Vineyard

6"x6" o/c new painting for this morning! I'm back,block is over thank goodness!!!

Stone Heart

24x30 oil on linen canvas
I thought for Valentines Day it would be fun to put a heart painting on for today. The beach here is so beautiful.
There are certain areas here for moonstones, sea glass and rocks. I have my favorite spots to go looking and one of the beaches has beautiful rocks. For many years I have collected heart rocks. One day I sorted some of them out and decided to make a still life of them to paint. I painted 3 paintings of rocks and this was one of them. Click on the picture and see a close up!
Happy Valentines Day!!!!

New work

Well...I have been painting, have hit a block. It happens and it aggravates us when it does. I have something on the easel but nothing worth showing you sorry to say!

I got very inspired looking at Gustav Klimt. I have a book of the beautiful works of Klimt and decided I wanted to paint something figural and all I have done is rework the face! Thinking it is because I haven't decided if I want to paint it very loose or just a bit loose...I will figure that out!

It is all drawn in but slow going! It has been a while since I painted a figure piece. So, will keep going and hoping that tomorrow the block ends and I have something worth showing you!!

Until tomorrow!! XO Susan

SWEET SPRING

24x36 abstract o/c Todays painting. I am loving pink right now, well, I have always loved pink. I have several tubes of really wonderful pinks. Several different ones were chosen for this painting. SOLD!!

Good Morning!

I am heading out to the studio in a bit but wanted to tell you that I have placed these abstracts on my website at http://www.artspan.com/ and www.yessy.com/susanjenkinsart/

They are all cleaned up and in order. Much easier to view.
Abstracts for me are a way to clear my head of all the day to day minutia that clutters ones mind.
Abstracts are about balance. Color and non form. If you haven't tried to paint one give it a try. It is fun. Not easy but fun! Start by just placing a color you like on a canvas. It can be a mark or an all over smush. Big brush or small. You can have an idea in your head of where you may want to go or what you want to say and just start. You can use alot of colors or stay with a few. It is about the balance tho. A color one place needs to have it some place else and so on. You will get the hang of it.

Put some nice music on, maybe even rock and roll! Go for it! Right now I am just right where I want to be. Clear thinking and excited! Heading back out to the studio cranking up the cd player and going for it!!

XO Susan

Pink and Green

24x30 Abstract o/c Just finished this. This was tough, I think it is the smaller canvas. I had to get the balance and I added, reworked and added and took away and added! It was fun but gave me a challenge. That's what it is about tho right?? Should be a challenge and it should be fun!! I photo graphed it on the easel and just came in to get it on the blog. I think it works.

Abstract#4

This is todays work. o/c 30x40. I still have to tweak it a little.
It is super windy out in the studio and just too hard to continue...game called on account of rain!! So got a snap of it and will work on it tomorrow. To see a close up you , if you didn't know, click the picture and it will enlarge it.

CROW

30x40 o/c Finished this one last night. I love the crows and wanted to encorporate one into an abstract painting. This is photographed on the easle in the studio and really should have cropped it.........no time!!!

Abstract

30x40 o/c untitled. This is my newest abstract. Taken in my studio. I got a new light. Halogen, color true that house painters used for interior work. My brother in law Kim advised me to get this. Thanks Kim!I am reborn! Lighting is everything!

I know I have left some of you cold with this painting hahaha, but it is thee most fun!

ABSTRACT

30x40 a/c I am going back to abstracts for a while, all of my work is caught up for now and I just want to play! So mornings will be spent playing!! For now anyway.

Afternoon Repast, Tuscany

24x30 o/c SOLD

Wine Bottles

3"x3" The tinyiest painting I have ever done! This is on one of those little canvases I picked up several months ago. The canvas weave is very noticeable in these small works,not so sure about it. Anyway, it was a challenge! I used a #2 filbert bristle for this.

Wine Bottles #2

16x20 o/c Started this painting Friday and finished it today. I like the light background in this for a change but people seem to like the darker backgrounds. A bit earthier I think. Two left the Gallery this weekend with brown earthy backgrounds and one in a sort of "Tuscan" dark red.Also a tiny 5x7 one of the morning paintings! Great weekend for wine bottles!!!

Wine Bottles

16x20 o/c This painting was painted Saturday in the gallery and sold at the end of the day. It was a really fun weekend , alot of people enjoying art and fine wines!

