Small Oil Landscape, Daily Painting, "My Morning Companion", 6x8"

When I spend time in the Smoky Mountains, I start many of my days on the porch, with a cup of coffee.  It's a special time of day as the sun streams in over the mountains and starts to burn off the protective layer of "smoke" from the night before.

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95 + 6.50 in US

It's just me, my coffee, and this old dogwood tree that sits in our yard.  A very nice way to start the day.

Soon the sun will rise over the mountain tops and light will stream in behind the tree.  My little special moment of the morning is gone and it is time to start my day.

Do you have a special moment each morning?



www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

And God Set a Bow in the Sky, 20x20 Oil by Carmen Beecher

Sometimes you just get lucky. This hint of a rainbow appeared at the right moment, making me very happy.

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Enlightened, Florida Coastal Oil Landscape Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

I passed by this location a few weeks ago, and the boat was still pulled up on the shoreline where I had painted it earlier. An afternoon thunderstorm, typical of Florida afternoons, had moved on, and the sunlight broke through the clouds. This 16 x 20 original oil is now headed for an upcoming event in Central Florida.

OFF SHORE STORM, Daily Painting,

  The other day my husband and I went for a walk on the beach.  Although it was sunny when we left home, ten minutes later black clouds were rolling in over the waves.

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The clouds had not yet completely obscured the horizon leaving a strip of aqua sunlight on the sea.

When I came home, I went straight to the easel, painting this from memory.

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Osprey Over the St. John's River, a Small Florida Plein Air Painting by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

Watching the osprey circle overhead, I was mesmerized. The large bird spotted fish in the tannic brown waters of the St. John's River and got them. Bright green aquatic plants lined the side of the river next to mangroves, cypress and grasses. I had my easel on a houseboat in the middle of the river with a great view. A great way to paint plein air, capturing part of the pristine wilderness! 5"H x 7"W Price: $ 75.00

GREEN WAVE by Carol Schiff

My husband retired recently, and we find ourselves walking on the beach quite regularly these days.  I always take my camera because you never know when that perfect scene will be spread out at your feet.  On these days I go without it, I always see multiple "perfect scenes".

90 + 6.50 in USA

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I have to remind myself, that seeing the perfect scene, and getting an image of it are two different things.  Usually, when I look in my viewfinder, the sun is in my eyes, or some such distraction, and I just click away in frustration, unable to see what I am pointing at.

I enjoy the trip again when I return home and download the images.  Usually I find at least a few that have possibilities.

I am sure by now all you plein air painters are horrified, but I have always been a studio painter and always will be.  I did TRY to do plein air, but  find it is a whole different ballgame.  I have great respect for anyone who can climb a mountain with a 36x48 canvas strapped on his back.......just cannot see me doing it!

On another note, I have thrilled to announce that I am the winner of not one, but TWO killer give a-ways!
If you are not familiar with Charleen Martin, I urge you to hop right over to her blog.  She does the most interesting and delightful mixed media pieces around.  At the moment, she is recovering from a shoulder injury and is showcasing her most unique jewelry making skills.

She sent me the most wonderful set of her note cards showcasing her fabulous collage works.  Thank you so much Charleen.  I will enjoy sending this out and I know my friends will be thrilled to receive them.

I also entered a little contest on Dreama Tolle Perry's blog.  She was showcasing her new book..."Be Inspired.....Adventures for the Heart".  She asked readers to post their most inspired saying and then selected the ten she liked the most.  Imagine my surprise when she posted my name as one of the winners.  She sent each of us a copy of her book. Click on her name above for a link that will take you to a page to order her book, or download a copy.

Enjoy the day.........
www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

Figurative Pastel Painting of Children, "I Have a Dream...." 15x19"

I was notified a few days ago that my painting "I Have A Dream" has been awarded "Best of Show" in the May challenge at CFAI.com.

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I'm thrilled to have this honor.

Several years ago, before cell phones etc, I was attending an Easter egg hunt when these two darling babies  suddenly embraced.  I was lucky enough to have a camera pointed in their direction at the right time.  When I saw the image, all I could think about was Martin Luther King's famous speech.

www.CarolSchiffStudio.blogspot.com

St. John's River, Small Florida Oil Painting of River, Osprey, Cypress Tree by Judy Batterson, Florida Artist

With my easel set up on a houseboat deck in the middle of the St. John's River, I painted the wilderness around me. One lone fisherman floated by, looking for a catch. And so was the osprey that circled overhead. Cypress trees, mangroves, aquatic plants and gators were part of the river scene in Florida's pristine wilderness. 5x7 original oil, $75.