Beautiful Philadelphia Sky

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

Today's painting was inspired by a photo taken by my brother-in-law. He works in Philadelphia and really does an amazing job capturing some beautiful sights in and around the city. This is the first time I have painted a city scene. I didn't want to put a lot of detail into the building - the intent was to do more of a silhouette against the sky

Autumn Landscape Close to Home

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

Today's painting is inspired by a photo I took last fall, during the peak of fall colors. This is a street a few miles from my home.

I recently signed up for a couple online courses from Craftsy (craftsy.com), Acrylic Landscapes Close to Home taught by Susan Stillman, and Painting Trees in Acrylic taught by Peter John Reid. I enjoyed both courses and learned a lot. I tried to incorporate some of the new things I learned in this painting.

Blazing Skies

Painting by Vicky Christensen, acrylic on 12 X 16 Blick hardboard panel

I decided to do one more abstract using a negative painting technique. My inspiration was a photo I found in the Wet Canvas reference image library. This is the first time I have painted on a Blick hardboard panel. The panel is 3/8 inch thick and was primed with gesso. The gesso has a slightly textured surface, but the packaging indicates you can sand it lightly to get a smoother surface.

Forty Fruit Tree

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

Today's painting was inspired by the Tree of Forty Fruit, a concept that Syracuse University art professor Sam Van Aken brought to life. Here is more information.

I placed my imaginary tree in an imaginary field of poppies.