"Daydreaming" Study of Young Woman with Red Hair

Original oil on canvas
12"x9" unframed
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin
 
I enjoyed painting this lovely redheaded model one afternoon. The loosely painted oil sketch reveals a quiet and thoughtful personality, I think. Some of the models I've painted I've gotten to know a little, but this was the first and only time painting this young woman with the beautiful hair.

Hand Painted Christmas Ball

"Clifty Christmas 2011"
Oil on glass sphere, approx. 3", with hanger
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Hand-painting glass Christmas balls is not something I do often. I have done others, though, and this majestic landmark in our area, snowy Clifty Mountain, has been an inspiration more than once.

This unusual painting on glass is a custom order, one of several projects that have kept me busy lately. It's a special surprise Christmas gift, commissioned by employees at a regional tree nursery for their boss. I can't wait to hear how the boss likes this unique gift of art.

December Painting Challenge: Blue

"Blue": the Challenge this month was chosen by group member Vicki Ross. Such a simple request, but the multitude of possibilities made for a real puzzler. One of the thoughts behind the Challenge is to paint something that we haven't tackled before. I've been wanting to try some shiny Christmas ornaments, so this was a good excuse.

"Holiday Blues"
Oil on hardboard 5"x7"
Still life of Shiny Christmas ornaments 
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Painting that reflective glass, getting the spheres to look right, and just making an interesting composition in the first place were all more challenging than I'd envisioned. But it was fun too, and I love what everyone did for the blue theme.
 




(left above) "Malibu Blue" Oil on canvas, 4"x8.75" ©2011 Ruth Andre
(right above) "Blues" Silverpoint and Oil on Gessoboard, 4"x4" ©2011 Vicki Ross(left below) "Blue Ice" Oil on canvas16"x20" ©2011 Suzanne Berry
(right below) "Windy Beach" Oil on panel, 12"x9" ©2011 Robin Cheers

 

Small Landscape of Lake in Morning Fog

"Fog Slide" 
Original framed oil
4"x6"
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Search for the Perfect Christmas Tree

While I'm finishing up some art projects I can't show just yet, I thought I'd post these little jewels. If you'd like any of them, please visit my DailyPainters gallery page.
These three little tree miniatures are some I haven't shown before. Painting them brought childhood Christmas decorating memories to mind. I hope they bring smiles of remembrance to you, too.
When I was growing up, our family would begin the hunt for a tree after Thanksgiving, to display in the living room, and on which to hang our collection of Christmas ornaments... and our memories of the season. Back then, it was de rigueur to add, as a final decorating touch, tiny fragile strips of aluminum known as "icicles".

My parents, who grew up during the depression, always insisted we save those strips, year by year, along with used wrapping paper. It was simply being thrifty ~ "recycling" before the term and concept became fashionable.
However, preceding adding those final touches to the tree, we had to find the right one... something affordable but not too reminiscent of Charlie Brown's tree. It had to have some fullness and balance, or at least one good side even if it failed to look lovely from all angles.

We would search a nearby Christmas tree lot to find ours and settle on one that wasn't too spendy or straggly, even though there were bigger and better ones available (if price hadn't been part of the necessary equation).
Once we got it home, added lights, our treasured collection of baubles, home made decorations, and those special icicles, we all declared it was "the best tree ever" and enjoyed the glowing lights and the fresh piney smell through the Christmas season.

Two Miniature Mt. Hood Daily Paintings

(left)
"Orchard View"
Original oil
3"x3" in mini frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

SOLD

It's pretty much winter here in north Idaho these days with cold, grey short days. I've been remembering the sunshine and hot weather I enjoyed last August at the Columbia Gorge paint out and decided it would be a nice diversion to paint some miniatures from photos I took.

"Flaming Light"
Original oil, 2.25"x3.25" in mini frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

SOLD

I've been working lately on some larger pieces. It takes a lot more effort to finish a bigger canvas and it's much different maintaining energy and momentum for them.

So, doing the little Mt. Hood paintings was a nice break this week from working on several uncompleted paintings that are 11"x14". It sure feels good to get something finished. It's one of the joys of painting the little jewels.

Paintings to Galleries and Patrons

I've been finishing up some commissions, and packing up new work for two galleries.

It's the "busy season" for projects, as well as time with family and friends. During the dark winter months, the special people in my life are more important than ever.

(above) "Extraordinary Storm Colors" 3.5" x 10" Oil ©2010 Diana Moses Botkin

This wide format piece is one of my little jewels delivered to Out Skirts Gallery in Hope, Idaho. Kally Thurman's remarkable art showroom on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille is a must-see if you're in north Idaho.

I've also sent a box of my figurative and landscape paintings to Tidewater Gallery in Swansboro, North Carolina. If you're in the area, please stop in and tell Ray I sent you!