own! 

fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

About this painting:

Mixed Media on Cradled Wood

10 x 10 x 3/4 inches

$270.00 plus shipping

Click here to see more original art

Click here for another free lesson

Thanks for stopping by!

 

May Flowers, mixed media, bees

                

"May Flowers"

                                                     

This little painting has charms and beads added to it.  The original photos came from pictures I took on a misty morning with all the wild flowers  lit up from the sun peeking through.  The beads and bumble bees came later when I wanted to have some fun with it.

Enjoy!

Mixed media on hardboard

5 x 7 inches

Custom frame (see below)

SOLD

Click here to see more

 

Hand-crated original art, professional materials, and sealed with a clear acrylic sealer.

All Wrapped Up Again, mixed media, heart

 

"All Wrapped Up Again"

Added some beads and glitter paint to this old gem.  I love the way it shines when the light hits it from different angles.  I also strengthened the tiny black shadows.  

I've been having too much fun with these mixed media pieces!

Mixed media on hardboard

5 x 7 inches

Custom frame: classic black

SOLD

Click here to see more

Enjoy!

Seahorse, shoreline, mixed media, 3D painted plaque

Seahorse Seashore

42 x 6 inches

$250.00

A friend of mine got this plaque for me, it was varnished wood.  I had to strip it, sand it, and prime it before I could even begin painting it!  It was well worth the time and energy!  Once I started painting the blues and teals I fell in love with it.  When I added the beads and shells and more details, I wasn't sure if I would be able to part with it!

The eye is made from a small shell that had a pinkish color to it and a cool spiral pattern on it.  I turned it so the shape of the shell curved up in the back, like the eye is looking down a little. I painted black around it and added black for the pupil. I added pearlescent shine just below the eye and some tiny beads. 

I love these shells for fins!

The tail has beads and a shell, but it needed more, so I added some shallow waves to tie it in with the rest of the seahorse.

Thanks for looking!

Please email me for availability: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Click here to see more

 

Crashing Waves, shore line, mixed media knife painting

"Crashing Waves"

I love these transparent waves! This was originally a knife painting, then I got carried away with extra thick gesso and gel medium for the texture in the splash.  After that I added some beads and clear aquarium stones for extra bling.  I put it in a custom wood frame with a gold lip.  The frame really sets it off (see below).

9 x 12 inches

Original mixed media

Custom wood frame

$190.00

Click here to see more 

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability or for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

 

Christmas Joy, painting of an ornament, mixed media

"Christmas Joy"

This was originally a demonstration painting from a year ago that I did for one of my classes.  I finished it up recently by splattering it with white and then adding bits of silver glitter (and I also added chunky glitter where I wanted the snow to pile up more).  The gold is metallic paint and the red has some red glitter paint.  I love all the extra sparkle it added.  When you view it at different angles the light catches on it and it shines.

I put it in an expensive custom gold frame to really set it off.  

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

About this painting: 

Mixed media

8 x 10 inches on canvas

Custom gold frame

Click here to see more 

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability or for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

 

Star of the Sea, shore line, mixed media

 "Star of the Sea"

© Fawn McNeill 2020

Absolutely love this piece!  A little harder to put together, but well worth the extra effort!  I painted the outside edges and the back of the tray.   I also added a wire on the back if someone wanted to hang it on a wall instead of setting it on a shelf or table.  

Most of the objects were found at the beach, except the starfish. I found it at Walmart, all bleached white.  I painted it the colors I wanted.  Before adding it to the tray, I used a painting knife with gel medium to build up interesting textures in the sand and the water.  Then I added different shades of colors to get the textures to show up better.

Enjoy!

Exclusive Art

Original Handcrafted

Mixed Media

8.5 x 11 x 2.5 inches

$225.00 plus shipping

See it on YouTube

Click here to see more 

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability.

Deep Calling, shells on the shore, mixed media

"Deep Calling"

Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls; All your waves and billows have gone over me. The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.  Psalm 42: 7-8

This painting went through a few phases.  It started with an underwater scene, which became very dark and uninviting.  So then I added more sand and deep blue water to get a better bird's eye view of the transparent water on the shore, which has been a recurring theme for me lately.  I love the challenge of getting things under the water to show up and still capture the feeling of movement in the water.  Plus I love finding shells and sea glass at the beach.

