Day 11 :: QUIET :: September Daily Paintings

QUIET
original pastel, 6x6"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck
$50

The theme for my daily paintings seems to be "If nothing changes, nothing changes" and forcing myself to make changes. 

Today those changes worked out for me. I came into the studio knowing I'd be working on a marsh and wanting to mix it up. Less marks and more defined lights and darks have been on my "I wish..." list for too long now. 

QUIET
original acrylic, 18x18"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck

Do I like the acrylic more than the pastel? I think I do! The underpainting for this piece was full of movement and I tried to keep that same feeling even after paint was layered on top.

Today is a difficult historical day. Art is a wonderful way to slowly process anxiety and a jumble of feelings. It was a welcome time for me to have on a somber anniversary.

PRICING NOTE:  I am taking risks with this challenge. The work created is about learning and  my pieces are experiments and priced accordingly. Each piece is A BARGAIN at only $50 ($10 shipping if you're not local) rather than $125 for my usual gallery-worthy work. Only my pastels will be available at this time. Email kimweineck@gmail.com to purchase. Of course, thank you! 

Thanks for reading! ~ kmw

Day 10 :: REEDS :: September Daily Paintings

REEDS

original pastel, 6x6"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck
$50

Weekend! Day ten! No longer in the single digits with one-third of the month behind me. Today, as mentioned yesterday, here is the same marsh view with some sky. My color in the original is a bit different. The reeds in the foreground appearing like bluish white dots are actually in the bright light orange family. Optimizing photos is difficult and as long as I keep doing daily painting challenges like this, my editing skills are bound to improve. 

Feel free to comment on what you'd like to see for the month. I have a feeling more figures are going to appear at some time. Acorn still lifes showed up last September. As I walk the dog early in the morning I keep picking up unique little acorns and thinking of paintings. 

We foraged for grapes and elderberries today. The house smells wonderfully of riverbank grapes. I'm not sure if a painting of a wild grapevine would translate. We'll see! 

MARSH REEDS

original acrylic, 18x18"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck

Here's the acrylic. Quick and fun. I'm feeling that it's not quite abstract enough and not quite detailed enough. What will I do going forward? Maybe we'll have a resolution about this for the end of the month. Twenty more paintings to go!

PRICING NOTE:  I am taking risks with this challenge. The work created is about learning and  my pieces are experiments and priced accordingly. Each piece is A BARGAIN at only $50 ($10 shipping if you're not local) rather than $125 for my usual gallery-worthy work. Only my pastels will be available at this time. Email kimweineck@gmail.com to purchase. Of course, thank you! 

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

Day 9 :: MARSH REEDS :: September Daily Painting

MARSH REEDS

original pastel, 6x6"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck
$50

The weekend is nearly here! I'm excited to have the time to get things in order again after a hectic week of school and everything new. Painting-wise, I'm hoping to get up a bit earlier and see about squeezing in my paintings on Saturday and Sunday. (Wish me luck ;) ) 

Today's pastel and acrylic painting are a little different for me because there is no sky to be shown. When I did small thumbnail sketches to work out the composition I had versions with and without sky. Obviously sky-less seemed more appealing to me. 

In the spirit of the posts from the past three days (all from the same marsh spot near our home) I may offer a version of this place tomorrow but with sky. Having a month of daily paintings is a great way to compare and contrast and analyze some artistic tenets. It's true to say that a whole lot of learning is going on!

MARSH REEDS
original acrylic, 18x18"
©2016 Kim Morin Weineck

When it came to the acrylic painting as a warm-up, it's one of the first ones that I really am happy with. And I'm so enjoying a stack of 18x18" paintings and looking at the progression. It's a lot of work but so very worth it.

PRICING NOTE:  I am taking this challenge to heart and taking risks. The work created is a labor of love and learning. For this #30in30 challenge my pieces are experiments and priced accordingly. Each piece is A BARGAIN at only $50 ($10 shipping if you're not local) rather than $125 for my usual gallery-worthy work. Only my pastels will be available at this time. Email kimweineck@gmail.com to purchase. Of course, thank you! 

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

Day #28 :: LATE BLOOMERS :: January Daily Painting Challenge

LATE BLOOMERS
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

$125 + $8 shipping

The two florals I did at the beginning of the month are like beacons to me about spring and summer to come. When deciding what to paint today, earlier I chose a scene from a Cape Cod beach, and now I'm going back to a happy floral. 

I had a poor photo of these sunflowers I had bought from an enterprising local gardener in early November. I was jealous of the blooms still being produced from this green-thumb's garden and scooped them up from their flower bucket on the table at the side of the road for some ridiculously inexpensive price. When I remember back, I think I bought all of the flowers remaining, and the whole lot didn't cost more than $10. 

Today I struggled trying to make this piece cohesive. There's something fun about the entire top half. The bottom half I'm not sure about. I'll give it some time in the studio and revisit BIG! I have a hankering for some BIG work after a month of littles. 

