Showing posts with label Sunsets and sunrises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunsets and sunrises. Show all posts

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Spring Rush, mountain waterfall, knife painting



 "Spring Rush"

Good memories: Mountain hikes, melting snow, fast-moving creeks, and streams flowing over their banks. 

This palette knife painting is from a combination of places, but mostly from memories of my grandmother and me at Glacier National Park.  She loved driving through there when we would go visit my great-grandmother in Helena. I loved stopping at the falls and hiking up a bit to take pictures.

It is also a memory of hiking up in the Cabinet Mountains near Libby, Montana where my grandmother lived.  Late spring and early summer there was still lots of snow in the mountains. One summer in the middle of June my brothers and I were hiking and had a snowball fight with our mom!

I started this painting a few years ago.  Like so many I create for an art class, I don't feel they are finished.  Most of my time teaching is spent, well, teaching! I don't pay much attention to what is happening on my easel. With the pandemic and the closing of my gallery, almost everything went into storage.  I pulled this one out last week. I brightened up the highlights, added stronger shadows, and filled in the empty places. 

I have recently destroyed quite a few paintings that were in storage.  My goal this summer was to get them out and do something with them. I had hoped for more positive results. I wanted to make some corrections and/or finish them.  But some just didn't work out.  I am happy this one survived! (You can read more about that here.)

  • Original Knife Painting
  • Acrylic on hardboard
  • Professional Materials
  • 11x14 inches
  • Ready to frame
  • $250.00
Click here to purchase

Sunday, May 28, 2023

New Every Morning, sunrise, beach, waves, sandy shore


"New Every Morning"
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come 
to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
 (Lamentations 3:22-23)


Looking for patterns in the woodgrain for sand and then using that to find the waves is quite satisfying. It is challenging to add layers for the illusion of transparent water and exciting to add the details of seafoam with its interesting patterns and shadows. 

I revisited this painting after hanging it in my bedroom for a couple of months. (I noticed a few things I wanted to change each time I studied it.) This is risky, as I have ruined a painting and had to start over completely.  But now that I have removed a few of the exaggerated shadows, added more seafoam, and brightened some of the splashes, I am happy I did it!

I used to never allow myself to go back over a painting, thinking, "That was how I interpreted things then, and I should not change it. Don't want to risk ruining it either."  But now I find myself enhancing and correcting some of them, thinking, "It is mine, I can change it if I want!"  (The older I get the the more courageous I get! Too funny.)

This painting is framed in a floater frame, sort of.  I inverted a cradled wood support and painted it to bring out the colors of the sand and put the painting in it as if it were a floater frame.  It turned out perfect!

ENJOY!

~ Original acrylic on cradled hardboard
~ Professional Materials
~ 12 x 12 inches (including frame)
~ $355.00 (free shipping in the US)



Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  to have something similar created.








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Thursday, May 18, 2023

Lake Sunset, palm tree, watercolor



"Lake Sunset"
© Fawn McNeill 2022

Isn't this an awesome little demonstration painting?  Demos in watercolor don't usually turn out as well as I would like, but this one went well from start to finish, and includes great memories while teaching it!

I like the simplicity of it as well as the calming colors.  Of course, the strong contrast is always a plus. The cabbage palm tree really sets it all off.  

I just matted this painting and made it available.  Enjoy!

~ Original Demo 
~ Watercolor on acid-free watercolor paper 
~ Matted to 8 x 10 inches
~ Ready to Frame 
~ $75.00 (free shipping in the US)


A note about framing: Artwork on paper should be framed behind glass with a mat around it to keep it off of the glass and protect it.  This includes photographs and prints on paper.  Those on canvas or wood should not be framed behind glass.  Original oils and acrylics are usually done on canvas or wood and need to breathe.  If artwork or photograph is done on paper or mat board it should be framed behind glass with a mat to keep the image off of the glass. (Glass can trap moisture and ruin the image.)  Click here to read more about framing.

Click here to read about the trials I've been overcoming lately.

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Sunday, April 02, 2023

Heaven's Glory, Jesus, lion, lamb


"Heaven's Glory"
© Fawn McNeill 2021

I'm not sure how to explain this painting.  I added so much symbolism but had so much uncertainty all at once as I created it. 

Jesus is called the Lion of Judea in the scriptures, and he is also called the Lamb of God. (He was the final sacrifice, the only sinless person, spotless.  Yet he willingly took our sin.  The sacrificed lambs were innocent and carried the sins of the people away each year.)

 Anyway, I was practicing for a large worship painting that I was going to do on stage in front of a large crowd.  But that never happened and this painting was put aside.  I was so disappointed, and I was not sure if it was finished, but I didn't want to change it because it was such a sacred experience while creating it. 

The colors were spontaneous. It made total sense as I moved through the spectrum of energy and light.  I have not altered it. 