Stuff

Demoing this weekend at the Chambers gallery. What fun we had, not over yet, today too.
Fun to see so many of you there and fun too to see alot of the wonderful artists that are in the gallery.
Many of Cambria's artists out painting for the Wine Festival and the weather couldn't have been nicer! The rain stopped and the sun came out!
Pam Derby owner of Laura's Vinyard in Paso Robles was pouring her wonderful wines in the Gallery on Saturday and Lynn Walsh, owner of the Cambria Coffee Roasting Co kept us supplied with coffee!
Lots of visiting and laughter and the friendliest people visiting Cambria. Some for the first time!

Lynn would like to have classes above her Coffee shop and if you have been up there it is really cute. Deck looks out over the town. Thankyou Lynn!! I am looking at that for this summer if you are interested let me know.

Today looks like a very blustery day but I will be back in the gallery painting so come and see us!! XO Susan

Wine Medallions

Just delivered these to the Chambers Gallery for the Wine Festival Today. I have made them in the white earthen clay and also terra cotta. They go on the wine bottles and announce the name of the wine. They are about 2" wide. $10.00.They have copper wire and metal wire with glass beads.
Gayle has graciously invited me to paint inside the gallery today because the weather is not cooperating!! We remain undaunted however and the show must go on!! Come see us!
XO Susan

Making Stuff

Out in my studio all day today (roof leaking) wet out there and cold. It has been raining all night and all day today. I have a heater but my kiln is going and I can't have the 2 on at once with light too! So it was very damp!The kiln kind of warmed things up with the door closed. ...kind of...

I am working on a Piqueassiette bird house. It is very tall! The kiln is full of items that I will be selling at an upcoming show. Some for the Gallery here and then a show in Fresno in May. I will be posting those dates soon.The bird house is going to be quite a bit of work and I will post it when it is done.
I am not painting for several days so I can get these new works done. Not that I really want to give up my seascape practice!! HA!

The wine festival is going to be on this weekend and if you are around I will be demonstrating an oil painting at the Chambers Gallery on Friday and Saturday. ( The forecast is for rain, hope not!)There will be a wine pouring too. Pam Derby will be doing the honors with wine from her winery. So come by and say hi! See you soon, XO Susan

Seascape # 3

24x30 o/c Yep, another seascape. Just can't seem to pull away from them! You have to indulge me a bit longer, just having way too much fun!

Rain!

Very gray here today, I just cannot get a picture! I am sorry, will try again tomorrow. We are supposed to have rain for the next few days however. It is frustrating but my digital only takes shots out doors.
We do need rain however but it does wreak havoc with my photography! I will keep painting and have something for you soon!!

XO Susan

Seascape

24x30 Another humble attempt, this time my teacher is Gardner Symons. A wonderful California Impressionist. 1862-1930.

Sea Scape

24x30 o/c This is painted after Paul Dougherty, my favorite sea scape painter. I took a few libertys with this. Had alot of fun. I am so inspired by his work. Living here by the sea I want to be able to paint it and when I study and practice I turn to Paul Dougherty.

Paul Dougherty was an American painter, 1877-1947. An oil painter, concentrating on seascapes. Born in Brooklyn NY setteling in California in 1931. He was world famous by this time.He became actively involved in the formation of the Carmel Art Association and was president in 1940. His etchings,watercolors,pastels,monotypes along with his beautiful oils of the sea are viewed in Museums all over the world.

Garden Rest

24x30 o/c SOLD
Back home yesterday after a fun workshop and a visit with my daughter. I will be back painting tomorrow morning with a small and then on to more work for an upcoming show!

The Gate

20x24 o/c Something a bit different! SOLD!!

After Noon Repast

20x24 o/c This is one of my new works for Washington. It is so gloomy and gray here I cannot get a bright picture, buggie for sure. Wanted to put it on tho and get back to work!!

Morning Info

I will be leaving soon for Fresno for that workshop at the end of this week. I won't be putting work on for a few days. I will be putting work on this morning and Wednesday however! I have been getting a few pieces ready for Washington and also a show here. Will put those on today.

I have a must see website for you to view! This is my new friend Sharon Furner. You really must see her paintings! She is all about design, beautiful color. Very loose confident brush strokes. Her subject matter is wonderful! Sharon's brand new web address : www.sharonfurner.com You will love this!! Very inspiring!

XO Susan

Rural Scene 2

6x6 o/b Out in the studio early this morning to rework the "rural scene" I changed the path to a stream and added more lighting to the trees and grass.I painted the light area around the cow to make it more of a focal point. "Light against dark, dark against light" This has been a real exercize for me because landscapes are not really a practiced subject for me. I love them and am working to learn them. Just noticed the purple mountain and how purple that is!! So I am going to lighten it with some soft blue but not putting it back up...enough already!!

Work Shops coming up!

Wanted to tell you of the following art workshop for January. Fresno 11th and 12th

I know I will see many of you there and I am so looking forward to that! We always have fun!

