Carolina Elizabeth

  Forelle Pear and Flowers  6"x6" Oil on Linen Panel sold Bartlett Pear and Flowers 5"x7" Oil on Linen Panel sold Since we've moved, I have been eager to paint the walls to make them look like hand painted silk. A few weeks ago we went to the used book store and I found some wonderful books with photos of such wonderful style of antique wallpapers. I love the worn look and the layers of separated color created by the process of screen printing. Then I thought how wonderful it would contrast with the gradual transition of value in the fruit paintings I make. I had done a couple of paintings when I first got my book (both paintings sold), and I couldn't wait for the chance to do more. That is the plan once Fallbreak comes around. I hope you like them also.

Peonies in Silver Vase, 5"x7" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD Nope, oil painting is more like what Darwin said--you know about losing what you don’t use. It's been a while since I've put to use the few painting skills I had acquired over the last couple of years. Being big-headed, I decided to start with a complicated composition which included an antique teapot, glass bottles, some Chinese lanterns and a couple of other things. All this ended up in a small muddy mess. So, back to the beginning until I take some notes and do some trouble shooting trying to avoid Einstein’s definition of insanity. I hope to show you that one in a week or so. Until then, here are the paintings that I was able to complete. Cherry No.5 , 4"x6" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD All these pear paintings are of the same pear. Due to the drought we are experiencing, I have no flowers, which I've waiting so dearly to paint. I think it's time for a ...

Guava in Mexican Bowl Oil on Linen Panel 4"x6" Click here to bid. Sold I am wishing you a wonderfully colorful and happy Fall. I've learned so much these last couple of weeks and am thankful for all the great advice experienced artists are willing to share with me. Nectarines Still Life Oil on Linen Panel 5"x7" Sold Ranunculus in Glass Oil on Linen Panel 4"x6" Click here to bid. Cotton Pod Oil on Linen Panel 3"x6" sold

Roses Still Life , Oil on Linen Panel 5"x7" SOLD . I know it’s cheesy and obvious, but sometimes I have to stop and be grateful for all those geniuses that made the internet possible for the rest of us. Without the internet, my year and half journey into oil painting would have been a lot more frustrating and not as interesting. It is through my Google searches and one link leading to another that I’ve found artist that, not only inspired me, but have been so generous as to share their experiences and techniques with me. Through the internet I’ve met local contemporary artists like Leslie Lienau , Anne Spoon , and Carla Anglada that have been very encouraging and informative artists whom I’ve also had the lovely pleasure of meeting in person, and whose friendships I cherish. Then, there are those artists far away and around the world who have blogs and websites loaded with life times of resources. These include, but of course not limited to Henk Helmantel and Julian Merr...

Pealed Tangelo in Bowl 4"x6" Oil on Linen Sold The work continues. Here are a couple of photos in preparation for the Edmond Art Association Fall Show which will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Springcreek Plaza. I have some more painted, but those will have to be a surprise!

Quail Egg Quartet 5"x7" Oil on Linen Panel The pages in this post are in preparation for the Edmond Art Association Fall Show which will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Springcreek Plaza . Pewter Pitcher 6"x8" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD Rose in Glass Bottle 4"x6" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD

Pink Zinnia with Bowl, 4"x6" Oil on linen panel Sold This post is dedicated to the love of family. In fact, the zinnia in the painting above is from my mother's garden. I believe I've mentioned my visit to a local used book store where I found a task/secretary chair that I fell in love with and thought it would be the perfect studio chair. I fell so hard for that chair that for the first time in my life I had, not one, but two dreams about The Chair, of all things. Anyways, I asked the book store owner if she was willing to sell it. She, of course said "no," since she also loved the chair so. Robert and my parents, who always work hard at making my dreams come true, helped me search the world over for this task/secretary/soon-to-be-studio chair. Robert searched the overwhelming virtual thrift store, also known to some as the World Wide Web; my parents asked some of their clients and searched actual thrift stores; and I would stop and glance at ...

Rembrandt Tulips in Glass Vase, Oil on Linen Panel 5"x7" SOLD So, when can an artist call themselves an artist? Is when they draw the first picture and someone else recognizes what it is? Is it when they are called "artist" by their peers? Is it when they’ve developed “their own” style? Or maybe when they have a “real” studio? How about when they sell their first artwork; or better yet, when they have their first sold out solo exhibit, in New York, Venice, Florence, or Paris? I don’t think it’s the art degree that gives someone the right to call themselves an artist, but then what do I know? I have never really called myself an artist out loud. I’ve called myself a decorative painter, a muralist, a ceramicist, a jewelry maker, and even an art teacher. So, lately I was wondering, "How old will I be when I can call myself an artist?" After days of asking my soul a million questions, I came to a conclusion: I’ve been an artist since the day I was born. This ...

Daffodils in Blue and White Bowl , Oil on Linen Panel 4"x6" NFS I thank you for being such great companions in my journey into oil painting. It was a little over a year ago when I first purchased my set of oil paints (many colors have since been added and others deleted) and set to learn to paint with oils. You joined me when my paintings were so very muddy and my compositions looked extremely choppy. Still, you encouraged me with your kind words and gave me helpful advice from your experiences in art. At the same time, many of you shared your art with me in your own blogs. Your stories have been a joy to read and your artwork a great inspiration to me. I hope you continue to visit, as I have a much more to learn and share with you. Thank you, again.