I just wanted to share it.  

Blessings to you for Resurrection Sunday!

~ Inspirational Art
~ Original Acrylic
~ 18 x 24 inches
~ Not for sale


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Thursday, January 19, 2023

Look Up and Pray, beach sunrise with Jesus


"Look Up and Pray"

Happy New Year!

This is my first painting of the year, what an awesome start! It is amazing how it came about: it was a rush order and I happened to have something similar in progress so I agreed to do it. I added Jesus, in place of the sun, and was able to get it to the client in a few days instead of months!

I have done angels in place of the sun, but this is the first time I painted Jesus there. Had to use tiny brushes, and redo it several times.  I also added more clouds and highlights before I signed it. I love the way it turned out!

  • original art
  • Acrylic
  • 11 x 14 inches
  • Not available
Please email me if you would like something similar! fawn@fawnsartstudio.com



 

Sunday, August 07, 2022

At G-36, rim canal, knife painting


"At G-36"
© Fawn McNeill 2010


I recently framed this small painting in a custom gold frame to set off the foreground. 
En Plein Air (out on location), I did this a few years ago at lock G-36 on the rim canal.   It was my first try at painting with a palette knife on location.  I had painted with knives before, but not from start to finish while working En Plein Air.

It was early morning and very windy, which made the whole project more of a challenge. I was quite happy with the outcome! 

ENJOY!

  • Original palette knife painting
  • Acrylic on hardboard
  • 8 x 10 inches
  • Unique gold frame 
  • $295.00 (Free Shipping in USA)


 

Friday, July 29, 2022

Love, wall art, beach shoreline at sunset


"Love Shoreline"




Found this wall hanging at a thrift store.  It was a solid dull blue-gray and covered in grime. I cleaned it up, sanded it down, and painted it with lovely sunset colors. Quite satisfying!

  • Exclusive original art
  • Acrylic on wood
  • 19 x 6 inches
  • Painted and sealed with professional materials
  • SOLD

Email me at: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com for availability


 

Friday, June 24, 2022

Defender of the Weak, angel with sword


 "Defender of the Weak"
© Fawn McNeill 2019

    Had just started experimenting with adding found objects to my paintings when I created this angel.  I used metallic gold paint, beads, and gems to give it stronger emphasis. This is part of a series of palette knife angels paintings I used to do quite often. painting with a knife creates unique mixtures of color and thick texture.  Exciting and fun!
  • Original knife painting
  • Mixed media
  • 9 x 12 inches
  • Sold

Email me at: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com for availability, or information on having a similar painting custom-made in your favorite colors and in a size you want.

Saturday, January 29, 2022

Sanderlings, shore birds


 "Sanderlings"
© Fawn McNeill 2004

Drip, drip drip. Spritz the paint, tip the painting back to slow the runs, and watch the colors bleed into each other.  Way too cool.

Fun memories! Just pulled this large painting out of storage.  It is part of a 'drippy' series I did years ago.  I believe I did 10 in this style.  The paint is harder to control and similar to watercolors, but on canvas it spreads differently.  The goal is to create an abstract background and then add realism with thick paint and details over the top. This gives it more contrast in transparency against the opaqueness. 

When acrylics are thinned with water instead of with a gloss or matte medium, it is not as permanent and can be easily damaged even after it is dry. Using thin runny paint actually jeopardizes the integrity of acrylics. So I sealed it when I was finished with a few layers of semi-gloss medium and varnish to protect it. (I prefer using professional grade paints and mediums.) Once sealed, the integrity of the painting is restored.  It can be cleaned with a damp cloth if needed without lifting off any of the color.

Acrylic on canvas
24 x 30 in
Thin custom wood frame (see below)
1,500.00 plus shipping


Please email me at: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com for availability, or for information about having something similar created in a size you prefer.



Thursday, January 27, 2022

Beach Reflections, blue heron


"Beach Reflections"

This gorgeous sunset with vivid colors set off the silhouette of a great blue heron as he posed for my friend Carol. 

I used a palette knife for some of the dramatic highlights in the foreground, which gave the painting stronger contrast of not only the highlights but also the thick layers against the smooth brushwork.
The frame (see below) is heavily textured wood, which I slightly accented with gold throughout and then gave it a stronger gold inner lip.

Original art
Acrylic on canvas
14 x 18 inches
Unique custom frame

SOLD



Enjoy!



 

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Winter Morning, sunrise reflections


Winter Morning
© 2021

Just rescued this old demo from last year.  Painted over most of it. Turned grays and rocks into lovely morning colors dancing on the snow and the water.  Love the unruly pine tree too! 

That's how life is for me lately, turning the struggles into something, although I'm not as sure about the outcome with life situations!  Most of it is good.  God is faithful.  (Romans 8:28, He works it out for good if you love Him.)