When I studied for the trans-formative summer in Brittany, France, the artist Susan Lichtman was my teacher. Seeing her paintings was quite important to me in my artistic development. Another artist I follow posted an interview with Professor Lichtman and I immediately went to her website and ogled the paintings. Inspiration everywhere! Her process captivates me and drives me to take more risks and capture more in my work. 

The chair in the right top corner reminds me of her paintings slightly. It's imperfect and I find that imperfection simple perfection. 

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

Day 43 :: DUNE PATHS:: original KMW pastel, 6x6"

DUNE PATHS
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

$125 + $8 shipping

Today was a busy day: kids are off from school, puppy preparations are in full swing, and the oil painting class I'm teaching began tonight, a pastel painting class starts tomorrow. This ugh cold I've had for nearly two weeks is dragging me down. Studio time has been so important for me. Right when I think I just can't find the energy, I do. The time spent painting is centering and lovely, such a positive in my life I didn't see coming.

This piece is one I love. Greens are always a challenge, and in this piece, they work. I've created space when the contrast was low. It'd a piece with subtle drama. The building was successful because I made decisions and went with them. The marks I made mattered. The colors I chose were right.

For those who know Nantucket, this is Steps Beach, from the top step, on an overcast day. Everywhere you look in Nantucket is a painting -- no matter the weather, time of day, or season.

Thanks for reading! -kmw

Day 22 :: SUNFLOWER COTTAGE :: #30in30 Painting a Day Challenge

SUNFLOWER COTTAGE
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

$125 + $8 shipping

Today I went to see The Wyeths: America Reflected at the Heritage Museum in Sandwich, MA. The exhibit closes this weekend and it was an imperative for me to get there. So happy it worked out. Three generations of Wyeths inspired me a bunch. I went looking at paintings with key questions in mind. It's fun to find answers by looking at paintings you admire.

The show was in this super-cool military building at the museum.
Its starkness went with the show impeccably well. 

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
original oil by NC Wyeth
just one of the gorgeous nocturnes on display

Today's painting is inspired by sights from my drive home. Before getting on the highway, I was getting quick views of so many gorgeous Cape Cod homes and cottages. This one is part of some efficiency cottages all available for rent. I saw the overflowing sunflowers and decided to turn around and take a photo and make some notes. It's fun and a little funny to be in a parking lot with a sketchbook making frantic marks that only make sense to you.

The palette for today's piece is so far from the colors of the Midnight Ride of Paul Revere above. I was in awe of NC Wyeth's nocturnes. His oils had jewel-like tones. I have eight more days of painting with pastel. I'll be interested in playing with oils on a larger scale in October, I'd bet.

Does the car read properly? It was a beat up jalopy of a vehicle which sort of went with the vibe of the efficiency cottages. It is to scale as painted since this road ventured far back to distant tiny houses. I'm not sure if I pulled it off, though. After working on something closely for a decent spell, it's difficult to have new eyes. If it doesn't read properly, I'm going to have to revisit it.

I suspect I'll be making it larger in the near future.

It's day 22 and this is a draining but wonderful exercise. Life isn't well set-up to make this painting schedule too possible on a consistent basis, which is too bad.  The real bummer is that I'm really missing seeing my husband at night. The good from this, though, is artistically and emotionally really good. I can talk about that more in the future. I've got to go to bed!

Thanks for reading! -kmw

Day 13 :: MARSH ROCKS :: #30in30 Painting a Day Challenge

MARSH ROCKS
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

at The Drawing Room, Marion, MA

Last week I was visiting an artist friend in Sandwich on Cape Cod. He took us on a pretty incredible safari to scout out painting locations. This spot is a gem! It was low tide -- really low. The sun was a bright streak in the distance. I think I could still play with the color in the distance on this one. 

Thirteen days in and I am noticing some interesting things about the collection as a whole. If you'd like to see them, click on the #30in30 link on my website homepage.

Some of these small paintings are being worked into larger compositions. Wait until you see those -- no sooner than November, if I had to wager a guess. Who knows, though. I'm excited to show what I'm working on and I'm in a new gallery! Be sure to plan to visit Palette Fine Art Gallery if you're near Sandwich, Massachusetts. Comment on this post if you'd like suggestions on where to eat and what to see when you're there. 

Thanks for reading! -kmw

Day 10 :: MARSH FOG :: #30in30 Painting a Day Challenge

MARSH FOG
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

at The Drawing Room, Marion, MA

It's day 10 and it's quite something to see my paintings all lined up on my studio shelf. If you'd like to see my work for this September challenge, take a look at my website and click on the #30in30 page. I'm uploading my new paintings there nearly daily.

When I look at my #30in30 paintings I am struck by the amount of contrast of dark and light that comes through. When my students discuss possible painting subjects, one constant we discuss for success is that the work should have a distinct light story. When a piece is from sunset it's easy to know the light story is the drama of the brilliant sky against the darkening land.

Sometimes the light story is that there is no light story. This is acceptable as long as it's deliberate. In today's painting the marsh is fogged in. The greens in the distance become blurred together. There is little contrast. It's a great study in greens and edges and feels like fog. In essence it's the perfect explanation of a light story telling  a deliberate story of having little light. In this foggy day, the light story is diffused.