I used the brush for most of the painting and then used a palette knife to build up some interesting textures in the waves and sand.  I used gel medium for the thicker impasto areas, and then did a dry brush technique with white paint to enhance it. 

I decided to add found objects after leaving it alone for a few days.  (I wasn't sure if it was finished yet.) I set a few on and took them off.  I didn't want to take away from the painting.  But in the end the little girl in me showed up and dictated the outcome!

I finally adhered the seashells and the aquarium stones with gel medium.  Something about that always makes me laugh.  I feel like a kid while arranging them.  I think it has something to do with breaking all the rules of fine art and making something more of a fine craft.  I was never crafty, and I was taught that it devalues the painting when it looks more like a craft project.  However, I have found it to be a wonderful expression of art, and I feel comfortable with lowering my prices on the mixed media pieces.  This is because they are smaller works for the most part, and they don't take as long to create compared to all the hours of adding tiny details to my realistic paintings.

10 x 10 x 1 1/2 inches

Mixed Media on cradled hardboard

(Painted sides, framing is optional.)

Sold

Enjoy!

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

RELATED POSTS:  

 "New Every Morning"

"Blessed"

Winter Cardinal, mixed media

 "Winter Cardinal"

Original Demo

This was originally a demonstration painting for an adult class a couple of years ago.  I just added glitter paint and some chunky glitter for the snow.  Wanted to add a little sparkle!

Enjoy!

11 x14 inches

Mixed Media on stretched canvas

Ready to frame

Sold

See it in video:
https://youtu.be/yoz6h-xShac

 

I am accepting orders for custom paintings.  If you want something before Christmas we need to get started!  I need more than a month for larger paintings.    

I would love to create a painting for you!

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

Along the Boardwalk, seascape, mixed media

 "Along the Boardwalk" © 2019

9x12 inches Mixed Media

Acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Last year I reworked this painting from a few years ago. The sea-grapes definitely needed some attention.  I enhanced the shadows and added more detail to the boardwalk and the sandy path.   I couldn't wait to add some charms and beads in the flowers! I camouflaged them well, so they are not noticeable until you see them at an angle.  It catches the light and then you want to look for others.  I also added a few shells.  I love the way it turned out!

I made a custom frame in rustic wood, which complements the boardwalk perfectly.  (See below).

I would love to create a painting for you!

I am accepting orders for custom paintings for another week.  If you want something before Christmas we need to get started!  I will need more than a month for large paintings.  

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

 

December Snow, winter, mixed media, original art

 "December Snow"

This was originally a demonstration painting from last year.  I thought I would spruce it up a bit by adding some glitter paint and bling.  I also added an angel in the sky.  When my young students did their paintings of this scene they often added a cabin and/or a snowman.  The snow twinkles a little in the background from glitter paint. The path has chunky glitter paint along the light edges, so it sparkles when you view it at different angles.

These are fun to create! It is also a great gift idea!

11 x14 inches

Mixed Media on stretched canvas

Ready to frame

SOLD

 

I am accepting orders for custom paintings.  If you want something before Christmas we need to get started!  I need more than a month for larger paintings.  Early orders get a 20% discount!  

I would love to create a painting for you!

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

Thanks for stopping by!

Breathtaking Impact, beach sunrise

 

"Breathtaking Impact" ©2019

"...the breath of the All Mighty gives me life."  Job 33:4

When I came around the corner and got that first glimpse of this scene before me, it stopped me in my tracks!  The salt air blew across my face and the sunlight danced on the water.  It was just incredible.  I wanted to capture that moment of awe when all of your senses are engaged in absorbing so much information all at once.  I was also interested in the shadows from the fence falling on the footprints on the sand.

I used modeling paste to build up thick impasto relief on the fence and in the waves.  I used gel medium on a painting knife to build up the textures in the sand and then painted the highlights and shadows over the top with a drybrush technique. This causes all kinds of interesting effects and is fun to create. 

The fence was very challenging.  Trying to get the edges straight and the posts to stand out with thick layers had me adding many layers.  The image doesn't capture the textures.  

This painting didn't get posted last year because it was at a show in Wellington in December.  Then before the show ended (the first week in April, 2020) everything was closed.  I couldn't pick it up for months!  

