Little Free Library

The "Little Free Library" is a wonderful idea/program that was thought of to encourage people to read.  It also gives others the chance to help facilitate reading for those who do not have quick access to a Library, or, for whatever reason, choose not to go to a formal library.

Our church has a distribution center for Second Harvest Food Bank. Many of the people who utilize this service have children who could benefit immensely from the "Little Free Library".  Clients of Second Harvest will be encouraged to take advantage of the books offered within the "Little Free Library"; return them and then get another.  This program is catching on like wildfire and it makes me happy.  Education is the cornerstone for everything we do in this life. I am delighted that I can help in this small way.

 First I painted the roof metallic copper.

 The next thing I did was paint on patina Folk Art paint. 

Then I took my trusty water bottle and let the green "run" to give it a realistic feel.

 Then I added black and did the same with the water.

I also dabbed with a paper towel places where there was too much black or too much green.

 Next, I painted the sky blue, added the foreground and a tree.

 Then I painted books "growing" in my tree.

 Adding "titles" to the books.

 On the opposite side of the Library, I added a quote from John Wesley.

 And finally, I was SO close to being finished...

But...I had to add the little flourishes besides "Take a Book" and "Return a Book".
I can't wait to see this in our garden at Church!  Will post more pictures when it's in it's final spot!

Painting Portraits

I have always been drawn to portraits. The eyes, the expressions, the "feel" of someone.  I've been attempting to gain a grasp of just how to paint a portrait...most of my trying has been in acrylics.  While I have had some success, I went to a workshop this weekend and it was in oils.  Boy did that put a totally different spin on the process!  When life allows, I'll be trying to paint another oil portrait.  I also had probably the best teacher there ever was!  I love it when people who "can" share their knowledge!

Beach Buddies

I am having a hard time figuring out my painting "Style".  I've done a few portraits and will post later.  I think I might like them best.  THIS I had major fun with!  But...no faces so it wasn't nearly as daunting.  AGH!

Scarlett O'Hara Portrait

The other day I got it into my head to paint Scarlett O'hara.  I took pictures of some of the phases, but wanted to go ahead and post.  This is acrylic, done on masonite.

Civil War Painting

 

 Well...here's my Civil War painting.  I love parts of it, other parts I just want to start over. I used two different kinds of paint: water soluble oils and acrylics.  The oils gave me more than a few fits!

I did photograph some of my steps.  Here's what I have:

Sketched, base coated and blocked in.

Hair, skin, shading and a few details.

Little better, still much missing.

No smoke, yet.  I never really liked the foliage.

Smoke added, but still not crazy about the foliage.  SO, I "fixed" it below.

I still don't know!

Pet Portrait 2

I

I painted another pet portrait of a friend of mine's dog.  MUCH, much easier to paint a dark haired dog than a white dog!

Pet Portrait

I went to another painting workshop this past weekend.  Had a blast painting my snaggled toothed Lillie!  I'll be doing another one for a friend soon, and I'll post the "how to's" soon!