"Remnant" Small Still Life Daily Painting of Broken Glass

Original Oil 5"x4"
Unframed
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

This glass broke on my bathroom counter when it slipped out of my hand one evening. I carefully picked up the pieces and set them aside, thinking how interesting they might be for a still life study.

Glass is always a challenge to paint and the broken piece was something I had not tried before. It does look a little scary, but don't worry, there's no deep meaning to this little painting or dark statement behind my purpose for this piece. It is simply a study of interesting edges.

February Challenge: Converse Basketball Shoes

Those of you who have been following this blog awhile probably recall that I've asked several other blog artists to join me in a monthly online painting Challenge group.

We take turns month by month picking out what we'll paint. The idea is to challenge ourselves and have fun. (Past Challenges are at my sidebar if you've only recently been watching this blog and want to catch up.)

It was my turn to pick what to paint this month, so I chose Converse as a subject. I've been meaning to portray these reminders of my children's days at play for some time. These shabby little family treasures have been sitting in my studio for months waiting to be the subject of a still life painting.

They've been handed down several times from one child to the next. Although several other pairs of better looking Converse shoes are in the house, these have more stories to tell.

(left)
"Well Worn"
Original oil 5"x7"
unframed
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

I dearly love what everyone painted this month: such colorful and charming ideas for our simple subject.

(left above) "Always Untied" 6"x6" Oil on panel ©2011 Robin Cheers(center above) “Just Hanging Out” 6x6” Oil on hardboard ©2011 Sharman Owings(right above) "Converse Reds" 6"x6" Oil on canvas ©2011 Ruth Andre

(left) "Big Red" 24"x24" Oil on canvas ©2011 Suzanne Berry

(right) "Satin Chucks" 9"x12" Oil on panel ©2011 Vicki Ross

One of my Original Oils Accepted at Richeson75

My original painting "Red Slip" (at left) will be shown at the Richeson75 Small Works Exhibit, opening this Friday in Kimberly, Wisconsin. I'm pleased to have my work included in this beautiful show.

"Red Slip"
Original oil 12"x6"
in dark traditional frame
©2010 Diana Moses Botkin

"Red Foil Kiss" Miniature Valentine Daily Painting

Original oil painting 3.25"x2.25"
in gold finish frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

NOW SOLD

These small reflective foil-wrapped chocolates are suprisingly challenging to paint, especially the red ones.

Challenge is the name of the game for many artists. Speaking of which... our Challenge Group members are sequestered in their respective studios, painting away at the February Challenge. Check back here in a week to see what it is.

"One Kiss, Kiss" Miniature Valentine Painting

Original oil painting
3"x2.25"
in tiny frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

NOW SOLD

Give a kiss, get a kiss?

"True Love" Valentine Mini Daily Painting

Original oil painting
3.25"x2.25"
in mini frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

My son thought I should name this one "To Blave" (à la The Princess Bride). Some of you would laugh in recognition but perhaps others would scratch their heads and wonder if I need glasses or a new keyboard.

"Two Hearts" Valentine Daily Painting

Original oil painting
3.5"x5" in gold frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

SOLD

Snuggling candy hearts in gold foil, resting on red velvet.. a sweet sight for someone sweet. Perhaps your Valentine?

You can find more of my art for your sweetheart at this link.

"Shiny Kisses" Tiny Daily Painting for Valentine's

Original oil painting
3.25"x2.25"
in mini frame
©2011 Diana Moses Botkin

Little chocolate kisses wrapped in pink and silver foil for your sweetie.