Work shop February for 4 days, 28th thru March 2nd in Vancouver WA. That will be at Arts Desire. Go to www.bevelar.com
That is always a fun class, that's when I get my famous strawberry jam from Sue!!

Sue just wrote that it will be plum jam this time! I am happy about that! I love plum jam! That will be a painting , won't those be beautiful colors? Thankyou Sue!!

San Mateo class is being switched again. I will let you know the new dates.

Thinking of getting a class together here in Cambria for Spring. Will work on that! See you soon!

XO Susan

Rural Scene

6x6" o/b
I am putting this on for today's painting even tho I painted it Thursday.. We had a huge storm here yesterday as many of you know and the electricity was out for hours. Impossible to paint.Working in the Gallery this morning so no time to get to painting!
I may go back in and make this a stream, rather than a path what do you think?. I have alot of pictures of the area around here and as you know, I am not a pleinair painter but love the landscape. I admire the plein air painters so much for their fortitude. I have tried it, may try it again...someday...

Out Buildings

6x6 o/b I love out buildings, we have alot of them here out on the ranches.

Double Post

Well, yes, thankyou for letting me know I put the piqueassiette bowl on twice! Ha! I should have checked that it was already on my blog! Oh well, I won't say I won't do that again but I will try not to! XO Susan

Sea Scape

6"x6" o/b This is my first painting of the New Year! I just felt like painting the sea today. It is about to storm, I have to go back out to my studio, have a large painting to start and it is going to be fun with the rain and wind! Ha! As many of you know...my studio is , well, leaky to say the least! It is my studio none the least and I am thankful for it!! See you tomorrow!! XO Susan

Piqueassiette Bird Bowl

4"x10" Piqueassiette.
I'm back! Had a great trip and visit with family! Always fun! I hope you had a great holiday and have a very Happy New Year!
I plan on painting next week. In the mean time I thought it would be fun to put one of my bird bowl pieces up. Joanne Kiehn sent me a huge box of shards! I am so excited to get started with the beautiful pieces of plates and bowls she has been saving. Thankyou Joanne!

My bowls and boxes and teapots can be found at the Chambers Gallery in Cambria.

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

This is my sister Julie's Christmas card this year. She makes beautiful pottery and her card series is Blue Berry Moon. I can't think of a nicer way to say , have a wonderful holiday!! See you in the new year!! XO Susan
Please visit Julie's Blog. Http://juliewhitmore.blogspot.com

Morning Paintings

Rather than trying to get some paintings done ( as I want to do) I am just going to say that I will get there when I can. I have run out of week, month, etal and just running to catch up! I am sure you know the feeling! I worked at the gallery Saturday and Sunday and so am so behind on my other work. I have presents to make and orders to fill which is exciting but hahahaha...where do I find the days? Yikes!
My grandaughter Elizabeth blessed us with my first great grandchild. Natalie Susan Moore and I can't wait to get to San Diego to see and hold her!I am making her a great gramma book, something else I am working on! To say I am last minute is a mild understatement!

This is going to be truely a wonderful Christmas.

I will post when I have something new, soon I hope!!

XO Susan

Strawberry Cream Pie

6x6 o/b

ICE CREAM CAKE

6x6 o/b I'm back! Started really early this morning. Still have alot of work to get out but I sure did miss my morning painting! Hope you enjoy! Yum, ice cream cake!! SOLD

Lid for Box

I have included the lid to the box too. The top lift piece was from a teapot that I used to use in set ups, painted it quite often. When it broke in a move it became a wonderful lid piece. Of course the shards from the broken teapot were used too!!

Blue and White Box

11x7x6" Piqueassiette Box

Today

Today has been one of those days. We all have them....anyway, could not retrieve my pictures to place on the computer. Something is a miss in cyber space! Also have a firing in the kiln for new pieces I am making and the electricity went off...well in the studio anyway, overload. Had the heater on ( it is blisteringly cold out side and the wind!! ) and the kiln at the same time and lights, doesn't take much to blow the whole thing.
I am longing to get back to painting, I walk past my easel to my work table in the back looking wistfully at my paints and brushes!
I will probably not be painting until after Christmas with all that there is to do and I will be leaving for San Diego in a week any way! Wow this month is flying isn't it?? I know you are watching the holidays fast approaching too!
I will try again later with new pic's.
XO, Susan

Bird Nest bowl

4"x10" SOLD!I make all the pieces for these. The birds and rose and even the bowl that the small tiles are on. This is grouted with "nutmeg" grout. I have several more pieces to make. A couple of boxes and another teapot and then I can get back to painting!!