Sweet Heart Orchid in Green Vase 5"x7" Oil on Linen Panel I have been painting diligently, as I promised. I have finished several paintings, most definitely with spring in mind. The first one is of a small vase I found a while back during one of my antique shop huntings. The orchid in it is a Phalaenopsis, which I think is called the 'Sweet Heart' orchid. I love orchids and this one has been blooming since Valentine’s Day. We got it at the OSU-OKC Farmer’s market for a couple that sell orchids there regularly. If you are in the hunt for the flowers, that is the place to get them. They are at a fair price (considering they will bloom for almost a month) and they are very helpful. TeaCup with Grape 5"x7" Oil on Linen Panel SOLD My second painting is a teacup with a grape. That one is just inspired by the color combinations of both items together. I am very pleased with the look of the grape. I was having a difficult time getting that frost look on it, jus...

Key, I Oil on Linen 5"x7" $98 My key is done. Although, once the photo of the painting pop up on the computer, I saw lots of mistakes. Ahhh! Does this happen to any of you out there in the wonderful world of blogs? Oh, thank you, Lindsey Tull for the great advice on painting metals. I still have plenty of prccticing to do, but at least I felt a bit more confident with the knowledge you shared with me. Lindsey does beautiful work. I admire the way ath she can emulate metal. It is fantastic. Visit her blog and see for yourself. I still wonder what the key was for and who it belong to. What stories would it tell?

Strawberry, I 4"x5" Oil on Linen SOLD These are such encouraging words, especially when I feel that I am not making fast enough progress. I am very impatient—more with myself than anything else. Let me start from the beginning—sort of. My girls and I went to some Edmond antique shops a couple of days ago. I was looking for props for my paintings particularly a silver vase. I want to practice painting metal on canvas. Within the area are a couple of very good art galleries. The first one we visited was the Dean-Lively Gallery , which sits comfortable between some little shops. There we enjoyed seeing work by Pat Harris (on Thursday, July 9th, the gallery will host an artist reception for Harris) and other very talented artists. The second one was the Shadid Fine Art Gallery , where I saw some of Timothy Rose ’s wonderful art work. It is much lovelier in person than the photos on the site show. Below is a photo of the girls in front of the gallery. Oh, I had to take one of Ez...

Soft Pink Roses from Spiro , Oil on Linen 8”X10” $168 I believe I have shared with you my love for interior design. I love textiles. I am fascinated with the history of furniture styles. I enjoy seeing collections of items from different cultures make an interesting design. My favorite thing is the creative use of art to create a home. One of my favorite blogs on Interior design is Absolutely Beautiful Things. It is just that. In it Anna Spiro, a designer from Brisbane Australia, shares with us her record of inspirational items. I saw the photo below of the loveliest pink roses. I was so thrilled when Spiro allowed me to use the photo for a painting. I had great fun painting it, but I will have to try it again to show the softness that the roses have and more contrast. I hope you enjoy it and that you visit her blog. You will be inspired by all things lovely.

Peonies in Blue Vase Oil on linen, .925 SS, Citrine, Peridot $240 Antique Pink Rose I Oil on linen, .925 SS, Cherry Quartz $260 For You II Oil on linen, .925 SS, Faceted Blue Sapphire, Aquamarine Tulips in Painted Mexican Vase SOLD Oil on linen, .925 SS, Citrine, Blue Sapphire

Oklahoma Landscape III 1"x 2" Acrylic on linen 18"SS, $225 Notice the beautiful day in Oklahoma. It is the same type of sky I tried to capture in the Oklahoma landscape pendant above. One of my favorite things about Oklahoma are the open clear skies. I was very honored to have been invited to exhibit some of my jewelry at Sheridan's gallery, A Jeweler's Art, which looked absolutely fabulous. I posted some of her work below. I am so proud of the work that she has done, both business-wise and her artistic skills. White Rose Oil on linen 1 1/3"x 1 3/4" 19" SS, Peridot $240 Still-life with Camelia Leaves Oil on Linen 1”x1” 19” chain, SS, Faceted Citrine $190 Wild Rose Oil on Linen 1"x2" SS with 14kg bead 19" SS Chain with Aquamarine and Blue Sapphire $235 To create the necklaces above, I make small linen plaster canvases. Once the painting is dried, I make the silver bezel to compliment the subject. Precious and semi-precious gems ar...

Hydrangeas I Oil on Canvas 6"X8" Pink Roses III Oil on Canvas 6"X8" The following paintings are tiny oil on linen canvas that I made. They are intended to be portable art-pendants. I have to get my metalsmith tools out and make some bezels for them. I can't wait. The large ones are 1 1/2" in diameter. My favorite are the miniature Oklahoma landscapes. On my easel right now... I have been working on painting a ballerina slipper for Alexis (Alexia's friend). I cannot seem to be able to darken the peaches (or any pinks on anything for that matter) without going too bright (if I add red) or too muddy if I try to darken it with other colors. If any of you have a trick or know a helpful starter fomula, I would really appreciate it if you pass along to me.