8 x 10 inches
Acrylic on canvas panel
Ready to frame
SOLD

Please email me for availability, or if you are interested in having something similar painted in a size you prefer: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com


 

Friday, November 26, 2021

Christmas Trees on shells

 

Shell ornament, front and back: Morning Christmas Trees


Fun little projects for the Okeechobee Arts and Cultural  Alliance gift shop.

Approximately 3 x 4 inches.  (Pearlescent paint on back.)


         Shell ornament, front and back: Christmas Eve Trees


The colors of these seashells have a wonderful effect that reminds me of sunrise and sunset. The Christmas eve shell also suggests mountains on an ice-covered lake in the distance. 

The shimmer on the back reflects the lights nicely when hung on a Christmas tree. (In case the ornament gets turned.)

Click here to see more

Please email me if you would like something similar: Fawn@fawnsartstudio.com

Thursday, November 04, 2021

Healing Shores, sunset beach

 


"Healing Shores" 

© 2019 by Fawn McNeill


I created this for a friend  a few years ago. I love these colors and the angel hiding in the clouds. 

I just made this image available in greeting cards. (The original is not available.)  Published from an original acrylic painting.

Cards: 5 x 7 inches, blank inside, $5.00 each

Email me at: Fawn@fawnsartstudio.com for more info, or to have something similar created in a size you prefer.

Click here to see more

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Back to the River, mixed media


"Back to the River"

I've been revisiting some older works. This is a scene on the Kissimmee River.  I was interested in the  blue shadows on the sandy road from the morning sun.   This is a somewhat of a knife painting with beads and charms for added interest.  I did some parts with thick texture by using a palette knife and I left other parts smooth for contrast.  I love the way the beads catch the light.  Too much fun!

Mixed media 
5 x 7 inches
Unique custom frame
(Not available)

Email me for a custom painting done similar in a size you would like!  Fawn@fawnsartstudio.com



 

Friday, July 23, 2021

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






Thanks for looking!

 

Saturday, January 16, 2021

Morning Flight, angel, knife painting


"Morning Flight"

This was a demonstration for a video lesson, but the video cut off during the session and I didn't know it. I did the whole thing thinking I was still recording!  LOL.  I went ahead and did another demo knife painting with the angel facing the other way, which recorded fine. I think this one turned out better, so I framed it up first. 

 I like the transparency of the angel and the soft colors. I also like the way the bottom could be sky or water.  Palette knife paintings lend themselves to abstract qualities which leaves room for the imagination. It is also fun to load up thick amounts of paint and smear it all together.

Thanks for stopping by!

Original Art
Acrylic knife painting
11 x14 inches 
Ready to frame
$220.00  (free shipping in US)


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


 

Wednesday, October 28, 2020

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!


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!

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

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  


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


Thanks for stopping by!



Thursday, March 19, 2020

Reconciled, beach scene on wood


"Reconciled"
Hand painted, not a pour!

First of a new series I just started, I have several in progress....
I painted this on a cutting board.  Had to clean it up, sand it some, and seal it so the paint doesn't peal off. 
I'm experimenting with the wood grain showing through for the sand.  This calls for thin layers of paint.  As always, I'm using professional mediums and paints to make my own transparent colors.
Loving it!

9 x 12 inches
Original painting on a cutting-board
$175.00 plus shipping




Email me: fawn@fawnsartstudio.com  for availability or information about 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!

Saturday, February 01, 2020

Timeless Moments, sunset beach, seashells




Timeless Moments
"His mercy endures forever." Psalm 136

Finished this painting a few months ago.  I haven't posted anything here in a long time. 

This painting is full of thick impasto layers. I also added actual seashells, sea glass, sand dollars, and two hand sculpted clay items (a turtle in the foam, and a starfish on the shore.)  The clay items are a new element. I truly enjoyed creating them and painting them after adhering them to the canvas.  I'm using paper clay, which is clay with paper fibers added to make it stronger.  It is a lightweight clay and is something I want to explore further.

I was going through some personal issues when I painted this and thought about how somethings seem to transcend time. Some memories are as fresh as yesterday even though they happened years ago! Some things can happen in no time and seem like forever.  This led to the concept that we make time, it is in us and not just something that happens to us.  We choose to enjoy it, use it wisely, or do nothing with it.  So all of that is  flowing through this painting as the woman contemplates the vastness of it all.

I hid an angel in the sky, but not in the clouds per say, it is in reverse. The blue of the sky is in the shape of an angel by the clouds around it.  Makes it harder to find, but I wanted to make it bigger than the small ones I usually paint in the clouds.

24 x 36 inches
Mixed media
Elaborate custom frame (see below)
Sold







Thanks for looking!  Please share!