18 x 36 inches (plus frame)

Mixed Media

Framed (see below)

$1,500.00 plus shipping  

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability or information about having something similar created! 
Price list by size.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spoonbills Feasting, mixed media, wild flock, Florida art

"Spoonbills Feasting"

© Fawn McNeill 2019

This is an older painting that I have revisited by painting more details and adding some bling.  I also put in a new frame.

Here is what I wrote about it a few years ago:

This was an amazing site! I have seen spoonbills at zoos, but this is the first time I have seen them in the wild. The evening sun was shining on them and the pink feathers were just dancing all around. I tried to capture it from memory, because I forgot to take my camera! 

I added beads and aquarium stones for more interest.  I enjoy the reflected light on the objects.

8 x 10 inches

Mixed Media

Unique custom frame (see below)

$190.00

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability

Thanks for stopping by!

 

FYI: I use professional artist grade materials for priming, painting, adhering, and sealing my work.

This one has aquarium stones and beads added to the shore and in the flowers.  

 

Shoreline Treasures, mixed media, beach scene

 "Shoreline Treasures"

10 x10 inches

Mixed Media on Cradled Hardboard

Sold

This painting is actually done on the wrong side!  I flipped it over and primed the back so I could use the cradled edge as the frame.  I gave the '"frame" a faux finish to create the illusion of woodgrain. 

This is probably the longest I have ever stuck with a series.  It is endless.  Each painting sparks a new idea, or a new experiment!  I think I will keep going with this theme for a while!

FYI: I use professional artist grade materials for priming, painting, adhering, and sealing my work.

This one has shells and beads added.  I like the way the light catches on the beads in the water, and how the shells really stand out on the beach.  

I would love to create a painting for you of your favorite place!  

I am accepting orders for custom paintings.  If you want something before Christmas we need to get started!  I need more than a month for larger paintings.  Early orders get a 20% discount!

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for information about having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, vistas, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

Thanks for stopping by!

Morning Treasures, seashore, mixed media beach with shells

 "Morning Treasures"

This painting went through several stages. It started as a simple painting of a sandy shore with no texture. Then it became a knife painting with some texture.  I still wasn't satisfied.  It seemed to need more waves and more impasto type of texture.  

I used gel medium to build up areas of the sand and make the waves  raised up off of the canvas.  I liked it much better, but then I decided to add clear beads in the water for extra sparkle and real seashells on the shore for more interest.  Finally I added tiny details and stronger shadows.  

This was originally a gallery wrap canvas with deep sides, so the sides are painted.  I usually don't frame a gallery wrap because I want the painted sides to show, but this one turned out to be way too cool, so I added that extra protection that a frame gives.  I decided to put it in a floater frame.  This type of frame is harder to build and can be quite expensive.  The frame doesn't touch the sides of the painting and it literally looks like it is floating in the frame!

10 x 10 inches (plus frame)

Mixed Media

Framed (see below)

$375.00 plus shipping  

Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability 

Thanks for stopping by!

New Display

 With everything shut down these days, just when I have a new series of mixed media art I want to share, I have decided to rent a small space at Unique Boutique in Okeechobee Florida.  It has been a really good experience for me. I am looking forward to making more of these fun creations available! 

"At the Edge"

"Shoreline Treasures"

"Morning Treasures"

At the Edge, mixed media, blue heron

"At the Edge" (Lake Okeechobee)

© 2020

Original Mixed Media 

A few years ago, I did some plein air studies during a drought at Nubbin's Slough.  This experimental painting came from those studies.  Here I used paper-clay for the rocks.  (Paper fibers are added to the clay for more strength).  These hand sculpted rocks have a cool looking 3-D effect.  I also enjoyed building up the weeds with gel medium to create interesting patterns of texture.  

I hid some angels in the sky and used tiny brushes for the distant birds and extra details.

9 x 12 inches

Custom wood frame (see below)

Sold

This painting is also available at Unique Boutique, Okeechobee Florida!

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Click here to see more

Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability or information about hosting a private show and/or having your own custom painting created! (Animal portraits, kids with pets or livestock, homesteads, inspirational art, etc... )  
Price list by size.

Thanks for stopping by!