Two notes:
I've had questions about an exhibition of my paintings for this challenge. In October I'll be hosting an open studio event at my home. More on this to come!

Yesterday I was signed on by Palette Fine Art Gallery in Sandwich, MA. I'm excited to be among their talented artists. If you're in that area on Cape Cod, please do stop by!

Thanks for reading! -kmw

Day 9 :: BLUE DOOR :: #30in30 Painting a Day Challenge

BLUE DOOR
by Kim Morin Weineck
original pastel, 6x6"

                                                                             

$125 + $8 shipping

Sometimes there is so much of visual interest in a place that it's easy to become overwhelmed at the options presented. This spot with its forested lot, dappled light, adirondack chair, adorable garden shed, vibrant roses, blooming window box, swaying ornamental grasses, and good company was overwhelming to say the least. It was also 100 degrees.

Here is the pastel I created en plein air. It was a true study in editing and in making greens interesting. When I had looked at my previous postings I thought it was time for some architecture. Blue is my favorite color. My friends' home has it everywhere. I was in heaven for so many reasons!

Thanks for reading! -kmw

A Walk on the Beach

This panoramic pastel was painted on a Saturday afternoon in my backyard. Before you think we live on the beach, I painted it from a series of drawings and photo references I had from this great day in Eastham, MA a couple of summers ago.

©2013 Kim Morin Weineck
A WALK ON THE BEACH
original pastel, 31x14"

I've had such a hankering to do some oil painting, but my pastel supplies were out and I figured I'd give it a go. Today's gorgeous and my kids are on vacation. Perhaps I'll work this up in oil today, again painting in my backyard. Could be a fun study in differences of the two mediums and more practice on my figures -- albeit teeny tiny ones.

Thanks for reading! -kmw

"Cloud Strata"

©2012 Kim Morin Weineck
CLOUD STRATA
original pastel, 6x6" 
available at South Street Gallery

Conifer trees are fun to paint. Sunsets are, too. This pastel was a BLAST to paint!

A series of sunsets

Often in my classes I discuss the importance of working in a series. A wonderful tool for delving into color and composition relationships, series work lets the focus shift because you're not concerned with subjects to paint. 

Here I post my latest series in the order they were painted. 

©2012 Kim Morin Weineck
SUMMER SKY
original pastel, 7x7" unframed

We also discuss the issue of painting a sunset. "Sunsets put a lot of pressure on you because it's not a photo. If not done well, the validity of the piece is suspect." People may question if the landscape could really look like that.

©2012 Kim Morin Weineck
RED REFLECTED
original pastel, 24x9" unframed

Like with so many things, I find myself in a contrary position and often explore further the subjects I bring up with my students. Here are four sunset paintings, done in quick succession, where I play with light, color, and composition. 

©2012 Kim Morin Weineck
CLOUDS AND COLOR
original pastel, 10x8" unframed

 All the paintings were such fun to do and these photos don't capture the vibrancy of the light that the original does. Also, they don't quite feel as wonderful as when I was in the moment, taking photos, notes, etc.

©2012 Kim Morin Weineck
SETTING SUN
original pastel, 24x9" unframed

Such fun. With each go-'round I learn. Can't wait to take on some more. I've been working from my color notes made on location and black and white photos. An interesting approach that seems to be helping me out.

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

Sixth of six

Here is the last of my series of Cape Cod cottages.

©2011 Kim Morin Weineck
WHITE COTTAGE
original oil, 6x6"
$125 framed

It's been fun posting them daily like this.

Yesterday I was able to paint on the patio and finished up a few lingering unfinished works as well as another that I may just have to keep for myself!

More artwork in future posts, and no cottages are included in the next series.
I'll give you a hint -- marshes!

Thanks for reading!
kmw

The fourth of six

We're now on number four of the six Nantucket-inspired paintings. It's a Saturday - gorgeous outside after what felt like a seriously rain-soaked week. 

Today I'm off to judge a show of the Taunton Art Association and am looking forward to it. It's always inspiring to judge, and this art association offers a great, high-caliber show!

©2011 Kim Morin Weineck
GARDEN ENTRANCE
original oil, 6x6"
$125 framed

I am always working on greens. Greens can make paintings look fake if they're not believable. I'm always tweaking my greens.

Have a great day. Until tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
kmw

The third of six

My posting of the six additional paintings continues this morning with this piece, Hollyhocks. I was delighted with the light in this one and the way the day lilies and the hollyhocks were painted.

©2011 Kim Morin Weineck
HOLLYHOCKS
original oil, 6x6"
$125 framed

Garden scenes aren't new things for me to paint, but this combo of buildings, road, shadows, and flowers was. I had fun dotting in the darks on the left, and making it feel balanced. 

Again, too, there was a lot to be learned about white and its temperature. After doing a lot of paintings in this series, by the time I got to this one, I was feeling more confident. What fun painting is when you've been diligent. 

If you're not already a fan, click over to Gallery9 and Custom Art Framing's Facebook Page. At work today we'll be doing another in a series of giveaways featuring trivia about the shop. Fun stuff! 

Thanks for reading!