Daily Painting with my Little Paint Box

This is me working on the onion painting at the Art Faire, using my small cigar box pochade. It's small enough to fit in my briefcase along with a camera, sketch book and a few other essentials.

For the box, I've narrowed it down to 8 or 9 tiny tubes of paint, a small bottle of thinner and a sample size of Galkyd medium. There is also just enough room for some short handled brushes and a palette knife. Oh, and I use a disposable painting palette pad I cut to fit the box.

At the end of my painting session, I fold the top sheet with the paint, stick it in a plastic bag and deal with it at home later. Sometimes I'll add my dirty brushes to the baggie, as well. If there is leftover paint, I transfer it to my palette at home. Waste not, want not.

I do have bigger painting boxes I take sometimes when I go out for demos, on trips, or to paint out. But I love the simplicity, light weight, and compactness of this one and use it often.

©2008 Diana Moses Botkin

"Red Onion in Bowl" Still Life Daily Painting

Original oil painting on panel, 5"x7"
Red onion in white bowl on red background, painted from life

I painted most of this yesterday for a live demo at our Art Faire at Naples Gallery. Today I looked at the painting and noticed the elipse of the bowl wasn't quite right so I worked on it a little more and also added a few other touches. Those pesky elipses are awfully hard to get just so!

The lighting where I was showing my little paintings on the covered porch at the gallery was interesting. I had a reflector and bulb hung over my work space which lent a warm glow and made those nice yellow tones on the bottom of the bowl. The bluer outdoor light reflected off part of the onion and bowl, as well, making for some lively contrasts.

©2008 Diana Moses Botkin

Sold Daily Paintings

"Red, White, and Blue" Mini Oil ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD

"Afternoon Trees" Oil 5"x7" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
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"Study of Katherine" Oil 10"x8" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD
 "Three Apricots" Oil 4"x6" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
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"Girls in Clover" Oil 7"x5" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
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"Sunbathers" Oil 5"x7" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
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"Scarlet Ribbons Oil 6"x8" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
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"Ambition" Oil 5"x7" ©2008 Diana Moses Botkin
SOLD

"Foggy Night" Landscape/Nocturnal Painting

Original Pastel painting, 7"x10"
©1998 Diana Moses Botkin
Night scene in blues, greens, greys and warm lights

If you're wondering what's up with my infrequent posts lately, let me explain. Two weeks ago I traveled to McCall, Idaho, a long drive which I did in two days stints.

Four days of driving for a two day stay.. I must be crazy. The travel to McCall was for a gala art event at a botanical garden in McCall at Charlie's Garden. It was my first time at the show and although I had no idea what to expect for sales, I sold paintings. It was a lovely show with excellent attendance from locals and tourists in the area. Wine tasting and live music, the beautiful outdoor setting and lovely work exhibited by artists from all over the region contributed to the success of this show. I met some wonderful new people and supporters of my work and got to see artist friends too.