Piqueassiette Teapot

9"x9"tea pot This is what I will be doing for the next several days. I make these for the Chambers Gallery. Just made alot of hand built strawberrys and birds and other decorative pieces and will be firing those soon. I have a bunch of new shards thank heavens from my friends and family. Making some boxes too. If you are interested in these pieces you can email me at susanjenkinsart@charter.net. I will be painting again soon and will post the piqueassiette pieces here as I go. XO Susan SOLD!!

Afternoon

8x10 o/b Palette knife painting. This was fun, I wanted to convey the sun coming in and warming the room. Lots of play of warm and cool.

Circus Cup

5x7 water color on paper

New Work Monday

I will be adding a new painting on Monday. I have had a couple of commitments the past couple of days so no posting or painting! See you tomorrow!

XO Susan

Cappuccino in a Green Cup

6x6 o/b 125. Oh yummmmm, I love a steamy hot cap!! A fun after noon is going to Borders books, getting a stack of magazines and a cup of cappuccino! They serve it in those big white cups!Simple pleasures!! Where is your favorite place to get a cap??SOLD!

KOI

6x6 o/b Still fascinated by the Koi! These are just the most beautiful fish. So graceful. I am drawn to the red and orange and yellow but they come in so many colors. Santa Barbara has beautiful Lily ponds and Koi ponds. Think I will take a little day trip!!SOLD!

Koi Pond

6x6 o/b

KOI POND

6x6 o/b I painted the board red acrylic first. I really like the glow it gives under the painting. I have painted alot of the boards and will be using the red undertone for the next paintings. SOLD

KOI POND

6x6 o/b I have always loved lily ponds and with Koi they are beautiful and mysterious. I will be painting a series of them. Hope you like them!!

Rooster water color

6x71/2 watercolor on paper

Yes, I am having fun with the roosters! They have such personality and I love to sketch and paint them. Almost over this, going back to my oils soon!

Thanks Giving

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanks Giving, with family and friends,turkey and "pie"! ! A time for giving thanks for all of our blessings and those of you traveling , be safe!
XO Susan

Water Color Rooster

6x8 water color on paper

Still Life Floral

4x6 acrylic on paper. SOLD!!

Happy Cup

5x7 watercolor

Just a happy little painting for this morning. Water colors are relaxing and fun!

Pear

41/2x51/2 acrylic on paper SOLD!

Fun little painting to do this morning. I love to play with acrylics and it is a fun change from oils. This is worked with my fingers!

Turnips

9x12 oil on canvas 195.

Leffingwell

24x30 oil on canvas. This is not of course a small. it is a painting I have been working on for the gallery here. Worked on it this morning and thought I would put it up for today's painting! Leffingwell is a gorgeous spot here. I hope I have captured a bit of it's beauty.

YELLOW CUP

6x6 I got this cup and saucer years ago, always thought I would paint it sometime. It is made with terra cotta clay and is very old. I love the color.

I have been painting tight lately, I have no clue why, it happens sometimes. I go right back to my beginnings. This morning I decided to get my big brush out and paint and it was very fun!

So, big brushes again ! Yay!

Piqueassiette

8"x6" Piqueassiette Box ( Piqueassiette , French word for stolen plates)

This is what I do when I have my afternoons free (?). I make boxes and other fun things out of broken plates and other shard pieces I collect. I also make alot of the pieces! I work in clay too. I first make the box out of clay, fire it in my kiln and then embellish it. I have these works in the Chambers Gallery here in Cambria.
This one recently sold and I am making a shameless plea for green!! Tiles. plates, anything green that is broken or chipped and you want to give it a good home!

From time to time I will put a piece on here that I have made to share with you. Since I am not painting today, I will be in the gallery and I thought it would be fun and something different to add it this morning.

HONEY JAR

6x6 o/b 125. My jar of honey will soon be gone and I have to make a trip to the bee keeper to get some more! I will make myself a cup of tea and enjoy one of the few last spoonfuls.

KOI POND

16x20 o/c Finished painting! I may do a bit of tweeking but it is done. I just love these Koi. They are so colorful, gentle and beautiful.

GICLEE'S

I have selected a few of my Morning Paintings for reproduction. So many of you have asked about several paintings that have been purchased. They are available in archival paper and canvas. Frames and mats are available too!
I hope you will go to http://fineartamerica.com/ click on my name or,
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/susan-jenkins.html?tab=artwork

Have a look see and tell me what you think!
As always, I thank you, XO Susan

Strawberry Jam

6x6 o/b 125. Yep, another jar of Sue's jam. Almost gone! More jam in March, Yay!