Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Daily Oil Painting, Birds, "Waverunners" 12x12" SOLD

These birds were my constant companions on early morning walks on the beaches of Sanibel.

SOLD

After 40+ years of seeing the sun rise over the Atlantic, it seemed odd to see it rise from behind the dunes at the Gulf of Mexico.


I used both brush and palette knife on this one.  I like the contrast of texture achieved in this way.

The birds ignored me and my camera, knowing they could move much faster then I can.

Carol Schiff

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Story of a commission

When I work on a painting commission, it is always with a mix of excitement and fear.  Will I produce the painting my client is expecting?

Recently  I recieved a request for a 30x40" commission.  The client had already purchased a small 8x10" and wanted a similar scene.  She especially liked the sky.

SOLD


I painted a small study of what I thought the client was asking for....focus on the sky and a more interesting marsh area.


Nix!  The sky is much to gaudy for the client, and could I please add some birds.



This had a better reception, but perhaps a few more herons?



Here we are getting closer, but the client felt the flying heron was too distracting to the sunset.



SOLD!
I photo shopped the offending bird out of the composition and got the go ahead!  This is the completed 30x40" canvas which the client is totally happy with.

Most clients have sent me a photo image of exactly the scene they are looking for.  I found this trial and error system has worked well for me when there is no photo image to work from.

I would love to hear how others handle this situation.

Thanks for reading my blog today.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Horse Portrait, "Big Red" 6x8" Oil, SOLD

I have been trying to expand my horizons by painting new subject matter.  This is my second horse painting.


SOLD
I have to say I did enjoy the challenge.  He looked so spirited and I got excited about his red coat against a green background.


It's always fun to stretch a little, try something new.  I would like to do more of these, but I think my biggest challenge will be getting interesting reference images to work from. We have plenty of horses in our neighborhood, but they usually run to the other end of the pasture when they see me approach with my trusty camera.

Do you have any special techniques for getting images of animals?

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Tropical Fish Painting, Small Oil Painting, Daily Painting, Coral Reef Series, 9x12x.75" Oil

Celebrating that island feel, mon!  There may be pumpkins and falling leaves outside

purchase here
my door, but I still dream about the tropics!



I have a very difficult time photographing blue and green colors.  This painting is a perfect example.  The background is a lovely blend of aquas, blues and greens, but I lose that in the image.  Does anyone have a solution?

Thanks for viewing my art today!

Carol Schiff
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com