Dreaming of Autumn

Painting by Vicky Christensen, acrylic on 16 X 12 inch canvas panel

After painting a still life last Friday I decided to use up some of the left-over paint by laying it down on a canvas panel with a palette knife. After a few strokes it began to take the form of a heavily wooded forest. Tonight I added the final touches. I really like the textures you can give leaves when you use a palette knife.

Painting at Birchwood Arbors, Jan. 2015

Today we got together again to paint with watercolors at Birchwood Arbors assisted living. We missed our get-together in December -- a few of the residents had influenza and the staff decided it was prudent to limit outside contact.

Here are photos of the artists at work!

Several of these ladies are over 90 years old, including Tootie (above). Tootie is an experienced oil painter but is new to painting with watercolors. I look at her watercolor paintings and I am amazed and inspired.

Palette Knife Still Life

Painting by Vicky Christensen, acrylic on 16 X 12 inch canvas

I've been thinking about painting using palette knives rather than brushes. I finally tried it and this is the result.

This was a lot of fun. Since I'm not skilled with the knives it forced me to paint in a very loose style, so the result is more abstract. I also chose to use bolder colors. This photo was taken while some of the paint was still wet, so some of the colors will dry darker.

Picking up the Brushes Again

Painting by Vicky Christensen, acrylic on 24 X 18 inch canvas

It's been a while since I have painted, and a few months since I painted with acrylic paints. Today I told myself no more excuses. 

I just got back from a week in Florida. Beautiful sunny days at the beach, and mild nights with beautiful sunsets and good company -- who could ask for more. So here's my homage to Florida sunsets.